Twice each year we offer the opportunity for children of any age who are attending school to be Baptised. If you are interested in having a school aged child baptised, contact the Parish Office on 9744 1060 not later than Friday 6 June.
NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP – NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK
Each year from May 27th to June 3rd National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
How might we walk the talk? There are several local events being held to celebrate Reconciliation Week. Join Richard Franklin for an evening of singing, yarning and film viewing on Wednesday 28th May from 6.30 pm (venue to be advised). A lunch is being held at the Sunbury Community Health Centre on Thursday 29th May from 12 pm – 1.30 pm. RSVP for both these events by Monday 25th to Gail Radford 9744 4455 or gailr@sunburychc.org.au
Hume Council is having a tree planting day and BBQ at Kangan Tafe Indigenous Education Centre in Broadmeadows on Wednesday 28th May between 10 am and 12.30 pm. Registration is required.
For more information visit livegreenhume.eventbrite.com.au. Friend of the Parish, Uncle Norm Hunter, was instrumental in setting up this Centre and there is a memorial garden there honouring Norm.
CONFIRMATION 2014: INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION SESSIONS
Information and registration for parents and guardians of children who wish to be Confirmed this year will be held at the Parish Centre at 2.00pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday 3 June. If your child wishes to be confirmed this year please attend one of these sessions.
Confirmation will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne, on Sunday 24 August at 2.00pm or 4.00pm.
LEGION OF MARY AND OLMC YOUTH GROUP: PRAYER SERVICE FOR FR KEVIN
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.
PMN………….PARISH MEETING NIGHT 16th JULY
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.
OUR FIRST PARISH PRIEST — FATHER JOHN GALLIVAN
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.
FREE E-BOOK FOR COMPUTER OR E-READER–SON OF GOD: THE DAILY GOSPEL YEAR A-2
This e-book, which may be downloaded free of charge to a computer or e-reader, offers the Gospel for every day of the Liturgical Year A-2 (Sundays Year A, weekdays Year 2), together with a reflection of some 750 words on each daily Gospel. It contains the Gospel passages not only for this present but for any A-2 Liturgical Year in the future, together with their respective reflections. It may be passed on to friends or acquaintances as desired. It carries the Imprimatur of the Bishop of Parramatta. Son of God: The Daily Gospel Year A-2 may be accessed at the following address: www.catholic-thoughts.info/ebook/
GARDENING AGM
JGNG will hold its annual general meeting on Sunday 25 May 2014 in the garden at 12 noon. Bring your own barbeque food.
All welcome.
For more info call Carmel or Jo Wiegerink on 9744 57.
OVERSEAS HUMANITARIAN PROJECT – A “THANK YOU”
Thanks to the generosity of the OLMC Parish Community, a donation of almost $6,000 has been sent as an initial contribution to the Catholic University in Jakarta to support the children living with HIV-AIDS. We received the following “thank you” note from Nita Anggriawan who coordinates the support program:
“What a good news! We are very grateful for the generosity of Sunbury parishioners. Send our warm regards to them. We will provide you the receipt and our activities report during the year. Again, thank you very much for the loving support for these children. Your lovely attention will brighten their life”
Mick Hetherington, Julie Reddan and Tony Kiley on behalf of the Parish Coordinating Team.
MESSAGE FROM POPE FRANCIS
In October this year, a meeting for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family will take place. Pope Francis has asked that we all pray for the success of the Synod. Prayer Cards/ Fridge Magnets are available at the Welcome Desk for us to pray with our daily meals. Pope Francis asks
“Dear families, your prayer for the Synod of Bishops will be a precious treasure which enriches the Church. I thank you, and ask you to pray also for me, so that I may serve the People of God in truth and in love. May the protection of the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph always accompany all of you and help you to walk united in love and in caring for one another. I willingly invoke on every family the blessing of the Lord.”
From the Vatican 2 February 2014.
FIRST COMMUNION
Children will begin to receive the sacrament of Eucharist on this weekend 17/18 May at 6pm, 10.30am and 5.30pm masses 24/25 May at 6pm, 10.30am and 5.30pm, masses and 31 May/1 June at 6pm, 10.30am and 5.30pm masses. Please keep these children in your prayers.
FOUNDATION YEAR 2015 AT OUR SCHOOLS. Interviews of parents and children have commenced and continue until Friday 30 May at the Parish Office. It is essential the prospective student attends with the parents or guardians.
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY 11 MAY 2014
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!
CHAPLAINCY SUNDAY APPEAL
Next weekend is Chaplaincy Sunday in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The presence of Catholic Chaplains provides hope to those suffering from loneliness, physical illness, mental health challenges and HIV/AIDS. As well as those facing youth detention, a prison sentence or long bouts of time at sea, away from Church support, family and friends. The presence of Catholic Chaplains is also a crucial witness to our faith, a crucial dimension of our service of love, and a vital testimony to the value of life in all its stages. You are invited and encouraged to take home the envelopes in the seats next weekend . Donations will go towards supporting Chaplains who work with:
- Patients and their families in public hospital
- Those affected by menal illness
- Men and women in Prisons
- Young people in youth justice facilities
- Seafarers
PASCHAL MYSTERY BANNERS…….Big version
On Sunday the 4th May the Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel celebrated the installation of a set of Liturgical Banners with a blessing during the 8.30am Mass at St Anne’s Church, Sunbury in the presence of the Liturgical Artist, Judy Dioszegi and the architect, Randall Lindstrom.
Project Design
The project began early in 2013 with a reconvening of the steering committee that had been elected at a Parish Assembly to guide the updating of the interior of St Anne’s Church. The task was to consider ways in which the expanse of the blank brick curtain wall behind the sanctuary might be made less of a blank space and more eye-catching. In the centre of the wall is a shape of a brick round tower, split by a stained glass window. Both these continue up and out of sight. The stained glass window shows the beginning of the story of Jesus from Mark’s Gospel chapter 1 with light streaming down from above.
While it may have been possible to fit windows or other artefacts into the walls it was considered that these would lessen the integrity of the great curtain walls themselves. After discussion with the architect, Randall Lindstrom, it was decided to investigate some form of liturgical banner or banners.
Banners have been used by human societies since the dawn of time to get attention, to inform, and to inspire action. They communicate on many levels through texts, colours, shapes, symbols, and shades.
The committee researched church tapestries both in Melbourne and overseas. The team of Judy Dioszegi and her daughter Debbie Vicini was chosen and over many months the design evolved.
“Randall, our artistic sounding board, ……came to our aid and helped refine the many ideas we were shuffling back and forth. Fr. Kevin and the committee were supportive with constructive comments and suggestions, and patience as we worked through the design process. And, at the end of many days, after much discussion, drawing, erasing, reworking and of course, lots of prayer, we had a direction, a theme, a story…the Resurrection.”………. Debbie Vicini
The final design of the banners was for them to start at the Crucifix and to move across the wall passing the stained glass window with its theme of the commissioning of the Son by the Father through the Spirit and on to the left-hand side of the wall with the Resurrection. To achieve this, the design takes our eyes from the dark blues, greys, and black of the sky at the Crucifixion, interspersed with lightning-like flashes of white in all directions, down towards the floor and across to the left. Once our eyes have passed the window they are directed upwards by the design, and the colours that started in darker shades get lighter as our eyes are lifted up, until the final panel of colours which represent the colours of our earth and our plants and where we are now as Children of the Resurrection. The horizontal arms of the Crucifix are continued across all panels to tie them into a whole and to suggest that there can be no Resurrection without the Crucifixion.
Production
(from a letter from Debbie Vincini)
There are 120 pieces in these 10 panels. Each piece is cut, backed, applied to a background and sewn. A paper pattern was created and carefully laid out to ensure accurate follow-through, which although we try, is seldom perfect. We like to think it adds authenticity, and is appreciated as a one-of-a-kind hand stamp of the artist. As well, the fabrics can have a mind of their own and sometimes one will act differently than another, unique in its qualities… like us. The process of one piece at a time is a discipline in patience, focus and sometimes frustration. While some days are rewarding, others are less so. Occasionally, we felt like, “Are we still working on this panel!”
And then, suddenly, a finished panel appeared. For me, this is the most satisfying part of any project. When I considered the large quantities of cloth in the studio, and the stacks of carefully cut pieces, and 9’ paper patterns all over, sometimes it seemed endless. But when the day came and everything was in its place and the last stitches had been sewn and we were looking at 10 beautiful completed panels, it was very rewarding. It gives me hope and keeps me focused on the idea that out of chaos came come incredible beauty, if you are patient, prayerful and positive.”………. Debbie Vicini
Celebration and Blessing
At the blessing of the banners Fr Bert Fullbrook SDB spoke of how we can see in these banners a representation of the Paschal Mystery which forms the most important part of the Church Year. He thanked the design and production team of Judy Dioszegi and her daughter Debbie Vicini and also thanked Randall Lindstrom, our liturgical architect, for his input. Thanks were also due to the installers Tony and Mario who have communicated with Judy by email many times and have spent several days and nights installing the tapestries. Finally thanks went to the Parish Team of Bingo volunteers (Graeme, Gary, Ray, Robert and Tony) who donated this tapestry.
Special mention was made of Fr Kevin McIntosh, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish who was the driving force behind the project but was prevented from being at the blessing by illness.
CONGRATULATIONS TO DEACON LINH
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.
PMN………….PARISH MEETING NIGHT
Last Tuesday evening 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 and the first Parish Meeting Night will take place on 9 July, being the second Wednesday of the month. 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.
FEAST OF THE VISITATION
The Maltese Gharb Club of Melbourne invites you to celebrate the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St Elizabeth on Sunday 1 June at St Bernadette’s Catholic Community Centre, Cooke Ave, North Sunshine. Mass at 2.30pm celebrated by Fr John Taliana . Followed by a social function in the foyer.
PARISH GROUPS (OUR YEAR OF FAITH)
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.
A PERSONAL NOTE
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
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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