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19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

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DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
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
Look to your covenant, O Lord, and forget not the life of your poor ones for ever. Arise, O God, and defend your cause, and forget not the cries of those who seek you.

1st Reading (Kg 19:9, 11-13)
A reading from the book of Kings.
When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of the Lord, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.

2nd Reading (Rom 9:1-5)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans
What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! I hope in the Lord, I trust in his word. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 14:22-33)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord, who gives you your fill of finest wheat.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 56:1, 6-7;   Rom 11:13-15, 29-32;   Mt 15:21-28

Feasts of the week
Mon, 10 Aug - St Lawrence
Tue, 11 Aug - St. Clare
Fri, 14 Aug - St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Sat, 15 Aug - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

PARISH NEWS

19TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 2020
(A reflection by Fr. Vincent John CMI)

Taken in a literal sense, the story of Peter attempting to walk on water may not be relevant to us. But it seems that Matthew meant it to be taken symbolically. The boat represents the Church, the winds and the waves stand for the persecutions that had been let loose on the early Christians. Jesus is not with them physically, he is in Heaven. However, in their time of need he comes to them, and with His presence He calms their fears and brings them peace. Understood like this, the incident has great relevance for us.

At some time or other, every disciple of Jesus is faced with very tough circumstances, very difficult decisions, very great sorrows, very powerful temptations and so on. At these times, it is as if we are being asked to ‘walk on water’. This is when we can draw courage from the life of Peter. Peter represents the typical disciple who is caught between faith and doubt. He set out to obey Jesus, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, that is persecution, his faith failed him. Jesus’ rebuke, Man of little faith! Why did you doubt, is directed to us too. Like Peter, we often start out courageously only to lose heart when things get tough.

To some extent, the whole life of a Christian is a kind of ‘walking on water’ in so far as it implies walking in faith, which means relying only on the word of Christ. Many times we are asked to step out at His word. Jesus sent his disciples to go across the lake, knowing that they would meet strong winds and storms, and be in danger. He did this because He wanted to strengthen their faith. He intended to come to them at the right time. He did it, and the result was as he intended – their faith in Him was strengthened, and they declared, He was the Messiah.

For us too, there is a necessary lesson in this incident. As it tells, we must continue to trust in God, even when God seems to have deserted us. During this time of Covid-19 Pandemic we are experiencing tough times and deep troubles and struggles in all areas of our lives. Like Peter, we are going through troubled waters of life, so let us keep our eye focused on Jesus. Let us pray as Peter said, ‘Lord save me’. If we accept the Gospel’s invitation, we will experience what Peter did. We may not experience it instantly and miraculously, but if we keep calling, we will indeed experience it.
May God bless you all!

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church is live streaming 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/uWBaXFDE390.

THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on Saturday, 15th August. Although this is a Holy Day of Obligation, during this time of COVID-19, the obligation does not apply. Please pray to Our Blessed Mother for her intercession and blessing during this difficult time.

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program for anyone interested in becoming a Catholic and receiving the Sacraments. The meetings will be held on Wednesdays at 7:00pm on Zoom, starting Wednesday, 26th August. Meeting ID 937 5345 2162. Passcode: 624286. After the lockdown, meetings will be held in the Theatrette at St Peter Apostle Mission Parish. If you or anyone you know is interested, you are welcome to join. The invitation is also extended to any Catholics who may want to come and help Catechists by sharing their knowledge and faith and motivate the Candidates. Please contact Francis Thomas at francispthomas@hotmail.com or 0401 787 372 or Evelyn Stowers on 0499 416 158.

HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
HSI School of Discipleship continues this Sunday (9 August 2020) and every Sunday from 7 PM. The session consists of prayer, song, video talk, discussion, sharing and blessing. This week the session is on STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD. Meeting ID 843 9084 5271. No password required. Newcomers welcome. Enquiries Connie Skinner 0422165133

MORNING TEA/CHAT WITH PARISHIONERS
Fr. Vincent is inviting parishioners to join him via Zoom on Saturday 15 August  at 9.45 am for a morning tea/chat for about 30 to 40 minutes. This is a forum to have a chat or ask questions and in general to just catch up with Fr. Vincent and other parishioners. The ZOOM Room will open at 9:45am, so that any connection issues can be resolved prior to starting the chat at 10:00am. Meeting ID: 9590 572 9639

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.

PARISH OFFICE
The Parish Office is closed, however staff will be working from home on Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. You can still contact us on the office phone 9749 4300 or send in your enquiries/prayer requests by email to stpeters@westnet.com.au.

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS

  • As the Parish Office is closed during the lockdown, we ask that parishioners who have envelopes please hold on to them for now. They can be brought to the Parish Office when the lockdown is over.
  • 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).

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 10.
Meeting ID: 9689427525     Password: 2Vp4ef

NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK (2 - 9 AUG)
This week we celebrated the Feast of St Mary of the Cross McKillop. Our first Australian born canonised saint. St Mary took bold new directions in education and care of children. We know her saying ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’. We pray this week that many young people in our communities may embrace this spirit in response to the call of the Lord to serve as priests or consecrated religious.

CATHOLICCARE APPEAL, SUNDAY 9 AUGUST 2020
This weekend is the CatholicCare Sunday Appeal. CatholicCare delivers family and relationship counselling, refugee and settlement support, education and school programs, and pastoral services. Donations from our parish community will help care for the most vulnerable families in our community. Please donate to CatholicCare Sunday Appeal. Your support and generosity will help break barriers to social inclusion and strengthen families and communities to live life to the full. You can donate online at www.ccam.org.au/SundayAppeal or call (03)92875513. All gifts of $2 and above are tax deductible.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Carmen & Charlie Micallef, Lucy Ballan, Anton de Hoedt, Narelle Bailey, Antoinette Lott, Oliva Luna, Catherine Nalder, Agnes D’Cunha, Sajeeva Rao Polsani, Caterina Gallace, all who have died due to COVID-19, all who lost their lives in the Beirut explosion and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Peter Watt Snr., Mary McMinn, Maria Fava, Olive Barber, Guy Jean Baptist, Eleuteria Negrillo, Erminio Colosimo, Umberto Princi and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Daphne White, Adrian Tully, Bill Fairney, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, 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, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao, Pam Bibby, Margie Fernando, Honerine Rosario, Hilda D’souza and all who are ill in our Parish.