Thank you to St. Vincent de Paul Members for their tireless work! On behalf of the three communities we wish to thank all the St. Vincent de Paul. Members who have worked so hard throughout this year, especially in the past three weeks of December. Well over 170 families have benefitted by your ministry and love! Their support of those in need in our parish and beyond, is wonderful. Many people this year will have a happier Christmas because of their dedicated work.
OUR MASS TIMETABLE (Subject to change) OUR PEOPLE & OUR CONTACT DETAILS
Priests: Michael Sierakowski, Paul Gurry, Clem Cafarella, Cyril Blake
Pastoral Associates: Matilde Chia, Margaret Pinzone, Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe (OLSH), June Kellar, Liz Liston Catherine Green (Arrowsmith Program)
Parish Manager: Libby Thomas
St. Peter’s East Bentleigh OFFICE HOURS (Mon - Fri) 9am - 3pm
844 Centre Road, East Bentleigh 3165 Ph: 9579 4255 Fax: 9570 4288 [email protected]
Pastoral Associates: Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe, June Kellar Liz Liston Secretaries: Marion Quinn Trish Richards Sacramental Teachers Lidia Boschini Betty DeMarco Stewardship Program: Keith Gonsalvez Adult Faith Education: Chris Pearson St. Peter’s Primary School Michael Hanney - Principal 9575 0909
Primary School Ms. Jeanette Wilson Principal (Acting) Margaret Smith - REC 9557 7130
RECONCILIATION: 1/2 hr before each mass
HOLY TRINITY PARISH WEB PAGE: www.holytrinityparish.org.au EMAIL: [email protected]
Principal Co-ordinator of the three Primary Schools in Holy Trinity Parish -
Michael Juliff
DAY TIME SERVICE COMMUNITY
WEEK COMMENCING 21st December, 2015
Mon 10:00am Funeral Mass John Taranto
St. Peter’s
Tues 10:00am Mass St. Paul’s
Wed
9:15am Communion St. Paul’s
10:00am Communion St Peter’s
10:00am Mass St Catherine’s
Thurs
10:00am Mass St. Paul’s
5:00pm Family Mass St Peter’s
6:00pm Family Mass St Catherine’s
7:00pm Family Mass St Paul’s
9:00pm Youth Mass St Peter’s
12:00pm Midnight Mass St Peter’s
Fri
8:30am Mass St Peter’s
9.30am Mass St Paul’s
9:30am Mass St Catherine’s
10:30am Mass St Peter’s
8.30am Mass St. Catherine’s
8:00am Communion St. Peter’s
9:30-10am Reconciliation St. Paul’s
6.00pm Mass St. Paul’s
6.30pm Mass St. Peter’s
Sun
8.30am Mass St. Peter’s
Mass St. Catherine’s
9.30am Mass St. Paul’s
10.30am Mass St. Peter’s
Mass St. Catherine’s
5.30pm Mass St. Peter’s
10:30am Funeral Mass Maria Cincotta
St Peter’s
C H R E I V S E T M A S
C
H R D I A S Y T M A S
B O D X A I Y N D
Sat
St Vincent de Paul—East Bentleigh Thank you to everyone in St Peter's
community for their truly heart-warming
support of our Christmas appeal. We
were overwhelmed by the response from
the community in the way of monetary
donations, gift cards, movie vouchers,
food, gifts and support in putting together and
delivering the hampers.
A special thank you also to all who helped with the
"Food For Friends" appeal at IGA Supermarket, by
volunteering their time or donating goods.
Through your generosity and on your behalf we were
able to deliver 70 wonderful hampers to singles, and
families, making Christmas a little brighter for at least
100 adults and 94 children this year.
We experienced many touching and special moments
when delivering the hampers to those in need and pass
on their gratitude to all. We wish you a Happy and a Holy Christmas We wish you a Happy and a Holy Christmas We wish you a Happy and a Holy Christmas We wish you a Happy and a Holy Christmas and look forward to your continuing support and look forward to your continuing support and look forward to your continuing support and look forward to your continuing support
next year.next year.next year.next year.
THANK YOU FROM ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
St. VINCENT DE PAUL MOORABBIN/BENTLEIGH - CHRISTMAS HAMPERS -
What an amazing response we have had—how can we thank you enough—you have certainly help fill up our Hampers, 52 in all, plus 20 smaller bags for the boarding houses in our area. You have indeed helped us give the “Christmas Surprise” to those that are struggling and think no-body cares, and perhaps receive nothing over Christmas. It is certainly a great “Blessing” to ex-perience the great joy on the people’s faces when they receive the gifts you have donated. We THANK YOU most sincerely on behalf of all those who have received hampers. Many, many thanks to the Parishioners and Schools of St Catherine’s & St Paul’s, to O.L.S.H. College for their wonderful hampers, to Tucker Road Primary School, and St James College East Bentleigh, for the amazing volume of food and toiletry donations given to the appeal.
We THANK YOU most sincerely and We THANK YOU most sincerely and We THANK YOU most sincerely and We THANK YOU most sincerely and wish you every Blessing this Christmas wish you every Blessing this Christmas wish you every Blessing this Christmas wish you every Blessing this Christmas
and may 2016 bring you and may 2016 bring you and may 2016 bring you and may 2016 bring you Happiness & Joy.Happiness & Joy.Happiness & Joy.Happiness & Joy.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON NOTICE BOARDS
• Don Bosco Camp: 2016 Summer Holiday Camps. • Glen Eira City Council: Peer Educator Falls Preven-tion Program.
• Marian Pilgrimage (Amended) 25 Days 8th May (from Perth) to 1st June 2016. Fatima, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Santiago De Compestello & Paris.
• Divine Australia Healing Mass, 1st Sunday Monthly. St. Christopher’s Church Syndal.
• Celebrate the Birthday of St. Mary MacKillop All Saints Church, King William St, Fitzroy 15.01.16 11.00am • Presence In Absence: Reflections on the Post-Easter Season April 4-11 2016.
In the Boxes at the doors: • St. Paul’s School Newsletter • Catholic Education Today magazine
KAIROS: New issue No. 23 is available. Why Christmas Still Matters. Please place $2 in the St. Vincent De Paul Box.
CHIRSTMAS CARDS : We have found some Christmas Cards that were hidden away in a cupboard left over from the bookshop days. These packets of cards will be available for $2.00 a packet. Also remember our beautiful book on St. Paul’s Stained Glass Windows $10.00 are still available.
ORGAN CHOIR: “Final rehearsal for Christmas on Monday 21st December at 7pm.” All Choir members please attend.
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY MASS: We will again be having our Nativity play at our Family Mass on Christmas Eve at 7.00pm. Children from Government and Private schools are welcome to join in to take an active role in this Mass. Anyone interested please contact Matilde 9557 1165. Practice for the Mass is on Wednesday 23rd December at 11am. All children are invited to come dressed as a character from the Biblical Christmas story. We look forward to a Church filled with shepherds, angels, wise men and wise women!
LITURGY SERVICE WITH COMMUNION: There will be No Liturgy Service with Communion From 24th December, 2015 to Friday, 29th January ,2016. Liturgy Service with communion will recommence Monday, 1st February, 2016. Normal Mass times in the Parish will continue. Thank you.
ST. PAUL’S NOTICES
TWO WOMEN ~ TWO BABIES ~ AND JOY UNBOUNDED
A Hurried Trip to the Hill Country of Judea (1:39-40)
The angel told Mary: "Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who
was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God." (1:36-37)
Mary is just a young teenager, and this is all pretty overwhelming The only person Mary knows who
will be able to understand her situation is her relative Elizabeth.
And so Mary hurriedly prepares for a trip to see Elizabeth.
"At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered
Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth."(1:39-40)
Mary needs steadying, guidance. But she is excited and eager, as well.
The journey was about 100 – 120 km and would probably take Mary three to four days.
The Baby Leaped in Elizabeth's Womb (1:41)
She seeks out Zechariah's home in the
tiny village, and greets her kinswoman
Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, the door and sees her niece.
She hasn't expected her, and now Mary
greets her.
"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the baby leaped in her womb, and
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy
Spirit." (1:41)
John the Baptist, in Elizabeth's womb,
also responds to the presence of the
Messiah living in Mary. Elizabeth
interprets this stirring within her as
motivated by joy -- and why not?
Blessed Are You Among Women (1:42-44)
"In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But
why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your
greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.' " (1:42-44)
Elizabeth's response is anything but quiet and reserved. Our passage mentions her loudness. You know
what it is like when someone greets you unexpectedly, a beloved person whom you haven't seen for a long
time. We can imagine Elizabeth embracing young Mary, and almost shrieking in joy.
But her greeting is more than loud, it is spiritual and Spirit-filled. When Luke uses the phrase, "was filled
with the Holy Spirit," it is usually of prophets or others who are about to speak out in prophecy under the
power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:67; 4:1; Acts 2:4; 4:8; 6:3; 7:5)
Elizabeth asked, "Why am I so favoured, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (1:44).
God provided Elizabeth to Mary as a kind of spiritual support – one who would nurture her and encourage
her in the Lord. Elizabeth was her friend and confidant, her mentor and advocate. God gave Elizabeth to
Mary for a special period of time and a special purpose.
Sometimes in life, God may have such a role for us, too.
You may be a more mature Christian whom God is asking to be an ‘Elizabeth’ to some young ‘Mary’ out
there. You've been through your own share of pain and struggle. You can understand. You can sympathize.
Someone in your community, work place or the local scene may reach out to you.
Let us be sensitive to the needs of others, especially in this Year of Mercy.
Keep the Church Doors Open!
One of the most powerful seasonal greetings we can offer is to say “Welcome home for Christmas”. When we are expressing
hospitality to those who no longer attend Mass regularly, the greeting has a particular resonance, and should inspire us to think of the
many different ways we can make the welcome not simply a gesture, but a rich experience for the welcomed. We can involve every
single person in our congregations, from the primary school child to the octogenarian, because everyone is able to say “welcome”,
with a smile.
With words and gestures, it can be easy to let people know that the Church door is open to all. We should be especially assiduous in
promoting this message throughout this “Year of Mercy”. The doors of people’s hearts and the actual door of the Church are
synonymous and must be open at the same time. If every Catholic Church in the country was open throughout the Year of Mercy, it
would have a huge effect.
For a long time I have observed “strangers” visiting the parish church outside worship times. In nearly every case, there is a specific
reason for the visit, usually to light a candle for Fred who has cancer or to pray for Mary who is in hospital. I am surprised at the large
number of people who make these casual visits. If they find the church closed on Monday, how can we expect to see them on Sunday
morning? According to Pope Francis, a parish church with closed doors is a museum, and a poor one at that. Most of our churches
are works of art that are brought to life by vibrant and lively people. Christmas is a glorious opportunity to pull out all the stops in offering hospitality to all those who cross the threshold of the Church.
This “welcome home” promotion can be done at any time during this Year of Mercy. Every Catholic in the pew, and those outside,
needs to know that they deserve a second chance, since we have a God of the second chance. It is amazing how mean we have
been with forgiveness; but, with the whole idea of forgiveness, we have placed a bounty on mercy.
Even as we welcome people, we need to examine carefully what they will find when they come back. Every Sunday we celebrate a
treasure of immeasurable proportions but, according to Pope Francis, we sometimes leave Mass as if we have been to a funeral. We
need to make sure that what we give returnees is much more than they received before they left us. Every parish needs to re-evaluate
the following points. I consider these to be the 12 commandments of a warm, welcoming community.
1. Keep an open church during the week. 2. Begin the welcome in the church car park. 3. Continue the welcome at the church door.
4. Welcome everyone at the start of Mass. 5. Offer a lively and uplifting liturgy. 6. Enrich the celebration with music.
7. Have a good sound system and visual aids. 8. Preach a meaningful, inspiring homily. 9. Ensure the church is warm and well lit.
10. Use the space in the church porch wisely. 11. Give care to all during and after Mass. 12. Genuinely invite people to come again.
All children at Mass should be acknowledged right at the start of Mass even if they do not have their own Liturgy of the Word. They
behave much better if their presence is acknowledged, and the following Sunday there will be more children at Mass. Children are the
modern-day missionaries to each other and their families.
Children should be involved in the welcoming ministry because they do it naturally. They just love giving out hymn books. When Pope
Francis compares the family to the parish he clearly points out that children must be at the heart of the parish. For decades they have
been so in our Catholic schools but we need to make stronger bonds between what happens in the Catholic school and what happens
at the Sunday Eucharist. Young people too need to be engaged in ministry, especially as musicians, catechists, readers and
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
Having prepared the community we are now ready for the real work. We are asking Catholics to be missionaries. They will never be
good missionaries unless they learn how to welcome and how to offer mercy. We need to walk in the shoes of those who have left the
Church. The reasons why they have left are many and various; some have been deeply hurt, and some are very angry. If we can
empathise with them, then we shall understand better the difficulties they may suffer when they attempt to return. I have heard of
people who make several attempts to come back, only to drive straight out of the car park. That is one good reason that welcoming
Catholics back begins in the church car park. The Knights of St Columba perform wonderful hospitality on special occasions in church
car parks but every Sunday Mass is a special occasion, and may be extra special for someone.
The next step a returnee has to take is to enter the church building itself. If this is home, then it must be warm, inviting and a good
place to be. Most church porches are full of clutter which serves no useful purpose whatsoever. We really need to spend money on
the entrances to our churches.
Many returnees will have to negotiate a new relationship with the Church and with the Lord. This will certainly not be easy for them
and it may be uncomfortable for us too because we have taken so much for granted. It would be wrong for those who have never left
the Church to think that the return of the exile presents no major challenges once they have made the move to return. A newly
recovered faith in the Lord leaves many floundering.
A warm welcome is vital, but we need to walk alongside people. Accompany them during Mass, because words and actions will have
changed since they left. Invite them to refreshments after Mass, and make sure they are never left isolated. Listen carefully to what
they have to say because they will have a lot of questions. As they leave, make sure they are invited back; walk with them to the car
park to let them know that this is a loving and caring community. We are about to implement some of these ideas for Christmas this
year and we will be carefully monitoring the success of the way we welcome people.
Fr Tom Grufferty is parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, Christchurch, Dorset.
ST. CATHERINE’S NOTICES
MEETINGS/FUNCTIONS THIS WEEK
Mon 21st Dec 7.30pm St V De Paul—Green Room
Tues 22nd Dec 9:30am Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Family Mass—Church
See McKenna Notice Board & Pamphlet Stand
• St. Peter’s Newsletter: 17th December, 2015
• Catholic Archdiocese Parish Update: 16th December
∗ Furnished room with private facilities, No Bond or bills, Non smoker, $170 per week. 9551 4392.
ST. PETER’S NOTICES
PIETY STALL— 2016 Break Open the Word & Missal are
now available.
SIGN UP SHEETS ON SACRISTY WINDOW
CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY MASSES
Readers and Eucharist Ministers needed.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word for pre-school and primary school children, for Advent at 10:30am Mass, this week. Come and share the Gospel and get to know other children at St. Peter’s
Christmas Eve Family Mass, 5pm
Last Practice for all children Tues. 9:30-10:30am.
All Welcome.
All children are invited to come dressed as a
character from the Christmas story.
Children who have been practising for the Christmas
play please arrive in costume by 4:50pm.
Christmas Eve Youth Mass, 9pm
Thank you to everyone who responded to our
request for more young people. We ask all those
who are involved in the Gospel to arrive 8:45pm
YEAR OF MERCY—ADVENT MANGER As we begin Advent to prepare ourselves for Jesus’ coming, we invite you to write a prayer/petition (on paper provided), for yourselves or for our world.
PLEASE PLACE YOUR PRAYERS IN THE MANGER IN FRONT OF THE ALTAR
Sacramental Program 2016—For children NOT attending St. Peter’s Primary School
Enrolment Date for 1st Reconciliation, First Eucharist & Confirmation Sacraments
Wed. 3rd Feb, 4-5pm— McKenna Centre.
Classes for Reconciliation will commence Wed. 10th Feb. 4-5 in the Green Room
Parish Office on 9579 4255. Sacramental Teachers-Lidia & Betty
Baptisms This Weekend We welcome Harvey Pickstone, Jeremy
D’silva, Chloe Turner, Gabriela &
Nicolas Rombotis, into our community
through Baptism.
Loganville • Loganville Christmas Raffle: Tickets @$1 ea on sale this weekend. Drawn this Sunday after 10:30am mass
• VOLUNTEER WANTED Looking for a kind person who likes gardening. If you have a couple of hours spare a week, Loganville would be very grateful. We have a lovely garden that the residents can enjoy but we need a little help. Current police check necessary
Contact Luisa Laudani or Liz Gilder on 9579-0784 between 9am and 4pm weekdays
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Congratulations and Best Wishes to Congratulations and Best Wishes to Congratulations and Best Wishes to Stephanie Lillis Stephanie Lillis Stephanie Lillis Stephanie Lillis
on her 30th Birthday on her 30th Birthday on her 30th Birthday on her 30th Birthday
Last Communion Service on Wed. 23rd Dec. and will resume in February.
CHRISTMAS EVENTS AT ST CATHERINE’S - Please see Maureen Clynes at the Piety Stall this weekend for your last minute supply of Magellan Christmas Cards and
2016 Columban Calendars. - Don’t forget, the annual Nativity Play performed by our local school children this Christmas Eve, commencing at 6:00pm.
CAN YOU ASSIST?
As the year draws to a close, St Catherine’s Parish is looking
towards 2016 and needs some assistance. We are especially
seeking helpers for our Altar Society to arrange flowers
every 5 to 6 weeks—training will be provided. Our Fatima
Statue would also like to visit your home more often in 2016.
Please contact Mary Gill on 9555 6701 if you are able to
assist and/or are willing to commit to hosting the Fatima
Statue for more than one week per year.
St. VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS GIVING THANK YOU
Many Thanks for the generous donations and support
across the Parish and Local Schools.
On Tuesday, a small but dedicated St Vinnies team
were able to deliver 52 Christmas Hampers & 20 bags
to the needy in the Bentleigh/Moorabbin district.
Christmas Blessings to and Thanks to all.
VOCATION VIEWVOCATION VIEWVOCATION VIEWVOCATION VIEW Mary trusted that the Lord’s words to her would be fulfilled. Step out in faith and God will be there to guide you. (Luke 1:39-45)
SCHOOL NEWS
Staff and Students from St Catherine’s Primary School have
now finished school for the year. We say good-bye to the
services of Bernadette Farrell and thank her for all her hard
work and dedication at the front office. Bernadette will
continue her links with the school through Young Vinnies.
We also say Thank You to Carmel Donlon for her role as
Acting Principal over the past 6 month, as we welcome
Lynda O’Donnell into Principal role next year.
ST. PETER’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE
LECTORS 6.30pm— Martha Morrow, Vernon Chun 8.30am— Maree Slater, Lidia Boschini 10.30am—Joan Marshall, Chris Grafen 5.30pm— Paul Collins, Ann Damon
26th & 27th
December
PRESBYTERY COUNTERS GRP 4: Mary-Anne Phillips, Paul & Maria Thursky Sun 27th December
THANKSGIVING COUNTERS GRP 2: Bill Dooley, Darron Foley, Martin Cleary, Carmel Recupero, Merv Hanncock Sun 27th December
SACRISTAN GRP 12: Jenny Honey, Colleen Nielsen, Denise Egan, Alice Sullivan Sat 26th December
FATIMA STATUE Rocha Family—Centre Road Sun 20th December
Morcom Family—Blamey Street Sun 27th December
MOORABBIN
HOSPITAL VISIT Eileen Darby (Sun) Helen Neal (Sun)
St. Catherine’s Maureen Gill - [email protected] or 9555 5014 Wednesday 6pm
Lord, we commend to you people in need:Lord, we commend to you people in need:Lord, we commend to you people in need:Lord, we commend to you people in need: St. Peter’s: Gerard Rivalland, Keith Shipp, Yvonne & Jack Pattison, Antoinetta Gammaldi, Baby Gabriel Clarke, Ann Dodd, Andrew Cook, Chris Diamond, Fr. Ross McKenney, Brian McKernan, Calvern Copeland, Cecilia Johnson, Rob Nicholls, Michael Tissera, Paul Nielsen, Peter Brady, Richard Musiac, John Madden, Solange Ibrahim, Wilma Chevalier, Zelda Herman, John O’Connor, Marie & Ashleigh Popov, Sue Thorp, Faye Wareing, Geoff Gleeson, Melinda Hewitt, Marie Bibby, Frances Phillips, Maurie Dennehy, Eileen Ramage, Maree Prior, Doug Willans, Moira Bugg, Anna Marteon, Peter & Marie Bergin, Sheryl Martin, Pat Huggins, Michael Griffin, Christina Andersen, Sarah, Elisa D’Elia, Paul Houston, Rachael Hailstone, Roland Fernandez, Merle Milner, Cresencia Elchico, June Jackson, Maria-Elena De Sa, Valmai Rogers, Matt Milanovic, Joan Clarke, Dorotea Moniz, Alfio Pappalardo, Claude Darga, Stephanie & Amelie Francois, Maria Kyunghee Chu, Duncan McMillan, Melissa Jovanovic, Bill Tilley, Cathy Hogan, Nigel Harbach, Kathleen Murphy, Abby, Jacqui Slattery, Daniel Pintado,
St Paul’s: Brenda Stewart, Fr. Chris Reay, Martha O’Hagan, Michael Grimes, Verion Stroud, Desmond Stapleton, Angelo Soligo, Ludy Dimol, Giles Yates, Michael Brown, Marie Andrews, Dee Lupton, Patricia Briody, Elizabeth Wort, Sharon Boyd, Elisa D’Elia, Tanya Wall, St Catherine’s: Peter Wilson, Chris Madden, Sandra Howe, Gill Gamble, Shannan White, Betty Hargreaves, Noela Lynch, John O’Connor, Leo Mercuri, Sue Saddler, Paul McKay, Joan Clarke, Joanne Barry, Robert Boileau, Paul Dwyer, Tony Infanti, Minna Beer, Trenna Scanlon
Those who are sick: Recently Deceased:
Anniversaries occurring at this time:
St Peter’s: Sr. Adrienne Dyt (Bert’s sister), John Taranto, Maria Cincotta
St. Catherine’s: Mike Woods
St Peter’s: Ida Di Battista
St Peter’s: Joan Sinclair, Felicia Virgona (5th), Sam Delosa, Madalena & Guiseppe Virgona, Agata Santangelo, Colin Young, John Hartnett (3rd), Frank Brennan (Darcy’s brother), Myles Sievers, Tony Schiavello, Norm Muratore,
St Paul’s: Anne McSweeney, Norah Sweeney, Cyril Hoy, Adele Portello, Esterina La Greca, Francis Hamilton, Amy Gardiner, Nan cy, Francesco and Joseph Panetheri, Rita Marino, St. Catherine’s: Angelina Pinzone, Hugh Burchell, Carmela Falconieri, Guiseppia Britti, Anne Samperi
