DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR FEBRUARY
Prayer for Lent
Merciful God, You called us forth from the dust of the earth; you claimed us for Christ in the waters of Baptism.
Look upon us as we enter these Forty Days bearing the mark of ashes, and bless our journey through the desert of Lent to the font of rebirth. May our fasting be hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; our prayer, the chant of humble and grateful hearts.
All that we do and pray is in the name of Jesus, for in his Cross we proclaim your love forever.
Amen
Entrance Antiphon
Of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me.
1st Reading (Gen 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18)
A reading from the book of Genesis.
God put Abraham to the test. ‘Abraham, Abraham’ he called. ‘Here I am’ he replied. ‘Take your son,’ God said ‘your only child Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. There you shall offer him as a burnt offering, on a mountain I will point out to you.’ When they arrived at the place God had pointed out to him, Abraham built an altar there, and arranged the wood. Then he stretched out his hand and seized the knife to kill his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven. ‘Abraham, Abraham’ he said. ‘I am here’ he replied. ‘Do not raise your hand against the boy’ the angel said. ‘Do not harm him, for now I know you fear God. You have not refused me your son, your only son.’ Then looking up, Abraham saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. Abraham took the ram and offered it as a burnt-offering in place of his son. The angel of the Lord called Abraham a second time from heaven. ‘I swear by my own self – it is the Lord who speaks – because you have done this, because you have not refused me your son, your only son, I will shower blessings on you, I will make your descendants as many as the stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore. Your descendants shall gain possession of the gates of their enemies. All the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your descendants, as a reward for your obedience.’
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.
2nd Reading (Rom 8:31-34)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans.
With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could anyone accuse those that God has chosen? When God acquits, could anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us – he rose from the dead, and there at God’s right hand he stands and pleads for us.
The Word of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
From the shining cloud, the Father’s voice is heard: this is my beloved Son, hear him.
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
Gospel (Mk 9:2-10)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. Mark.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus: ‘Rabbi,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus. As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
Next Week’s Readings
Ex 20:1-17; 1Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25
PARISH NEWS
DAILY/WEEKEND MASSES
- No bookings required for Weekday Masses. Parishioners to use their mobile phone to scan the Parish QR Code to record their attendance. Volunteers will assist.
- Registration for weekend Masses via link https://www.trybooking.com/BNKFG. Bookings open on a Monday and close on a Friday prior to the weekend. If you have not booked for a weekend mass you can register your attendance upon arrival using the QR code. (We request that you come in early to do this to avoid queuing at the entry door).
- With the easing of restrictions, parishioners are invited to attend Mass every weekend.
- Please remain in your allocated seat and maintain social distancing during the Liturgy, including when kneeling.
- Please do not move pews or chairs which have been placed to observe the safe distancing required.
- Mask wearing in church is optional.
- Lighting candles is permitted but please do not touch the statues.
- Church opens 30 minutes before mass starts. Doors shut as soon as Mass begins so please be on time.
- If you are unwell, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND FOR THE SAFETY OF OTHERS.
IMPORTANT LENTEN INFORMATION
- Lent is a penitential season of prayer, fasting and helping others.
- Stations of the Cross are held each Friday at 7:00pm followed by Mass.
BIBLE STUDY – ST. PETERS & ST. JAMES
At the Ray Centre, St. James the Apostle Parish, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing on 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays of the month from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Focus on Gospel of John. Enquiries to Clive Gonsalves 0490814452/ Francis Thomas 0401787372.
CHILDREN'S LITURGY will recommence face to face at the 10:30am Mass with effect from Sunday 7th March 2021. Please avail of this opportunity to enrich your child's faith journey. Thank you.
HSI SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP – 2021
The 2021 Session of the Holy Spirit Interactive (HSI) School of Discipleship commences this Sunday, 28 February at 6:15pm at St Peter’s Church Hall. The first 4 sessions are on a "Come and See" basis to ascertain whether the school is for you. Classes will be a mixture of onsite (St Peters) and online (Zoom). At our first session, we will be learning about “Renewing the Mind”. Enquiries please call Anita 0411772320.
RCIA – RITE OF ELECTION
Our cathecumens Rajitha Wasala and Lisa Arenas attended the ‘Rite of Election’ along with their sponsors, family and RCIA team at St Patrick’s Cathedral last Sunday 21st February. This will be an important step in their journey towards receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
ST PETER’S CHARISMATIC PRAYER COMMUNITY (KNK)
All are invited to attend our Saturday Prayer Meetings from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Bookings via Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/BODRD. If you have booked, you can register using the QR code prior to entering church. Current COVID safe guidelines are in place. No fellowship after the prayer meeting. Kindly note there will no prayer meeting on Saturday 6 March.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT TA’PINU
Come and join St. Peter’s Charismatic Prayer Community (KNK) for the annual Lenten pilgrimage to Ta’Pinu on Saturday 20th March. Starts with Mass at 2:00pm followed by Stations of the Cross. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no fellowship this year. Bookings to be made at the onsite office at Ta’Pinu so we request you to kindly be there by 1:10/1:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES (for children attending non Catholic Schools). Classes are held every Sunday from 9:15am till 10:25am. For any further enquiries, please call Bernice on 9749 2812.
THE YOUNG ADULTS ARE BACK!
The young adults (ages 18-29) meet every Sunday, at 6:15pm in the Community Centre.. Come join us as we worship, pray, hear talks, read the bible and learn more about God together As there is a limit on how many can attend, please ensure you come on time. See you there. For enquiries email spyoungadults18@gmail.com. The Young Adults will be speaking at masses this weekend.
ROSTERS
The Piety Store Rosters for the months of March, April and May 2021 will be available for collection from the Hall. Lectors & Extraordinary Ministers Rosters for the months from March to May have been emailed to all Lectors and Communion Ministers, if you would like a hard copy, kindly contact the Parish Office.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COMMUNION TO THE SICK MINISTRY
Communion to the Sick Ministry hopes to resume operations soon. This ministry involves taking Holy Communion to the residents of Glendale nursing home and to some elderly residents in their homes. We are seeking volunteers for this ministry, which will require Working with Children (WWCC) and Police Checks. Usually you will be required to volunteer for 2 hours per month either on a weekday (Wednesday or Thursday) or weekend. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Parish Office on 9749 4300 or email us at hopperscrossing@cam.org.au.
THANK YOU MASS FOR BEV & LES JONES AND SHIRLEY LINEHAN, SUNDAY 28TH FEB, 8:30AM MASS
Please join us as we celebrate and offer a heartfelt thanks to our long-term parishioners Les & Bev Jones for the many decades of dedicated service in several Ministries in our Parish and to Shirley Linehan for enhancing our Liturgy with her beautiful voice and leading her choir over many decades in our church. A light morning tea will be served after the 8:30am Mass. All are welcome to attend.
THOMAS CARR YEAR 7, 2023 PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT Thursday, 4 March at 7:00pm in the Fr. Tobin Gymnasium. 35 Thomas Carr Dve, Tarneit. Register attendance at https://www.thomascarr.vic.edu.au/Year7-2023-PIN-Registration. Telephone 8734 2444.
MELBOURNE ARCHDIOCESE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS LIMITED (MACS)
With effect from January 2021, all Catholic schools in Melbourne are now governed by the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Limited (MACS) to ensure continuation of the rich tradition of Catholic schooling and to provide a strong foundation for our shared role in 'Working Together in Mission Charter'. MACS is committed to building communities of learning that provide safe, nurturing and academically stimulating environments for all children. MACS will provide leadership and support to all Catholic Schools in areas of policy formation and implementation. School Advisory Councils will be formed to enable principals to lead and reinvigorate Catholic schools to actively participate in the life of the faith communities of the local Church.
PROJECT COMPASSION 2021
Project Compassion Boxes are available for collection after all Masses this weekend. You can also donate online by visiting lent.caritas.org.au Thank you.
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Milton D’Souza, Margaretha Widdicombe, Sheila Augustine, Marcel Dias, Elizabeth Dimas, Julian Cardenas, Christopher Nongkynrih, Manuel Rivera, Sr. Isofena, Fr. Malo, Scaria T.V., Irene Jones, Janaki Devadas, Teresa Yrastorsa, Arturo Ricaforte, Alvin Bergman and all who have died due to COVID-19 and all who have passed away recently.
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Oscar Rego, Austin Gracias, V.V. Alex, Dympna & Justiniano Alegam, Derrick Gowe, Pedro Alinea, Poshan Misquitta, Janusz Gradkowski and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Gary Spotswood, Sean Donaldson, Kath Meddings, Jean Cameron, Gordon Newman, Denis Webber, Monique Hoaster, Wilfredo Villareal, Rolando Navarro, Francis Goonting, Anne Deluca, Hellen Bonnici, Filippo Sciglitano, Anthony Hanford, Norma Medina, Christine Hall, Esther Uwase, Steven Smith, Calum Jones, John Murray, Andrew Crowley, Vincent Margaret, Christian Lindsay, Anne Marie Toole, Liss Corado, Elvie de Torres, Helen Smith, Yvonne & Gilbert Norris, Shirley Linehan, Zaren Acquilina, James D’Silva, Jack Davies, William Franklin, May Rizkallah, Mila Africano, Gliceria Tacata and all who are ill in our Parish.
ROSTERS
Counters – 7 Mar 2021
| Kevin McLoughlin / Derek Netto / Toni Alexander |
Readers – 6/7 Mar 2021
| 6:00pm | Angela Francis |
| 8:30am | Kitty Stuttard |
| 10:30am | Venus Iuta |
| 5:00pm | Lerna Vasquez |
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion - 6/7 Mar 2021 (2 or 3 Required)
| 6:00pm | F. Thomas / S. Joseph / S. D’Silva |
| 8:30am | K. Fernandes / M. Nelthropp / J. Phan Lai |
| 10:30am | E. Mills / N. Costa / B. Keane |
| 5:00pm | E. Angeles / R. Perera / R. Albuquerque |
Music Ministry – 6/7 Mar 2021
| 6:00pm | Eagles Wings |
| 8:30am | St. Philomena Choir |
| 10:30am | Samoan Choir |
| 5:00pm | FilOz |