Education in Faith

PRAYERS FOR R U OK? DAY

In our prayers  help us to remember and help where we can all those people in our lives that need us to start a conversation that could change their lives.

 We walk together in hope… 

Just as Jesus walked with others and asked them what they needed. 

Today we pray that we may be guided by the Spirit to do the same… 

We walk together in compassion… 

We walk with those who feel lost, overwhelmed or alone.

 And we endeavour to create a space where others can be real.  

We walk together in love…

We listen, because people matter. 

We walk with each other, because connection matters. 

And we ask “RUOK”, because we care.

We reach out… 

We reach out in love to those we know. 

We pray for those we cannot reach. 

And we practice self-compassion, as we carry our own pain. 

We ask each other “R U OK?” 

Leaving space for more to say. 

We trust that God is walking with us every step of the way. 

Whispering to our hearts, 

“Do not be afraid, I am with you.” 

We hold each other, today, in love. 

And we are held in love by the Compassionate One. 

Today we stand together, held in love. 

Amen

ALTAR SERVERS 2024

Last weekend, members of the Parish Pastoral Team addressed the St Justin's community on important changes that will soon be taking place within our parish community.

In October last year a letter was shared with Parishioners of St Justin’s and Good Shepherd Parish from the Archbishop, regarding the appointment of Fr Andrew as Parish Priest of Good Shepherd in addition to his role as Parish Priest at St Justin’s. The month of October will coincide with the one-year anniversary of this new appointment.

Over recent decades the Archdiocese of Melbourne has experienced a steady decline in the active participation in parish life in some parishes, coupled with a reduction in the number of ordained clergy available for parish ministry. In order to address the pastoral challenges and find ways to encourage vitality and growth, the Archdiocese established a process of renewal known as ‘Take the Way of the Gospel’. This process invites us to a journey of listening, learning and walking together to reimagine our present way of doing things in the face of changing circumstances.

With Fr. Andrew's increased responsibilities, it is important to acknowledge the challenges for a single priest across two parishes. Whilst the current arrangement has been established to support his period of transition, it is not a sustainable long term arrangement. We would like to commence discussions about how these shared arrangements can be established to ensure that it is possible for Father to service both parishes, sacramentally and administratively. Most obviously it is not possible for him to celebrate Mass simultaneously at both parishes at the same time. To ensure Fr. Andrew can provide the pastoral care and support both parishes need, we will need to adjust our Mass times during the month of October.

This will involve a reduction in the number of Masses on both weekends and weekdays. While this change may be difficult, it offers several benefits:

• By reducing the number of Masses, we can ensure that Fr Andrew can be more present with us and provide consistent and meaningful pastoral care and ministry.
• Managing a workload across two parishes requires a careful balance. This adjustment will help maintain Fr Andrew's health, wellbeing and effectiveness in his role.
• Adjusting the schedule will help us manage our resources more effectively and avoid the additional costs associated with hiring supply priests.

We want to emphasise that St Justin’s will remain the same parish with its unique identity. Our commitment to our community and our faith will continue to be strong.

Your voice is incredibly important during this transition. Over the next few weeks, we encourage you to share your thoughts and concerns. We will distribute a questionnaire to the congregation seeking your feedback and advice. We are keen to hear your views on how

best to manage the changes in Mass times, which will come into effect during October. We recognise that some level of compromise will be necessary. Your thoughts and ideas will help us make decisions that best serve our community and shape our future. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Together, we will navigate these changes and continue to grow in faith and unity.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and blessings as we navigate through this time of change within our parish. We acknowledge that transformationcan be both a challenge and an opportunity, and we ask for your divine wisdom and support as we move forward together.

 

Lord, help us to embrace this period of transition with unity and strength. Grant us the courage to face uncertainties and the grace to remain steadfast in our faith. May Your Spirit inspire us to work together harmoniously, fostering an environment of love, respect, and understanding.

 

Bless our leaders with vision and discernment, so that they may guide us with wisdom and compassion. May they be empowered to make decisions that reflect your will and serve the needs of our community.

 

Guide each member of our parish to be a beacon of hope and a source of encouragement. Help us to support one another, to listen with open hearts, and to contribute our gifts and talents for the greater good of our faith community.

 

May this time of change be an opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal. Let it strengthen our bonds, deepen our commitment to one another, and enhance our mission to serve You and our neighbours with love.

 

We trust in Your grace to lead us through this transition and to bless our parish with renewedpurpose and vitality.

 

Amen.