LATEST NEWS

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Leave comments below

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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

Posted on

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)

Posted on

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.

Posted on

STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

Rich_Man_And_LazarusCATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

St. Paul captures some important aspects of stewardship in the second reading today, as he tells Timothy to “pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.” That formula would seem to apply to being a good spouse, a good parent, a good sibling, a good neighbor, a good employee, a good boss, a good friend. Or, in other words be a good steward.

Stewardship, of course, recognizes how important our relationship to God is, as well as how we live out God’s love by loving others.  If we practice stewardship correctly, it is always on the edge of our consciousness, an important part of our decision-making, and an intricate part of how we live our lives every day, every minute, every place.

The Gospel from Luke may seem a bit heavy in the way it handles the rich man’s treatment of Lazarus. However, Jesus tells us over and over that we must be conscious of those around us; that we need to be aware of how we are blessed in relation to others; and we must appreciate that what we do is in preparation for the next life. Those who live lives of stewardship, who truly love their neighbor, realize what is truly important in life.

Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com

Posted on

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY REPORT 2013

????????ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY
Saturday 7 September, 2013

Over 30 Parishioners gathered in good spirit, commencing with prayer.
Michael McConville again facilitated with humour and encouragement.
Several apologies were noted.

Time was spent reviewing the proposals and outcomes of 2012 and the Parish Target “the people of OLMC Parish have become a Christian community in which we value one another and use our gifts for the good of all”

There were presentations from the Parish Primary School Principals. Noelene and Paul spoke of a program in collaboration with Salesian College that will enable the successful transition to Year 7, benefiting the students both socially and academically. The Religious Education Leaders, Rosalba and Colin with Richard outlined the RE program (based on the RCIA model), the Sacramental celebrations and the “Parenting in Faith” programs offered to parents.
Many of our Parish groups presented to the Assembly, outlining their work, plans and suggested proposals for the next year.
They included: Maintenance Team and Parish Centre Management, JG Community Garden, Knights of the Southern Cross, Justice and Historical Group. The Ecumenical group, Legion of Mary, RCIA, Baptismal Preparation Team and Emmaus Prayer Group were also represented. As was Bingo, Parish Web Page, Evergreens, RSJ associates, Children’s Liturgy and some of our Parish Neighbourhoods. There was a report on the Neighbourhood structure and Fr Kevin presented proposals on behalf of the Pastoral Team.
We heard of the incredible work of Saint Vincent de Paul, assisting their Sunbury clients with many hours of support and $8000 each month. The Conference is always in need of support with appeals and voluntary work.
The Youth Group are working to encourage parents and youth alike to become involved in liturgy and social gatherings.
Proposals, that were presented, to be considered by the Pastoral Coordinating Team include the financial support of an Overseas Project, Monthly Meeting Plan and a Parish Expo, maintenance issues of Parish property and involvement of Baptismal families. Other proposals suggested more Parish social gatherings eg picnic and morning teas hosted by Parish groups. Music in Sunday liturgies was discussed, as was the purchase of Liturgical banners for St Anne’s church.
A small group of parishioners gather monthly at Goonawarra Nursing Home for a sing-a-long with residents. Any musicians are warmly invited to join the fun.

All groups who were represented would warmly welcome any queries and/or new members.

Those who attended agreed that our Parish is blessed with many energetic and committed people who give freely of the time and talents for the growth of our Catholic community.

NOTE: A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT IS AVAILABLE ON THE “PARISH REPORTS PAGE HERE.
Also a comment may be left at the bottom of this page if you would like to leave any feedback.

Posted on

ROSARY & ADORATION

Rosary and Adoration will be held at St Anne’s on Friday 4 October from 7-8pm then Rosary on Saturday 5 October at 9am. Led by Legion of Mary.