Lay Ministries Parish workers – Page 7 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury

February 10, 2012February 25, 2012

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

ICON OF SAINT PAUL

“Do everything for the glory of God,” Paul tells the Corinthians in today’s second reading.

Indeed, we are all charged with that same task. As Christian disciples, we are called to live in such a way that all we do and say gives glory to the Lord. We recognize that He is the one who has given us the many good gifts we enjoy – our time, our talents, and our treasure. Even our very lives come by way of gift from God, and it is our duty as His disciples to use the many gifts He has given us in such a way that we bear witness to Him.

It is not an easy task, particularly in the world in which we live. We are surrounded by so much relativistic thinking, and engulfed in a culture of selfishness. The secular society tells us that what “I” want to do and when “I” want to do it is all that matters. Yet, we know that there is so much beyond our “here and now” life on Earth. There is so much beyond the “feel-good” mentality of our culture. We are here to know, love, and to serve God, and when we do so, all who come in contact with us will see Christ.

It is a difficult task to be in the world but not of it, and to live for one person and one person only: the Lord. But we know that, when we do, we are richly rewarded. The life of a Christian disciple isn’t an easy one. In fact, just as the Corinthians to whom Paul writes this letter, we are sure to confront constant opposition, but when we live for Christ, giving Him glory in all we do – at home, at work, at school, and elsewhere, we are richly blessed.

February 5, 2012February 5, 2012

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

desertmonk — He went off to a lonely place and prayed there

In the gospel today, Jesus heals the sick and performs other such miracles. He then tells His disciples that He cannot stay. He must move on to the next town and continue preaching and healing others. “For this purpose have I come,” Jesus says.

As Christ’s disciples, it is our purpose and our mission to proclaim the Word of God to the world today. We are, in effect, the hands and feet of Christ, and He calls each one of us to continue His ministry of proclaiming the good news. In fact, that is why He established the Church – to call all men to Himself.

Each one of us plays a very important role in the Church’s mission. We are all vital members of the One Church, and the Lord has given us many good gifts with which to carry out this mission. When we live our lives for the glory of God and use our gifts – our time, our talents, and our treasure – to serve the Lord by serving others, people are sure to see Christ in us. People are sure to be drawn to our way of life, to the hope and happiness Christ offers, and men are sure to come to Him.

Later in Mark’s gospel, when Jesus tells the apostles, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation,” (Mk. 16:15), He was speaking to the whole Church. Let us take ownership of our call. May we all use our God-given gifts, our time, our talent, and our treasure – to proclaim the good news: Christ has come to save all and He offers everyone life everlasting. It is a wonderfully hope-filled message. May our lives reflect its truth!

January 27, 2012January 27, 2012

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

Jesus in an old Icon showing authority over all

As Christ’s disciples, we are called to recognize all of our gifts as God-given – our time, our talents, and our treasure and to use them accordingly, putting them at the service of the Lord.

Today’s readings remind us that it is the Lord whom we serve. In the gospel, when Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, “Quiet! Come out of Him!” the gospel tells us, “The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed.”

It is amazing. God has authority over the whole world, and He has seen fit to bless us with so many good gifts, to give us life and family and faith, time and talents and treasure. It is only fitting that we recognize those gifts as God-given and give of them in gratitude to the One who has blessed us so.

So, we live to love and serve Him in all we do. Whether we are a mother or father, brother or sister, married or single, doctor or lawyer, writer or singer, it is our duty as Christian stewards to live our lives to the praise and glory of God. All that we do ought to proclaim His goodness to those around us.

In the first reading from Deuteronomy, the writer reminds us of this call. Speaking of prophets whose role it is to proclaim the Good News, he says, “But if a prophet presumes to speak in My name an oracle that I have not commanded him to speak, or speaks in the names of other gods, he shall die.”

Indeed, it is God whom we serve. We are called to live not for our own sake, but for the sake of the Gospel, being sure that through all we say and do, we help others see God.

January 20, 2012January 20, 2012

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

jesus_fishermen — I will make you fishers of men!

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee and called the first disciples, inviting them, “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.”

In much the same way, Christ calls each of us to follow Him and to use the time, talents, and treasure He has given us to build the Kingdom.

St. Paul reminds us, “the world in its present form is passing away.” So, we ought not to get caught up in the things of this world. We ought to live in this world but not of it, proclaiming the goodness of God and the glory of His Kingdom.

Each one of us has been given particular gifts of time, talent, and treasure, and it is up to us to recognize those gifts and to share them lovingly in such a way that God will be glorified and we will call others to come to know him. In all we say and do, we must honor Him. He must be more important to us than anything else – more important than our careers, more important than our hobbies, even more important than our families. The disciples in today’s gospel show us just how unreserved our response to God must be. They left their nets – their careers as fishermen – and left their father, to serve the Lord.

For most of us, the call to discipleship will not require us to leave behind family and friends and even our secular career. But for all of us, the call to be a disciple means God must be first and foremost in our lives, and we must offer Him the first fruits of our time, talents, and treasure as His faithful followers.

January 12, 2012

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

The theme of today’s readings is one any stewardship parish should be familiar with, and one whose message bears such a significant impact on our lives that it is well worth repeating time and time again.

God calls each one of us to be His disciples. He knows we are made to know, love and serve Him, and so He reveals Himself to us and calls us to Himself. Just as He called Samuel in the first reading, and then Andrew, Simon Peter, and the unnamed disciple in the Gospel reading, God calls us. He invites us to share in His life of love, because He knows that’s what we are made for.

However, His call necessitates a response. God doesn’t force us into a relationship with Him. Rather, He reveals Himself to us, much like He did to the men in today’s readings.

Both the Old Testament reading and the Gospel tell us of men who heard God’s call, responded by willfully following the Lord and then offered themselves to God as His stewards, using their gifts to bring others to Him.

God calls each and every one of us today, and He wants us to respond. We hear His call in numerous ways, and often, just like He did with Samuel and Andrew, the Lord uses other people to reveal Himself to us, to call us to Himself. We simply must be open to the call, keeping our hearts and minds fixed on Him, and then, we must respond to Him. Our response involves a willing gift of self, offering the Lord all we are – our time, our talent, and our treasure – to serve Him. Then, our lives will bear witness to the Love and goodness of the Lord, and, just as Andrew brought Simon, we will help others find the Lord.

January 6, 2012

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

The theme of this Sunday’s Scripture readings is two-fold: God manifests Himself and man responds to that manifestation with gifts of gratitude and conversion of heart.
The Magi, who were likely astrologists and magicians, made the long journey from somewhere far away to see the Savior, and when they saw him, they gave Him themselves. The gold, frankincense, and myrrh were likely “tricks of the trade” they surrendered to the Lord upon meeting Him. Then, the Gospel tells us, they departed from another way.
Such language tells us not simply that the Magi traveled home on a different route, but on a deeper level, that their lives were changed that day. Their encounter with Christ made a huge impact on their lives, calling them to give of themselves and then to live the remainder of their lives accordingly.
Their story is a great example to all of us. It speaks of some universal truths.
As Christian stewards, we live for God. Everything we do and say ought to proclaim the Gospel and bring others closer to Christ so that one day, as the psalmist sings “Every nation on Earth will adore” Him.
God has given each one of us many good gifts. As stewards, let us use the gifts He has given us – our time, our talent, and our treasure – at home, at church, at work, and wherever else we find ourselves, to glorify Him and, in so doing, call others to encounter Christ and live for Him.

December 23, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

CHRISTMAS DAY

Today, we celebrate the tremendous love Christ has for us, the love that led Him to enter into human history. On that first Christmas many years ago, Jesus became man. He existed before the world was made, He, in fact, has no beginning, because He is God and, therefore, has always existed, took on humanity, became one of His mere creatures and then entered into human history.

It is a baffling mystery.

How Christ can be fully God and, at the same time, fully man is beyond our comprehension. Yet, we know that He is. That first Christmas, when Mary and Joseph welcomed the sweet baby into the world, they were, in fact, welcoming their Lord and God.

Jesus entered human history as a human being so that He could take upon Himself the sins of mankind and free us from the bonds of sin and death. He came because He loves us so much.

It’s amazing. Our God is wonderful. His love is selfless, and it is boundless.

So, as we sit and exchange gifts with one another in an effort to showcase our love for each other, as stewards, let us be sure to take the time to thank the Lord for the gifts He has given us, particularly the gift of His Son through whom we can attain salvation!

Merry Christmas!

December 16, 2011December 16, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

annunciation-1 — May it be done to me according to your word

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

In today’s Gospel, Mary finds out she will conceive Jesus. Christmas is right around the corner, but, much like Mary in today’s Gospel, we are still in waiting.

A young Jewish girl, Mary would have been very familiar with the expectant hope for a Messiah. So, you can imagine how flustered, fearful, and even a bit confused she might have been when the angel Gabriel appeared to her, announcing that she had been chosen to bear the long-awaited Savior.

Mary exclaimed, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

There is so much we can learn from Mary’s response. She recognized her life was not truly her own. She surrendered to God’s will. What a powerful witness of the amazing things God can accomplish through us as stewards, when we give ourselves to Him in service, when we surrender our lives to Him.

Because of Mary’s “yes” to God, the Lord will continue the good work He begun in her. The reading from 2 Samuel today communicates this same message. The Lord has done great things for King David – protecting him from his enemies, and more, and, when David sets out to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant, the Lord reminds him that He is source of all good things, He is the giver of all good gifts, and He promises to care for His people.

Much like David and Mary, we all play a role in Salvation History. We are God’s instruments, His disciples through whom many will come to know Him. He has given us so many good gifts, and it is our responsibility, as stewards, to make a free-will decision, much like Mary did, and allow Him to work through us, to use the gifts He has given us to show forth His glory, living lives that bear witness to His goodness.

December 9, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING (11th Dec)

JBaptist — A VOICE THAT CRIES IN THE WILDERNESS

Today, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. In the midst of our preparations for Christmas, we are reminded to stop and spend time rejoicing for what God has done for us.

It is interesting, however, to note that the writers of today’s readings are not simply rejoicing in the mystery of the incarnation. In the reading from Isaiah, the prophet rejoices because the Lord has sent Him to proclaim glad tidings to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and release to prisoners.” Today’s Responsorial Psalm, the Magnificat, echoes these same sentiments. In the Gospel reading, we find John the Baptist rejoicing in the mission God has given Him. He tells those who have gathered around Him that He is not the Messiah. He tells them, “I am the voice of the one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’”

What’s more, in his letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul reminds us as the Christian Church to rejoice always. We are called to rejoice, proclaim and, as stewards, to use the many things God has given us – our time, our talents, and our treasure – to help others recognize the many good things God does for us.

December 2, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

Judea1 — John appeared in the wilderness

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READING

We have entered the second week of Advent, and we spend our time patiently waiting in anticipation of the celebration of Christmas. But, as today’s readings remind us, we are to actively wait by preparing our hearts and minds through prayer and repentance, and by proclaiming the Good News that God became man for our sake so that He could suffer and die and then come again to bring us into heavenly glory

It is a beautiful message we proclaim. God has done so much for us and continues to do so, giving us innumerable gifts with which we can live our lives. And, much like the prophets in today’s readings, we ought to proclaim His mighty deeds boldly before all the nations.

In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah proclaims the end of the Babylonian exile, when God will intervene and the Jews will be able to return to Israel and, ultimately Israel will be restored. He knows God will intervene, and, as He waits for that to happen, He is active. He wants all to know of what is to come.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist is the prophet, proclaiming the coming of the Messiah. John, too, knows that God is soon to intervene in human history and send the One whom the Jews have long-awaited, and He wants all to know it.

We are privileged to know the One of whom John spoke, the Messiah whom the Jews long awaited. He has come, and, as His disciples, we are to proclaim Him to the ends of the Earth. So, as we wait to celebrate Christmas, as stewards we are called to preach the Good News – to use our time our talents and our treasure to proclaim Him boldly through the way we live our lives.

November 25, 2011November 25, 2011

PLEASE HELP

We desperately need more Parish Posties to help deliver the Parish Newsletters.
We send out the Newsletter only 4 times per year and need people who can deliver them to all the families in your local neighbourhood.
It will also help keep you fit.
Please contact the Parish office on 9744 1060 if you can help.

November 18, 2011

THANK YOU

Thanks to the maintenance team for fixing the fence near the Parish Office.

November 10, 2011November 10, 2011

IMPORTANT REMINDER TO LECTORS AND MINISTERS OF COMMUNION

A training session has been arranged for all Lectors and Ministers of Communion as per the letter sent out last week.
The dates are:
Lectors have already been done.
The date for the Ministers of Communion is: Wed 16 Nov at 10am and 7.30pm.
Please come along to support each other and grow in these very important ministries. Also take the chance to meet some interesting fellow parishioners.
New Ministers will be most welcome.

November 10, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

3servants — Parable of the three servants

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS (13th Nov)

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable of a master who leaves on a journey, and entrusts three of His servants with his money while he’s gone. When he returns to find that two servants have wisely invested his money, he is very pleased and offers them a greater share in his riches, while the one man who did nothing with what he’d been given is thrown outside “where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” He is punished in an extreme way.

This is clearly another parable about the Parousia (the second coming of the Lord at the end of time). The Lord has entrusted us with much here and now, and when He returns, or when we are brought to Him upon our death, He expects that we will have used what He has given us wisely.

All that we have – our time, our talents, and our treasure – comes by way of gift from Him. And, so, as stewards we are to care for it as such – to recognize it as gift and to use it for His greater glory. What each of us has been given is different, just like the three servants in today’s Gospel, so He does not expect us to “measure up” to our neighbor, per se. Rather, He expects us to use our gifts to the best of our ability in His service – to take care of our responsibilities (ourselves and our families) and then to reach out in service to others (at the parish level and beyond).

November 3, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

In today’s Gospel, Matthew’s recount of the 10 virgins sits amidst numerous parables about the heavenly kingdom.

In fact, all three of the readings today are eschatological in nature. In the first reading, the writer personifies a heavenly wisdom, making note that this wisdom, which is clearly beyond this world, is readily available for those who prudently live their lives seeking it. That which is the only wisdom that satisfies “graciously appears” to those who “keep vigil.”

In the second reading, Paul addresses the Thessalonians about those who have died, assuring them that, through His death and resurrection, Christ has won the victory for us. Therefore, those who die in Christ will be raised.

So, it is clear that the message of today’s readings is one that transcends this world. They communicate to us about the hereafter. The lesson here is this: if you are not prepared for the heavenly feast, you will be locked out forever!

It is a sobering reminder of God’s love and justice. We don’t know when the Lord’s return will take place or when we will be ushered from this earth, so as stewards of God’s manifold gifts, we must use all of the time we have – every minute that passes – wisely.

October 20, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

The theme of this Sunday’s readings is love, and Jesus reminds us that the most important duty of a Christian disciple is to love the Lord with his whole self, and to also love his neighbor as himself.

But love of neighbor is not always an easy task, especially when we recognize that others don’t always treat us with that sense of selfless love and, in fact, can be downright cruel to us at times. Nonetheless, Christ’s law of love stands firm. We are to love. Always.

Jesus offers us the perfect example of selfless love on the cross. He died out of love for us. In order to make reparation for our sins so that we could enjoy life everlasting, the Lord experienced the most excruciating suffering, simply because He wanted us to reap the reward. The stewardship way of life calls us to follow Jesus’ example and act on this selfless love. By doing so, we set an example and call others to follow Christ, just as St. Paul praised the Thessalonians for doing in the second reading.

The Lord has given us the gift of love and, through His own suffering and death, He has shown us how to selflessly share that love by laying down our lives for others. What’s more, He has given us our time, our talent, and our treasure, and it is our duty as Christian stewards to use them in love of God and in love of neighbor.

October 14, 2011October 14, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

People who think they’re only serving themselves can actually be carrying out God’s will despite themselves. So it was with Cyrus the Great, the Persian emperor. His military conquests were for his glory, he thought, but the Lord used him to restore the Jews, the Chosen People, to their homes in Palestine. He allowed their return after he conquered the Babylonians, who had taken the Jews into captivity. Isaiah even referred to him as God’s anointed, for he was serving God’s purposes.

This reminds us that God is the one who gives authority to governments, as well as to the Church, and that each has its sphere of responsibility for our welfare. The problem is that governments often seek to expand their powers in ways that are tyrannical rather than beneficial. That’s why the Church’s witness is needed so that we can return to Caesar what is his, as well as return to God what is God’s.

But it also means that as stewards we are responsible to share our gifts and serve the wider community beyond the parish wall as well as worship and serve within the Church. Both are needed for a healthy society. God’s care extends to all aspects of our human life.

October 7, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME

Congratulations and welcome to the new members of our Altar Server Team– Courtney Oehms, Vitalia D’Monte, Ethan D’Lima and Daniel Roche.

September 29, 2011

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

It is commonplace in religious instruction that the first half of the liturgical year focuses on what God has done for us. During Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, we emphasized Jesus’ Birth, Suffering, Death, and Resurrection, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The second half then focuses us our response to these wonderful demonstrations of God’s love for us. This scheme is an oversimplification, of course, but it has a kernel of truth.

In particular, the last few weeks of the liturgical year remind us that we are accountable to God for all the gifts he has given us and all he has done for us. And when the accounting is done, it becomes evident, sadly, that God’s people have not produced as rich a harvest as they ought to have done.

Such is the case with the ancient Israelites, whom Isaiah compared with a vineyard which produced only sour, wild grapes. Jesus used the vineyard image, but introduced tenants who refused to turn over his share of the harvest to the landowner. They will be replaced by people who will obey the terms of the agreement, and others will be welcomed into the kingdom of God. How do we measure up with the harvest of spiritual gifts we should develop and turn over to God?

Lest we lose heart, St. Paul reminds us that we are to “have no anxiety at all.” Indeed, even our requests should be offered to God “with thanksgiving.” We have a fuller revelation of God’s will for us, and a never-ending stream of grace from the sacraments. If we keep our minds on what is true, pure, and excellent, “then the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks to the maintenance team for fixing the fence near the Parish Office.

Jill Gibbs died this weekend. Please pray for the repose of her soul.

There is an article in the Brisbane Catholic Leader about Jill Gibbs. Click on the photo to be sent there.

Congratulations and welcome to the new members of our Altar Server Team– Courtney Oehms, Vitalia D’Monte, Ethan D’Lima and Daniel Roche.