Maria Maple – Page 20 – St Peter Apostle Mission Parish

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleSeptember 26, 2020October 3, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

God our Father, we come to You in our need, to ask Your protection against the COVID-19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives.

We pray that You guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission.

Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion.

We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon.

Protect those who care for them.

Grant eternal rest to those who have died.

Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need.

We implore You to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears.

Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Peter Apostle, pray for us.

Entrance Antiphon
All that you have done to us, O Lord, you have done with true judgment, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.

1^st Reading (Ezek 18:25-28)
A reading from the prophet Ezekiel.
The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘You object, “What the Lord does is unjust.” Listen, you House of Israel: is what I do unjust? Is it not what you do that is unjust? When the upright man renounces his integrity to commit sin and dies because of this, he dies because of the evil that he himself has committed. When the sinner renounces sin to become law-abiding and honest, he deserves to live. He has chosen to renounce all his previous sins; he shall certainly live; he shall not die.’
The Word of the Lord.

2^nd Reading (Phil 2:1-11)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians.
If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing which would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead. In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus: His state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel (Mt 21:28-32)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 5:1-7; Phil 4:6-9; Mt 21:33-43

Feasts of the Week
Tue, 29 Sep - Sts. Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Archangels
Wed, 30 Sep - St. Jerome
Thu, 1 Oct - St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Fri, 2 Oct - The Holy Guardian Angels

PARISH NEWS

THE PARABLE OF THE TWO SONS
(Reflection by Dcn. Charles English)

Our Lord Jesus is in the Temple and the chief priests and elders came along to ask Him questions and Jesus, in order to get a message across to them, began to tell a parable about two sons. The parable at first seems simple, straightforward and quite innocuous. It is far from that. Given the context in which it was spoken and the people to whom it was aimed, it is nothing short of explosive.

A father asked his two sons to go and work in his vineyard. One of the sons said that he would not go, and then thought better of it and went off to work in his father’s vineyard. The other son said to his father ‘Certainly, sir’, but did not go to work in the vineyard. Then Jesus asks the people gathered there in the Temple listening to Him, ‘Which of the two did the father’s will?’ and the people answered ‘the first’. It was the son that the father asked first, that had second thoughts and in the end obeyed his father’s command. This son must have realised just how good his father was and just how selfish and self-centred he was. This son also saw that his father, far from writing him off as he deserved, still loved him very much.

Now the other son who had said to his father that he would go and work in the vineyard and then did not go, really did not love and regard his father as much as he thought he did. This son was selfish, proud and complacent. He was the first-born after all. He was the heir. Everything was guaranteed, so why should he have to work? What were his waster of a brother and the servants there for?

Now here comes the crunch. Listen to Jesus’ words and how He is applying them, remembering that He was addressing the chief priests and elders of the people, who despised tax collectors and sinners. Jesus is really saying to the hierarchy of the Temple that they are like the elder son. The chief priests and elders boast about their obedience to God’s commandments but their love is illusory. They are not pleasing to God. But the people that they despise, tax collectors and sinners, they are like the younger son who have thought twice about their lives and have repented and obey God and His commandments.

We are dealing then, in this parable, not with two individuals but with two sets of people. Christ was not really praising either set. Both sets were imperfect, but he was saying that one of them was better than the other. The ideal son, of course, would be a son who immediately carried out his father’s orders. There are some people who will promise anything. At the initial stage of a project they are loud in their protestations of willingness and loyalty. But when it comes to the actual doing stage they fade away. Then there are others that initially are reluctant to promise anything. Yet often these are exactly the people who come up trumps, provided that we know how to appeal to them.

The meaning of Jesus’ parable is crystal clear. The Jewish people were the Chosen people of God and said that they would obey God but they didn’t. The tax collectors and sinners were those who said they would not obey God, but then thought better of it and repented and did obey Him.

This parable teaches us that promises can never take the place of performance, and fine words can never be a substitute for fine deeds. We should try and see what Jesus is saying to us through this parable. Part of us says ‘Yes’ to God with our words; and part of us says ‘No’ to God with our deeds.

We must constantly examine our conscience. We must try to turn our promises into fulfilment, to turn our words into deeds. We must see ourselves in need of continual conversion. Everyday we can turn one of yesterday’s ‘no’s’ into one of today’s ‘yeses’.

Dear Lord Jesus, please grant us the grace, strength and commitment that the faith we proclaim with our words may be borne out by our deeds.

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am and Sunday 10:30am.
Our church is live streaming daily Mass
Via Facebook Page https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Via Zoom. ZOOM link https://zoom.us/j/93990476817 Meeting ID: 9399 047 6817.

Parishioners can now dial in via mobile phone or landline to participate in our daily Masses on ZOOM.
Landline – Dial 0011 618 6119 3900
Mobile – Dial +618 6119 3900
Once you connect you will be requested to put in the meeting ID: 9399 047 6817##.

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

TO KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED WITH PARISH NEWS
Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.

ONLINE CHILDREN’S LITURGY
St Peters Young Adults are holding Online Children’s Liturgy for children aged 5 – 8 years. The next session will be held on Sunday 4^th October 2020 from 11:30am to 12:30pm. The sessions are held fortnightly. Children pray together, read and listen to the Gospel and are supported to grow in their faith through sharing and activities. We welcome you and your family to take part! Parents are required to register their children before attending. To enrol your child in this program, please email the Parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.or.au or call on 9749 4300 (Tues/Thursday/Friday 9:00am – 3:30pm) and we will send you an enrolment form to register your child, which is to be completed and returned. Our parish ensures that child e-safety is maintained as we follow the child safety guidelines recommended by the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program for anyone interested in becoming a Catholic and receiving the Sacraments. Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7:00pm on Zoom. Meeting ID 937 5345 2162. Passcode: 624286. If you or anyone you know is interested, you are welcome to join. Please contact Francis Thomas on 0401 787 372 or francispthomas@hotmail.com or Evelyn Stowers on 0499 416 158.

ZOOM LINKS TO WEEKLY SERVICES

St. Anthony’s Novena
Every Tuesday at 7:00pm, followed by Rosary
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82338237597?pwd=dlZyKzFCOERFNDBDMCs5cDBkUnFOdz09
Meeting ID: 823 3823 7597, Password: 524250

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Novena
Every Wednesday at 7:00pm, followed by Rosary
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83632685197?pwd=RWRxQWJ1TXpoZHlLRTRIUVp0Nk0zdz09
Meeting ID: 836 3268 5197. No Password.

St. Peter's Charismatic Prayer Community KNK
Every Saturday at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105, Password: 023368

Bible Study Ministry
Every Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 13, Group Quiz on John Ch. 1-3.
Please note new Meeting link and information below
ttps://zoom.us/j/91984220776?pwd=M1RzcWMwbWk0Tm43MEZ6cEZnditldz09
Meeting ID: 91984220776 Password: 899140

MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP PETER COMENSOLI
Please use the following link to listen to Archbishop Peter’s message this week https://youtu.be/4PQOWE1br_k

MARCH FOR THE BABIES 2020 LIVE STREAMED SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10^TH AT 1:00PM
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Annual March for the Babies 2020 will be a Live Streamed event @ 1:00pm on Saturday, October 10^th. Join in online at www.mftb.online for Victoria’s largest pro-life event in defence of unborn children and their mothers. Featured speakers, powerful testimonies, music and opportunities to promote the “culture of life”.

WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS & REFUGEES SUNDAY, 27^TH SEPTEMBER
This Sunday 27^th September, the Catholic Church across the world marks the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In his message for this year's World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis encourages us to embrace all those who are experiencing situations of precariousness, abandonment, marginalisation and rejection as a result of COVID-19. This year’s theme for the Holy Father’s Message for 2020 World Day of Migrant and Refugee is: “Forced like Jesus Christ to flee”. This pastoral care of the Church towards Migrants and Refugees focused on the following aspects as named by Pope Francis: welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating migrants and refugees to enrich our local communities.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Brian Holmes, Nicolas Caruana, Martina Serrao, Silvia Braganca Silveira, Arokianathan Alphons, Bernard Saldanha, Enid Isaaks, Julieta Cabigao, Amanda Munsod, Reynaldo Esclares, France Rioux, Noemi Medel-Villareal, Gracias Manganelli, Mary Vella, K.M. Joseph, Marina Pagdanganan, Jane Burnnard, all who have died due to COVID-19 and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Maria Lodenia DeTorres, Alice Billings, Jose Austria Sr, Carmen Mifsud, Christian Galea and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Honerine Rosario, Aloysius Silva, Shirley Poppen, Norma Medina, Florine Fernandes, Christine Hall, Esther Uwase and all who are ill in our Parish.

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleSeptember 19, 2020September 19, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

God our Father, we come to You in our need, to ask Your protection against the COVID-19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives. We pray that You guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission.

Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion.

We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon.

Protect those who care for them.

Grant eternal rest to those who have died.

Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need.

We implore You to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears.

Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Peter Apostle, pray for us.

Entrance Antiphon
I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in any distress, I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.

1st Reading (Is 55:6-9)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians.
Christ will be glorified in my body, whether by my life or by my death. Life to me, of course, is Christ, but then death would bring me something more; but then again, if living in this body means doing work which is having good results – I do not know what I should choose. I am caught in this dilemma: I want to be gone and be with Christ, which would be very much the better, but for me to stay alive in this body is a more urgent need for your sake. Avoid anything in your everyday lives that would be unworthy of the gospel of Christ.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 20:1-16)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard. He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day, and sent them to his vineyard. Going out at about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place and said to them, “You go to my vineyard too and I will give you a fair wage.” So they went. At about the sixth hour and again at about the ninth hour, he went out and did the same. Then at about the eleventh hour he went out and found more men standing round, and he said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?” “Because no one has hired us” they answered. He said to them, “You go into my vineyard too.” In the evening, the owner of the vineyard said to his bailiff, “Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last arrivals and ending with the first.” So those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came forward and received one denarius each. When the first came, they expected to get more, but they too received one denarius each. They took it, but grumbled at the landowner. “The men who came last” they said “have done only one hour, and you have treated them the same as us, though we have done a heavy day’s work in all the heat.” He answered one of them and said, “My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius? Take your earnings and go. I choose to pay the last comer as much as I pay you. Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why be envious because I am generous?” Thus the last will be first, and the first, last.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
You have laid down your precepts to be carefully kept; may my ways be firm in keeping your statutes.

Next Week’s Readings
Ezek 18:25-28; Phil 2:1-11; Mt 21:28-32

Feasts of the Week
Mon, 21 Sep - St. Matthew
Wed, 23 Sep - St. Pius of Pietrelcina

PARISH NEWS

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A 2020
(Reflection by Fr. Vincent John CMI)

Some people think that Jesus’ story is an unfair and unjust one. I have heard this many times. This is a very serious accusation. Injustice is an ugly thing. All of us have some experience of it. Jesus’ story is not about injustice, because no injustice is done in it. If this story is not about injustice then what is it about? It is about generosity. “Are you envious because I am generous?” That is the key phrase in the story. The story is about generosity, but not ordinary generosity. It is about a generosity unlike anything we have ever known. The eleventh-hour workers were not idlers who didn’t want to work. They were people no respectable employer would hire. They were left-overs, the rejects. The idea that any employer would take these people at the eleventh hour, and pay them a full day’s wage, was unthinkable. Yet this is exactly what the owner of the vineyard did. This is the strong point of the parable.

Jesus wasn’t talking about human generosity but about the generosity of God. He was illustrating what the First Reading said, “God’s ways are not our ways, and God’s thoughts are not our thoughts”. God’s generosity utterly transcends human generosity. The parable was aimed at the Pharisees. They were critical of Jesus because he befriended sinners. Jesus gave them his answer in this parable. In it he showed them what God is like: God is generous and full of compassion for the poor and outcast.

God deals with us in ways that are very different from the ways we normally deal with one another. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high is God’s generosity above our generosity. The goodness of God is a great comfort to us. But it is also a great challenge, because we are called to imitate it; to make our ways of dealing with one another more like God’s way of dealing with us. God knows our need. He is generous enough to give us what we need to live a successful life in this world and to save enough for eternal life. That saving part may prompt us to grumble. It is a sign of the worldly attitude that is present in us. Bigger the worldly mind, the more severe the grumbling; while greater the heavenly mind, greater the satisfaction and appreciation. The Lord God is just and fair in all His dealings with His children. No one will ever go unrewarded for his works that are accredited to him. The greater the works, the greater the reward.
May God bless you all.

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church is live streaming daily Mass through our
Facebook Page https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Via Zoom. ZOOM link https://zoom.us/j/93990476817 Meeting ID: 9399 047 6817. Parishioners can now dial in via mobile phone or landline to participate in our daily Masses on ZOOM.
Landline – Dial 0011 618 6119 3900
Mobile – Dial +618 6119 3900
Once you connect you will be requested to put in the meeting ID: 9399 047 6817##. Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am and Sunday 10:30am.

TO KEEP YOURSELF UPDATED WITH PARISH NEWS
Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.

LETTER FROM ARCHBISHOP PETER COMENSOLI
A letter has been received from Archbishop Peter Comensoli welcoming the beginnings of the easing in COVID-19 Restrictions in Victoria, his hopes for how we may be able to proceed and his assurance of his ongoing prayers and concern for the Clergy and people of our Archdiocese. This 2 page letter can be viewed at our website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au and on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/

ONLINE CHILDREN’S LITURGY
St Peters Young Adults will be holding Online Children’s Liturgy for children aged 5 – 8 years commencing this Sunday 20th September 2020 from 11:30am to 12:30pm. These sessions will be held fortnightly. Children will pray together, read and listen to the Gospel and be supported to grow in their faith through sharing and activities. We welcome you and your family to take part! Parents are required to register their children before attending. To enrol your child in this program, please email the Parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.or.au or call on 9749 4300 (Tues/Thursday/Friday 9:00am – 3:30pm) and we will send you an enrolment form to register your child, which is to be completed and returned. Our parish will ensure that child e-safety is maintained as we follow the child safety guidelines recommended by the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

ZOOM LINKS TO WEEKLY ST. ANTHONY’S NOVENA & OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR NOVENA

St. Anthony’s Novena held every Tuesday at 7:00pm, followed by Rosary https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82338237597?pwd=dlZyKzFCO ERFNDBDMCs5cDBkUnFOdz09
Meeting ID: 823 3823 7597, Password: 524250

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Novena held every Wednesday at 7:00pm, followed by Rosary
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83632685197?pwd=RWRxQWJ 1TXpoZHlLRTRIUVp0Nk0zdz09
Meeting ID: 836 3268 5197. No Password.

ST. PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS 3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105, Password: 023368

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 13, Group Quiz on John Ch. 1-3.
Enquiries Francis Thomas francispthomas@hotmail.com
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef

SOCIAL SERVICES SUNDAY
On 20th September 2020, we mark Social Services Sunday within the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. On this day we are invited to give thanks and pray for all who stand with and provide support to those who are marginalised and vulnerable within our communities. We recognise with deep gratitude, those working within Catholic Social Services Victoria’s 45 member organisations, the 7,000 staff and 17,000 volunteers, who together, serve more than 200,000 people in need each year. We also give thanks for all in our parishes, who are so often at the forefront of providing practical support and care to those in need within their local communities, and beyond. We call to mind the 2020/21 Social Justice Statement brought out recently by the Australian Catholic bishops, To Live Life to the Full: Mental Health in Australia Today, and so draw your attention to a recent event hosted by CSSV, Counselling and Therapeutic Support in a Time of COVID, which provided an opportunity to become more familiar with mental health services, and how to practically reach out for or point to assistance. Parishioners will find the resources in this article helpful.

‘ENGAGING YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH' ONLINE SESSIONS
Engaging Your Catholic Faith is a series of short online sessions being offered by Catholic Theological College exploring a variety of topics including Meditation and Prayer, Spirituality, Women in the Early Church, Interfaith Relations, Reading the Church Classics, Eucharist, Science and Religion. Each session is $20 and runs from 14 September to 31 October. For more information use the link below https://ctc.edu.au/documents/engaging-your-catholic-faith/

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Enid Isaaks, France Rioux, Noemi Medel-Villareal, Gracias Manganelli, K.M. Joseph, Mary Vella, William Lobo, Marina Pagdanganan, Jane Burnnard, Annakutty Joseph, Lilia Balasabas Capuno, Kari Pesonen, Stella Dias, Bill Fairney, all who have died due to COVID-19 and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Rosy D’souza, Maureen Morgan, Fr. Raveen Perera, Leo Mellawa, Renato Padua, Tolentino Pedayo, George Amando Stowers, Robert Bruce Mills and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Honerine Rosario, Aloysius Silva, Shirley Poppen, Norma Medina, Nicolas Caruana, Florine Fernandes, Christine Hall, Esther Uwase, Arokianathan Alphons and all who are ill in our Parish.

16Sep20 Letter from Archbishop Peter Comensoli to People and Clergy

Maria MapleSeptember 17, 2020

16Sept20 Letter to People and Clergy

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleSeptember 12, 2020September 12, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

God our Father, we come to You in our need, to ask Your protection against the COVID-19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives.

We pray that You guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission.

Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion.

We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon.

Protect those who care for them.

Grant eternal rest to those who have died.

Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need.

We implore You to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears.

Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Peter Apostle, pray for us.

Entrance Antiphon
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.

1^st Reading (Sir 27:30 – 28:7)
A reading from the prophet Sirach.
Resentment and anger, these are foul things, and both are found with the sinner. He who exacts vengeance will experience the vengeance of the Lord, who keeps strict account of sin. Forgive your neighbour the hurt he does you, and when you pray, your sins will be forgiven. If a man nurses anger against another, can he then demand compassion from the Lord? Showing no pity for a man like himself, can he then plead for his own sins? Mere creature of flesh, he cherishes resentment, who will forgive him his sins? Remember the last things, and stop hating, remember dissolution and death, and live by the commandments. Remember the commandments, and do not bear your neighbour ill-will; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook the offence.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is kind and merciful; slow to anger and rich in compassion.

2^nd Reading (Rom 14:7-9)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
The life and death of each of us has its influence on others; if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord. This explains why Christ both died and came to life: it was so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 18:21-35)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Peter went up to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times. ‘And so the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who decided to settle his accounts with his servants. When the reckoning began, they brought him a man who owed ten thousand talents; but he had no means of paying, so his master gave orders that he should be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, to meet the debt. At this, the servant threw himself down at his master’s feet. “Give me time” he said “and I will pay the whole sum.” And the servant’s master felt so sorry for him that he let him go and cancelled the debt. Now as this servant went out, he happened to meet a fellow servant who owed him one hundred denarii; and he seized him by the throat and began to throttle him. “Pay what you owe me” he said. His fellow servant fell at his feet and implored him, saying, “Give me time and I will pay you.” But the other would not agree; on the contrary, he had him thrown into prison till he should pay the debt. His fellow servants were deeply distressed when they saw what had happened, and they went to their master and reported the whole affair to him. Then the master sent for him. “You wicked servant,” he said “I cancelled all that debt of yours when you appealed to me. Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?” And in his anger the master handed him over to the torturers till he should pay all his debt. And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 55:6-9; Phil 1:20-24,27; Mt 20:1-16

Feasts of the Week
Mon, 14 Sep - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Tue, 15 Sep - Our Lady of Sorrows
Wed 16 Sep - Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian

PARISH NEWS

FORGIVENESS – PARABLE OF THE MERCIFUL, FORGIVING KING
(A reflection by Dcn. Charles English)

The message of today’s Gospel is one of the most important in the whole Bible. It concerns forgiveness. Each one of us stands in need of forgiveness. Christianity is unique among all world religions, in our belief in the intensity of God’s deep love for us, God’s closeness to us and God’s desire to forgive us. This is not surprising to us Catholics, since only Christianity enjoys the fullness of God’s self-revelation in Christ Jesus. God revealed Himself to us, mankind, in Jesus who is Emmanuel – ‘God-with-us’. God showed us just how much He wanted to forgive us by sending His Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus, to die on the cross on Calvary. To teach us about unconditional forgiveness, Jesus tells a parable about a king who forgave a servant, who owed the king a huge sum of money. The amount was so large that the servant could never have repaid it, and the king in his great mercy and forgiveness cancelled the debt. However, after being forgiven so much, this servant then met a fellow-servant who owed him one hundred denarii. He started to throttle the fellow-servant demanding payment. He who had been forgiven so much did not show mercy and forgiveness to his fellow-servant. When the king heard about this he was angry and sent for the servant and called him a ‘wicked servant’ and punished him. Let us always remember that in the prayer that Our Lord Jesus taught us we pray, ‘… and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us….’.Our Lord Jesus is clearly teaching us that we need to forgive others. None of us can go through life without getting hurt. How do we cope with these hurts? How do we react to them? They can provide us with an opportunity to grow, or, they can become an enormous stumbling block to our human and spiritual development. So often, as soon as we get hurt by someone, then self-pity walks in the door. It is the most natural of reactions. We see ourselves as innocent victims of someone else’s cruel and unjust action. Once self-pity is entertained within us, it produces a legacy of bitterness, rancour, resentment and anger. We may even wish to seek revenge. The memory of wrongs and hurts flows into the depth of our being, into our very soul. There it festers and becomes malignant. It poisons our spirit and even dooms us to a life of misery. It becomes a very heavy burden to carry. Our Lord Jesus teaches us, in this parable today, that we need to clean out within us the cobwebs of self-pity, and let go of those feelings of past hurts, bitterness and resentment. Here is where forgiveness comes in. Though it is by no means easy; even from a human point of view it makes great sense and certainly helps us spiritually too. Forgiveness heals us. It is like a balm that flows gently over our wounds of past hurts and heals them. We receive wonderful benefits: physically, emotionally and spiritually. We experience a great sense of freedom, relief and cleanliness within us. To forgive releases us from the chains that bound us. Above all, we are set free to devote ourselves to loving once more; and this is the only activity for a Christian. Jesus himself told us to ‘Love one another’. Let us keep praying for the grace to forgive others, remembering the words of Our Blessed Lord, ‘I have come to give you life; and life to the full’.

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church is live streaming daily Mass through our
Facebook Page - https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Via Zoom - ZOOM link https://zoom.us/j/93990476817 Meeting ID: 9399 047 6817.

Masses are held Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am, Sunday 10:30am.

ONLINE CHILDREN’S LITURGY
St Peters Young Adults will be holding Online Children’s Liturgy for children aged 5 – 8 years commencing Sunday 20^th September 2020 from 11:30am to 12:30pm. These sessions will be held fortnightly. Children will pray together, read and listen to the Gospel and be supported to grow in their faith through sharing and activities. We welcome you and your family to take part! Parents are required to register their children before attending. To enrol your child in this program, please email the Parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.or.au or call on 9749 4300 (Tues/Thursday/Friday 9:00am – 3:30pm) and we will send you an enrolment form to register your child, which is to be completed and returned. Our parish will ensure that child e-safety is maintained as we follow the child safety guidelines recommended by the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

ZOOM LINKS TO WEEKLY ST. ANTHONY’S NOVENA & OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR NOVENA

St. Anthony’s Novena held every Tuesday at 7:00pm, followed by Rosary
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82338237597?pwd=dlZyKzFCOERFNDBDMCs5cDBkUnFOdz09
Meeting ID: 823 3823 7597, Password: 524250

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Novena held every Wednesday at 7:00pm, followed by Rosary
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83632685197?pwd=RWRxQWJ1TXpoZHlLRTRIUVp0Nk0zdz09
Meeting ID: 836 3268 5197. No Password.

ST. PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105, Password: 023368

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 13.
Enquiries Francis Thomas francispthomas@hotmail.com
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef

CHILD PROTECTION SUNDAY (13 SEPTEMBER)
This weekend, the Catholic Church in Australia marks Child Protection Sunday, on which we pray for those who have been abused, their families and supporters. We recognise and apologise for the harm done by priests, religious and lay people in Church settings. The Church takes a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse. We recommit to practices that support survivors and make the Catholic Church and its ministries the safest possible place for children and people at risk. Our parish is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and young people in our parish. As part of this, we have a Child Safety Committee which meets regularly to ensure that our Ministries safeguard all children and young people in our parish

'ENGAGING YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH' ONLINE SESSIONS
Engaging Your Catholic Faith is a series of short online sessions being offered by Catholic Theological College exploring a variety of topics including Meditation and Prayer, Spirituality, Women in the Early Church, Interfaith Relations, Reading the Church Classics, Eucharist, Science and Religion. Each session is $20 and runs from 14 September to 31 October. For more information use the link below
https://ctc.edu.au/documents/engaging-your-catholic-faith/

ARE YOU CALLED TO BE A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR?
The Siloam Program is a full-time or part-time program to form Spiritual Directors. It is suitable for those who wish to companion others on their spiritual journey, helping them to notice the movement of God in their hearts and in their lived experience. The program, which commences on 4 Feb 2021, blends academic and supervisory work to foster a discerning, contemplative approach. It may be offered face-to-face, online via Zoom, or a combination of both. It may be studied as a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction at the University of Divinity, with Fee-Help to qualifying students. Previous participants have commented that this program has been transformational for their personal spirituality and has deepened their awareness and ability to listen. Apply to Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation. Brochure and application form at www.heartoflife.melbourne or tel 03 9890 1101.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Noemi Medel-Villareal, Gracias Manganelli, K.M. Joseph, Mary Vella, William Lobo, Annakutty Joseph, Lilia Balasabas Capuno, Kari Pesonen, Stella Dias, Bill Fairney, all who have died due to COVID-19 and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Norma Lord, Thelma French, Harry Smith, Luis Fernando Jr., Tony Carvalho, Irene & David Matheson, Agatha Azzopardi, Sebastian Rozario, A P Nayagam, Renato Padua and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Honerine Rosario, Aloysius Silva, Shirley Poppen, Joseph DiBeneditto, Norma Medina, Nicolas Caruana, Florine Fernandes, Christine Hall, Esther Uwase and all who are ill in our Parish.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleSeptember 5, 2020September 5, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

God our Father, we come to You in our need, to ask Your protection against the COVID-19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives.

We pray that You guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission.

Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion.

We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon.

Protect those who care for them.

Grant eternal rest to those who have died.

Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need.

We implore You to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears.

Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Peter Apostle, pray for us.

Entrance Antiphon
You are just, O Lord, and your judgement is right, treat your servant in accord with your merciful love.

1^st Reading (Ez 33:7-9)
A reading from the prophet Ezekiel.
The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, warn them in my name. If I say to a wicked man: Wicked wretch, you are to die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked man to renounce his ways, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you do warn a wicked man to renounce his ways and repent, and he does not repent, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life.
The Word of the Lord.

2^nd Reading (Rom 13:8-10)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans.
Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command. You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour, that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of the reconciliation he has entrusted to us. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 18 :15-20)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector. I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven. I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
Like the dear that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God; my soul is thirsting for God, the living God.

Next Week’s Readings
Sirach 27:30 - 28:7; Rom 14:7-9; Mt 18:21-35

Feasts of the week
Tue, 8 Sep - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A BLESSING FOR ALL FATHERS

Heavenly Father, you entrusted your Son, Jesus, the child of Mary, to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.
Bless all fathers as they care for their families.
Give them strength and wisdom, tenderness and patience;
Support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them, as we look to You for love and salvation, through Jesus Christ our rock and defender, in union with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
St. Joseph, Pray for all our Fathers.
Amen.

PARISH NEWS

23^RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
(A reflection by Fr. Vincent John CMI)

The key to fulfilment in life is love, which is concern for the welfare of others shown in many ways – including by praying for each other and correcting one another in fraternal charity. As Christians, we have a responsibility to others. That is the theme of this Sunday’s readings. In the first reading our Lord advises the appointed leaders through the prophet Ezekiel. The appointed leaders bear responsibility to point out to wrong-doers the error of their ways and to try to get them to reform.

St Paul in the second reading emphasises to us that if we truly loved our neighbours, we would not harm them in any way. That indicates our duty to respect everyone. St Paul lists in his letter to the Romans, the duties of love: do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not covet. We can state them in a positive way. We have the responsibility to respect another’s life, respect another’s marriage, respect another’s property and respect another’s integrity.

In the Gospel we hear about the duty of a Christian to correct an erring brother or sister. But there is a proper way to do this. Every effort is to be made to bring the erring person to repentance: first in private, then before a few, finally before the whole community.

The Responsorial Psalm must also be read with the other readings. Here the Psalmist stresses to us not to make our hearts hard. A hard heart means a stubborn, arrogant and closed heart. Contrary to this is open, welcoming, receptive, loving and caring – where we find divine presence and feel loving and being loved. The feeling of love unites hearts together; a kind of unity and mutual understanding takes place. The feeling of closeness and oneness brings an understanding of staying together and working together. It includes eating together and praying together. Our Lord emphasises the worth of each member of the community, we are all interconnected and we are responsible for others.

Jesus concludes his teaching today with a promise that: “where two or three meet in my name, I will be there with them.” “And if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in Heaven”. So love is a wonderful virtue and true love can bring heaven down to earth. In short, Christian love is not a feeling or an emotion but a responsibility.
May God bless you all.

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH Our church is live streaming daily Mass through our Facebook Page https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Fr. Vincent invites parishioners to join in the Mass via Zoom. ZOOM link https://zoom.us/j/93990476817
Meeting ID: 9399 047 6817. Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am and Sunday 10:30am.

FATHER’S DAY MORNING TEA/CHAT WITH PARISHIONERS
Fr. Vincent invites parishioners to join him for a Father’s Day Morning Tea/Chat via Zoom on Saturday 5^th September. The ZOOM Room will open at 9:45am, so that any connection issues can be resolved prior to starting the chat at 10:00am. Meeting ID: 9590 572 9639.

ONLINE CHILDREN’S LITURGY
St Peters Young Adults will be holding Online Children’s Liturgy for children aged 5 – 8 years, commencing Sunday 20^th September 2020, from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Children will pray together, read and listen to the Gospel and be supported to grow in their faith through sharing and activities. We welcome you and your family to take part! Parents are required to register their children before attending, details will be in next weekend’s bulletin. Our parish will ensure that child e-safety is maintained as we follow the child safety guidelines recommended by the Archdiocese of Melbourne. For more information, send in your enquiries to the Parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.or.au.

MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP PETER COMENSOLI
Please use the following link to listen to Archbishop Peter’s message for this week
https://melbournecatholic.org.au/News/ArtMID/416/ArticleID/24596/Read-something-spiritually-nourishing-Message-from-Archbishop-Comensoli

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK (6-12 September) leads into Child Protection Sunday on 13 September. Our parish is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and young people in our parish. As part of this, we have a Child Safety Committee which meets regularly to ensure that our Ministries safeguard all children and young people in our parish.

ZOOM LINKS TO WEEKLY ST. ANTHONY’S NOVENA & OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR NOVENA

St. Anthony’s Novena held every Tuesday at 7:00pm, followed by Rosary
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82338237597?pwd=dlZyKzFCOERFNDBDMCs5cDBkUnFOdz09
Meeting ID: 823 3823 7597, Password: 524250

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Novena held every Wednesday at 7:00pm followed by Rosary
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83632685197?pwd=RWRxQWJ1TXpoZHlLRTRIUVp0Nk0zdz09
Meeting ID: 836 3268 5197. No Password.

HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
HSI School of Discipleship continues this Sunday (6 September 2020) and every Sunday from 7:00pm. The session consists of prayer, song, video talk, discussion, sharing and blessing. This week the session is on Understanding Scripture. Newcomers welcome. Meeting ID 843 9084 5271. No password. Enquiries Connie Skinner 0422165133

ST. PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY – KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105, Password: 023368

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 12.
Enquiries Francis Thomas francispthomas@hotmail.com
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef

50^TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Congratulations to our parishioners Tony and Sylvia Palmer as they celebrate their 50^th Wedding Anniversary on 5th September. We wish them God’s Blessings in abundance.

DATE NIGHT
It can be difficult at any time for husband and wife to have that special fun time together to ‘re-charge’ and potentially even more difficult at the moment with the effects of ‘lockdowns’ and ‘curfews’. This Australia-wide online Date Night event is partnered with Focus on the Family Australia to be held on Saturday 19^th September, 8–9pm. Hosted by Christian comedian, Ben Price. Brett and Kate Ryan of Focus on the Family Australia will talk on "Looking back to help strengthen your future." Discussing how to grow your relationship when life throws you a curve ball ....or two!” Cost $10 a couple who on registering will receive an email with content and ideas to make the evening relaxed, fun and special. Registration through https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/virtual-date-night-2020-tickets-117714763025

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Mary Vella, Annakutty Joseph, Lilia Balasabas Capuno, Kari Pesonen, Stella Dias, Bill Fairney, Vin Beasley, Manny Zamora, Daphne White, Betty Donald, Charles Lovett, all who have died due to COVID-19, all those who lost their lives in the Beirut explosion and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Raymond Linning, Joseph Varkey, John Tanti, Hugh Goodfellow and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Baby Lucy Rodriguerz, Baillie Millar, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao, Honerine Rosario, Aloysius Silva, Shirley Poppen, Joseph DiBeneditto, Norma Medina, Nicolas Caruana and all who are ill in our Parish.

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleAugust 29, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

God our Father, we come to You in our need, to ask Your protection against the COVID-19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives.

We pray that You guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission.

Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion.

We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon.

Protect those who care for them.

Grant eternal rest to those who have died.

Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need.

We implore You to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears.

Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Peter Apostle, pray for us.

Entrance Antiphon
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long. O Lord, you are good and forgiving, full of mercy to all who call to you.

1^st Reading (Jer 20:7-9)
A reading from the prophet Jeremiah.
You have seduced me, Lord, and I have let myself be seduced; you have overpowered me: you were the stronger. I am a daily laughing-stock, everybody’s butt. Each time I speak the word, I have to howl and proclaim: ‘Violence and ruin!’ The word of the Lord has meant for me insult, derision, all day long. I used to say, ‘I will not think about him, I will not speak in his name any more.’ Then there seemed to be a fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones. The effort to restrain it wearied me, I could not bear it.
The Word of the Lord.

2^nd Reading (Rom 12:1-2)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart, that we might see how great is the hope to which we are called. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 16:21-27)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, to be put to death and to be raised up on the third day. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven preserve you, Lord;’ he said ‘this must not happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’ Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life? ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
How great is the goodness, Lord, that you keep for those who fear you.

Next Week’s Readings
Ezek 33:7-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20

Feasts of the Week
Thu, 3 Sept - St. Gregory the Great

PARISH NEWS

THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
(A reflection by Dcn. Charles English)

In today’s Gospel there is a two-fold invitation from Jesus, to share His human suffering and to share His Divine glory. Peter’s rebuke to Jesus shows us both his familiarity with Jesus and the weakness of his faith. As good as Peter is, his mind and heart are not yet centred on what God wants for the world. Peter’s outburst was, no doubt, well meant but it revealed such misunderstanding of Jesus’ vocation. The heart and mind of Our Lord Jesus was set and centred on His mission; that He had to suffer and die on the Cross. Then three days later, He rose from the dead so that the gates of Heaven would be opened for us, mankind. Peter receives an even stronger rebuke from Jesus who calls him ‘Satan’, that is someone who opposes the actions of God, an obstacle to responsive faith in God.

In the second part of this episode, Jesus challenges His disciples to walk the same path as Himself; that is self-denial for God and suffering even to the cross. Jesus Himself walks this path.

So to take up one’s cross is more than a readiness for physical pain. It also includes a willingness to bear with Christ the shame of ridicule and rejection by people. Now this could include some of our own friends and family members, who have given up their Catholic faith and then decide to taunt and ridicule you because you hold onto your wonderful Catholic faith. To follow Christ is to suffer. However, there are also great rewards. Without God we can do nothing. It is God who works miracles in our lives, miracles both big and small. We just need the ‘eyes of faith’ to see them. And we remember the most wonderful words of the Archangel Gabriel when he appeared to Mary at the Annunciation; ‘For nothing is impossible to God’. Let us go boldly forward full of trust in God and God’s holy Word, even in these difficult and uncertain times of the coronavirus pandemic.

Today’s Gospel, contains some of the most serious words of Christ. He says to His disciples:

‘What then will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Another translation puts it like this: ‘What good will it do you even if you gain the whole world, if you lose your soul?’

Jesus’ words should make us think, especially when we have tough choices to make and when we are setting (or re-setting) goals for our lives. In rebuking Peter, we see that Our Lord does not banish Peter from His presence; rather, this rebuke recalls Peter to his proper place, as a follower walking in the footsteps of Christ. Let us always remember that Peter died for Christ. It is true for all of us that we must ever take the way of Christ, and never seek to try and compel Him in our petitions to take our way. As we conclude our prayers and petitions we should bow our head and say: ‘Thy will be done, Lord’. Again and again Jesus confronted the people (and us too) with the challenge of the Christian life. There are three things which we must be prepared to do as Catholics:

We must learn to deny ourselves (Self-denial).
We must take up our cross each and every day (The burden of sacrifice and suffering).
We must follow Our Lord Jesus and His teachings (Perfect obedience).

Let us dwell on these most wonderful, hopeful, closing words of Jesus in this Gospel passage of today: ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and when He does, He will reward each one according to his behaviour.’ May our reward be to hear Our Blessed Lord Jesus speak these words to us: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, your faith has saved you’.

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church is live streaming daily Mass through our Facebook Page link
https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
ZOOM link
https://zoom.us/j/93990476817
Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am and Sunday 10:30am

UPDATED PARISH GUIDELINES
Our church is now closed as per Government regulations. Please note that the Sunday Obligation will not apply during this time of suspension.

To keep yourself updated with Parish news, visit the

Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS

As the Parish Office is closed during the lockdown, we ask that parishioners who have envelopes please hold on to them for now. They can be brought to the Parish Office when the lockdown is over.
Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account. Details as follows:
Account Name: St Peter Apostle Parish Church Account
BSB: 083-347 Account No: 637286747
Please use your Thanksgiving Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith)
Parishioners can also make payments online if you wish to do so, either by going to the link Online Thanksgiving Payments CDF Pay OR by going to the link on our website (under the Support your Parish tab) Please add your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. You also have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, i.e. first collection (Parish) or second collection (Presbytery).

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program for anyone interested in becoming a Catholic and receiving the Sacraments. The meetings will be held on Wednesdays at 7:00pm on Zoom. Meeting ID 937 5345 2162. Passcode: 624286. If you or anyone you know is interested, you are welcome to join. Please contact Francis Thomas on 0401 787 372 or francispthomas@hotmail.com or Evelyn Stowers on 0499416158.

HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
HSI School of Discipleship continues this Sunday (23 August 2020) and every Sunday from 7 PM. The session consists of prayer, song, video talk, discussion, sharing and blessing. This week the session is on OUTREACH. Newcomers welcome. Meeting ID 843 9084 5271. No password required. Enquiries Connie Skinner 0422165133

GOD’S WORD 2021 DAILY REFLECTIONS
Books are now available to order. It includes the daily Bible readings with a reflection. If interested please contact Pauline Publications Tel: 03 9882 3424 or
Email: orders.melbourne@paulinebooks.com.au

MORNING TEA/CHAT WITH PARISHIONERS
Fr. Vincent invites parishioners to join him for another Morning Tea/Chat via Zoom on Saturday 5 September. The ZOOM Room will open at 9:45am, so that any connection issues can be resolved prior to starting the chat at 10:00am. Meeting ID: 9590 572 9639.

LECTORS FOR DAILY & WEEKEND MASSES
Fr Vincent would like to invite Lectors who can join in on Zoom to read at Daily and Weekend Masses. If you would like to participate, please send an email to the parish office at stpeters@westnet.com.au or
hopperscrossing@cam.org.au and let us know the days you are available to read.

AID TO BEIRUT
Funds are being collected for those who have been impacted by the recent explosion in Beirut, If you would like to contribute to the cause, please contact our Sacristan Kamal Chamie on 0403 322 773.

STANDING TOGETHER TO SEE THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
All Victorians are invited to come together in prayer on the last two days of winter to pray for an end to the Pandemic. This Sunday 30th August at 2:00pm, Archbishop Peter together with other faith leaders from across Victoria will gather online to pray for an outpouring of God’s grace during this difficult time. The virtual prayer will be livestreamed from the Victorian Council of Churches Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/viccouncilchurches/ Then on Monday 31st August at 7:00pm you are invited to light a candle, stand in your front garden and spend some time in silence and prayer to remember all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 or to violence this year.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Bill Fairney, Vin Beasley, Manny Zamora, Daphne White, Betty Donald, Charles Lovett, Hilda D’souza, all who have died due to COVID-19, all those who lost their lives in the Beirut explosion and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Gwenda McDonald, Frank Donaldson, Andrew Charles Mulquiney and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Adrian Tully, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Baby Lucy Rodriguerz, Baillie Millar, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao, Honerine Rosario, Hilda D’souza, Aloysius Silva, Shirley Poppen and all who are ill in our Parish.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleAugust 22, 2020August 22, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

God our Father, we come to You in our need, to ask Your protection against the COVID-19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives.

We pray that You guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission.

Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion.

We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon.

Protect those who care for them.

Grant eternal rest to those who have died.

Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need.

We implore You to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears.

Grant all these through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

We fly to Your protection, oh Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our petition in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, Oh glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

Our Lady, health of the sick, pray for us.
St. Peter Apostle, pray for us.

Entrance Antiphon
Turn your ear, O Lord, and answer me; save the servant who trusts in you, my God. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long.

1^st Reading (Is 22:19-23)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
Thus says the Lord of Hosts to Shebna, the master of the palace: I dismiss you from your office, I remove you from your post, and the same day I call on my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah. I invest him with your robe, gird him with your sash, entrust him with your authority; and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the House of Judah. I place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; should he open, no one shall close, should he close, no one shall open. I drive him like a peg into a firm place; he will become a throne of glory for his father’s house.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

2^nd Reading (Rom 11:33-36)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! You are Peter, the rock on which I will build my Church the gates of hell will not hold out against it. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 16:13-20)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’ Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
The earth is replete with the fruits of your work, O Lord; you bring forth bread from the earth and wine to cheer the heart.

Next Week’s Readings
Jer 20:7-9; Rom 12:1-2; Mt 16:21-27

Feasts of the week
Mon, 24 Aug - St. Bartholomew
Thu, 27 Aug - St. Monica
Fri, 28 Aug - St. Augustine
Sat, 29 Aug - The Passion of St. John the Baptist

PARISH NEWS

21^ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A
(A reflection by Fr. Vincent John CMI)

Peter is one of the most interesting characters in the Gospel. It is clear that he had leadership qualities. But it is also clear that he had glaring weaknesses. In the Gospels we see his ups and downs. Sometimes he is very brave, at other times he is very cowardly. Sometimes he is like a rock, other times he is more like a piece of jelly. But it is very interesting to see how Jesus dealt with Peter. How he helped him to grow into the man who was ready to lay down his life for him, and who eventually did. This growth was a gradual thing, and there were some regressions. But this is how growth happens. To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.

The story shows that the primacy of Peter was not something that was invented by the Church later on. It went right back to the beginning, yes, to the mind and will of Jesus himself. The failures of popes throughout history do not contradict Jesus’ promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against the Church. Peter himself failed the Lord. In giving authority to the man who denied him, Jesus wanted to show that he was establishing his Church not on human strength, but on his own love and faithfulness. The Church’s true foundation is Christ himself. The pope is his servant, not his substitute.

We can imagine that Peter made a very good leader. A leader has to be aware of his own weakness. The experience of denying Jesus rid Peter of pride and blind reliance on his own resources. At the same time it enabled him to understand the weakness of others.

Peter’s story is our story too. We too blow hot and cold. Sometimes we are strong, at other times we are weak. Without a warm relationship with Christ, we are only on the fringes of Christianity. We are like someone talking about love compared with someone who is in love.
May God Bless you all.

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church is live streaming daily Mass through our Facebook Page link
https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am and Sunday 10:30am.

UPDATED PARISH GUIDELINES
Our church is now closed as per Government regulations. Please note that the Sunday Obligation will not apply during this time of suspension.

To keep yourself updated with Parish news:

Visit the Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS

As the Parish Office is closed during the lockdown, we ask that parishioners who have envelopes please hold on to them for now. They can be brought to the Parish Office when the lockdown is over.
Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account. Details as follows:
Account Name: St Peter Apostle Parish Church Account
BSB: 083-347 Account No: 637286747
Please use your Thanksgiving Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith)
Parishioners can also make payments online if you wish to do so, either by going to the link Online Thanksgiving Payments CDF Pay OR by going to the link on our website (under the Support your Parish tab) Please add your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. You also have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, i.e. first collection (Parish) or second collection (Presbytery).

MORNING TEA/CHAT WITH PARISHIONERS
Fr. Vincent thanks everyone who joined in for a Morning Tea/Chat with him last Saturday. It was good to exchange information and see how parishioners were doing under these challenging conditions. The next Morning Tea/Chat with Parishioners via Zoom is on Saturday 5 September. The ZOOM Room will open at 9:45am, so that any connection issues can be resolved prior to starting the chat at 10:00am. Meeting ID: 9590 572 9639.

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a program for anyone interested in becoming a Catholic and receiving the Sacraments. The meetings will be held on Wednesdays at 7:00pm on Zoom, starting Wednesday, 26^th August. Meeting ID 937 5345 2162. Passcode: 624286. After the lockdown, meetings will be held in the Theatrette at St. Peter Apostle Mission Parish. If you or anyone you know is interested, you are welcome to join. The invitation is also extended to any Catholics who may want to come and help Catechists by sharing their knowledge and faith to motivate the Candidates. Please contact Francis Thomas on 0401 787 372 or francispthomas@hotmail.com or Evelyn Stowers on 0499416158.

ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105 Password: 023368

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 12.
Enquiries Francis Thomas francispthomas@hotmail.com
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef

YOUTH MASS – SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 6:00PM ON ZOOM
St Peter’s Young Adults are hosting a virtual youth mass on Zoom on Sunday 23^rdAugust at 6:00pm celebrated by Fr. Vincent. All are welcome to join, please invite other youth and young adults as there will be a special blessing! Enquiries to Sharon D’Silva 0430 099 654. The Zoom room will open at 5:45pm and mass will begin at 6:00pm sharp. Below are the zoom meeting details:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89665606328?pwd=b2IvNXZwSFhhOGRUV3Q0SGJsM1pjZz09
Meeting ID: 896 6560 6328 Passcode: 375079

LECTORS FOR DAILY & WEEKEND MASSES
Fr Vincent would like to invite Lectors who can join in on Zoom to read at Daily and Weekend Masses. If you would like to participate, please send an email to the parish office at stpeters@westnet.com.au or hopperscrossing@cam.org.au and let us know the days you are available to read.

ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL LEADER?
The Spiritual Leaders Program is a one-year, part-time program held on Friday mornings (and some Friday afternoons). Suitable for people in outreach ministries, spiritual formation and various positions of leadership such as priests and ministers, lay ecclesial ministers, community and spiritual leaders, chaplains, pastoral carers, and those in health and education. The program, which commences in Feb 2021, focuses on personal integration of the theory and practice of a contemplative, discerning approach to pastoral ministry. Previous participants have commented that this Program has been transformational in terms of their personal spirituality and their leadership skills. Fee - Help may be available. Apply to Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation. Brochure and application form at www.heartoflife.melbourne or telephone 03 9890 1101.

CARITAS AUSTRALIA – AID TO BEIRUT
Due to the recent explosion in Beirut which killed over 100 people and wounded thousands, the wider Caritas network is working to deliver to the people, Food and Water, Hygiene kits including masks and soap, Material for shelter repairs and the clean-up of debris, Medication and other health service. To assist, with this disaster, donations can be given through the following link
https://www.caritas.org.au/learn/emergency-response/middle-east-emergency-appeal or by calling 1800 024 413.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Daphne White, Charles Lovett, Betty Donald, Jan Keogh, Reno Sammut, Jomar Araneta, Danilo Menorias, Attilio Origlia, all who have died due to COVID-19 and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Ben Halge, Martin Lopez, Helen Pereira, Dolores Matthews, Angelo Biviano, Jan Fudyma, John Nicol and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Adrian Tully, Bill Fairney, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Baby Lucy Rodriguerz, Carmela Saragoza, Baillie Millar, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao, Honerine Rosario, Hilda D’souza, Aloysius Silva, Shirley Poppen and all who are ill in our Parish.

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleAugust 15, 2020August 15, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care. Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbours from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which made us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Be with families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace. Be with doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace. Be with leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Lord Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Lord Jesus Christ, heal us.

Entrance Antiphon
Turn your eyes, O God, our shield; and look on the face of your anointed one; one day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

1^st Reading (Is 56:1,6-7)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest. Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
O God, let all the nations praise you!

2^nd Reading (Rom 11:13-15, 29-32)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans.
Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean? Nothing less than a resurrection from the dead! God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom and healed all who were sick. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 15:21-28)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
With the Lord there is mercy; in him is plentiful redemption.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 22:19-23; Rom 11:33-36; Mt 16:13-20

Feasts of the week
Thu, 20 Aug - St. Bernard
Fri, 21 Aug - St. Pius X
Sat, 22 Aug - Queenship of The Blessed Virgin Mary

PARISH NEWS

The Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Or A Foreigner’s Faith)
(A reflection by Dcn. Charles English)

Jesus had gone to the region of Tyre and Sidon, part of which today is in Lebanon. This was foreign territory and the people were pagans. Now the Canaanites are presented in the Old Testament with great harshness. In the Book of Deuteronomy, the inhabitants of the land of Canaan, were Gentiles (non-Jewish people) and were considered sinful, idolatrous and pagan people and were the traditional enemies of the Jewish people.

For Our Lord Jesus, this was a time of deliberate withdrawal. The end was coming near and He wished for some quiet time, so that He could teach and prepare His disciples.

Then suddenly out came a Canaanite woman and started shouting after Jesus: ‘Sir, Son of David take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil’. By calling Jesus ‘Son of David’ the Canaanite woman showed her great faith in God’s Covenant with Israel. Then Jesus tests her faith three times.

Jesus does not answer her. Then the disciples plead with Jesus to do something for this woman, as she was still shouting after Jesus. Then Our Lord says to the Canaanite woman,
‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel’. Then the woman came up to Jesus, and kneeling at His feet said, ‘Lord, help me’.
Jesus replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs’. However, the woman quickly retorted with such wit and nimbleness of mind, ‘Ah yes, Sir, but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table’.

Jesus must have been amazed at the woman’s reply. Then Our Lord praised her for her great faith in Him and said, ‘Woman you have great faith. Let your wish be granted’, and from that moment her daughter was well again.

This reminds us of another wonderful pagan who had great faith, the Roman Centurion and Jesus healed the Centurion’s servant from a distance.

We also bring to mind the great faith of the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, who left her water-jar behind and ran into the village proclaiming, ‘I have found the Christ’.

What a beautiful image it brings to our minds of this Canaanite woman, the Gentile, non-Jewish pagan, kneeling at the feet of Jesus pleading with Him to heal her daughter.

In this Gospel passage today, Jesus tells us that He came firstly to restore the kingdom of Israel, but His ultimate mission was for the reconciliation of the whole world. Our Lord Jesus suffered and died for everyone.

In the Mass we join all peoples in doing Jesus homage. In our prayers we too kneel at Jesus’ feet and plead with Him as we bring our petitions.

As Isaiah foretold, ‘we come to His holy mountain, the Heavenly Jerusalem to offer sacrifice at His altar’.

Together with the Canaanite woman, we take our place at the Master’s table to be fed as His children (the Holy Eucharist).

This Gospel passage today foreshadows the going out of the Gospel to the whole world. It shows the beginning of the end of all the barriers.

In this difficult and anxious time as we kneel at the feet of Jesus, may this Canaanite woman’s prayer be ours too:

‘Sir, Son of David take pity on me!’

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church is live streaming daily Mass through our Facebook Page link
https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/

Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am and Sunday 10:30am.

ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot, at this moment, receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

LECTORS FOR DAILY & WEEKEND MASSES
Fr Vincent would like to invite Lectors who can join in on Zoom to read at Daily and Weekend Masses. If you would like to participate, please send an email to the parish office at stpeters@westnet.com.au or hopperscrossing@cam.org.au and let us know the days you are available to read.

UPDATED PARISH GUIDELINES
Our church is now closed as per Government regulations. Please note that the Sunday Obligation will not apply during this time of suspension.

To keep yourself updated with Parish news, visit the
Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS

As the Parish Office is closed during the lockdown, we ask that parishioners who have envelopes please hold on to them for now. They can be brought to the Parish Office when the lockdown is over.
Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account. Details as follows:
Account Name: St Peter Apostle Parish Church Account
BSB: 083-347 Account No: 637286747
Please use your Thanksgiving Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith)
Parishioners can also make payments online if you wish to do so, either by going to the link Online Thanksgiving Payments CDF Pay OR by going to the link on our website (under the Support your Parish tab) Please add your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. You also have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, i.e. first collection (Parish) or second collection (Presbytery).

YOUTH MASS – SUNDAY 23 AUGUST 6:00PM ON ZOOM
St Peter’s Young Adults are hosting a virtual youth mass on Zoom on Sunday 23^rdAugust at 6:00pm celebrated by Fr Vincent. All are welcome to join, please invite any youth and young adults as there will be a special blessing! Enquiries call Sharon D’Silva 0430 099 654. The zoom room will open at 5:45pm and mass will begin at 6:00pm sharp. Below are the zoom meeting details :
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89665606328?pwd=b2IvNXZwSFhhOGRUV3Q0SGJsM1pjZz09
Meeting ID: 896 6560 6328 Passcode: 375079

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

HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP
HSI School of Discipleship continues this Sunday (16 August 2020) and every Sunday from 7:00pm. The session consists of prayer, song, video talk, discussion, sharing and blessing. This week the session is on SHARING YOUR GIFTS & TALENTS. Meeting ID 843 9084 5271. No password required. Newcomers welcome. Enquiries Connie Skinner 0422165133

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

ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY -KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105 Password: 023368

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 11.
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef

CARITAS AUSTRALIA – AID TO BEIRUT
Due to the recent explosion in Beirut which killed over 100 people and wounded thousands, the wider Caritas network is working to deliver to the people, Food and Water, Hygiene kits including masks and soap, Material for shelter repairs and the clean-up of debris, Medication and other health service. To assist, with this disaster, donations can be given through the following link
https://www.caritas.org.au/learn/emergency-response/middle-east-emergency-appeal or by calling 1800 024 413.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Aldrin Crasto, Fr Michael Wheeler PE, KV Chacko Kannamplackal, Beverley Jacobs, Reno Sammut, and all who have died due to COVID-19, all those who lost their lives in the Beirut explosion and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Margaret & Patricia Hartshorn, Patrick Fernando, Nicolas Gori, Lolita Lopez, Kenneth, Betty & Douglas Lazaro, Paul Pham, Anna Nguyen, Anthony Dinh, Anna Nguyen, Catharine Dinh, Gabriel Dinh, Annakutty Joseph, Guy Jean Baptist, Ken Skinner, Anthony Cooray, Joseph Falzon and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Daphne White, Adrian Tully, Bill Fairney, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Baby Lucy Rodriguerz, Carmela Saragoza, Baillie Millar, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao, Pam Bibby, Honerine Rosario, Hilda D’souza and all who are ill in our Parish.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleAugust 8, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, you travelled through towns and villages curing every disease and illness. At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the Coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PARISH NEWS

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

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

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

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

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

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church is live streaming daily Mass through our Facebook Page link https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am.
Sunday 10:30am Mass will also be available on YouTube link as follows https://youtu.be/uWBaXFDE390.

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

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

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

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

UPDATED PARISH GUIDELINES
Our church is now closed as per Government regulations. Please note that the Sunday Obligation will not apply during this time of suspension.

To keep yourself updated with Parish news, visit the Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS

As the Parish Office is closed during the lockdown, we ask that parishioners who have envelopes please hold on to them for now. They can be brought to the Parish Office when the lockdown is over.
Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account. Details as follows:
Account Name: St Peter Apostle Parish Church Account
BSB: 083-347 Account No: 637286747
Please use your Thanksgiving Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg. TG123 - Tom Smith)
Parishioners can also make payments online if you wish to do so, either by going to the link Online Thanksgiving Payments CDF Pay OR by going to the link on our website (under the Support your Parish tab) Please add your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. You also have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, i.e. first collection (Parish) or second collection (Presbytery).

ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105 Password: 023368

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
Focus on Gospel of John, Chapter 10.
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef

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

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

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

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

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Daphne White, Adrian Tully, Bill Fairney, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Baby Lucy Rodriguerz, Carmela Saragoza, Baillie Millar, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Jobbin John, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao, Pam Bibby, Margie Fernando, Honerine Rosario, Hilda D’souza and all who are ill in our Parish.

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2020

Maria MapleAugust 1, 2020August 1, 2020

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

Entrance Antiphon
O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my rescuer, my help; O Lord, do not delay.

1^st Reading (Is 55:1-3)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah.
Thus says the Lord: Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come! Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk. Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy? Listen, listen to me and you will have good things to eat and rich food to enjoy. Pay attention, come to me; listen, and your soul will live. With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to David.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
The hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs.

2^nd Reading (Rom 8:35,37-39)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans
Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! No one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 14 :13-21)
When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick. When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered, ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining, twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste.

Next Week’s Readings
1Kg 19:9, 11-13; Rom 9:1-5; Mt 14:22-33

Feasts of the week
Mon, 3 Aug - St. Dominic
Tue, 4 Aug - St. John Vianney
Thu, 6 Aug - Transfiguration of the Lord
Sat, 8 Aug - St. Mary of the Cross

PARISH NEWS

THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND
(A reflection by Dcn. Charles English)

Today’s very well known miracle of the multiplication of the two fish and five barley loaves and the feeding of the crowd of 5,000, is the only miracle that is recorded in all four gospels. This is because the link between this miracle, to the Eucharist is obvious. We see immediately that the verbs used to describe this miracle that Jesus performed with the bread are repeated at every Mass.

Jesus ‘taking the fives loaves and two fish raised His eyes to Heaven, said the blessing and breaking the loaves He handed them to His disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted …’.

Let us look again at these verbs; ‘raised His eyes, blessed, broke, gave, eat’. At every Mass, the priest at the consecration as he holds the bread in his hands, repeats the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: ‘On the day before He was to suffer, He took bread in His holy and venerable hands, and with His eyes raised to Heaven, giving thanks, He said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his disciples saying: Take this all of you and eat it, for this is My Body…..’. These words of Jesus at the Last Supper, also remind us of the words of Jesus at the feeding of the 5,000. This miracle seems to prefigure the Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist.

We Catholics are so privileged, so blessed to have the Real Presence of Our Lord Jesus, at every Mass; Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the form of bread and wine. We should all stand in awe at this great gift that Jesus gave to us.

Another aspect of this miracle is, in the face of limitations, Jesus intervenes and works the miracle, satisfying the hunger of all the people who follow Him. The gift of the bread is not only sufficient to satisfy the crowd, but it is so superabundant that it becomes necessary to gather what is left over. Jesus feeding the crowd is ‘a sign’ that He is indeed the Messiah, and that He prepares a banquet of joy for all humanity. ‘The Eternal Banquet in Heaven whose host is the Bridegroom, Our Lord Jesus’. The disciples learn from Jesus. Our Lord gives them the bread and fish to distribute. This gesture contains a real fact that is projected into the future. At our daily Eucharistic celebration, the priest distributes the bread, Holy Communion, to us the crowd. This great miracle took place at the most unlikely moment, at the end of the day; when it was almost time to return home. Jesus asked His disciples and the crowd to trust Him, to ‘sit down’ on the grass as if they were not in any hurry. Those who trusted Our Lord Jesus got much more than they needed.

If we look back over our lives, we will see moments when we experienced God’s abundant generosity.

During this time of the pandemic, when there is so much uncertainty and stress, we ask Our Blessed Lord to help us ‘sit down’ and wait on His goodness, in this moment of crisis. We need to trust in Jesus and remember His words and His promises. ‘Feed my lambs, feed my sheep’.

LIVE STREAMING OF DAILY MASS FROM OUR CHURCH
Our church will live stream daily Mass through our Facebook Page link https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Masses are Monday to Friday 8:30am, Saturday 9:00am.
Sunday 10:30am Mass will also be available on YouTube link as follows https://youtu.be/OmIfBi0prZQ

UPDATED PARISH GUIDELINES
Our church is now closed as per Government regulations. Please note that the Sunday Obligation will not apply during this time of suspension.

During this lockdown period, the Parish office will be open on Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm.
See our note on live streaming of daily Masses from our church in a separate note in this bulletin.
To keep yourself updated with Parish news, visit the
Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au
Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
Weekly Bulletin – kindly send your email address to stpeters@westnet.com.au to have a copy of our bulletin emailed to you every Friday.

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS
If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish during this time of church closure, the following options are available:

Drop off your Thanksgiving envelope at the Parish office during office hours Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm.
Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account. Details as follows:
Account Name: St Peter Apostle Parish Church Account
BSB: 083-347 Account No: 637286747
Please use your Thanksgiving Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith)
Parishioners can also make payments online if you wish to do so, either by going to the link Online Thanksgiving Payments CDF Pay OR by going to the link on our website (under the Support your Parish tab) Please add your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. You also have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, i.e. first collection (Parish) or second collection (Presbytery).

THANKSGIVING PROGRAM
If you have not already collected your Thanksgiving envelopes or letters for the new financial year, they are available for collection from the Church office (Tue/Thu/Fri, 9:00am to 3:30pm). New envelopes started from the weekend of 4/5 July 2020. Please contact the parish office on 9749 4300 if you have any queries regarding Thanksgiving Envelopes, Direct Debits or anything in relation to Thanksgiving contributions.

CHILDRENS LITURGY ON ZOOM
The online Children's Liturgy for children aged 5 to 8 years which was scheduled to begin this Sunday on ZOOM has been postponed pending completion of e-safety requirements and documentation. We will advise you of the new start date as soon as it is available.

HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP RECOMMENCES SUNDAY 2 AUGUST FROM 7:00PM Joint parishes of St Peters & St James are excited to announce that the HSI School of Discipleship will recommence over the ZOOM platform from Sunday 2 August 2020 from 7 PM. The session consists of prayer, song, video talk, discussion, sharing and blessing. This week the session is on PRAYER. Newcomers welcome. ZOOM Meeting Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84390845271
Meeting ID 843 9084 5271. No password required.

ZOOM INVITATIONS FROM:

ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105 Password: 023368

BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9689427525?pwd=akpXUHFPQTJRazRxZVZaOVVhZlM4QT09
Meeting ID: 9689427525 Password: 2Vp4ef

CATHOLICCARE APPEAL, SUNDAY 9 AUGUST 2020
Next weekend is the CatholicCare Sunday Appeal. CatholicCare delivers family and relationship counselling, refugee and settlement support, education and school programs, and pastoral services. Donations from our parish community will help care for the most vulnerable families in our community. Please donate to CatholicCare Sunday Appeal. Your support and generosity will help break barriers to social inclusion and strengthen families and communities to live life to the full. You can donate online at www.ccam.org.au/SundayAppeal or call (03) 9287 5513. All gifts of $2 and above are tax deductible

MARIAN COLLEGE are offering:
Online Year 7 2022 INFORMATION NIGHT on 12 August from 7 to 8:00pm. Applications now open. Close 9 Oct.
Online TALK & TOURS from 4 August. For bookings call 9363 1711 or visit www.mariansw.catholic.edu.au

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Philomena Jennings, Joe Trindade, Ronald Shegog, Rudolf Perez, Jawahar Fernando, Agnes D'Cunha, Carlo Lucarelli and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Brian Rego, Umberto Princi, Kathleen Bool, Harold & Evelyn Lazaro, Darrin Deniese, Shirley McCurley, Paolina Aparo and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Adrian Tully, Bill Fairney, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Antony, Alki Christopoulos, Charlotte Mary, Frank Forbes, Baby Lucy Rodriguerz, Carmela Saragoza, Baillie Millar, Teresita Grisancich, Wilma Pimenta, Jobbin John, Kathy Smith, Paul Burton, Martina Serrao, Pam Bibby, Margie Fernando and all who are ill in our Parish.

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

PARISH NEWS

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

PARISH NEWS

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

PARISH NEWS

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

A BLESSING FOR ALL FATHERS

PARISH NEWS

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

PARISH NEWS

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

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DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

PARISH NEWS

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

PARISH NEWS

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

PARISH NEWS

ZOOM INVITATIONS FROM:

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR SEPTEMBER
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
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DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR AUGUST
CORONAVIRUS PRAYER