This Week

SUNDAY 16th Feb 9am, 11am, 6pm Mass

Baptism Prep at 3.45pm

MONDAY 17th Feb 8.30am Rosary 9.00am Mass

TUESDAY 18th Feb Feast of Our Lady of

Lourdes 8.30am Rosary

9am Mass

WEDNESDAY 19th Feb 6.30pm Rosary

7pm Mass 7.30pm Meditation

THURSDAY 20th Feb 9am Mass

(at North School)

FRIDAY 21st Feb 8.30am Rosary

9am Mass 9.30am Divine Mercy

SATURDAY 22nd Feb 10.30am Reconciliation

6pm Mass

SUNDAY 23rd Feb 9am, 11am, 6pm Mass

Baptism Welcome

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A , February 15th-16th, 2014

LIVING THE JOY OF

THE GOSPEL

Recently Br. Mark O’Connor fms wrote…

Dear Friends,

A belated happy New Year!

With the recent publication of Pope Fran-

cis’s new apostolic exhortation ‘The Joy

of the Gospel’ we have

an exciting challenge

ahead of us for 2014!

With Pope Francis we

have ‘new wine calling

for new wineskins’. So

many "firsts”. First pope

to choose the name Fran-

cis. The first in centuries

to live outside the papal

palace. First to give a

press conference. The

first pope to tell the

world so much about his

inner life, including

weaknesses for which he expresses regret.

Here is a man who learns from his mis-

takes and who clearly yearns to grow in

holiness, which he associates with pa-

tience toward himself and everyone else

as well. When Francis was recently asked:

"Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?" He re-

plied, "I am a sinner . . . whom the Lord

has looked upon. . . . I am one who is

looked upon by the Lord."

For our new Pope the vital thing is to

know oneself as a loved sinner – where

the adjective is more important than the

noun. Thereafter, conversion upon con-

version can follow – one enters into a life

of conversion and possibility that implies

being sent on mission.

And God's work is always done by graced

sinners who rejoice in being called just as

they are. Anyone who has stood dazzled

before Caravaggio's Matthew has felt this.

For someone who has not yet seen it, the

play of light and Jesus' graceful finger

pointing to Matthew and Matthew's finger

pointing to himself is reason enough to

travel to St Louis of France’s church near

Piazza Navona, Rome.

Again and again since his election the

message of Pope Francis

is simple and profound:

we who follow Jesus

must meet people on

their own terms rather

than on ours. Love for

the other comes first.

This message has set the

Universal Church and

our local church into a

new, graceful posture,

first toward itself – see-

ing itself as loved sinner

– and then toward its

mission to the world.

This posture first says, ‘Where are you

hurting? Here is ointment.’ Then we can

address other matters as you are willing

and able. Francis sees the church first of

all "as a field hospital after battle. . . . You

have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk

about everything else."

Since March 13, 2013 we have learned

that Francis preaches this message more

through his actions and style than by his

words. This is why the world has opened

its heart to him - because he has so

opened his heart to the world. Everything

else is then possible and yes – possible

here in Melbourne 2014! We are sent with

the joy of the Gospel!

Parish Calendar, News & Events

Diary

20th Feb: Come Away at Holy Cross 9am to 3pm 4th Mar: Seniors Morning Tea at 10am in the Annexe 5th Mar: Ash Wednesday Masses at 9am & 7pm 7th Mar: World Day of Prayer 8th Mar: International Women’s day 18th Mar: Registration night day for Sacraments at 7pm in the church 13th Apr: Palm Sunday 17th Apr: Holy Thursday at 7.30pm 18th Apr: Good Friday 19th Apr: Easter Vigil at 7.30pm 20th Apr: Easter Sunday

After School Religious Education (ASRE) is a program provided by our church for children who attend non-Catholic schools. Classes run once a week, on Tuesday afternoon from 4pm, during school term. This year’s classes commenced on the 11th of February. If you wish your child to join this program, there is still a chance to register them for this year’s classes. Please contact the Parish Office ASAP. Sacrament Catch Up Program As our year begins we have had enquiries from families whose children for one reason or another missed out on receiving some of their sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation and are now in High School. So as not to duplicate the extra classes, Sr Joan will organize for them, we wish to make sure that others in this situation who want to catch up contact the office as soon as possible so plans can be made. The program will start in the next two weeks! Sick/ Housebound: If you are aware of people who are sick or disabled and can’t come to Church, please seek their permission or a relative’s permission to advise the Parish Team so that they can be visited or have regular Communion. Come Away Day: There will be a retreat day at the Holy Cross on Thursday, February 20th at 9.30am to 3pm. BYO Lunch. $20-25 donation SENIORS SPECIAL MORNING TEA—Tuesday, March 4th at 10am in the Annexe. You will have an invitation

coming your way by hand or by post. This is an effort to kick-start the senior’s group. Please come along, but for catering purposes please let us know you are coming.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8th . It a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements, regardless of divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural economic or political. It is an occasion for looking back on past struggles and accomplishments, and more importantly looking ahead to the untapped potential and opportunities that await future generations of women. In the Parish, the JPIC group are preparing to celebrate IWD on Saturday 8th March. The theme for this year is Ending Poverty for Women and Girls through economic Empowerment focusing on Inspiring positive change. Keep this date in your diary. We will keep you informed.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER: a world-wide movement led by Christian women of many traditions who call the faithful together to observe a common day of prayer each year. More than 170 countries participate in this annual day of celebration which brings together people of various races, cultures and traditions sharing together in God’s word and worship. The theme this year is Streams in the Desert, prepared by the women of Egypt. In this area the World Day of Prayer will be celebrated in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Power Road, Doveton on Friday 7th March 2014, with Morning Tea at 10.00 am followed by the Prayer Service at 10.30. All are welcome.

A PLEA FOR HELP-PETITION TO SIGN. Readers of the Sunday Herald Sun will be aware of the sudden illness of Isabelle Ruiz (a niece of Angela Ruiz, a parishioners) She requires a particular life-saving drug which is very expensive. The expert panel will soon be making a decision about Isabelle’s continuing treatment. The family have asked for our support. There is a petition for you to sign, if you wish, at the back of the church, the gathering space and in the foyer. Thank you Talks on Vatican !! St Gerards’s Parish North Dandenong is running an 8 part series on Vatican 11 –50 years on beginning next Friday evening at 7.30. For More Information see notice at back of church Southern Stars Social Club is having their Over 28’s Party Night for Single Catholics in 28 to 60 age group on

This weekend we pray for: Those who are sick

Muliaga Vaifale, Bertille Phillips, Tony Reed, Litia Faitaua Lino, Kylie King, Katy Honor, Milica Klepac, Anne Payet, Roopa Kumar, Sergio Canales, Meera Backory, Thelma Ferreira, Joy Anquiliano, Tony Fernandez, Percy Mayadunne, Jessica Newman, Rey Domingo, Candice Walker, Fatima Abbas, Youlia Younan, Natalie Bonnefin, Kifah Boboo, Jose Zaia, Suzanne Michel, Giovanni Narduzzo, Maria Tesoriero, Lucrezia Pistone, Salvatore Zaia, Maria Luzia, Peter Tongi For those who have died

Jose Aguilar, Penny Tamplin, Margaret Neville, Lionel Heaton, Steve Hope, Julian Pack-eer, Kerry Bonnet, Brigida Alberti, Abelina Dionisio, Vivian Chapman, Francis Baretto, Jeannette de Vas, Vickie Buhagiar, Maria Ballestrin, Lawrence Borg, Fernando Santos, Maria Guiliano, John Brennan, Camilo Dizon, Maurice DeSousa, Olive De Sousa, Pat Lynch, Balbina Van Lange, Teddy Gherxi, Bartolomeo Paino, Maureen Dessa, Narcisio Ballestrin, Maria Ballestrin May they rest in peace

Sunday Readings

THIS WEEK:

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Sirach 15: 15-20;

1 Cor 2: 6-10; Mt 5: 17-37

NEXT WEEK: 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lev 19: 1-2, 17-18; 1 Cor 3: 16-23;

Mt 5: 38-48

Saturday 22nd February 2014 from 8pm at Benedict House, St Benedict’s Parish (301 Warrigal Rd, Burwood) cost is $13pp includes lucky door prizes and supper. Enquiries please contact Peter on 9885 2167 (A/H)

Stewardship Corner

- thoughts on Giving

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that

of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the

kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20

The scribes and Pharisees lived according to the letter of

the law and they used this to elevate themselves above

the other people. Jesus is clear – it’s the love that you

have in your heart that will get you to heaven. Simply

following church rules out of obligation, not love, does

not put you on the path to heaven. Attending Mass on

Sunday and then gossiping about a fellow parishioner on

the parking lot is an example of a modern day Pharisee.

There is a profound truth to be learned

“there is no point lamenting

what we don’t have,

but using creatively and generously

what resources we do have

in loving service”

(Fr Chris Monaghan cp)

LENT IS COMING! To help us in

planning and preparing for Lent, we would welcome it if you could com-plete the following questions and/or offer some other suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you and being able to respond to your needs. Which of the following would you attend if they were to be facilitated during Lent? Please tick the box and return to the Parish Office 1. Group Reflection on Scripture—————

2. Friday evening Station of the Cross——–

3. Day Retreat—————————————

4. Reflection material weekly——————–

Any other suggestions …………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………

Name …………………………………………………………………….

Phone No. ………………………………………………………………

Also would anyone like to be involved in creating the prayer setting in front of the altar for each week of Lent? It would be great to have people share their creative talent.

Rosters for next Weekend of 22nd-23rd Feb (4th Sunday of the month)

St Paul Apostle St Paul Apostle

Catholic CommunityCatholic Community

Priests: Priests:

Fr Tim O’Toole CP (PP) Fr Tim O’Toole CP (PP)

Fr Tony Egar CPFr Tony Egar CP

Pastoral AssociatesPastoral Associates::

Sr Joan Smith CPSr Joan Smith CP

Sr Brigid Murphy CPSr Brigid Murphy CP

Parish Staff:Parish Staff:

Bursar: Bursar: Gillian VelupillayGillian Velupillay

Secretary: Secretary: Didi KarkasDidi Karkas

Passionist Community Passionist Community

Fr Brian Gleeson CPFr Brian Gleeson CP

Fr Tony Egar CPFr Tony Egar CP

Fr Tim O’Toole CP Fr Tim O’Toole CP

Sisters of Cross and Sisters of Cross and

PassionPassion

Sr Anne Cunningham CPSr Anne Cunningham CP

Sr Brigid Murphy CPSr Brigid Murphy CP

Sr Joan Smith CPSr Joan Smith CP

St Paul Apostle St Paul Apostle

North Primary North Primary

School School -- 9700 60689700 6068

PrincipalPrincipal

Mrs Christine WhiteMrs Christine White

St Paul Apostle St Paul Apostle

South Primary South Primary

School School -- 9700 36639700 3663

PrincipalPrincipal

Mrs Helen GreenhillMrs Helen Greenhill

St John’s Regional St John’s Regional

College College -- 9791 33669791 3366 Principal Mr Andrew Walsh

Sacraments: Baptisms are held on the 1st Sunday of the month. Preparation is on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

Marriages require 6 months notice to one of the priests, participation in a FOCCUS marriage preparation program, or a CatholicCARE Course.

Anointing of the Sick is held during Mass on the 1st Friday of the Month at 9am. Before going to hospital for major surgery, why not ask one of the priests to pray with you and anoint you.

Children’s Sacraments require full participation in the preparation phase.

Registration forms in the Parish Centre.

6pm 9am 11am 6pm

Welcome Sandra Stone, Anna & Rodney Gonsalves

Ann Judge, Anne Peters

Antoinette Gargano, Anabela Costa, Joseph Solari

Sacristan Max Maillard Anton Nadarajah Yvonne Sherwin

Readers & Commtrs

Liz Flood, Mark Rolfe

John Callery, Milroy Martyn, Stefan Jayasuriya

Helen Greenhill, Florence Madeira, Jonathan Maclou

Shaddy Sadaka, Gabby Sadaka

Gifts Grazyna Tyszka, Anna Gonsalves

Nick & Sandra Dimi-trakas

Dilinger Family Keating Family

Communion

Sandra Stone, Steven/ Bridgett Herbert, Dominic Arena, Prabodh Perera, Fosio Dunlop, Charlene Pereira, Lindsay Cresswell

Bernard & Edna Da-vid, Fred Hall, Marina Nadarajah, Anne Peters, Alain Mallac, Elaine Gillett, Glenn Todd

Joe Solari, Yvonne Sher-win, Carmel De Souza, Zena Carlow, Daniel Madeira, Christine White, Frances Anthony

Kitty Jayasinha,

Roland Mathias,

Nona Sangalang,

Gabby Catania,

Jenny Catania,

Premani Leitan,

Karen Luzan

Servers Kathleen, Jessica, Joshua

Mark Harper, Casey, Ashvika, Luke Peters

Aidan, Kevin, Keegan, Reena, Calvin, Jade

Dinarah, Joseph, Lakni.

Cuppa Val & Chris De Zilva McGuire Family, Dilly Jayasuriya

Antoinette Gargano Joseph & Marie Allas

Angela Ruiz

Communion to the Sick

after 9am Mass

Roster A: Martin Vaifale

Church Prep Team6 Pauline Mallac

Flowers Lien Phan, Lishani Alwis

Roster for this weekend 15th-16th Feb (3rd Sunday of month)

6pm 9am 11am 6pm

Welcome Lien Phan, Carlos & Sylvia Fernandes

David & Sandra McGuire, Carolyn Tinney

Maria Longano, Marie Allas

Sacristan Peter Miller Sandra & David McGuire

Antoinette Gargano Kitty Jayasinha

Readers &

Commtrs

Andrea Rosario, Karen Rolfe, Reg Young

Nick Dimitrakas, Bernie O’Hara

Anne Astin, Meaghan O’Connor, Christine White

Marg Keating, Pierre Mendonca

Gifts Dorrie Turner, Gertrude Akom

Annette Lapierre, Bealiah Wemyss

O’Connor Family Hiranya Leitan

Communion

Paul Negri, Ivor/ Myr-tle Whiteman, Michelle Boissezon, Lien Phan, Navin Velupillay, Adelia Drego, Cris Emmanuel

Ernie & Wilma San Giorgio, Daphne Vaifale, Anton Nadarajah, Paul Smith, Danny O’Hara, Aaron Chitaranjan

Glen Johnson, Damian Kearney, Rhonda O’Connor, Esme Fourlze, Helen Greenhill, Sheahan Pereira, Christine Gaiardo

Mignonne Meerwald, Dan Candido, Eugene Rebeiro, Veronica Hassett, Shaddy Sadaka, Noel Augustus

Servers Jessica, Kathleen, Joshua James

Mark H, Ethan, Luke, Tara

Meaghan, Marc P, Sean, Calvin, Jake, Jayden

Rachel, Joseph, Dinarah

Parish Finances

Parish (1st) Pledged Weekly Rec’d

T/G Envelopes $2,987.00 $ 2,216.80

Credit Card & $2,752.00 $ 2,752.00 Direct Debit

Cash $ 705.45

Parish Total $ 5,674.25

Priests ( 2nd Collection) $ 1,489.30

Thank You

Viewhills—28th February—Mass at High Care