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
O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me.
1st Reading (Lev 19:1-2,17-18 )
A reading from the book of Leviticus.
The Lord spoke to Moses; he said: ‘Speak to the whole community of the sons of Israel and say to them: ‘“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy. You must not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. You must openly tell him, your neighbour, of his offence; this way you will not take a sin upon yourself. You must not exact vengeance, nor must you bear a grudge against the children of your people. You must love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.”’
The Word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord is kind and merciful.
2nd Reading (1 Cor 3:16-23)
A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Didn’t you realise that you were God’s temple and that the Spirit of God was living among you? If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him, because the temple of God is sacred; and you are that temple. Make no mistake about it: if any one of you thinks of himself as wise, in the ordinary sense of the word, then he must learn to be a fool before he really can be wise. Why? Because the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As scripture says: The Lord knows wise men’s thoughts: he knows how useless they are; or again: God is not convinced by the arguments of the wise. So there is nothing to boast about in anything human: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life and death, the present and the future, are all your servants; but you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.
The Word of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Whoever keeps the word of Christ, grows perfect in the love of God. Alleluia!
Gospel (Mt 5:38-48)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away. ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
The GOspel of the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
I will recount all your wonders, I will rejoice in you and be glad, and sing psalms to your name, O Most High.
Next Week’s Readings
Gen 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Rom 5:12-19; Mt 4:1-11
Feasts of the Week
ASH WEDNESDAY Wed, 22 Feb
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. |
PASTORAL VISITATION TO ST. PETER’S PARISH & SCHOOL – GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION
Archbishop Peter Comensoli has stated in his Pastoral Visitation Report that he was greatly impressed and expresses his deep appreciation for the tireless and selfless work done by all the volunteers in various Ministries, being totally focussed on creating a vibrant community of faith, missionary output and outreach. He applauded the Parish for the exceptional number of volunteers and commended Fr. Vincent John for the incredible way he engages with his parishioners, the life of the Parish community and its missionary activities. It is truly encouraging to note that the Archbishop was touched to see the encouraging way Mass was celebrated at St Peter's, as well as the participation of parishioners in the celebration of the Eucharist. A copy of the Report is available in the hall for your perusal. A "Grateful Thank You" to every parishioner for helping create this wonderfully vibrant community of faith, outreach and mission. Blessings always!!
ROSTERS FOR PIETY STALL for the months March to May 2023 are available for collection from the church hall.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY BAPTISED
We welcome into our Church community Ridha Katakam and Tyler L’Huillier who are to be baptised this weekend. 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.
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
Starting Friday 24th Feb, Stations of the Cross will be held every Friday during Lent at 7:00pm followed by Mass. Again we are seeking various parish ministries to lead and conduct the weekly Stations of the Cross. Emails have been sent to all Ministry Leaders. If your ministry is interested, please advise the Parish Office of the same.
LENTEN PILGRIMAGE – TA PINU
Come and join us in our yearly Lenten pilgrimage at Ta Pinu to pray and reflect on Jesus’ passion and death. Saturday 11th March 2023 at Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu Shrine, 15 Flanagan Dr., Merrimu Vic 3340. Program starts at 10:30am with the 14 Stations of the Cross followed by Eucharistic Mass at 12:00pm. Shared Fellowship at Ta Pinu after Mass – BYO lunch to share.
LENT ANOINTING FOR HEALING MASS TUES 14TH MARCH 11:00AM FOLLOWED BY LIGHT LUNCH
Everyone, especially the sick and elderly, are invited to attend our Anointing for Healing Mass on Tuesday 14th March at 11:00am. Following Mass, a light luncheon will be served in the hall, hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary. All welcome. If you are know anyone who wishes to be anointed but is too ill to attend Mass, kindly ask them to contact the Parish Office and Father will visit them at home at a suitable time.
LENTEN PROGRAM “LIVING THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL”
Parish Lenten Retreat. Sat 25th Feb, 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.
DIVINE MERCY NIGHT - THURS 2ND MARCH 7:30PM - 9:00PM IN OUR CHURCH
Please join us to help spread the message of Divine Mercy and encounter our Lord during Lent. The evening will begin with a talk and testimony by John Canavan, the Director of Mercy Publications, followed by Holy Hour of Adoration, and confessions and will conclude with Benediction. All welcome.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SACRAMENTAL & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM (for Children attending non-Catholic schools)
Children need to re-enrol each year 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 to Bernice 9749-2812.
CHILD SAFEGUARDING - PARENT ESAFETY WEBINARS
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner is conducting parent webinars during Term 1. Some of the topics include:
- eSafety 101
- setting your child up for success online
- getting the most out of gaming
- navigating online friendships.
To register and to find our more, https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
REQUESTING HELP FOR NEEDY FAMILY
Help is being sought from parishioners to assist a family in need of basic household items and other accessories. For more details refer Notice Board in the hall. THANK YOU!
EARTHQUAKES IN TURKEY & SYRIA
Caritas agencies are responding to earthquakes in southeast Turkey and Syria. Donations can be made at
www.caritas.org.au/donate/emergency-appeals/turkey-and-syria-earthquake/.
BISHOP ROBERT RABBAT’S MELKITE CATHOLIC EPARCHY SYRIAN EARTHQUAKE APPEAL
For those who would like to donate, contributions can be made by donating to: MCF DGR Account, Ref: Syrian Appeal, BSB 062784, Account: 100011493. Donations are tax deductible. For a receipt please email : mcf@melkite.org.au or contact 02 9750 5514 for more information.
RECENTLY DECEASED
We pray for Nucia Feraro, Elizabeth Angeles, Restituto Mamerto, 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 Mona Mann, Norm Hegarty, Gavina Angeles, Pedro Angeles, Nestor Biscocho, Dinnis Boother, Leo Castelino, Anthony Azzopardy, Agatha Borg 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, Nina Costa, Can Centorbi, Johnny Gregory, Draga Ve Kic and all who are ill in our Parish.
ROSTERS
| Bill Coghlan / Paul Mulquiney |
Roster for Readers – 25/26 Feb 23
| 6:00pm | Bernice Steinhauer |
| 8:30am | KSC Reader |
| 10:30am | Sunil Vaz |
| 5:00pm | Sherwin Simangan |
Extraordinary Ministers of Communion – 25/26 Feb 23
| 6:00pm | G. Surrao / K. Lan Pham / S. D’Souza / S. Joseph |
| 8:30am | KSC Minister / R Johnson / K English / P Fitzgerald |
| 10:30am | Florence A. / A. Koek / G. Siccita / R. Hibbert |
| 5:00pm | E. Angeles / I. SImangan / C. Skinner / S. D’Souza |
| 6:00pm | St. Cecilia |
| 8:30am | St. Philomena |
| 10:30am | Domini Chorum |
| 5:00pm | KNK |