January 24, 2021 - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178 Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm (03) 9764 4058 [email protected]www.stsimonsparish.com.au Parish Personnel PARISH PRIEST: Fr Kevin Dillon Mobile: 0421 777 360 Email: [email protected]PASTORAL WORKER: Mrs Abbie Ferdinands (Mon, Wed, Fri) SACRAMENTAL CO-ORDINATOR: Mrs Marialisa Mandarino (Wed) BUSINESS & OFFICE MANAGER: Mr Peter Evans (Mon - Thu) RISK ANALYST: Mrs Julie Ashman (Mon, Wed, Fri) 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 MASS TIMES: Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am & 11.00am Monday and Tuesday: 10.00am Wednesday - Friday: 9.15am Saturday: 9.15am, 6.00pm (See page 2 for full details) WEEKEND ONLINE MASS TIMES: Sunday: live from Saturday 6pm OTHER ONLINE MASS TIMES: Tuesday to Friday: Live from 10.00am MASS ON RADIO: Mass from St. Simon’s is broadcast on 89.9 FM The Light at 7am Sundays 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]PARISH HALL HIRE: Available for hire after school hours and weekends (not during current restrictions). For enquiries, contact the Parish Office during Office Hours. PARISH CENTRE FACILITIES HIRE: Contact the Parish Office. ST VINCENT DE PAUL HELPLINE: 1800 305 330 These days, if you’re looking for information about anyone or anything, you just reach for your phone, laptop or PC and check out whatever or whoever it is on Google. In developing my thoughts for this week’s front page of our bulletin, I typed the words: “George Beard”. I found he was a central character in a children’s TV series with the unlikely name of “Captain Underpants”! (Just imagine the furtive chuckles of kids as they follow the “exploits” of this cartoon character!) Then in the “Images” section of Google, I found are numerous photos of George Clooney, sporting a beard! So why the search of the internet for “George Beard”? Well, Rowville’s George passed away this week, 90 years young and a genuine local and totally Christian hero - in the best and most fitting sense of the word. I first met George after being asked to lead a prayer service a few times each year at Peppertree Hill Retirement Village, near Stud Park. George was the Peppertree resident who, in those distant pre-COVID days, rang ministers like me to ensure we hadn’t forgotten to come, welcomed us when we arrived (I was often late but George never chastised me one bit!), and showed us wonderful hospitality when the service was over. George would often lead those weekly prayer services at Peppertree Hill, and always did so with a clear sense of Christian faith which resonated with the nearly one hundred attending residents. But what stood out were his weekly “pastoral visits” reports, in which he conveyed news of residents - current and past - who were battling with deteriorating health. His “news” was based not on hearsay or even informed phone conversations. It was based on his personal visits to people in hospitals, aged care facilities, other retirement villages - people who knew that he had journeyed to where they were simply to show the love of Jesus to his neighbour, whether they lived next door in the Village or some considerable distance away. His life, especially in his “retirement”, was one of care for and dedication to others, reminding us all that, even in our “senior years”, we are still able to make an important and worthwhile contribution to the life of those around us. A just and loving God will surely reward this wonderful gentleman for his kindness and unselfishness, expressed so often in the context of his genuine and practical Christian goodness. May he rest forever in the arms of a loving God. Fr. Kevin Dillon
Transcript
St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178
Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00-3.00pm (03) 9764 4058
BUSINESS & OFFICE MANAGER: Mr Peter Evans (Mon - Thu)
RISK ANALYST: Mrs Julie Ashman (Mon, Wed, Fri)
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
MASS TIMES: Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am & 11.00am Monday and Tuesday: 10.00am Wednesday - Friday: 9.15am Saturday: 9.15am, 6.00pm (See page 2 for full details)
WEEKEND ONLINE MASS TIMES: Sunday: live from Saturday 6pm
OTHER ONLINE MASS TIMES: Tuesday to Friday: Live from 10.00am
MASS ON RADIO: Mass from St. Simon’s is broadcast
on 89.9 FM The Light at 7am Sundays
WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE PREP: Contact Parish Office
ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Available as necessary by private
These days, if you’re looking for information about anyone or anything, you just reach for your phone, laptop or PC and check out whatever or whoever it is on Google.
In developing my thoughts for this week’s front page of our bulletin, I typed the words: “George Beard”. I found he was a central character in a children’s TV series with the unlikely name of “Captain Underpants”! (Just imagine the furtive chuckles of kids as they follow the “exploits” of this cartoon character!)
Then in the “Images” section of Google, I found are numerous photos of George Clooney, sporting a beard!
So why the search of the internet for “George Beard”? Well, Rowville’s George passed away this week, 90 years young and a genuine local and totally Christian hero - in the best and most fitting sense of the word.
I first met George after being asked to lead a prayer service a few times each year at Peppertree Hill Retirement Village, near Stud Park.
George was the Peppertree resident who, in those distant pre-COVID days, rang ministers like me to ensure we hadn’t forgotten to come, welcomed us when we arrived (I was often late but George never chastised me one bit!), and showed us wonderful hospitality when the service was over.
George would often lead those weekly prayer services at Peppertree Hill, and always did so with a clear sense of Christian faith which resonated with the nearly one hundred attending residents. But what stood out were his weekly “pastoral visits” reports, in which he conveyed news of residents - current and past - who were battling with deteriorating health.
His “news” was based not on hearsay or even informed phone conversations. It was based on his personal visits to people in hospitals, aged care facilities, other retirement villages - people who knew that he had journeyed to where they were simply to show the love of Jesus to his neighbour, whether they lived next door in the Village or some considerable distance away.
His life, especially in his “retirement”, was one of care for and dedication to others, reminding us all that, even in our “senior years”, we are still able to make an important and worthwhile contribution to the life of those around us.
A just and loving God will surely reward this wonderful gentleman for his kindness and unselfishness, expressed so often in the context of his genuine and practical Christian goodness. May he rest forever in the arms of a loving God.
Fr. Kevin Dillon
PARISH OFFICE
Monday to Friday 10.00am - 4.00pm
For urgent queries or messages, call:
Fr Kevin Dillon on 0421 777 360 and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy …………………………………………………………………………………...…
ASSISTANCE NEEDED
CovidSafe Team We require rostered volunteers for assistance
before and after weekend masses.
Welcomers: greet mass attendees in the church foyer, direct to QR codes and QR Code Assistants where required.
QR Assistants: ready and willing to explain the QR Code process with mass attendees.
Sanitation: Sanitise the pews and touch surfaces after mass.
Please contact Julie with your availability: 0407 180 398, [email protected] …………………………………………………………………...….…………...…
RECONCILIATION will be available in the Reconciliation Room at 9.45am on Saturdays or by private request to Fr. Kevin. Please follow social distancing directions. ………………………………………………………………………………...…
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK
If you volunteer for any of our Parish Ministries
and Groups, you are required to have reviewed and signed
the statement of ‘Commitment, Policy, Procedures’ and
‘Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable
People’, as well as a valid “WWCC” card.
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”.
If you don’t have a WWCC Card, please click:
“Apply for a Check”. In both cases, follow the prompts
and make sure that “St. Simon the Apostle Parish -
or click the link “MyCheck Account.” …………………………………………………………………………………...…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Horace Faife, Margaret Meier, Jude Fernando,
Carmel De Frece, Matthew Dalle-Nogare, Anna Tie, Charlie Leonard, Susan Wong,
Grace Do, Lulu Orbien, Raria De Mel, John Do, Monique Lovey, Brooke Felsinger
…………………………………………………………………………………...…
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE RISEN IN THE LORD
Recent Death: Clare Cheney, George Beard,
Michael Fernando, Horace Faife
Anniversary of Death: Marcelino Olalia, Maureen O’Sullivan (1st Anniversary)
ST SIMONS PARISH
Mass pre-registration via “Flocknote” on the Parish Website. You may book up to 5 people per sign-up.
Mass sign-up links and latest arrangements: www.stsimonsparish.com.au
MASS (IN THE CHURCH)
Mon 25: 10.00am
Tue 26: 10.00am (Australia Day - Public Holiday)
Wed 27: 9.15am
Thu 28: 9.15am
Fri 29: 9.15am
Sat 30: 9.15am 6.00pm (Vigil Mass)
Sun 31: 7.30am 9.00am 11.00am
PARISH MASSES
For WEEKDAY Mass there is no need to book ahead. However, each attendee must register their name and their contact phone number immediately upon entering the Church Foyer.
For WEEKEND Masses, booking will still be essential so that our parish continues, for the good of all, to observe the COVID regulations respectfully. (see website for details)
Check-in is also required before Mass. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled Mass time to avoid queues and delays to the start of Mass. Thank you for your support.
Mass Pre-Registration Resources:
The Video on the Parish YouTube Channel, “Mass Procedure St Simon's Parish from 23 Nov 2020” can be a helpful resource.
Parish Website: www.stsimonsparish.com.au.
Mass Attendance Sign Up For all information and sign up links to the Mass dates.
Online Masses
St Simons Parish has started livestreaming weekday Masses in 2021.
This week: Tue, Wed, Thu and Fri Masses will be available live on our YouTube Channel from 9.15am and the link will be posted on our website close to 10.00am to watch on demand.
Sunday Mass will continue to be available online from 6pm on Saturday.
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 email: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….…………...…
ROSARY GROUP Fridays at 11.00am via Zoom
Thank you for supporting one another through prayer in 2020. Meetings will resume on January 29th 2021, to pray the Rosary and intercede to Our Lady for all our intentions.
To join email: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….…………...…
FAITH DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Zoom and Soul: Thurs 4th Feb 2021
Thank you for joining us to reflect and share in a prayerful and inspiring space. Meeting together online was a joy and blessing during 2020.
To join email: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….…………...…
ST SIMONS YOUTH
Connect Group
Mon 1st Feb, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
We are excited to welcome everyone to a new year of Youth Connect Group! We will begin our Youth Lenten Group sessions on Mon 15th Feb. Please contact us if you are interested in exploring faith in a positive space.
If you are interested in sharing your talents to serve the community together with other youth, we would love for you to get in touch. Eliza: 0428 065 448 …………………………………………………………………….…………...…
SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN 2021
Jesuit and Ignatian Spiritualty Australia
Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola 2021 program February onwards spanning 30 - 35 weeks.
Everyone is welcome to apply.
No prior experience is necessary. Expressions of interest close 28 Feb 2021.
AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (ASRE) PROGRAM 2021
Do you have or do you know anyone who has Primary School aged children at a
non-Catholic school?
St Simon’s Parish is offering children the opportunity to participate in our Religious Education Program. We are providing classes from Grade 1 to Grade 6. Our Sacramental Program is taught by committed teachers who, with parent support, will prepare the children to receive the Sacraments. Please fill out the registration form available in the Church foyer and on St. Simon’s Parish website. Please return completed forms to the Parish Office or contact Rosetta: 0408 884 867 …………………………………………………………………….…………...…
PIETY STALL
A selection of religious items including gifts for sacramental celebrations, Columban Calendars, Rosary beads and cards are available for purchase.
Please ask the Parish Team before or after Mass for assistance. ……………………...………………………………………………….…………
MERCY CONNECT MELBOURNE
Mercy Works Ltd. is currently recruiting volunteers to support Refugee Students and Asylum Seekers in Primary and Secondary schools across the Melbourne Archdiocese. The volunteer commitment is approximately half a day per week during school terms.
Experience working in an educational setting is preferred but not mandatory. Training Day for new volunteers with emphasis on Child Safeguarding at the end of January.
Please contact Sr. Mary Lewis RSM for an application form and further information.
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.
January 24, 2021 - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
We come to you
Law: family law, wills, power of attorney and estates, commercial law, employment, contract and debt disputes.
Conveyancing: buying and selling property.
www.powalawyers.com.au
0407 739 123 | 0452 615 780
First reading Jonah 3:1-5, 10
The word of the Lord was addressed to Jonah: ‘Up!’ he said ‘Go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach to them as I told you to.’ Jonah set out and went to Nineveh in obedience to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was a city great beyond compare: it took three days to cross it. Jonah went on into the city, making a day’s journey. He preached in these words, ‘Only forty days more and Nineveh is going to be destroyed.’ And the people of Nineveh believed in God; they proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least.
God saw their efforts to renounce their evil behaviour. And God relented: he did not inflict on them the disaster which he had threatened.
Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24(25):4-6, 7b -9
Second reading 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Brothers: our time is growing short. Those who have wives should live as though they had none, and those who mourn should live as though they had nothing to mourn for; those who are enjoying life should live as though there were nothing to laugh about; those whose life is buying things should live as though they had nothing of their own; and those who have to deal with the world should not become engrossed in it. I say this because the world as we know it is passing away.
Gospel Mark 1:14-20
I will make you into fishers of men
After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’
As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.
