DEVOTIONAL PRAYER FOR FEBRUARY PRAYER FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS IN TURKEY & SYRIA
We pray for the people of Turkey and Syria, whose lives have been devasted by the earthquake. Be present, O Lord, our Good Shepherd, to bring comfort, relief, shelter and human kindness. Shield the people who suffer, console those who are bereaved, prosper the provision of relief, strengthen the work of emergency teams and shine your light and hope in the midst of despair. Amen.
Entrance Antiphon
Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.
1st Reading (Sir 15:15-20)
A reading from the book of Sirach.
If you wish, you can keep the commandments, to behave faithfully is within your power. He has set fire and water before you; put out your hand to whichever you prefer. Man has life and death before him; whichever a man likes better will be given him. For vast is the wisdom of the Lord; he is almighty and all-seeing. His eyes are on those who fear him, he notes every action of man. He never commanded anyone to be godless, he has given no one permission to sin.
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
Happy are they who follow the law of the Lord!
2nd Reading (1 Cor 2:6-10)
A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: not a philosophy of our age, it is true, still less of the masters of our age, which are coming to their end. The hidden wisdom of God which we teach in our mysteries is the wisdom that God predestined to be for our glory before the ages began. It is a wisdom that none of the masters of this age have ever known, or they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory; we teach what scripture calls: the things that no eye has seen and no ear has heard, things beyond the mind of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him. These are the very things that God has revealed to us through the Spirit, for the Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God.
The Word of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia!
Gospel (Mt 5:17-37)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. ‘You have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not kill; and if anyone does kill he must answer for it before the court. But I say this to you: anyone who is angry with his brother will answer for it before the court. ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must not commit adultery. But I say this to you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully, he has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to our ancestors: You must not break your oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at all. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’
The Gospel of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
They ate and had their fill, and what they craved the Lord gave them; they were not disappointed in what they craved.
Next Week’s Readings
Lev 19:1-2, 17-18; 1 Cor 3:16-23; Mt 5:38-48
Feasts of the Week
Mon, 14 Feb - Sts. Cyril & Methodius
PARISH NEWS
WEEKLY PARISH DATES
| SUNDAY 9:15am to 10:25am – Sunday School for children attending non-Catholic Schools. 10:30am Mass – Children’s Liturgy held 1st and 3rd Sundays. After 5:00pm Mass – Youth Group for youth 12 to 17 years on 2nd and 4th Sundays. 6:00pm in Theatrette – Young Adults (SPYA) meet 1st and 3rd Sundays. |
| MONDAY 7:00pm to 8:15pm - Bible Study sessions. Zoom. Meeting ID: 826 5359 2389 Passcode: Bible Contact Clive 0490814452 or Francis 0401787372 |
| TUESDAY 7:00pm - Online Zoom Rosary - Meeting ID: 893 5477 8556. Passcode: rosary7:00pm 7:00pm - RCIA Meeting in Theatrette. 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. 1.30pm to 4:00pm - Healing Mass on 1st Saturday of the month. Next Healing Mass on Saturday 4th March 2023. |
| 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 6th March 2023 at 7:00pm in Church. |
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2023 – YOUNG ADULTS
St Peters Young Adults (approximately 12) are joining the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal in August 2023. We will be participating in initiatives of Pope Francis with the goal of nurturing us to become the next generation of Catholic leaders. We are excited to experience this pilgrimage and come back to our community as inspired instruments of evangelization and transformation of the Church. We seek the support of our parishioners through prayer and in various fundraising activities to be launched this year. We humbly ask and would greatly appreciate any donations to help us achieve our goal of reaching $50,000 by July 2023. Parish Bank account details are as follows:
BSB: 083-347 Account Number: 637286747
Please include your surname and SPYA in the reference eg: “Smith_SPYA”
Please contact Josine Briones on 0402 473 890 for more information and/or if you would like to take part in any of the fundraising activities - SPYA Team.
EXTENSION TO ST. PETER'S SCHOOL BUILDING
Dear parishioners, Extension work of St Peter's school building has commenced. During this period, there is no access to the basketball court to park your vehicle. Your patience and consideration is appreciated. Thank you.
YOUTH GROUP COMMENCES
Youth Group meetings commence this Sunday 12th February after the 5pm Mass in the Church Hall. Youth Group is for Youth 12 to 17 years, timings are from 6 to 8pm.
PASTORAL CARE APPEAL 2023
This weekend is the Pastoral Care Appeal in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Each year a special collection is conducted in all parishes, so that the vital work of the Catholic Chaplains can continue. The Chaplains support thousands of Victorians every year in hospitals, prisons, and youth justice centres. Your gift can help people find comfort and hope as they go through some of their darkest times of their life. Please give generously. You can donate using the envelopes available or online at www.catholiccarevic.org.au or call (03) 9287 5513.
ASH WEDNESDAY – 22ND FEBRUARY 2023
A reminder that Ash Wednesday is an obligatory day of fast and abstinence. It is also the start of Lent, which is a penitential season of prayer, self-denial and helping others. Masses on Ash Wednesday, 22nd February 2023 at 7:00am, 8:30am, 10:00am (School Mass) and 7:00pm.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS DURING LENT
Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday at 7:00pm followed by Mass. This will commence on Friday 24th February.
LENTEN PROGRAM “LIVING THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL”
Parish Lenten Retreat. Saturday 25th February, conducted by St. Peter’s Charismatic Prayer Group and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Program as follows: Starts 10.30am with praise and worship and concludes at 4:00pm. There are 4 talks scheduled with Q&A / Reflection after each talk. To break up each talk there will be a couple of songs. Lunch break 12:35pm – 1:35pm. All are welcome to attend. Please BYO lunch. Tea/Coffee will be provided.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SACRAMENTAL & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (for Children attending non-Catholic schools)
Children attending Sunday School need to re-enrol each year to prepare and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation, even if your child has been attending Sunday School. A copy of Child’s Baptism certificate needs to be presented. Follow the arrows on the school building to find us, between the hours of 9:00am and 11:00am. Enquiries Phone Bernice 9749-2812.
PALMS AUSTRALIA
Mission: Change their lives ... and yours.
Communities in Africa, Asia or the Pacific are seeking Australians from a variety of professions and trades to share their skills with those who have less opportunity to develop their talents. Explore 35 positions by scanning the QR code below. On their website you can also see news including stories from those currently supported in Timor-Leste, Samoa, American Samoa and Thailand.
Please enquire further about potential assignments for you or someone you know: Call 02 9560 533 or 0422 472 567. WEB: www.palms.org.au
LENT 2023 WITH THE CATHOLIC GUY BRUCE DOWNES
Lent is a time when we can grow closer to God and prepare our hearts for the true meaning of Easter. Be inspired. Be refreshed. Be renewed! For 40 days you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent23. Go to BruceDownes.org for more info.
EARTHQUAKES IN TURKEY & SYRIA
Caritas agencies are responding to a powerful and deadly earthquake in southeast Turkey and Syria, where thousands of lives have been lost and the death toll increases by the hour. Donations can be made at www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/turkey-and-syria-earthquake/.
LOURDES MASS
You are invited to attend the annual Lourdes Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, on Saturday, 18th February 2023 at 10:30am. This is a special occasion to pray for our sick, infirm and elderly and those who care for them. The principal celebrant will be Archbishop Peter Comensoli. All attending will receive a gift pack containing water from the grotto at Lourdes, rosary beads and prayer resources.
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Trevor D'Souza, Ivor Fernandes, Arturo Bacani, Carmelita McLean, Emanuel Martinelli, Muriel Rodrigo, Ben D’Rozario, Daisy Irani, Bienvenido Angeles Jr, Loreto Miranda Villaflor Sr, Bella Demonte, Wilfred Fernandes, Ganna Dingli, Fr Tao Pham, Lourdes Rodrigues, Reynaldo Cruz Jr., Colin Bartlett, Gabriela Staniszewski, Nolan Malunes, Eliyamma Vayalil, Carmelita Manlapaz, Cardinal George Pell, Regina Lopez and all who have died in the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
DEATH ANNIVERSARIES
We pray for Betty Roberts, Eulalia Rulona, Joshua Gano, Devadass & Janaki Ellinavaalu, Juan Tanato, Arturo Santos, Pedro Alinea, Monica Soriano, Thariath Thaliath and all whose anniversaries occur at this time.
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
We pray for Sean Donaldson, Wilfredo Villareal, Helen Kelly, Gordon Newman, Thais Long, Vincent Margaret, Dale D’Souza, Franklin Quintanilla, Jean Cameron, Vivienne Gantar, Magda Symons, Malia Kautai, Lindsay Coates, Violet Lawrence, Charlotte D’Souza, Tae Yoon Jim, Jeffrey Dalton, Maureen Wilson, Clint D’Souza, Sandra Farrelly, Joaquin Romero, Annette O’Brien, Cecilia Lazum Htu Bu, Alster Firth, Gayle Ryan, Robert Martinez, Pat Goodfellow, and all who are ill in our Parish.
ROSTERS
| Kitty Lewis/Eileen Lewis/Bonny D’Souza/Rosemary Hibbert |
Roster for Readers – 18/19 Feb 23
| 6:00pm | Savita D’Souza |
| 8:30am | Ignes D’Lima |
| 10:30am | Cleophas Peters |
| 5:00pm | Youth Mass |
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 18/19 Feb 23
| 6:00pm | N. Golaw / D&J Roga / S. Fernando |
| 8:30am | N&N Gooneratne / A. Vesty / K. Fernandes |
| 10:30am | M. Peters / B. Fernandes / D. Dalton / E. Mills |
| 5:00pm | Youth Mass |
Music Ministry –18/19 Feb 23
| 6:00pm | Mater Dolorosa |
| 8:30am | St. Philomena |
| 10:30am | FilOz |
| 5:00pm | Youth Mass |