DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
Advent Prayer
Father in heaven, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May the lure of greed not impede us from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek Him. May the darkness not blind us to the vision of wisdom which fills the minds of those who find Him. May we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. This Advent we pray for peace: peace in the world, peace in our homes and peace in our hearts. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.
Entrance Antiphon
O people of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to save the nations, and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your heart.
1st Reading (Baruch 5:1-9)
A reading from the prophet Baruch.
Jerusalem, take off your dress of sorrow and distress, put on the beauty of the glory of God for ever, wrap the cloak of the integrity of God around you, put the diadem of the glory of the Eternal on your head: since God means to show your splendour to every nation under heaven, since the name God gives you for ever will be, ‘Peace through integrity, and honour through devotedness.’ Arise, Jerusalem, stand on the heights and turn your eyes to the east: see your sons reassembled from west and east at the command of the Holy One, jubilant that God has remembered them. Though they left you on foot, with enemies for an escort, now God brings them back to you like royal princes carried back in glory. For God has decreed the flattening of each high mountain, of the everlasting hills, the filling of the valleys to make the ground level so that Israel can walk in safety under the glory of God. And the forests and every fragrant tree will provide shade for Israel at the command of God; for God will guide Israel in joy by the light of his glory with his mercy and integrity for escort.
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
2nd Reading (Phil 1:4-6, 8-11)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians.
Every time I pray for all of you, I pray with joy, remembering how you have helped to spread the Good News from the day you first heard it right up to the present. I am quite certain that the One who began this good work in you will see that it is finished when the Day of Christ Jesus comes. God knows how much I miss you all, loving you as Christ Jesus loves you. My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more and never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you can always recognise what is best. This will help you to become pure and blameless, and prepare you for the Day of Christ, when you will reach the perfect goodness which Jesus Christ produces in us for the glory and praise of God.
The Word of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia.
Gospel (Lk 3:1-6)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke.
In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the lands of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrach of Abilene, during the pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas the word of God came to John son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. He went through the whole Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of the prophet Isaiah: A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways will be straightened and rough roads made smooth. And all mankind shall see the salvation of God.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights, and behold the joy which comes to you from God.
Next Week’s Readings
Zeph 3:14-18; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18
Feasts of the Week
Tue, 7 Dec - St. Ambrose
Wed, 8 Dec - The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
PARISH NEWS
WEEKLY PARISH DATES
| Sundays |
9:15am to 10:25am – Sunday School for children attending non-Catholic Schools. 10:30am Mass – Children’s Liturgy held 2nd and 4th Sundays. 6:00pm to 8:00pm – Youth Group (12 - 18 years) in the Community Centre 6:15pm – School of Discipleship on Zoom. 6:15pm – Young Adults (18 - 29 years) in the Theatrette. For details call parish office 97494300 or message SPYA on Facebook at facebook.com/SPYoungadults |
| Mondays | 7:00pm to 8:30pm – Bible Study (St. Peters & St. James) Meetings will resume in February 2022 |
| Tuesdays | 7:00pm Online Zoom Rosary Meeting ID: 893 2042 1399 Passcode: rosary |
| Wednesdays | 7:00pm RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) on Zoom. |
| 1st Fridays | 7:00pm to 8:15pm Mass & Adoration |
| Saturdays | 2:30pm to 4:00pm – St. Peter’s Charismatic Prayer Community Meetings will resume in February 2022. |
| Baptisms | 12 noon – Baptisms held 1st & 3rd Sundays. Baptism Preparation Meeting held on the 1st Monday of the month at 7:00pm on zoom |
UPDATED PARISH GUIDELINES
Following Government announcements, there will be no density limits in church. Masses are celebrated as follows:
Fully Vaccinated – No cap
Weekdays
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am
Wednesday 7:00pm followed by Mother of Perpetual Succour novena.
Weekend
Saturday 6:00pm, Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am & 5:00pm
Unknown Vaccination Status - Cap of 50 people per Mass
Wednesdays at 8.30 am, Sundays at 3:30pm (This will be on a first come first serve basis).
Kindly note the following:
- Bookings for weekday and weekend Masses are not required.
- Registration via QR Code (volunteers will be available to assist).
- Proof of vaccination for all attending (12+ years and over) to be shown to the Check-In Marshalls. Parishioners need to update “Services Victoria App” if they are fully vaccinated or have a vaccination exemption.
- If you do not have a smart phone, please obtain a hard copy vaccination compliance certificate which is to be shown to the Check-In Marshalls each time you attend mass as it will be recorded manually.
- Face masks are optional.
- Please sanitise prior to entering church.
- Church will open 30 minutes before Mass.
Doors will be shut 5 minutes before Mass.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome into our Church Emily Dubowik who is to be baptised this weekend. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love of Parents, Godparents, family and friends, we pray that Emily will lead a life full of happiness, faith and love.
ROSTERS FOR READERS & EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS have been emailed this week. If you require a hard copy, kindly contact the parish office on 97494300.
ST, VINCENT DE PAUL GIVING TREE
To enable us to make up hampers to brighten Christmas for needy, struggling families in our area, please take a tag from the tree and return donated items to the baskets under the tree by 12th December. Please also return the tags to the tree. A Christmas card with your food gifts lets a family know you are thinking of them in this joyous season. If you know of families in need of help at this time and would like a Christmas hamper, please contact the Parish Office. Enquiries to 0433 710 310.
ST. PETER’S & SUNDAY SCHOOL CONFIRMATIONS
Congratulations to the children from St. Peter’s & our Sunday School program who will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday 7th December and Saturday 11th December. We pray that the abundant gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit will be bestowed upon them.
CAROLS NIGHT, SATURDAY 11TH DECEMBER, 7:30PM
Our Parish Prayer group (KNK) along with the Young Adults of our parish are hosting a Carols Night after the 6:00pm Mass on Sat, 11th Dec from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. To celebrate the spirit of Christmas and help us with our fundraising, please join us for Carols in English and Filipino. Cost $5 per person (kids under 5 free). Sausage Sizzle and Snacks available at a small cost.
SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP 2021 GRADUATION
Congratulations to the graduates of our School of Discipleship 2021. Graduation mass will be celebrated on Sunday 12th December at 11.45 am. Please support our graduates who have attended the program this year and please keep them in your prayers.
RELIGIOUS ARTICLES AND STATUES will be available for purchase in the parish hall after all masses this weekend.
PIETY STORE
The Piety Store has, for sale, Christmas cards, a stock of Columban Calendars for $9 each and God’s Word 2022 books for $20 each. If you would like to purchase any of these or other religious items, the Piety Store is open before and after all weekend Masses. Piety Store rosters are available for collection from the Church hall.
HOLY COMMUNION TO THE HOUSEBOUND
If any of our elderly or sick parishioners who are housebound and unable to attend Mass and would like to receive Holy Communion, please contact the parish office on 9749 4300.
BAPTISM FORMATION MEETING
The next Baptism Formation Meeting will be held on Monday, 6th December at 7:00pm on ZOOM. Please note that this will be the last meeting until meetings resume again on Monday, 7th February 2022. Zoom Details:
https://zoom.us/j/99467621751?pwd=MEdDTU9keWlTNXErSXFPSEZyamQ5Zz09
Meeting ID: 994 6762 1751, Passcode: Baptism
DAWN MASS NOVENA – SIMBANG GABI
We invite you to the 26th Year of the 9-Days Dawn Mass Novena celebrated at St. Peters, starting on Thursday 16th December and finishing on Friday 24th December 2021. Masses at 5:00am daily. NO BOOKINGS required, however Proof of vaccination for all attending (12 years and over) must be shown to the Check-In Marshalls. If your vaccination certificate is not linked to your check-in, please obtain a hard copy vaccination compliance certificate which is to be shown to the Check-In Marshalls each time you attend as it will be recorded manually. There will be no fellowship after Mass. Please come in early as entry doors will be shut at 4:55am. For those who are unable to attend, Masses will be livestreamed via the Parish Facebook Page, via ZOOM and via YouTube.
CATHOLIC BISHOPS WELCOME RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION BILL
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has welcomed the introduction of the Religious Discrimination Bill, which will provide basic human rights protections for Australians of all faiths and none to express their beliefs. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, chair of the Bishops Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement, has commended the bill, saying it offers ‘a positive expression of religious freedom’ that will be ‘an important progression towards parity with other anti-discrimination laws in Australia’. Continue reading: Catholic bishops welcome Religious Discrimination Bill
RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION & EXEMPTION
There has been intensive discussion around religious discrimination and exemption at State and Federal levels. Please find below links that may be of interest and help bring some understanding and clarity as to what is at stake in this very complex area.
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/religious-discrimination-bill-will-protect-people-of-faith-20211124-p59btg.html
Prof John Haldane: https://www.abc.net.au/religion/john-haldane-discrimination-and-the-diversity-of-values/13653354
Jacinta Collins: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/religious-discrimination-bill-will-let-us-all-live-and-let-live-20211128-p59ct5.html
Fr Frank Brennan SJ: https://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article/where-to-now-with-religious-discrimination
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Dcn. Charles English, Giselle Pereira, Msgr Joseph Stowers, Chris Bull, Marni Spitalieri, Peter Peart, Macario Pagdanganan Sr, John Cardoza, Seth Lariche-Waldron, Sunta Debrincat, Pasala Kristenamma, Heath Prior, Fr Christopher Seton, Miroslav Hledik, Mylene Sarmiento, Danny Cantos, Michael Vidotto Snr., John McCracken, Alex & Gerty Fernandes, all who have died due to COVID-19 and all who have passed away.
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Sam Farrugia, Mary Vella, Leslie Fernando, Peter Paul Fernando, George Thomas, Bruno Anic, Aileen Gower, Evan Pritchard, Hamilton Lazaro, Princess Jaye De Leon, Basilio Angeles, Myrtle D’Cruz and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Wilfredo Villareal, Brian & Helen Kelly, Bill Thomas, Gordon Newman, Trish Musarra, Steven & Helen Smith, Ann Gee Lee, Valerie Coates, Sylvia Aldersea, Frank O’Brien, Baby Lilio, Thais Long, Vincent Margaret, Yvonne Caruana, Dale D’Souza, Franklin Quintanilla, Baby Julian Cayme, Kevin McLoughlin, Adrian McGill, Kevin Hynes, Jeffrey Dalton, Henan Menjivar Jr., Jean Cameron, Katherine Yin Ming Lee, Enid Gibb, Gerardo Monsalve and all who are ill in our Parish.
ROSTERS
Counters – 12 Dec 2021
| Kitty Stuttard / Eileen Lewis / Bonny D’Souza / Rosemary Hibbert |
Readers – 11/12 Dec 2021
| 6:00pm | Sharon Albuquerque |
| 8:30am | David Roga |
| 10:30am | Lionel D’Cruz |
| 5:00pm | Joan Ocampo |
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 11/12 Dec 2021
| 6:00pm | G. Linning / J. Tramontana / S. Fernando |
| 8:30am | J. Roga / S. Joseph / K. English |
| 10:30am | F. Caruana / S. Colla / D. Dalton |
| 5:00pm | E. Angeles / C. Skinner / Volunteer |
Music Ministry – 11/12 Dec 2021
| 6:00pm | Footsteps |
| 8:30am | St. Philomena Choir |
| 10:30am | Youth Band |
| 5:00pm | Shepherds of Christ |