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

Wednesday 14th November 6pm

Thursday 15th November 6pm

Friday 16th November 10am - Family Mass

Saturday Vigil 6.30pm

Sunday Mass 10am

Reconciliation

Saturday 10.30am - 11am

Weekday Mass Times

Wednesday 17th October - 6.00pm

Thursday 18th October - 6.00pm

Friday 19th October - 10.00am - School and Parish Mass

FINAL MASS AT RODNEY PARK

(Prior to temporary move to Shepparton)

Thurs 25th. October - 10.30am

Advent

If anyone is interested in joining a discussion group for an Advent Program, please put your name on the sheet in the Narthex.

An afternoon and evening group will be

co-ordinated.

St Mary's Golden Oldies - Parish & School

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Wednesday 14th November

Mooroopna Pizzeria & Wine Bar

6.30pm $30/head

Bring a gift to the value of $10 for KK

RSVP: Sheila Griffin 5825 2006 0439 361 950

Carmel O’Sullivan: 0438 351 072

November - All Souls Month

This is an opportunity to pray for those whose lives have touched our own. We remember family, friends, neighbours, teachers and all our faithful departed. If you would like to request a mass for a loved one, please contact Mons Peter or the parish office.

“On All Souls Day, 2014, Pope Francis spoke to the crowd at St. Peter’s Square saying : ‘Church tradition has always urged prayer for the dead, in particular by offering the celebration of the Eucharist for them.

It is the best spiritual help we can give to their souls, particularly to the most abandoned ones. The foundation of prayers of remembers is found in the communion of the Mystical Body. Remembering the dead, caring for their tombs and prayers of suffrage are testimony to confident hope, rooted in the certainty that death does not have the last word on human destiny, as humanity is destined for a life without end, that has its root and its fulfilment in God.”

Planned Giving

New Planned Giving programme commences this weekend. New envelopes are now available at the back of the Church. If you have any further queries regarding weekly envelopes or Direct Debit Forms please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office on 5825 2034 or email mooroopna@cdos.org.au

On the Lighter Side

One Sunday the collection plates were mislaid so the collectors substituted salad bowls from the kitchen. But the coins clattered so loudly into the wooden bowls; a collector offered to line the bowls with foam for the next Mass. At this the parish priest suggested: “Don’t bother! Ask for notes instead of coins for a more silent collection.”

A Prayer.

Remember me with smiles not tears,

For all the joy through all the years.

Recall the closeness that was ours,

A love as “sweet” as fragrant flowers.

Don’t dwell on thoughts that cause you pain,

We’ll see each other once again.

I am at peace … try to believe,

It was my time … I had to leave.

But “what a view” I have from here,

I see your face, I feel you near.

I follow you throughout the day,

You’re not alone along the way.

And when God calls you … you will be,

Right by my side … right here with me.

Amen

Words of Pope Francis

True justice comes about in people’s lives when they themselves are just in their decisions; it is expressed in their pursuit of justice for the poor and the weak. While it is true that the word “justice” can be a synonym for faithfulness to God’s will in every aspect of our life, if we give the word too general a meaning, we forget that it is shown especially in justice towards those who are most vulnerable: “Seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Is 1:17).

Pope Francis, Gaudete Et Exsultate (2018) para 79

Focus on the Readings

Elijah’s numerous adventures: disputes with and denouncements by the king and queen, battles with the priests of baal, prophesies of drought and famine and: today’s miracle of the widow’s flour and oil and later the revival of the widow’s son and triumphs over his enemies are more to do with faith than any show of marvellous acts. He placed his trust in God and was able to convince the pagan woman from Zarephath to do the same. He recognised her destitution (wearing the widow’s clothes) and poverty (collecting sticks, lack of food) and responded in God’s name. She was a victim of natural disasters (drought and famine) and social structures (the kings actions and stigmatisation by the people). Elijah was able to bring God’s mercy and help to her.

A similar but different scenario was played out in today’s Gospel. Jesus entry into Jerusalem provided several opportunities to stand and teach in the Temple. Like Elijah he noticed a poor woman in widow’s clothing offering her meagre resources to the temple treasury. Like the Zarephath woman, a widow, and so a victim of unjust social structures she gave generously and put her trust in God to supply her needs.

Injustices of King Ahab and Jezebel, the elders and leaders remind us of Jesus’ words then and also in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Because the Father recognises in the poor and humble an image of this Son, his eyes rest of them with such benevolence and joy.

Plenary Council 2020

Do you have a story of your experience of faith, or the Church you would like to share?

Thank you to all parishioners who have contributed to this process to date. Your input is valuable and this appreciative response has just been received from Lana Turvey– Collins,

National Plenary Council Facilitator.

“Thank you kindly for your submission on behalf of the parish – it is greatly appreciated. I will forward it to the team who is collating the responses from across the country. Please let your parishioners know that they are helping to shape the agenda and the future of our church by participating and responding in this way.

Responses are open until the beginning of Lent next year, so more responses until then if there are any are most welcome. “

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