Education in Faith

October - Month of the Rosary

The month of October is a powerful time to pray to Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

Mary… who said “Yes” to God. Mary… who visited Elizabeth. 

Mary… who was with Jesus as he grew up in Nazareth. 

Mary… who journeyed with Jesus and celebrated his life with her own.

The Rosary is especially remembered during the month of October. 

This beautiful prayer, which repeats the prayers of the “Our Father”, the “Hail Mary” and the “Glory Be,” can be said alone or with others. 

Rosary beads are often used to keep track of the number of prayers. 

The word, “bead,” actually comes from an Old English word meaning “prayer.”

Prayers Of The Rosary:

Our Father

Our Father, Who art in heaven, 

Hallowed be Thy Name. 

Thy Kingdom come. 

Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with you. 

Blessed are you amongst women, 

And blest is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, 

Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, 

Amen.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son,and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, 

is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen.

New Mass Times

WEEKEND MASSES

Saturday:

• 5.00pm Good Shepherd
• 6.30pm St Justin’s

Sunday:

• 8.30am Good Shepherd
• 10.00am St Justin’s
• 11.30am Good Shepherd
• 5.00pm St Justin’

WEEKDAY MASSES

• Tuesday 9.15am St Justin’s
• Wednesday 9.15am Good Shepherd
• Thursday 9.15am Good Shepherd
• Friday 9.15am St Justin’s
• Saturday 9.30am Good Shepherd

And there is an explanation:

The archdiocese recently 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. Fr Andrew’s joint appointment as Parish Priest of St Justin’s and Good Shepherd has provided a catalyst for us to move to the next step in our journey towards a mission model. The archbishop describes a mission as a distinctive faith locality with commonalities in history and geography; that lends itself to being lived out in family-like arrangements in the service of proclaiming the Gospel. This embraces a pooling and sharing of resources and working in solidarity for viability, vibrancy and vitality.

This model will enable our priest to service both parishes, both sacramentally and administratively. 

These changes will come into effect from Saturday 19th October at 5pm.

Thank you.

Fr Andrew

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.