St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm (03) 9764 4058 [email protected]www.stsimonsparish.com.au August 23, 2020 - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Parish Personnel PARISH PRIEST: Fr Kevin Dillon Mobile: 0421 777 360 Email: [email protected]PASTORAL ASSOCIATES: Mrs Loretta Hughes (Tue, Thu) Mrs Abbie Ferdinands (Mon, Wed, Fri) SACRAMENTAL CO-ORDINATOR: Mrs Marialisa Mandarino (Wed) BUSINESS & OFFICE MANAGER: Mr Peter Evans (Mon - Thu) CHILD SAFEGUARDING: Ms Delisa Gonsalves (Mon) SECRETARIES: Mrs Felicia Ahumada (Mon - Wed) Miss Sophia Giuliano (Thu, Fri) ST. SIMON’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Mr. Tom Wursthorn: 9755 4222 NAZARETH COLLEGE PRINCIPAL: Mr Sam Cosentino: 9795 8100 NORMAL MASS TIMES: Currently not in place due to COVID-19 related restrictions WEEKEND ONLINE MASS TIMES: Sunday: live from Saturday 6pm OTHER ONLINE MASS TIMES: Tuesday to Friday: Live from 6.00am Also currently unavailable during COVID-19 restrictions: RECONCILIATION BAPTISMS AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE PREP: Contact Parish Office ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Available as necessary by private arrangement with Fr. Kevin (0421 777 360). PARISH COUNCIL: [email protected]MASS ON RADIO: Mass from St. Simon’s is broadcast on 89.9 FM The Light - at 7am Sundays PARISH HALL HIRE: St. Simon’s Parish Hall is available for hire After School Hours and Weekends (not during current restrictions). For enquiries, contact the Parish Office during Office Hours. Phone: 9764 4058 PARISH CENTRE FACILITIES HIRE: Contact the Parish Office. ST VINCENT DE PAUL HELPLINE: 1800 305 330 I hope what follows does not seem to be “self-indulgent”, but I hope it might prompt some worthwhile internal reaction for some, maybe even many readers. If not, please forgive me. I am writing this on the night of Thursday (Aug. 20, while two members of my family lie in separate hospitals, unable to visit or comfort each other. My sister Geraldine (the eldest of Mum and Dad’s four children) is seriously ill, having fought a 14-year battle with a relatively rare leukaemia-like condition. She has been kept alive by a combination of God ’s grace and the devoted skill of a dedicated oncologist. A woman of deep religious faith, Geraldine organised and led pilgrimages to Lourdes for more than thirty years. My brother Fr. Brendan (at 79, the third eldest – I’m the baby!) has been battling an aggressive form of Parkinson’s Disease, which emerged in 2017, just six months after he retired as Parish Priest of Glen Waverley, where he had ministered for 22 years. This insidious condition has substantially compromised his mobility and other basic functions in his arms and legs, as well as his clarity of speech. However, he is still able to pick a winner at the races! Six weeks ago he also broke his hip and rehabilitation is especially challenging due to the Parkinson’s condition. Thank God my older brother John is still managing reasonably well at 81! Every day in recent months, as I have driven to visit and bring Holy Communion to both patients, I have been thinking about what “family” truly means. Parents are central to us, children are absolutely all-important, but for those lucky enough to have them siblings (“brothers and sisters” sounds much better, surely!) can also be an essential part of who we are and how we have been shaped into what we are today. Sibling relationships are like Heinz soups, with fifty-seven varieties. There are strong bonds, there are fractured relationships, there are jealousies, there are stories of incredible generosity, there is unstinting loyalty – the list of “varieties” is endless. As we face the many challenges of COVID-19, we have an opportunity and some unexpected additional time to reflect prayerfully on those people in our own family who have shared our parents, our schooldays, our holidays, our very lives over some and perhaps many decades. Many of us have used some of this “lockdown” time to clean up the garage or spare bedroom and sort out what ’s central to our life and what ’s not. To some degree we can (and maybe we should) try to do a similar “sorting” with regard to the people in our life, so as to appreciate and value those who are most important to us - as hopefully we are to them. “Brothers and sisters“ can sometimes be overlooked, or at least taken for granted. I’m especially aware of what my siblings mean to me and grateful that I still can tell them I love them - at least for now. A prayer for them, if you can, would be appreciated. But these words might prompt a call or card or email for your own siblings, if you, as have I, have been blessed to have them. Just a thought. Fr. Kevin Dillon Jan. 8, 1985; John & Sheila Dillon’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
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St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178
I hope what follows does not seem to be “self-indulgent”, but I hope it might prompt some worthwhile internal reaction for some, maybe even many readers. If not, please forgive me.
I am writing this on the night of Thursday (Aug. 20, while two members of my family lie in separate hospitals, unable to visit or comfort each other. My sister Geraldine (the eldest of Mum and Dad’s four children) is seriously ill, having fought a 14-year battle with a relatively rare leukaemia-like condition. She has been kept alive by a combination of God’s grace and the devoted skill of a dedicated oncologist. A woman of deep religious faith, Geraldine organised and led pilgrimages to Lourdes for more than thirty years.
My brother Fr. Brendan (at 79, the third eldest – I’m the baby!) has been battling an aggressive form of Parkinson’s Disease, which emerged in 2017, just six months after he retired as Parish Priest of Glen Waverley, where he had ministered for 22 years. This insidious condition has substantially compromised his mobility and other basic functions in his arms and legs, as well as his clarity of speech. However, he is still able to pick a winner at the races! Six weeks ago he also broke his hip and rehabilitation is especially challenging due to the Parkinson’s condition. Thank God my older brother John is still managing reasonably well at 81!
Every day in recent months, as I have driven to visit and bring Holy Communion to both patients, I have been thinking about what “family” truly means. Parents are central to us, children are absolutely all-important, but for those lucky enough to have them siblings (“brothers and sisters” sounds much better, surely!) can also be an essential part of who we are and how we have been shaped into what we are today.
Sibling relationships are like Heinz soups, with fifty-seven varieties. There are strong bonds, there are fractured relationships, there are jealousies, there are stories of incredible generosity, there is unstinting loyalty – the list of “varieties” is endless.
As we face the many challenges of COVID-19, we have an opportunity and some unexpected additional time to reflect prayerfully on those people in our own family who have shared our parents, our schooldays, our holidays, our very lives over some and perhaps many decades.
Many of us have used some of this “lockdown” time to clean up the garage or spare bedroom and sort out what’s central to our life and what’s not. To some degree we can (and maybe we should) try to do a similar “sorting” with regard to the people in our life, so as to appreciate and value those who are most important to us - as hopefully we are to them.
“Brothers and sisters“ can sometimes be overlooked, or at least taken for granted. I’m especially aware of what my siblings mean to me and grateful that I still can tell them I love them - at least for now. A prayer for them, if you can, would be appreciated. But these words might prompt a call or card or email for your own siblings, if you, as have I, have been blessed to have them. Just a thought.
Fr. Kevin Dillon
Jan. 8, 1985; John & Sheila Dillon’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
PARISH DIARY
All Church Masses SUSPENDED until further notice.
We are doing everything we can to try and keep our Parish community together, at least virtually (i.e. via the internet on phones, iPads, laptops and computers), and to continue to offer comfort and support to one another in our community during this crisis. But we need everyone’s assistance and co-operation (very much including yours!) to make that happen as safely as possible once restrictions eventually start to relax.
Unfortunately, due to the imposition of Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, there will be no Mass Services for Parishioners to attend in person in the Church until further notice. We will continue to film Tuesday to Friday and Sunday Masses, and make them available via our Website and YouTube Channel.
And remember that we now have a library of over 100 recorded Masses available via our website or YouTube Channel as well. Please go to our website: www.stsimonsparish.com.au and scan down to the section which links to the Masses.
Further updates on Parish life and activities will be placed on the website as quickly as we can.
We thank you for your understanding and co-operation during these challenging times and hope we are still able to continue to serve you in every way possible. Please contact us if you need any support.
May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy
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RECONCILIATION & PRIVATE PRAYER
SUSPENDED until further notice. …………………………………………………………………….……...……..
PRAYER GROUPS AND OTHER PARISH MEETINGS
Only meetings via ZOOM will be able to continue.
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ST SIMONS YOUTH
Connect Group
A new initiative from our St. Simons Youth Leaders is soon to begin!
1st & 3rd Monday of the month
7.00pm - 8.30pm, zoom
We are excited to connect with the youth aged 18 - 30 years in our parish and the wider community. To join email Aly: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….……...……..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Jannik de Silva, Kevin Liston, Adam Cote, Caitlin Williams, Emily Michell, Shiela Mallia,
Ben Pirotta, Krishan Paulpillai, Janelle Auricchio, Peter Evans, Daniel Frederic, Bernadette Bitto,
Miranda Koroknai, Michelle Kueh, Allen Sebastian, Antony Thabesan
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MAY THEY REST IN PEACE RISEN IN THE LORD
Anniversary of Death: Audrey Bakelmum, Felimon Burayag, David Correa, Eardley Gonsalvez, Francesco Nania, Gerald Roche
CHURCH & PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE
In response to the latest Victorian Government’s directives (effective 6 Aug 2020), please note that
St Simon’s Church and Parish Office are now closed until further notice.
For urgent queries, please try calling either: Fr Kevin Dillon on 0421 777 360 or our parish mobile on 0491 176 149
and we will try to get back to you as soon as we can, and certainly within 3 business days.
May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy. …………………………………………………………………….……...………....
ST . SIMON’S MOVIE CLUB Have you been wondering what you can do which is “different” during the lockdown? You could join with fellow parishioners in commencing a “Movie Club” - from 6 to 8 people who would meet by “Zoom” (perhaps at 7pm) for a pre-movie chat, then (say, at 7.30pm) watch - together, but in their own homes - the same movie on YouTube or one of the streaming services. (SBS on Demand is free).
They would then “regroup” for a second “Zoom” meeting, and have a chat about the movie and some of the topics or questions which have arisen from it.
These small “clubs and discussions could continue when (eventually!) the current restrictions are eased and we can use our own cinema - or maybe a “Zoom” Group could continue.
If you would like to explore this, with no obligation, contact Fr. Kevin: [email protected]. When sufficient initial interest has been expressed, the days, times, types of movie etc. can be determined by consultation. …………………………………………………………………….……...……..
THE HOPE OF SPRING
Join us on Zoom and Soul Thursday Sept. 3rd at 7.30pm
To brighten your spirits with the Hope of Spring. Come and be in spired by messages of hope and faith to warm your heart.
To join email: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….……...……..
Zoom GOSPEL REFLECTION/PRAYER GROUP
Weekly on Mondays at 7.30pm
We use a guided reflection to meditate on the Sunday Gospel as well as share our own insights to enrich our understanding and allow God's Word to touch our lives. To join the zoom meeting email: [email protected]
Bible Study on Matthew's Gospel continues on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. Two more session remain.
Organisation” or click the link “MyCheck Account.”
Please note that ALL volunteers need to have reviewed
and signed the statement of Commitment, Policy,
Procedures and Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable People, as well as the
“WWCC” card.
Please provide the Parish Office with your “WWCC”
details so we can complete and update our records.
If you don’t have access to the Internet or need help
to do the above, please call the Parish Office.
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ONLINE YOUTH GROUP iSTAND is a youth group that has been running in Melbourne for 15 years, organised by Youth Mission Team Australia. We have gone online so that we can continue to create a space for Catholic teens to meet and be supported in their faith during isolation. If you, or someone you know, are a high school student in years 9-12, you
are welcome to join YMT’s online iSTAND Nights! Join other Catholic youth in a welcoming atmosphere full of games, activities, prayer and conversation. For more information and to register head to ymt.com.au/istandevents ……………………………………………...……………………...…………….
THE FEAST OF ST AUGUSTINE Friday 28th August
You may wish to pray St. Augustine’s
evening prayer nightly this week.
The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia (St. Vinnies) has more than 60,000 members and volunteers, who work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia.
Internationally, the Society operates in 153 countries and has over 800,000 members.
At the heart of the St Vincent de Paul Society our members have a profound sense of respect for the people we serve and a desire to learn from them. Our works are varied. No work of charity is foreign to us. No person is alien to us.
The Society aspires to be recognised as a caring Catholic charity offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and en-couraging them to take control of their own destiny.
We do this without Judgement, regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender, or political opinions.
As part of the Rowville and Lysterfield community our members are still out to assist where possible, in today’s tough environment. We understand we all need help at some time in our life.
We are here if you need someone to chat to or, might need material or any other assistance.
We are only a phone call away. Contact us on: 1800 305 330 FREE CALL (Victoria only) in complete privacy. ……………………………………………...……………………...…………….
ARE YOU OR A FRIEND THINKING OF BECOMING A CATHOLIC?
Adults entering the Catholic Church or just thinking about it, follow a process called RCIA - the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA IS FOR: Adults who are not baptised, Adults baptised in another Christian church, and Non-practising Catholics wishing to renew faith.
At St Simon’s, new sessions begin with an information night on Tuesday, 6th Oct 2020 from 7.45pm in the Chapel.
Ring the Parish office on 9764 4058 or Reg on 9790 5616 or just come along on the night.
Thus says the Lord of Hosts to Shebna, the master of the palace:
I dismiss you from your office, I remove you from your post, and the same day I call on my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I invest him with your robe, gird him with your sash, entrust him with your authority; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the House of Judah. I place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; should he open, no one shall close, should he close, no one shall open. I drive him like a peg into a firm place; he will become a throne of glory for his father’s house.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 137(138):1-3,6,8
Second reading Romans 11:33-36
How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.
Gospel Matthew 16:13-20
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’ Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Piano Lessons
Private or Group Lessons on: Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Singing, Theory
5 years old to adults, for all levels
Preparation for A.M.E.B and V.C.E Exams, vocal performances and just
Imagine if you could refinance your loan to a lower rate and help put an end to homelessness.
Our experienced Mortgage Brokers, based right here in Rowville are ready to assist you. Not only will we find you the best deal, but thanks to the work of our charity partners, your
loan will also have a social impact.
Learn more at www.together.finance find us on Facebook
@together.finance or call (03) 8761 9024.
Next Week’s Readings: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2;
Matthew 16:21-27
August 23, 2020 - 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
We come to you
Law: family law, wills, power of attorney and estates, commercial law, employment, contract and debt disputes.
