Dear Parishioners, ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE NEWSLETTER

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE NEWSLETTER
TWENTY NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
19TH OCTOBER, 2014
MA SS/LITURGY
CA LENDAR
MONDAY OCT. 20th
9.10am Mass
TUESDAY OCT. 21st
10.00am Mass
WED. OCT. 22nd
9.10am Mass
10.30am Mass at
St. Thomas’ Retirement
Village
THURSDAY OCT. 23rd
No Liturgy
FRIDAY OCT. 24th
10.00 am Mass
SATURDAY OCT. 25th
10.00am Reconciliation
6.30pm Vigil Mass
SUNDAY OCT. 26th
8.30am, 10.30am and
5.00pm Mass
YEAR A
Dear Parishioners,
You and I don’t like conflict. It is painful, and often proves hard to get good
outcomes as we try to understand all the underlying currents and details of
the differences. But we are part of the human race and differences are part
and parcel of existence. Our gospel today has Jesus at odds (again) with the
religious authorities of his day. He is confronted by a seemingly innocent
question but in reality is loaded against him. He sees into the questioners’
approach and contains his annoyance by using an argument that leaves
them amazed and floundering. We need that kind of wisdom, don’t we!
And as I write these words I am aware that change is always part of our
lives. In the church we have new TV type screens fitted. Hopefully we
won’t experience too many teething issues and they should make our
praying and singing far more enjoyable and effective.
And this week our young ones, some 50 of them, made their first reconciliation. I guess we all remember that first day for ourselves. For many, it was
with a lot more anxiety and fear, but today we aren’t caught up with getting
all the words just right and so on. Congratulations young ones, for this
step, and a big thank you to both parents and teachers for your assistance
in bringing our newest generation closer to God and to each other.
Little further to report on either Fr Chris or Br James. James, by the way,
spent the past week with us. He looks well, however he has still some very
difficult days ahead with further invasive medical procedures. We continue
to hold both in our prayers.
Blessings,
Fr Frank msc
MURPHY’S LORE
Our main aim is not to see what lies dimly at a
distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.
Liturgy - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
A Vocation
View:
We do not choose a
vocation completely on
our own. We must
prayerfully reflect on how
we can best give to God
what is God’s , and then
live as though everything
depends on God.
Please remember the
following in your
prayers...
Sick: Fr Chris Murphy,
Br James Maher, Kevin
Dwyer, Therese Irwin,
Kevin Patterson, John
Francis, Germaine
Symonds, Dao Le,
Patrick Johnston, Ron
McDonald, Irene Arthur,
Tony & Clare Hill,
Luigi D’Aloisio
Recently Dec’d:
Pat McQuitty
Funeral Notice:
Anniversaries:
Mary Hartigan,
Catherine Hawkins,
Charlotte Clarke
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 16:6,8
To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O
God; turn your ear to me; hear my words.
Guard me as the apple of your eye; in the
shadow of your wings protect me.
Gospel Acclamation: Phil 2:15-16
Alleluia, alleluia!
Shine on the world like bright stars; you are
offering it the word of life.
Alleluia!
First Reading: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
I have taken the hand of Cyrus to subdue
nations before his countenance.
Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21
Give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar
and to God the things that are God’s.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 95:1,3-5,7-10
Give the Lord glory and honour.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 32:18-19
Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who
fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to
rescue their souls from death, to keep them
alive in famine.
Second Reading: Thessalonians 1:1-5
We are mindful of your faith, hope, and love.
PIETY STALL
OPENING TIMES:
BEFORE & AFTER MASS
Compass Magazine at $3 each
Br. James CD’s available
Greeting Cards hand-made by Sr.
Angelica of the Disciples of Divine
Mercy for the Orphans of Myanmar
at $3 per card or
4 for $10
Friends of Same East Timor
Ground Coffee @ $7.50ea
Pocket sized hand carved
NZ crosses at $8.95ea
SHORT PRAYER REFLECTION
On Monday 20th October, there
will be a short Prayer Reflection
time (about 15 minutes) directly
after the 9.10am Mass for
Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
SPRINGTIME FAIR 25th OCT.
A small favour for a worthy
cause. We are requesting
parishioners to provide
Scones for a Devonshire Tea.
12 dozen in total is all that is
required and a signup sheet is
in the Narthex to add your
details. With many thanks,
Fair Committee.
All enquiries re Youth Ministry activities can be
made to Denise at the parish Office.
SIX2EIGHT: We will meet next Friday
night the 24th Oct. Come join the
fun!
YMAT: The next meeting will be on Tuesday 21st Oct at
7.30pm in the Presbytery.
YOUTH FEST: SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER. This is our annual
event to thank our young parishioners (Years 3-12) who
are involved in various ministries in the parish. It will be
held from 2.30pm, finishing with the 5pm Mass which will
be a Youth-led Mass. Flyers are on the Youth Ministry
notice board.
BOOKS FOR THE SPRINGTIME FAIR (FETE)
Parishioners, we would be glad to accept paperbacks
and other books for sale at our Fair, but please NO
computer, accountancy or school books. We will
accept books up to the day of the fete and they could
be left in the Church Narthex. If books need to be
collected please ring either of these numbers: 9802
6809 or 9878 5010. Gary Harkin President St. V de P.
CAKES STALL AT SPRINGTIME FAIR
Please assist in baking a cake, slices and biscuits for the
Fair by taking a plate and bag located in a box in the
Narthex. Many thanks Fair Committee
St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish, Montmorency invites you to
an evening with Fr. Shay Cullen. Hear Fr. Shay, triple nominee
for the Nobel Peace prize, speak of his work amongst the poor
and abused in the Philippines. At St. Francis Xavier Parish
Hall, Mayona Road, Montmorency on Wednesday 22nd
October at 7.30pm.
Learn of the work of the PREDA FOUNDATION which Fr. Shay
founded in 1974. PREDA works to bring freedom and new life
to children who are in jails, in brothels and on the streets. For
more details see the Noticeboard in the narthex of the
Church.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER
CATECHETICS CLASSES:
Tuesdays 4pm-5pm (during School Terms)
FIRST FRIDAY PARISH MASS & LUNCHEON:
First Friday of the month starts at 12noon.
CHILDREN’S LITURGY:
Sundays at 10.30am Mass. During School Terms only.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION AFTERNOON/EVENINGS:
Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Quiet Room of the Church.
Contact Phil Collins on 0410 668 140 or email at
chrmed3130@gmail.com New comers most
welcome.
Monday afternoons at 4pm at the Retirement
Village Centre. Contact Geni Hunt on 9802 2078 or email:
geni.hunt9@gmail.com
ST. THOMAS’ PLAYGROUP:
On Wednesdays at 9.15am till 11am. Location front Portable at the
school. All families with pre-school children (0-4yrs) are very welcome. Please bring a piece of fruit for each child. Please contact Julie
O’Donnell on 0434 408 122.or email julieodonnell@optusnet.com.au
(During School Terms)
Everything we are and everything we have belongs to God. We
aren’t “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the
gifts God has given each of us. All God is asking is that we give
back a portion of what He gave us. This is the essence of
Stewardship. God should be our first priority in everything.
All else comes second.
Anyone wanting Spiritual Direction can enquire
at Parish Office on Ph.: 9878 0818.
St. Thomas’ Social Scene What’s On……….
SPOT SKETCHING/PAINTING
Will be held on Wed. 12th Nov.,
meet at 9.30am
New Comers most welcome!
CARDS NIGHT:
The next card night is to be
held on Thurs. 6th Nov.
All welcome.
Enquiries Don & Pat on 9878 4790
SCRABBLE
Join in the fun for a social game of
Scrabble in the Parish Hall on
Thurs. 6th Nov. —7.30pm start.
All Welcome.
Any queries contact Maureen on
9884 4376 or Carmel on 9894 7950
1ST FRIDAY PARISH CHRISTMAS MASS AND
LUNCHEON :
Bookings for Christmas Mass & Luncheon are
now being taken, please contact Evelyn Tan
9877 5548
PRAYER FOR PEACE
God of hope and peace, be the spirit of wisdom,
reconciliation and justice in the words and actions of the
leaders of all nations. Protect those communities affected
or threatened by violence in troubled areas.
May the memories of those who have died urge all people
towards an international community of security and
peace. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR
UPCOMING EVENTS…..
FIRST FRIDAY PARISH LUNCHEON on
Friday 7th November, 2014. Come
along and enjoy the CUP FEVER .
Mass at 12Noon in the Church followed
by lunch in the Hall.
MELBOURNE CUP theme and EVERYONE is expected to
wear a HAT! A FUN DAY.
Enquires: Dympna 9877 3346
OPEN DAY - YARRA THEOLOGICAL UNION (YTU)
On Sunday 19th October 2014 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm at
98 Albion Road, Box Hill. Undergraduate and postgraduate
courses available. All welcome.
Ph: 9890 3771 or email: admin@ytu.edu.au
Website: www.ytu.edu.au
FETE RAFFLE TICKETS
The fete is almost upon us and a big thanks to those who have returned the proceeds of their sold raffle tickets. We appreciate your efforts to sell one book per family and as the due date is now upon us, ask that you promptly return the ticket stubs
and payment (or any unsold tickets). You can do this by placing in an envelope marked ‘Fete Raffle’ and returning via the
Sacrificial Offering basket at Mass this weekend, handing in to the school office or Presbytery, or mailing to St Thomas
Presbytery 57 Central Road Blackburn 3130. Any cheques should be made payable to ‘St Thomas the Apostle Parish
Fete’ (please don’t mail cash). **We need to account for all tickets so please return any unsold tickets.
ST THOMAS THE
APOSTLE PARISH
57 CENTRAL ROAD
(PO BOX 395),
BLACKBURN
PARISH PRIEST –
Fr. Chris Murphy, MSC
Email:
chrismurphy34@hotmail
.com
ROSTERS FOR WEEKEND OF THE 25TH & 26TH OCTOBER, 2014
Mass
Commentators
Lectors
Special
Ministers
Altar Servers
Welcoming
Committee
6.30pm
P. Brooks
C. Raisin
T. Keaney
M. Gartland
C. Wittick
Khoi
P. Bergin
A. Fraser
S. O’Connor
A & D Lodge
8.30am
M. Burchell
T. Case
M. Munro
F. D’Souza
P. Crowe
Peter
K. Castanelli
10.30am
A. Bailey
Q. Bailey
P. Northrop
L. Shaw
O. Shaw
H. Grogan
J. Gomez
M. Brodrick
L. Thompson
M. O’Loughlin
5.00pm
M. Negro
H. Newton
J. Defina
Susan Collins
B. Bodin
A. Rego
J. Canoneo
A. McGrath
ASSISTANT PRIEST &
FORMATOR:
Fr. Frank Dineen, MSC
PARISH PHONE:
9878 0818/9877 7693
PARISH FAX:
9877 9519
Children’s Liturgy: Leader: Monica O’Shannassy
Piety Stall: Team 1
Money Counters: Team 2
PARISH EMAIL:
Blackburn@cam.org.au
Web:
ST.VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY:
www.stthomastheapostle.
org.au
Call Centre for assistance – 1300 305 330
Weekdays 10am-3pm.
PARISH
SECRETARIES:
Susan Collins, Luise
Hendricks & Luisa May
Ringwood Centre Ph. 9870 9124,
Unit 1B/76-82 Maroondah Hwy Ringwood.
(cnr Murray Pl.)
Furniture & White goods pickup
-1800 621 349
PASTORAL
ASSOCIATES:
Sr. Marg Burchell
Denise Lyons
0478.169.114
Email:
denise.lyons@cam.org.au
PARISH PASTORAL
COUNCIL :
A Prayer for Priests
God, grant them the joys of their
vocation, health of mind, body and spirit; a
strong faith and a light heart to do the
Lord’s work in this world; and the love and
support of their friends, family and parishioners. Holy Spirit, guide them and give
them grace. Amen
FIRST AID EQUIPMENT
Attention Parishioners: A First Aid kit
is available in the Kitchen on the
bench top.
First Aid items (blankets etc.) which are
provided by the Church are stored in a large
plastic tub in the crying room (right sliding
cupboard.)
EMMAUS COLLEGE - OPEN DAY
All parents with children in Years 3-4-5 are
invited to attend the Open Day at the
Vermont South Campus.
OPEN DAY - Sunday 8th February 2015
Information Sessions: 2pm & 3.30pm
Joan Morgan
9877 3472
SCHOOL PHONE:
9878 8268
SCHOOL FAX:
9878 1233
SCHOOL EMAIL:
Office@stblackburn.catholic.
edu.au
Web:
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE
POSITIONS VACANT NOTICE
Please check our Notice board in the
Narthex for positions/jobs that are available
for interested persons.
MATHS TUITION
A fully registered Math's Teacher with 25 years
experience. Please call Andrew on 9894-7893.
Specialty in VCE 11-12 (can also help with
Yrs. 6-10 Math's)
EMMAUS COLLEGE REUNIONS:
Classes of 1984; 1994 & 2004
Reunion dates for the above Year classes,
respectively, are as follows: 25/10/2014 &
15/11/2014
Any further details and all other past student
queries, please contact Michael Jones, Alumni
Rep. Ph. No: (03) 9758 7784 or
email: alumni@emmaus.vic.edu.au
www.stblackburn.catholic.edu.au/
LOST PROPERTY LOCATED BY NOTICE BOARD.
PLEASE CHECK IF ANY ITEMS BELONG TO YOU.
MANY THANKS PRESBYTERY OFFICE .
Time for a cuppa and a chat
after Mass………..