Author: matthewreuter64

DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR JANUARY
Prayer for the New Year

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

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Entrance Antiphon
After the Lord was baptised, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove, and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.

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

Responsorial Psalm
Oh, bless the Lord, my soul !

2^nd Reading (Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to Titus.
God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good. When the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.
The Word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! John said: He who is to come is mightier than I; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Alleluia!

Gospel (Lk 3:15-16, 21-22)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful that I am and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’ Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.
The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
Behold the One of whom John said: I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.

Next Week’s Readings
Is 62:1-5; 1 Cor 12:4-11; Jn 2:1-11

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PARISH NEWS

PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE
The Parish office is closed and will re-open on 11 January 2022. Normal bulletins will resume on the weekend of 15/16 January 2022.

BE SUPER CHARGED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Please note that this has been postponed. Date to be advised later.

 

 

In remembrance of the sacrifice paid by our soldiers for our present day freedoms, Fr. Vincent John invited Peter Bool, 91 years of age, accompanied by his daughter Annette Hill, to speak after the 8:30am Sunday Mass, on 25th April 2021.

In his address to our community, Peter mentioned that it is fitting, that on this year's ANZAC day, which also falls on Good Shepherd Sunday and World Day of Vocations, that we honour the services given by priests of the Royal Australian Army Chaplains
Department, who offer spiritual support and counselling to our service men and women. We thank Peter for his contribution today.

A LETTER FROM THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF VICTORIA

13 March 2020

Prayerful greetings to the people of God across Victoria,

You would be aware of the precautionary measures underway in light of changes to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Following this afternoon’s decision of the governments of Australia, all organised non-essential large gatherings (of 500 or more) are recommended to cease from Monday 16 March. In our circumstances, this includes the celebration of Mass and other liturgies that bring together significantly large numbers.

We believe that this is a good and measured decision, and should be understood as a responsible and precautionary step to protect the most vulnerable amongst us, especially our elderly, the infirm and the very young.

As Christians, our priority at all times is the care and safety of our people. To assist in this, we want firstly to encourage you to take all precautionary measures to care for your own health and well-being, and that of those around you. If you feel you are vulnerable to COVID-19, or are generally unwell; are caring for those who are unwell; or think you might be at risk; you are dispensed from your Sunday obligation from this time.

If you are unable to be present at a celebration of the Eucharist, we encourage you to participate in other ways such as time in personal and family prayer, reflecting on the Scriptures, making a spiritual communion, or participating in a Mass online (http://bit.ly/MassOnDemand or https://melbournecatholic.org.au/Mass).

Please keep in regular contact with your family, neighbours and members of your parish communities as best you can.

We encourage our priests to continue to celebrate Mass for the spiritual good of God’s people, the intentions of the faithful and the alleviation of the present crisis. We also encourage the clergy to make themselves available to visit individuals, especially those who are unwell and vulnerable. This includes viaticum and all the opportunities for healing through the anointing of the sick and Reconciliation.

As advice is received over coming days, there are likely to be further steps taken, which may include the suspension of public celebrations of Mass and other liturgies.

Let us continue to pray and care for one another, exercising a more intense ministry of spiritual closeness and care for our neighbours in the days and weeks ahead.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us implement some of the pastoral recommendations and public safety measures in each parish, for your prayers and for your continued resilience in trusting God’s Providence and deliverance.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev Peter A Comensoli
ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE

Most Rev Paul Bernard Bird CSsR MA, DD
BISHOP OF BALLARAT

Most Rev Shane Mackinlay
BISHOP OF SANDHURST

Most Rev Patrick Michael O’Regan
BISHOP OF SALE

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Download link to view original pdf document:

LETTER FROM THE BISHOPS OF VICTORIA 13 MARCH 2020.pdf

Fr. Vincent John wishes of congratulate along with the whole St Peter's parish community all children who were confirmed by Bishop Mark Edwards, assisted by Deacon Charles English, at morning mass last Sunday 8th September 2019.

Winter did not mar the Feast of Corpus Christi procession on Sunday 23rd June at 10:15am, but instead blessed us with beautiful sunny clear skies as the parish community of St.Peter Apostle Mission Parish joined in together with Fr. Vincent John, with monstrance in hand, and Dcn. Charles English to celebrate the Body and Blood of Christ in a 'lap of honour' to our Lord by walking around the  St.Peter Primary school oval in celebration of this special occasion. Fr.Vincent wishes to extend his heart felt thanks to all those who participated in this walk by showing their support for our vibrant and faith filled community.

Past Friday, 31st May, 2019, eight altar servers from St.Peter's Parish were awarded the Guild of St.Stephen Medal at a special service at St.Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne for their service as altar ministers at our church masses.

"The Guild of Saint Stephen is established to foster a deeper awareness and understanding of the liturgy by ministers of the altar and to improve understanding of and participation in the liturgy by parishes and communities."

"Members of the Guild have Saint Stephen as their patron saint. St. Stephen was a deacon in the church. He assisted the apostles by his service to God’s people and was the first Christian to be martyred for the faith."

Many church servers from around the Melbourne Archdiocese attended the service last Friday. From St.Peters parish in attendance were:

Shalini Chinnabathuni
Aiden D'Souza
Megan D'Souza
Joel Joe Joseph
Jayden Mohan
Elie Saliba
Jeslin Shaji
Emelda Sibi

Fr. Vincent John congratulates on behalf of our whole community, our altar servers who attended this special service and also wishes to extend his deepest gratitude and encouragement to all the youth in our parish who enthusiastically give of their free time to serve at the altar, for the glory of God and also for the benefit of our whole parish.

 

It is with great joy that we congratulated two new parishioners Amrita D'Souza and Samitha De Vas Gunawardena into our church as Neophyte Catholics last Easter Saturday, 20th April 2019, after partaking in the parish's 9 month RCIA program and receiving the sacraments of initiation; Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Amrita and Sam were both exuberant about being able to share in and contribute to the life of our church. On behalf of parish priest Fr. Vincent John CMI and Deacon Charles English we welcome Amrita and Sam into our community and wish you both many blessings as you continue to grow in unison with us in your new found faith.

From left to right: Bap. sponsor Amanda De Vas Gunawardena, Dcn. Charles English, Samitha De Vas Gunawardena, Amrita D'Souza, Fr. Vincent John CMI, Bap. sponsor Ishan D'Souza.

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Mark Edwards, Auxiliary Bishop to the Western Region of Melbourne visited us on the morning of Sunday 9th December to bless the new entrance to St.Peter's church after almost half a year of renovation work, and was accompanied by our parish priest, Rev. Father Vincent John CMI and Rev. Deacon Charles English.

Later on Bishop Edwards lead the congregation in celebrating mass, additionally performing the Rite of Welcome for our two Catechumens of the RCIA program, Miss Amrita Ranchod and Mr. Samitha De Vas Gunawardena who are seeking entry into the Catholic Church via the sacraments of initiation of baptism, confirmation and reception of the Holy Eucharist in Easter of 2019.

It was a great blessing for our parish community to be honoured with the visit of Bishop Mark Edwards, who has visited us on previous occasions and on behalf of Fr. Vincent John, we are all very grateful for Bishop Mark's keen interest in staying in touch with parishioners of our faith community.

HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP

The 2018-19 session of the Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) School of Discipleship commenced on 12th August. This is a faith outreach program aimed to teach members more about our Catholic faith with three purposes – to learn it, live it and share it. The school has been successfully running for the past 2 consecutive years in our parish and members have testified to growing both spiritually and personally. We are currently in our fifth week and the response has been good. The first five weeks are a come and see whether you would like to join. We meet every Sunday at 6:15pm in the community centre. All are welcome. For further information contact Anita D’Souza on 0411 772 320 or Sharon D’Silva on 0430 099 654.

ROSTERS

 Money Counters – 23 September 18

John Allen / Jules & Neeta Pereira

Readers – 22/23 September 18

6:00pm	Jeffrey Poppen
8:30am	KSC Reader
10:30am	Elenoa Eliepa
5:00pm	Youth Group

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion 22/23 September 18

6:00pm	P. Albuquerque / S. D’Silva / H. Durski / E. Mills
8:30am	KSC Minister / K. McLoughlin / L&B Jones
10:30am	S. DiBenedetto / V. Firman / S. Colla / F. Caruana
5:00pm	Youth Group

Music Ministry – 22/23 September 18

6:00pm	Footsteps
8:30am	Shirley & Group
10:30am	FilOz
5:00pm	Youth Group

 PARISH NEWS

 THANK YOU FR. EUGENE for helping out last week in the absence of Fr. Vincent.

 YOUTH MASS

Our parish will hold a youth Mass on Sunday 23^rd September 2018 at 5:00pm. All youth and young adults are invited to attend at which time Fr. Vincent will provide a special blessing to the youth of our parish. All youth and young adults of our parish are invited to stay back after mass for fellowship.

 PARISH REFURBISHMENT

We are pleased to announce that the parish refurbishment works are complete and all masses will now be held in the church. The School and the Parish have also taken the opportunity to review repair to the entire car park which will result in better lanes and additional car parks. As such vehicle access to the church will be restricted. We expect the car park to be repaired in the upcoming school holidays. We do understand that this will cause further inconvenience in movement of traffic to the church and thank you for your continued understanding.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED

We welcome into our Church community Martina Lo Schiavo and Aryan Chahal who are to be baptised this Sunday.  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love of Parents, Godparents, family and friends, we pray that these children will lead lives full of happiness, faith and love.

THANK YOU

A big thank you to all the parishioners who attended my ordination at the Cathedral and also my first mass on Sunday September 9th, 2018. Thank you to Fr. Vincent and Deacon Charles for all their guidance, support and encouragement, especially during the final weeks of my formation. Finally thank you to everyone who wished me and provided feedback on my reflections which were very encouraging and supportive. Deacon Royden.

SAUSAGE SIZZLE

There will be a Sausage Sizzle after all masses next weekend, 22/23 September. Margaret Craigie is looking for people to help her with the sausage sizzle, so if you are able to give her a hand, please see Margaret before Mass.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY – ADDITIONAL COLLECTION

There will be an additional collection next weekend, 22/23 September for the work of St. Vincent de Paul Members in the St. Peter’s Parish area.  Your anticipated generosity is acknowledged and urgently needed. Thank you.

ROSTERS FOR READERS AND EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS, PIETY STORE & COMMUNION TO THE SICK are ready for collection from the Hall from this weekend. Please collect your copy as soon as possible.

WORLD ROSARY DAY – SUNDAY 7 OCTOBER
Countries around the world are joining to hold Rosary Rallies to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. Together we are calling upon God through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary. The World Rosary started on 15 August (Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) with a ‘54-day Novena’ that will continue until the feast of the Holy Rosary on 7 October. Each nation has been asked to pray for its own intentions on the day. The Australian intentions are family, rekindling of faith and continued Godly protection.

SPECIAL HEALING MASS

There will be a special Healing Mass in our church on Thursday, 27 September at 7:00pm by Rev. Fr. Augustine Vallooran VC  (Divine Australia).  All are invited to attend. More information next week. 

WALK OF WITNESS – TUESDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER

Led by Bishop Mark Edwards OMI, the Walk of Witness is an action of solidarity with the thousands of people who are homeless and for others whom dignified housing is becoming an unrealised dream. Commences at 12:30pm in Federation Square with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Proceeds to St. Patrick’s Cathedral with a stop on the Steps of the Victorian Parliament.

 MARIAN COLLEGE, SUNSHINE WEST

Enrolments for Year 7 2020 onwards are now being accepted. Limited places available for Years 8 to 12, 2019. Book your open morning tour of the school today! Visit www.mariansw.catholic.edu.au or call 9363 1711.

St Padre Pio's Relics coming to Melbourne
Monday 1^st October, St. Mary Church, 97 Railway Street, North Altona

In commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of St. Padre Pio’s death, some of his relics, accompanied by Fr. Gian Maria Di Giorgio from San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, are traveling to Melbourne this month. The visit is part of a nation-wide tour of Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne. The relics will be venerated between 7:00pm and 9:00pm and before and after the 7:30pm Mass organized by the Padre Pio Prayer Group. Enquiries: (03) 9819 3775.

VOLUNTEER OVERSEAS - THE CAGLIERO PROJECT, SALESIANS OF DON BOSCO

Volunteer Opportunities - English Teachers, Youth Workers & Youth Ministers

We are seeking volunteers for January 2019 departure, working with disadvantaged young people in Salesian communities throughout Cambodia, Samoa, Zambia & Solomon Island. Applications close October 15th. Send us an inquiry - www.cagliero.org.au.

RECENTLY DECEASED:  We pray for Sunny Bulbrook, Carl Anderson, Renato Padua and all those who passed away recently.

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES:  We pray for Rosy D’Souza, Irene & David Matheson, John De Rozario, Irene & David Matheson, Louis Farel, Jane Sifa, Joaquim D’Souza, Joseph Pereira, Alex Fernandes, Andrew Fernandes, Agatha Azzopardi, Kathleen Alexander, Tolentino Pedayo, Sabrina Ferlazzo, Catarina and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK: We pray for Leo & Shirley Linehan, Lydia (Aleida) Van Susteren, Gary Spotswood, Stan Walkden, Sean Donaldson, Liam Parr, Edith Street, Brien & Irene Jones, Carmen Mifsud, Bob Meehan, Rita Dubowik, Thais Long, Sr. Eileen Jones, Michael Gilbert, Aju Sunny, Glenna Pereira, Lucy Ballan, Cynthia Middleton, Charlie Xerxien, Jamilton Dabu, Luz de la Cruz, Melissa Caroline, Fran Kisielewski, Lissett Lopez, Josie Walsh,Philomena Cleur, Lorraine, Christie Rivera, Carlo Rivera, Lewis Caruana, Margaret English, Robert Wells, Justin Worsley, Steny Alex, Rosa Carullo, Beatrice Morgan, Anne Kelly and all who are ill in our Parish.