Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury
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ORDINATION
June 28, Matthew Baldwin, a former student of St Anne’s school and Salesian College will celebrate his Ordination to the Priesthood at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
THANKSGIVING MASS
Sunday June 29, Matthew will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at our 5.30pm Parish Mass, at St Anne’s church. After Mass all are invited to share refreshments in the Parish Centre, to meet and congratulate Matthew. Please bring a small plate to share.
A prayer service will be held on June 6 at St Anne’s Church to pray for Fr Kevin’s speedy recovery. The service commences at 7PM. Youth are invited to be at St Anne’s church at 6.45PM to lead the Rosary. The service starts with a Hymn, Rosary, Litany, Divine Mercy Chaplets, Exposition of Blessed Sacrament….Healing prayers… Please come and join the service.
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.
Father John Gallivan was born in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland on 8th February 1856.
He was ordained to the priesthood at All Hallows College Dublin on 24th June 1880. He was 24 years of age.
Fr Gallivan came to the Melbourne Archdiocese in November 1881 and was curate at Kilmore for five years.
In 1887 when Father John Gallivan was appointed to Gisborne, Sunbury was part of the Gisborne Mission. The new Gisborne Parish Priest was just thirty years of age.
In 1911 Archbishop Carr established the Parish of Sunbury with Father Gallivan as the first Parish Priest. Father Gallivan, now fifty five, took up residence in Sunbury.
Father Gallivan was transferred to Northcote in 1923 having spent thirty seven years caring for the people of Sunbury. He passed away in Northcote on 9th June 1939 and is buried in the Sunbury Cemetery. He was in his eighty fourth year.
He was held in great esteem by all. When leaving Gisborne to come to Sunbury a farewell was organised by the people of Gisborne and was attended by all the Ministers of the other denominations. The clergy of the other Churches all spoke well of him and this was widely reported in the local newspapers of the time. This was during a period in our history when Catholics were not encouraged to be involved with the other Churches.
Father Gallivan was a regular guest at Rupertswood the home of Sir William Clarke. When the Bishop attended ceremonies at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church he travelled to Sunbury by train and Father Gallivan would meet him at the station in Sir William’s carriage and they would be conveyed to Rupertswood for lunch prior to attending to the ceremonies. On the Sunday following the sudden death of Sir William, prayers and eulogies were offered in all Churches across Melbourne, but it is reported that it was the eulogy given by Fr Gallivan in the Sunbury Church that drew the most attention.
Father Gallivan was a great entrepreneur. He was renowned for his skills in organising bazaars and concerts featuring leading entertainers. Artists were always eager to be a part of anything he organised as the events were always of a high standard. The Grand Bazaar at Easter in 1901 was an example. Lady Clarke officially opened the Bazaar and there was a great coverage of the event in the local Sunbury Newspaper.
Father Gallivan rode a horse and in the early days at Gisborne this would have been his mode of transport to Sunbury. There is a chimney on the roof of the sacristy at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church so presumably at some stage there was a fireplace which some kind parishioner would have alight to greet Father Gallivan on his arrival from Gisborne on the cold winter mornings.
Father Gallivan visited parishioners in a horse and buggy. He travelled to Bulla for Sunday Mass at St Michaels and as there were rules of fasting from midnight before receiving the Eucharist, it would be lunchtime before he got back to Sunbury and was able to eat.
During his time in Sunbury a harmonium organ was purchased for Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. The bell was installed in a bell tower to summon parishioners to Mass. Each day the students of Our Lady of Mt Carmel rang the bell at twelve noon for the Angelus. This was looked forward to by the people in the town as they eagerly waited for it to be rung each day as it signalled that it was time for their lunch break.
Father Gallivan was one of the officials of the Sunbury Cricket Club formed in 1897. The population of Sunbury in 1897 was 705.
A parishioner and former student of Our Lady of Mt Carmel School recalled that during heavy rain the Blind Creek near Kismet would flood and students would not be able to get across to get home. Father Gallivan used to bring his buggy and ferry the students across.
His greatest achievement was that he was instrumental in requesting that the Sisters of St Joseph come to Sunbury in 1916. He personally donated the land for the Convent.
He was held in such high esteem by the people of Gisborne that Gallivan Road in Gisborne has been named in his honour.
This is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.” The harvest is great but the labourers are few. Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more labourers into the Harvest.” In today’s Gospel, the Evangelist records that unlike the thief who enters the sheepfold by another way, the Good Shepherd enters by the door. The Sheep hear his voice, he calls them by name and leads them out. Will you hear the Lord’s voice when he calls you? Will you choose the vocation that He has made for you? He has chosen YOU for some work. If you do not do it, it will not get done!
Last Friday, Linh graduated with a Bachelor of Theology from the University of the Melbourne College of Divinity. Linh studied at the Catholic College of Theology, a member college of the University. Well done, Linh Pham B. Theol.
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.
After 14 days in hospital, I am now in respite at our Priests’ Hostel which is supported by your contributions to the First Collection—thank you.
Please continue to pray for my recovery.
Thank you for your prayers and good wishes.
…..Kevin McIntosh
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
“Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us?” Jesus appeared five times to people on the day of His Resurrection. This was most likely the fourth appearance, as these two disciples walked the seven mile distance to Emmaus. The conversation of the men indicates that they were aware of the reports from others that the Lord had risen and had been seen. Yet they seemed to be uncertain. It is difficult to imagine their excitement recognizing Jesus, but an indication of that is the fact that even though they have just made the walk to Emmaus, they turn and go back to Jerusalem, we assume with great haste.
The first reading from Acts shows us a very different Peter than the one we have known. Having received the Holy Spirit and having personally witnessed Christ’s Resurrection, Peter is a man on fire with faith. He speaks with confidence and authority, and although the rest of the Apostles are there, he has clearly become the spokesman.
What St. Peter urges us to do is to have that same fire, that same commitment, so that our hearts can be burning within us with the knowledge of our salvation. Peter tells us to “Listen to my words” and “Hear my words.” We could add to that “Understand my words,” as we seek to live out our discipleship, our stewardship as followers of Christ.
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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
A working bee will be held at St Anne’s Church on Saturday 5 April from 9am. Please bring along your tools. The more the merrier!!
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” This refrain from Psalm 118 rings throughout the Church on this glorious Easter Sunday. His Holiness Pope Francis will echo that by proclaiming “He is risen!” from the balcony of St. Peter Basilica.
In today’s Gospel reading from John the empty tomb is described and emphasized. Although Peter and John, upon inspecting the tomb “saw and believed,” it was not the empty tomb that they began to proclaim throughout Judea and beyond, it was the Lord’s Resurrection.
That is the reason for our joy. For us as Catholics and Christians, this is the hope promised us by Christ. We are all familiar with that familiar phrase: “faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.” That is a formula for being a good steward as in sharing our love we fulfill our roles as disciples of Christ. To that formula on this magnificent Easter, we can add “Joy.”
Jesus fully understood the purpose of His life on earth. He endured the Cross for us with that purpose in mind. We each need to seek, find, and carry out the joy-filled purpose for our own lives.
Copyright © 2014 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
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.
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS (5th Dec)
The Story of the Magi (known best to us as the Three Wise Men) is one that has captured the hearts of most of us since we were small children. It is so filled with imagery and stewardship connotations that there is scarcely space to include all of it.
Historians point as much to this occurrence as to any to account for giving at Christmas. The Magi brought gifts — treasures according to the Bible — and presented them to the Christ Child. It was not just the gifts, however. “They prostrated themselves and paid him homage.” St. John Chrysostom once wrote, “The rich person is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much, for what is given away remains theirs forever.”
The steward comprehends that everything she or he possesses is merely on loan from God. The Magi understood that so they gave gifts of the greatest treasure. They also understood the holiness of what had occurred, as they fell to their knees and worshipped the Lord.
Initially the Magi had gone to a palace to seek the baby Jesus. Reality was that He was in a humble place and of humble means. As we reflect upon this event, in humility we need to seek the faith and sense of stewardship shown by these strangers from the East.
Copyright © 2014 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
The parish has some jobs for a suitably qualified carpenter to attend to. If you are interested, please contact the Parish Office on 9744 1060.
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.
On Thursday, October 3, 41 men of the Pontifical North American College received the Order of Deacon. They were ordained by James Cardinal Harvey. Also at the altar were 300 concelebrating priests, including some from Australia.
After the Mass of the Ordination of Deacons the new Deacons returned to their College for a get-together with friends and family of all. Later they broke into more intimate family groups with friends and clergy from home.
More photos can be viewed here http://www.flickr.com/photos/pnac/sets/
On the walls of our Gathering space are posted the reports and proposals of our numerous parish groups which were presented at our Parish Assembly on 7th September.
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.
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.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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