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Author: Maria Maple

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DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR MAY

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
Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens? This Jesus whom you saw ascending into heaven will return as you saw him go, alleluia.

1st Reading (Acts 1:1-11)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
In my earlier work, Theophilus, I dealt with everything Jesus had done and taught from the beginning until the day he gave his instructions to the apostles he had chosen through the Holy Spirit, and was taken up to heaven. He had shown himself alive to them after his Passion by many demonstrations: for forty days he had continued to appear to them and tell them about the kingdom of God. When he had been at table with them, he had told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for what the Father had promised. ‘It is’ he had said ‘what you have heard me speak about: John baptised with water but you, not many days from now, will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’ Now having met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, has the time come? Are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know times or dates that the Father has decided by his own authority, but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judaea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.’ As he said this he was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him from their sight. They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, ‘Why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky? Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen him go there.’
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.

2nd Reading (Eph 1:17-23)
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and perception of what is revealed, to bring you to full knowledge of him. May he enlighten the eyes of your mind so that you can see what hope his call holds for you, what rich glories he has promised the saints will inherit and how infinitely great is the power that he has exercised for us believers. This you can tell from the strength of his power at work in Christ, when he used it to raise him from the dead and to make him sit at his right hand, in heaven, far above every Sovereignty, Authority, Power, or Domination, or any other name that can be named not only in this age but also in the age to come. He has put all things under his feet and made him, as the ruler of everything, the head of the Church; which is his body, the fullness of him who fills the whole creation.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Go and teach all people my gospel. I am with you always, until the end of the world. Alleluia!

Gospel (Mt 28:16-20)
The eleven disciples set out for Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had arranged to meet them. When they saw him they fell down before him, though some hesitated. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
Behold I am with you always, even to the end of the age, alleluia.

Next Week's Readings
Acts 2: 1-11;  1Cor 12:3-7,12-13;  Jn 20:19-23

Feasts of the Week
Our Lady, Help of Christians - Monday, 25 May
St. Philip Neri - Tuesday, 26 May

PARISH NEWS

The Ascension of Our Lord, Jesus
(Reflection by Dcn. Charles English)

Today, throughout the whole world, the Holy Catholic Church celebrates the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus to Heaven, which took place forty days after His Resurrection from the dead. It is with great joy that we remember the day that Christ completed His earthly mission, and returned to God the Father. There in Heaven, Jesus reigns in majesty and to be the judge of the living and the dead. So the story of Jesus did not end with the empty tomb, or with Jesus’s appearances to the Apostles over the course of forty days. Jesus is the great High Priest and He ascends to the Heavenly Jerusalem, there to be in the Holy of Holies. Jesus, our Priest-King, takes His place at the head of the people, ruling over the nations, establishing peace. Our Lord Jesus told His Apostles, ‘Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for what the Father has promised. You will be baptised with the Holy Spirit’.

The Ascension of Our Lord also directs the Church’s attention forward to Pentecost. We, the present day disciples of Jesus, are also commanded to, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations. Baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always, yes even to the end of time’. These are very comforting words spoken by Jesus to the Apostles and to us too.

One of the many titles given to the Holy Spirit is ‘the Comforter’ and ‘the Consoler’. We certainly need to hear comforting words at this difficult time of anxiety and uncertainty. We are all united to Christ and we are all united to each other, in the great mystery of Salvation in Jesus Christ. We have ‘put on Christ’, by the very fact of our Baptism. So it us up to us Catholics to listen to Jesus’s command to His Apostles and to take that command to heart; to take that command for ourselves, as we try to go out and preach the Good News of Our Lord Jesus, to everyone. The best way to preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus, is to live it out in our daily lives. The best way to preach the Gospel is by our good example. Jesus is speaking to us too, just as he spoke to His Apostles on that mountain top, over 2,000 years ago. We are the present day disciples of Jesus.

Let us also remember those wonderful comforting words of Our Lord, from last Sunday’s Gospel, ‘I will not leave you orphans, I will come back to you…’.

Let us summon up our faith and our courage and proclaim, together with the Psalmist, ‘I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth’.

Amen.

!! PRAISE THE LORD !!
RESTRICTED OPENING OF CHURCH

Following new Guidelines approved by the Archdiocese our Parish is operating as follows:

Church will be open as per details below with a LIMIT OF 10 PEOPLE permitted to attend each service.

Weekday Masses
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 8:30am
Wed 8:30am & 7:00pm      Sat 9:00am

Weekend Masses
Sat 6:00pm,
Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:00pm

As there is a limit of 10 people, we ask for your cooperation and support to ensure that these new guidelines are observed.  Please EMAIL the parish office at stpeters@westnet.com.au to register your intent to attend, giving your name, contact phone, date and time of preference.

  • If you are unwell on your allocated day, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS.
  • Maximum of 2 people per family.
  • No children under 5 years old.
  • 1.5m distance from other people must be observed at all times.
  • We request everyone to remain in their allocated seats during the duration of their stay in Church. This is to avoid germ transmission.
  • On entry into the church, please walk down the centre aisle to allocated seating. Do not walk through pews or from the side aisles.
  • Church will be opened 15 minutes prior to start of Mass.
  • Doors will be shut 5 minutes prior to start of Mass.
  • Parishioners must leave church immediately after Mass.
  • No collections will be taken, however baskets are provided at the entrance for anyone wishing to place their donations/thanksgiving envelope/prayer requests.
  • Project Compassion boxes can also be placed on the table at the entrance, beside the holy water font .
  • Holy Water Bottles can be collected, (1 per family) after Mass.
  • Communion will only be under the one species and in the hand only.
  • Bulletins will be available but must be taken home, not left in church.
  • Hand sanitiser will be provided at the entry doors. All necessary cleaning precautions are being undertaken.

LIVE STREAMING OF MASS AT 10:30AM THIS SUNDAY, 24TH MAY
Due to the limited number of people allowed to attend Mass, thanks to a member of our Young Adults Group, the 10:30am Mass will be live streamed from our church this Sunday through our Facebook Page link
https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS
If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish, the following options are available:

  • Drop off your Thanksgiving envelope and Project Compassion Boxes at the Parish office during office hours Monday to Friday 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 Thanksging Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith)
  • To change your Thanksgiving from Envelopes to Credit Card/Debit Card, please call or email the parish office and we will send you a form to make this change.
  • Parishioners also can now 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)
    You can make quick and easy recurring thanksgiving payments or can choose a one-time donation. 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).

Thank you to all our parishioners who have responded and dropped off your envelopes and Project Compassion Boxes to the parish office and also for your online contributions. Fr. Vincent and Dcn. Charles thank you for your continued generous support to the parish.

ZOOM INVITATION TO PARISHIONERS FROM ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship
Please join us on Zoom to praise God and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary with the intention that the current pandemic may be eradicated and for the Lord’s mercy and protection.

To join Meeting use below link & Meeting ID both days:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105          Password: 023368

ZOOM INVITATION TO COMBINED ST. PETERS & ST. JAMES BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
On Monday 25th May we focus on Gospel of John, Ch. 4. For more information contact Clive Gonsalves at gonsalvesclive@hotmail.com or Francis Thomas at francispthomas@hotmail.com.

To join Meeting use below link & Meeting ID
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9689427525?pwd=akpXUHFPQTJRazRxZVZaOVVhZlM4QT09
Meeting ID: 9689427525       Password: 2Vp4ef

2021 PREP ENROLMENT
Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 Prep enrolments are all online. To submit a request for an enrolment form, please visit the school website at:
http://www.stpeterahc.catholic.edu.au/2021-prep-enrolment/

NEW APPOINTMENT
Archbishop Peter Comensoli has appointed  Mr. Jim Miles as the new Executive Director of Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) with effect from 18 May 2020. We wish Jim all God’s blessings in his new appointment.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Desmond Fitzgerald, Stuart Bowman, Paul Loizou, Baby Amelia Victoria Lay, Aurora Pascual, Harriet Calvert, Leopoldo Pura Jnr and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Margaret Smith, Frank Catania, Edgardo Salvador, Concetta Squillace, Giovanna Simioni, Lily Pinto, Poly Pynadath, Francis Adrian and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Elaine Dalton, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Sam Caruana, Therese Mary, Zandi Falzon, Denis Webber, Lourdes Sequeira, Mary D'cruz, Monique Hoaster, Alphonsus De Roza, Aiden Leonard, Elvira de Torres, Wilfredo Villareal, Julia Rego, Keely Welsford, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Fr Jolly Alavelil CMI, Anne Deluca, Andie Osmond, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Helen Hanford, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Helga Jacob, Carmelina Costanzo, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich, Rodney Rosario, Antony and all who are ill in our Parish.

 

 

Published on

 

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR MAY

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
Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth. The Lord has freed his people, alleluia.

1st Reading (Acts 8:5-8, 14-17)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Philip went to a Samaritan town and proclaimed the Christ to them. The people united in welcoming the message Philip preached, either because they had heard of the miracles he worked or because they saw them for themselves. There were, for example, unclean spirits that came shrieking out of many who were possessed, and several paralytics and cripples were cured. As a result there was great rejoicing in that town. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, and they went down there, and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, for as yet he had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

2nd Reading (1 Pet 3:15-18)
A reading from the first letter of St. Peter
Reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience, so that those who slander you when you are living a good life in Christ may be proved wrong in the accusations that they bring. And if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong. Why, Christ himself, innocent though he was, had died once for sins, died for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them. Alleluia!

Gospel (Jn 14:15-21)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. John
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, that Spirit of truth whom the world can never receive since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you. In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you. Anybody who receives my commandments and keeps them will be one who loves me; and anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and show myself to him.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

 

PARISH NEWS

‘SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – YEAR A – 2020
(Reflection by Fr. Vincent John CMI)

There is a story about a man who saw an angel walking down the street. The angel was carrying a torch in one hand and a bucket of water in the other. “What are you going to do with that torch and that water” the man asked. The angel looked at him and said, “with this torch, I am going to burn down the mansions of heaven; and with the bucket of water, I am going to put out the fires of hell. Then we are going to see who really loves God.” The angel’s point was that many people obey God’s commandments out of fear of punishment in hell or hope of reward in heaven. They don’t obey God for the reason Jesus gives in today’s Gospel. Jesus said, “if you love me you will obey my commandments.”

Again, we can also look at His commandments as an invitation to love. This is what Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel when he says, “if you love me, you will obey my commandments”. Here, obeying the commandments becomes an opportunity to express our love for Jesus. We may not always understand the reason to forgive others and love our enemies, but we do it because Jesus wants us to do it, and showed it with His own example. Here, we are not loving our enemies or forgiving others just to get to heaven, but we follow Jesus’ words and examples because He is the God who created and redeemed us through His suffering, death and resurrection. Here, our joy and eternal life are an outcome and not a motive. Jesus’ love is our motive.

Jesus says, if we love Him, we will obey Him. He considers obedience as a real way of loving. His instructions are clear and uniquely simple. Love has to go beyond just feelings. It is to do something. The test of true love for Jesus, is to do His will, just as He has always done the will of the Father. His commandments are of loving others as He loves, of forgiving others, and of having compassion. He gives us a simple and clear plan for living. All we have to do is to trust him, and to obey him. As His last will, he left the Apostles His Word and His peace. He promised the Holy Spirit to strengthen them. He calls it the Spirit of Truth. He knew that they needed His continuous help to be His Apostles.

We do experience the work of the Holy Spirit in our personal and family life when we pray, attend church and obey His commandments as an expression of our love, not out of fear of punishment or expecting favours. We will be blessed as an outcome of our sincere love of God and obeying His commandments of love. Let us pray to God, to enable us to obey His commandments out of love, and to experience and establish peace and harmony in our personal, family and community life.
May God Bless you all.

!! PRAISE THE LORD !!
RESTRICTED OPENING OF CHURCH
MASS COMMENCING MONDAY, 18TH MAY 2020

Following new Guidelines approved by the Archdiocese, our Parish will operate as follows:

Church will be open as per details below with a LIMIT OF 10 PEOPLE permitted to attend each service. 

Weekday Masses
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri  8:30am
Wed  8:30am & 7:00pm      Sat  9:00am

Weekend Masses
Sat  6:00pm
Sun  8:30am, 10:30am, 5:00pm

As there is a limit of 10 people, we ask for your cooperation and support to ensure that these new guidelines are observed.  Please email or phone the parish office to register your intent to attend, giving your name, contact phone, date and time of preference.

  • If you are unwell on your allocated day, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS.
  • Maximum of 2 people per family.
  • No children under 5 years old.
  • 1.5m distance from other people must be observed at all times.
  • We request everyone to remain in their allocated seats during the duration of their stay, i.e. no walking around the church, lighting candles, etc. to avoid germ transmission.
  • Church will be opened 15 minutes prior to start of Mass.
  • Doors will be shut 5 minutes prior to start of Mass.
  • Parishioners must leave church immediately after Mass.
  • No collections will be taken, however baskets will be provided at the entrance for anyone wishing to place their donations/thanksgiving envelope/prayer requests.
  • Communion will only be under the one species, and in the hand only.
  • Bulletins will be available but must be taken home, not left in church.
  • Hand sanitiser will be provided at the entry doors. All necessary cleaning precautions will be undertaken.

THANKSGIVING CONTRIBUTIONS
If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish, the following options are available:

  • Drop off your Thanksgiving envelope and Project Compassion Boxes at the Parish office during office hours Monday to Friday 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 Thanksging Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith)
  • To change your Thanksgiving from Envelopes to Credit Card/Debit Card, please call or email the parish office and we will send you a form to make this change.
  • Parishioners also can now make payments online if you wish to do so, either by
  • You can make quick and easy recurring thanksgiving payments or can choose a one-time offering from the comfort of your own home. Please add in your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. When making an offering online, you have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, just as you would do during Sunday Mass – first collection (Parish) or the second collection (Presbytery).

Thank you to all our parishioners who have responded and dropped off your envelopes and Project Compassion Boxes to the parish office and also for your online contributions. Fr.Vincent and Dcn. Charles thank you for your continued generous support to the parish.

ZOOM INVITATION TO PARISHIONERS FROM ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
Please join us on Zoom to praise God and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary with the intention that the current pandemic may be eradicated and for the Lord’s mercy and protection. Please click on the link below. Download if you do not have the app.
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship
To join Meeting use below link & password for both days:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105          Password: 023368

ZOOM INVITATION TO COMBINED ST. PETERS & ST. JAMES BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY
Every week on a Monday from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.
On Monday 18th May we focus on Gospel of John, Ch. 3, Verses  16 - 36. For more information contact Clive Gonsalves at gonsalvesclive@hotmail.com or Francis Thomas at francispthomas@hotmail.com.
To join Meeting use below link & Meeting ID
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9689427525?pwd=akpXUHFPQTJRazRxZVZaOVVhZlM4QT09
Meeting ID: 9689427525       Password: 2Vp4ef

2021 PREP ENROLMENT
Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 Prep enrolments are all online. To submit a request for an enrolment form, please visit the school website at:
http://www.stpeterahc.catholic.edu.au/2021-prep-enrolment/

POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTION FOR PERMANENT DEACONS
In his prayer intention for the month of May 2020, Pope Francis asks everyone to pray for permanent deacons, who live their vocation in and with their family. The full text of his intention is as follows; Deacons are not second-level priests. They are part of the clergy and live their vocation in and with their family. They are dedicated to the service of the poor, who carry within them the face of the suffering Christ. They are the guardians of service in the Church. Let us pray that deacons, faithful in their service to the Word and the poor, may be an invigorating symbol for the entire Church. Amen

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Carmel Trento, Pasquale Costanzo, Nicolai Dichecko, Elvis Moreira, Hilary Palman and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Vita Giovanna Sarpi, Nicola Lettieri, Robert Cannard, Elizabeth Clark, Bryan Dalton, Pat Borcich and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Elaine Dalton, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Sam Caruana, Therese Mary, Zandi Falzon, Denis Webber, Lourdes Sequeira, Mary D'cruz, Monique Hoaster, Alphonsus De Roza, Aiden Leonard, Elvira de Torres, Wilfredo Villareal, Julia Rego, Keely Welsford, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Fr Jolly Alavelil CMI, Anne Deluca, Andie Osmond, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Helen Hanford, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Helga Jacob, Carmelina Costanzo, Baby Amelia Lay, Amelia Victoria and all who are ill in our Parish.

 

Published on

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR MAY

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
O sing a new song to the Lord, for he has worked wonders; in the sight of the nations he has shown his deliverance, alleluia.

1st Reading (Acts 6:1-7)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
About this time, when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenists made a complaint against the Hebrews: in the daily distribution their own widows were being overlooked. So the Twelve called a full meeting of the disciples and addressed them, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food; you, brothers, must select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, filled with the Spirit and with wisdom; we will hand over this duty to them, and continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word.’ The whole assembly approved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of the Lord continued to spread: the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly increased, and a large group of priests made their submission to the faith.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

2nd Reading (1 Pet 2:4-9)
A reading from the first letter of St. Peter.
The Lord is the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him; set yourselves close to him so that you too, the holy priesthood that offers the spiritual sacrifices which Jesus Christ has made acceptable to God, may be living stones making a spiritual house. As scripture says: See how I lay in Zion a precious cornerstone that I have chosen and the man who rests his trust on it will not be disappointed. That means that for you who are believers, it is precious; but for unbelievers, the stone rejected by the builders has proved to be the keystone, a stone to stumble over, a rock to bring men down. They stumble over it because they do not believe in the word; it was the fate in store for them. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, except through me. Alleluia!

Gospel (Jn 14:1-12)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. John.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not, I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too. You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.’ Philip said, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.’ ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip,’ said Jesus to him ‘and you still do not know me? ‘To have seen me is to have seen the Father, so how can you say, “Let us see the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; believe it on the evidence of this work, if for no other reason. I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, he will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
I am the true vine and you are the branches, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me, and I in him, bears fruit in plenty, alleluia.

Next Week's Readings
Acts 8:5-8, 14-17;   1 Pet 3:15-18;   Jn 14:15-21

A mother is she who can take the place of all others,
but whose place no one else can take.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!
From all at St. Peter's Parish Office

MOTHER’S DAY PRAYER

In the name of Jesus Christ, we lift up all Mothers today.
For the mothers you have given us, whose love is so precious that it can never be measured,
We thank you.
For mothers who have gone before us. For their love, sacrifice, struggle and joy,
We thank you.
For women who struggle with fertility.
For women who have lost children.
For their tears, their strength, wisdom and their lives,
We thank you.
May we see your loving and guiding hand behind all Mothers.
We ask you to bless them with your own special love.
Amen.

PARISH NEWS

PARISH GUIDELINES

  • To receive current information, you can update us with your email address by emailing the parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.org.au.
  • Thanksgiving Contributions
    As there are no regular masses being held, we have been approached by some parishioners regarding their weekly contributions. If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish, the following options are available:

    • Drop off your Thanksgiving envelope and Project Compassion Boxes at the Parish office during office hours Monday to Friday 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 Thanksging Envelope Number and your name for reference purposes (eg.TG123 - Tom Smith)
    • To change your Thanksgiving from Envelopes to Credit Card/Debit Card, please call or email the parish office and we will send you a form to make this change.
    • Parishioners also can now 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).
      • You can make quick and easy recurring thanksgiving payments or can choose a one-time offering from the comfort of your own home. Please add in your Thanksgiving Envelope number if you have one. When making an offering online, you have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, just as you would do during Sunday Mass – first collection (Parish) or the second collection (Presbytery).

Thank you to all our parishioners who have responded and dropped off your envelopes and Project Compassion Boxes to the parish office and also for your online contributions. Fr.Vincent and Dcn. Charles thank you for your continued generous support to the parish.

‘I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE’
(Reflection by Dcn. Charles English)

Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. There are many rooms in my Father’s House. If there were not I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return and take you with me, so that where I am you may be too’.

Thomas, one of the disciples, said that they do not know the way. Jesus says to him, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father, except through Me’.

All this takes place at the Last Supper. Jesus knows that the very next day, He will be crucified and die on the Cross on Calvary. Jesus will rise from the dead, three days later on Easter Sunday. Jesus knows this because His Father told Him, and Jesus is the Son of God, the Second Person of the most Holy Trinity.

Jesus at the Last Supper was preparing His disciples for His departure. It was at the Last Supper that Our Lord, Jesus, instituted the Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist. Holy Communion is a most precious gift from God. When Jesus gives Himself to you, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, He lives in you. He lives in you like never before, in a new way. Jesus feeds you, strengthens you, gives you His peace and gives you courage for the hard things that you might experience in life. It was also at the Last Supper, that Jesus instituted another Sacrament, Holy Orders, that is the Priesthood, when Jesus told His disciples to ‘do this in Remembrance of Me’.

So we can see that Our Lord is preparing and ordaining His apostles to the priesthood so that they can go out and celebrate the Mass of the Last Supper. So even today, over 2,000 years later, we are so privileged to have our Catholic priests, who continue this unbroken line from Christ, to celebrate the Mass and also to forgive sins, which is the Sacrament of Confession or Reconciliation.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is telling his Apostles and us too, for we are Jesus’s disciples, that Our Lord has prepared a place for us in His Father’s House, ‘so that where I am you may be too’. Aren’t these the most wonderful, comforting words of Our Blessed Lord? Jesus wants us all to go to Heaven to be with Him. He is waiting for us with outstretched arms.

Heavenly Father, help us to keep our eyes on Jesus, because where He is we wish to be.

ZOOM INVITATION TO PARISHIONERS FROM ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
We invite you to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, and express our joy and gratitude from the comfort of our own homes. The power of God’s word touches those who are hurting and awakens hope for the hopeless. Please join us on Zoom to praise God and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary with the intention that the current pandemic may be eradicated and for the Lord’s mercy and protection. Please click on the link below. Download if you do not have the app.
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship
To join Meeting use below link & password for both days:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105          Password: 023368

MESSAGE FROM POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to pray the rosary throughout May. He also shared two new prayers to implore the help of the Virgin Mary during the coronavirus pandemic. Here is the link for the prayers
https://ucatholic.com/news/pope-francis-tells-catholics-to-pray-the-rosary-in-may-to-end-coronavirus/

2021 PREP ENROLMENT
Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 Prep enrolments are all online. To submit a request for an enrolment form, please visit the school website at:
http://www.stpeterahc.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/enrolling-for-prep-2021/

CATHOLIC CARE – EMERGENCY RELIEF
Emergency relief can be accessed by anyone experiencing a financial crisis which has left them unable to pay for necessities such as food. This support can also be provided to people who are at imminent risk of not being able to pay bills or purchase other necessities. To access this FREE Emergency Relief, please call Catholic Care Footscray office on 0436127882 to make an appointment. Take along some form of identification. Open Wed to Fri 10:00am to 4:00pm, at 3 Wingfield Street, Footscray 3011. More information at
https://www.ccam.org.au/page/110/emergency-relief.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Bill Hayes, Sr Angelica Del Pilar, Diane Marie Vitale, Sheree Gard, Peter Wheelahan and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Rosaria Scrofani, Orazio Baffi, Aileen Moreira, Alyekutty Joseph, Kuriakkose Palatty and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Elaine Dalton, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Sam Caruana, Therese Mary, Zandi Falzon, Denis Webber, Lourdes Sequeira, Mary D'cruz, Monique Hoaster, Alphonsus De Roza, Aiden Leonard, Elvira de Torres, Wilfredo Villareal, Julia Rego, Keely Welsford, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Francis Goonting, Fr Jolly Alavelil CMI, Anne Deluca, Andie Osmond, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Helen Hanford, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Helga Jacob, Vince Jones and all who are ill in our Parish.

 

 

Published on

 

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR MAY

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
The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth; by the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia.

1st Reading   (Acts 2:14,  36-41)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud voice: ‘The whole House of Israel can be certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.’ Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the apostles, ‘What must we do, brothers?’ ‘You must repent,’ Peter answered ‘and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.’ He spoke to them for a long time using many arguments, and he urged them, ‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.
The Word of the Lord.

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

2nd Reading   (1 Pet 2:20-25)
A reading from the first letter of St. Peter
The merit, in the sight of God, is in bearing punishment patiently when you are punished after doing your duty. This, in fact, is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and left an example for you to follow the way he took. He had not done anything wrong, and there had been no perjury in his mouth. He was insulted and did not retaliate with insults; when he was tortured he made no threats but he put his trust in the righteous judge. He was bearing our faults in his own body on the cross, so that we might die to our faults and live for holiness; through his wounds you have been healed. You had gone astray like sheep but now you have come back to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep and mine know me. Alleluia!

Gospel   (Jn 10:1-10)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. John
Jesus said: ‘I tell you most solemnly, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate, but gets in some other way is a thief and a brigand. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the flock; the gatekeeper lets him in, the sheep hear his voice, one by one he calls his own sheep and leads them out. When he has brought out his flock, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow because they know his voice. They never follow a stranger but run away from him: they do not recognise the voice of strangers.’ Jesus told them this parable but they failed to understand what he meant by telling it to them. So Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I tell you most solemnly, I am the gate of the sheepfold. All others who have come are thieves and brigands; but the sheep took no notice of them. I am the gate. Anyone who enters through me will be safe: he will go freely in and out and be sure of finding pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
The Good Shepherd has risen, who laid down his life for his sheep and willingly died for his flock, alleluia.

Next Week's Readings
Acts 6:1-7;   1 Pet 2:4-9;   Jn 14:1-12

PARISH NEWS

A Reflection on GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY - YEAR A - 2020
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we witness Peter’s powerful speech on the Pentecost and its amazing response from the public. St Peter said to the crowd, “You crucified Jesus”, and that awakened in them a sense of guilt and a movement towards conversion, which urged them to ask, “what must we do?” They were right, because true belief in Jesus as the Christ necessitates such a radical conversion, and it finds expression in a new way of living. What about us? After being converted to Christ in Baptism, is our heart still full of worldly ambition, which often leads one to selfishness and jealousy, making it impossible to live the Gospel values of love and care? Is our heart still craving for power and money? These are good in themselves, but when they possess us, they lead us to trample the rights and dignity of other people. Once a learned professor went to visit a famous Master with the intention of getting some wisdom. After welcoming the professor, the Master poured the man a cup of tea. He continued to pour until it began to spill on to the saucer. The professor exclaimed, “the cup is full, you cannot get any more into it.” “That is precisely the way it is with you," said the Master. “You are too full of yourself to let God in.”

Today is called Good Shepherd Sunday. Every year, on this fourth Sunday of Easter, the Gospel comes from the tenth chapter of John’s Gospel, where the Lord speaks of Himself as a shepherd. Through the image of the Good Shepherd, Jesus presents himself as a unique means of salvation (sheep gate) and as a selfless, caring shepherd who provides protection and life itself. Besides guiding his flock to eternal life as a good shepherd, Jesus himself is the gateway to eternal life. Jesus compares himself to "the shepherd" and to "the gate". The first title of "the shepherd" represents his ownership because the shepherd is the true owner of his flock. The second title of "the gate" represents his leadership. Jesus is the gate, the only way. He is the only mediator between God and men.

The message of this day is that everyone who is entrusted with the care of others is a shepherd. Hence pastors, parents, teachers, doctors, nurses,  government officials, etc. are all shepherds. We become good shepherds by loving those entrusted to us, praying for them, spending our time and talents with them and guarding them from physical and spiritual dangers.

May God bless you.
Fr. Vincent John CMI

MAY 3, WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY)
Today is the World Day of Vocations. Pope Francis tells us: Every vocation is born of that gaze of love with which the Lord came to meet us, perhaps even at a time when our boat was being battered by the storm. We will succeed in discovering and embracing our vocation once we open our hearts in gratitude and perceive the passage of God in our lives. Let us pray for the young people in our community, and in our families and circle of friends. May our prayers and presence reflect the gaze of love from the Lord to help them discover their vocation.

PARISH GUIDELINES

  • To receive current information, you can update us with your email address by emailing the parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.org.au.
  • Thanksgiving Contributions
    As there are no regular masses being held, we have been approached by some parishioners regarding their weekly contributions. If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish, the following options are available:

    • Drop off your Thanksgiving envelope and Project Compassion Boxes at the Parish office during office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 3:30pm.
    • Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account.
    • To change your Thanksgiving from Envelopes to Credit Card/Debit Card, please call or email the parish office and we will send you a form to make this change.
  • Online Thanksgiving Options
    Parishioners who normally give cash each weekend for the Thanksgiving collections, can now make payments online if you wish to do so, either by

You can make quick and easy recurring thanksgiving payments or can choose a one-time offering from the comfort of your own home. When making an offering online, you have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, just as you would do during Sunday Mass – first collection (Parish) or the second collection (Presbytery).

Thank you to all our parishioners who have responded and dropped off your envelopes and Project Compassion Boxes to the parish office and also contributed directly to our Church Bank Account. Fr Vincent and Dcn. Charles thank you for your continued support to the parish.

2021 PREP ENROLMENT
Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the 2021 Prep enrolments are all online. To submit a request for an enrolment form, please visit the school website at:
http://www.stpeterahc.catholic.edu.au/enrolment-information/enrolling-for-prep-2021/

LINK TO MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP PETER COMENSOLI
The following link will take you to a short message from Archbishop Peter Comensoli
https://bit.ly/MessagefromAPAC

ZOOM INVITATION TO PARISHIONERS FROM ST PETER'S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY - KNK
We invite you to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit, and express our joy and gratitude from the comfort of our own homes. The power of God’s word touches those who are hurting and awakens hope for the hopeless. Please join us on Zoom to praise God and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary with the intention that the current pandemic may be eradicated and for the Lord’s mercy and protection. To join us, please click on the link below. If you do not have the app please download it.
Saturdays at 3:00pm – Divine Mercy & Praise & Worship
Sundays at 7:00pm – Rosary & Praise & Worship

Please use the following link & password for both days to join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414862105?pwd=NlVwaXUyS3hVSlFzZ0pNOG1MT29Ldz09
Meeting ID: 741 486 2105          Password: 023368

CATHOLIC CARE – EMERGENCY RELIEF
Emergency relief can be accessed by anyone experiencing a financial crisis which has left them unable to pay for necessities such as food. This support can also be provided to people who are at imminent risk of not being able to pay bills or purchase other necessities. To access Emergency Relief, please call Catholic Care Footscray office on 0436127882 to make an appointment, preferably a day before the appointment is required. Please take along some form of identification. The service is free. Opening hours are Wed to Fri 10:00am to 4:00pm, at 3 Wingfield Street, Footscray 3011. For more information on emergency relief services and other support services such as financial counselling, mental health wellbeing, loss and grief, alcohol and other drug support,  please check the following link
https://www.ccam.org.au/page/110/emergency-relief.

ONLINE CONCERT FOR CARITAS AUSTRALIA, 9 MAY
Australian singer, songwriter and musician, Gary Pinto will lead a free online concert on Saturday, May 9 for Project Compassion, bringing Australian and International music stars direct from their loungeroom to yours. Gary is urging thousands of school children, teachers, churches and families across Australia during this challenging time, to stand in solidarity with those most vulnerable to COVID-19 globally, during Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. To donate to Project Compassion or find out more about the upcoming Loungeroom Sessions visit
Caritas.org.au/loungeroomsessions or call 1800 024 413.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Hope Lake, David Culbert, Godwin Arandez, William McCormack, Margaret Ramsden, Baldeep Sidhu, Matthew Joseph Kuzhinjalikunnel, Zenaida Cunanan, Dimitry Bilotsky and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Dot Mulquiney, Anna-Marie Medel, Teresa Colosimo, Salvatore Puglisi, Glenis Mumford, Thomas McClure, Gloria Granger and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Elaine Dalton, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Sam Caruana, Therese Mary, Zandi Falzon, Robel Rosales, Denis Webber, Lourdes Sequeira, Mary D'cruz, Pat Heffernan, Monique Hoaster, Alphonsus De Roza, Aiden Leonard, Elvira de Torres, Wilfredo Villareal, Julia Rego, Keely Welsford, Rolando Navarro, Avis Fernandes, Felix Bephage, Francis Goonting, Fr Jolly Alavelil CMI, Anne Deluca, Andie Osmond, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Helen Hanford, Anthony Hanford, James Barwick, Gerry Akein, Helga Jacob and all who are ill in our Parish.

 

 

 

 

 

Published on

 

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR APRIL

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
Cry out with joy to God, all the earth; O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise, alleluia.

1st Reading (Acts 2:14, 22-33)
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud voice: ‘Men of Israel, listen to what I am going to say: Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God by the miracles and portents and signs that God worked through him when he was among you, as you all know. This man, who was put into your power by the deliberate intention and foreknowledge of God, you took and had crucified by men outside the Law. You killed him, but God raised him to life, freeing him from the pangs of Hades; for it was impossible for him to be held in its power since, as David says of him: I saw the Lord before me always, for with him at my right hand nothing can shake me. So my heart was glad and my tongue cried out with joy; my body, too, will rest in the hope that you will not abandon my soul to Hades nor allow your holy one to experience corruption. You have made known the way of life to me, you will fill me with gladness through your presence. ‘Brothers, no one can deny that the patriarch David himself is dead and buried: his tomb is still with us. But since he was a prophet, and knew that God had sworn him an oath to make one of his descendants succeed him on the throne, what he foresaw and spoke about was the resurrection of the Christ: he is the one who was not abandoned to Hades, and whose body did not experience corruption. God raised this man Jesus to life, and all of us are witnesses to that. Now raised to the heights by God’s right hand, he has received from the Father the Holy Spirit, who was promised, and what you see and hear is the outpouring of that Spirit.’
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Lord, you will show us the path of life.

2nd Reading (1 Pet 1:17-21)
If you are acknowledging as your Father one who has no favourites and judges everyone according to what he has done, you must be scrupulously careful as long as you are living away from your home. Remember, the ransom that was paid to free you from the useless way of life your ancestors handed down was not paid in anything corruptible, neither in silver nor gold, but in the precious blood of a lamb without spot or stain, namely Christ; who, though known since before the world was made, has been revealed only in our time, the end of the ages, for your sake. Through him you now have faith in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory for that very reason – so that you would have faith and hope in God.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Lord Jesus, make your word plain to us, make our hearts burn with love when you speak. Alleluia.

Gospel (Lk 24:13-35)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Luke
Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, ‘You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.’ ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ they answered ‘who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have gone by since it all happened; and some women from our group have astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, and when they did not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything exactly as the women had reported, but of him they saw nothing.’ Then he said to them, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself. When they drew near to the village to which they were going, he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them. ‘It is nearly evening’ they said ‘and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’ They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, ‘Yes, it is true. The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
The disciples recognised the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread, alleluia.

Next Week's Readings
Acts 2:14, 36-41;   1 Pet 2:20-25;   Jn 10:1-10

Feasts of the Week
St. Peter Chanel - Tuesday, 28 April
St. Catherine of Siena - Wednesday, 29 April
St. Athanasius - Saturday, 2 May

PARISH NEWS

ANZAC DAY SATURDAY 25 APRIL
Fr Vincent will remember the ANZACS, all veterans and their families in his personal daily mass. We remember those involved in the defence of our nation and way of life throughout history. Lest we forget.

Church Anzac Day

PARISH GUIDELINES

  • For updates on Parish news, visit the
    Parish website at http://stpeterapostlemission.org.au or
    Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/stpetershoppers/
  • To receive current information, you can update us with your email address by emailing the parish office at hopperscrossing@cam.org.au.
  • Thanksgiving Contributions
    As there are no regular masses being held, we have been approached by some parishioners regarding their weekly contributions. If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish, the following options are available:

    • Drop off your Thanksgiving envelope and Project Compassion Boxes at the Parish office during office hours Monday to Friday 9:00am to 3:30pm.
    • Thanksgiving donations can be made directly to our Church Bank Account.
    • To change your Thanksgiving from Envelopes to Credit Card/Debit Card, please call or email the parish office and we will send you a form to make this change.
  • Online Thanksgiving Options
    Parishioners who normally give cash each weekend for the Thanksgiving collections, can now make payments online if you wish to do so, either by

You can make quick and easy recurring thanksgiving payments or can choose a one-time offering from the comfort of your own home. When making an offering online, you have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, just as you would do during Sunday Mass – first collection (Parish) or the second collection (Presbytery).

Thank you to all our parishioners who have responded and dropped off your envelopes and Project Compassion Boxes to the parish office and also contributed directly to our Church Bank Account. Fr Vincent and Dcn. Charles thank you for your continued support to the parish.

THE ROAD TO EMMAUS (Dcn. Charles English)
Today’s Gospel, the Emmaus story, is a great favourite for so many people. Two disciples of Jesus, one of whom is called Cleopas, are walking back from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus. As the two disciples walked along talking together about events that had just happened in Jerusalem, Jesus Himself came up and walked by their side, but something prevented them from recognising Him. So, to these two disciples Jesus is a stranger. Jesus asked the two men, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ The two disciples stopped. They were sad, bereaved, depressed, ‘their faces downcast’. Then Cleopas goes on to tell Our Lord all about Jesus of Nazareth. How their chief. priests and leaders had handed Jesus over to be sentenced to death, and had Him crucified. The two disciples were amazed that this stranger (Jesus) had not heard of the events that had just happened.  Then Cleopas went on to say, ‘Our own hope had been that He would be the One to set Israel free’. And goes on to say that some women from their group had gone to the tomb and did not find the body of Jesus. These women went back to tell the Apostles, and some of their friends, Peter and John, ran to the tomb and ‘found everything exactly as the women had reported, but of Him they saw nothing’. Then Our Lord said to the two, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the Prophets. Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into His glory?’ Then Our Lord started to explain to these two disciples the passages throughout the Scriptures, starting with Moses, that were about Himself’. As the three walk along, it is Jesus who is the central focal- point, explaining Scripture to the other  two. At Mass, we  also hear and listen to the Scriptures, just like those two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Then, as they drew near to the village of Emmaus, Jesus made as if to go on by Himself. However, the two disciples ‘pressed Him to stay with them’. ‘It is nearly evening,’ they said ‘and the day is almost over’. So Our Lord went into the house with them. ‘Now while He was with them at table, He took the bread and said the blessing; then He broke it and handed it to them’. ‘And their eyes were opened and they recognised Him, ‘but He had vanished from their sight’. Now these two disciples, on the road to Emmaus, had spoken to Our Lord for a long time, and yet, it was only ‘in the breaking of bread’, that they actually recognised Jesus, our Risen Lord. Over 2,000 years later, we all feel how wonderful it must have been for those two disciples to have seen our Risen Lord sitting across the table from them, to have walked beside Jesus and spoken with the Risen Christ. Something within us longs and yearns for this too. As wonderful as this experience was for these two disciples, we actually don’t need to have Our Lord Jesus sitting across the table from us in His physical, bodily appearance; in the same way these two disciples saw Him. Because we have Jesus right here and now, when Father Vincent, and all Catholic priests, consecrate the bread and wine at Holy Mass. It is there at Holy Mass that we have Jesus truly present; Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Jesus is truly present in the consecrated host the body of Christ, and the chalice, which is the blood of Christ. He is Risen!  He Lives! Jesus is present in the most blessed sacrament of Holy Communion. That is our Catholic belief! We also have the ‘Emmaus” experience! We are nourished in two ways from the one table, at Mass. The table of God’s Word; and the table of the Holy Eucharist. Let us pray, that our hearts burn with love for Jesus, Our Risen Lord. May we always recognise Jesus ‘in the breaking of bread’. ‘Yes, it is true. The Lord has Risen and has appeared to Simon’. He is Risen, Alleluia! He is Risen, indeed, Alleluia! Alleluia!

CATHOLIC CARE – EMERGENCY RELIEF
Emergency relief can be accessed by anyone experiencing a financial crisis which has left them unable to pay for necessities such as food. This support can also be provided to people who are at imminent risk of not being able to pay bills or purchase other necessities. To access Emergency Relief, please call Catholic Care Footscray office on 0436127882 to make an appointment, preferably a day before the appointment is required. Please take along some form of identification. The service is free. Opening hours are Wed to Fri 10:00am to 4:00pm, at 3 Wingfield Street, Footscray 3011. For more information on emergency relief services and other support services such as financial counselling, mental health wellbeing, loss and grief, alcohol and other drug support,  please check the following link
https://www.ccam.org.au/page/110/emergency-relief.

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Leo Mellewa, Geoffrey Matthews, Justina Noronha, Maria Kaminski, Marcelo Ceriaco, Phylles Brianis, the 4 police officers tragically killed and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Marija Husar, Mary Wilson, John Lombardo, Fred Dearing and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Elaine Dalton, Leo Linehan, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Francine Foster, Sam Caruana, Therese Mary, Zandi Falzon, Robel Rosales, Rey Medina, Denis Webber, Lourdes Sequeira, Mary D'cruz, Pat Heffernan, Andrea Clayburn, Yvonne Clayton, Monique Hoaster, Alphonsus De Roza, Aiden Leonard, Elvira de Torres, Wilfredo Villareal, Julia Rego, Keely Welsford, Rolando Navarro, Jean Skinner, Avis Fernandes, Gaudelia Javier, Lina Enriquez, Felix Bephage, Francis Goonting, Fr Jolly Alavelil CMI, Jose Golaw, Gely Co, Anne Deluca, Jomy Jacob, Andie Osmond, Ceejay Fernandes, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano and all who are ill in our Parish.

Published on

 

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR APRIL

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
Like newborn infants, you must long for the pure, spiritual milk, that in him you may grow to salvation, alleluia.

1st Reading (Acts 2:42-47)
The whole community remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. The many miracles and signs worked through the apostles made a deep impression on everyone. The faithful all lived together and owned everything in common; they sold their goods and possessions and shared out the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed. They went as a body to the Temple every day but met in their houses for the breaking of bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone. Day by day the Lord added to their community those destined to be saved.
The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

2nd Reading (1 Pet 1:3-9)
A reading from the first letter of St. Peter
Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy has given us a new birth as his sons, by raising Jesus Christ from the dead, so that we have a sure hope and the promise of an inheritance that can never be spoilt or soiled and never fade away, because it is being kept for you in the heavens. Through your faith, God’s power will guard you until the salvation which had been prepared is revealed at the end of time. This is a cause of great joy for you, even though you may for a short time have to bear being plagued by all sorts of trials; so that, when Jesus Christ is revealed, your faith will have been tested and proved like gold – only it is more precious than gold, which is corruptible even though it bears testing by fire – and then you will have praise and glory and honour. You did not see him, yet you love him; and still without seeing him, you are already filled with a joy so glorious that it cannot be described, because you believe; and you are sure of the end to which your faith looks forward, that is, the salvation of your souls.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe! Alleluia!

Gospel (Jn 20:19-31)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. John.
In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’ Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ There were many other signs that Jesus worked and the disciples saw, but they are not recorded in this book. These are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name.
The Gospel of the Lord.

PARISH NEWS

REFLECTION ON 2ND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Today’s readings are very appropriate to the context of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Our life is not very much different than that of the disciples of Jesus after his resurrection. Lockdown has made our life quite unbearable. Life seems to be isolated, fearful and anxious. Many of our hopes and dreams are shattered. People have lost their jobs and business. They are cut off from family and community. We constantly hear news of sickness and death as a result of Covid-19. The future seems uncertain. There is a feeling of immediate ending. Due to Coronavirus no one was able to celebrate the joy of Easter. All are scared and scattered. Fear of death has overwhelmed everyone’s life. Hence dear friends, I ask that you listen to our Risen Lord who appeared to his disciples when they were closed in the rooms for fear of the Jews. “Peace be with you”. That peace will free you from all kinds of fear and distress.

Some of us, like Thomas in the Gospel, are living in despair and searching for peace. It seems that after Good Friday, Thomas had cut himself off from the other apostles, and walked alone. This was a big mistake. People who are grieving have a tendency to isolate themselves. But it is not helpful. In cutting himself off from the other apostles, Thomas made things more difficult for himself. However, whenever he met them, he would have noticed a difference in them. Their fear was largely gone, and had been replaced by joy and peace. It was clear that someone had breathed new life into them. Yes it was our Lord, who having conquered fear and death, changed their lives. The risen Lord appeared and filled their lives with joy and hope.

I have noticed more family prayers and gatherings during this Easter season than before. This has brought much joy because the gatherings remind us of the early Christian Community gathering, as we find in today’s first reading. “They went as a body to the Temple every day but met in their houses for the breaking of bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone.” When our family prayer and prayer groups become active and regular, significant changes happen to many peoples' lives. Family bond is strengthened, joy increased and peace has been established in many families. People who had been cut off due to doubt and distress have joined in the family prayer. The Risen Lord has breathed his peace and joy upon everyone. The Holy Spirit has enlightened and empowered each one's faith. All have realised that Christ has not abandoned them in their suffering and sickness. He has been with us on our trials and tribulations. I would like to quote Cardinal Pell who explained how he felt God’s presence in his struggle and imprisonment: “I know He has been with me always, but I do not know where He is taking me”.

Hence dear friends, do not be disappointed or lose heart. It is the time to prove our fidelity and commitment. Though we miss our Lord’s Sacramental presence in our daily life, his Spiritual presence is very active whenever we gather in His name. Let us live in His presence with our personal prayers and listening to His words. And in this way, we can be a blessed people of God who have not seen and yet believe. We have lovely days ahead, so please do not be alarmed by this pandemic. Let us put our hope and trust in our Lord.  Through the second reading St. Peter urges us to put our hope and trust in our Lord: “This is a cause of great joy for you, even though you may for a short time have to bear being plagued by all sorts of trials; so that, when Jesus Christ is revealed, your faith will have been tested and proved like gold – only it is more precious than gold, which is corruptible even though it bears testing by fire – and then you will have praise and glory and honour.”

Wishing you all the blessings and greetings of Divine Mercy Sunday!
< Jesus I Trust in You >
Father Vincent John CMI

PARISH GUIDELINES

  • Thanksgiving Contributions
    As there are no regular masses being held, we have been approached by some parishioners regarding their weekly contributions. If you would like to continue your contributions to support the parish, the following options are available:

    • You can drop off your Thanksgiving envelope and Project Compassion Boxes at the Parish office during office hours Monday to Friday 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. (Example: TG 123-Tom Smith).
    • If you would like to amend your Thanksgiving from Envelopes to Credit Card/Debit Card, please call or email the parish office and we will send you a form to make this change.
  • Online Thanksgiving Options
    Parishioners who normally give cash each weekend for the Thanksgiving collections, can now make payments online if you wish to do so, either by

You can make quick and easy recurring thanksgiving payments or can choose a one-time offering from the comfort of your own home.When making an offering online, you have the option to choose which collection you would like the offering to go to, just as you would do during Sunday Mass – first collection (Parish) or the second collection (Presbytery).

Thank you to all our parishioners who have responded and dropped off your envelopes and Project Compassion Boxes to the parish office and also contributed directly to our Church Bank Account.

Fr. Vincent and Dcn. Charles thank you for your continued support to the parish.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
On the Second Sunday of Easter of the Jubilee Year 2000, at the Mass for the Canonization of St. Faustina Kowalska, Pope John Paul II declared the Sunday after Easter be called “Divine Mercy Sunday.” St. Faustina was a Polish nun who received visions from Jesus, including one of Jesus wearing a white garment with beams of red and white coming from His heart, which came to be known as the image of Divine Mercy. Divine Mercy Sunday focuses on the gift of mercy, forgiveness and love given through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. As Pope John Paul II stated, “Divine Mercy reaches human beings through the heart of Christ crucified.”

RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Michael Xavier, Melville Pereira, Edgardo Salvador, Fr. Frank Terry SM, John D'Souza and all who have passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Christopher Hart, Aju Sunny, Baptist D'Souza, Yolanda Santos, Elsa D'Souza, Leon Gill, Anthony Borg, Tibor Fran, Catherine Dinh, Gabriel Dinh, Victoria Sapiano, Anna Marie Medel, Alice Quinless and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Elaine Dalton, Leo Linehan, Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Lucy Ballan, Irene Jones, Thais Long, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Francine Foster, Sam Caruana, Therese Mary, Zandi Falzon, Robel Rosales, Rey Medina, Denis Webber, Lourdes Sequeira, Mary D'cruz, Leo Mellewa, Pat Heffernan, Andrea Clayburn, Yvonne Clayton, Monique Hoaster, Alphonsus De Roza, Aiden Leonard, Elvira de Torres, Wilfredo Villareal, Julia Rego, Keely Welsford, Rolando Navarro, Jean Skinner, Avis Fernandes, Gaudelia Javier, Lina Enriquez, Felix Bephage, Francis Goonting, Fr Jolly Alavelil CMI, Jose Golaw, Gely Co, Anne Deluca, Jomy Jacob, Andie Osmond,  Ceejay Fernandes and all who are ill in our Parish.