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

Paris Office Hours

Tuesday 9.00am - 3.00pm Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm

Weekend Mass Times

Saturday Vigil 6.30pm Sunday 10am

Reconciliation

Saturday 10.30am - 11am

NEW - Weekday Mass Times

Wednesday 20th March - 6.00pm

Thursday 21st March - 6pm

Friday 22nd March - 10.00am

Thursday 28th March - 10.30am at Hakea Lodge Shepparton

All Welcome.

NEW - On the Lighter Side

After evening Lenten Devotions, a priest walks back to the parish house. As he crosses the street a hooded ruffian with a knife, demands his wallet. The priest nervously reaches for his wallet. At that moment the robber recognises the priest, drops the blade, pulls off the hood and says. "I'm sorry Father. I didn’t know it was you. Forgive me." "Of course," replies the priest, "Here, how about we have a cigarette and forget this whole thing happened?" "Thanks, Father, but I've actually given up smoking for Lent."

NEW - Lenten Journey

The readings today make reference to the promises of

God and the relationship that God has with the people. We hear of the loving promise made between God and Abram. On Mount Tabor God speaks of Jesus as ‘beloved son’ and urges Peter, James and John to “listen to him. Jesus is moving towards Jerusalem and his eventual death and resurrection, a path on which we as brothers and sisters of Jesus are invited.

This journey is intended to help us discern our priorities and to recognise that our responsibility for others goes beyond our immediate community. Our Project Compassion story this week revolves around the connection with land and connection with people. Project Compassion invites us to accompany our Indonesian sister, Tati, as she sees a way of living sustainably while maintaining the integrity of her community.

New - Project Compassion

Give Lent 100%

You will be helping to empower our world’s most vulnerable.

Tati lives in the remote forest of West Kalimantan. She is mother of three who was earning an income working in a local rubber plantation. Since taking part in eco-tourism training with Caritas Australia and its partners, Tati can now afford send her children to school. She has increased her family income 10 times over by cooking for tourists and making souvenirs. With new hope and commitment Tati aspires to a future free from poverty for her family. “I hope to continue living with clear water, fresh air and protected forest,”

NEW - Stronger Rally

For youth 16—26

With Fr. Rob Galea

at Marian Centre, St. Mary’s, Mooroopna

Friday, 29th March,

6.00pm to 9.00pm

To register, phone 5545 3613 or

Email youth@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

NEW - Looking at the Readings

The Readings selected for this Sunday speak of God’s Covenant (Abram in Genesis 15) and Jesus’ Promise of salvation and glory, for he will change our wretched bodies into copies of his glorious body (Philippians 3). The three Apostles, Peter, James and John have a glimpse of this glorious body in the mystery-event of the Transfiguration.

The Transfiguration comes in a common sequence of events (Matthew, Mark and Luke) of Peter’s profession of the faith, Jesus prediction of his execution, death and rising, the transfiguration, the healing of the boy that the apostles could not achieve and the second prediction of his death.

Each time the faith of the disciples is tested and they show a lack understanding. Yet Jesus persists with them guiding their growth in faith and understanding.

There is a stark parallel in the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. Both times Peter James and John accompany Jesus. Firstly to Mt Tabor and then to the Mount of Olives. Both times they fall asleep to be awakened by Jesus at the critical time. They witness the best and the worse and try to grapple with their meanings. What great readings for our journey in Lent to Easter! May we be alert to Jesus’ call to conversion.

Updated - Meal Sharing

Our parish cook has resigned and we are very grateful to those parishioners who have offered to be part of this pilot programme to supply meals to Mons.

A roster will go out in the coming days.

Any further enquiries to Brenda on 5825 2034 on Tues or Thurs or email mooroopna@cdos..org.au

Catholic Mothers of Young Children

This is a mothers group for

connecting, celebrating, and flourishing. Women come together to share in Catholic sisterhood and to assist our children under 6 years to develop a joyful relationship with God.

St Mel's Kindergarten

Shepparton , Room 1

Thursdays, 10am till 11:30am.

For more information check out our Facebook page 'Catholic Mothers of Young Children Shepparton' or contact Katie on 0417 504 635