Notice Board
Index of Notices
Click on an index listing to go directly to that notice.
From the Heart of Your Loving Shepherd
CELEBRATING FAITH in Life Series:
Spirituality in Action.
The 40th year of the birth anniversary of our community as a parish, as a FAITH COMMUNITY, invites all of us to encounter one of the Greatest gift to each one of us, the FAITH in the light of our contemporary culture, society and Life! Hence we always connect life with the joyous celebration of Faith and Life!
In the past two months, we have reflected up on the four parts of this second module called, FACING OUR LONELINESS. Prior to that we focused our thoughts on the First module of FACING OUR FEARS. It's our most humble and ardent desire that this "FLAG" (Fear, Loneliness, Anxiety, Guilt) could be a source of flogging away the some of the unwanted burdens of our Christian JOY!
FACING OUR LONELINESS, Part 5: SOME PSYCHO- SPIRITUAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS.
I was quite surprised to find a book titled: "The Catholic Guide to Loneliness." My immediate inner urge and cerebral instinct was: ' Why make loneliness a parochial and sectarian issue, when it is a very realistic and universal phenomena?' But going further, I thought to myself in the following manner:
- I have observed and inferred both with in me and in all my priestly ministries around me that the way a Faith believer handles the psychological ailment of loneliness is in stark contrast to the way in which a non-believer or an atheist walks through the clutches of loneliness!
- Although there is no specific psychological branding of Loneliness as 'Catholic loneliness,' in my psychological counselling process of intra-self and others, the Catholic Faith seems to have an 'edge' over the others in the processes, application of remedies in a much better manner! Isn't loneliness a universal phenomena of the world? How can I just shrink it to 'Catholic Loneliness.'? It cannot certainly be justified intellectually. scientifically but can be reconciled when viewed with the prism of Faith and existential realities!
The Catholic Guide to Loneliness, by Dr. Kevin Vost was an interesting find for me! The author is a prolific writer, lecturer and veteran catholic Psychologist as well. In this book he analyses and offers a comprehensive guide to Loneliness, spelling out deepest possible answers to the Pain of loneliness in men and women who experience in the contemporary context of stress filled and mechanical living! Another important reason why I was deeply glamoured by the book is that he scholarly combines the philosophical and Biblical wisdom. His mastery of Modern theory and research prowess, critically analyses the root causes of loneliness from the two sides of the secular and religious. He delves into the thoughts of Catholic thinkers and great writers like Thomas MORE, Thomas AQUINAS and the words of Christ as well. I quote Verbatim from the author's book in the Chapter on, GROWN UP THINKING ABOUT LONELINESS: "Loneliness is a product of our own God-given human capacity to think and reflect about things. It is defined as a "PERCEIVED SOCIAL ISOLATION." Note the importance of the word PERCEIVED. We feel lonely when we think there is a discrepancy between the social connectedness we would like to have and that which do have. This is not to say that loneliness is "all in one's head." Something to be dismissed or ignored, since the lonely person's PERCEPTION of a serious lack in social connection may be very accurate." I am sure he has an important and Christ-like insight into our Human loneliness, which can be rightly answered through Catholic Spirituality!
I have a few more Catholic writers, whose writings could be of a great support systems, in aiding us overcoming not just our Human Universal phenomenon of Loneliness but as well the shades of Catholic Loneliness!! I Hope, I will be able to explore them in the coming reflections!!?
Seeking the company and the rich relationship of the Divine in your company
Fr. Joseph AMAL SDB., PP
- Lenten Program
-
- Word Of God
-
- Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
-
Every Wednesday night for the nearly three years, a small group of parishioners pray a novena to Our Lady before Mass. We gather at 6.30pm and follow a prayer format for about 20 minutes.
If you are coming to Mass and can come earlier, it would be lovely to have more people join this group. We pray an Act of Contrition, invocations to Our Lady, prayers to Our Mother, prayers for the sick, those in pain and sorrow, our Priests, ourselves and our absent loved one. The format is very beautiful, so come earlier if you are attend-ing Mass and join us.
- We Care – Responding to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act
-
From the earliest times, Christ’s followers have set themselves apart by their care of the vulnerable (Acts 4:34). On 19 June 2019, the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act (VAD) comes into effect. It legalises euthanasia and assisted suicide. Despite what the law may say, our Christian tradition affirms that every life, including those of the sick and suffering, is sacred. Euthanasia and assisted suicide are never part of end of life care.
Pope Francis has encouraged ordinary Catholics everywhere to resist euthanasia and to protect the old, the young and the vulnerable from being cast aside in a “throw-away culture.” We are called to follow Christ by accompanying people with compassion, sharing hope not fear.
The Bishops of the Catholic dioceses of Melbourne, Ballarat, Sale and Sandhurst, echoing Pope Francis, have published a pastoral letter including practical guidance on ways we can be conscientious objectors to euthanasia. Copies of the letter are available online: www.cam.org.au/euthanasia or
Pastoral Letter - Voluntary Assisted Dying
Please read and share it.
- We Can Love Because We Were Loved First - Pope Francis
-
Pope Francis noted that we are also indebted to God because none of us is able to love without the grace of God. The Pope described this as the mysterium lunae, the “mystery of the moon,” which does not shine with its own light, but can only reflect the light of the sun. If we love, the Pope said, it is because we were loved first. If we forgive, it is because we have been forgiven.
“None of us loves God as He has loved us,” the Pope said. “It is enough to place yourself before a crucifix to grasp the disparity: He has loved us, and He always loves us first.” Pope Francis concluded by inviting us all to pray, “Lord, even the most holy among us do not cease to be debtors to you. O Father, have mercy on us!”
https://catholicoutlook.org/pope-at-audience-we-are-all-sinners-who-need-forgiveness/
- Need For Volunteers
-
We are in urgent need of volunteers to:
- visit and bring Holy Communion to the sick and elderly in the nursing homes.
- clean the Parish Centre on a fortnightly basis.
- set up the Altar and arrange flowers.
Please see father or let the parish office know if you are able to help.
Thank you.
- Melbourne Catholic App Now Available
-
The new Melbourne Catholic app is now available for download in your app store.
The app is your one stop shop for all things Melbourne Catholic, featuring Melbourne Catholic trending news, a search function for Mass times, Archbishop's Homilies, Daily Readings, Prayers and Weekly Reflections as well as local events and news about Plenary Council 2020.
- Stewardship Corner
-
Mark 1:35,38"Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed...He told them, 'let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.'"
In today's Gospel reading we see a perfect example of stewardship. Jesus gives His time to do all that God wishes - healing the sick and preaching. Yet, Jesus also makes time to be alone in prayer.
It is through prayer, spending time with God, that we find the strength to do what God wishes us to do.
Be sure to find time every day to be with God.
- Pope Francis: Jesus Journeys With Us Even In Bad Times
-
Pope Francis has told pilgrims that God walks with us always, “even in the most painful moments” of our lives as he did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Pope Francis continued his series of reflections on Christian hope at his Wednesday General Audience shortly after his meeting with US president Donald Trump. The Pope spoke about the disciples’ meeting with Jesus on the Road to Emmaus, in Luke’s Gospel, as “a journey of hope”.
He told pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square that Christians today are a bit like those two disciples: so often we find ourselves “a step away from happiness” but then experience sadness and disappointment.
The Pope said Jesus’ accompaniment of the two disciples shows a “therapy of hope” which “gradually opens us to trust in God’s promises”. Hope, the Pope said, is “never a small price” to pay and always involves defeats and sufferings. However, walking with the disciples in a discreet way, he said, Jesus is able to rekindle their hope.
Pope Francis explained that it was only when the disciples witnessed Jesus breaking the bread that he is revealed to them as the Risen Lord, who is present in their midst. This, the Pope said, “shows us the importance of the Eucharist in which, like the bread, Jesus ‘breaks our lives’ and offers them to others”.
Noting how the disciples return to Jerusalem after their encounter with the Risen Lord to proclaim the good news, the Pope said that “we too are sent forth to encounter others, to hear their joys and sorrows, and to offer them words of life and hope, based on God’s unfailing love.”
“All of us,” the pope said, have had difficult and dark times, when there is “just a wall in front” of us. But “Jesus is always beside us to give us hope, warm our hearts and say, "Go forward, I'm with you. Go forward.”
- Happy Families Pray Together
-
"The family that recites the Rosary together reproduces something of the atmosphere of the household of Nazareth: its members place Jesus at the centre, they share his joys and sorrows, they place their needs and their plans in his hands, they draw from him the hope and the strength to go on."
- John Paul II, Apostolic Letter on the Rosary of the Virgin Mary
View Rosary Prayer Card - Individual Confession vs. "General Absolution"
-
The Church hasn't banned the Third Rite which, by the way, consists in the general
absolution of a large number of people at once without individual confession.
The rite was first introduced during World War I to allow priests to absolve a large number of soldiers before they went into battle when it would have been impossible to hear all the confessions individually. At the time of the World War II the conditions were extended to other circumstances of imminent danger of death, and finally in 1972 they came to include situations such as those in mission territories where, if the priest did not absolve a large number of people at once, they would have to go for a long time without the grace of the sacraments through no fault of their own.
The norms on what has come to be called "general absolution" were incorporated into the 1983 Code of Canon Law in Canons 961-963 and into the Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraphs 1483-1484 (cf. J. Flader, Question Time 1, Connor Court 2012, q. 80).
Up until some 15 years ago the Third Rite was used in many parishes in Australia. Significant numbers of people took advantage of it, partly because they were helped by the readings from Scripture, prayers and often a homily, and because many others were attending as well, emphasising the communal, ecclesial aspect of the sacrament. And since there was no need to confess their sins individually to the priest, they found it much easier than going to individual confession.
Why did it suddenly stop? Perhaps the more apposite question would be why it began in the first place. It is clear that the conditions required for its use simply do not exist in Australia, particularly the condition that if the priest did not absolve a large number of penitents collectively they would have to go for a long period of time without the grace of the sacraments through no fault of their own. While the number of priests has diminished somewhat, we are still well served with priests and parishes so that the sacrament of Reconciliation is readily available all over this country.
By the late 1990s the use of general absolution was fairly widespread, especially in some dioceses. During their five-yearly ad limina visit to Rome in 1998, the Australian bishops discussed this matter, along with others, with Pope [St.] John Paul and Vatican officials. At the end of their visit a long Statement of Conclusions was signed by representatives of the Australian bishops and of the Roman Curia. Among other matters, it encouraged the use of individual confession and, with respect to general absolution, said: "Unfortunately, communal celebrations have not infrequently occasioned an illegitimate use of general absolution. This illegitimate use, like other abuses in the administration of the sacrament of Penance, is to be eliminated. The bishops will exercise renewed vigilance on these matters for the future, aware that departures from the authentic tradition do great wrong to the Church and to individual Catholics" (n. 45).
Naturally, while general absolution is not to be used in this country, it still remains an option in countries where the conditions for its use exist.
Those who do take regular advantage of individual confession know how much good it does them. Apart from receiving forgiveness of their sins, they have an opportunity to do a thorough examination of conscience, to tell their sins personally to God through the priest and to receive helpful spiritual direction and encouragement. With the abundant grace the sacrament gives them, they begin their spiritual struggle anew each time, with their soul free from sin and filled with hope.
Pope [St.] John Paul II, in an address to priests at the beginning of Lent in 1981, said that "confession periodically renewed, the so-called confession 'of devotion', has always accompanied the ascent to holiness in the Church." And on 13 March, 1999, he told priests hearing confessions in the patriarchal basilicas of Rome: "It should not be forgotten that the so-called confession of devotion was the school which formed the great saints."
Would that more people made frequent use of this sacrament. Their growth in holiness through it would be a great blessing for themselves, for their families, for the Church and for the whole of society.
Fr John Flader
The Catholic Weekly, www.catholicweekly.com.au
12 May, 2013 - Consecration of The House To The Sacred Heart of Jesus
-
Please speak to Fr. Joseph or the parish office to organize day and time.
Fr Joseph would like to congratulate everyone who had their house consecrated recently.
- Consecration Of The Family
-
- Daily Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary
-
Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I consecrate my entire self to the Most Holy Love of Your Two Hearts. I wish to make reparation for all the sins of the world, including my own. I offer these things for the love of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
I will keep my mind on beauty and turn my thoughts from evil things. I will hold my temper and bear the mistakes of others with love and a forgiving heart. I will admit when I am wrong and ask others to forgive me. I will not show off, but remain humble. I will offer up all my sufferings, sicknesses and hurts and seek God’s Will, not my own. I will show appreciation for the kindness and blessings that I receive, and thank God for all things. I will do everything in my life for love of God and I will love others as God has loved me.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the intercession of the Im-maculate Heart of Mary, receive the offering and consecration I now make of myself to You. Keep me faithful until death and bring me one day to the happy home in heaven. I desire to live forever with God the Father and the Most Holy Spirit and You my Lord Jesus, together with Your Most Immaculate Mother.
Amen.
Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
please protect us. - Pope Francis Urges Young people To 'Download A Good Heart' and Pay Less Attention to Technology
-
Pope Francis has wrapped up his Polish visit with a huge outdoor Mass where he told young people to look beyond the instant gratification afforded by technology and instead try to change the world.
Hundreds of thousands of young people, many of whom camped out for the night, waved national flags and cheered as Pope Francis arrived to say the mass in a large field on the outskirts of Krakow at the end of his five-day trip to Poland where he presided at the Catholic Church's World Youth Day festivities.
He urged the young people to "download the best link of all, that of a heart which sees and transmits goodness without growing weary".
He said their response to the challenges of life cannot be "texting a few words", that prayer should be given pride of place over their internet "chats", and that God's memory was not a "hard disk" filled with files on everyone, but more of a compassionate heart that wants to help them "erase" evil.
Pope Francis encouraged them to continue "to be dreamers [who] believe in a new humanity, one that rejects hatred between peoples, one that refuses to see borders as barriers".
He announced the next World Youth Day would take place in Panama in 2019.
For full story: www.abc.net.au/news
- Pope Tells Teens:
Happiness 'Is Not An App' -
Happiness is not an app you can download on your mobile phone, Pope Francis told thousands of teenagers on Sunday at a mass to mark a weekend dedicated to youth.
"Freedom is not always about doing what you want. In fact it is the gift of being able to choose the right way," he said in a homily punctuated by regular bursts of applause from the crowd on a packed St Peter's Square.
"Your happiness has no price. It cannot be bought and sold: it is not an application you download on a mobile phone. Even the latest version cannot help you to grow and become free in love."
An estimated 70,000 teenagers were in Rome for a weekend of events to celebrate Francis's Jubilee year dedicated to the theme of mercy.
In a surprise move on Saturday, the 79-year-old pontiff heard confessions from 16 of them and a video message from him was broadcast at a rock and rap concert in the Stadio Olimpico.
One of the teenagers chosen to confess to the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics said she had been trembling as she approached the chair on which the pope was sitting in St Peter's Square.
"But as soon as I sat down I had the feeling of being next to a normal person rather than the pope. Francis is really one of us," Anna Taibi, 15, told La Repubblica newspaper.
The Sicilian teenager said she had been touched by Francis's tenderness as he listened to her confession.
"I expected him to give me a penance ... instead he absolved me and let me go."
The importance of mobile phones to contemporary teenagers was also reflected in Francis's message to the concert.
Clutching an iPhone, he told his audience that living without Jesus was like not having any signal. "Always be sure to go where there is a network: family, parish, school," he said.
www.businessinsider.com/afp-pope-tells-teens-happiness-not-an-app-2016-4?IR=T
- Lent 2020
-
According to the instructions of the Roman Missal, ashes used on Ash Wednesday are typically to be made from last year’s Palm Sunday palm branches. The old palms will be burnt in the courtyard at the beginning of the 10:00am Mass on Sunday 23rd February.
Please bring along your old palms on the day to be placed in the burner to be burnt to ashes.
- Sacramental Classes
-
It’s that time of year again, when our St
Luke’s Catechist Team is preparing to
commence Sacramental Classes in
February.
We will have registration days on the 16th and 23rd February after the 8.30am and 10am Masses in our Church foyer. Please help spread the word to anyone who you think may be interested to register their child. Our Catechist teachers look forward to meeting you.
Please contact Maria Bonato on 0411-445-558 if you have any queries.
- Support A Student
-
Last year we had a very successful sale of second hand goods to support educational costs for children in Fr Josephs home state in India. Fr. Joseph is always asked to help out kids whose parents can’t afford to send them to school.
On the weekend of 28/29th March, we will be holding another such sale. We all have cupboards full of bits and pieces that we don’t use or need. Let’s take a look around our houses and see what we have that we don’t use any more. The saying goes “one mans trash, is another man’’s treasure.” Your donations can be left in the Parish Office during the week, or in the Piety Stall before or after Masses for the next few weeks.
What a delight it would be to see the smiling faces of “little kids” who can then go to school. All courses are good, but this one is “extra good”.
Chris Williams
- Altar Servers
-
Presently the parish has few altar servers.
Their service and prayerful presence enhances the liturgical celebration.
Fr. Joseph is calling for more children to take up this ministry.
What It Means To Be An Altar Server (Video)
- Serra International - Prayer for Vocations
-
Prayer for Vocations:
For information about Serra or Vocations:"Heavenly Father, help us respond to and live out our mission in the Church. Help all your people to know their vocation in life, and assist them to prepare for it.
For your greater glory, and for the service of your people, call many to be Priests and Religious. Give those whom you call the grace to respond generously and to persevere faithfully. We ask this through Christ Our Lord.
Amen."View / Download Prayer Card (296kB)
- Pope Invites The Deaf To Help Others ‘Hear’ The Voice Of God
-
Inclusion and quality of life
Pope Francis met with members of the Federation in the Vatican on Thursday and expanded that mission, saying the Federation is now dedicated to ‘tackling the culture of waste, and encouraging greater inclusion in all environments’. This work is necessary, he said, in order ‘to ensure a better quality of life for the deaf person and the overcoming of this disability by valuing all dimensions, including the spiritual one’.
Fragility and encounter
While his words were simultaneously translated into sign language, Pope Francis said: ‘Deaf people inevitably experience a condition of fragility’. Like so many other people with disabilities, they also often experience forms of prejudice, even in Christian communities. ‘This is not right’, insisted Pope Francis. The deaf teach us that only by accepting our limitations and fragilities can we help build ‘the culture of encounter’, as opposed to widespread indifference, he said.
‘Hearing’ the voice of God
‘God’s presence is not perceived with the ears, but with faith’, said Pope Francis. God’s voice resounds in each person’s heart, ‘and everyone can hear it’. The Pope invited those present to ‘help those who do not ‘hear’ God's voice to be more attentive to it’.
https://melbournecatholic.org.au/News/pope-invites-the-deaf-to-help-others-hear-the-voice-PARISH
- Take Mary Home
-
As we noticed that our lady statue (Take Mary Home) has been on the bench every couple of weeks in a month. With great thoughts and inputs from various members in the leadership team, considering the weight of the original statue as it is quite heavy to be carried, we would like to make it much easier for our parishioners to take an alternative statue (Our Lady of Fatima) which is much lighter to carry and it also comes in a box where the statue could be handled more safely. We are happy to leave both the statues on the bench behind the divine mercy image. Make yourself comfortable to put your name in the book with your contact details, the tone of the mass which you are planning to take and also which statue as well based on your convenience. I hope and pray that the above arrangement would help the parishioners to take the statue every week so that Our Lady visits every family in our community to intercede for our families and community.
Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.
Rosy Paul
- Facing Facts, Coming to Terms With One’s Past Brings Peace, Pope says
-
People need to make peace with their lives and anything they are running from, rather than lose themselves to escapism and playful distraction, Pope Francis said. There is an ‘industry of distraction’ in full force today, which paints the ideal world as being ‘a big playground where everybody has fun’ and the ideal individual as one who ‘makes money in order to have fun, find satisfaction’ in the many ‘vast and diverse avenues of pleasure,’ he said during his weekly gen-eral audience. Such an attitude leads to ‘dissatisfaction with an existence anesthetized by fun, which isn't rest, but alienation and escaping from reality,’ he added.
Finding peace is a choice, he said. It is not changing one's past, but is becoming reconciled with what has happened, ‘to accept and give value’ to one's life.
- Come Lord Jesus
-
The prophet Isaiah implored God to tear the heavens open and come down to save the people.
Living our faith means developing a personal relationship with Jesus. So, just like any friendship with another person, there is give and take, each side listening to the other and helping each other out.
God, however, did not come among us in such a dramatic way but in the humble form of Jesus of Nazareth.
God continues to enter our lives in unexpected ways. If we are watchful for the presence of Christ in each day, we will recognise him when he comes in glory.
- Pope Francis' Prayer Intentions
-
In his prayer intentions, Pope Francis is calling for greater solidarity with the marginalised, the homeless, the poor and the lonely. The Pope asks the faithful have a spirit of solidarity and encounter towards others, especially those most in need.
- We Need Your Help
-
We would like to hear from tradies, handymen and technicians in our community who would like to be included in our directory.
We may have odd jobs around the Church and would very much appreciate your help.
Please contact the parish office or get in touch with Fr Joseph.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Readers & Counters
-
Our parish would like to invite parishioners to become Readers and Extraordinary Ministers for our Masses. These roles are a small but significant way to quietly participate in our parish community and your contribution would be greatly appreciated.
If you are able to assist, please contact Daphne Cheah (9720-3956) or the Parish Office (9801-8411).
Thank you to all who contribute their time and talent in this way.
- To Love To The End: Who will make your choices?
-
is a
Melbourne Archdiocese initiative to focus on an area of bioethics
where we can positively contribute to building up a civilization
of life and love.
The theme, "To Love to the End", deals with issues about dying and caring for our loved ones, the meaning and purpose of suffering and our duty as Christians to show love to every human being to the end.
Please collect a copy of the informative brochure and prayer card on this theme from the tables at the church entrances or you can view/download the brochure and card below.
View 'Love To The End' Brochure (927 kB)View Respect Life Prayer Card (359 kB)
- Overcoming Despair With Hope
-
Through Respect Life Sunday the church aims to equip
Catholics to better love those around us by providing vital information about the dangers of
the new abortion drug, RU486.
Pope Francis provided a beautiful example of how we reach out to women facing an unplanned pregnancy recently, when he took the time to listen to a story of a 35 year old Roman woman, then telephoned her to offer a listening ear, hope, encouragement and practical support for when the baby was born.
Read more when you pick up your copy of the green Respect Life brochure in the foyer, or
- Pope: We Must Ask the Lord for the Gifts of Love and Joy
-
Pope Francis has reminded believers that Jesus' love is infinite and true, unlike worldly passions that seek power and vanity.
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you" said Pope Francis quoting from the Gospel reading of the day to highlight the fact that the Lord’s love is infinite.
He said the Lord asks us to stay close to Him and to observe His Commandments: “the Ten Commandments of course are the foundation, but we are also called to follow all the things that Jesus has taught us, the commandments of daily life that represent a Christian lifestyle.
There are “passions” that distance us from the true love of Jesus. “There are other loves. The world itself offers many other loves: love of money for example, vanity, boastfulness, pride, love of power which can even lead to unjust actions to achieve more power…” he said.
For full article: For full ull article: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/05/18/pope_‘we_must_ask_the_lord_for_the_gifts_of_love_and_joy/1313086
- Pope Francis' Five Finger Prayer
-
- The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember.
- The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show directions to others. Always keep them in your prayers.
- The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God's guidance.
- The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even though it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers.
- And finally we have our smallest finger. The smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way.
- Pope Francis' Letter to Young People
-
Pope's Letter to Young People on the Occasion of the Presentation of the Preparatory Document of the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
My Dear Young People,
I am pleased to announce that in October 2018 a Synod of Bishops will take place to treat the topic: "Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment." I wanted you to be the centre of attention, because you are in my heart. Today, the Preparatory Document is being presented, a document which I am also entrusting to you as your "compass" on this synodal journey.
I am reminded of the words which God spoke to Abraham: "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." (Gen 12.1). These words are now also addressed to you. They are words of a Father who invites you to "go", to set out towards a future which is unknown but one which will surely lead to fulfilment, a future towards which He Himself accompanies you. I invite you to hear God's voice resounding in your heart through the breath of the Holy Spirit.
When God said to Abram, "Go!", what did he want to say? He certainly did not say to distance himself from his family or withdraw from the world. Abram received a compelling invitation, a challenge, to leave everything and go to a new land. What is this "new land" for us today, if not a more just and friendly society which you, young people, deeply desire and wish to build to the very ends of the earth?
But unfortunately, today, "Go!" also has a different meaning, namely, that of abuse of power, injustice and war. Many among you are subjected to the real threat of violence and forced to flee their native land. Their cry goes up to God, like that of Israel, when the people were enslaved and oppressed by Pharaoh (cf. Ex 2:23).
A better world can be built also as a result of your efforts, your desire to change and your generosity. Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit who proposes bold choices; do not delay when your conscience asks you to take risks in following the Master. The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls. St. Benedict urged the abbots to consult, even the young, before any important decision, because "the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best." (Rule of St. Benedict, III, 3).
Such is the case, even in the journey of this Synod. My brother bishops and I want even more to "work with you for your joy'' (2 Cor 1:24). I entrust you to Mary of Nazareth, a young person like yourselves, whom God beheld lovingly, so she might take your hand and guide you to the joy of fully and generously responding to God's call with the words: "Here I am" (cf. Lk 1:38).
With paternal affection,
FRANCIS
For full version:
https://www.catholic.org.au/commissions/pope-francis-letter-to-young-people - Catholic Mission
-
We are invited to support the world wide missionary network of the Catholic
Church (known as the Propagation of the Faith) that reaches out
to people in 160 countries supporting initiatives in 1,100 Dioceses including outback Australia..
"I was hungry and you fed me."
"Something beautiful for God" was an expression of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
About Catholic Missions
Catholic Mission is the official mission aid agency of the Catholic Church, continuing the mission of Jesus Christ in the world to share faith, care for people in need, and act for justice and creation.
As the Australian arm of the Pontifical Mission Societies, we raise funds and form people for mission. This enables us to reach out through dedicated missionaries to help oppressed children and communities, and provide vital training for emerging Church leaders. In Australia we provide mission formation training, overseas immersion opportunities and advocate for children, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Catholic Mission internationally operates in 160 countries to support initiatives in 1100 dioceses, including outback Australia. Grassroots needs are identified by local Catholics, so all people have the opportunity for a full, enriched life- spiritually and physically- regardless of race, stigma, religion or gender.
The Church exists to continue Jesus' saving mission on earth. The principal means for supporting the Church's work on a global scale is the Catholic Mission Appeal.
This Appeal is instrumental in establishing and sustaining parish communities and their priests, as well as supporting the catechists who share their faith and lead their local village community. Last year with your help, Catholic Mission in Australia supported the training of 9,203 catechists in their ongoing regular formation and the building, upkeep and maintenance of 79 churches, presbyteries and pastoral centres, and 15 religious convents.
Other funds raised supported the training of 3,572 seminarians in 34 seminaries for priesthood and religious life. Programs of education, health care, shelter, personal development and faith formation helped care for 507,414 children last year.
- Rome Report
-
Address by Pope Francis before praying the Sunday Angelus, 24 August 2014
Dear brothers and sisters,
This Sunday's Gospel (Mt. 16, 13-20) is the famous passage, which is central in St. Matthew's account. Simon, in the name of the Twelve, professes his faith in Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus calls Simon "blessed" for this faith, recognizing in him a special gift from the Father, and he says to him: "You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church."
Let us pause for a moment on this point, on the fact that Jesus attributes this new name to Simon: "Peter", who in Jesus' language is pronounced "Kefa", a word that means "rock". In the Bible, this name, this word "rock" is referred to God. Jesus attributes it to Simon not for his quality or for his human merits, but for his genuine and firm faith, which comes from above.
Jesus feels a great joy in His heart, because He recognizes in Simon the hand of the Father, the action of the Holy Spirit. He recognizes that God the Father has given to Simon a "trustworthy" faith, in which He, Jesus, can build his Church, that is, His community. That is, all of us, all of us. Jesus has in mind to give life to "His" Church, a people no longer founded on ancestry but rather on faith, namely a relationship with Himself, a relationship of love and of trust. Our relationship with Jesus builds the Church. And so to start his Church, Jesus needs to find in the disciples a solid faith, "trustworthy." It is this that He must verify at this point of His journey. And that is why He asks the question.
The Lord has in mind the image of constructing, the image of the community as an edifice. That is why, when he hears Simon’s sincere profession of faith, he calls him "rock", the intention of building his Church upon this faith is manifested.
- Tweet Others As You Wish To Be Tweeted
-
Tweet others as you would wish to be tweeted is a scripture based guide to social media for the Church.
It takes the command from Luke's Gospel to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and applies it to social media.
Further information: https:www.catholic.org.au/world-communications-day2015/