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PARISH COORDINATING TEAM MEETING 3RD FEB 2010

We started our first meeting for 2010 with a prayer and reflection on the current “Year for Priests”. We prayed

That the Simplicity of the Gospel may reach the ends of the Earth

We then recited Mary’s Magnificat, followed by a reading from Mark

Jesus called them and said, `You know the people who rule over countries make their people obey them. The great will tell the others what to do.
But that is not the way it is among you. Anyone among you who wants to be great must help the others.
Anyone among you who wants to be first shall be a servant to the others.
The Son of Man did not come to have others help him. But he came to help others. He came to give his life to make many people free.’

We continued with prayers of intersession and finished with the Lord’s Prayer.

Then it was down to the evening’s business.
We looked again at “Journeying Together”, the book of analysis and diagnosis that resulted from the continuing Parish Renewal sessions held in August and September 2006. In particular we looked at the problems with the then current structures for Parish Decision-Making and with the current structures for Making Proposals and for Planning. The basic problem was seen to be that the decision makers were unrepresentative and that there was no means of reporting back. Also that the processes have to be sufficiently visible so as to promote participation.
With this in mind we decided to move the proposed Parish Assembly back a little and hold a Formation Session of one and a half hours for Neighbourhood Teams, groups of Parish Posties, and indeed anyone who may be interested. These sessions will cover both the spirituality of what needs to be done as well as the practicalities. There will be a choice of times and dates (2nd and 3rd March) to try and spread as wide a net as possible. It is then to be hoped that the attendees will take the information back to their neighbourhoods, groups, friends etc. and assist the whole parish to become an active participant in the upcoming Assembly.

The Dedication of the Altar, Ambo, etc. at St Anne’s Church was discussed, as was the working bee for cleaning up around the church on the 6th Feb from 9.00am to 12.00. Indeed a group from the local Knights of the Southern Cross were out shortly after this meeting removing dead wood etc from the St Anne’s grounds.

The next item was a discussion of activities for the second half of the Year for Priests. Tenative proposals were for a dinner on the 23rd May and a working bee around the presbytery.

Finally there was a report back on the Parish Centenary Book (………a work in progress), and a suggestion that an A3 signature booklet be produced in full colour (4 X A4 pages) containing information about the parish and some of our timeline as well. The plan would be to get this publication incorporated into the “Home-Buyers Pack” that is handed out by local real estate firms.

The next meeting will be on the 4th March, immediately following the “Building Communities” formation sessions.

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PLEASE RETURN

Two framed photos of Fr Gallivan and Fr Kevin are missing from the Historical Display room.
These are needed for display at centenary in March. Prior permission for borrowing any item must be obtained from the Parish Office.

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VOCATION VIEW

The Lord says: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I dedicated you.” Always listen to an Old Friend.

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RUPERTSWOOD CRICKET CLUB

The Rupertswood Cricket Club would like to invite all past and present members to help celebrate our first 20 seasons on Saturday 6 February, at 7.30 at Rupertswood Clubrooms.
Contact Michael 0417 597 721 or Warren 0413 867 725 for more details.

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EMMAUS CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP

The Emmaus Charismatic Prayer Group will resume meeting at St Anne’s Church at 10.15am on Thursday 4 February. All welcome including children.
For more info/transport please contact Lambert & Elaine van der Weerden on 9744 4029.

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THE SYMBOLISM BEHIND THE DEDICATION CEREMONY

The Anointing of the Altar

By being anointed with consecrated oil of Chrism, the altar becomes a symbol of Christ, who before all others is called “The Anointed One”; for the Father anointed him with the Holy Spirit and constituted him the High Priest who on the altar of his body would offer the sacrifice of his life for the salvation of all.

Incense

Is burned on the altar to signify that the sacrifice of Christ, which is then perpetuated in mystery, ascends to God as an odour of sweetness, and also is a sign that the prayers of the people rise up pleasing and acceptable, reaching to the throne of God. The People of God are incensed for they are the living temple in which each faithful member is a spiritual altar.

The white cloth on the altar

Indicates that the Christian altar is the altar of the eucharistic sacrifice and the table of the Lord; standing around it priests and people, in one and the same action but with a difference of function, celebrate the memorial of the death and resurrection of Christ and partake in the Lord’s Supper. The altar is prepared as the table of sacrificial banquet and adorned as for a feast. This is the Lord’s Table at which all God’s people meet with joy to be refreshed with divine food, namely the Body and Blood of Christ sacrificed.

The lighting of the altar

Teaches us that Christ is “a light to enlighten the nations” (Luke 2:32), whose brightness shines out in the Church and through it upon the whole family of humanity. (Taken from “Rite of Dedication”)

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REMINDER

Reminder to all parents from schools other than the two Parish Schools: The first meeting in preparation for First Communion will be held at St. Anne’s Church on Tuesday 16 February at 7.00pm.

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DEDICATION MASS AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH NEXT SUNDAY AT 10.30AM

Bishop Tim Costelloe, Bishop of the Northern Region of Melbourne, will preside at his first liturgy in our parish. In recent weeks we have described the ceremony which is very beautiful, full of symbolism and good music. After the Mass finishes about 12noon, we are invited to lunch together in the Parish Centre, please bring some lunch to share. Tea and coffee will be provided.

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VOCATION VIEW

The word of God becomes the flesh of God when YOU live it in your life. Believe what you read; live what you believe. Be another Christ.

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PLEASE RETURN!

Two framed photos of Fr Gallivan and Fr Kevin are missing from the Historical Display room.
These are needed for display at centenary in March. Prior permission for borrowing any item must be obtained from the Parish Office.

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DEDICATION OF ALTAR AT ST ANNE’S – TWO WEEKS TODAY

The Dedication within the 10.30am Mass will begin with the blessing of the baptismal font, followed by the renewal of our baptismal vows; then the blessing of the presider’s chair; the blessing of the ambo, the Table of the Word. The readings will be specific for this occasion. After the homily, we will pray the Litany of the Saints, then the relics of some saints will be installed in the altar; our relics are Bishop St Francis de Sales, the widow St Jane Frances de Chantal and the nun St Margaret Mary Alacoque.
Then follows the spectacular ceremony of anointing and incensation of the altar. Then the Liturgy of the Eucharist commences with the Procession of gifts. After Holy Communion is distributed the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament will be inaugurated. Please all bring a plate of finger food to share for a light lunch together in the Parish Centre at 12 noon.

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SCHOOL DAMAGE

Victoria Police have taken possession of very clear CCTV evidence of five youths breaking into our school at 2.30am on Friday and damaging the children’s’ sports equipment.

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PROGRESS REPORT ON WORKS

  • Last week the external of the permanent and temporary classrooms of O.L.M.C. School was painted in heritage colours. All classrooms have been cabled for power, data and security.
  • At St Anne’s, internal painting and plastering has been proceeding in the ¾ level area.
  • The steel roof of the bell tower has been fabricated
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The Year of the Priest: June 2009 – June 2010

In recent years, studies have shown how happy priests are. The Presbyterian sociologist Dean Hoge:

“the level of happiness among Catholic priests is fairly high”.

In 2001, 88% said they would choose priesthood again. The Catholic sociologist Fr Greeley wrote in 2004

“priests score higher on measures of satisfaction than do doctors, lawyers, faculty members and Protestant ministers”.

92% said they would choose priesthood again.

These professional studies show that priests are not ‘unfulfilled emotional wrecks’ as sometimes portrayed.
Hoge listed three top personal problems for priests: low authority exercised in the church, too much work and thirdly unrealistic expectations by lay people.

Feel free to leave a comment below.

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THE BEGGINING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Last week those who did VCE in 2009 received their tertiary education places. Those I have spoken to are happy with their places.
This week , the school year commences – Wednesday for staff, beginning with Mass at St Anne’s on the feast of St Angela Merici. All are welcome to this Mass.
Our three schools: O.L.M.C., Salesian and St Anne’s now have major building programmes totalling about $11 million. These works will substantially improve facilities for our children.

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FOUNDATIONS FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY

This Program is for those in parish ministries and other settings to enable them to learn more about their faith and to assist them in their Christian ministries. Brochures of courses beginning in February are at the Welcome Desk.

The entire life of the disciple is marked by learning and growth. Life long growth in faith is an essential Characteristic of adult catholic life. John Paul 11