Thank you to the Maintenance Team, Jo Wiegerink, Ben Wiegerink and Colin Wilson, for completing the work on the platform of St Anne’s Altar last week.
ELECTION STATEMENT
Australia’s Catholic Bishops have produced an election statement to focus attention on some key issues of vital concern to the Australian community. You can find the statement here: www.catholicsvote2013.org.au and download it as a PDF or to your iPhone, iPad or Android device. Copies are available in the foyer.
LUTHERANS AND CATHOLIC TO MARK REFORMATION IN UNITY
On 17 June, the Vatican and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) announced plans to commemorate 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 by stressing their common faith in Jesus and commitment to spread the Gospel rather than dwelling on the bitter disputes of the past. This is the first-ever attempt to present a joint version of the Reformation and “a very important step in a healing process which we all need.” Rev Martin Junge of Chile and Cardinal Kurt Koch of Rome presented a 93 page paper acknowledging faults on both sides. In an age of ecumenism, globalisation and extensive secularisation, past feuds are now forgotten and we need to work together “and jointly rediscover the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for our time.”
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
“The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” With these words, Jesus sent His disciples to the far ends of the earth to evangelize and bring the faith to the many people they encountered. Blessed John Paul II delivered a homily directed to that exact statement in November 2004.
As is the case with sermons given by the Pope, that message was meant for all of us. John Paul II made it clear that all of us were the laborers. He also explained that the world was still filled with souls who had not heard nor understood the message. Perhaps centuries had passed, but we still needed to be “heralds and witnesses” to the faith, as there is a “sense of need for Christ” rising up from the people of the world.
In Matthew’s relating of this incident, Matthew quotes Jesus as saying, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send our laborers.” The point is clear to us as stewards of the Church: first, we must recognize our role as evangelizers, as laborers in the harvest, by living out our faith as examples of Christian witness; second, we need to pray, consistently and constantly, for as John Paul II went on to say in that homily, “Prayer moves the heart of God.”
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
PARISH CONCERT
PARISH CONCERT
Well we had our Parish Concert, “A Banjo Sandwich“. Mind you a banjo was one of the few things Father Andrew Hayes didn’t actually play. He played keyboards, guitar, ukelele, mouth organ, whistle and others but not a banjo. The banjo sandwich came from the fact that the show started with and finished with, readings from The Bard of the Bush, Banjo Paterson.
Sandwiched between the works of Banjo Paterson were poetry and prose readings, almost all original, songs and stories, equally original, sing-a-longs and various audience participation segments.
The audience was laughing from the first minute, and probably there were a few tears shed during the reading of the “Black Saturday” poem although the part that affected me the most was the reading of “I Married a Vet“.
There was a surprisingly large turnout for a frosty winters night and I feel safe saying that everyone had a wonderful time. If fact it took Fr Andrew several attempts to get the audience to even begin to leave.
It was a packed two hours of entertainment, reflection, and community.
……………Ed
PS……if you were there leave a comment below. (Click on “Leave a Reply)
ABC interview with Fr Andrew’s Band The Stumpy Gully Bush Band here.
Website here.
STEWARDSHIP……A WAY OF LIFE
CATHOLIC STEWARDSHIP FROM SUNDAYS READINGS
The readings for this Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time deal with the dichotomy of emotions found in Christ’s Crucifixion. It was a tragedy and an extremely sad occurrence; at the same time, as it meant salvation for us, it was a time of great joy.
The first reading from Zechariah recounts this time of great mourning, yet also as a time when the people will be given a “fountain to purify from sin and uncleanness.” In the Gospel, the Lord points to a similar contradiction when He says, “…whoever wishes to save his life must lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.”
Our lives are filled with sadness and joy. Those who practice stewardship as a way of life focus on the joys. If we concentrate on our blessings, the crosses we must bear become less burdensome and more tolerable. The noted author and lecturer Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, had a wonderful stewardship outlook on life. She once said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” That is our challenge as stewards — to concentrate on the good in life because that is what brings us great happiness.
Copyright © 2013 www.TheCatholicSteward.com
WORKING BEE
A working bee will be held at St Anne’s Church on Saturday 6 July. Please bring your own tools and help keep our church grounds looking beautiful.
SING A LONG
A Sing-a-Long will be held at Goonawarra Aged Care on Friday 5 July from 2.30pm. All welcome. Come along and meet some of our Parishioners, relatives, etc. If you think you can’t sing, then hide at the back with us.
CONGRATULATIONS TO FR KEVIN
Saint Thomas Parish in Greensbourgh North, have dedicated a building in Fr Kevins honour last Thursday, as part of their parish Feast Day, for his 19 years of dedicated service .
MORNING OF REFLECTION
In response to the retreat held in April, a morning of reflection has been planned to celebrate our Parish Feast Day. Titled “Living Prayer” a morning spent with the teaching and wisdom of St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church and Founder of the Reformed Carmelite Communities of both women and men. You are welcome to come along and bring a friend. Saturday 20 July, 9.30am to 12 noon in the Parish Centre.
CATHOLIC MISSION SPECIAL COLLECTION
Thank you for putting faith and action together by responding to the Catholic Mission Church Appeal. Together as a Church we raised $1762.00. Your generosity has helped missionaries in India and across the world reach out in the name of Christ, rescuing children from horrific situation such as child trafficking, child labour and extreme poverty– helping give them hope for the future.
Please consider becoming a “Friends in Faith Partner” with a regular monthly gift to continue your support of our vital work. Call 1800 257 296 for more information or to sign up today.
catholicmission.org.au/rescue
CONGRATULATIONS AND OUR PRAYERS
Congratulations and our prayers to our 79 children who were accepted into preparing to begin celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Eucharist at our four parish Masses last Sunday.
WORK AT ST ANNE’S CHURCH
Work will commence on the platform of St Anne’s Altar from Monday 1 July.
All weekday Masses will be held at OLMC Church next week.
KNIGHTS OF SOUTHERN CROSS
Winter dinner meeting at Sunbury Football Club on Wednesday 3 July 7pm sharp.
THANK YOU
Thanks to Joe and Mary Kloss and Des and Bernadette Dowling for allowing our parish to use their rates notices for tip passes. It saves our parish around $100 per trip.
FROM GENERAL INSTRUCTION OF CELEBRATING THE EUCHARIST
- It is most desirable that the faithful, just as the priest himself is bound to do, receive the Lord’s Body from hosts consecrated at the same Mass and that, in the instances when it is permitted, they partake of the chalice (cf no. 283),
- so that even by means of the signs Communion will stand out more clearly as a participation in the sacrifice actually being celebrated. (No.85)
- Reverencing the Blessed Sacrament, all ministers genuflect or bow when they approach the Altar and when they depart from the Sanctuary but not during the celebration of Mass itself. (No. 274)
ANNUAL MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARY MASS
Are you celebrating your 25th, 40th, 50th, or 60th-70th wedding anniversary this year? The Life, Marriage & Family Office invite you and your families to join us at the Annual Anniversary Mass. The Mass will be celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday 28th July at 11.00am by Archbishop Denis Hart. Couples who register will receive commemorative certificates and packs. To register visit: www.cam.org.au/lifemarriagefamily
or contact the Life, Marriage & Family Office on: 9287 5579 / lmf@cam.org.au.
Registrations close on Friday 12th July.
HUME SOCIAL JUSTICE CHARTER REVIEW
Hume City Council is reviewing its Social Justice Charter, first adopted in 2001. The review will identify the Council’s key priorities in advancing social justice in Hume City. Residents are being asked to state the top three priorities for the Council in progressing its work in Social Justice. Some cards at the Welcome Desk. As Pope Paul VI with the world’s bishops taught in 1971, social justice is a constituent of the gospel. Both our schools have a strong program of social justice.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY DINNER & DANCE
Christmas in July Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday 27 July in St Anne’s Parish Centre from 7.15pm to 11.30pm.
Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children 5-12 years old.
Children under 5 years old are free.
Dinner and drinks will be sold at the venue.
Dance the night away to The Megabites and solo artist Maurice Saunders.
Bingo, dance competitions, spot prizes and lots more on the night.
All proceeds will go to the OLMC Youth attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival in December 2013.
Please contact Jo on 9744 1060.
GROWING GOOD MEN
This is a unique opportunity for dads and their teenage sons to embark on a quest of discovery. A son’s relationship with his father can be a powerful guiding force. July 5-7 will be the next chance for fathers and sons to reconnect.
For all enquiries contact mail@menalive.org.au or 0439 172 465 Michael Bohan.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 
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