As we put up our Christmas trees, let us reflect on the symbolism: by a tree we were lost, by a tree we were saved: the Christmas tree, in a sense, prefigures the Easter cross also it is evergreen symbolising new life or eternity. A new book by Bernd Brunner places the first Christmas tree in Estonia in 1441.
               …..Kevin McIntosh

 

THANK YOU to Jo Wiegerink and Jim Reilly for the beautiful work they have done on restoring the Christmas statues and building a new stable. The crib will be assembled next Tuesday by Eileen and Kelvin Cardillo, for all to enjoy.

Caritas Australia Media Release – Crisis spreads in the Congo. Church Leaders say the Democratic Republic of Congo is on the brink of war.  Read the Bishops of Africa’s full statement at http://www.caritas.org.au/media. To support Caritas Emergency response, donations can be made to Caritas Australia Congo Appeal at www.caritas.org.au/donate.

The Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project presents Julian Burnside A.O Q.C., a leading advocate for the human rights of asylum seekers, on Mon 10th Dec 2012 from 7.30 – 9.30 pm at St Joseph’s Hall, 274 Rouse Street, Port Melbourne. Melway Map 2JC6.  Admission: $20  $15 Student/Senior.  Includes Supper. Rsvp email gm_moore@bigpond.net.au

Thank you to the generous parishioners of Sunbury for their kind donation of $665.25 for the Catholic Deaf.
We will send this money to them this week.

 “An experience of Catholic Culture” Catholic Theological College Study Tour & Pilgrimage on 15 Nov to 14 December 2013.
Ireland– England– Spain– Italy.
Tour leaders: Rev Prof Austin Cooper omi AM & Dr Frances Baker rsm.
Information session: Thursday 6 December 2012 between 5-7pm.
RSVP & further information: Dr Frances Baker rsm
Phone 9412 3303 or email fbaker@ctc.edu.au

The topic for the final conversation for 2012 will be “Refugees” with Bruno Lettieri, with guest speakers.
On Monday 26 November at 6.30pm.
$10 entry or $5 for secondary students.
RSVP 0422 298 643 or blettieri@scr.vic.edu.au.

Please pause to remember our HIV positive brothers and sisters this World AIDS Day December 1. HIV positive people can be highly stigmatised, and can easily fall into poverty and depression. HIV affects 34 million people globally. On this day, let us support those who live with HIV/AIDS, and remember those who have passed away.
World AIDS Day Mass at St. Francis Church, Lonsdale Street Melbourne.
Friday November 30 at 5.30pm.

Saturday 1 December at 10.30am, St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne.
Mass of hope and comfort for the sick and fragile.
The Lourdes Day Mass is hosted by the Order of Malta and supported by the Development Office of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
There will be a blessing of the sick by the Archbishop with water from the spring at the Shrine of Lourdes.
Each attendee will receive a gift bag containing a small bottle of Lourdes Water, rosary beads and a “How to pray the Rosary’ card.

“Labouring for the Common Good” by Senator John Madigan and Dr Matthew Tan. Lecture Theartre, Daniel Mannix Building, Australia Catholic University at 15 Young St, Fitzroy from 7pm Tuesday 13 November.
RSVP Mark Clarke 9926 5727.

Healing Workshop on Saturday 17 November from 1-5pm Sunbury Youth Centre, 52-54 Evans St, Sunbury.
$10 per person.
Healing Service on Sunday 18 November 10am-12 noon, Sunbury Memorial Hall, Stawell St, Sunbury.
Healing takes many different forms– physically, spiritually, emotionally just to name a few.
If you would like to be part of these events, guest speakers will inspire healing for those in need.

A Giant  car-boot sale with craft stalls will be held by Sunbury Uniting Church on the Village Green and inside the church hall, on Saturday 17th November from 8.30am.
There will be outside car sites (over 60 cars!!) and inside craft stalls.
Site prices: cars $20, inside craft stalls $20.
To book a site, ring Helen on 9744 3031 or 0407 506 507.

BREAKING THE SILENCE

 (Leaders: Bernard Heaney -Team Leader – Community Mental Health.
Hume Region- and colleagues)
“Starts with a reflection about the old institution on top of the hill in Sunbury and the changing face of mental health. Proceeds to a bit of education about the mental health conditions that can present themselves and the issues that this presents for people and their families – and reveals some of the local options for support – and of course discussion, questions, comments, experiences and reflections”
Duration: One-off
Date: Wed 7th November,2012
Starting time: 5pm (till 6.30pm) Venue: Rupertswood mansion

A few years ago in our parish, we were lucky enough to run the Alpha program. The Alpha program is based on welcome, hospitality, sharing and prayer.
Information and training sessions will be coming up on Saturday 10 November from 9.30am –4.30pm at St Francis of Assissi, Mill Park.
Another session will be held on Sunday 11 November from 9.30am –4.30pm at Thomas Carr Centre, East Melbourne.
Cost $20 per person with morning tea and lunch included.

Members are offering a Mass on Friday 9 November at 9.15am for all the Souls of the Faithful departed who were members and auxiliaries in our parish.

Our Parish is holding a Memorial Serivice on Thursday 8 November at 7.30pm in St Anne’s Church.
We welcome all those who wish to remember family members who have entered eternal life in a beautiful meditative memorial service.
Please feel free to bring a photo of your loved one and join us for supper afterwards.

7th November 2012 at 12 noon in the Co-op Bookshop, Bailieu Library Building, Melbourne University of a new Book  “A Decision to Discriminate. Aboriginal Disempowerment in the Northern Territory”
Speakers:  Hon Alastair Nicholson AO RFD QC, Elder Rosalie Kunoth- Monks OAM from Utopia NT, Professor Muriel Bamblett AM, CEO Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency.
Cost Free.
RSVP – info@concernedaustralians.com.ua or leave message at 03 9415 7164.    Melways Ref 2BC7.

Morning Tea will be held after 8.30am Mass this Sunday and is hosted by Studley Park Neighbourhood.
Please bring a plate to share. All welcome.

The Melbourne Male Voice Praise Choir will be performing at St Andrews Uniting Church on Sunday 21 October. Call Helen on 9744 3031 or 0407 506 507 for further information. Any offers to provide plates for afternoon tea welcome.
$20 for Adults, $5 under 18.
Bookings essential.

ANNUAL PARISH DINNER DANCE

Saturday 10 November 2012 at  7.00pm at the Calabria Club, Uniting Lane Bulla. $50.00 a head for a 4 course meal including beer, wine and soft drinks.
Please get behind this fun event and join in for the dancing and great music.
Lots of prizes.
For further details contact Eileen Cardillo on 5428 5354, Dot Anderson 9740 8164 or Maree Salm 9744 1657.
Tickets will be available after all Masses on 27 & 28 October and last chance to get tickets will be 3 & 4 November.
Alternatively, please call Eileen or Dot for tickets anytime.