LATEST NEWS

Posted on

ROYAL COMMISSION INTO THE MELBOURNE RESPONSE

The websites are not easy to find so here is the web addresses for transcripts, opening addresses etc. Scroll down the page for the information in MSWord or PDF format.
http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/791fd480-ba30-45bc-ba79-cbad85f27023/case-study-16,-august-2014,-melbourne

On this page are summaries of each days proceedings. Titled “Updates”. Note that the summaries are from the Truth, Justice and Healing Council.
http://www.tjhcouncil.org.au/royal-commission/case-study-16-melbourne-response/case-study-16-hearing-room-updates.aspx

 

Posted on

FEAST OF SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP

FEAST OF SAINT MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Friday a week ago the Universal Church celebrated 105 years since the death of St Mary of the Cross, MacKillop. Pope Benedict XVI on 17 October 2010 described her as “a holy woman who with courage and zeal, perseverance and prayer, dedicated her life to the needs of the young.” For the first time in the 2000 year history of our beloved Catholic Church, we could see an Australian– one from our own soil– a Saint of God! In the Canonisation ceremony, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was introduced as: “an Australian responsive to the will of God and totally trustful in Divine Providence; an Australian who lived in the presence of God from an early age; an Australian who had intense devotion to the Mass. She nurtured a love of the Blessed Sacrament and other devotions of her time, especially devotion to St Joseph; an Australian whose holiness was expressed in Christian virtues, especially the Catholic education of children of the poorer classes, the pastoral care of women prisoners, prostitutes and the fail elderly and orphans.” Even at her death in 1909 there were signs that the people of her time realized her saintly holiness: the Archbishop of Sydney at this time, Cardinal Moran stated, “I believe I have this day attended the death bed of a saint… her death will bring many blessings.” St Mary surely radiated God’s loving kindness in imitation of Jesus, gave light and hope to the marginalized ones of her time who lived in the shadows. May we do the same, as we now have our own Australian Saint to intercede for us and help us all to be characterized as people of loving kindness, trusting in Jesus alone.

During the past three years the prayers of the Sisters of St Joseph have been realized in the fusion (merging) of four of the Federation of Josephite Congregations, (Perthville, Tasmania, Canberra-Goulburn and Whanganui) with the Central Congregation, the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. With it brought many changes, but through prayer and listening to the voice of God, we are enjoying the richness we all share and the joy of living with Sisters who share the Josephite charism as given to Mary MacKillop and Fr Woods.
God, we praise you for the blessings that come to us here at Sunbury through St Mary MacKillop’s Sisters since 1916.

……..Sr Jose` Noy

Posted on

ROYAL COMMISSION TO REVIEW THE MELBOURNE RESPONSE

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has announced that it will be holding a public hearing commencing on Monday, 18 August 2014 to examine the Melbourne Response. The Royal Commission has allowed two weeks for the hearing. The scope and purpose of the hearing is to inquire into how the Melbourne Response has responded to victims of child sexual abuse and allegations of child sexual abuse against personnel of the Archdiocese, the experience of people who have engaged in the Melbourne Response and any other related matters. It is anticipated that the Royal Commission will hear from victims who have used the Melbourne Response, Archbishop Hart and Cardinal Pell who established the Melbourne Response whilst Archbishop of Melbourne as well as the Independent Commissioners, Compensation Panel and Carelink. The Archdiocese respects the Royal Commission and is committed to full cooperation with the inquiry being undertaken by the Royal Commission. Information about the involvement of the Archdiocese with the Royal Commission will be provided in further emails and available at www.cam.org.au/Royal-Commission. Our prayers are with the victims and their families and those entrusted with the conduct of the Royal Commission.

Posted on

RUPERTSWOOD CRICKET CLUB INC

Rupertswood logo“Birthplace of The Ashes”

REGISTRATION DAY

Saturday 23rd AUGUST 2014 9am – 12noon SportsCo Sunbury Square Shopping Centre, Evans Street Sunbury. New Players and Females welcome. Registration Forms Available on Club Website http://www.rupertswoodcc.org.au
Or Email Request  rupocc@optusnet.com.au
Enquires 0459 098 664 or 0421 991 519

Posted on

FEAST OF MARY MACKILLOP

Mary_mackillop

SUNBURY PARISH CELEBRATES: FEAST OF ST MARY MACKILLOP:
Friday 8 August 9.15am Mass at St Anne’s Church & 12.30 Paraliturgy by St Anne’s school children. Associates and Parishioners are invited to St Joseph’s Convent, 37 Macedon St for Afternoon Tea from 2-4pm.

ALSO:

To celebrate the feast of St Mary MacKillop, you are invited to visit the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, 362 Albert St, East Melbourne on Saturday 9 August between 10am and 4pm. You can tour the Museum, pray in the Chapel where Mary prayed, visit the Gift Shop and enjoy refreshments in the peaceful surroundings. A guided Mary MacKillop Walking Tour of Fitzroy & East Melbourne will be available at 11am.

Posted on

COMMUNION TO THE SICK AND HOUSEBOUND

This week as we think of the feeding of the 5000, we take some time to reflect on the “nourishment” shared in our Parish community.
Our Parish has a dedicated team of volunteers who regularly take Communion, Parish news and a friendly smile to about 25 housebound parishioners and about 100 residents of Sunbury
Aged Care facilities.
Our Volunteers are required to have a Police Check and Working with Children Check, both of which takes some detail and effort to
arrange.
We thank the team most sincerely for their commitment to this very important Ministry and the kindness they bring on behalf of our Parish.

Posted on

REPORT ON A VISIT TO THE HIV/AIDS SUPPORT TEAM IN JAKARTA

REPORT ON A VISIT TO THE HIV/AIDS SUPPORT TEAM AT THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY IN JAKARTA FRANK & JOY O’CONNOR REPRESENTING THE PARISH OVERSEAS HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT GROUP.

“On 18th June we initially met Professor Irwanto (the Project Director) and his support staff (including volunteers) who provide care for the families of children living with HIV/AIDS in the city’s slums. Professor Irwanto and the carers wanted us to pass on their sincere thanks to the parishioners of OLMC for the generous donations that have helped provide nutrition and medication to the children.
With the Support Team we then visited four families with HIV/AIDS children, all of them living in the very poorest parts of Jakarta.
The first was a boy of about 6 years who not only was HIV-infected but also had serious eye problems so that he could barely see. He also had other obvious physical problems. His mother who had AIDS, sat on the concrete floor with the boy on her lap, in a single room about 3m x 3m which they occupied. This was located near the end of a series of narrow alley-ways off a crowded street full of cars, motorbikes, pushbikes and people. Despite her dire circumstances the young mother could smile and showed much affection to her seriously ill child. The three case workers enquired as to how the boy and mother were managing and to check that he was being given the ART (Antiretroviral) medication essential for those infected with HIV.
Early in the afternoon we visited a small HIV+ boy in a community hospital. He had been admitted a few weeks earlier with severe malnutrition and after a touch & go struggle for survival he was starting to improve. A young uncle was staying at the small hospital to help look after the boy who was very listless during our visit but we did manage to coax a “high-five “from him when leaving. The concern for this child was to ensure he received adequate nutrition after leaving the hospital and this is where Professor Irwanto’ s support team play their role.
Our next visit was to an extremely poor area to see a woman living in a tiny room with a 5 year old HIV+ daughter. Several of us sat on the floor but others could only stand at the doorway. The woman also had an older boy who was HIV negative but had intellectual problems. Her other daughter aged about 17 had the most beautiful little baby who was sleeping on the bare floor. The temperature was in the 30’s, humidity extremely high and ventilation virtually non –existent!
The last visit of the day was to another HIV+ young child living with mother or grandmother in a tiny, tiny room so much so that only two of our visiting group could squeeze in to sit with her on the floor and chat and check on the welfare of the child & family. Most people living in these tiny dwellings simply roll out a thin mattress on the floor to sleep on at night. From previous visits the Support Team understood this family actually slept in the space above the dwelling ceiling which obviously was sagging down severely but which the landlord refused to have repaired.”
The Parish will continue to support this critical humanitarian initiative and will keep you informed of how your generous donations are being used to directly support the children. We thank Frank and Joy for taking the time to meet with Professor Irwanto and his team during their stay in Indonesia, a visit they funded themselves.

Posted on

THANK YOU

Thanks to those who supported the Youth Group Christmas in July on Saturday 26 July. The youth group raised $200 which will be donated to the Overseas Humanitarian Project that is being supported by parishioners from our Parish.

Posted on

O.L.M.C MINI VINNIES

Rotary Representative handing over cheque
Rotary Representative handing over cheque
collecting for the Winter Appeal
Collecting for the Winter Appeal

At the start of this year Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School created a group known as Mini Vinnies. We worked with Saint Vincent de Paul in Sunbury to organise the winter appeal at our school. We collected non-perishable items, blankets and warm clothing that can be given to people who are experiencing difficulties. Something else we have done was to write to the Sunbury Rotary group asking for some funding to undertake more projects. They very kindly donated $500 to our group. With the money we have decided to establish a vegetable garden and the produce will go to the Sunbury Community Kitchen. We are also going to use the money to help organise ‘Operation Christmas Child’.
We are hoping to fill 30 boxes for children in need this Christmas.
…..By Mackenzie and Erinn On behalf of O.L.M.C Mini Vinnies.

Posted on

NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK 2014

The theme this year is from Pope Francis’ Letter for World Day of Prayer for Vocations: “Every vocation is an exodus from self…it leads us on a journey of Adoration of the Lord…and service to him in our brothers and sisters.” A reminder to all of us that all vocations require sacrifice and service. Whether married, consecrated life, priesthood or apostolic celibacy– we are all called to serve God and our neighbour. Please pray that many young people may hear the Lord’s call to serve, particularly in priesthood and religious life.

Posted on

JACK AND GARRY REDDAN

Jack and Garry would like to thank the Parishioners for their thoughts and prayers. Jack has moved into care at Salford Park in Wantirna, close to his family. Garry has moved into care at Watergardens Aged Care in Sydenham to be central to all of his family. Both Jack and Garry leave the Parish with many fond memories after spending all their lives in our parish. Please continue to keep them both in your prayers.

Posted on

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN RCIA

RCIA stands fro the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a process whereby we can develop our relationship with God, each other and the Catholic community, while learning more about Jesus and His Church.
If you would like to know more about the Catholic faith, an Inquiry night will be held in the meeting room off the St Anne’s church foyer on Monday 4 August 2014 at 7.30pm that will last about an hour.
For more information please contact the Parish Office on 9744 1060 or Jo Wiegerink on 9744 5788. Those who have already inquired via the parish Office, please confirm your attendance by calling Jo direct. Thanks

Posted on

GRIEF, SUDDEN DEATH AND SIGNIFICANCE

In light of the recent tragedy of Flight MH17 and the loss of Sunbury Residents, Albert & Maree Rizk, Noel Mitaxa from Sports Chaplaincy Australia, has written a short document to help the Sunbury community through this difficult time. Noel led a minute of silence for the Rizk family at the Ballarat football game last weekend. The document speaks of how to recognize grief, ways to show practical support to each other, and a prayer for the family of Albert & Maree. Copies are available at the Welcome Desk in St Anne’s foyer and at OLMC Church. Copies can be obtained from the Parish Office if required.

Posted on

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME

1640_serversWelcome to Jessica Jacob and Philippa Carville on becoming the newest members of our Altar Servers team.
If you would like to join them give us a call Michael McConville 0417332186

Posted on

MORNING TEA

teacupMorning tea will be held after 8.30am Mass on Sunday 3 August and will be hosted by Mt Lion Neighbourhood. Please bring a plate to share. All are welcome.

Posted on

CALLING ALL WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER COUPLES, PRIESTS & RELIGIOUS

CALLING ALL WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER COUPLES, PRIESTS & RELIGIOUS
1974-2014 – 40 YEARS OF M.E. IN AUSTRALIA

Join us on Sun, 14 Sep for a full day of activity (9.15 am-5 pm). 9.30am mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral followed by presentations on the theme : Our M.E. Journey – Faith, Hope and Love. Following 9:30 Mass, join us in the Cathedral Room of the Cardinal Knox Centre, 383 Albert Rd. East Melb. BYO food/soft drinks for a shared community lunch. Wear something yellow/red on the day. For more Information and to RSVP (required for venue arrangements) contact Maria & Andre mob: 0411 225 992.

Have you attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend? Why not invest in your most precious asset…your marriage! Melbourne weekends 15-17 Aug & 21-23 Nov 2014. Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday. Accommodation and all meals provided. Information/Bookings:  PH: Marianne & Marcel  (03) 9733 0997 Email  vicbookings@wwme.org.au www.wwme.org.au