The Australian Catholics Magazine is received by the parish every quarter and is available to all parishioners. This issue discusses our Indigenous brothers and sisters, in recognition of the anniversary of “Sorry Day” on Wed 13 Feb. This publication always has very thoughtful articles and is a good read. There are many copies at the Welcome Desk in the foyer. Please take your free copy paid by the parish.
More info here.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
The readings for this Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time are so rich in content and include some of the most quoted passages, sentences, and phrases in all of scripture.
Jeremiah means “Yahweh” — God. The particular passage, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jer 1:4), reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, and He has known it from before we were conceived. Our challenge as stewards is to discern that plan as best we can, and to follow it.
Of, course, the second reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is also very familiar. It is a definition of what good and holy love is in its purest form. “So faith, hope, and love remain, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13:13)
Luke’s Gospel recounts Jesus speaking in the temple in Nazareth. As is the case with the other two readings, one of the most quoted sentences in scripture is part of this passage: “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” The key is how Jesus responds to the rejection by his friends and neighbors. He calmly loves them and moves through them to depart.
The three readings tie closely together — in the first reading we are urged to identify our own role as Christian stewards; the second reading makes it clear that love of those around us is the way to live out that mission; and the Gospel reminds us that there will be obstacles, but our proper response is love.
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2013
World Youth Day 2013 will be held in late July in Rio de Janiero. The Victorian Coordinator is Brendan Lindsay– 9412 3306 or email wyd2013@cam.org.au. Various tour packages are available from 16-22 days costing $5090 to $6190 which includes airfares, taxes, accommodation, tours and most meals.
Leaflets are available at the Welcome Desk.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
The readings for this Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time are so rich in content and include some of the most quoted passages, sentences, and phrases in all of scripture.
Jeremiah means “Yahweh” — God. The particular passage, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you” (Jer 1:4), reminds us that God has a plan for each of us, and He has known it from before we were conceived. Our challenge as stewards is to discern that plan as best we can, and to follow it.
Of, course, the second reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is also very familiar. It is a definition of what good and holy love is in its purest form. “So faith, hope, and love remain, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor 13:13)
Luke’s Gospel recounts Jesus speaking in the temple in Nazareth. As is the case with the other two readings, one of the most quoted sentences in scripture is part of this passage: “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” The key is how Jesus responds to the rejection by his friends and neighbors. He calmly loves them and moves through them to depart.
The three readings tie closely together — in the first reading we are urged to identify our own role as Christian stewards; the second reading makes it clear that love of those around us is the way to live out that mission; and the Gospel reminds us that there will be obstacles, but our proper response is love.
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
LINK COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
Link Community Transport is a community transport service delivered through partnership between Link Community Transport and Hume City Council. The service provides transport to individuals and group transport for people over 65 or for those with disabilities or carers. The service can be pre booked via 9355 8484 for travel, but not for anything to do with Medical Appointments. Gold coin donations would be greatly appreciated.
Contact Link on 9355 8484 or www.linkcommunitytransport.org.au
FOSTER CARE
This is supposed to be the happiest time of the year for kids– new Christmas presents to play with, family get togethers, family outings, etc. Unfortunately, this is not the case for too many youngsters. Some children have no home, no family to care for them and live vulnerably every day. This is not what Jesus wanted for anyone, let alone these beautiful children. If you are able to help care for a vulnerable child, please think about Foster Care through MacKillop Family Services. They can be contacted on 8398 6800 or via www.mackillop.org.au for further information.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
Today’s Gospel from John includes the story of the Miracle at the Wedding Feast in Cana. The wedding feast in Cana is always the Gospel reading for this Sunday because it is there that Christ is revealed. The last sentence in John’s Gospel (Jn 2:11) is “Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.” This is his first sign, and as stated, it “revealed his glory.” For His disciples, you might say this was the “clincher,” and they “began to believe in him.”
Although today is the Second Sunday in Ordinary time, “ordinary” does not mean “commonplace.” In its usage by the Church it stems from two Latin words — ordinalis, which means numbers listed in order, and ordo which means order. Ordinary Time is merely a reminder to us that the Church has order, and that we are expected to approach our faith in an ordered and consistent way.
In the second reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains and defines what stewardship really is. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” Each of us is gifted in some special way. And all of our gifts are to be used to build the Kingdom of God. If we truly believe, we need to live out our lives in the way once described by the late Archbishop Thomas Murphy, who said, “We all possess certain talents and gifts which are unique only to us. You already have what you need to start living an extraordinary life. It is up to you to let your light shine.”
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
Today — the Baptism of the Lord—is also the First Sunday in Ordinary Time. Jesus’ Baptism Feast is placed here by the Church because it is an important part of what has been revealed and taught to us during Christmas.
Last week we spoke of the meaning of Epiphany — a “manifestation” or “revealing.” Christ’s Baptism, as described in the Gospel of Luke in today’s readings, represents one of the Theophanies. An Epiphany is a manifestation, but a Theophany is the manifestation of God Himself. During this Christmas season and the week after it, we celebrate four theophanies: 1. The birth of Christ on December 25, which revealed Christ to Israel; 2. The visit of the Magi on Epiphany, which revealed Christ to the Gentiles; 3. The Baptism of the Lord, which revealed the Trinity; and 4. The miracle at the wedding of Cana, which revealed Christ’s transformation to the world. (Next week’s Gospel is the miracle at Cana.)
Jesus’ Baptism is even more than a revelation to us. If He, Who had no need of this purifying act, humbly subjected Himself to it, then we, most in need of redemption, can recognize both the importance of this sacrament, as well as recognizing how we are freed from darkness. Jesus was not Baptized because He needed it, but because we needed it.
The Baptism of the Lord marks the official end of Christmas. Most churches do not dismantle their Christmas decorations until after this Feast Day. As Catholics perhaps we, too, should follow that example — to let everyone know that Christmas does not end with Christmas Day, but with the culmination of our understanding as to Who Christ is.
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
KIMBERLEY CATHOLIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE WANTED: VOLUNTEER WORKERS
The Diocese of Broome, WA, requires volunteers to assist with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal Missions. There are various important voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc. Placements are preferred for a period of 12 months plus but a reduced time would be considered.
For further details, and an application form, please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 08 9192 1060 or 0415 526 142
Email: volunteers@broomediocese.org
Web: www.broomediocese.org
Mail: PO Box 76, BROOME WA 6725
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
The story of the Magi — the Three Kings — is one of the most endearing and most familiar to all Catholics. Because they brought gifts, it is also the focus of many stewardship commentaries. In addition, it may be one of the more misunderstood stories around the birth of Jesus.
Epiphany is a word with Greek origins that means “manifestation.” We celebrate Epiphany because it represents the realization (related to the appearance and visit of the Magi to the Christ child) that Jesus was indeed the Son of God, for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
The visit of the Magi to the child Jesus is reported only in Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew never states that there were three — that is an assumption which has been made based upon the three gifts. Traditional representations of their visit place them in the stable where Jesus was born. Matthew, on the other hand, makes reference to the Magi visiting the Holy Family in their house — which would imply they may have come to Nazareth, not to Bethlehem.
In fact, it does not matter how we interpret the specifics of the visit of these men “from the East.” The stewardship aspects of this story present us a real view of what is expected of us as stewards. The visitors from the East made valuable gifts to the Holy Family — gifts with a value which may have represented a sacrifice on their part. Furthermore, the gifts were given at a time when the Holy Family had a need — they were preparing to flee to Egypt. The generosity of the Magi may have been the instrument which allowed them to do that. Being from a distant land, these “wise men” acknowledge that Christ is the Savior of all lands and all peoples. Near the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that nations will be judged not just on how they treat Him, but on how they treat His brothers and sisters in need — a definite call to stewardship.
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
As we might expect on this Feast of the Holy Family, the readings focus on family matters. In fact, they offer a blueprint for family stewardship. The concept of stewardship within a family is closely related to how family members treat one another — how they show respect and love for one another.
The first reading from the Book of Sirach makes it quite clear that children are called to honor, revere, care for, and be kind to their father and mother. Of course, this is a manifestation of the commandment with which we are so familiar — Honor thy Father and Mother. Stewardship is synonymous with love. Thus, although the children are called to love in this way, it is also strongly implied that the father and mother are also called to love and revere one another and their children.
“And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.” We do not know much about the life of Jesus between his birth and the beginning of His ministry. We are presented with one vignette of His youth, however, in the Gospel reading from Luke. Under Jewish tradition a boy became a Bar Mitzvah (which means Son of the Commandment) at the age of 13. Prior to that step into maturity and adulthood a boy was expected to study, listen, and question at the Temple one or two years earlier. That is what Mary and Joseph and Jesus were pursuing in this Gospel passage — they were following the customs of the day. About this time in His life we might say, “The child became a man.”
The Holy Family is an ideal we as people cannot replicate. Nevertheless, it is clear that family life, like the virtues of love and kindness and humility and forgiveness, requires constant effort. Nothing in life is necessarily easy. Being a unified and loving family has rewards beyond our comprehension.
Copyright © 2012 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
A SIGN OF HOPE– A QUIET VOICE OF ASIA
Last month, the Pope appointed Cardinal Luis Tagel of Manila aged 55 years, one of the youngest cardinals. He is known for his cycling around Manila to see and experience the tears and smiles of the people he serves. He speaks several languages and has a doctorate in Theology from Catholic University in Washington DC. At the Synod of 240 Bishops in Rome in November, his presentation included “The Church cannot and must not pretend to have easy answers to the dilemmas facing men and women today. Instead, it must be an attentive and listening Church– only that way will people believe that God listens to them too.” He went on:”The Church must be a humble Church, modelling herself more on Jesus and being less preoccupied by her power, prestige and position in society.” ……Kevin McIntosh
NEWS FROM SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP
Caritas Australia Media Release – Crisis spreads in the Congo. Church Leaders say the Democratic Republic of Congo is on the brink of war. Read the Bishops of Africa’s full statement at www.caritas.org.au/media. To support Caritas Emergency response, donations can be made to Caritas Australia Congo Appeal at www.caritas.org.au/donate.
MERCY CONNECT PROJECT
Mercy Works Ltd is currently recruiting volunteers to support refugee students in their educational transitions in Secondary and Primary schools in Melbourne’s northern and western regions.
The volunteer commitment is half a day per week for four school terms. Experience working in an educational setting is required. Retired teachers are encouraged to apply. A training program will be conducted in Feb 2013. Please contact Sr Mary Lewis for an app. form and further info.
Mercy Connect Project 9326 1895 or email somml@bigpond.com.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
Today — Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday in Advent — is a time to rejoice! Everything, from the lighting of the rose-colored candle, to the consistent use of the words JOY and REJOICE in the readings, points to being called to joyfully proclaim the imminent coming of Jesus.
Often people who practice stewardship as a way of life are called a “joyous people.” That is a natural reflection and a natural phrase to use with people of stewardship because, based upon living their lives as grateful people, they focus on their blessings, not their Crosses and burdens. When one sees the good sides of life and living, it is difficult not to be happy.
Our task as Catholics is to focus much of the energy and excitement which seems to come with this season into what we are really celebrating — the arrival of Christ. Advent is about hope. It is not just hope that things will get better or hope that our burdens will disappear. It is hope that there is meaning to our lives. It is the hope and understanding that there is an incredible existence beyond our human state. It is the hope that our lives are not as limited as they may seem to be. We must never forget what we heard in a Gospel passage of a few weeks ago: “All things are possible with God.” After all, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”
Copyright © 2012 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
THANK YOU
Thank you to the wonderful Ministers of Communion who take Communion to the house bound and the Aged Care Facilities, we thank you all and wish you a very Holy and Safe Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SPECIAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SPECIAL CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
COMING UP OVER 2 WEEKENDS
Our parish has always had an excellent rapport with our local Vinnies. We are looking to have a special collection over the weekends of 9 & 15 December (please note the change of date) to assist the Vinnies at this time of the year. Rather than buying presents for families, it was considered more dignified to give families cash to buy gifts for each other. Our community has always been generous, and we ask that you can help again at this special time of year.
Vinnies are distributing $8000 per month to needy families in Sunbury and Diggers Rest and our Parish would like to give these families a little extra so they can have the joy and dignity of purchasing Christmas presents for their own children.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our generous parishioners for their support of the Melbourne Overseas Mission last weekend. Our Parish will be sending $1131.30 to support the important work of this organisation.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
Today’s scripture readings remind us that as we celebrate the Advent season and await the celebration of Christmas, we are to do so actively – boldly proclaiming the Lord’s praises and giving Him glory in the way we live our lives. Advent is a season of waiting, but the wait is not a passive one. Rather, we are called to be actively preparing the meet the Savior, readying our hearts and our minds for His coming.
The gospel for today encourages us, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight and the rough made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
But how do we do so? We live our lives for the Lord. We offer Him ourselves in gratitude for the many things He has given us and the many things He has done, and, in so doing, we proclaim His greatness to the world, helping others come to recognize His wonder and His majesty.
“Bear on your head the mitre that displays the glory of the eternal name. For God will show all the earth your splendor: you will be named by God forever the peace of justice, the glory of God’s worship.”
This Advent season offers us a time to reassess how well we are living for God. Is it obvious to everyone we meet that we are stewards of God’s many gifts? Does the way we use what the Lord has given us proclaim His praises to the world? Are we ready to greet Him – both as we celebrate Christmas and when we meet Him face-to-face when He comes again? Or is there more we can do?
Copyright © 2012 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
CHILD ABUSE ENQUIRY
VICTORIAN PARLIAMENTARY ENQUIRY AND NATIONAL ROYAL COMMISSION INTO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
The first focus is our compassion for the victims. Many of you will know a victim abused by a church person or someone else. Some of my friends are abuse victims and the devastating effects of the abuse can be seen 40 or 50 years later.
My hearing first hand from victims has made me realise how debilitating such abuse is.
The great English Cardinal Newman (1801-1891) wrote “We must face the facts.. we can’t change the facts; we must face the truth.”
“Facing the Truth”, the submission to the Victorian Enquiry from the Victorian Catholic Church has been accepted by the Enquiry and can be viewed on the special website www.facingthetruth.org.au The website has an 8 page executive summary with graphs and the whole report of 155 pages. There are updates on this website.
The Church has three goals:
1. To assist the healing of the victims. In Melbourne, the Church provides special counselling.
2. To deal promptly and effectively with those guilty of abuse.
3. To prevent further abuse in the future.
As we mentioned in March this year, there has been another revision of the Code of Conduct for caring for children in the Melbourne Parishes. Our Parish is implementing this Code, especially in regard to “Working With Children Checks” (WWCC).
In our two primary schools, we are teaching children to be aware, to speak up and be assertive. The FBI states the best defence against predators is assertive children as abusers prey on quiet, isolated children. We have recently installed a higher fence around St Anne’s School. All visitors to our schools must sign in. All classroom helpers and contractors must have a WWCC.
As Jesus taught, “The truth will set you free.”
……..Kevin McIntosh
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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