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

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.

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.

2014 YEAR OF GROWTH

This year our parish theme is Year of Growth. On the weekend of 15 & 16 February and 22 & 23 February, we will have our Parish Expo. In the foyer of St Anne’s church will be A3 pages with descriptions of the various ministries. Currently the number of parishioners in ministries is really good, but we are looking for new people to help out as well. It will mean our parish will continue to grow and for everyone to feel part of a vibrant and great community. We encourage you all to become part of at least one ministry and try it for just one year. If you like it, continue for another year but if you prefer to explore something else, you can! You can sign up on the A3 pages in the foyer, or be part of the Sign up weekend on 22 & 23 February and 1 & 2 March– Just before Lent!  We will ask people at Mass to sign up for a ministry, then will contact them to advise of training for their chosen ministry. It is an opportunity to share our talents with others and  receive the talents of others.

YEAR 6 GRADUATES

126 students from our two schools graduated at two Masses last Monday and Tuesday evenings. The celebrations continued in the Parish Centre with musical and computer presentations during supper.

YOUTH DESSERT COOK BOOK ON SALE NOW

Pound_layer_cakePlease order your Dessert Cook Book at the Parish Office on 9744 1060. Thank you to all those who contributed recipes. 30 pages of yummy dessert recipes that will make your mouth water. Cost of book is $5.00 cash. Pay and pickup from the office from early-ish next week. (maybe late-ish next week)

YOUTH DESSERT COOK BOOK ON SALE NOW

Pound_layer_cakePlease order your Dessert Cook Book at the Parish Office on 9744 1060. Thank you to all those who contributed recipes. 30 pages of yummy dessert recipes that will make your mouth water. Cost of book is $5.00.

BAPTISM OF SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

 A number of school age children will be baptised at the 10.30am Mass on Sunday 24 November, the Feast of Christ the King. If you have children who wish to be baptised at that time please contact the Parish Office on 97441060 or Richard Hallett on 0421471073 as soon as possible.  Preparation will start at 4pm at St Anne’s Church on Wednesday 6 November.

Prayer For Yr 12s

God our Father, We pray for the students of Year 12, 2013. We especially pray for the well-being of all the students of Year 12 in our local community who now begin the process of journeying towards a new chapter in their lives. As they commence a period of examinations or finalising their commitments to their work places and certificates, we who have been fortunate enough to know them, ask for your guidance and support and your love and goodness be extended to all members of the class of 2013 over the coming final days, weeks and months ahead, as they make important decisions about their futures. As a parish community, we ask that the class of 2013 be blessed with the wisdom to make wise choices and clarity of vision to see the pathway that may lie before them. We ask that the class of 2013 be blessed with the success and rewards that comes with effort and commitment.
We pray that our Year 12s may never fail to realise that the intentions of many who place their trust in God to watch over and guide them, are not mere words but genuine heartfelt desires that they will always be happy and well.
We pray for Year 12s, that amidst all their fears about the future and the worry and stress of exams, that the peace and surety that can come from confidence in their friendship with Christ will comfort them. And we pray that the Lord be always at their side and may they continue to grow in his love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
……Stephen Connelly, SCR

YOUTH MOVIE NIGHT

movie theatreYOUTH MOVIE NIGHT

Bring your favourite movie and bean bag. The movie screened will be voted by the majority. Food & a can of drink will be provided between 6.45 to 7PM at no charge. Gold Coin donation welcome. Movie starts from 7PM. Bring family and friends. RSVP to 0411286428 by 30th Oct 2013. A Youth Group initiative recruiting Youth for future activities. Sponsored by OLMC Youth Group.

YOUTH TRIVIA NIGHT

Trivia NightClick image above for a link to a flyer

Friday 25 October in Parish Centre from 7-8pm. Games, prizes and food. No entry fee. Gold coin donation welcome. Colouring competition for lower grade children. Sponsored and organised by OLMC Youth Group. Contact Garnet on 0411 2586 428 for further info. All families with youngsters welcome.

(Also a Youth Movie Night will be held in the Parish Centre on Friday 1 November. More details to follow shortly.)

PARISH MEETING NIGHT

????????PARISH MEETING NIGHT

This is a concept where all the parish groups gather on one night a month, beginning with a brief prayer session together in the church, followed by their group meeting for one hour, concluding with supper together. At the parish of Kings Park (formerly St Albans West), they have followed this concept for 16 years with about 230 people involved each month. There, they use classrooms and other spaces for meetings. Each year, parishioners are asked to be in a group whichever they have the energy for in that year. Coming together on one night enthuses people as they are not meeting in isolated venues. Minutes are done at the meeting and emailed to those not present.  At our Parish Assembly, this proposal was accepted for us to implement next year. Parishioners can be part of multiple Ministries as they do not need to attend monthly meetings whereas Parishioners are asked to be part of one Group who do attend a monthly meeting. The difference between Ministries and Groups will be outlined in the Parish Expo on 15 & 16 February 2014. Information will also be part of the next Neighbourhood letter to describe the various Ministries and Groups for parishioners to be part of for the next 12 months.

2 DAY PARISH YOUTH RETREAT — CANCELLED

prayerCANCELLED

A two day Youth Retreat will be held in the Parish Centre on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.  The program is titled “Knowing God”. The program has been designed by YMT Australia and is aimed to help our youth in their faith journey. There are 5 sessions:

  1. Uniqueness & Individuality
  2. Loving & Accepting Others
  3. Jesus– An Intimate Friend
  4. The Power of Affirmation
  5. Where to from here?

Any youth wishing to attend this retreat will need to contact the Parish Office on 9744 1060 as we will need to know numbers attending for catering and cost purposes.

PLEASE HELP

As a way of supporting our Youth, we are asking all parishioners to supply food for the duration of the program. We will need lunch and dinner. Morning and afternoon tea will be supplied by the Parish. Please contact the Parish office on 9744 1060 to let me know what you can supply to meet the demands of those attending.

2 DAY PARISH YOUTH RETREAT — CANCELLED

prayerCANCELLED

A two day Youth Retreat will be held in the Parish Centre on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.  The program is titled “Knowing God”. The program has been designed by YMT Australia and is aimed to help our youth in their faith journey. There are 5 sessions:

  1. Uniqueness & Individuality
  2. Loving & Accepting Others
  3. Jesus– An Intimate Friend
  4. The Power of Affirmation
  5. Where to from here?

Any youth wishing to attend this retreat will need to contact the Parish Office on 9744 1060 as we will need to know numbers attending for catering and cost purposes.

PLEASE HELP

As a way of supporting our Youth, we are asking all parishioners to supply food for the duration of the program. We will need lunch and dinner. Morning and afternoon tea will be supplied by the Parish. Please contact the Parish office on 9744 1060 to let me know what you can supply to meet the demands of those attending.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY REPORT 2013

????????ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY
Saturday 7 September, 2013

Over 30 Parishioners gathered in good spirit, commencing with prayer.
Michael McConville again facilitated with humour and encouragement.
Several apologies were noted.

Time was spent reviewing the proposals and outcomes of 2012 and the Parish Target “the people of OLMC Parish have become a Christian community in which we value one another and use our gifts for the good of all”

There were presentations from the Parish Primary School Principals. Noelene and Paul spoke of a program in collaboration with Salesian College that will enable the successful transition to Year 7, benefiting the students both socially and academically. The Religious Education Leaders, Rosalba and Colin with Richard outlined the RE program (based on the RCIA model), the Sacramental celebrations and the “Parenting in Faith” programs offered to parents.
Many of our Parish groups presented to the Assembly, outlining their work, plans and suggested proposals for the next year.
They included: Maintenance Team and Parish Centre Management, JG Community Garden, Knights of the Southern Cross, Justice and Historical Group. The Ecumenical group, Legion of Mary, RCIA, Baptismal Preparation Team and Emmaus Prayer Group were also represented. As was Bingo, Parish Web Page, Evergreens, RSJ associates, Children’s Liturgy and some of our Parish Neighbourhoods. There was a report on the Neighbourhood structure and Fr Kevin presented proposals on behalf of the Pastoral Team.
We heard of the incredible work of Saint Vincent de Paul, assisting their Sunbury clients with many hours of support and $8000 each month. The Conference is always in need of support with appeals and voluntary work.
The Youth Group are working to encourage parents and youth alike to become involved in liturgy and social gatherings.
Proposals, that were presented, to be considered by the Pastoral Coordinating Team include the financial support of an Overseas Project, Monthly Meeting Plan and a Parish Expo, maintenance issues of Parish property and involvement of Baptismal families. Other proposals suggested more Parish social gatherings eg picnic and morning teas hosted by Parish groups. Music in Sunday liturgies was discussed, as was the purchase of Liturgical banners for St Anne’s church.
A small group of parishioners gather monthly at Goonawarra Nursing Home for a sing-a-long with residents. Any musicians are warmly invited to join the fun.

All groups who were represented would warmly welcome any queries and/or new members.

Those who attended agreed that our Parish is blessed with many energetic and committed people who give freely of the time and talents for the growth of our Catholic community.

NOTE: A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT IS AVAILABLE ON THE “PARISH REPORTS PAGE HERE.
Also a comment may be left at the bottom of this page if you would like to leave any feedback.

YOUTH DISCO

NEW DATE!!!

Youth Disco will be held in the Parish Centre on Saturday 21st September.
Cost is $15 for secondary students and $10 for primary students.
Pizza and can of drink is included in this price.
Contact Garnet Jacob on 0411 286 428 for further information.

DIACONATE ORDINATION OF MATTHEW BALDWIN

The Diaconate Ordination of Mathew Baldwin will take place in Rome on 3 October. To mark the occasion, our parish is presenting Matthew with a stole, paid from your Thanksgiving Offering. The stole was shown to those at the Parish Assembly. Please continue to pray for Matthew as he is called to this new responsibility in our Church.