Notice Board

Week beginning: Sunday, 24th of February 2019

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Need For Volunteers

We are in urgent need of volunteers to:

1. visit and bring Holy Communion to the sick and elderly in the nursing homes.
2. clean the Parish Centre on a fortnightly basis.
3. set up the Altar and arrange flowers.

Please see father or let the parish office know if you are able to help.

Thank you.

What Activities Would You Like To Participate In?

Members of the Leadership Team, Socio-Pastoral Coordinating Team, Finance Team, and the newly form Fundraising Team, along with Fr. Michael met recently. As we plan our year, it was decided to ask you, the parishioners, what activities, social or pastoral and fundraising you would like to do.

Currently we are putting together our Parish calendar and we would like your input as it will affect us all. Please read through the items on the attached sheet, tick what activities you would like to see us organise and put the sheet in the locked box in the Church Foyer. Your input is of great value to the Parish.

As you can see, we are a busy bunch of people and a vibrant, happy, fun and loving parish.

There are many things you can be involved in. If you would like to be involved with something that is not on the list, please put it on, and we will have a look at it.

Chris Williams
Co-Ordinator, St Luke’s Socio-Pastoral Coordinating Team

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

"..they fell down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh..."

Matthew 2:11

Faith is a gift from God.

Notice the order of events in the Magi's visit.

First, they knelt before Jesus and prayed to Him. Then they presented Him with their gifts.

We, too, must take time to pray before we present our gifts to the Lord. We never know what God may be asking us to share!

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Piety Stall

Come and check out the new piety stall, which is located in the former Sacristy.
Any profit made on items in this stall will support the work of the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Big thank you to those who very generously donate to the St Vincent De Paul Society (Vinnies) through the poor box. Through your donations we are able to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves and have asked for our assistance in our Wantirna area. You can also leave donations of non-perishable food items in the basket provided in the Church foyer.

Either way, you are making a huge difference in the lives of many people.

Do you have some spare time, and feel you could be called on to help those experiencing difficulty? Then maybe joining Vinnies could be for you. We meet twice monthly and visit those needing assistance in pairs or on a demand basis. Don’t just think about it, take the next step, ask some questions!

Christina Williams,
Conference President

Priests' Retirement Foundation Fund

Some 40 years ago with the introduction of the new canon law, Archbishop Knox introduced the practice of priests retiring at the age of 75.

In 1990 Archbishop Little established the Priests Retirement Foundation with the motto “caring for those who cared”. 85 Melbourne priests are currently retired. They have ministered in most Melbourne Parishes.

The PRF meets the needs of these retired priests who have served us well.

Envelopes are available from the table.

Donate Online

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.”

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/05/24/pope_francis_jesus_journeys_with_us_even_in_bad_times/1314538

Serra International - Prayer for Vocations

Prayer for 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."

For information about Serra or Vocations:

www.scanzspac.org

View / Download Prayer Card (296kB)

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

View / Download full flyer

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

Plenary Council 2020

On behalf of St. Luke’s Parish, I thank all who chose recently to make submission to the Catholic Church’s Australian Plenary Council 2020 during the current consultation phase. In particular we are grateful to the Parish Leaders, Christina Williams and Chris Manchee who led the Parish Group Meetings. We continue to pray the Plenary Council prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit on the Plenary Council. The sheet containing the summary of responses that was submitted last week to the Plenary Council Team on behalf of St. Luke’s Parish is now displayed on the board in the Church foyer.

Fr. Michael

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.

https://melbournecatholic.org.au/News/facing-facts-coming-to-terms-with-ones-past-bring-peace-pope-says

Making A Home For Everyone

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2018–19 is titled
"A PLACE TO CALL HOME: MAKING A HOME FOR EVERYONE IN OUR LAND".
It confronts the growing challenge of homelessness and housing insecurity in Australia.

Copies of the statement, prayer cards and Ten Steps are available from the table on the church foyer, or

Download Social Justice Statement 2018-19

Finding A Treasure

A treasure is not something we earn but something we find.

We can spend a lot of our lives wishing and hoping that some treasure will come our way. We can forget that we already possess a wonderful treasure in our loved ones and in the gift of life itself. And the greatest treasure of all is the kingdom of heaven which Jesus freely offers to us.

May we have the wisdom to seek our treasure in God, and not in the glittering goods of a passing world.

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.

No Parking in the Driveway for Mass

Please do not park in the driveway or in front of the office for Weekday/Sunday Masses.  

Please leave this space for those who, due to their health, need to park close to the door.

You may park in the Church parking lot in front of the school, behind the Church when school is not in session or on the street.   Thank you for your consideration.

Year for Youth and Vocations

In Australia we have just begun the ‘Year for Youth and Vocational Discernment’, called by the Bishops of Australia. There will be a huge gathering of youth in Sydney in early December for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. This coming year will be the tenth anniversary of World Youth Day in Sydney. Let us pray for our young people in our families and our parish. Can we all say one ‘Hail Mary’ for them now to help them in their discernment of their call from the Lord?

Surfing the Net these holidays? Check out the following:

www.melbournepriest.com
www.corpuschristicollege.org.au

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.

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)

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

View Respect Life Brochure

View Respect Life Prayer Card

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

1. The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember.
2. 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.
3. The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God's guidance.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Morning Tea After Mass

Just a reminder that on every first Sunday of the month there is tea after the 10:00am Mass.

Come and join us for a cuppa!

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

The Family Care Sisters

facility at Croydon offers wholistic care to all women (aged 20-70 yrs) who are in need of a peaceful environment, 'time out', support and nurturing. Our residential program operates each week, Monday-Friday (Feb.-mid-Dec). A daily group session is held on topics such as 'relaxation', 'well-being' 'self-awareness' 'boundaries', etc.

For further information or to book in:
contact us on 9723-6797
Web: www.familycaresisters.com.au
Email:

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, 31 August 2014

Dear brothers and sisters, Good Morning!

In the Sunday itinerary with the Gospel of Matthew, we arrive today at the crucial point in which Jesus, after confirming that Peter and the other eleven had believed in Him as the Messiah and Son of God, "began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly…,and be killed and on the third day be raised." (16,21).

It is a critical moment in which Jesus and the disciples' way of thinking emerges. Even Peter feels compelled to reproach the Master, because he cannot attribute such a shameful end for the Messiah.

Jesus, in turn, severely reproaches Peter, He puts him "back in line" because he does not think "as God does, but as human beings do." (v.23) and without realizing that he his playing the role of Satan, the tempter.

The Apostle Paul, in this Sunday's liturgy also insists upon this point when writing to the Christians of Rome, saying: "Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God" (Rm. 12,2)

In fact, we Christians live in the world fully inserted in the social and cultural reality of our time, and rightly so. But this carries the risk that we become "worldly",the risk that "the salt loses its flavor", as Jesus would say (cfr. Mt. 5,13), that is, that the Christian is "watered down", losing the charge of newness that comes from the Lord and the Holy Spirit. Instead, they should be the opposite: when the strength of the Gospel remains alive in Christians, they can transform "mankind's criteria of judgment, determining values, points of interest, lines of thought, sources of inspiration and models of life" (Paul VI, Apost.Exhort. Evangelii nuntiandi, 19).

It is sad to find watered down Christians, who are like watered wine. You can't tell whether they are Christian or worldly. Like watered wine, where you can't tell whether it is wine or water. This is sad. It is sad to find Christians that are no longer the salt of the Earth. And we know that when salt loses its flavor, it is no longer useful. Their salt has lost its flavor because they are committed to the spirit of this world. That is, they have become worldly.

Therefore, it is necessary to renew oneself continuously, to draw this sap from the Gospel. And how can one do this in practice? First and foremost, by reading and meditating the Gospel every day, so the word of Jesus may always be present in our life. Remember, it would help you to carry a Gospel with you, a small book of Gospels, in your pocket or in your purse, and read a small passage during the day. But always the Gospel because it is carrying the Word of Jesus and being able to read it.

Also, participating in Sunday Mass, where we find the Lord in the community, listening to His Word and receiving the Eucharist which unites us to Him and one another. And then, days of retreat and spiritual exercises are very important for spiritual renewal.

Gospel, Eucharist, Prayer. Do not forget: Gospel, Eucharist and Prayer. Thanks to these gifts from the Lord, we can conform not to the world, but to Christ, and to follow Him on His path, the path of "losing one's own life" in order to find it (v.25). "Losing it" in the sense of donating it, offering it for love and in love - and this involves the sacrifice, even to the cross - to receive it again purified, freed from selfishness and from the debt of death, full of eternity.

The Virgin Mary always precedes us on this path; let us be guided and accompanied by Her.

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/

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