February 7, 2021 - 5th 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 ASSOCIATE: Mrs Abbie Ferdinands (Mon, Wed, Fri) BUSINESS & OFFICE MANAGER: Mr Peter Evans (Mon - Thu) SAFETY OFFICER: Mrs Julie Ashman (Mon, Wed, Fri) CHILD SAFEGUARDING: Ms Delisa Gonsalves SECRETARY: Mrs Felicia Ahumada (Mon - Wed, 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: 10.00am Tuesday - Friday: 9.15am Saturday: 9.15am, 6.00pm (See page 2 for full details) WEEKEND ONLINE MASS TIMES: Sunday: live from Saturday 6.00pm 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 What follows on this page might be described as “the third leg of the Trifecta”. Two weeks ago it featured a recognition of George Beard, whose pastoral care for fellow residents at Peppertree Hill Village caused them to regard him as a “living saint” - and with good reason. Last week it recognised Grace Tame, Australian of the Year, whose courage in speaking to Australia and the world means the suffering caused by the trauma of sexual abuse is less likely to go unrecognised by the wider community, as it has been for so long. And this week, it’s Tom Moore or Captain Sir Tom Moore, knighted by the Queen last year in recognition of his World War II service, and for the inspiration he gave the world by his simple act - at 100 years of age - of walking 100 laps of his garden to raise funds to assist research and treatment of COVID-19. As a result of his initiative, grateful Britons gave nearly $60 million in admiration of his selfless example. George was 90, Sir Tom 100, and Grace is just 26. Irrespective their age, they have inspired us in no uncertain terms, and especially reminded us that length of years be they many or few - does not prevent any of us making this world a better place, even amid the changing circumstances of life. How are you? Too old? Not old enough? Three weeks in a row we have been reminded of the extraordinary ability all we have to change the world for the better. Thank you George, thank you Grace, and thank you Sir Tom. May God bless you all. The Queen led tributes to Captain Sir Tom Moore, the hero of Britain’s pandemic, who lost his battle with coronavirus. The 100-year-old, who raised $57 million for the UK’s health service, was unable to shake off the bug, which he caught after contracting pneumonia in December. Her Majesty was among the first to offer her condolences, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson and footballer David Beckham acknowledged the veteran who was a shining light during the dark days of the pandemic. Capt. Sir Tom Moore’s daughters Hannah and Lucy confirmed his death on Tuesday (local time). “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore,” a statement said. “Whilst he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts Sir Tom became a national hero by his humble fundraiser - walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday in April 2020. His story captured the nation’s hearts, and his goal of raising $1800 for the National Health Service ended up netting $57 million. A book was written about him and he hit number one in the charts with a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. The Queen knighted him in July. “Her thoughts, and those of the royal family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world.” Mr Johnson said Captain Sir Tom Moore was a “hero in the truest sense of the word.” “In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country’s deepest post war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit,” he said. “Herald Sun” - Thurs. Feb. 4
Transcript
St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178
Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00-3.00pm (03) 9764 4058
What follows on this page might be described as “the third leg of the Trifecta”. Two weeks ago it featured a recognition of George Beard, whose pastoral care for fellow residents at Peppertree Hill Village caused them to regard him as a “living saint” - and with good reason. Last week it recognised Grace Tame, Australian of the Year, whose courage in speaking to Australia and the world means the suffering caused by the trauma of sexual abuse is less likely to go unrecognised by the wider community, as it has been for so long. And this week, it’s Tom Moore or Captain Sir Tom Moore, knighted by the Queen last year in recognition of his World War II service, and for the inspiration he gave the world by his simple act - at 100 years of age - of walking 100 laps of his garden to raise funds to assist research and treatment of COVID-19. As a result of his initiative, grateful Britons gave nearly $60 million in admiration of his selfless example. George was 90, Sir Tom 100, and Grace is just 26. Irrespective their age, they have inspired us in no uncertain terms, and especially reminded us that length of years be they many or few - does not prevent any of us making this world a better place, even amid the changing circumstances of life. How are you? Too old? Not old enough? Three weeks in a row we have been reminded of the extraordinary ability all we have to change the world for the better. Thank you George, thank you Grace, and thank you Sir Tom. May God bless you all.
The Queen led tributes to Captain Sir Tom Moore, the hero of Britain’s pandemic, who lost his battle with coronavirus. The 100-year-old, who raised $57 million for the UK’s health service, was unable to shake off the bug, which he caught after contracting pneumonia in December.
Her Majesty was among the first to offer her condolences, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson
and footballer David Beckham acknowledged the veteran who was
a shining light during the dark days of the pandemic.
Capt. Sir Tom Moore’s daughters Hannah and Lucy confirmed his death on Tuesday (local time). “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore,” a statement said.
“Whilst he’d been in so many hearts for just a short time, he was an incredible father and grandfather, and he will stay alive in our hearts Sir Tom became a national hero by his humble fundraiser - walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th
birthday in April 2020.
His story captured the nation’s hearts, and his goal of raising $1800 for the National Health Service
ended up netting $57 million.
A book was written about him and he hit number one in the charts with a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. The Queen knighted him in July. “Her thoughts, and those of the royal family, are with them, recognising the inspiration he provided for the whole nation and others across the world.” Mr Johnson said Captain Sir Tom Moore was a “hero in the truest sense of the word.” “In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country’s deepest post war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit,” he said.
“Herald Sun” - Thurs. Feb. 4
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 …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….…………
BAPTISMS 2021 The Parish Website www.stsimonsparish.com.au lists all of the 2021 Baptism dates and additional information. All enquiries regarding Baptism may be directed to Mrs Abbie Ferdinands (Baptism Co-ordinator) on 9764 4058 or [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………………….
PARISH DIARY
Tue F eb. 11 at 7pm: Parish Council
Tue Feb 11 at 7.30pm RCIA
Mon Feb: 15 Youth Connect Group
Wed. Feb. 17: Ash Wednesday (see below)
ASH WEDNESDAY (Wed. Feb. 17) is a day of Fast (one main meal, two smaller meals, applicable to those under 70 years) and Abstinence (from meat).
There will be Mass, including the Blessing and Distribution of Ashes, at St. Simon’s on Tuesday February 16
at 7.00pm (Vigil), Wednesday February 17 at 9.15am,
11.30am and 7.30pm …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….…………
ASSISTANCE NEEDED
CovidSafe Team
We require rostered volunteers for assistance before and after weekend masses. Welcomers: greet mass attendees in the church foyer, directly to QR codes and QR code Assistants as required. QR Assistants: ready and willing to explain the QR Code process with mass attendees. Sanitisation: Sanitise the pews and touch surfaces after Mass. Please contact Julie with your availability: 0407 180 398, [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….…………
VOLUNTEERS
We are seeking parishioners interested in joining the Gardening Group or roster for Mass Reading and Commentating. To express your interest please leave your name and contact details at the Help Desk or contact the Parish Office: [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. …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….…………
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 8: 10.00am
Tue 9: 9.15am
Wed 10: 9.15am
Thu 11: 9.15am
Fri 12: 9.15am
Sat 13: 9.15am 6.00pm (Vigil Mass)
Sun 14: 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.
Website: www.stsimonsparish.com.au
On YouTube: St Simon the Apostle Parish, Rowville
For earlier Masses, click “Previous Mass Videos” …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………..………
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE RISEN IN THE LORD
Recent Death: Ivan Peloza; Yvonne Chaudrey (USA)
Anniversary of Death: Aloysius Fernando, Frank Shelton
Knox Park Athletics Track, Bunjil Way, Knoxfield St Simon’s Parish is hoping to organise a team to take part, needing at least one team member on track throughout the event.
While the main focus this year is on a celebration of the value of research into cures for cancer and commemoration for people who have died from cancer, we would like to raise some funds towards this important cause.
If you want to walk, raise funds or help in any way please contact Gisella Koroknai: 0403 454 002
or the Parish Office: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………………
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 email: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………………
ROSARY GROUP Fridays at 11.00am
We gather together to pray the Rosary and intercede to Our Lady for all our
Mon 15th Feb, 7.00pm - 8.30pm. We are excited to welcome youth over 18 years to join us in person or virtually as we explore faith in a positive space. Please contact us if you are interested in our 6 consecutive Monday evenings of Lenten preparation.
Senior lady with good references is seeking accommodation in Rowville area. She is willing to assist in a private home in personal care and practical help if required. Contact St. Simon’s Parish Office for more information - 9764 4058.
SLOGAN OF THE WEEK
(prepared and contributed by Phil Accom)
“Worry is a total waste of time.
It does not change anything.
All it does is steal your joy
and keep you very busy.” …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………………
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
A message from Aid to the Church in Need Australia: Job Vacancies - Are you looking for flexible ongoing part time work? Will you share the stories
of suffering Christians? Aid to the Church in Need is recruiting for a number of Diocesan Outreach Assistants who will deliver monthly presentations in parishes across Australia. For more details visit www.aidtochurch.org/work …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………………
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.
February 7, 2021 - 5th 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 Job 7:1-4,6-7
Job began to speak:
Is not man’s life on earth nothing more than pressed service,
his time no better than hired drudgery? Like the slave, sighing for the shade,
or the workman with no thought but his wages, months of delusion I have assigned to me,
nothing for my own but nights of grief. Lying in bed I wonder, ‘When will it be day?’
Risen I think, ‘How slowly evening comes!’ Restlessly I fret till twilight falls.
Swifter than a weaver’s shuttle my days have passed, and vanished, leaving no hope behind.
Remember that my life is but a breath, and that my eyes will never again see joy.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 146(147):1-6
Second reading
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
I do not boast of preaching the gospel, since it is a duty which has been laid on me; I should be punished if I did not preach it! If I had chosen this work myself, I might have been paid for it, but as I have not, it is a responsibility which has been put into my hands. Do you know what my reward is? It is this: in my preaching, to be able to offer the Good News free, and not insist on the rights which the gospel gives me.
So though I am not a slave of any man I have made myself the slave of everyone so as to win as many as I could. For the weak I made myself weak. I made myself all things to all men in order to save some at any cost; and I still do this, for the sake of the gospel, to have a share in its blessings.
Gospel
Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went with James and John straight to the house of Simon and Andrew. Now Simon’s mother-in-law had gone to bed with fever, and they told him about her straightaway. He went to her, took her by the hand and helped her up. And the fever left her and she began to wait on them.
That evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by devils. The whole town came crowding round the door, and he cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another; he also cast out many devils, but he would not allow them to speak, because they knew who he was.
In the morning, long before dawn, he got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out in search of him, and when they found him they said, ‘Everybody is looking for you.’ He answered, ‘Let us go elsewhere, to the neighbouring country towns, so that I can preach there too, because that is why I came.’ And he went all through Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out devils.
