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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

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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.

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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.

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STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ASYLUM SEEKERS

On Thursday 3 October from 10.30am to 12pm at Good Shepherd Chapel, St Heliers St, Abbotsford as special event has been arranged to hear about the current issues for asylum seekers in the communities. Reflection 10.30am then 11am Special Speaker,  Sr Bridid  Arthur, Asymlum  Seeker Advocate.  Enquires to Roberto Morales on 9270 9742. An initiative of the Good Shepherd Sisters.

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THANK YOU AGAIN

thanksThany you for the special collection for CatholicCare which raised a total of $1232.00. These funds will be used to help many in need. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

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MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND

Married couples, we encourage you to prioritise your relationship.  It underpins your family life.  Please join us for a Marriage Encounter weekend.   Our weekend helps you to remember why you married and gives you skills to maintain your love for each other. Couples and a priest present the weekend.   It is based around catholic values but you don’t need to be catholic to attend.
There is no group sharing. Our next weekends  in Melbourne are on:  18-20
October,  2013  (full),  22-24  November,  2013,  and  4-6  April,  2014.
For  further information and bookings contact Marianne & Marcel Van den Bronk     (03) 9733 0997   or Email  vicbookings@wwme.org.au

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INTERNATIONAL GATHERING

The Annual Parish International Gathering will be held after 10.30am Mass on Sunday 6 October in the Parish Centre. If you would like to read one of the Prayers of the Faithful in your native language, please contact the office, so that we can get the prayer to you asap. All families are encouraged to be part of this annual event. In the parish Centre, people are invited to display their culture. Tables will be set up to reflect important historical people representing various countries. If you would like to contribute to your native nations’ table set up, please contact Garnet for more information. It may be by performing a song or dance. You are welcome to bring a plate of international food to share. Drinks will be sold at the Parish Centre. Please register you details with Garnet Jacob on 0411 286 428 for further information.

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Yom Kippur – Jewish Day of Atonement– 14 September

yom-kippurFrom the Jews, we Christians have inherited their practice of repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. 50 Years ago, Vatican II forcefully condemned anti-Semitism and rejected the charge of the Jewish responsibility for the death of Jesus.
During 2000, a year of Jubilee (a Jewish time of forgiving debts) Pope John Paull II visted Jerusalem and prayed “God of our fathers, we are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer and asking your forgiveness, we wish to commit ourselves to genuine brotherhood with the people of the Covenant” (Jews)- 26 March 2000)

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MORNING TEA

teacupMorning Tea will be hosted by Jacksons Hill Neighbourhood on Sunday 6 October after 8.30am Mass.
All welcome.

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WORKING BEE

bee - AWorking Bee at St Anne’s Church on Saturday 5 October from 9am to noon. Please bring your tools to keep our church looking beautiful.

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WORKING BEE

bee - AWorking Bee at St Anne’s Church on Saturday 5 October from 9am to noon. Please bring your tools to keep our church looking beautiful.

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VALE FR VIC CRENNAN

Fr Vic Crennan was called to the home of his heavenly Father last Monday after being a priest of the Melbourne Church for 59 years, of which he spent about 35 years as the parish Priest of East Hampton. The last eight years, Fr Vic was in aged care which is supported from our first collection each Sunday.

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THANK YOU

Carmel and Gerard Duggan along with the Reddan and Wicks families wish to thank Fr Kevin, Fr Bert, Sr Jose`, the Parish staff and all Parishioners for their love, support and prayers during Mary’s illness and at her coming home to her beloved husband Douglas and to the feast in Gods kingdom which the Good Lord has prepared for her.

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GOD MOMENTS

“When you’re switched on ‘God Moments’ are everywhere! St Anne’s Primary school are focusing on paying attention to those many acts of goodness that often go unnoticed. Things like a smile from a stranger, sharing a laugh, kind greetings. We can find God wherever we look if we open our hearts.

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PARISH BINGO—21ST BIRTHDAY

Parish Newsletter 22nd September_page2_image4Our weekly bingo session “Major Bingo” is turning 21. Come along this Thursday 26 September and join in the fun.
$2000 major prize, give aways, gimmick games, special callers. Sunbury Football Social. Eyes down 7.30pm.
Enquiries Gary 0419 301 760.
Please note early start and supper provided.

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PARISH COORDINATING TEAM

The PCT met last Wednesday and considered some of the proposals presented at our Assembly. The Coordinating Team considered two projects for our overseas aid– one in Bangalore, India and the other in Jakarta, Indonesia. Both projects are caring for orphans as a result of HIV. We are doing further research before making a decision.
As the National Royal Commission into response of institutions to child sexual abuse begins, the Team supported another prayer service as outlined on the front page of today’s newsletter. The Team considered the proposal of having a Parish Meeting night once a month where all the parish groups would gather briefly for prayer, have their group meetings for an hour and conclude with supper together. This proposal was first put forward at the 2012 Parish Assembly. Further research has been done and the proposal will now be implemented in stages in 2014. The first stage will be a Parish Expo of our parish groups and ministries on Sunday 23 February.
The Coordinating Team gave its support to the Liturgy Team’s proposed Festival of Readings and Carols on 22 December at 7.30pm in OLMC Church.

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PLANNING FOR 2014

Last Tuesday, our School Principals, our Pastoral Associates, our Religious Education Leaders and our priest met for five hours to plan the dates for 2014. Our major change was the result of the Archbishop’s availability to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation: next year, the celebration of Confirmation will be two months earlier than this year (ie August 2014) necessitating our celebration of First Reconciliation being moved a month later (to September 2014). All the dates will be on your parish calendar which will be distributed by our parish posties in December with the Neighbourhood Newsletters.

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YOUTH DISCO

NEW DATE!!!

Youth Disco will be held in the Parish Centre on Saturday 21st September.
Cost is $15 for secondary students and $10 for primary students.
Pizza and can of drink is included in this price.
Contact Garnet Jacob on 0411 286 428 for further information.

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STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE

the-unjust-stewardCATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS

“You cannot serve both God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). Without even knowing what mammon may be, we get the stewardship message — what is important to us? God, or all of the other things in our lives which may distract us from living God-centered lives.

Scholars cannot universally agree on the origins of the word “mammon.” In Greek the word was mammonas, which means “wealth or treasure.” In Latin the word was mammon, which translated  “riches and avarice.” However, it is in Christ’s native language, Aramaic, where we may find the stewardship truth.  The Aramaic word was mamon. That word had a dual meaning to the Lord in His own tongue —yes, it meant “riches,” but it also meant “chaos, darkness.”

That may have been the point Jesus was trying to make in the Parable of the Unjust Steward. It is not just devotion to things that provide us with a major roadblock to living lives of stewardship. Those same “riches” may place us in a world of darkness, not the light of Christ which results from living as good stewards. Jesus is constantly advising us to be very careful about attaching our hearts to “things.” Truly we cannot serve both God and mammon.

Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com