PARISH HIGH TEA

HighTeaHIGH TEA CANCELLED

Unfortunately this event has been cancelled due to low numbers. Sincere thanks to those who supported the event. Another event will be organised in the near future.

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

ten-lepers2CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

At the heart of stewardship is gratitude. The Greek philosopher Epicurus wrote, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” There is certainly stewardship wisdom in that quote.

It follows upon the wisdom that is displayed in today’s readings. In the Gospel from Luke, for example, Jesus cures 10 lepers. They have been given something — health – which they once only hoped for. Yet only one of them, a Samaritan as a matter of fact, returns to the Lord to thank Him. Jesus says “Where are the other nine?”

Stewardship expects us to focus on our gifts, on our many blessings, not on what we may not have, or what we may have been denied. Not only do we need to concentrate on those gifts, but we need to take the time to thank God and others who may have provided us those gifts. When was the last time you actually thanked your parents for the gift of life? When did you last thank your spouse for all that he or she may have done for you? When did you last thank God in prayer?

According to many Catholic encyclopedias, there are five kinds of prayer — adoration, contrition, love, petition, and thanksgiving. For the good steward, those prayers of thanksgiving should be foremost.

Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

DIACONATE ORDINATION OF REV. MR. MATT BALDWIN

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.

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More photos can be viewed here http://www.flickr.com/photos/pnac/sets/

FROM LITURGY TEAM — PRAYER OF SORROW

???????????????????????????????Prayer of Sorrow: in response to the abuse of children in institutions

On Wednesday 13th November in St Anne’s Church at 7pm, a service called “Prayer of Sorrow: in response to the abuse of children in institutions” will be held.
We wish to acknowledge the abuse that has happened in our Church in the past. We wish to welcome everyone to the service. We invite those who were physically affected by abuse, families of those abused and all parishioners who have felt betrayed by the treatment of the abused by the Church. We would wish that all parishioners could come and by their presence say that we are sorry for the hurt done by our Church. Experts tell us that healing only begins when trust is established. Trust is based on truth. Truth comes packaged in honesty and humility.

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

parable_of_the_mustard_seedCATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6) As is the case with Jesus’ statements almost always, there is a stewardship message here.

Most of us are aware that a mustard seed is incredibly small; in fact, it was one of the smallest seeds known in Jesus’ earthly world. The mulberry tree, on the other hand, was known to have a vast and large network of roots which spread far out from the trunk of the tree.

Jesus’ point is that faith cannot be measured by size or depth. It is as if He is saying that the key is quality, not quantity. It is not the size of one’s faith, but its presence, and the willingness of each person to rely on that faith in trying times.

One of the most important facets of stewardship is trust in God. It is that trust –– a trust built on faith –– which gives us the strength to follow lives of stewardship and service. What Jesus is saying at the end of today’s Gospel, “…we have done what we were obliged to do,” is that service, another important part of stewardship, should be a privilege, not a burden.

Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

EVERGREENS

We are invited to the police concert and luncheon Tuesday 15 October 2013, 11.30-2.30pm Memorial Hall.
Due to heavy bookings we have been allocated only 16 places.
Bookings essential by Wednesday 8 October.
Phone Francis 97441999.

RECESSIONAL HYMN – FOR AND AGAINST

choir-clipartThose at the Parish Assembly would have noted that Mt Lion Neighbourhood proposed Recessionals (leaving hymn….ed) be part of the Mass. At the Liturgy Meeting on Tuesday night, it was discussed and decided that an uplifting instrumental piece be used at the end of each Mass. This will be reviewed at our next meeting.

A note from a document that was prepared for Westminster diocese “At Your Word Lord” process by the Liturgy Office of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales © 2005 Liturgy Office, Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

In the Roman Rite of Mass the final hymn is not mentioned neither in the Missal or the General Instruction. It is an accretion which was added when the ‘four-hymn sandwich’ was introduced as way of encouraging people to sing at Mass in the vernacular when there was not other material to enable the singing of the liturgy itself.
Experience shapes expectations. We tend to believe that what we have done is right and that we cannot imagine alternatives. But having already been fed by word and sacrament, is there in fact need for a further song before we give ourselves to our mission to love and serve the Lord?
What might happen?
The final song of the Mass, according to the Missal, is the song of thanksgiving after communion. After everyone responds ‘Thanks be to God’ to the dismissal they process out, perhaps to joyful instrumental music, led by priest and ministers. There is chance to talk to one another outside before beginning a new week strengthened by word and Eucharist.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a final hymn?
    For: we are used to it; it rounds things off nicely. It gives another opportunity for picking up the themes we have identified. It covers the procession. We enjoy it.

   Against: it prevents us responding immediately in both words and action to the dismissal. It is padding. Half the congregation have left anyway.

What might we do?
It would be a real challenge for many parishes to move from a final hymn to a procession out together. Like many changes it would require cooperation of the priest and other ministers together with careful preparation, and catechesis. It would be important to respect that some members of assembly may wish to stay where they are.
As mentioned above it is an ideal opportunity for music from an organ or other instruments. The other possibility is to sing a short song or chant. Like singing in the communion procession whatever is sung should not need books or sheets.

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THANK YOU

thanksThe family of Elvie Williams wish to thank Fr Kevin, Sr Jose, Carmel, Val and all parishioners for their prayers and support during Elvie’s time at Riddell Grardens and on her passing to eternal life.

MARCH FOR THE BABIES

March for the Babies is a pro-life peaceful witness beginning in the Treasury Gardens on the corner of Spring Street and Wellington Parade and moving to Parliament House on next Saturday 12 October at 1.00pm. The aim is to protect unborn children and prevent mothers being hurt. The Ministers of the Sunbury Churches endorsed this witness at their meeting last week.

PARISH MEETING NIGHT

meeting-room

Parish Meeting Night 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 North), 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.

WEEKEND FOR CHAPPY

On Saturday 12 October some special activities have been arranged by the Sunbury Chaplaincy Committee to raise much needed funds for the Chaplains in the Sunbury Community.  A sausage sizzle will be held at 6 different locations on Saturday 12 October. On that same evening a fun Trivia night has been arranged at Sunbury Memorial Hall with an exciting auction, major raffle and musical entertainment.  A special collection will also be taken up on the weekend of 5/6 October to support the Chaplains in the Sunbury schools.

2 DAY PARISH YOUTH RETREAT — CANCELLED

prayerCANCELLED

A two day Youth Retreat will be held in the Parish Centre on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.  The program is titled “Knowing God”. The program has been designed by YMT Australia and is aimed to help our youth in their faith journey. There are 5 sessions:

  1. Uniqueness & Individuality
  2. Loving & Accepting Others
  3. Jesus– An Intimate Friend
  4. The Power of Affirmation
  5. Where to from here?

Any youth wishing to attend this retreat will need to contact the Parish Office on 9744 1060 as we will need to know numbers attending for catering and cost purposes.

PLEASE HELP

As a way of supporting our Youth, we are asking all parishioners to supply food for the duration of the program. We will need lunch and dinner. Morning and afternoon tea will be supplied by the Parish. Please contact the Parish office on 9744 1060 to let me know what you can supply to meet the demands of those attending.

PARISH HIGH TEA

HighTeaHIGH TEA
NEW DATE!!!!

High Tea will be held on Tuesday October 15 from 1pm to 4pm. Our last event went very well, so please come along and share high tea and a few laughs. We will have the fashion show and a raffle where everyone wins– but there will be a twist this time!
Please RSVP to Jo on 9744 1060 by September 23 for catering purposes.
Tickets are $30.00.
Fashion show will be by Postie Fashions and 10% of sales go to charity.

CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN

Christmas_treeBThe message of Christ brought to the Community by the combined churches of Sunbury
Saturday 14th December 2013

Activities starting 5pm. Nativity Stable with real animals, puppet show, clowns and crafts, food and drink stalls. This is followed by Carols on the Green at 7pm. Workers are needed for setting up tents and foodstalls and for actors in the stables. Everyone is very welcome.

CHRISTMAS SINGERS

Carolers005The Sunbury Combined Churches Chorale is beginning to prepare for Carols on the Green and St Mary’s Lessons and Carols Service and invites you to join us. Rehearsals are on Monday nights 7.30pm to 8.30pm in St Mary’s Church from the 7th October. Enquiries to Gwen Hutcheson 9740 5258

PARISH DONKEY HEALTH REPORT

Our DonkeyA recent inspection of our donkey found him very well cared for so that his excess of weight has gone. He has been booked for “Christmas on the Green” on the 14th December.

(The Editor will be checking with the donkey to get some tips)

SING A LONG

Singing A Sing-a-Long will be held at Goonawarra Nursing Home on Friday 4 October from 2.30pm to 3.15pm. All welcome. Come and catchup with old parishioners and friends and relatives.