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MASSES: Weekends: Saturday: 9:00 am, 6:00 pm (vigil), Sunday: 9:00 am (Italian), 10:30 am Weekdays: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:30 am.
ADORATION: Every Friday 9am-4pm At 9:15am, Deacon James will be giving a short reflection. All welcome.
BAPTISMS: Sundays at 11:30 am.
CONFESSIONS: Saturdays following the 9:00 am Mass & half an hour before every Mass by request.
COMMUNION TO SICK: Wed, Thurs & Fri (Lay Ministers) ** In addition to visitation to the sick by lay ministers, Fr Simon is happy to visit any sick or housebound parishioners upon request.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 1st Friday of every month, the next one being Friday 3 April 2020 LIVING GOSPEL PRAYER GROUP (LGPG): Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.
ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Wednesdays at 9:00 am.
Home visits
If you would like Fr Simon to come for a visit and a chat, please let the parish office know.
PARISH OFFICE HOURS: The parish office is attended by volunteer staff on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 5:00pm. You may contact the office at any time and leave a message when the office is unattended on 9470 2586 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
Parish Bulletins Past and current Parish bulletins can be viewed online on the parish website:
www.straphaelswestpreston.org.au
Our Parish is committed to the
safety, wellbeing and dignity of all
children and vulnerable adults.
2nd Sunday of Lent (Year A) 8 March 2020
My dear Brothers and Sisters,
“From the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he
enjoys my favour. Listen to him’”, St Matthew tells us in this Sunday’s Gospel
[Matthew 17:1-9]. In this 40 day season of Lent we engage in acts of prayer, penance, fasting and almsgiving. As Jesus enjoined us in the Ash Wednesday Gospel, we do all
these things quietly, without trumpeting them to the world. Last Sunday’s Gospel saw Jesus rebuking the temptations of the Evil One after 40 days in the wilderness. And this
Sunday we are presented in our Gospel reading with the great moment when Jesus was
transfigured on the high mountain in the presence of Peter, James and John. Pope Benedict XVI has said of these texts: “Considered together, these episodes anticipate
the Paschal Mystery: Jesus’ struggle with the tempter preludes the great final duel of the Passion, while the light of His transfigured body anticipates the glory of the
Resurrection (and) Jesus expresses His glory to the apostles so that they may have the
strength to face the scandal of the cross and understand that it is necessary to pass
through many tribulations in order to reach the Kingdom of God”.
And so this season of Lent prepares us to face the great Easter mysteries, but also to
face all the many trials and tribulations we encounter on our journey through life. Jesus’ transfiguration most likely took place on the snow-capped heights of Mt
Hermon, out of which flow springs of pure life-giving water which give birth to the Jordan River. In this Sunday’s 10:30am Mass two young children, Zoe and Quinn, will
receive the sacrament of Baptism in water which has come from those very springs at
the foot of Mt Hermon. We will all join with their parents and Godparents in rejecting Satan and all his works and affirming our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and
Saviour.
I had hoped to be taking a group of our parishioners on to the heights of Mt Hermon
this May and to gather fresh water from the springs of the Jordan. Sadly our Parish
pilgrimage has had to be postponed due to the Coronavirus health crisis which is rapidly spreading throughout the world. As you may know, we have introduced some
simple and practical measures here in our parish Church, avoiding hand-shakes, using
anti-bacterial gel and confining the chalice to the priest. It is very important to avoid undue panic as this crisis unfolds. I do suggest that older parishioners might avoid
going to public places such as shopping centres and markets. If you decide you would like to stay at home rather than coming to Mass that is very understandable. There are
beautiful Masses able to be watched on television. And I will bring you Communion at
home on a regular basis whilst this crisis continues. I hope we will be through the worst of it by spring and that a vaccine may be available by year’s end.
Lent, which means “spring”, is a time of new and renewed life, of hope for the future. In the face of every one of life’s challenges and adversities let us keep our focus firmly
on our Lord who was transfigured gloriously on the Holy Mountain, and offers the
constant and firm assurance that God loves us and ever keeps us in His care and protection. Let us do as God asks and listen to His Son, the Beloved.
We congratulate Zoe and Quinn on receiving the Sacrament of Baptism this weekend.
With every prayer for God’s richest blessings to be upon
you and your families.
Fr Simon Grainger
Pax et Gratia
Parish Prayer: Generous God, We give our thanks to you for the gifts you have given to us – our life, our family and friends – time, talents and material possessions. Above all we are grateful for the Father's unconditional love, for Jesus Christ our Savior and for the Holy Spirit who nourishes us with every spiritual gift. All we have comes from you. May we remember this always and rejoice in your generosity. Sustain us on our Christian journey, so that we may constantly renew our relationship with you and all people of our parish community. Grant us the strength and courage to become better followers of Jesus: to be disciples and to live the Christian Way of Life. Amen St Raphael healer and guide protect us.
Prayers before and after Mass Guardian Angel Prayer and Prayer to St Michael
Fr Simon prays the Prayer to the Guardian Angel (Angel of God) as part of his personal preparation for each Mass. He also prays the Prayer to St Michael, which Pope Leo XIII requested be said, when he returns to the sacristy at the conclusion of each Mass. You might like to follow this practice privately yourself. These prayers are as follows:
Angel of God (Prayer before Mass) Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael (Prayer after Mass) Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. (Prayer cards can be found at the back of the church. Please take one)
† † † Stewardship Reflection
“Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)
God calls all of us to leave behind our old ways and to follow Him, placing our complete trust in Him. Some of the old ways that we may have to struggle to leave behind might be materialism, selfishness, and greed. Yet God promises to show us a new land and a better way to live. Remember what St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “God does not call us to be successful, God calls us to be faithful.”
THOUGHTS FROM POPE FRANCIS
May we allow ourselves to be reconciled, in order to live as
beloved children, as forgiven and healed sinners, as wayfarers
with him at our side.
† † † VOCATION VIEW: The Lord called Abram to go forth to a new land and begin a new nation. There’s no telling what we can become by responding to the Lord’s invitation to us.
† † † ST RAPHAEL'S ADORATION ROSTER
Adoration resumed Friday 28 February 2020, 9am to 4pm.
Once exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has taken place,
Deacon James will be giving a short reflection.
All welcome.
A new roster is being prepared. For those wishing to
participate, please write your name on the form in the
Saturday 6pm Mass
Eucharistic Ministers
Saturday 6pm Mass
Readers
29-Feb-20 Lucy Triulcio Kinga Harding
07-Mar-20 Amato Puli'uvea Nikki Daniele
14-Mar-20 Angela De Fazio Oskar Harding
9am Italian Mass
Eucharistic Ministers
9am Italian Mass
Readers
01-Mar-20 Bruna D'Alessandro
Carmela Molinaro
Anna Sisinni
08-Mar-20 Carmel Colosimo
Felice Comito
Paola Di Palma
15-Mar-20 Bruna D'Alessandro
Maria Bianchi-Rossi
Felice Comito
10:30am Mass
Eucharistic Ministers
10:30am Mass
Readers
01-Mar-20 Fatima Barros
Maria Gaggiano
Wendy Robertson
08-Mar-20 Amitu'anai To'oto'o
Mary Marziano
Rosetta Macri
15-Mar-20 Carmen Strojan
Josephine Knight
Giulia Digiglio
CHURCH CLEANING: Grace Croce’s Team 6 LAWN MOWING: Team 3: 21 March WE PRAY FOR:
Those who are Sick & Dying that they may find meaning in their
suffering.
We pray especially for:
Giuseppina, Cabrini, Paola, Dorothy, Peter, Sebastiana, Maria, Vincenza, Vittorio, Jean, Loraine, Kristian, Isabella, Pasquale, Wendy, Giuseppe, Paul, Tony, Mary, Carmel, Paolina, Shane, Ildiko For all who have died, especially those we love:
RECENTLY DECEASED:
Dawn Drummond (Requiem Mass Thurs 12/3 at 11:30am)
ANNIVERSARIES: Donato Damiano ( 1st Anniv. Sun 8/3 at 9am) Giuseppe Paolucci & Felice D’Agostino ( Sun 8/3 at 9am) Carmela D’Addona (3rd Anniv. Sun 8/3 at 9am) Damiano & Brunina Rando (3rd Anniv. Sun 8/3 at 10:30am) Pia Maria Zamparo (3rd Anniv. Sat 14/3 at 6pm) Chris O’Dea (2nd Anniv. Sat 14/3 at 6pm) …that they may share in the resurrection of Jesus.
† † † LAST WEEKEND'S COLLECTION:
Thanksgiving: $831
Presbytery: $480
Many thanks to all our contributors
FEAST DAYS OF THE WEEK
Friday 13th March 2020-
Seventh Anniversary of the Election of Pope Francis
† † † Envelopes for requests for Masses to be offered for deceased loved ones Please find at the back of the Church, envelopes for your use when requesting a Mass to be offered for deceased/unwell family members. Envelopes may be placed in the collection baskets.
A REMINDER…The donation box for the decoration of our altar is at the rear of the church. Many thanks for those who contribute.
PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME
Baptism Congratulations
The community of St Raphael’s congratulates Zoë and Quinn Riordan,
for their Baptisms on 8 March 2020.
Project Compassion
Please take home a Project Compassion box and support Caritas Australia this Lenten season themed “Go Further Together”. Your generosity will assist some of the world’s most vulnerable communities to lift themselves out of poverty. When we Go Further Together in love and compassion, the whole world thrives. You can donate through Parish boxes, or by phoning 1800 024 413 or visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion.
† † † SENIORS LUNCH
The next seniors’ lunch will be on Thursday 12 March at
12:00 Mid-day at: Darebin RSL, 402 Bell St, Preston.
Please let us know if you will be attending the lunch by
writing your name on the form in the foyer.
Non seniors are also most welcome. Thank you.
Let's do something for Vocations
As a parish, we are committed to doing something to
encourage more vocations to the priesthood and consecrated
life. One of the most important things that we can do is to
pray: Ask the Lord of the harvest to send more labourers.
Prayer is the first and most important step in encouraging
vocations. As a community, we will participate in the
Vocations Office initiative of the 'Triduum of Prayer',
where parishes and communities across Melbourne will
commit one hour of prayer for vocations over the period of
20-22 March.
Our Hour of Prayer will be Friday 20 March at 3pm to 4pm
in the church. Please bring along some friends and members
of your family, to pray in union with parishes around the
Archdiocese for more vocations.
† † †
☺ ☺ SHARE A JOKE ☺ ☺
Children’s activity pages Please find in the foyer of the Church an activity box with
activity pages and pencils for young children to use quietly during Mass. At the end of Mass children are invited to
show Fr Simon their work in the Church foyer
PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME
Archdiocesan Instructions regarding
precautions to be taken during Coronavirus alarm
On March 2020 the Vicar General has issued recommendations for the Catholic community of Melbourne. A full copy of those recommendations is available in the foyer of the Church. It is very important that we respond sensibly and appropriately as the seriousness of this public health concern increases in our country. It is also important not to panic or become more alarmed than the actual circumstances justify. Here in St Raphael’s Parish the following measures have been implemented from 7 March 2020 in accordance with the Vicar General’s latest advice:- • Holy Water will not be available from the stoups inside the entrances of our Church. • Holy Water will continue to be available from the Holy Water container near the sacristy door for the use of parishioners in their homes. • At the sign of Peace parishioners should avoid shaking hands but say “peace be with you” and give a smile, wave nod or bow. • All Eucharistic Ministers should pay careful attention to the washing of hands and use of sanitising hand gel before assisting with the distribution of Communion. • Only the priest is to receive from the chalice. • Communion will not be given on the tongue but only in the hand. As Fr Simon has said in his letter in this week’s bulletin, elderly parishioners may choose not to come to the church for Mass, but rather watch it on television in their homes. However, any parishioner who does this is also most welcome to ask Fr Simon to come to bring them Communion at home. It is essential that we stay together as a parish family in the face of this challenge. All parishioners are urged to pray for the victims of this coronavirus, all those who are ill, all those who are in quarantine, and all those bringing help and support to patients. And that a vaccine soon be found and swiftly made available to the public.
† † † Parish Pilgrimage
Due to the Coronavirus crisis the parish pilgrimage has been postponed. If all is well by early 2021, Fr Simon will offer this pilgrimage again, departing Melbourne on 2 May 2021 and returning on 13 May 2021. Fr Simon will invite expressions of interest in early 2021.
† † † RISE: HOME AWAITS – Youth Festival 2020
Calling all young people! Have you ever had questions about your faith that needed to be answered? Well, this Catholic youth festival may be just what you’ve been looking for. RISE is a popular youth festival designed to inspire and encourage young Catholics. Packed with awesome guest speakers (Fr. Rob Galea, Justine Cumbo, Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli), live music, workshops and prayer sessions, this Melbourne-based festival is just the thing to set your faith on fire. When: Saturday 21st March 2020, 10am-6pm Where: Emmaus College – 503 Springvale Rd., Vermont South VIC Age: 3 Age Streams: ▪ Yr 7 – 8
▪ Yr 9 – 11 ▪ Young Adults (Yr 12 – Age 25)
Please contact Deacon James for registry information: james.baptist@cam.org.au Or
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A warm welcome to new parishioners to St Raphael’s Please let us know that you have joined our community and if there is anything we can do for you. Are you new to our Parish? ____
Need Thanksgiving envelopes? ____
Pease complete the details below and place in the collection plate at Mass or send to the Parish office. Name: ___________________________________
Phone: ___________________________________
Address: ___________________________________
To existing parishioners: if you would like to contribute on a regular basis using the envelopes, please complete the above. Thank you.
PENITENTIAL ACT I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I
have failed to do,
And, striking their breast, they say:
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-
Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
FIRST READING Genesis 12:1-4
The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave
your country, your family and your
father’s house, for the land I will
show you. I will make you a great
nation; I will bless you and make
your name so famous that it will be
used as a blessing.
‘I will bless those who bless you:
I will curse those who slight you.
All the tribes of the earth
shall bless themselves by you.’
So Abram went as the Lord told him.
The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 32(33):4-5,18-20,22
The Response is:
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we
place our trust in you.
The word of the Lord is faithful
and all his works to be trusted.
The Lord loves justice and right
and fills the earth with his love.
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we
place our trust in you.
The Lord looks on those who revere
him,
on those who hope in his love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine.
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we
place our trust in you.
Our soul is waiting for the Lord.
The Lord is our help and our shield.
May your love be upon us, O Lord,
as we place all our hope in you.
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we
place our trust in you.
SECOND READING 2 Timothy 1:8-10
With me, bear the hardships for the
sake of the Good News, relying on
the power of God who has saved us
and called us to be holy – not
because of anything we ourselves
have done but for his own purpose
and by his own grace. This grace had
already been granted to us, in Christ
Jesus, before the beginning of time,
but it has only been revealed by the
Appearing of our saviour Christ
Jesus. He abolished death, and he
has proclaimed life and immortality
through the Good News.
The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
Please stand for the Gospel
Acclamation.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Matthew 17:5
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus
Christ!
From the shining cloud the Father’s
voice is heard:
this is my beloved Son, hear him.
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus
Christ!
GOSPEL Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took with him Peter and James
and his brother John and led them up
a high mountain where they could be
alone. There in their presence he was
transfigured: his face shone like the
sun and his clothes became as white
as the light. Suddenly Moses and
Elijah appeared to them; they were
talking with him. Then Peter spoke
to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is
wonderful for us to be here; if you
wish, I will make three tents here,
one for you, one for Moses and one
for Elijah.’ He was still speaking
when suddenly a bright cloud
covered them with shadow, and from
the cloud there came a voice which
said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved;
he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’
When they heard this the disciples
fell on their faces overcome with
fear. But Jesus came up and touched
them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be
afraid.’ And when they raised their
eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.
As they came down from the
mountain Jesus gave them this order,
‘Tell no one about the vision until
the Son of Man has risen from the
dead.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus
Christ.
PROFESSION OF FAITH APOSTLES' CREED
I believe in God, / the Father
almighty, / Creator of heaven and
earth, / and in Jesus Christ, his only
Son, our lord, / who was conceived
by the Holy Spirit, / born of the
Virgin Mary, / suffered under
Pontius Pilate, / was crucified, died
and was buried; / he descended into
hell; / on the third day he rose again
from the dead; / he ascended into
heaven, / and is seated at the right
hand of God the Father almighty; /
from there he will come to judge the
living and the dead. / I believe in the
Holy Spirit, / the holy catholic
Church, / the communion of saints, /
the forgiveness of sins, / the
resurrection of the body, / and life
everlasting. Amen.
RESPONSE TO PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL: Lord, have mercy.
THE MEMORIAL
ACCLAMATION
We proclaim your Death, O Lord,
and profess your Resurrection, until
you come again.
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