St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178 Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00-3.00pm (03) 9764 4058 [email protected]www.stsimonsparish.com.au August 2, 2020 - 18th 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) Mrs Christina Liew (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 Naaman was an Aramean (today’s Northern Syria) General whose story is told in the Bible in the Second Book of Kings (Chapter 5). A great soldier and leader, he was struck down by leprosy. A servant from a captured group of Israelites told him that the Lord had said he would be cured if he washed seven times in the waters of the Jordan river. After scoffing at the idea, Namaan eventually gave in to the pleas of his servant. “If you had been asked to do something difficult, you would have obeyed without question”, she said. “But this is such a simple thing to do. Please do as the Lord has instructed.” So he did. He bathed seven times in the waters of the Jordan - and was cured. This story was one of the Biblical stories referred to by Jesus Himself, (Luke 4: 27), so it has a special significance for Christians. And the message is clear: the simplest of actions can make the greatest difference. How appropriate that lesson is for us today in Victoria. We are asked – no, required – to wear a mask when we are not in our homes. This is both for the protection others, and for ourselves. Masks are now plentifully available. They can be disposable or washable. You can buy them, or make one yourself (if you have the appropriate sewing skills!). You can even wear a scarf - as long as your mouth and nose are covered. What could be simpler? And what could be more important than being as safe as possible, and protecting ourselves and others against a virus that has already taken nearly 700,000 lives across our globe, and caused untold economic, emotional and psychological grief? Sure, wearing a mask might seem to be a nuisance (sort of), feel uncomfortable (well, a little bit), but it is surely the easiest, cheapest, most readily available and hopefully effective protection - for us and others - until, please God, the elusive vaccine is discovered and available. The incredibly stupid and selfish behaviour of a small minority of people has inflicted major restrictions (with possibly more to come) on us all. That “small minority” surely includes those who have violated quarantines or refuse to wear masks in accord with the directions that apply to everyone. The fundamental command of Jesus - to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves - is surely central to the way in which we respond to the deepening hurt of this ongoing health and economic crisis. As for Namaan the Syrian general, what we are asked to do, what we must do, is simple enough. So let’s do it - with grace, vigilance and concern for one another. The healing of Naaman, General - and Leper Giving courtesy even if it’s not deserved - at Bunnings
Transcript
St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178
Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00-3.00pm (03) 9764 4058
Naaman was an Aramean (today’s Northern Syria) General whose story is told in the Bible in the Second Book of Kings (Chapter 5). A great soldier and leader, he was struck down by leprosy.
A servant from a captured group of Israelites told him that the Lord had said he
would be cured if he washed seven times in the waters of the Jordan river. After scoffing at the idea, Namaan eventually gave in to the pleas of his servant. “If you had been asked to do something difficult, you would have obeyed without question”, she said. “But this is such a simple thing to do. Please do as the Lord has instructed.”
So he did. He bathed seven times in the waters of the Jordan - and was cured. This story was one of the Biblical stories referred to by Jesus Himself, (Luke 4: 27), so it has a special significance for Christians.
And the message is clear: the simplest of actions can make the greatest difference. How appropriate that lesson is for us today in Victoria. We are asked – no, required – to wear a mask when we are not in our homes. This is both for the protection others, and for ourselves.
Masks are now plentifully available. They can be disposable or washable. You can buy them, or make one yourself (if you have the appropriate sewing skills!). You can even wear a scarf - as long as your mouth and nose are covered. What could be simpler?
And what could be more important than being as safe as possible, and protecting ourselves and others against a virus that has already taken nearly 700,000 lives across our globe, and caused untold economic, emotional and psychological grief?
Sure, wearing a mask might seem to be a nuisance (sort of), feel uncomfortable (well, a little bit), but it is surely the easiest, cheapest, most readily available and hopefully effective protection - for us and others - until, please God, the elusive vaccine is discovered and available.
The incredibly stupid and selfish behaviour of a small minority of people has inflicted major restrictions (with possibly more to come) on us all. That “small minority” surely includes those who have violated quarantines or refuse to wear masks in accord with the directions that apply to everyone. The fundamental command of Jesus - to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves - is surely central to the way in which we respond to the deepening hurt of this ongoing health and economic crisis.
As for Namaan the Syrian general, what we are asked to do, what we must do, is simple enough. So let’s do it - with grace, vigilance and concern for one another.
The healing of Naaman, General - and Leper
Giving courtesy even if it’s not deserved - at Bunnings
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.
Importantly, since we are directed by the Victorian Government to work from home where possible, we will be trying to have a staff presence in the Parish Office from 10am to 3pm each day. If for any reason we are not able to, there will be an appropriate sign on the office door.
Unfortunately, due to the re-imposition of Stage 3 restrictions in Greater Melbourne, there will be no Mass Services for Parishioners to attend in person in the Church, effective from Thursday, 9 July 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 80 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.
If possible, please make any other enquiries to the Parish office by phone or by email to:
We will get back to you as soon as we can, and apologise in advance for any delay.
If you must come to the office, please observe the protocols in place. To protect staff and you, we are endeavouring to minimise any contact between staff and visitors.
If the matter is urgent, please call Fr. Kevin Dillon on 0421 777 360.
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 …………………………………………………………………….……...……..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Troy Rabot, Jason McPherson, Shanisse Mathes,
Jessica Viergever, Andrew Viergever, Chamindra Fernando, Francis Nguyen, Abbey Marziano, Jenny Maxwell, Karlee Hill, Joshua Lim, Sheila Kelaart, Liji Abraham, Joanne Iannazzo,
Recent Deaths: Sr Ruth Lewis (Pakistan), Dr Harry Nespolon
Anniversary of Death: Walter De Silva, Dolly Lam, Beneva Rodrigo
PARISH OFFICE
In response to the latest directives announced by the Victorian Government on Sunday,19 July 2020,
please note that ALL VISITORS MUST WEAR A FACE COVERING WHENEVER THEY VISIT
St Simon’s Parish. …………………………………………………………………….……...………....
2020 COMBINED CATHOLIC PARISHES RAFFLE (CCPR)
Dear Parishioners & school families of St Simon’s. Please return your Raffle Tickets (sold or unsold) as
soon as possible.
Thank you all for your support and co-operation …………………………………………………………………….……...………....
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. …………………………………………………………..
PRAYER GROUPS AND OTHER PARISH MEETINGS
Only meetings via ZOOM will be able to continue. …………………………………………………………………….……...………....
RECONCILIATION & PRIVATE PRAYER
SUSPENDED until further notice.
.…………………………………………………………………….……...……..
ST VINCENT de PAUL - FERNTREE GULLY
St Vincent de Paul, Ferntree Gully is proud to
announce that they have opened their
relocated Vinnies Op shop at:
Unit 7, 1821 Ferntree Gully Road,
Ferntree Gully
DO COME AND CHECK IT OUT!
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK
If you volunteer for any of our Parish Ministries
and Groups, you may have attended a presentation
back in February this year, where you were handed
a statement of Commitment, Policy, Procedures
and Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Children
and Vulnerable People. If you still have it and have not
reviewed or returned the documents, please do so soon.
If you did not attend the presentation back in February
and have not got the statement of Commitment, Policy,
Procedures and Code of Conduct for Safeguarding
Children and Vulnerable People, please pick up
a copy from the Parish Office.
If you do not have a “Working With Children Check” Card,
please apply for one online by visiting:
https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
If you already have a Card, click “Update my Details”.
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, or-ganised 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
MARY MACKILLOP FEAST DAY - 8 AUGUST In the spirit of Mary MacKillop, we invite you to
“Take fresh courage.” For the ten year anniversary of Mary’s Canonisation, please give generously this Feast Day to continue her
legacy. TO DONATE - Call (02) 8912 2777 or visit Marymackilloptoday.org.au/donate
..….……………………………………………………………... GOSPEL REFLECTION GROUP
Weekly - Mondays at 7.30pm A group of 10 or 12 meet on zoom weekly where we begin with song, a prayer, read the Gospel with time to reflect, followed by spontaneous sharing of how this Gospel reading impacted the participants’ hearts, relative to their lives today. If time permits we watch a short inspiring video on the theme and finish with intercessory prayers. We find it a good way to grow in relationship with God and one another during this time of shut down. To join - email: [email protected] or call the parish office.
….……………………………………………………………...
ZOOM AND SOUL Thursday, Aug 6th at 7.30pm
Topic: 'Finding peace within yourself' We may not be able to change people or
relationships or circumstances but still find rest in God - A Peace that surpasses all understanding.
Hope you can join us and share your experiences. Email Loretta for zoom details. [email protected]
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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, 6
th 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.
“Come and see.”
Rosters for weekend of 8th & 9th August 2020
Mass Recorder 1) Fiona Gonsalvez | 2) Dennis Tam Homily Typist: Janet Forster
Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come! Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk. Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to
eat and rich food to enjoy. Pay attention, come to me; listen, and your soul will live. With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to David. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144(145):8-9,15-18 Second reading
Romans 8:35,37-39
Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us.
For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel Matthew 14:13-21
When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.
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: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Romans 9:1-5;
Matthew 14:22-33
August 2, 2020 - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
We come to you
Law: family law, wills, power of attorney and estates, commercial law, employment, contract and debt disputes.
