DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER
FOR ALL FATHERS
Dear Lord, we thank You for our earthly fathers, those to whom you have entrusted the responsibility to provide loving protection of their families and guidance of their children.
We thank You, also, for our Priests and Bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood is vital to the faith of Your people.
We pray for men who are not fathers but still mentor and guide us with fatherly love and advice.
We ask your blessing on all fathers embracing their vocation. May your Holy Spirit inspire them with justice and mercy, wisdom and strength, fidelity and self-giving love.
We remember all fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory.
Amen.
Entrance Antiphon
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of mercy to all who call to you.
1st Reading (Jer 20:7-9)
A reading from the prophet Jeremiah.
You have seduced me, Lord, and I have let myself be seduced; you have overpowered me: you were the stronger. I am a daily laughing-stock, everybody’s butt. Each time I speak the word, I have to howl and proclaim: ‘Violence and ruin!’ The word of the Lord has meant for me insult, derision, all day long. I used to say, ‘I will not think about him, I will not speak in his name any more.’ Then there seemed to be a fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones. The effort to restrain it wearied me, I could not bear it.
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.
2nd Reading (Rom 12:1-2)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans.
Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.
The Word of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart, that we might see how great is the hope to which we are called. Alleluia!
Gospel (Mt 16:21-27)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, to be put to death and to be raised up on the third day. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven preserve you, Lord;’ he said ‘this must not happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’ Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life? ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
How great is the goodness, Lord, that you keep for those who fear you.
Next Week’s Readings
Ezek 33:7-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20
Feasts of the Week
Fri, 8 Sep - The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
PARISH NEWS
WEEKLY PARISH DATES
| SUNDAY 9:15am to 10:25am – Sunday School for children attending non-Catholic Schools. 10:30am Mass – Children’s Liturgy held 1st and 3rd Sundays. After 5:00pm Mass in Theatrette – Youth Group for youth 12 to 17 years on 2nd and 4th Sundays. 6:00pm in Theatrette – Young Adults (SPYA) meet 1st and 3rd Sundays. 6:15pm in Church Hall - School of Discipleship. |
| MONDAY 7:00pm to 8:15pm – Bible Study on Zoom. Meeting ID: 826 5359 2389 Passcode: Bible. Contact Clive 0490814452 or Francis 0401787372 |
| TUESDAY 7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556. Passcode: rosary7:00pm |
| WEDNESDAY 7:00pm - Mass followed by Mother of Perpetual Succour Novena. |
| 1ST FRIDAY 7:00pm to 8:15pm Mass & Adoration |
| SATURDAY 2:30pm to 4:00pm - St. Peter’s Charismatic Prayer Community Praise & Worship in Church. 1.30pm to 4:00pm - Healing Mass on 1st Saturday of the month. Next Healing Mass on Saturday 7th October 2023. |
| BAPTISM 12 noon – Baptisms held 1st & 3rd Sundays. Baptism Preparation Meeting held on 1st Monday of the month at 7:00pm. Next Baptism Preparation Meeting Mon 4th September 2023 at 7:00pm in Church. |
FATHER'S DAY SUNDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER
To celebrate Father's Day, a Special Blessing will be given to Fathers at all Masses this weekend.
There will be a 3rd Collection this weekend for the PRIESTS RETIREMENT FOUNDATION. As Archbishop Comensoli says “It has been a wonderful custom in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to allow the faithful of the Archdiocese to show something of their own appreciation through an annual Father’s Day Appeal. The appeal goes to the care of retired and sick priests by providing suitable accommodation, medical assistance and a comfortable standard of living for them”. Please donate using the envelopes on the pews or electronically by logging on to www.melbournecatholic.org.au/foundation to make your donation through Paypal. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. Thank you for your generous support.
FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LADY - FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER, 8:30AM & 7:00PM MASSES
In celebration of Mother Mary's birthday, parishioners are invited to bring their own statues or icons of Our Blessed Virgin Mary and place them on the tables near the Sanctuary. Father will bless them during the 8:30am and 7:00pm Masses.
SENIORS SHARED LUNCH – WEDNESDAY 6th SEPTEMBER will be held at the COMMUNITY CENTRE and not in the Meeting Room, from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Please bring a plate of food to share. Tea, coffee provided. Contact Margaret Craigie on 0456 914 652 for further details.
CHURCH PEWS - UPDATE AND REMINDER
The wonderful work on the pews is nearly complete. Some kneelers are still being worked on and we hope will be returned to the Church soon. Thank you for your patience and to the many volunteers and donors who have assisted to date. The PPC kindly ask that parishioners treat the refurbished pews with care and be mindful of the hard work required to restore the pews. Some of you have expressed a wish to support the repair of the church pews by making a donation. To donate, please give to Fr, Vincent, Fr. Simeon, the Sacristan or drop off at the Parish Office via the small blank envelopes on the table outside the sacristy (include your name and amount) OR direct deposit to: Account Name: St Peter Apostle Parish Church Account, BSB: 083-347, Account no. 637286747, Reference: Your surname and the word Pews.
NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK (3rd to 9th SEPT)
This year National Child Protection Week will continue to champion the message ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’. This week aims to promote a safe and supported life for every child, now and into the future. See https://www.napcan.org.au/get-involved-2023/ for details on how to get involved and where to find resources.
VOLUNTEERS FOR COMMUNION TO THE SICK AT ST VINCENT’S CARE SERVICES, WERRIBEE
Our parish is looking for volunteers to take Holy Communion to the sick and elderly at St Vincent’s Care Services, Werribee on a Saturday morning after 9am Mass. If you have a desire to visit those who are sick or homebound, and are dedicated to sharing the Body of Christ with those in need, please contact the parish office on 97494300 or email hopperscrossing@cam.org.au. Commitment will be for a couple of hours per month. Training will be provided.
BEQUESTS TO ST PETER APOSTLE MISSION PARISH
When considering your Will, you may like to bequest a sum to your local Parish. The donation will be used for the day-to-day management and support of Parish activities. It is recommended donors seek independent legal advice before advancing a bequest. Thank you for considering a donation to our parish. If you require further details please contact Lorena Ford, Parish Bookkeeper at
HoppersCrossing.Bookkeeper@cam.org.au.
ALPHA EXPERIENCE REGISTRATIONS OPEN
St. Peters and St. James parishes announce the next Alpha Experience commencing Monday 25th September at 7:30pm at St Peters Church Hall. Alpha is a great experience with interactive weekly (Monday) sessions that create a safe and honest space where people can explore life, faith and meaning. Enquiries to Dario 0438525148 or Anita 0411772230, email hopperscrossingalpha@gmail.com. Limited spaces. Please register early by filling in the form at https://bit.ly/AlphaHC or scan QR code. There will be a sausage sizzle sale and promotion of Alpha at all weekend masses on 9th / 10th September. All funds raised will be used to support to run the Alpha program.
ROSTERS FOR LECTORS & EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS, PIETY STALL & COMMUNION TO THE SICK ROSTERS Rosters for Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers for the months from September to November have been emailed to Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers. If you have not received your copy or need a hard copy, kindly contact the Parish office. Communion to the sick and Piety Stall rosters have been emailed and a hard copy is available for collection from the glass table in the church hall.
COMPULSORY REFRESHER COURSE FOR ALL MINISTERS OF THE WORD
A friendly reminder to all Ministers of the Word, who read on weekday and weekend Masses, to kindly RSVP the Parish Office with your preferred day: Friday 15th September 6:30pm to 9pm or Saturday 23rd September 10am to 12:30pm held in the Church. This refresher course is compulsory and is designed to enrich your understanding of the readings, practical exercises to help with pronunciation and to “Proclaim the Word of God” through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Refreshments will be provided.
THE KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS Hoppers Crossing Branch is conducting a Bunnings BBQ on Friday, 15th September, and are seeking assistance from available Parishioners. The BBQ operates from 9-4pm, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Funds raised go towards scholarships for MacKillop and Thomas Carr Colleges, St Vincent de Paul, Our Youth Groups, and Priests Support and Education Fund. If you can spare a couple of hours, please contact Paul Beasley on 0417 136 635.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS – SUNDAY 10TH SEPT 10:30AM MASS
Please keep the Sunday School Children in your prayers as they prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first-time next weekend Sunday 10th September.
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Rocco Tramontana, Zofia Kostrzewa, Carolyn Wockner, Evelyn Julian Stowers, Patrick Kelly, Razia Bibi, Dexter Jacob, Thomas Lazar, Martha Nalerio, Michael Dali, Otilia Vieira, Denzil Considine, Doughy Considine, Joyce D’Olivera, Clarita Santiago, Wilma O’Reilly, Nihan Fernando, Benjamin Chrysostom, Michael Hankins, Rev Desmond Panton PE, Matthew D’souza, Xavier Fernandez, Vicente Dignos, James Inglis, Maria D’Costa, Phoebe Andrada, Anne Kelly, Flory Pais and all who have died in disasters all over the world.
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Shirley Linehan, Annakutty Joseph, Grazia Manganelli, Sylvia Cachia, Jose Romao, Domie Salipong, Naomi Medel Villareal, Natividad Medel, Rosa Umali, Mary Vella, Vinn Beasley. Edith Platel, Loreta Ilagan, Zenaida Viola, Alex Coelho and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Tae Yoon Jim, Jeffrey Dalton, Dale D’Souza, Ollie Orlinski, Kevin McLoughlin, Mavis D’Cruz, Renato Manalilli, Atima Chakraborty, Denise Hegarty, Adrian McGill and all who are ill in our Parish.
ROSTERS
Counters – 10 Sep 23
| L. Vasquez / T. Grisancich / L. De La Cruz |
Roster for Readers – 9/10 Sep 23
| 6:00pm | Adele Vesty |
| 8:30am | Francis Thomas |
| 10:30am | Lionel D’Cruz |
| 5:00pm | Valerian D’Souza |
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 9/10 Sep 23
| 6:00pm | J. Tramontana / S. Martis / G. Linning / M. Maple |
| 8:30am | M. Nelthropp / M. Marip / Romayne A. / Paul F. |
| 10:30am | F. Caruana / S. Colla / G. Schembri / G. Siccita |
| 5:00pm | E. Angeles / A. Koek / C. Skinner / Volunteer |
Music Ministry – 9/10 Sep 23
| 6:00pm | Footsteps |
| 8:30am | St. Philomena |
| 10:30am | Youth Band |
| 5:00pm | Shepherds of Christ |