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

Paris Office Hours

Tuesday 9.00am - 4.00pm Thursday 9.00am - 4.00pm

Weekend Mass Times

Saturday Vigil 6.30pm

Sunday Mass 10am

Reconciliation

Saturday 10.30am - 11am

Updated - Weekday Mass Times

Wednesday 19th February - 6.00pm

Thursday 20th February - 6.00pm

Friday 21st February - 10.00am

School & Parish Mass - All Welcome

NEW - On the Fraternal Lighter Side

“Brothers don’t necessarily have to say anything to each other – they can sit in a room and be together and just be completely comfortable with each other.” – Leonardo DiCaprio

“Happiness is having a younger brother who is taller than you.”

“I smile because you’re my brother. I laugh because there’s nothing you can do about it!” Anon.

“Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.” – Marc Brown

Updated - Prayer of The Week

Your kingdom is at hand, O God of justice and peace; you made John the Baptist its herald to announce the coming of your Christ, who baptises with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Give us a spirit of repentance to make us worthy of the kingdom. Let complacency yield to conviction, that in our day justice will flourish and conflict give way to the peace you bestow in Christ. Amen

Updated - Focus on the Gospel

In the Bill Watterson’s comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” the seven year old Calvin decides to be a fatalist: “What will be will be, I have no choice in matters; I am not to blame; it is all up to fate!” Hobbes, the pet tiger puts out his foot and trips Calvin over. Calvin protests: “What was that for?” Hobbes reply: “Oh! That wasn’t me that was fate!” Fatalism is incompatible with humanity and Christianity. The readings today not only speak of God’s Law and our compliances but also of our choices and responsibilities.

Matthew is writing to a nascent church very familiar with the Hebrew Scriptures and the Law of Moses. So too St Paul to the Corinthians: the Christian must now go deeper into the Spirit and Life of God’s word. Jesus takes us further starting with the laws’ minimal requirements to embrace new Christian ideals, actions and responsibilities. Literalism, determinism and fatalism are outmoded and inadequate to live life to the fullest.

Like the parishioner who moved into a new parish while still resident in his old parish asked the Parish Priest: “May I have the rights and privileges of this parish?” The Pastor replied “and also the duties and responsibilities.” Yes, Jesus takes us further in our understanding of law, our application of the great law of love and our call to be fully human with the divine.

NEW - Church Restoration

Church restoration is now complete and Allan Collier and his team from Rod Allemand Painting has overcome many challenges and have done a great job for us.

Next stage is the pressure washing of the parish house and moss removal of parish house roof.

NEW - RCH Good Friday Appeal

Mooroopna Urban Fire Brigade

It won’t be long before you may get a knock on your door asking for a contribution.

The Brigade are looking for volunteer helpers on this day, Friday, 10th April . If you can help, please contact Denise Fordyce 0439 568 650 and arrive at the fire station at 9am on the day.

NEW - Spirituality in The Pub

Next get together, Monday 2nd March, 7.30pm at Terminus Hotel.

Come and Meet the Bishop!

Join in the conversation

with Bishop Shane

Where are we ?

Where are we heading?

In Sandhurst ?

In the Church ?

Counter meals available from 6.00pm

Bookings not required

Baptism Formation Meetings

These meetings are held 4 times each year and are the first requirement prior to your child being baptised.

· Tuesday, 21st April, 7.00 pm

· Tuesday, 21st. July, 7.00pm

· Tuesday, 13th. October, 7.00pm

Enquiries Helen Betson 0458 253 835 Marie O’Meara 5825 1034

New - The Kingdom of God

An exposition of scripture and theology.

What do we know ? Why believe it ?

Commencing Tues Feb 25th, at 7.30pm

And continuing for 6 weeks.

Mons Peter Jeffrey Centre.

Coffee and Tea supplied

ALL WELCOME Contact 0438 071 630

NEW - Marriage Encounter Weekend

Invest in your most precious asset—your marriage. Married couples, come and learn how to keep/rekindle the passion in your relationship and keep your love growing.

17—19 April, 2020 in Melbourne

Starts 7.00pm on Friday, concludes 5.00pm Sunday.

Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676

NEW - Why is Sunday so important to us?

We don’t ever thank the Lord enough for the gift he has given us in the Eucharist. It is a very great gift, and that is why it is so important to go to Mass on Sunday. Go to Mass not just to pray, but to receive Communion, the bread that is the Body of Jesus Christ who saves us, forgives us, unites us to the Father. It is a beautiful thing to do ! And we go to Mass every Sunday because that is the day of the resurrection of the Lord. That is why Sunday is so important to us.

Pope Francis, February, 2014

Reflection

What does the Eucharist mean to you ?

How have you experienced God’s mercy through this sacrament ?

Take some time to express your gratitude to God for this great gift.

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

NEW - Parish Sponsors

Sports & Achievements

NEW - Altar Server