Skip to content

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR JANUARY
New Year Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Risen Christ, be with us today and always.
Be our Light, our Guide, and our Comforter.
Be our Strength, Courage, and our Sanctifier.
May this New Year be a time of deep spiritual growth for us,
A time of welcoming your graces and gifts,
A time for forgiving freely and unconditionally,
A time for growing in virtue and goodness.
Come Holy Spirit, be with us always.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen.

Entrance Antiphon
All the earth shall bow down before you, O God, and shall sing to you, shall sing to your name, O Most High.

1st Reading (1 Sam 3:3-10, 19)
A reading from the first book of Samuel.
Samuel was lying in the sanctuary of the Lord where the ark of God was when the Lord called, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ He answered, ‘Here I am.’ Then he ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, since you called me.’ Eli said, ‘I did not call. Go back and lie down.’ So he went and lay down. Once again the Lord called. ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, since you called me.’ He replied, ‘I did not call you, my son; go back and lie down.’ Samuel had as yet no knowledge of the Lord and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. Once again the Lord called, the third time. He got up and went to Eli and said, ‘Here I am, since you called me.’ Eli then understood that it was the Lord who was calling the boy, and he said to Samuel, ‘Go and lie down, and if someone calls say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”’ So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord then came and stood by, calling as he had done before, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Samuel answered, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’ Samuel grew up and the Lord was with him and let no word of his fall to the ground.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Here am I Lord; I come to do your will.

2nd Reading (1 Cor 6:13-15,17-20)
A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
The body is not meant for fornication; it is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. God who raised the Lord from the dead, will by his power raise us up too. You know, surely, that your bodies are members making up the body of Christ; anyone who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Keep away from fornication. All the other sins are committed outside the body; but to fornicate is to sin against your own body. Your body, you know, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you since you received him from God. You are not your own property; you have been bought and paid for. That is why you should use your body for the glory of God.  
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia.  We have found the Messiah: Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace. Alleluia!

Gospel (Jn 1:35-42)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. John.
As John stood with two of his disciples, Jesus passed, and John stared hard at him and said, ‘Look, there is the lamb of God.’ Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned round, saw them following and said, ‘What do you want?’ They answered, ‘Rabbi’ – which means Teacher – ‘where do you live?’ ‘Come and see’ he replied; so they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him the rest of that day. It was about the tenth hour. One of these two who became followers of Jesus after hearing what John had said was Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter. Early next morning, Andrew met his brother and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ – which means the Christ – and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas’ – meaning Rock.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst.

Next Week’s Readings
Jon 3:1-5, 10;   1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

Feasts of the Week
Wed, 17 Jan - St. Anthony, Abbot      

PARISH NEWS

WEEKLY PARISH DATES

SUNDAY
9:15am to 10:25am – Sunday School for children attending non-Catholic Schools - Resumes February 2024.
10:30am Mass – Children’s Liturgy held 1st and 3rd Sundays - Resumes February 2024.
After 5:00pm Mass in Theatrette – Youth Group for youth 12 to 17 years on 2nd and 4th Sundays - Resumes February 2024.
6:00pm in Theatrette – Young Adults (SPYA) meet 1st and 3rd Sundays - Resumes February 2024.
MONDAY
7:00pm to 8:15pm – Bible Study on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 826 5359 2389 Passcode: Bible.
Contact Clive 0490814452 or Francis 0401787372. Resumes 12 Feb 2024.
TUESDAY
7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556Passcode: rosary7:00pm - Resumes February 2024.
7:00pm - RCIA Meeting in Theatrette/zoom. Contact Francis Thomas 0401787372 or Dario Carreno 0438525148.
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 - Resumes February 2024.
1.30pm to 4:00pm - Healing Mass on 1st Saturday of the month. Next Healing Mass on Saturday 10th February 2024.
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 5th February 2024 at 7:00pm in Church.

DIVINE AUSTRALIA HALF DAY RETREAT – SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY
“So then faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God” - Rom 10:17
Come and join us for a half day retreat on Saturday 20th January, 12:30pm to 4:30pm.  The retreat will be led by Rev. Dr. Antony Parankimalil VC.

AUSTRALIA DAY FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY
Australia Day Service and singing of National Anthem at 8:30am Mass

FEAST OF STO NINO (INFANT JESUS)
All are invited to join in the celebration of the Feast of Sto Nino on Sunday 28th January 2024 from 11.30am at our parish. Procession starts at 11.45am to be followed by Mass at 12 noon.

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD (also know as CANDLEMAS), FRIDAY 2nd FEBRUARY, 8:30AM & 7:00PM MASSES
A special 'Blessing of Candles' will be given at the 8:30am and 7:00pm Masses. Everyone is invited to bring their own candles and place them on the table near the Sanctuary before the start of Mass. These blessed candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who referred to Himself as the Light of the World.

ORDER OF MALTA LOURDES DAY MASS - SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2024
For some years now, the Order of Malta has organised an annual Lourdes Day Mass to provide an opportunity to pray for the sick and infirm particularly for those who would not otherwise have the possibility of visiting Lourdes. The Mass will take place again on Saturday, 10th February at 10.30am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, with Archbishop Peter A Comensoli as the principal celebrant. For further information, please contact: Sauro Antonelli AM on 0411 250 288.

POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY 2024
For the gift of diversity in the Church Let us pray that the Holy Spirit help us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

SACRED SHRINES TO VISIT IN MELBOURNE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holidays are a great time to slow down and refresh ourselves. There are a number of sacred shrines around Melbourne that can help us do just this. In case you missed it, during World Youth Day 2023 the Archdiocese of Melbourne office suggested a number of local sites you might want to visit as a ‘stay-at-home’ pilgrim. If you didn’t get to them then, why not add them to your list of ‘places to visit in 2024’ (or better still, during the holidays!)?
Shrines to visit are as follows:

  • Our Lady of Ta’Pinu Shrine, Bacchus Marsh
  • National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park
  • National Shrine of St Therese of Lisieux, Kew
  • Shrine of St Anthony, Hawthorn,
  • St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne 🙏

For more details refer to:
https://melbournecatholic.org/news/shrines-to-visit-in-melbourne-for-stay-at-home-pilgrims-this-wyd

WHAT HAPPENED AT MELBOURNE’S 1973 EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS?
Last year marked 50 years since Melbourne hosted one of the world’s biggest ever Catholic events, attracting global media attention and respected international figures (some of whom are now saints!).
It was the summer of 1973 when our city hosted the 40th International Eucharistic Congress. Who was there? What happened? And why was it significant? In case you missed it, here is a look at some highlights of this historic Congress.
Read the full story at:
https://melbournecatholic.org/news/what-happened-at-melbournes-eucharistic-congress

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Norma Hales, Lindsay Coates, Stefano Merli, Nohad Hindy, Arnel Cura, Ramon Dayao, Angelo Rodricks, P Davies, Anthony Tabut, Eduarda Pagaran, P M Philipose, Manuel Becerra, Maria Callelero, Hazel D’Costa, Olga Mendis, Lina Feliciano, Benny Bautista, Msgr Gerard Diamond PE, Najla Chamie, Angel Toncic and all who have died in disasters all over the world.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Lena Surrao, Stan Walkden, Angela Walkden, Pedro Lopez, Robert Lopez, Cecilia Tacata, Elvira De Torres, Mark Serrao, Dolores Pineda, Jeanne Duhau, Albert De Sousa, Beatriz Salting, William D’Sa, Carmelo Ravaneschi, Diane Cameron, Joey Teuma, Sam Borg, Gavina Angeles, Pedro Angeles, Omar Sulong, John Alexander and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Michael Mariadas, Edna Sanchez, Elizabeth de Guzman, Elinor Hillock, Manish Pal, Kimberly Baraza, Noemi Monge, Carmen Chiparra, Carmen De Cruz, Monica Jawn Lu and all who are ill in our Parish.

ROSTERS

Money Counters – 21 Jan 24

Bill Coghlan / Paul Mulquiney / George Socrates

Roster for Readers – 20/21 Jan 24

  6:00pm Jeslin Shaji
  8:30am Francis Thomas
10:30am Sunil Vaz
  5:00pm Youth Mass

Roster for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion - 20/21 Jan 24

  6:00pm S. Fernando / J. Tramontana / K. Pham / G. Linning
  8:30am R. Albuquerque / R. Hibbert / M. Nelthropp / Vol
10:30am S. Delos Reyes / L. Ortega / E. Mills / Volunteer
  5:00pm Youth Mass

Music Ministry – 20/21 Jan 24

  6:00pm Mater Dolorosa
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am FilOz
  5:00pm Youth Mass


DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR JANUARY
New Year Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Risen Christ, be with us today and always.
Be our Light, our Guide, and our Comforter.
Be our Strength, Courage, and our Sanctifier.
May this New Year be a time of deep spiritual growth for us,
A time of welcoming your graces and gifts,
A time for forgiving freely and unconditionally,
A time for growing in virtue and goodness.
Come Holy Spirit, be with us always.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen

Entrance Antiphon
Behold, the Lord, the Mighty One, has come; and kingship is in his grasp, and power and dominion.

1st Reading (Is 60:1-6)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
Arise, shine out Jerusalem, for your light has come, the glory of the Lord is rising on you, though night still covers the earth and darkness the peoples.  Above you the Lord now rises and above you his glory appears. The nations come to your light and kings to your dawning brightness. Lift up your eyes and look round: all are assembling and coming towards you, your sons from far away and daughters being tenderly carried. At this sight you will grow radiant, your heart throbbing and full; since the riches of the sea will flow to you; the wealth of the nations come to you; camels in throngs will cover you, and dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; everyone in Sheba will come, bringing gold and incense and singing the praise of the Lord. The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.

2nd Reading (Eph 3:2-3, 5-6)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians
You have probably heard how I have been entrusted by God with the grace he meant for you, and that it was by a revelation that I was given the knowledge of the mystery. This mystery that has now been revealed through the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets was unknown to any men in past generations; it means that pagans now share the same inheritance, that they are parts of the same body, and that the same promise has been made to them, in Christ Jesus, through the gospel. The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 2:1-12)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew
After Jesus had been born at Bethlehem in Judaea during the reign of King Herod, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the east. Where is the infant king of the Jews?’ they asked. ‘We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this he was perturbed, and so was the whole of Jerusalem. He called together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, and enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ‘At Bethlehem in Judaea,’ they told him ‘for this is what the prophet wrote: And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are by no means least among the leaders of Judah, for out of you will come a leader who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Then Herod summoned the wise men to see him privately. He asked them the exact date on which the star had appeared, and sent them on to Bethlehem. ‘Go and find out all about the child’, he said ‘and when you have found him, let me know, so that I too may go and do him homage.’ Having listened to what the king had to say, they set out. And there in front of them was the star they had seen rising; it went forward and halted over the place where the child was. The sight of the star filled them with delight, and going into the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and falling to their knees they did him homage. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. But they were warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, and returned to their own country by a different way.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
We have seen his star in the East; and have come with gifts to adore the Lord.

Next Week’s Readings
1 Sam 3:3-10, 19;   1 Cor 6:13-15, 17-20;   Jn 1:35-42

Feasts of the Week
Monday, 8 Jan - The Baptism of the Lord

PARISH NEWS

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE
The Parish Office is closed for the Christmas break and will reopen on Tuesday, 9 January. Normal bulletins will resume on 14 January, along with names for Death Anniversaries, Recently Deceased and Sick List.

DIVINE AUSTRALIA HALF DAY RETREAT – SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY
“So then faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God”   Rom 10:17
Come and join us for a half day retreat on Saturday 20th January, 12:30pm to 4:30pm.  The retreat will be led by Rev. Dr. Antony Parankimalil VC.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
Prayer to the Holy Family

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate the splendour of true love; to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools of the Gospel and small domestic churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth, make us more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph graciously hear our prayer.  Amen.

Entrance Antiphon
The shepherds went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in a manger.

1st Reading (Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
The word of the Lord was spoken to Abram in a vision, ‘Have no fear Abram, I am your shield; your reward will be very great’. ‘My Lord,’ Abram replied ‘what do you intend to give me? I go childless…’ Then Abram said, ‘See, you have given me no descendants; some man of my household will be my heir’. And then this word of the Lord was spoken to him, ‘He shall not be your heir; your heir shall be of your own flesh and blood’. Then taking him outside he said, ‘Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can. Such will be your descendants’ he told him. Abram put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified. The Lord dealt kindly with Sarah as he had said, and did what he had promised her. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the time God had promised. Abraham named the son born to him Isaac, the son to whom Sarah had given birth.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

2nd Reading (Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call to set out for a country that was the inheritance given to him and his descendants, and that he set out without knowing where he was going. It was equally by faith that Sarah, in spite of being past the age, was made able to conceive, because she believed that he who had made the promise would be faithful to it. Because of this, there came from one man, and one who was already as good as dead himself, more descendants than could be counted, as many as the stars of heaven or the grains of sand on the seashore. It was by faith that Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He offered to sacrifice his only son even though the promises had been made to him and he  had been told: It is through Isaac that your name will be carried on. He was confident that God had the power even to raise the dead; and so, figuratively speaking, he was given back Isaac from the dead.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia.  In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets; now he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia!

Gospel (Lk 2:22-40)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke
When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said: ‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’ As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’ There was a prophetess also, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom and God’s favour was with him.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
Our God has appeared on the earth, and lived among us.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 60:1-6;   Eph 3:2-3,5-6;   Mt 2:1-12

Feasts of the Week
Mon, 1 Jan - Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Tue, 2 Jan - Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory         

PARISH NEWS

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE
The Parish Office will close for the Christmas break starting Saturday 23 Dec and returning Tuesday, 9 January. Bulletin for 7 January will be a single sheet with mass readings.  Normal bulletins will resume on 14 January, along with names for Death Anniversaries, Recently Deceased and Sick List.

NEW YEAR'S DAY MASS - FEAST MARY MOTHER OF GOD – MONDAY 1ST JANUARY 2024, 9:00AM
Since New Year's Day is a Public Holiday, kindly note that Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am.

DIVINE AUSTRALIA HALF DAY RETREAT – SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY
“So then faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God”   Rom 10:17
Come and join us for a half day retreat on Saturday 20th January, 12:30pm to 4:30pm.  The retreat will be led by Rev. Dr. Antony Parankimalil VC.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Almighty and Ever living God,
We pray for all who are homeless or without food this Christmas; for refugees forced to flee their own land through poverty or persecution; for the sick and the housebound; for the lonely, and for all who are in want of any kind.
May we share from our plenty with those in need.
Your love was made visible in the birth of your Son at Bethlehem. By the power of your Holy Spirit may our Christmas celebrations deepen our faith in the same Lord who has risen from the dead and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Amen.

Entrance Antiphon
Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.

1st Reading (2 Sam 7:1-5,8-12,14,16)
A reading from the second book of Samuel.
Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.’ But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be leader of my people Israel; I have been with you on all your expeditions; I have cut off all your enemies before you. I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel; I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again; nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House. And when your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever.”’
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
For ever, I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

2nd Reading (Rom 16:25-27)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans.
Glory to him who is able to give you the strength to live according to the Good News I preach, and in which I proclaim Jesus Christ, the revelation of a mystery kept secret for endless ages, but now so clear that it must be broadcast to pagans everywhere to bring them to the obedience of faith. This is only what scripture has predicted, and it is all part of the way the eternal God wants things to be. He alone is wisdom; give glory therefore to him through Jesus Christ for ever and ever. Amen.  
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel  Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia.  I am the servant of the Lord: may his will for me be done. Alleluia!

Gospel (Lk 1:26-38)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke.
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel.

Next Week’s Readings
Gen 15:1-6,21:1-3;   Heb 11:8,11-12,17-19;
Lk 2:22-40

Feasts of the Week
Mon, 25 Dec - The Nativity of the Lord           
Tue, 26 Dec - St. Stephen
Wed, 27 Dec - St. John          
Thu, 28 Dec - The Holy Innocents     

PARISH NEWS

2023 CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR TIMETABLE

Sat 23 Dec5:00am


9:00am

6:00pm
Dawn Mass Novena with Archbishop Comensoli

Saturday Morning Mass

4th Wk Advent Vigil Mass
Sun 24 Dec8:30/10:30am
No 5:00pm Mass
4th Wk Advent Weekend Masses
Sun 24 Dec
Christmas Eve
6:00pm
6:30pm
Carols followed by Family Mass
Sun 24 Dec9:00pm
9:30pm
Carols followed by
Vigil Mass
Sun 24 Dec11:30pm
12:00am
Carols followed by
Midnight Mass
Mon 25 Dec Christmas Day8:30/10:30am

1:15pm
Carols ½ hour before Mass Spanish Mass
Mon 25 Dec
Christmas Day
No 5:00pm Mass
Tue 26 Dec8:30amWeekday Mass
Sat 30 Dec9:00amThanksgiving Mass followed by Holy Hour of Thanksgiving for 2023
Sat 30 Dec6:00pmSaturday Vigil Mass
Sun 31 Dec8:30am 10:30am 5:00pmSunday Masses
Mon 1 Jan9:00amNew Year’s Day Mass

READINGS FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES
Christmas Eve – 6:30pm & 9:30pm
Is 62:1-5;   Acts 13:16-17, 22-25;   Mt 1:18-25
Christmas Midnight Mass
Is 9:1-7;   Titus 2:11-14;   Lk 2:1-14
Christmas Day
Is 52:7-10;   Heb 1:1-6;   Jn 1:1-18

A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
From Fr. Vincent John & Fr. Simeon Anthony

May the blessings of Christmas be with you
May the Christ child light your way
May God’s holy angels guide you
And keep you safe each day.
May the blessing of the Lord
Be with you and your family
As you celebrate the coming of
Our Saviour Jesus Christ.

NEW TABERNACLE
Our church was gifted with a new Tabernacle on the occasion of our Parish Golden Jubilee last year, by a family who wishes to remain anonymous. Thank you very much for this kind gesture. May God bless you.  The new Tabernacle was installed and blessed on Saturday 16th December before the 6:00pm Mass.

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE
The Parish Office will close for the Christmas break starting Saturday 23 December and returning Tuesday, 9 January. Bulletins for 31 December and 7 January will be single sheets with mass readings.  Normal bulletins will resume on 14 January, along with names for Death Anniversaries, Recently Deceased and Sick List. We take this opportunity to wish all our parishioners a holy, safe & blessed Christmas. May the Christ Child shower his blessings on you this Christmas and all through 2024.

CHRISTMAS OFFERING ENVELOPES are placed in the pews and at the back of the church. Kindly use these for your Christmas offerings.

FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS – THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER, 8:30AM MASS
A special Blessing will be given to all babies and children at this Mass in memory of the young children of Bethlehem, put to death by Herod who sought to kill Jesus. These innocent victims bear witness to Christ, to a world which would not receive Him

THANKSGIVING MASS FOR 2023 FOLLOWED BY HOLY HOUR - SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER, 9:00AM
Although this year may have been very challenging for many, we still give thanks to our Lord for the many blessings and graces received throughout 2023. Please join us for the 9:00am Mass followed by a Holy Hour of Thanksgiving including Exposition, Praise & Worship, Divine Mercy Chaplet, quiet reflection/prayer time and concluding with Benediction. All welcome.

NEW YEAR'S DAY MASS - FEAST MARY MOTHER OF GOD - MONDAY 1ST JANUARY 2024, 9:00AM
Since New Year's Day is a Public Holiday, kindly note that Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am.

THE MEMBERS OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL thank all the families in our parish for kindly donating food items for the Christmas hampers and presents for children. Thank you to St Peter’s Primary School families and teachers for generously donating food items and presents for children. The hampers have been prepared and delivered to 133 needy families in our area. Thank you for your generosity, may God bless you all.

ADVENT APPEAL FOR UKRAINE
In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Archbishop Comensoli has launched an Advent Appeal for Ukraine. After 643 days of continued conflict, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced. The need for humanitarian aid remains high, especially as winter approaches. Funds raised will go towards providing aid and practical assistance to those who have been displaced and who are without basic supplies, especially the sick and the elderly. Appeal cards are available in the pews and at the back of the church. Thank you for your generosity. For more information about the Appeal or to donate online, please visit the Archdiocese website www.melbournecatholic.org/adventappeal.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Br Christian Moe FSC, Hendro Amedo, Maria Galela, Paulina Gutas, Sara Pereira, Jean Raynal, Rogelio Lising, Loretta D’Cruz, Russell D’Souza, Cao Pho HL Trinh Hon, Walter Castellino, Andres Mejia, Aurora Tayao, Rev. Gerard Dowling, Francis de Rozario, and all who have died in disasters all over the world.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Noel Rego, Baby Shania Albuquerque, Bernard Cassin, Florence Thomas, Irawan Tansil, Elly Gosal, Hendra Theodoros, Shiane Josal, Raynaldi & Winoya Theodoros, Pedro & Dante Lopez, Gliceria, Rebecca & Cecilia Tacata, Eduardo Medina, Epifanio Delos Santos, Fr Manuel Delos Santos, Joseph Nguyen, Esperanza & John Blake, Diana Fernandez, Basilio Angeles and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Lindsay Coates, Jenna Murnane, Vittorio di Palma, Pat Murray, Elizabeth de Guzman, Amelia Pamparo, Daniel Quintanilla, Tony Faranda, Kelly de la Rosa, John O’Regan, Teresita Grisancich, Delice Prior, Monica Jawn Lu, Robyn Leszczynski, Hazel D’Costa, Manuel Becerra, P Davies, Jonas Dumadag, Najla Chamie, Michael Mariadas, Angel Toncic, Edna Sanchez, Braden Leong, Anthony Padilla, Elinor Hillock and all who are ill in our Parish.

ROSTERS

Money Counters – 27 Dec 23

L. Vasquez / T. Grisancich / L. De La Cruz

Roster for Readers – 24/25 Dec 23

  6:30pm Sharon D’Silva
  9:30pm Jerilee Cardoz
Midnight Savita D’Souza
  8:30am Volunteer
10:30am Davy Fernandez
  5:00pm NO MASS

Roster for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion - 24/25 Dec 23

  6:30pm Sharon A. / Michelle N. /R. Johnson / G. Aldcroft /M. Maple / A. Vesty / D. Hankins / H. Durski
  9:30pm B. Fernandes / S. Martis / P. Fitzgerald / 5 X Volunteers
Midnight S. Graham / 7 X Volunteers
  8:30am G. Linning / E. Angeles / N&N Gooneratne / P. Simonides /3 X Vols
10:30am E. Mills / 8 X Volunteers
  5:00pm NO MASS

Music Ministry – 24/25 Dec 23

  6:30pm Young Adults
  9:30pm Footsteps
Midnight Youth Band/Eagles Wings
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am Tongan Choir
  5:00pm NO MASS

Money Counters – 2 Jan 24 (Tuesday)

K. Stuttard / E. Lewis / B. D’Souza / R. Hibbert

Roster for Readers – 30/31 Dec 23

  6:00pm Davy Fernandez
  8:30am Michelle Nelthropp
10:30am Lionel D’Cruz
  5:00pm Mary Marip

Roster for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion - 30/31 Dec 23

  6:00pm H. Durski / Sharon A. / S. Martis / G. Aldcroft
  8:30am Karen F. / Pauline S. / I. D’Lima / S. Graham
10:30am S. Vaz / E. Mills / R. Hibbert / Volunteer
  5:00pm E. Angeles / A. Koek / 2 X Volunteers

Music Ministry – 30/31 Dec 23

  6:00pm Footsteps
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am Filiorum Dei
  5:00pm Youth Band

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
PRAYER FOR ADVENT

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
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.

1st Reading (Is 61:1-2,10-11)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken; to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison; to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord. ‘I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God, for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation, he has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity, like a bridegroom wearing his wreath, like a bride adorned in her jewels. ‘For as the earth makes fresh things grow, as a garden makes seeds spring up, so will the Lord make both integrity and praise spring up in the sight of the nations.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
My soul rejoices in my God.

2nd Reading (1 Thess 5:16-24)
A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians.
Be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God, because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus. Never try to suppress the Spirit or treat the gift of prophecy with contempt; think before you do anything – hold on to what is good and avoid every form of evil. May the God of peace make you perfect and holy; and may you all be kept safe and blameless, spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God has called you and he will not fail you. The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring Good News to the poor. Alleluia!

Gospel (Jn 1:6-8,19-28)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.
A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light. This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’ ‘Well then,’ they asked ‘are you Elijah?’ ‘I am not’ he said. ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?’ So John said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied: a voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord.’ Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise with water; but there stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap.’ This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear. Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.

Next Week’s Readings
2 Sam 7:1-5,8-12,14,16;   Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

PARISH NEWS

2023 CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR TIMETABLE

16 - 24 Dec5:00amDawn Mass Novena
Thu 21 Dec7:00pmRECONCILIATION
RITE I at St. Peter’s
Sat 23 Dec5:00am


9:00am

6:00pm
Dawn Mass Novena with Archbishop Comensoli

Saturday Morning Mass

4th Wk Advent Vigil Mass
Sun 24 Dec8:30/10:30am
No 5:00pm Mass
4th Wk Advent Weekend Masses
Sun 24 Dec
Christmas Eve
6:00pm
6:30pm
Carols followed by Family Mass
Sun 24 Dec9:00pm
9:30pm
Carols followed by
Vigil Mass
Sun 24 Dec11:30pm
12:00am
Carols followed by
Midnight Mass
Mon 25 Dec Christmas Day8:30/10:30am

1:15pm
Carols ½ hour before Mass Spanish Mass
Mon 25 Dec
Christmas Day – No 5:00pm Mass
Tue 26 Dec8:30amWeekday Mass
Sat 30 Dec9:00amThanksgiving Mass followed by Holy Hour of Thanksgiving for 2023
Sat 30 Dec6:00pmSaturday Vigil Mass
Sun 31 Dec8:30am 10:30am 5:00pmSunday Masses
Mon 1 Jan9:00amNew Year’s Day Mass

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome into our Church community Vivienee Alelis, Robert Mackenzie and Roman Matulino who are to be baptised this Sunday. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love of Parents, Godparents, family and friends, we pray that these children will lead lives full of happiness, faith and love.

DAWN MASS NOVENA – SIMBANG GABI
We invite you to the 28th year of the 9-Days Dawn Mass Novena celebrated at St. Peters, starting on Saturday 16th Dec and finishing on Sunday 24th Dec 2023. Masses at 5:00am daily. Our parish prayer group organises this by coordinating with our parishioners, other Ministries in our parish, prayer group benefactors and others from neighbouring parishes who attend the Dawn Mass Novena every year. Their generosity provides a festive breakfast for everyone who attends the Dawn Mass. If any of you would like to be a part of this breakfast by either providing food or wish to donate towards it, please contact the parish office on 97494300 or email hopperscrossing@cam.org.au. Thank you. Please note that Archbishop Peter Comensoli will be the Principal Celebrant at the Mass on Saturday 23 December.

ADVENT RECONCILIATION RITE I - THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER 7PM
Please join us for our Rite I Reconciliation on Thursday 21st December at 7:00pm in our Church. There will be multiple Priests available to hear confession. This is a great way to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus our Saviour into our hearts this Christmas. All are welcome!

CHRISTMAS FAMILY MASS - SUNDAY 24TH DECEMBER 6:30PM, CAROLS 6:00PM
All children are invited to dress up as a Nativity character e.g. angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary, Joseph etc. for this family Mass. Please have the children ready and waiting in the hall by 5:45pm so they can process into Church for the start of the Carols at 6:00pm sharp.

THE PIETY STORE has a stock of WORD OF GOD 2024, Columban Calendars $10, Christmas cards, and other religious items and jewellery. Come and have a browse. A great opportunity for some Christmas shopping.

ROSTERS FOR READERS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS for the months from Dec 2023 to Feb 2024 have been emailed. Please contact the parish office if you have not received your copy or need a hard copy.  Rosters for Communion to the Sick (Thursday) and Piety Stall are on the glass table in the church hall, kindly collect your copy.

SENIORS CHRISTMAS LUNCH
A merry time was had by all at the Seniors Christmas Lunch. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the decorations, food preparation, service, music and clean-up.

CAR PARK AND SCHOOL BUILDING
Thank you to everyone for their patience during the construction of the new school building. This magnificent building will hopefully be completed by the end of December. You will be pleased to know that the car park on the basketball court can be used from 16th December 2023.

ADVENT APPEAL FOR UKRAINE
In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Archbishop Comensoli has launched an Advent Appeal for Ukraine. After 643 days of continued conflict, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced. The number of causalities on the frontline and among civilians continues to climb and the need for humanitarian aid remains high, especially as winter approaches. Funds raised will go towards providing aid and practical assistance to those who have been displaced and who are without basic supplies, especially the sick and the elderly. Appeal cards are available in the pews and at the back of the church. Thank you for your generosity.

FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS, MARTYRS – THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER, 8:30AM MASS
A special Blessing will be given to all babies and children at this Mass in memory of the young children of Bethlehem, put to death by Herod who sought to kill Jesus. These innocent victims bear witness to Christ, to a world which would not receive Him.

THANKSGIVING MASS FOR 2023 FOLLOWED BY HOLY HOUR - SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER, 9:00AM
Although this year may have been very challenging for many, we still give thanks to our Lord for the many blessings and graces received throughout 2023. Please join us for the 9:00am Mass followed by a Holy Hour of Thanksgiving including Exposition, Praise & Worship, Divine Mercy Chaplet, quiet reflection/prayer time and concluding with Benediction. All welcome.

NEW YEAR'S DAY MASS - FEAST MARY MOTHER OF GOD - MONDAY 1ST JANUARY 2024, 9:00AM
Since New Year's Day is a Public Holiday, kindly note that Mass will be celebrated at 9:00am.

COMPLETION OF THE PEWS
The work on the pews has been completed, thank you to all the parishioners who have donated to the cost of refurbishing the pews and a special thanks to Mario Martella and his helpers Vito Logiusto & Joe Dalli for the many hours of work in restoring the pews. Thank you to all the volunteers that have helped with moving the pews to the community centre and back to the church. God bless you and your families.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Sara Pereira, Jean Raynal, Rogelio Lising, Loretta D’Cruz, Russell D’Souza, Cao Pho HL Trinh Hon, Walter Castellino, Andres Mejia, Aurora Tayao, Rev. Gerard Dowling, Francis de Rozario, Joanna Tan, Remedios Santos, Mariazinha Fernandes, AnaLinda Bergenholtz, Furta Vella, Tae Yoon Jin, Charlie Sollis, Emmanuel Cardona and all who have died in disasters all over the world.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Arturo Apostoli, Magherita Apostoli, Frank Apostoli, Vita Sammartino, Joan Mogford, Olga Baxy, Salvatore Martelli, Quiter Sanchez, Nelfa Sanchez, Wanda Sanchez, Angelo Toncic, Josipa Toncic, Juliana Toncic, Sime Ukota, Kristina Ukota, Olga Hrvatin, Corazon Dayao, Roberto Dayao, Basilio Angeles, Paily Joseph, Michael D’Cunha, Clementine D’Cunha, Edith Platel and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Lindsay Coates, Jenna Murnane, Vittorio di Palma, Pat Murray, Elizabeth de Guzman, Amelia Pamparo, Daniel Quintanilla, Tony Faranda, Kelly de la Rosa, John O’Regan, Teresita Grisancich, Delice Prior, Monica Jawn Lu, Robyn Leszczynski, Hazel D’Costa, Manuel Becerra, P Davies, Jonas Dumadag, Najla Chamie, Michael Mariadas, Angel Toncic and all who are ill in our Parish.

ROSTERS

Counters – 27 Dec 23 (Wednesday)

L. Vasquez / T. Grisancich / L. De La Cruz

Roster for Readers – 23/24 Dec 23

  6:00pm Sharon D’Silva
  8:30am KSC Reader
10:30am Rosemary Hibbert
  5:00pm NO 5:00PM MASS

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 23/24 Dec 23

  6:00pm N. Golaw / G. Linning / G. Surrao / K. Pham
  8:30am KSC Minister / P. Simonides / R. Johnson / Paul F.
10:30am C&M Peters / A. Koek / G. Schembri
  5:00pm NO 5:00PM MASS

Music Ministry – 23/24 Dec 23

  6:00pm Footsteps
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am Domini Chorum
  5:00pm NO 5:00PM MASS


DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
PRAYER FOR ADVENT

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 (Is 40:1-5,9-11)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
‘Console my people, console them’ says your God. ‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for, that she has received from the hand of the Lord double punishment for her crimes.’ A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley; then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion. Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem. Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah, ‘Here is your God.’ Here is the Lord coming with power, his arm subduing all things to him. The prize of his victory is with him, his trophies all go before him. He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, let us see your kindness and grant us your salvation.

2nd Reading (2 Pet 3:8-14 )
A reading from the second letter of St. Peter.
There is one thing, my friends, that you must never forget: that with the Lord, ‘a day’ can mean a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord is not being slow to carry out his promises, as anybody else might be called slow; but he is being patient with you all, wanting nobody to be lost and everybody to be brought to change his ways. The Day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then with a roar the sky will vanish, the elements will catch fire and fall apart, the earth and all that it contains will be burnt up. Since everything is coming to an end like this, you should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt in the heat. What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home. So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace.
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 (Mk 1:1-8)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
The beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way. A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. and so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and wild honey. In the course of his preaching he said, ‘Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’
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
Is 61:1-2, 10-11;   1 Thess 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

Feasts of the Week
Wed, 13 Dec - St. Lucy
Thu, 14 Dec - St. John of the Cross       

PARISH NEWS

2023 CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR TIMETABLE

16 - 24 Dec 5:00am Dawn Mass Novena
Thu 21 Dec 7:00pm RECONCILIATION
RITE I at St. Peter’s
Sat 23 Dec 5:00am


9:00am

6:00pm
Dawn Mass Novena with Archbishop Comensoli

Saturday Morning Mass

4th Wk Advent Vigil Mass
Sun 24 Dec 8:30/10:30am
No 5:00pm Mass
4th Wk Advent Weekend Masses
Sun 24 Dec
Christmas Eve
6:00pm
6:30pm
Carols followed by Family Mass
Sun 24 Dec 9:00pm
9:30pm
Carols followed by
Vigil Mass
Sun 24 Dec 11:30pm
12:00am
Carols followed by
Midnight Mass
Mon 25 Dec Christmas Day 8:30/10:30am

1:15pm
Carols ½ hour before Mass Spanish Mass
Mon 25 Dec
Christmas Day – No 5:00pm Mass
Tue 26 Dec 8:30am Weekday Mass
Sat 30 Dec 9:00am Thanksgiving Mass followed by Holy Hour of Thanksgiving for 2023
Sat 30 Dec 6:00pm Saturday Vigil Mass
Sun 31 Dec 8:30am 10:30am 5:00pm Sunday Masses
Mon 1 Jan 9:00am New Year’s Day Mass

DAWN MASS NOVENA – SIMBANG GABI
We invite you to the 28th year of the 9-Days Dawn Mass Novena celebrated at St. Peters, starting on Saturday 16th Dec and finishing on Sunday 24th Dec 2023. Masses at 5:00am daily. Our parish prayer group organises this by coordinating with our parishioners, other Ministries in our parish, prayer group benefactors and others from neighbouring parishes who attend the Dawn Mass Novena every year. Their generosity provides a festive breakfast for everyone who attends the Dawn Mass. If any of you would like to be a part of this breakfast by either providing food or wish to donate towards it, please contact the parish office on 97494300 or email hopperscrossing@cam.org.au. Thank you. Please note that Archbishop Peter Comensoli will be the Principal Celebrant at the Mass on Saturday 23 December.

ADVENT RECONCILIATION RITE I - THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER 7PM
Please join us for our Rite I Reconciliation on Thursday 21st December at 7:00pm in our Church. There will be multiple Priests available to hear confession. This is a great way to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus our Saviour into our hearts this Christmas. All are welcome!

CHRISTMAS FAMILY MASS - SUNDAY 24TH DECEMBER 6:30PM, CAROLS 6:00PM
All children are invited to dress up as a Nativity character e.g. angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary, Joseph etc. for this family Mass. Please have the children ready and waiting in the hall by 5:45pm so they can process into Church for the start of the Carols at 6:00pm sharp.

MELBOURNE OVERSEAS MISSION
There will be a special collection at all Masses this weekend for the Melbourne Overseas Mission. We thank you for your generosity.

THE PIETY STORE has a stock of WORD OF GOD 2024, Columban Calendars $10, Christmas cards, and other religious items and jewellery. Come and have a browse. A great opportunity for some Christmas shopping.

SENIORS SHARED LUNCH WEDNESDAY – 13TH DECEMBER
The last Seniors shared lunch for the year will be a festive lunch for Christmas, held in the Community Centre on Wednesday 13th December from 11:30am to 2:00pm. Lunch will be provided, so please just bring Christmas Cheer and a small gift ($10) to exchange (KK). Please RSVP to Margaret Craigie on 0456914652.

ST. PETER'S YEAR 6 GRADUATION MASS - THURSDAY 14TH DECEMBER
We congratulate all the Year 6 students who will be celebrating their Graduation this Thursday night. We wish them many blessings and pray that our Lord Jesus will guide them throughout Secondary School and beyond.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL GIVING TREE
Items for the giving tree to be placed under tree by Sunday 10th December. Thank you for your generosity. Enquiries Kitty 0433710310.

FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE – How Collections Work
1st Collection – Church expenses like utility bills, salaries, liturgical needs, sacramental, formation initiatives, pastoral and evangelisation programs.
2nd Collection – Support the living expenses of the clergy, the Archbishop, priests in remote and financially burdened parishes, sick and retired clergy.
If you wish to set up a pledge, please contact Lorena Ford at hopperscrossing.bookkeeper@cam.org.au.
Parishioners if you are not registered in the parish, we encourage you to register and support the parish. Kindly fill in the parish registration form available next to the sacristy and return to the priest after mass or email the parish office hopperscrossing@cam.org.au and we will send the parish registration form to you.

ROSTERS FOR READERS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS for the months from Dec 2023 to Feb 2024 have been emailed. Please contact the parish office if you have not received your copy or need a hard copy.  Rosters for Communion to the Sick (Thursday) and Piety Stall are on the glass table in the church hall, kindly collect your copy.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT THE CATHEDRAL, SUNDAY 17 DEC 2023, 3:00PM TO 4:15PM
Come along for a family concert of traditional and modern Christmas carols at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The performance includes plenty of audience participation, a children’s segment and ‘special guest’ appearance. Tickets cost $30 for Adults, $25 Concession. Children 15 and under FREE. Tickets can be purchased via cash or card at the door or in advance at St Patrick's Cathedral Melbourne 2023 Concert Series Tickets, St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne | TryBooking Australia or https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/772036

RITE OF ACCEPTANCE FOR CATECHUMEN – SUNDAY 10TH DEC 8:30AM MASS
The Rite of Acceptance into the order of Catechumens is the first step an enquirer into the Catholic faith makes in preparation for receiving baptism next Easter. This Sunday at the 8:30am mass, Jasmine Dawson and Khun Banya will be accepted as Catechumens by Fr. Vincent. Let us welcome Jasmine and Khun into our church congregation

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Rogelio Lising, Loretta D’Cruz, Russell D’Souza, Cao Pho HL Trinh Hon, Walter Castellino, Andres Mejia, Aurora Tayao, Rev. Gerard Dowling, Francis de Rozario, Joanna Tan, Remedios Santos, Mariazinha Fernandes, AnaLinda Bergenholtz, Furta Vella, Tae Yoon Jin, Charlie Sollis, Emmanuel Cardona, Renato Manalilli, Fr. Phero Nguyen Van Tuong, Jim Smith, Edna Clayton, Pawlu Labu Manau Gam, Precila D’Silva, Ramani Kumanayake, and all who have died in disasters all over the world.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Judith D’Cruz, Marion Bartolo, Peter Paul Fernando, Remedios Llagas, Maria Carvalho, Madan Vekic, Basilio Angeles and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Lindsay Coates, Jenna Murnane, Vittorio di Palma, Pat Murray, Elizabeth de Guzman, Amelia Pamparo, Daniel Quintanilla, Tony Faranda, Kelly de la Rosa, John O’Regan, Teresita Grisancich, Delice Prior, Monica Jawn Lu, Robyn Leszczynski, Hazel D’Costa, Manuel Becerra, P Davies, Jonas Dumadag, Michael Mariadas and all who are ill in our Parish.

ROSTERS

Counters – 17 Dec 23

Pravin Albuquerque / Clarence D’Souza / Grace Sharman

Roster for Readers – 16/17 Dec 23

  6:00pm Jeslin Shaji
  8:30am Catherine Graham
10:30am Sunil Vaz
  5:00pm Youth Mass

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 16/17 Dec 23

  6:00pm S. Fernando / Josie T. / B. Fernandes / Praful A.
  8:30am Karen F. / M. Nelthropp / R. Hibbert / Romayne A.
10:30am S. Delos Reyes / E. Mills / L. Ortega / Volunteer
  5:00pm Youth Mass

Music Ministry – 16/17 Dec 23

  6:00pm Mater Dolorosa
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am FilOz
  5:00pm Youth Mass


DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR DECEMBER
PRAYER FOR ADVENT

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
To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.

1st Reading (Is 63:16-17,64:1,3-8)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
You, Lord, yourself are our Father, ‘Our Redeemer’ is your ancient name. Why, Lord, leave us to stray from your ways and harden our hearts against fearing you? Return, for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your inheritance. Oh, that you would tear the heavens open and come down! – at your Presence the mountains would melt. No ear has heard, no eye has seen any god but you act like this for those who trust him. You guide those who act with integrity and keep your ways in mind. You were angry when we were sinners; we had long been rebels against you. We were all like men unclean, all that integrity of ours like filthy clothing. We have all withered like leaves and our sins blew us away like the wind. No one invoked your name or roused himself to catch hold of you. For you hid your face from us and gave us up to the power of our sins. And yet, Lord, you are our Father; we the clay, you the potter, we are all the work of your hand.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved.

2nd Reading (1 Cor 1:3-9)
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send you grace and peace. I never stop thanking God for all the graces you have received through Jesus Christ. I thank him that you have been enriched in so many ways, especially in your teachers and preachers; the witness to Christ has indeed been strong among you so that you will not be without any of the gifts of the Spirit while you are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed; and he will keep you steady and without blame until the last day, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, because God by calling you has joined you to his Son, Jesus Christ; and God is faithful.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mk 13:33-37)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be on your guard, stay awake, because you never know when the time will come. It is like a man travelling abroad: he has gone from home, and left his servants in charge, each with his own task; and he has told the doorkeeper to stay awake. So stay awake, because you do not know when the master of the house is coming, evening, midnight, cockcrow, dawn; if he comes unexpectedly, he must not find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake!’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
The Lord will bestow his bounty, and our earth shall yield its increase.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 40:1-5,9-11;   2 Pet 3:8-14,   Mk 1:1-8

Feasts of the Week
Thu, 7 Dec - St. Ambrose
Fri, 8 Dec - The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary           

PARISH NEWS

WEEKLY PARISH DATES

SUNDAY
9:15am to 10:25am – Sunday School for children attending non-Catholic Schools - Resumes February 2024.
10:30am Mass – Children’s Liturgy held 1st and 3rd Sundays - Resumes February 2024 .
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.
MONDAY
7:00pm to 8:15pm – Bible Study on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 826 5359 2389 Passcode: Bible.
Contact Clive 0490814452 or Francis 0401787372
7:30pm to 9:30pm – Alpha sessions in the hall.
TUESDAY
7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556Passcode: rosary7:00pm.
7:00pm - RCIA Meeting in Theatrette/zoom. Contact Francis Thomas 0401787372 or Dario Carreno 0438525148.
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 10th February 2024.
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 December 2023 at 7:00pm in Church.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome into our Church community Penelope Wilson, William Wilson & Torvi Disabato who are to be baptised this Sunday. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love of Parents, Godparents, family and friends, we pray that these children will lead lives full of happiness, faith and love.

THE PIETY STORE will have a sale in the hall after the 8:30am and 10:30am Masses on Sunday, 10th December.  On sale are the WORD OF GOD 2024 books $20, Columban Calendars $10, Christmas cards, and other religions items and jewellery. A great opportunity for some Christmas shopping.

ADVENT MASS OF ANOINTING – TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 11:00AM
Everyone, including the sick and elderly are invited to attend this special Mass. There will be a light lunch after Mass hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. If you are aware of anyone who wishes to be anointed but is too ill to attend this Mass, kindly ask them to contact the Parish Office and Father will visit them at home at a suitable time. (PLEASE NOTE THAT 8:30AM MASS IS CANCELLED ON THIS DAY – TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER)

ST. PETER'S CHRISTMAS MUSIC FEST – SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER AFTER 6:00PM MASS
To celebrate the spirit of Christmas, the choirs from our parish will perform Carols in the hall from 7:15pm. All are welcome. Choirs and families are requested to bring a plate of food to share.

REMINDER – SENIORS SHARED LUNCH WEDNESDAY – 13TH DECEMBER
The last Seniors shared lunch for the year will be a festive lunch for Christmas, held in the Community Centre on Wednesday 13th December from 11:30am to 2:00pm. Lunch will be provided, so please just bring Christmas Cheer and a small gift ($10) to exchange (KK). There are a few seats left so please RSVP to Margaret Craigie on 0456914652 if you haven't already done so.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL GIVING TREETo enable us to make up hampers to brighten Christmas for struggling families in our area, please take a tag from the tree and return item(s) to the baskets under the tree by Sunday 10th December. A Christmas card with your gift of food or presents lets a family know that you are thinking of them in this joyous season. Last year, with your help, we were able to help 110 families. Thank you for your generosity. Enquiries Kitty 0433710310.

FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE – How Collections Work
1st Collection – Church expenses like utility bills, salaries, liturgical needs, sacramental, formation initiatives, pastoral and evangelisation programs.
2nd Collection – Support the living expenses of the clergy, the Archbishop, priests in remote and financially burdened parishes, sick and retired clergy.
If you wish to set up a pledge, please contact Lorena Ford at hopperscrossing.bookkeeper@cam.org.au.
Parishioners if you are not registered in the parish, we encourage you to register and support the parish. Kindly fill in the parish registration form available next to the sacristy and return to the priest after mass or email the parish office hopperscrossing@cam.org.au and we will send the parish registration form to you.

DAWN MASS NOVENA – SIMBANG GABI
We invite you to the 28th year of the 9-Days Dawn Mass Novena celebrated at St. Peters, starting on Saturday 16th Dec and finishing on Sunday 24th Dec 2023. Masses at 5:00am daily. Our parish prayer group organises this by coordinating with our parishioners, other Ministries in our parish, prayer group benefactors and others from neighbouring parishes who attend the Dawn Mass Novena every year. Their generosity provides a festive breakfast for everyone who attends the Dawn Mass. If any of you would like to be a part of this breakfast by either providing food or wish to donate towards it, please contact the parish office on 9749 4300 or email hopperscrossing@cam.org.au. Thank you. Please note that Archbishop Peter Comensoli will be the Principal Celebrant at the Mass on Saturday 23 December.

ROSTERS FOR READERS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS for the months from Dec 2023 to Feb 2024 have been emailed. Please contact the parish office if you have not received your copy or need a hard copy.  Rosters for Communion to the Sick (Thursday) and Piety Stall are on the glass table in the church hall, kindly collect your copy.  

ADVENT RECONCILIATION RITE I - THURSDAY 21ST DECEMBER 7PM
Please join us for our Rite I Reconciliation on Thursday 21st December at 7:00pm in our Church. There will be multiple Priests available to hear confession. This is a great way to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus our Saviour into our hearts this Christmas. All welcome!

CHRISTMAS FAMILY MASS - SUNDAY 24TH DECEMBER 6:30PM, CAROLS 6:00PM
All children are invited to dress up as a Nativity character e.g. angles, shepherds, wise men, Mary, Joseph etc. for this family Mass. Please have the children ready and waiting in the hall by 5:45pm so they can process into Church for the start of the Carols at 6:00pm sharp.

KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE
There are various resources available for keeping your children safe online, please check the ESafety Commission website for further information. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

MELBOURNE OVERSEAS MISSION
There will be a special collection at all Masses next weekend for the Melbourne Overseas Mission. We thank you for your generosity.

CARITAS – GAZA CRISIS APPEAL
Help provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the conflict. Donate now at www.caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Aurora Tayao, Rev. Gerard Dowling, Francis de Rozario, Joanna Tan, Remedios Santos, Mariazinha Fernandes, AnaLinda Bergenholtz, Furta Vella, Tae Yoon Jin, Charlie Sollis, Emmanuel Cardona, Renato Manalilli, Fr. Phero Nguyen Van Tuong, Jim Smith, Edna Clayton, Pawlu Labu Manau Gam, Precila D’Silva, Ramani Kumanayake, and all who have died in disasters all over the world.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Caridad Rodrigues, Restituto Cabunilas, Poshan Misquitta, Marisa Caruana, Thomas Tri, Joseph Mau, Maria Suong, Maria Martin Kim, Timothy & Sylvia Lobo, Jose Romao, Doris O’Connor, Timoteo Tanato, Benito Rosada, Basilia & Regino Albaracin, Leslie Fernando, Josephine Deguara, Hamilton Lazaro and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Lindsay Coates, Jenna Murnane, Vittorio di Palma, Pat Murray, Elizabeth de Guzman, Amelia Pamparo, Daniel Quintanilla, Tony Faranda, Kelly de la Rosa, John O’Regan, Teresita Grisancich, Delice Prior, Yolanda Jones, Monica Jawn Lu, Robyn Leszczynski, Hazel D’Costa, Manuel Becerra and all who are ill in our Parish.

ROSTERS

Counters – 10 Dec 23

John Allen / Jules & Neeta Pereira

Roster for Readers – 9/10 Dec 23

  6:00pm Adele Vesty
  8:30am Dominic Hankins
10:30am Lionel D’Cruz
  5:00pm Romayne Albuquerque

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 9/10 Dec 23

  6:00pm G. Linning / N. Golaw / K. Pham / Sophia D’Souza
  8:30am S. Vaz / Clarence D / Paul F. / P. Simonides
10:30am S. Colla / F. Caruana / M&C Peters
  5:00pm E. Angeles / C. Skinner / A. Koek / Volunteer

Music Ministry – 9/10 Dec 23

  6:00pm Footsteps
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am Youth Band
  5:00pm Shepherds of Christ

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER
PRAYER FOR YOUTH

God our Father, we ask you to be with young people as they experience sorrow and joy.
Protect them from the dangers that are present in our world today.
Give them and their families the courage to follow you as they journey through life.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may they experience your loving care and mercy.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Entrance Antiphon
How worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honour. To him belong glory and power for ever and ever.

1st Reading (Ezek 34:11-12,15-17)
A reading from the prophet Ezekiel.
The Lord says this: I am going to look after my flock myself and keep all of it in view. As a shepherd keeps all his flock in view when he stands up in the middle of his scattered sheep, so shall I keep my sheep in view. I shall rescue them from wherever they have been scattered during the mist and darkness. I myself will pasture my sheep, I myself will show them where to rest – it is the Lord who speaks. I shall look for the lost one, bring back the stray, bandage the wounded and make the weak strong. I shall watch over the fat and healthy. I shall be a true shepherd to them. As for you, my sheep, the Lord says this: I will judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and he-goats.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

2nd Reading (1 Cor 15:20-26,28)
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians.
Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order: Christ as the first-fruits and then, after the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death. And when everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will be subject in his turn to the One who subjected all things to him, so that God may be all in all.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessings on the coming kingdom of our father David! Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 25:31-46)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate men one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats. He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left. ‘Then the King will say to those on his right hand, “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me.” Then the virtuous will say to him in reply, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome; naked and clothe you; sick or in prison and go to see you?” And the King will answer, “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” ‘Next he will say to those on his left hand, “Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you never gave me food; I was thirsty and you never gave me anything to drink; I was a stranger and you never made me welcome, naked and you never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited me.” Then it will be their turn to ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or naked, sick or in prison, and did not come to your help?” Then he will answer, “I tell you solemnly, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me.” ‘And they will go away to eternal punishment, and the virtuous to eternal life.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
The Lord sits as King for ever. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 63:16-17,64:1,3-8;   1 Cor 1:3-9; Mk 13:33-37

Feasts of the Week
Thu, 30 Nov - St. Andrew      

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.
MONDAY
7:00pm to 8:15pm – Bible Study on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 826 5359 2389 Passcode: Bible.
Contact Clive 0490814452 or Francis 0401787372
7:30pm to 9:30pm – Alpha sessions in the hall.
TUESDAY
7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556Passcode: rosary7:00pm.
7:00pm - RCIA Meeting in Theatrette/zoom. Contact Francis Thomas 0401787372 or Dario Carreno 0438525148.
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 2nd December 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 December 2023 at 7:00pm in Church.

THE PIETY STORE has a stock of WORD OF GOD 2024 books for $20 and Columban Calendars for $10 for anyone who would like to purchase these items and much more. Come and browse.

ROSTERS FOR READERS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS for the months from Dec 2023 to Feb 2024 have been emailed. Please contact the parish office if you have not received your copy or need a hard copy.   

MEMORIAL BOOK – MONTH OF NOVEMBER
The Memorial Book is kept near the Sanctuary. All are welcome to write down the names of their departed loved ones. The book will be taken to the Altar during Mass to remember and pray for the faithful departed at all the Masses during November.

WORLD YOUTH SUNDAY – 26TH NOVEMBER 2023
St Peter’s Young Adults would like to invite all our youth and young families to join us at the 5:00pm mass on Sunday 26th November to celebrate World Youth Sunday. There will be fellowship after mass, all are welcome.

ADVENT MASS OF ANOINTING – TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 11:00AM
Everyone, including the sick and elderly are invited to attend this special Mass. There will be a light lunch after Mass hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. If you are aware of anyone who wishes to be anointed but is too ill to attend this Mass, kindly ask them to contact the Parish Office and Father will visit them at home at a suitable time. (PLEASE NOTE THAT 8:30AM MASS IS CANCELLED ON THIS DAY – TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER)

ST. PETER'S CHRISTMAS MUSIC FEST – SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER AFTER 6:00PM MASS
To celebrate the spirit of Christmas, the choirs from our parish will perform Carols in the hall from 7:15pm. All are welcome. Choirs and families are requested to bring a plate of food to share.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL GIVING TREE
To enable us to make up hampers to brighten Christmas for struggling families in our area, please take a tag from the tree and return item(s) to the baskets under the tree by Sunday 10th December. A Christmas card with your gift of food or presents lets a family know that you are thinking of them in this joyous season. Last year, with your help, we were able to help 110 families. Thank you for your generosity. Enquiries Kitty 0433710310.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY MASS
There will be a School Community Mass on Wednesday 29th November at 8:45am. School families and parishioners are most welcome to join. The Mass will be followed by Morning Tea in the church hall. All are welcome.

REMINDER – SENIORS SHARED LUNCH WEDNESDAY – 13TH DECEMBER
The last Seniors shared lunch for the year will be a festive lunch for Christmas, held in the Community Centre on Wednesday 13th December from 11:30am to 2:00pm. Lunch will be provided, so please just bring Christmas Cheer and a small gift ($10) to exchange (KK). There are a few seats left so please RSVP to Margaret Craigie on 0456914652 if you haven't already done so.

LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP PETER COMENSOLI
Events and reporting over the past weeks have impelled Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli to write a letter from the heart. Copy of the letter is placed on the notice board in the church hall. Let us continue to pray and work for peace in our world.

PRIESTLY ORDINATIONSPlease keep in your prayers Rev Thomas Christie, Rev Peter Nguyen and Rev Tien Tran, who will be ordained to the priesthood and Jean-Sebastian Gery, who will be ordained to the transitional diaconate. The Ordinations will take place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Saturday 25 November 2023 at 10:00am. The Mass will also be livestreamed on the Archdiocesan YouTube Channel.

ESAFETY COMMISSION — FREE PARENT WEBINARSThe ESafety Commission is offering a range of free parent webinars https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars including:

  • Wellbeing and digital technologies (30 minutes)—for parents and carers of young people in secondary school
  • Getting started with social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram (30 minutes)—for parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school.

CARITAS – GAZA CRISIS APPEAL
Help provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the conflict. Donate now at www.caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Francis de Rozario, Joanna Tan, Remedios Santos, Mariazinha Fernandes, AnaLinda Bergenholtz, Furta Vella, Tae Yoon Jin, Charlie Sollis, Emmanuel Cardona, Renato Manalilli, Fr. Phero Nguyen Van Tuong, Jim Smith, Edna Clayton, Pawlu Labu Manau Gam, Precila D’Silva, Ramani Kumanayake, Roberto Savio, Patricia Samuel, Antony Prakash, David Villanueva, Josefina Briones, Ida Rodericks, Veronica Jewell and all who have died in disasters all over the world.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Simon Simonides, John Walsh, Mary Chamie, Giovanni Frazzica, Irene Noronha, Peter Natale, Mercy Silva, James David, Kyle Moreno and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Lindsay Coates, Jenna Murnane, Vittorio di Palma, Pat Murray, Elizabeth de Guzman, Amelia Pamparo, Daniel Quintanilla, Tony Faranda, Kelly de la Rosa, John O’Regan, Teresita Grisancich, Delice Prior, Yolanda Jones, Monica Jawn Lu, and all who are ill in our Parish.

ROSTERS

Counters – 3 Dec 23

Bill Coghlan / Paul Mulquiney

Roster for Readers – 2/3 Dec 23

  6:00pm Davy Fernandez
  8:30am Kitty Stuttard
10:30am Sunil Vaz
  5:00pm Connie Skinner

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 2/3 Dec 23

  6:00pm H. Durski / G. Aldcroft / S. Martis / S. Joseph
  8:30am G. Sharman / K. Fernandes / S. Graham / I. D’Lima
10:30am E. Mills / B. Fernandes / A. Koek / Volunteer
  5:00pm E. Angeles / M. Marip / 2 X Volunteers

Music Ministry – 2/3 Dec 23

  6:00pm Eagles Wings
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am Tongan Community
  5:00pm FilOz

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER
PRAYER FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

O most merciful Jesus, let Thy Precious Blood flow down into Purgatory, and refresh and revive the captive souls which suffer there. Stretch out unto them Thy strong right hand, and bring them forth into the place of refreshment, light, and peace. Amen.

Entrance Antiphon
The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place.

1st Reading (Prov 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31)
A reading from the book of Proverbs.
A perfect wife – who can find her?   She is far beyond the price of pearls. Her husband’s heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit. Advantage and not hurt she brings him all the days of her life. She is always busy with wool and with flax, she does her work with eager hands. She sets her hands to the distaff, her fingers grasp the spindle. She holds out her hand to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy. Charm is deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who is wise is the one to praise. Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Happy are those who fear the Lord.

2nd Reading (1 Thess 5:1-6)
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians.
You will not be expecting us to write anything to you, brothers, about ‘times and seasons’, since you know very well that the Day of the Lord is going to come like a thief in the night. It is when people are saying, ‘How quiet and peaceful it is’ that the worst suddenly happens, as suddenly as labour pains come on a pregnant woman; and there will be no way for anybody to evade it. But it is not as if you live in the dark, my brothers, for that Day to overtake you like a thief. No, you are all sons of light and sons of the day: we do not belong to the night or to darkness, so we should not go on sleeping, as everyone else does, but stay wide awake and sober.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Live in me and let me live in you, says the Lord; my branches bear much fruit. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 25:14-30)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of Heaven is like a man on his way abroad who summoned his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to a third one; each in proportion to his ability. Then he set out. ‘Now a long time after, the master of those servants came back and went through his accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents came forward bringing five more. “Sir,” he said “you entrusted me with five talents; here are five more that I have made.” ‘His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have shown you can be faithful in small things, I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master’s happiness.”
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord.

Next Week’s Readings
Ezek 34:11-12, 15-17;   1 Cor 15:20-26,28; Mt 25:31-46

Feasts of the Week
Tue, 21 Nov - The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed, 22 Nov - St. Cecilia
Fri, 24 Nov - Sts. Andrew Dung Lac & companions          

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.
MONDAY
7:00pm to 8:15pm – Bible Study on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 826 5359 2389 Passcode: Bible.
Contact Clive 0490814452 or Francis 0401787372
7:30pm to 9:30pm – Alpha sessions in the hall.
TUESDAY
7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556Passcode: 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 2nd December 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 December 2023 at 7:00pm in Church.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome into our Church community Olympia Augustine, Elle Camilleri, Sienna Cao & Ace Omrcen who are to be baptised this Sunday. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love of Parents, Godparents, family and friends, we pray that these children will lead lives full of happiness, faith and love.

CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR AVAILABILITY FORMS have been emailed to Readers and Communion Ministers. Please return completed forms to the Parish Office as soon as possible so the roster for the next quarter can be prepared. Hard copies of the forms are available in the church hall. Thank you.

THE PIETY STORE has a stock of WORD OF GOD 2024 books for $20 and Columban Calendars for $10 for anyone who would like to purchase these items and much more. Come and browse.

RELIGIOUS STATUES & ITEMS STALLA stall selling religious statues and items will be held in the hall after all Masses this weekend. A great opportunity for some early Christmas shopping.

MEMORIAL BOOK – MONTH OF NOVEMBER
The Memorial Book is kept near the Sanctuary. All are welcome to write down the names of their departed loved ones. The book will be taken to the Altar during Mass to remember and pray for the faithful departed at all the Masses during November.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR DECEASED – FRIDAY 24TH NOV, 7:00PM
All parishioners who have lost a loved one are invited to attend this special Memorial Mass for the Deceased. Invitations will be sent to families who have lost a loved one in the past 12 months. You are welcome to bring a photo of the Deceased and place it on the table near the Sanctuary.

WORLD YOUTH SUNDAY – 26th NOVEMBER 2023
St Peter’s Young Adults would like to invite all our youth and young families to join at the 5:00pm mass on Sunday 26th November to celebrate World Youth Sunday. There will be fellowship after mass, all are welcome. 

ADVENT MASS OF ANOINTING – TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER 11:00AM
Everyone, including the sick and elderly are invited to attend this special Mass. There will be a light lunch after Mass hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. If you are aware of anyone who wishes to be anointed but is too ill to attend this Mass, kindly ask them to contact the Parish Office and Father will visit them at home at a suitable time. (PLEASE NOTE THAT 8:30AM MASS IS CANCELLED ON THIS DAY – TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER)

ST. PETER'S CHRISTMAS MUSIC FEST – SATURDAY 9TH DECEMBER AFTER 6:00PM MASS
To celebrate the spirit of Christmas, the choirs from our parish will perform Carols in the hall from 7:15pm. All are welcome. Choirs and families are requested to bring a plate of food to share.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL GIVING TREE
To enable us to make up hampers to brighten Christmas for struggling families in our area, please take a tag from the tree and return item(s) to the baskets under the tree by Sunday 10th December. A Christmas card with your gift of food or presents lets a family know that you are thinking of them in this joyous season. Last year, with your help, we were able to help 110 families. Thank you for your generosity. Enquiries Kitty 0433710310.

NIGHT OF THE WITNESSES AT ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL, East Melbourne 7pm Wed 22 November Night of the Witnesses is an evening of testimony, prayer, song, adoration and reflection to honour the witness of modern-day Christian martyrs and to stand in solidarity with Christians around the world who are suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. The Presider is Archbishop Peter Comensoli and Guest speaker is His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. All are welcome to attend.

ORDINATION BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, 25TH NOVEMBER, 7:45AM FOR 8:00AM START AT PARK HYATT, THE LIBRARY
Archbishop Peter Comensoli invites young men in our parish, aged 18 and over, who are involved in Youth Ministry or in any other part of life in our parish. The breakfast will include an overview on priesthood and discernment from the Vocations Team. From 9am all guests will walk across to the Cathedral to participate in the priestly Ordination. Each ticket includes breakfast at a cost of $25 each. Please add your name and any dietary requirements when you register at the following link. Ordination Breakfast - November 2023 or https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1134978

CARITAS – GAZA CRISIS APPEAL
Help provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the conflict. Donate now at www.caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413.

ESAFETY COMMISSION — FREE PARENT WEBINARSThe ESafety Commission is offering a range of free parent webinars https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars including:

  • Wellbeing and digital technologies (30 minutes)—for parents and carers of young people in secondary school
  • Getting started with social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram (30 minutes)—for parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school.
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Remedios Santos, Mariazinha Fernandes, AnaLinda Bergenholtz, Furta Vella, Tae Yoon Jin, Charlie Sollis, Emmanuel Cardona, Renato Manalilli, Fr. Phero Nguyen Van Tuong, Jim Smith, Edna Clayton, Pawlu Labu Manau Gam, Precila D’Silva, Ramani Kumanayake, Roberto Savio, Patricia Samuel, Antony Prakash, David Villanueva, Josefina Briones, Ida Rodericks, Veronica Jewell and all who have died in disasters all over the world.  

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Michael Lewis, Claude Barber, Franco Stroscio, Evergista Porteza, Joseph Nguyen, Ine Tran, Maria Deguara, Joaquin Hari, Terrance Bernard, Gloria & Thiruchelvam Vaz, Carmena Natale, Monica Joseph and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.  

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Lindsay Coates, Jenna Murnane, Vittorio di Palma, Pat Murray, Elizabeth de Guzman, Amelia Pamparo, Daniel Quintanilla, Tony Faranda, Kelly de la Rosa, John O’Regan, Roberta Costa, Teresita Grisancich, Delice Prior and all who are ill in our Parish.  

ROSTERS

Counters – 26 Nov 23

Tini & Barrie Hope

Roster for Readers – 25/26 Nov 23

  6:00pm Savita D’Souza
  8:30am KSC Reader
10:30am Rosemary Hibbert
  5:00pm Youth Mass

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 25/26 Nov 23

  6:00pm G. Surrao / Davy F. / K. Pham / P. Albuquerque
  8:30am KSC Minister / Paul F./ Pauline S. / Clarence D
10:30am F. Caruana / S. Vaz / G. Schembri / B. Fernandes
  5:00pm Youth Mass

Music Ministry – 25/26 Nov 23

  6:00pm Footsteps
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am Domini Chorum
  5:00pm Youth Mass

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR NOVEMBER
PRAYERS FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED

Almighty Father,
You made everyone in your own image and likeness, and when that image was defaced by sin, you restored it through Christ:
Hear our prayers, we pray you, for all our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of the resurrection, and show them the glory of your face.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Entrance Antiphon
Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord.

1st Reading (Wis 6:12-16)
A reading from the book of Wisdom.
Wisdom is bright, and does not grow dim. By those who love her she is readily seen, and found by those who look for her. Quick to anticipate those who desire her, she makes herself known to them. Watch for her early and you will have no trouble; you will find her sitting at your gates. Even to think about her is understanding fully grown; be on the alert for her and anxiety will quickly leave you. She herself walks about looking for those who are worthy of her and graciously shows herself to them as they go, in every thought of theirs coming to meet them.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

2nd Reading (1 Thes 4:13-18)
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians.
We want you to be quite certain, brothers, about those who have died, to make sure that you do not grieve about them, like the other people who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and that it will be the same for those who have died in Jesus: God will bring them with him. We can tell you this from the Lord’s own teaching, that any of us who are left alive until the Lord’s coming will not have any advantage over those who have died. At the trumpet of God, the voice of the archangel will call out the command and the Lord himself will come down from heaven; those who have died in Christ will be the first to rise, and then those of us who are still alive will be taken up in the clouds, together with them; to meet the Lord in the air. So we shall stay with the Lord for ever. With such thoughts as these you should comfort one another.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Be watchful and ready: you know not when the Son of Man is coming. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 25:1-13)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus told this parable to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like this: Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible: the foolish ones did take their lamps, but they brought no oil, whereas the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their lamps. The bridegroom was late, and they all grew drowsy and fell asleep. But at midnight there was a cry, “The bridegroom is here! Go out and meet him.” At this, all those bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps, and the foolish ones said to the sensible ones, “Give us some of your oil: our lamps are going out.” But they replied, “There may not be enough for us and for you; you had better go to those who sell it and buy some for yourselves.” They had gone off to buy it when the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding hall and the door was closed. The other bridesmaids arrived later. “Lord, Lord,” they said “open the door for us.” But he replied, “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you.” So stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.

Next Week’s Readings
Prov 31:10-13,19-20, 30-31; 1 Thess 5:1-6;   Mt 25:14-30

Feasts of the Week
Fri, 17 Nov -St. Elizabeth of Hungary         

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
7:30pm to 9:30pm – Alpha sessions in the hall.
TUESDAY
7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556Passcode: 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 2nd December 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 December 2023 at 7:00pm in Church.

FR. SIMEON ON ANNUAL LEAVE
Parishioners, please note that Fr. Simeon will be away on annual leave from 13th to 21st November. We wish Fr Simeon a well-deserved, safe and enjoyable holiday with his family and friends.   

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome into our Church community Henery Labu, Raizel Bhore and Logan Ashman who are to be baptised this weekend. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love of Parents, Godparents, family and friends, we pray that these children will lead lives full of happiness, faith and love.

MEMORIAL BOOK – MONTH OF NOVEMBER
The Memorial Book is kept near the Sanctuary. All are welcome to write down the names of their departed loved ones. The book will be taken to the Altar during Mass to remember and pray for the faithful departed at all the Masses during November.

THE PIETY STORE has a stock of WORD OF GOD 2024 for $20 and much more. Come and browse.

CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR AVAILABILITY FORMS have been emailed to Readers and Communion Ministers. Can we please request that forms be returned to the parish office, latest by Sunday 12th November so we are able to prepare the roster for the next quarter. Hard copies of the forms are available in the church hall. Thank you.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR DECEASED – FRIDAY 24TH NOV, 7:00PM
All parishioners who have lost a loved one are invited to attend this special Memorial Mass for the Deceased. Invitations will be sent to families who have lost a loved one in the past 12 months. You are welcome to bring a photo of the Deceased and place it on the table near the Sanctuary.

WORLD YOUTH SUNDAY – 26th NOVEMBER 2023St Peter’s Young Adults would like to invite all our youth and young families to join at the 5:00pm mass on Sunday 26th November to celebrate World Youth Sunday. There will be fellowship after mass, all are welcome.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL GIVING TREE
To enable us to make up hampers to brighten Christmas for struggling families in our area, please take a tag from the tree and return item/s to the baskets under the tree by Sunday 10th December. A Christmas card with our gift of food or presents lets a family know that you are thinking of them in this joyous season. Last year, with your help, we were able to help 110 families. Thank you for your generosity. Enquiries Kitty 0433710310.

NIGHT OF THE WITNESSES AT ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL, East Melbourne 7pm Wed 22 November
Night of the Witnesses is an evening of testimony, prayer, song, adoration and reflection to honour the witness of modern-day Christian martyrs and to stand in solidarity with Christians around the world who are suffering persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. The Presider is Archbishop Peter Comensoli and Guest speaker is His Beatitude Patriarch Joseph Absi of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. All are welcome to attend.  

ORDINATION BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, 25TH NOVEMBER, 7:45AM FOR 8:00AM START AT PARK HYATT, THE LIBRARY
Archbishop Peter Comensoli invites young men in our parish, aged 18 and over, who are involved in Youth Ministry or in any other part of life in our parish. The breakfast will include an overview on priesthood and discernment from the Vocations Team. From 9am all guests will walk across to the Cathedral to participate in the priestly Ordination. Each ticket includes breakfast at a cost of $25 each. Please add your name and any dietary requirements when you register at the following link. Ordination Breakfast - November 2023

2023 KNOX PUBLIC LECTURE
Tuesday 28th November, 7:30pm. Live videostream via Zoom“Truth and Peace: Timeless Twins” Presented by Dr Susan Connelly RSJ. To book scan the QR code or go to trybooking.com/CMYVM.Enquiries: Ph: +613 9412 3333 or email vi.panganiban@ctc.edu.au, or website: ctc.edu.au

CARITAS – GAZA CRISIS APPEAL
Help provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the conflict. Donate now at www.caritas.org.au/gaza or call 1800 024 413.

AN URGENT PRAYER FOR PEACE
God of compassion,
We turn to you with heavy hearts
As we consider the needs of your family.
Israelis and Palestinians, we are all your people,
Each of us loved by You
And called to live in peace and justice.
We lament the dreadful loss of life,
Destruction of property and loss of human dignity.
We are pained by so much suffering.
We beg you to bring healing to this ancient place.
Help your people find a way forward.
Enable everyone to look each other in the eye,
And embrace each other as sisters and brothers,
As they find your image in every face.
We ask that courage and grace
Will help create a wiser and more gentle future,
Where everyone has a home.
God of wisdom, come to our aid.
Amen.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Tae Yoon Jim, Charlie Sollis, Emmanuel Cardona, Renato Manalilli, Fr. Phero Nguyen Van Tuong, Jim Smith, Edna Clayton, Pawlu Labu Manau Gam, Precila D’Silva, Ramani Kumanayake, Roberto Savio, Patricia Samuel, Antony Prakash, David Villanueva, Josefina Briones, Ida Rodericks, Veronica Jewell and all who have died in disasters all over the world.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Edward Palmer, Diego Lopez, Paul Deguara, Nieves Mozo, John Abraham, Jiju Abraham, Mathew Nguyen, Lourdes Moriss, Bonifacio Mendoza, Melvina Garcia and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Mavis D’Cruz, Atima Chakraborty, Adrian McGill, Lindsay Coates, Jenna Murnane, Vittorio di Palma, Pat Murray, Elizabeth de Guzman, Amelia Pamparo, Daniel Quintanilla, Tony Faranda, Kelly de la Rosa, Gwen Graham, John O’Regan, Roberta Costa, Ana Linda Bergenholtz, Teresita Grisancich, Delice Prior and all who are ill in our Parish.

ROSTERS

Counters – 19 Nov 23

Lerna Vasquez/Teresita Grisancich/Luzviminda De La Cruz

Roster for Readers – 18/19 Nov 23

  6:00pm David Roga
  8:30am Sharon D’Silva
10:30am Cleophas Peters
  5:00pm Dominic Hankins

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 18/19 Nov 23

  6:00pm J. Roga / S. Fernando / H. Durski / J. Tramontana
  8:30am S. Joseph / G. Sharman / K. Fernandes / I. D’Lima
10:30am M. Peters / S. Delos Reyes / L. Ortega / G. Siccita
  5:00pm C. Skinner / E. Angeles / A. Koek / Volunteer

Music Ministry – 18/19 Nov 23

  6:00pm St Cecilia
  8:30am St. Philomena
10:30am FilOz
  5:00pm KNK