Faith Reflection

Jesus asks, ‘Who do people say I am?’
Matthew 16:13-19

Throughout most of its history, the Church has linked the two major figures of Peter and Paul, so it is fitting that they share this feast day. However, also throughout most of the Church’s history, Peter has been given greater regard and has held a more significant place in the tradition. In fact, the Church itself is often described as ‘Petrine’ – in the tradition of Peter. Much is made of the line of Popes being traced back to Peter. The authority and structure of the Church is linked to the Petrine model of Church. Describing Peter as the ‘rock’ upon which the Church was built is an excellent image of stability and constancy.

In something of a contrast, the apostle Paul is best known as the great traveller who spread the message of Jesus all around the shores of the Mediterranean, establishing communities of faith wherever he went.

His letters – or epistles - to these communities were some of the first Christian writings; predating by 20 years or more the four gospels of the New Testament. Rather than stability and constancy, Paul is identified with growth and change; expansion and openness. Many would argue that without Paul the early Christian communities may not have survived beyond the end of the 1st Century.'

Peter and Paul represent two great traditions within the Church: the strength of tradition and oneness associated with Peter; and the valuing of new ideas and outreach to others that typified the work of Paul. Although the Petrine tradition has been dominant for most of the Church’s history, the Pauline tradition was rediscovered in the latter part of the 20th Century and it is now clearly evident that the church needs both of these arms to embrace the world.

By Greg Sunter

Class Masses

Week	Date	Class	Chosen theme
	Term 2 2025
10	27.6.2025	5/6 O	Pilgrims of Hope - HOPE
11	4.7.2025		NO MASS
	Term 3 2025
1	25.7.2025	5/6 N	Grandparents Day
2	1.8.2025	1/2 S	St John Vianney Day
3	8.8.2025	1/2 D	St Mary of the Cross
4	9.8.2025		NO MASS
5	22.8.2025	1/2 C	Jesus’ Love
6	29.8.2025	0 L	Creation
7	5.9.2025	0 C	Father’s Day
8	12.9.2025		NO MASS
9	19.9.2025	5/6 J	Friendship
	Term 4 2025
1	10.10.2025	1/2 B	Teachers' Day
2	17.10.2025		NO MASS
3	24.10.2025	0 W	Children of God - God Loves Me

The Vibrant Parish Formation

St John Vianney Parish is excited to invite you to our upcoming Vibrant Parish Formation Series – a dynamic journey designed to deepen our parish life.

Come for one Tuesday each month for engaging sessions featuring local and international guest speakers who will guide us in exploring the five essential characteristics of a vibrant parish:Worship • Evangelisation • Formation • Fellowship • Service

Session Dates (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM):

Tuesday, 13th May
Tuesday, 10th June
Tuesday, 1st July
Tuesday, 12th August
Tuesday, 9th September

If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office at st.john.vianney.mulgrave@gmail.com

Sacraments 2025 – Confirmation & First Holy Communion

St John Vianney Parish is preparing for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in 2025.

Confirmation

📅 Sacrament of Confirmation: Sunday 17th August at 1:00 PM

First Holy Communion

📅 Information Sessions: Tuesday 5th August at 10:00 AM or 7:00 PM

📅 Sacrament of Holy Communion : 15-16 & 22- 23 November at 6pm and 10am

OHSC