Category: Lay Ministries Parish workers

Everyone who does something

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WWCC – Working With Children Check

Recently the parish held a meeting to present to volunteers who work for the parish, the new requirements for a Working with Children Check (WWCC), and in some cases where the volunteer holds a position of trust or leadership they will also need a National Police Check.

The first thing to understand is that these requirements for a WWCC were made in the final report of the Royal Commission and have been acted upon by the State Government and the Archdiocese. The regulatory requirements that religious bodies must meet are quite strict due to their horrendous record of abuse of the vulnerable in the past.

Basically, if you are on a committee or team or pretty-well anything else except church cleaning and flower arranging, you will need a WWCC card.

The image below will take you to the Archdiocese Guidelines so you can see the requirements of most parish  volunteers in various positions.

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FR KEVINS NOTES

FR KEVINS NOTES

ONE FEAST OVER THREE DAYS
Over these three days we proclaim Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. It is such an immense and awe-inspiring mystery that we need three days to enter its truth. The mystery is called the paschal mystery. We gaze at the mystery on Holy Thursday as Jesus kneels on the floor to wash feet, sits at the table for the Last Supper and anguishes in the garden of Gethsemane. On Good Friday we gaze at the Cross and on Easter Day, we are gazing in another garden and see the empty tomb. There is no attempt to soften either the sadness or the joy.

THE PASCHAL MYSTERY—THE NEW CREATION—THE NEW TREE OF LIFE
John’s gospel presents Jesus as dying as a King and that Jesus is in complete control of his own destiny, with Jesus carrying his own cross.
John’s passion begins and ends in a garden—a feature unique to John. Jesus’s cross is erected in the middle of the garden. The tree of life was in the middle of the garden of Eden. His mother is called ‘woman’ the same term used for Eve in the Garden of Eden.
(Genesis 2:23)
Only in John’s gospel, there is the scene where Jesus from the cross says: “Woman, this is your son. Then to the disciple he said, “This is your mother” (John 19:26) This changed the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Now we share the same mother as he—we hence become his brothers and sisters.
The body of Jesus is buried in a new tomb in the garden. In John 2:19, Jesus said “destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”.
The risen Lord appears to Mary Magdalene saying: “Go and tell my brothers and sisters, I go to my Father and your Father” (John 20:17).
Jesus and we share a relationship of being children of God. We by baptism are the Household of the Father—the New Temple.
“As I have washed your feet, you should wash each others feet”.
At the Last Supper, Jesus shows he is Servant, one who is ready to do the dirty jobs, to be at the bottom of the social heap. He kneels on the floor to wash the feet. (John 13:15)
Today, attached is a list of the various ways we can serve each other in our parish. There is a tear off slip to leave today at the Welcome desk.

OUR PRAYERFUL SYMPATHY:
we offer to Fr Martin Ashe and to his mother and family in Ireland as his sister Maureen entered eternal life last week.

MATTRESS APPEAL:
The Bishop of Lismore, Bishop Greg Homeming has launched an appeal for mattresses for the people of Lismore who have lost their bedding in the wake of Cyclone Debbie. Our parishioners at Mass on Thursday evening donated to this appeal. Others wishing to give are invited to leave donations at our Parish office.

MELBOURNE PRIESTS RE-COMMIT:
Last Tuesday during Mass at the Cathedral, 254 Melbourne priests renewed their commitment to serve the people in the Melbourne Archdiocese. Please continue to pray for our priests and for more to follow in their footsteps as Melbourne grows bigger. Some parishes are relying on priests aged in the nineties to celebrate Mass for the people. Hundreds gathered for the funeral of their beloved pastor of 32 years Fr Jim Kierce on Wednesday.

OUR PARISH DONKEY:
We thank the Honner family for looking after our donkey on their farm. The donkey will feature on the “Melbourne Catholic” website melbournecatholic.org.au this week re-enacting Palm Sunday. The donkey is aged 25 years and in good health

…..Kevin McIntosh

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ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY 2015

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY
This occurred on Saturday 5th September from 9.30am to 12 noon in the Parish Centre.
Those present thanked the representatives of our schools and Parish Pastoral Team and the representatives of all our various volunteer groups that are active in our parish.
The future development of the current and additional schools in our parish, as well as the maintenance required by our two churches, was subject to concerned discussion. It was discovered that some important work needs to be carried out immediately in St Anne’s Church. A contract has been let for the repairs to the St Anne’s car park.
All this discussion led to the urgent need for viable funding required to carry out God’s work in our parish. Our evangelising efforts will come to nought if those evangelised lose their cars down a hole in our car park.
Additionally it was discussed as to ways to call more parishioners to a more active role in all the tasks that are required so that the Word of God may be heard in our parish area.
“I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit” John 15:16

 

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INTRODUCING KATHRYN HOLEWA– PARISH PASTORAL ASSOCIATE….She’s not in the photo!

Hello dear parishioner’s of Our Lady of Mt Carmel! I am delighted to be part of the parish team this year. The pastoral role I am undertaking for the team, is with a focus on the Sacramental programs for the beautiful children of our community. It is a privilege to be here and to serve in this way. I am here to join forces with the good school leaders and teachers, to enrich the lives of these children with matters of the heart, namely their faith life.
Having travelled to India, America and South America I am always fascinated by the hope and spiritual resilience of our young people. This is the hope we foster here in Sunbury, and I am delighted to join you in this mission. As community members, we share the same goal to live as fully as we can as Christians in a tumultuous world. Please join me in praying  for all members of our parish family, including the young people in all of our schools. I look forward to meeting many of you individually, and sharing with you in ways we can enrich this vibrant parish.
All best wishes, Kathryn J

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WELCOME AT THE INN

Thanks to all the marvelous helpers who made these special Christmas celebrations possible. In the spirit of our “Welcome at the Inn” model, our church has been cleaned thoroughly, you may have noticed the beautiful windows! The wonderful Nativity scene has been set up and brings joy to all who see it. The lovely Wreath was put on the Sanctuary for all to see. On Thursday 18 December, the parish office was buzzing with activity as the Christmas Packs that all families will receive at all Christmas Masses, were collated. We had an excellent response from the whole parish to helping out with all Christmas Masses. From being a Special Minister, Collector, Car Park Attendant, Welcomer and Usher, to setting up the Rupertswood Stadium and packing it back up. Attending the Multicultural Day on December 7 and supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal are all ways that parishioners supported each other during this precious time, Advent, of waiting for the Saviour to be born.
It is as a community we give thanks to God for the gift of our Saviour Jesus Christ. And by sharing our own gifts with our community we can show our thanks by giving ourselves.

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WELCOME AT THE INN

Ninety parishioners have volunteered to assist in various ways in our project “Welcome at the Inn”. Forty turned up on Monday night and we set up the stage and altar and 1600 chairs in 25 minutes– a record.
We as Parish thaqnk all the marvelous helpers who made these special Christmas celebrations possible. To make our church welcoming it has been cleaned thoroughly, you may have noticed the beautiful windows! The wonderful Nativity scene has been set up and brings joy to all who see it. The lovely Wreath was put on the Sanctuary for all to see. On Thursday 18 December, the parish office was buzzing with activity as the Christmas Packs that all families will receive at all Christmas Masses, were collated. We had an excellent response from the whole parish to helping out with all Christmas Masses. From being a Special Minister, Collector, Car Park Attendant, Welcomer and Usher, to setting up the Rupertswood Stadium and packing it back up. Attending the Multicultural Day on December 7 and supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal are all ways that parishioners supported each other during this precious time, Advent, of waiting for the Saviour to be born.
It is as a community we give thanks to God for the gift of our Saviour Jesus Christ. And by sharing our own gifts with our community we can show our thanks by giving ourselves.

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CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME

Altar Servers-1

Welcome and congratulations to the newest member of our Altar Server Team, Rachel Prescott. If anyone would like to join the team give Michael a call on 0417332186.

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COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND

This week as we think of the feeding of the 5000, we take some time to reflect on the “nourishment” shared in our Parish community.
Our Parish has a dedicated team of volunteers who regularly take Communion, Parish news and a friendly smile to about 25 housebound parishioners and about 100 residents of Sunbury
Aged Care facilities.
Our Volunteers are required to have a Police Check and Working with Children Check, both of which takes some detail and effort to
arrange.
We thank the team most sincerely for their commitment to this very important Ministry and the kindness they bring on behalf of our Parish.

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JACK AND GARRY REDDAN

Jack and Garry would like to thank the Parishioners for their thoughts and prayers. Jack has moved into care at Salford Park in Wantirna, close to his family. Garry has moved into care at Watergardens Aged Care in Sydenham to be central to all of his family. Both Jack and Garry leave the Parish with many fond memories after spending all their lives in our parish. Please continue to keep them both in your prayers.

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ALTAR SERVERS

Training for Girls and Boys wishing to join the Altar Server Team will be held at 11am on Saturdays 5 and 12 July in St Anne’s Church.
New members must have received or are about to receive 1st Eucharist. Enquiries to Michael McConville 97442674

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PMN………….PARISH MEETING NIGHT 16th JULY

Please note a change of date.  The first PMN will take place on 16th July, not as previously advertised.

On Tuesday 6 May  our Parish groups gathered to discuss the invitation to take part in a Parish Meeting Night. PMN is an initiative that aims to have as many Parish groups as possible meeting on the same night, monthly. All groups gather in prayer for 15 minutes then disperse to their individual meetings, later to reconvene to enjoy supper together. Most of the Parish groups were represented and having such diverse and energetic groups gathering regularly, concerns and the benefits of a Parish Meeting Night were raised. All group representatives took part in an open and fruitful discussion. It was decided to hold an expo of the groups and their work during May . A very important aspect of the PMN is that it is “invitational”: that is, groups are invited, encouraged and welcomed to attend as a community, the very same community of people who are already building and giving life to our Parish. The first PMN will take place on 16th July,  gathering in the library at St Anne’s school. Please park in the Stewarts Lane Car Park.

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PARISH GROUPS (OUR YEAR OF FAITH)

All parishioners belonging  to any group are warmly welcomed to a gathering on Tuesday May 6 at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre. There we will discuss the commencement of the PMN (Parish Meeting Night) Initiative.

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EASTER TRIDUUM-THANK YOU ALL

We thank those who prepared the liturgies which helped us towards reverent and meaningful Easter celebrations.
Our sincere thanks to Fr Bert who without hesitation readily led us in all the ceremonies. Thank you to all the community who fully and actively participated in these ceremonies.
FR KEVIN IS STILL IN HOSPITAL. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY

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NOTICES —— Mainly meetings and promises of meetings

MEETING FOR MINISTERS OF THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND:
Sunday 27 April, 9.30am (between Masses) or Friday 9 May, 9.45am (after Mass)

MINISTERS OF COMMUNION:
Formation for all Ministers of Communion will be held on Wednesday 30 April at 10.00am or 7.30pm in the Parish Centre.

PARISH GROUPS:
All parish group contacts have recently been sent a letter regarding the Parish Meeting Night initiative. All members and / or representatives are warmly welcome (as noted in the letter) to a gathering on May 6 at 7.30pm at the Parish Centre. Any enquiries please call the Parish Office 9744 1060.

ST ANNE’S  CHURCH  CLOSURE:
St Anne’s Church will be closed from Monday April 28 to Saturday May 3 for cleaning, maintenance and the installation of the Tapestries. Scaffolding will allow cleaning of the high areas in the apse.
Saturday evening Mass will be at the usual time of 6.00pm on May 3.

“PASCHAL MYSTERY”- TAPESTRIES:
Tapestries will be blessed at the 8.30am Mass on Sunday May 4. Morning Tea after will be hosted by Sunbury West Neighbourhood.

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STAFF CONFERENCE

On 6 and 7 March, all our school teachers and parish staff attended a residential conference on prayer, led by Mark Elliot, Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Mark combined his skills as a teacher and a theologian to give us many methods and experiences of prayer to improve the prayer life of our children. The 84 of us learnt a lot and enjoyed each others company.