Notice Board
Index of Notices
Click on an index listing to go directly to that notice.
From the Heart of Your Loving Shepherd
VULNERABILITY AND HUMILITY
One of the WHO ( World Health Organisation ) officials, Michael RYAN, few days back said in one of the world famous television, News Media Channel: " People now have to learn to live with Corona-19 Virus for the rest of their lives." I was muling and introspecting on this startling statement, which gave rise to many questions in my heart and mind: Does it mean that we will not be able to rid the CORONA- 19 virus from it's atrocities and damages to the biological and psychological system of the Human life in it's existential reality?
Can we learn to adjust our life and get on with the normalcy of our living and being, permitting the Corona-19 virus as part and parcel of our lives?
Does this statement of the WHO authority mean that we will continue our social distancing and 'Spiritual distancing' with all these human invented rules and regulations, which are both rational and irrational? Will this not affect the way the Church continues to be a great source of God's Salvation globally and individually to the mystical body of Christ, it's Faithful, who are longing to see the normal full church attendance for a communitarian Eucharistic Celebration in the future?
I still have a long list and string of many more questions! But for the sake of continuity of the reflection on the relationship between Vulnerability and Humility, we deem it better to focus our reflection on this twofold human and spiritual dimensions. Let us begin first and foremost with our basic and fundamental truth of our Human and Spiritual Existentialistic reality: To Be Human is to be Vulnerable. In other words ipso facto, every human person is vulnerable, Since every human being is contingent and limited in the nature of Being itself. No Human being can claim eternity of physical and biological existence. The eternity of our Being stems from the spiritual dimension of our lives, which calls forth for the true acknowledgement of the Divine being, who will never diminish in any manner my Human Will and Freedom.
The term, VULNERABILITY is defined in secular and psychological terms as “ the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.” I feel and think rationally and scientifically that this simple definition is not a satisfactory one and cannot comprise the entire multi faceted dimensions of our entirety of Human and spiritual nature of our Being. I read an article from MONITORING AND EVALUATION STUDIES, stating the following four types of Vulnerability: 1) Physical, 2) Social, 3) Economical, 4) Attitudinal vulnerabilities. It's rather strange for me to find that the article does not clearly delineate one of the most important vulnerable phase, the most important inextricable Spiritual nature of our Being, which according to me could be termed as SPIRITUAL VULNERABILITY as well. We are all very well aware of the himalayan scientific achievements, the world is enjoying, which has enhanced the quality of our life and well being, specially in the field of Medicine and cyber spaced digital style of living. Yet, in spite of all these scientific achievements, human beings have been tremendously humbled by the atrocities of the CORONA calamities globally and as individual persons.
(To be Continued...)
FEAST OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS; THE PATRONESS OF OUR COUNTRY
The irreplaceable role that Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ played in the history of Salvation and in the present life of the Church is very evident. Many theologians and eminent Marian writers have contributed a lot. Many saints in the history of the Church have given great testimony both through their personal Christian Faith living and Charismatic roles they have played in the transformation of many problems that the Church encountered have been solved by the Maternal intervention of Our Blessed Mother Mary. WE could consider amony hundred of saints in this list just a classical sample of two! St. Louis Grignion de MONTFORT and St.John Bosco, popularly called as Don Bosco. Don Bosco most humbly attest that all that he has achieved in life for the world of Poor young people of the world, being the co-founder of the Salesian sisters, etc., etc., all by a singular grate attribution to Mary Help of Christians." SHE DID IT ALL." May the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, on the 24th of May, be a great source of the mater-nal spiritual embrace and strength to all our homes, during this challenging times of our lives! Let's make Mary Help of Christians more and more part and parcel of OUR HOMES, through our recitation of the Rosary and through meaningful simple devotions to her seeking her invisible presence as the MOTHER OF OUR HOMES!! Happy Feast to each one of you!!
Your Loving shepherd and servant,
Fr. Joseph AMAL SDB., Parish Priest
- Entrusting Australia to Mary Help Of Christians
-
- Archbishop’s Easter Message
-
View the Archbishop’s Easter Message
A Special Message From Archbishop Peter Comensoli
- Pope Prays For Coronavirus Recovery at Easter Mass
-
Pope Francis has prayed that the political and economic planning for recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic would be inspired by concern for the common good and not for “the god, money.”
“Today we pray for government officials, scientists (and) politicians who have be-gun to study the way out, the post-pandemic, this ‘after’ that already has begun, that they may find the right path always for the benefit of their people,” the Pontiff said at the start of his Easter Monday Mass held in the chapel of his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
A day earlier, Easter Sunday, Pope Francis said Mass under the soaring ceilings of St Peter’s Basilica, that was empty of the faithful.
Outside, St Peter’s Square was also empty, with the usual assembly of dozens of cardinals and tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world forced to stay away because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead one cardinal – Cardinal Angelo Comastri, archpriest of St Peter’s Basilica – and a dozen faithful sat inside, one in each pew, before the Altar of the Chair where the Pope celebrated the liturgy. As a way of bringing hope in a time of calamity, the Holy See streamed the Pope’s message live for a global audience. Pope Francis called for a “contagion” of Easter hope, peace and care for the poor.
He prayed that Christ, “who has already defeated death and opened for us the way to eternal salvation,” would “dispel the darkness of our suffering humanity and lead us into the light of his glorious day, a day that knows no end.”
The Pope’s traditional Easter message before his blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) still mentioned countries yearning for peace, migrants and refugees in need of a welcoming home and the poor deserving of assistance.
- 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
-
Luke 1:28"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!"
Faith is a gift from God.
During this Christmas season take time in silence and pray to God.
Thank Him for all the gifts He has given you.
Try to set aside any anger or resentment you have and really open your heart to receive the gift of God's grace.
- 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
- Entrustment of Australia To Mary Help Of Christians
-
- The Ascension Of The Lord
-
Pope Benedict observes that the risen Lord never went to visit Pilate or Herod after his resurrection to boast or say ‘I told you so’. Instead, he appears only to his disciples and always in relation to mission, reassuring them of his presence and reminding them of his whole message, propelling them into action. Note the order of Jesus’ farewell instructions to his disciples: make disciples, baptise and teach. Yet we currently baptise children, teach many of them through thirteen years of Catholic schooling and then hope that these Christians become disciples. Our central task, we must remember, pivots around discipleship, around the person of Jesus. This is the beginning of the whole Christian endeavour.
So how can we sharpen our focus on Jesus as our life and our saviour? On our own, we could never achieve this. The good news is that Jesus is involved in our discipleship process, initiating and bringing it to fulfilment; accompanying us every step of the way: ‘And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’ Scripture scholar Fr Brendan Byrne suggests that the preposition with in Matthew 28:20 is arguably the most crucial word in the whole Bible.
Jesus, having ascended to the Father, sits at ‘God’s right hand’—code for the risen and glorified Lord being completely present with God in all reality. Christ shares God’s primacy, reigning supreme over all creation and every human life, over all history and every situation, so that we might proclaim, with St Paul, that Christ is ‘all in all’.
Though Christ is everywhere in creation, the Christian community is graced with a further presence of God. The church is also the Body of Christ and celebrates that presence in our sacraments, with the Eucharist as the ‘source and summit’ of our lives. The promise that Christ is with his disciples continues through the centuries and to the ends of the earth.
The other significant element in this farewell scene is the trinitarian formula for baptism: ‘in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. The doctrine of the sacred Trinity was not hammered out and clarified for several centuries. Nonetheless, the early church prayed to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit from the beginning. On entering a Catholic church, we will often bless ourselves with holy water, making a sign of the cross and reciting the name of the Trinity, echoing our baptism and reminding ourselves of the many gifts we received in that sacrament. The Father who created us, and Jesus who died to save us, and the Holy Spirit of life and love are all with me. The Holy Trinity does not merely share my life; the Trinity is my life and my eternal destiny.
PRAY
Jesus Christ
May we be true disciples, following you with our whole lives,
so that we might dwell forever in the love of the triune God.
Amen.THIS WEEK
I will seek to bring new life and hope to others.--
I will allow God to surprise me with joy.—
I will bring my fears and sorrows to Jesus, trusting them to his tender love.Alive! Easter 2020 (Year A)
- Archbishop Peter: Taking Up The Rosary For The Month Of May
- Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has recorded a brief message for all the faithful of Melbourne, inviting us to pray to Our Lady during this month of May. Lastly, Archbishop Peter offers a special greeting and prayer for all mums celebrating Mother's Day this weekend, which he says, may be a particularly challenging one owing to the inability to spend time with family like usual. Remember to pray for each other and continue to be attentive to one another, Archbishop Peter reminds us, and remember those in our community who may be isolated in these challenging times.
- Serra International
-
Serra International - 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)
- OUR PARISH COMMUNITY's 40th year celebrations of FAITH and LIFE
-
We began our 40th year CELEBRATIONS OF FAITH AND LIFE with a big bang, with an inaugural Eucharistic celebrations and lovely inputs of Srs. Aileen and Mary!! We were marching well, till we were knocked down by CORONA calamitous Lock down of the Church! But CORONA cannot dampen our FAITH!! That's the sole reason still we are celebrating meaningfully every Eucharist with most of you in your home through YOU TUBE Channel!! WE will continue them as means to continue to keep up our spirit of the 40th year! Your suggestions are welcome always to improve the quantity and quality of all these digital spiritual celebrations to keep flaming our Faith and Life!!
The 'Birth' of our Faith community as a Parish, invites all of us to a great sense of pride and provides many reasons to celebrate the 40th year anniversary. I think this certainly not been a Human achievement and venture alone, but has been the gracious gift of God's Grace of guidance and guardianship! In this 40th year of our CELEBRATION OF FAITH and LIFE, I invite you most humbly to consider some serious reflections along the theme of, CELEBRATING FAITH in Life Series: Spirituality in Action.
In the past few months, we have reflected up on, FACING OUR FEARS, FACING OUR LONELINESS. It has been a rewarding experience in this most humble service of mine, as some of you have shared with me that the Reflections are very useful and inspiring! Therefore, with more courage and Divine assistance, I am raring to go and daring to continue! Please do share with me your criticisms and feedback either in person or through E mails, if you wish and if you don't mind please? Probably this is my 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! I am hoping to continue these reflections on FACING OUR ANXIETY in the coming weeks, which are very apt and pertinent in our current context of life and Faith Journey!!
Fr Joseph Amal
- 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)
- 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.
- Squeezing the Marrow Can See Other Stuff Squeezed Out As Well.
-
The Gospels often refer to Jesus' going to quiet places in order to pray - and this is a habit that he obviously wishes to inculcate in his disciples. They are sent out to preach and to heal - but in order to sustain that, they need themselves to be refreshed and, where necessary, healed. They are called to an active - apostolic - ministry but Jesus shows that they also need a contemplative dimension in their lives. It is the harmonisation of "Martha" and "Mary" - not as opposite but as complementary aspects of being fully human.
Some people thrive on busy-ness - but it can also be a way of avoiding oneself. If we are "doing this", "keeping that appointment", "juggling this with that", there is little time to address what may be a growing emptiness. As the outer world gets more and more cluttered, the inner reserves are gradually depleted. People become exhausted, suffer burn-out or fall prey to breakdown and psychiatric illness.
We are created in the image and likeness of a God who took time off. We are taught by Jesus who, as in today's Gospel, encourages his followers to rest and be renewed. We are inspired by a Spirit who bears fruits of gentleness, kindness and patience in our lives - qualities that being overly busy can squeeze out.
From a reflection on the Gospel by Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner
- 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, 17 August 2014
Sayings of the Saints
-
In the heart of the month of August, a time of rest and summer vacation for many, the liturgy celebrates with solemnity the Blessed Virgin's Assumption into Heaven. This is a day of hope and of light, because all men and women, pilgrims on the earth, are able to foresee in Mary the "destiny of glory" that awaits them.
On this day, we contemplate the Handmaid of the Lord in Paradise, encircled in regal radiance, where even in her glorified body she has gone before us. We look to her as a sign of sure hope. Indeed, in Mary, God's promise to the humble and righteous is fulfilled: evil and death will not have the last word.
-
Dear Brothers and Sisters, however dark the shadows that sometimes gather on the horizon and however incomprehensible certain events may appear to be in human history, we must never lose trust and peace. Today's feast invites us to entrust ourselves to Mary Assumed into Heaven who, like a shining star from Heaven, directs our daily journey on earth.
-
The Virgin indeed, assumed into the Heavenly Jerusalem, "continues her work as our advocate and minister of salvation beside the King of glory" (Preface, Mass of Our Lady of Mercy). Mary helps in understanding that only in her Divine Son can the full sense and value of our life be found. In this way, "hope for the escatological goal" towards which we are "journey[ing] as members of the pilgrim People of God in history" is nourished in us
(Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, n. 23). -
Virgin Mother of Christ, keep watch over the Church! One day may we also partake in your same glory in Paradise, where "today you were raised above the choirs of angels to lasting glory with Christ"
(Opening Antiphon of the Vigil Mass of the Assumption).
-
- 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/