DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR JULY
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which made us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. Be with doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace. Be with leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Lord Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Lord Jesus Christ, heal us.
Entrance Antiphon
God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he himself gives might and strength to his people.
1st Reading (1 Kg 3:5,7-12)
The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, ‘Ask what you would like me to give you.’ Solomon replied, ‘O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in succession to David my father. But I am a very young man, unskilled in leadership. Your servant finds himself in the midst of this people of yours that you have chosen, a people so many its numbers cannot be counted or reckoned. Give your servant a heart to understand how to discern between good and evil, for who could govern this people of yours that is so great?’ It pleased the Lord that Solomon should have asked for this. ‘Since you have asked for this’ the Lord said ‘and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies, but have asked for a discerning judgement for yourself, here and now I do what you ask. I give you a heart wise and shrewd as none before you has had and none will have after you.’
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
Lord, I love your commands.
2nd Reading (Rom 8:28-30)
We know that by turning everything to their good, God co-operates with all those who love him, with all those he has called according to his purpose. They are the ones he chose specially long ago and intended to become true images of his Son, so that his Son might be the eldest of many brothers. He called those he intended for this; those he called he justified, and with those he justified he shared his glory.
The Word of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia!
Gospel (Mt 13:44-52)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Jesus said to the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which someone has found; he hides it again, goes off happy, sells everything he owns and buys the field. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; when he finds one of great value he goes and sells everything he owns and buys it. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea that brings in a haul of all kinds. When it is full, the fishermen haul it ashore; then, sitting down, they collect the good ones in a basket and throw away those that are no use. This is how it will be at the end of time: the angels will appear and separate the wicked from the just to throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth. ‘Have you understood all this?’ They said, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Well then, every scribe who becomes a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out from his storeroom things both new and old.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits.
Next Week’s Readings
Is 55:1-3; Rom 8:35, 37-39; Mt 14:13-21
Feasts of the week
Wed, 29 July - St. Martha
Fri, 31 July - St. Ignatius of Loyola
Sat, 1 Aug - St. Alphonsus Liguori
PARISH NEWS
17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
(A reflection by Fr. Vincent John CMI)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of sacrifices made to gain the best treasure. Jesus Christ compared the Kingdom of God to a rare pearl or a priceless treasure. In other words, the Kingdom of God is worth everything we have. Those who find it are truly fortunate. One thing the treasure seeker and the pearl merchant had in common was their total sacrifice and commitment to a dream. They were willing to sacrifice everything for a goal they had set for themselves.
The first reading from the first book of Kings, says that King Solomon preferred to do good for his subjects. He asked for an understanding heart, to judge God’s people and to distinguish right from wrong, not for personal wealth, long life, or victories over his enemies. He sacrificed everything to rule his subjects. God was pleased with his choice and gave him everything he requested.
All Christians are called on, to imitate these wise men in order to gain eternal life. It doesn’t mean abandoning the earthly possessions, but makes it a means to gain the Kingdom of God. Heaven is within the reach of all who follow the ordinary vocations of life and partake in this world’s joys and pleasures within the framework of God’s commandments.
The important thing is to never lose sight of the goal toward which we are moving. The treasure was in the field, the pearl was in the market. They made it their own, using their resources and wisdom with true discernment. The Kingdom of God is something that we make a part of our lives. The man who found the treasure was lucky, but the treasure wasn’t legally and fully his until he sacrificed his possessions in order to buy the field. The man who wanted the pearl had to do the same. The Kingdom of heaven doesn’t come automatically. We need to discern between the hidden value of eternal life, while our sacrifice and commitment pave the path to reach this goal. We need to recognise the value of the Kingdom of God over earthly possessions and pleasures. Our choice in this life will be the norm of sorting out at the last moment of eternal life and death. Our faith, commitment and sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom of God, accompany our eternal life. Let us long for and live for eternal life.
May God Bless you all.
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot, at this moment, receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church will live stream daily Mass through our Facebook Page link https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am.
Sunday 10:30am Mass will also be available on YouTube link as follows https://youtu.be/VB6HQkfeDR8
UPDATED PARISH GUIDELINES
Our church is now closed as per Government regulations. Please note that the Sunday Obligation will not apply during this time of suspension.
- During this lockdown period, the Parish office will be open on Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm.
- See our note on live streaming of daily Masses from our church in a separate note in this bulletin.
- To keep yourself updated with Parish news, visit the Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.
THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS
If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish during this time of church closure, the following options are available:
- Drop off your Thanksgiving envelope at the Parish office during office hours Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm.
- Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account. Details as follows:
Account Name: St Peter Apostle Parish Church Account
BSB: 083-347 Account No: 637286747
Please use your Thanksgiving Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith) - Parishioners can also make payments online if you wish to do so, either by going to the link Online Thanksgiving Payments CDF Pay OR by going to the link on our website (under the Support your Parish tab) Please add your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. You also have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, i.e. first collection (Parish) or second collection (Presbytery).
THANKSGIVING PROGRAM
If you have not already collected your Thanksgiving envelopes or letters for the new financial year, they are available for collection from the Church office (Tue/Thu/Fri, 9:00am to 3:30pm). New envelopes started from the weekend of 4/5 July 2020. Please contact the parish office on 9749 4300 if you have any queries regarding Thanksgiving Envelopes, Direct Debits or anything in relation to Thanksgiving contributions.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY ON ZOOM
Children's Ministry will now be held online via Zoom for children aged 5 to 8 years. We invite parents to encourage your children to join in to receive God's Word and continue to grow in their faith. Sessions will be held on Sundays at 10.30am from 2nd August and will be led by the St. Peters Young Adults. Our parish will ensure that child e-safety is maintained as we follow the child safety guidelines recommended by the Archdiocese of Melbourne. To join the Zoom session go to the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87872684221
Meeting ID: 8787 268 4221 For further details please contact the parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.org.au
HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP FAITH SHARING SESSIONS
Faith Sharing Sessions conducted by the HSI School of Discipleship ONLINE every Sunday from 7:00pm – 8:00pm consisting of Talks and discussions on various topics. This Sunday’s topic is DISCIPLESHIP. Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84390845271
ID: 843 9084 5271. No password required.
Anyone ages 18+ Welcome.
ZOOM INVITATIONS FROM:
ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY -KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105 Password: 023368
BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 9
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9689427525?pwd=akpXUHFPQTJRazRxZVZaOVVhZlM4QT09
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef
ALL SHALL BE WELL (Retreat in Everyday Life)
Heart of Life Melbourne is offering a at-home retreat via ZOOM over 5 weeks starting Monday 3 Aug at 1:15pm, concluding Monday, 31 Aug at 1:45pm.The retreat provides an opportunity to spend some time daily in prayerful reflection pondering on your experience of the day and to be accompanied by a prayer-companion once a week, at a mutually suitable time. A weekly reflection sheet will be made available to you. If interested apply before 27 July to 9890 1101, or info@heartoflife.melbourne (Limited participants). If you are unfamiliar with ZOOM, other options may be available. Small donation appreciated.
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Helga Jacob, Lucy An, Samira Rizkallah, Grace Mangiardi and all who have passed away recently.
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Vera Fernandez, Elaine Smith, Joseph O’Connor, John Gonzalez, Edwin D'Souza, Lucia Baltero, Simeon Arce Snr, Ruth Bigcas, Amador Bigcas, Raymond David, Rolando Sanchez, Quirico Battad Jnr and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Adrian Tully, Bill Fairney, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Baby Lucy Rodriguerz, Carmela Saragoza, Baillie Millar, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Jobbin John, Philomena Jenning, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao and all who are ill in our Parish.