Parish Bulletin
St Mary’s Parish Prayer
God our Father, as we thank you for the blessings, we ask you to bless this Parish of yours, so that
we may love you more.
Encircle our families with your loving care.
Help parents to be good examples to their
children and our youth to grow in strength as good Christians.
To the sick grant health, to the aged bring serenity and to those in sorrow, joy.
May we grow stronger in faith and may
our love for one another become deeper
in our daily living.
We make this through the intercession of our Mother Mary. Amen
UPDATED - Paris Office Hours
Tuesday and Thursday, 9.00am to 4.00pm Brenda may be working from home for some of those hours. Important parish issues will be addressed and you are welcome to call directly on 0466 830 682 if the parish number 5825 2034 is unattended.
Bulletin notices are welcome and can be phoned to 5825 2034 or emailed to the office
New - The Big Game
It was 'That One Day in October' and our Mons was all ready for the big game!! He is extremely happy with the result "Go Tiges"
NEW - Restrictions
Modest easing of restrictions for churches were announced last Sunday, but we are still unable to open up our church. Outside liturgies for up to 20 people are allowed and St. Brendan’s are commencing outdoor weekday masses from Tuesday 27th. October.
St. Mary’s will advise you as soon as we are able to open our church and come together to celebrate mass.
· Outside liturgies may be celebrated, attended by 1 minister and 20 participants.
· Parish facilities may be used for essential support groups (alcohol, family violence etc.) for up to 20 people.
Churches may be opened for private prayer, but only from members of one household and two others at a time, in addition to the celebrant. (same rules apply to private worship as to social gatherings in private homes.
New - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday is the Solemnity of All Saints, the feast will displace the Liturgy of the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. We acknowledge the countless people who have died and entered eternal life that are saints but not formally recognised and placed in the Calendar of Saints. They now pray for us The day is followed by All Souls Day commemorating those who have died and awaiting entry into heaven. We pray for them.
NEW - Looking at the Readings
Chapter 22 of the Gospel according to St Matthew presents four big questions: about paying Taxes (last week), about the resurrection of the dead (omitted this year), what is the greatest commandment (this week) and about the Son of David (not included in the lectionaries). Asking questions is a legitimate line of enquiring and learning. But we know all too well about the person who asks too many questions! The question put today is recorded in all three of the synoptic Gospels, but in different contexts. In Matthew the question is to test Jesus, in Luke (10:25-28) also a test but in the context of what must I do to inherit eternal life, followed by a second question: “Who is my neighbour?” in Mark (12:28-34) the scribe who asked the question was praised by Jesus.
The context in Matthew’s gospel today reflected the concerns of the Christians to whom Matthew was writing and with whom he was living. They were emerging from Judaic practices and forming a new ecclesial community. Law and Commandments were important legacies from their tradition, also were integrity and faithfulness to the Word and right living and sincerity in action. Matthew’s “Last Judgement” (25:31-46) serves as a great witness for this very concern.
The “Greatest Commandment” to love God and neighbour avoids the legalism of the past and offers a deeper relationship with Father, Son, Holy Spirit and all humanity. Like the question about paying the Roman tax, Jesus’ answers are not compromises but a new and exciting way of being Christian.
New - THE TREE THAT APPEARS IN FOG
God of misty mornings,
We thank you for moments of clarity.
There are times when life feels like winter,Cold and foggy.
We want to stay under the blankets.
But then we catch a glimpse of you,
A bit like something taking shape in the mist,
And slowly we discern your presence,
Not always clear but unmistakable.
Lead us this day to know you a little more deeply
And to surrender to you, as St Ignatius prayed,
Our liberty, memory, understanding, our entire will.
Give us only your love and your grace.
That is enough.
Amen
New - Sacraments update for St. Mary’s Parish
Confirmation - Due to the continued restrictions on Church masses and special services we have reluctantly made the decision to postpone any celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation until 2021. This decision would also hopefully mean that Bishop Shane might be available to confirm our students next year. With the severe restriction on numbers and the prospect of only limited numbers in the near future we were left with little alternative. The children in Grade Six who were to make their Confirmation will therefore complete the workbook and program preparation in Term Four at home and be ready to make their Confirmation in 2021 on a date to be arranged.
Eucharist - Due to the continued restrictions the Sacrament of Eucharist has been postponed until next year as well. We want this to be a special celebration and one that your child can celebrate with all their family and friends rather than to be restricted to maybe just the parents and having to be celebrated individually. A small number of families have elected to prepare for the Sacrament this Term and make the sacrament when the opportunity arises later in the year while adhering to Covid restrictions and numbers etc.
Please contact Mrs Lee at St Mary's School, if you have any further questions.
UPDATED - MASS with MONS PETER
These masses are again being videod on Friday and uploaded to YouTube and the parish website late Saturday afternoon
https://www.stmarysmooroopna.com
and go to - Mass Schedule,
- This week
Live Services From Sandhurst With Bishop Shane
12.10pm every weekday and 10.00am Sundays
OTHER OPTIONS FOR YOU AT HOME -
DAILY TV MASS Livestream from the National Catholic Broadcasting Council of Canada: https://dailytvmass.com/ and
Facebook: ‘Daily TV Mass’
ST MELS PARISH LIVE STREAMING
This takes place every Sunday at 9.30am. To be part of this you must email their parish office on :-
sheppartonsouth@cdos.org.au
and register your interest and they will send you a link each week.
Bulletin Advertising
The Parish are currently calling for businesses that are interested in advertising in the Parish Bulletin and the School newsletters. We have 2 vacancies available.
If you are interested in discussing this, please contact Brenda at the Parish on 5825 2034 or The school Office on 5825 2858
Parish Sponsors
