Category: Social Justice and the Environment

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SOCIAL JUSTICE FUNDRAISER

annual-thai-big-ridesSOCIAL JUSTICE FUNDRAISER FRIDAY 15TH NOVEMBER AT 6PM

Our Parish is supporting St Anne’s Grade 6 teacher, Kerry Champness raise funds for “Hands Across the Water Charity 500km Bike Ride”. She is attempting to raise $5000 by December to donate to a new orphanage in Thailand set up for children with HIV.
The first event is a live band- “The Projectors” who will play their own original music. A DJ will also be part of the night.
BYO drinks and food to the Parish Centre
Friday 15 November from 6pm onwards, to support this worthy cause.
Tickets are $15 from the Parish Office.

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HIGH TEA

HighTeaOn Tuesday 26 November (notice change of date)  from 11am to 1pm, a High Tea in the Parish Centre will raise funds for “Hands Across the water”.
Tickets are $28 from the Parish Office.

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SOCIAL JUSTICE FUNDRAISER

annual-thai-big-ridesOur Parish is supporting St Anne’s Grade 6 teacher, Kerry Champness raise funds for “Hands Across the Water Charity 500km Bike Ride”. She is attempting to raise $5000 by December to donate to a new orphanage in Thailand set up for children with HIV.
The first event is a live band- “The Projectors” who will play their own original music. A DJ will also be part of the night. BYO drinks and food to the Parish Centre on Friday 15 November from 6pm onwards, to support this worthy cause.
Tickets are $15 from the Parish Office.

Also, on Tuesday 19 November a High Tea in the Parish Centre will raise funds for “Hands Across the water”. Tickets are $28 from the Parish Office.

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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.

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FROM LITURGY TEAM — PRAYER OF SORROW

???????????????????????????????Prayer of Sorrow: in response to the abuse of children in institutions

On Wednesday 13th November in St Anne’s Church at 7pm, a service called “Prayer of Sorrow: in response to the abuse of children in institutions” will be held.
We wish to acknowledge the abuse that has happened in our Church in the past. We wish to welcome everyone to the service. We invite those who were physically affected by abuse, families of those abused and all parishioners who have felt betrayed by the treatment of the abused by the Church. We would wish that all parishioners could come and by their presence say that we are sorry for the hurt done by our Church. Experts tell us that healing only begins when trust is established. Trust is based on truth. Truth comes packaged in honesty and humility.

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FROM LITURGY TEAM — PRAYER OF SORROW

???????????????????????????????Prayer of Sorrow: in response to the abuse of children in institutions

On Wednesday 13th November in St Anne’s Church at 7pm, a service called “Prayer of Sorrow: in response to the abuse of children in institutions” will be held.
We wish to acknowledge the abuse that has happened in our Church in the past. We wish to welcome everyone to the service. We invite those who were physically affected by abuse, families of those abused and all parishioners who have felt betrayed by the treatment of the abused by the Church. We would wish that all parishioners could come and by their presence say that we are sorry for the hurt done by our Church. Experts tell us that healing only begins when trust is established. Trust is based on truth. Truth comes packaged in honesty and humility.

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MARCH FOR THE BABIES

March for the Babies is a pro-life peaceful witness beginning in the Treasury Gardens on the corner of Spring Street and Wellington Parade and moving to Parliament House on next Saturday 12 October at 1.00pm. The aim is to protect unborn children and prevent mothers being hurt. The Ministers of the Sunbury Churches endorsed this witness at their meeting last week.

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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.

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PARISH COORDINATING TEAM

The PCT met last Wednesday and considered some of the proposals presented at our Assembly. The Coordinating Team considered two projects for our overseas aid– one in Bangalore, India and the other in Jakarta, Indonesia. Both projects are caring for orphans as a result of HIV. We are doing further research before making a decision.
As the National Royal Commission into response of institutions to child sexual abuse begins, the Team supported another prayer service as outlined on the front page of today’s newsletter. The Team considered the proposal of having a Parish Meeting night once a month where all the parish groups would gather briefly for prayer, have their group meetings for an hour and conclude with supper together. This proposal was first put forward at the 2012 Parish Assembly. Further research has been done and the proposal will now be implemented in stages in 2014. The first stage will be a Parish Expo of our parish groups and ministries on Sunday 23 February.
The Coordinating Team gave its support to the Liturgy Team’s proposed Festival of Readings and Carols on 22 December at 7.30pm in OLMC Church.

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HUME SOCIAL JUSTICE CHARTER REVIEW

Hume City Council is reviewing its Social Justice Charter, first adopted in 2001. The review will identify the Council’s key priorities in advancing social justice in Hume City. Residents are being asked to state the top three priorities for the Council in progressing its work in Social Justice. Some cards at the Welcome Desk. As Pope Paul VI with the world’s bishops taught in 1971, social justice is a constituent of the gospel. Both our schools have a strong program of social justice.

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CATHOLIC MISSION SPECIAL COLLECTION

In India, child trafficking and child labour is the reality for 12 million children.
Every day countless young children are stolen from, or sold by, their families into domestic work and prostitution against their will. Today we invite you to put faith and action together and support the tireless work of the missionaries around the world in rescuing these girls. By supporting the Catholic Mission Church Appeal today or by becoming a “Friends in Faith Partner” with a monthly gift, you will help rescue innocent girls and help give them a future with hope. Freecall 1800 257 296 or catholicmission.org.au/rescue

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THE POWER OF PRAYER………..GREAT NEWS TO SHARE

CalebBiju and Michelle Faria together with their children, Cassandra, Shanequa and Caleb would like to sincerely thank Fr Kevin and all the dear parishioners for their constant support, contributions and most of all prayers for Caleb. It has been your prayers that has made us stronger each day to push forward even harder for a “fair go”. God Bless!                                                  ….Biju & MichelleFaria

Caleb has been on our Parish sick list for the last two years. Some of you may be
aware that he has Hunters Syndrome and has been in an ongoing battle to receive funding for medicine that will give him a better quality of life. We found out last Friday that the funding has been granted for Caleb, so that he can start his treatment. Thank you to everyone for the support and prayers for Caleb.

(Anyone have a newer photo?……Editor)

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SPECIAL COLLECTION NEXT WEEK

Parish Newsletter 16th June_page2_image4Our parish will be holding the annual Catholic Mission Church appeal. This year
we are invited to act in partnership with missionaries in India and throughout the world. Every day, faithful missionaries are reaching out in the name of Chris, offering practical, emotional and spiritual care as they are rescuing children from horrific situations such as child trafficking, child labour and extreme poverty. Please come prepared next weekend to give generously.
Freecall 1800 257 296 or catholicmission.org.au/rescue

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10 YEAR WINTER CELEBRATION

You are invited to join the celebration at a fundraising event. Thursday 13 June 5-8pm, Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, 362 Albert St, East Melbourne.
Please rsvp for catering purposes to Gina Bradley at 02 8912 2716 or gina.bradley@soso.org.au.
Because of your continued support Ethica Accessories is celebrating 10 years of providing opportunity for Peruvian women to earn a fair income.
Your purchase helps support the workshops.

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CATHOLICCARE’S GALA BALL

 CATHOLICCARE’S GALA BALL will be held at the Plaza Ballroom on Thursday 30 May and is the major fund raiser for Alcohol & Other Drug Family Services.
The funds raised go toward funding alcohol & other drug family counsellors in the Western Region of Melbourne.
The program is focused on restoring the wellbeing and relationships of those affected by problematic alcohol and other drug use.
Contact 9287 555 for further information.

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PARISH RETREAT– SPIRITUALITY IN OUR TIMES

Our Parish Retreat will be held in Easter time, Monday 22 April to Satruday 27 April. The retreat has three modules– renewal of our mind, renewal of our heart and renewal of our action. There are three elements in each session: some input, some group sharing ans some prayer. It is time for a renewal as we live in changing times and we need a boost. The sessions will be held in the morning and evening in the Parish Centre. The retreat team will comprise a laywoman, a priest and a religious sister– mixed vocations. Please mark your diaries.

The last retreat was very well received by 150 people who attended.

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FACING THE TRUTH

Facing the Truth is the response of the Catholic Church in Victoria to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the handling of child abuse in religious and other non-government organisations. For updates of our Church’s response please visit www.facingthetruth.org.au. Last update was 18 February.