DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR MARCH
PROJECT COMPASSION PRAYER FOR 2024
God of all hope, we pray for our world with all its beauty and need. We thank you for the love in our lives that is a mirror of your unending love.
May all creation know your compassion this Lent and may we take courage to share it, especially with those who don’t have what they need.
In our time, we hear the same words you spoke to Moses: “I will be with you,’ when you ask us to do courageous things.
Through our prayer, fasting and almsgiving, move us to act in the company of your Spirit, showing compassion and acting for justice to renew the face of the Earth, now and for all generations. We ask this in the name of Christ.
Amen.
Entrance Antiphon
Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.
1st Reading (Jer 31:31-34)
A reading from the prophet Jeremiah.
See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and the House of Judah, but not a covenant like the one I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant of mine, so I had to show them who was master. It is the Lord who speaks. No, this is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when those days arrive – it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will plant my Law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and they shall be my people. There will be no further need for neighbour to try to teach neighbour, or brother to say to brother, ‘Learn to know the Lord!’ No, they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest – it is the Lord who speaks – since I will forgive their iniquity and never call their sin to mind.
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
Create a clean heart in me, O God.
2nd Reading (Heb 5:7-9)
A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Hebrews.
During his life on earth, Christ offered up prayer and entreaty, aloud and in silent tears, to the one who had the power to save him out of death, and he submitted so humbly that his prayer was heard. Although he was Son, he learnt to obey through suffering; but having been made perfect, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation.
The Word of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ! If you serve me, follow me, says the Lord; and where I am, my servant will also be. Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ!
Gospel (Jn 12:20-33)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to St. John.
Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. These approached Philip, who came from Bethsaida in Galilee, and put this request to him, ‘Sir, we should like to see Jesus.’ Philip went to tell Andrew, and Andrew and Philip together went to tell Jesus. Jesus replied to them: ‘Now the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you, most solemnly, unless a wheat grain falls on the ground and dies, it remains only a single grain; but if it dies, it yields a rich harvest. Anyone who loves his life loses it; anyone who hates his life in this world will keep it for the eternal life. If a man serves me, he must follow me, wherever I am, my servant will be there too. If anyone serves me, my Father will honour him. Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say: Father, save me from this hour? But it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name!’ A voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.’ People standing by, who heard this, said it was a clap of thunder; others said, ‘It was an angel speaking to him.’ Jesus answered, ‘It was not for my sake that this voice came, but for yours. ‘Now sentence is being passed on this world; now the prince of this world is to be overthrown. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I shall draw all men to myself.’ By these words he indicated the kind of death he would die.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
Amen, Amen I say to you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Next Week’s Readings
Is 50:4-7; Phil 2:6-11; Mk 14:1 - 15:47
Feasts of the Week
Mon,18 Mar - St. Patrick
Tue, 19 Mar - St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
PARISH NEWS
WEEKLY PARISH DATES
| SUNDAY 10:30am Mass – Children’s Liturgy held 1st and 3rd Sundays - Resumes February 2024. After 5:00pm Mass in Hall – Youth Group for youth 12 to 17 years on 2nd and 4th Sundays. Resumes 11th February 2024. 6:00pm in Theatrette – Young Adults (SPYA) meeting. |
| MONDAY NO Bible Study Monday, 11th March. |
| TUESDAY 7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556. Passcode: rosary7:00pm. 7:00pm - RCIA Meeting in Theatrette/zoom. Contact Francis Thomas 0401787372 or Dario Carreno 0438525148. |
| WEDNESDAY 7:00pm - Mass followed by Mother of Perpetual Succour Novena. |
| 1ST FRIDAY 7:00pm to 8:15pm Mass & Adoration |
| SATURDAY 2:30pm to 4:00pm - St. Peter’s Charismatic Prayer Community Praise & Worship in Church - Resumes February 2024. 1.30pm to 4:00pm - Healing Mass on 1st Saturday of the month. Next Healing Mass on Saturday 6th April 2024. |
| BAPTISM 12 noon – Baptisms held 1st & 3rd Sundays. Baptism Preparation Meeting held on 1st Monday of the month at 7:00pm. Next Baptism Preparation Meeting Mon 8th April 2024 at 7:00pm in Church. |
WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome into our Church community Pearl Chan, Ryder Wallis, Leonardo De Leon and Thomas Mullahy 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.
TRAINING FOR ALTAR SERVERS
Saturday, 16th March at 11:00am in Church
Special training for Holy Week and Refresher Training.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN ATTENDING NON-CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Begins Sunday 17th March from 9:15am to 10:15am. Enquiries, please email Sharon: snaps0910@gmail.com.
PREP 2025 INFORMATION NIGHT AT ST PETER APOSTLE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Monday 25 March 2024 at 7pm. Please register your attendance by scanning the QR code. Enrolments now open. Enquiries phone 9749 1055 or email office@stpeterahc.catholic.edu.au
MASS OF THE HOLY OILS (CHRISM MASS) WED 20TH MARCH 10:30AM, AT ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
All are invited to attend this special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Peter Comensoli and concelebrated with Priests and Deacons from the Archdiocese. The Holy Oils are blessed at this Mass. This Mass manifests the communion of the Priests with their Bishop in a leadership of service.
YOUTH ENCOUNTER EVENING
Sunday 24th March 2024, 5:00pm to 8:00pm. You are invited to join us for an unforgettable evening for high school students at our parish to encounter Jesus Christ with prayer, fellowship, food, and fun, starting with Mass at 5:00pm. Bring along your friends to join us. Register via QR code or the Trybooking link:
https://www.trybooking.com/CPOGT
PATRICK ORATION 2024, MON 18 MAR, 7:30 TO 8:30PM
The 5th annual Patrick Oration will be delivered by Archbishop Peter Comensoli on Monday 18 March 7:30 - 8:30pm. Join us on the feast day of St Patrick, patron saint of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne to watch the live broadcast on TV via C31 (digital channel 44) or the Archdiocesan YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/archmelb
ALPHA FOR YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18 TO 35!
Join us for our Alpha program starting Sunday 14th April 2024 at 6:00pm in the Community Centre. This is your chance to connect, discuss and grow in faith alongside peers who are navigating similar journeys. Whether you're seeking answers, community, or simply a place to belong, Alpha is for YOU! All young adults are welcome! Register via the QR code or https://forms.gle/FqmMbUMJ2kGPLUgS6. Come meet the Young Adults team after weekend masses on 16/17 MarcHh and join us for a SAUSAGE SIZZLE.
PROJECT COMPASSION BOXES
A box has been placed outside the Sacristy for the return of Project Compassion boxes, or you can return them to Kamal, Fr. Vincent or Fr Simeon. Thank you.
LENTEN SERVICES IN OUR PARISH
- STATIONS OF THE CROSS held at 7:00pm every Friday during Lent followed by Mass.
- RITE I RECONCILIATION AT ST PETERS -You are invited for Rite 1 Reconciliation and silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday, 19th March 2024, 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Multiple priests will be available to hear confessions. Mercy Melbourne is an initiative that invites parishes to open their doors in welcome for a special evening of prayer and Confessions. For details check mercymelbourne.org This is a great opportunity to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery.
IMPORTANT LENTEN INFORMATION
(For more detailed information, please check the flyer on the notice board in the hall).
Ash Wednesday & Good Friday are days of Fasting and Abstinence from meat.
- All who have completed their 18th year and have not yet begun their 60th year are bound to fast. All who have completed their 14th year are bound to abstain.
- Each of the faithful is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This must be fulfilled between Ash Wednesday 14 Feb 24 and Trinity Sunday 26 May 24 unless for a good reason it is fulfilled at another time during the year.
- The wonderful gift of the Lord’s merciful love is offered in a special way in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Lent is a most appropriate time to receive this Sacrament. All the faithful who have reached the age of discretion are bound faithfully to confess their grave sins at least once a year.
LENTEN/EASTER TIMETABLE
| MERCY MELBOURNE RECONCILIATION RITE I Tuesday, 19 March, 6:00pm to 8:30pm in Church |
| PALM SUNDAY, 23/24 MARCH Normal Weekend Masses |
| HOLY THURSDAY, 28 MARCH (NO Morning Mass) 7:30pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper including Washing of the Feet and Vigil until 11:00pm |
| GOOD FRIDAY, 29 MARCH 10:00am – Stations of the Cross 3:00pm – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion followed by Divine Mercy Novena |
| HOLY SATURDAY, 30 MARCH (NO Morning Mass) 8:30am to 9:30am Confessions 7:30pm – Easter Vigil Mass |
| EASTER SUNDAY, 31 MARCH 8:30am & 10:30am Masses 1:15PM – Spanish Mass |
| N0 5:00PM MASS ON EASTER SUNDAY |
| DIVINE MERCY NOVENA TIMETABLE |
| Good Friday, 29 March – After 3:00pm Service Holy Saturday, 30 March – 7:00pm (before Easter Vigil Mass) Sunday 31 March – 8:00am (before 8:30am Mass) Monday 1 April, Tuesday 2 April – 9:00am Wednesday 3 April – 6:45pm Thursday 4 April, Friday 5 April – 9:00am Saturday 6 April – 9:30am |
| DIVINE MERCY FEAST, SUNDAY, 7 APRIL |
| 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:00pm – Normal Sunday Masses 2:00pm – Exposition, Adoration, Confession/Chaplet 3:00pm – Mass, Celebrant: Fr Cameron Forbes, Rector, Corpus Christi College |
| CONFESSIONS |
| Every Saturday – After 9:00am Mass Every Wednesday – 6:30pm Holy Saturday 30 March – 8:30am to 9:30am |
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Tom Vulic, Camilles Pathinather, Lauraine Roze, Denis Dupont, Sr Maryann McDonald, Crispina Malveda, Ramon Murillo, Lewis Pointu, Debbie Wilks, Roldan Asis, Fr Anthony Kelly CSsR, Hazel D’Rozario, Lucy D’Souza, Gracias D’Souza, Pablo Santiago, Dorothy Martin, Samia Nassif, Nitin D’Souza, Grace Peiris, Daniel Rattan, Athanasius Rajapaksa, Paul Cutajar, Teresa Lopez, Cecilia Almeida and all who have died in disasters all over the world.
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Doreen Edison, Rita Saragozza, Mervyn Duarte, Carmen Madeloso, Jean Skinner, Zaw Aung, Joseph, Stephen, Maria Drumbyarkawt, Lucia, Khun Aung, George Bellard and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Violet Lawrence, Jeffrey Dalton, Sean Donaldson, Dale D’Souza, Stephen Beaton, John O’Regan, Mavis D’Cruz, Edna Sanchez, Elizabeth de Guzman, Ernesto Sigismondi, Segundo Becerra, Sasha Noronha, Michelle Clayburn, Errol Davis, Lillian Pinnela, Corazon Madrazo, Yvonne Francis, Lucia Drijarraw, and all who are ill in our Parish.
ROSTERS
Money Counters – 24 Mar 24
| Pravin Albuquerque / Clarence D’Souza / Grace Sharman |
Readers – 23/24 Mar 24
| 6:00pm |
J. Shaji / A. Vesty Priest / J. Poppen / D. Roga |
| 8:30am |
K.
Stuttard / R. Albuquerque Priest / D. Hankins / F. Thomas |
| 10:30am | M. Peters / C. Peters Priest / S. D’Souza / S. Vaz |
| 5:00pm | Youth Readers Priest & 2 Youth Readers |
Roster for Extraordinary Ministers of Communion - 23/24 Mar 24
| 6:00pm | J. Roga / G. Aldcroft / H. Durski / K. Pham |
| 8:30am | Pauline S / Karen F. / Paul F. / Nimala G. |
| 10:30am | A. Koek / B. Fernandes / R. Hibbert / G. Schembri |
| 5:00pm | Youth Ministers |
Music Ministry – 23/24 Mar 24
| 6:00pm | St. Cecilia |
| 8:30am | St. Philomena |
| 10:30am | Domini Chorum |
| 5:00pm | Young Adults |