This Week

SUNDAY 10th Mar 9am, 11am, 6pm Mass Baptism at 12.30pm

MONDAY 11h Mar

8.30am Rosary 9.00am Mass

TUESDAY 12th Mar

8.30am Rosary 9.00am Mass

9.30am Adoration

WEDNESDAY 13th Mar 6.30pm Rosary

7pm Mass 7.30pm Meditation

THURSDAY 14th Mar

9am Mass (at North School)

FRIDAY 15th Mar

8.30am Rosary 9am Mass

9.30am Divine Mercy 7.30pm Station of the

Cross

SATURDAY 16th Mar Reconciliation 10.30am

6pm Mass

SUNDAY 17th Mar 9am, 11am, 6pm Mass Baptism Preparation at

3.45pm

Reflection Truth and Reconciliation Last year I went to a restaurant with some friends and ordered brains, lambs brains in a caper sauce. Delicious! But some of my friends declared they would like to move to another table! My food was revolting to them.

Imagine if, in addition, eating brains was ab-solutely forbidden by their religion – a very strong religious taboo, so strong that they could not share a table with someone eating brains or who had eaten them! My friends would have definitely moved tables! They would have to keep a distance. The Jews of Jesus’ time had the same reaction to any-thing to do with pigs. Pork is not ‘kosher’. Pigs are so revolting that what this young man did, living in a pig sty, would have made him absolutely taboo, unap-proachable, unwelcome, to be kept totally at a distance. So, imagine the reaction of his Jewish audience when Jesus told the story of the father who had been griev-ously wronged by his son who had treated him as dead by demanding his inheritance. Jesus portrays the father as overcoming the distance between them by running to his son and embracing him, still stinking of the pig sty. Why? Because he regarded his son as some-one ‘who was lost and now is found.’

That is Jesus’ portrayal of his heavenly Fa-ther’s relationship with us. God has an eye out for the return of a dearly loved daughter/son who has got lost in the maze of life, some-times deliberately straying from the path, sometimes out of sheer carelessness, not pay-ing attention to all the signs which tell us how to be fully human and whole-hearted children of God. Jesus says to you and to me: ‘My heavenly Father is of such a character that he will run to meet you as soon as you set foot on the path home. All he wants to do is to embrace you, welcome you and celebrate the fact that you are found.’ This is a wonderful story. But, when we are

perfectly honest, do we feel some sympathy for the elder brother, share something of his attitude? Are we the sort of Christian which says with the elder brother: ‘Look, all those years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders.’ When we look at someone who has led a pret-ty dissolute life, gets back on track, finds the way, the Way, could we harbour a little re-sentment, even anger, that this person is for-given and enjoying all the fruits of living in God’s embrace? Don’t we really think that God should first ‘get even’, punish that person and even make him jump some very high hur-dles? Like the elder brother, we are sulking and will not join in God’s joy.

And, yet, when a person adopts the model Jesus por-trays – history can change. When Nelson Mandela came to power in South Africa, throwing off the evil power of white su-premacy, he could have tried to ‘get even’, to oper-ate in terms of revenge, bloodshed – at least, of crime and punishment.

Instead, he established a Truth and Reconciliation

Commission. If the truth of complicity in racism was admit-ted at a public hearing, then the person mak-ing the admission would be reconciled to the new national community. Civil war was avert-ed. Truth and Reconciliation. These go together for us also, not in a public session of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but at times in a private session of the Truth and Reconcil-iation Sacrament. Especially in this time of Lent, we have the opportunity to reveal the truth of our situation and to say with the younger brother: ‘I have sinned against God and those I have harmed.’ And our heavenly Father, who had already started running to-wards us when we first turned to come to Confession, embraces you. Reconciliation is achieved. God simply wants to say ‘You were lost, now you are found.’ Now, that is worth a celebration! Fr Michael Tate

4th Sunday of Lent (C), Mar 9-10, 2013

Parish Calendar, News & Events

DIARY DATES

12th Mar: Seniors morning Tea at 10am 12/13 Mar: Readers & Eucharistic minister’s reflection 16th Mar: Readers & Eucharistic ministers reflection 17th Mar: Altar Server meeting 3-4pm in church 17th Mar: Baptism Preparation in Parish House 3.45pm 23rd Mar: Family Mass at 6pm 26th Mar: Holy Week Reconciliation Service at 7.30pm 28th Mar: Mass of the Last Supper at 7.30pm 29th Mar: Good Friday Station of the Cross at 10am Solemn Commemoration of the Passion at 3pm 30th Mar: Easter Vigil Mass at 7.30pm 31st Mar: Easter Sunday Mass at 9am and 11am (No evening Mass on this day) Congratulations to Imogen Jade Davis, Roman Rawiri Paul, Eva Anna Paul, Aeden Raine Robles, John CHP Vicente, Alexander James Callery, Dallas James Henke and Koby Marcus Kelly who are being welcomed into the Catholic Community through the sacrament of baptism last weekend and this weekend. We offer them and their families the support of our prayers as they take this step in faith.

Seniors’ Morning Tea on 12th March in the Parish House at 10am. Please come along and bring a small plate to share. Always open to new people –why not come and meet other seniors and share interests and stories. Reflection times for Readers & Eucharistic Ministers are: March 12th and 13th at 7.30pm and 16th at 2.30pm Please try and set aside one of these times and come along for some quiet reflection. During these times we also share some practical points relating to the ministry. It is a way of keeping in touch with one another and knowing if there are any changes.

Altar Servers Meeting On Sunday Afternoon March 17th at 3.00pm there will be the first meeting of the year for all altar servers. Current servers are invited to come along as well as those interested in being part of our altar server ministry

St Paul Apostle North Primary School is having their Official Opening of their newly built ‘Passionist Learning Centre’ Come along and see our classrooms, childrens’ schoolwork and Cultural Fiesta. This event will be held next Saturday, 16th March from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. Prior to that there will be school tour at 12pm. There will be lots of entertainment during the event. Also lots of food and drinks for sale on the day. Come along and join the fun. RSVP direct to 9700 6068—Official Opening of the Passionist

Learning Centre at 1.15pm. It is also Catholic Education week this week and both our schools are open for visits. Holy Cross Retreat Centre: 1. Come Away Day : Come along to Holy Cross Retreat Centre on Wednesday March 20th for a 10am start. This is an opportunity to have a quiet day in which to reflect and pray with others. The day includes a celebration of the Eucharist and ends at 3pm. BYO lunch. Donation of $20-25 towards costs. 2. Retreat Day for women: Holy Cross Sunday 28th April 9.30am to 4pm. Details from Sr Brigid 2013 Sacraments programs for children On Tuesday the 5th of March we held our Registration Night for children who wish to take part in this year's Sacrament program. If you missed registration night and still wish your child to be part of the program, please contact the Parish Office ASAP on 9700 3781

Youth Retreat Last Friday evening and Saturday morning over 24 of our younger member of the parish participated in our first youth retreat for the year. A special thanks must go to Michael and Rhonda O’Connor who came directly from school to set up for the retreat. Also thanks for the leadership shown by eight of our young adults who helped lead the retreat. Thanks to the parishioners who also helped out with food, ice cream and setting up for the meal. Well done. Stations of the Cross 2013 The first meeting of those wishing and willing to be part of the youth stations on Good Friday are invited to meet for an hour straight after Sunday evening Mass, this Sunday. 7.00pm.

THANKSGIVING ENVELOPES. They are now ready at the Gathering space from this weekend. Please pick them up on your way out. We will also appreciate if can pick up the ones for the people you know or lives closed by, it will saves us some stamps. The Cyrene Centre Family Fundraising Dance The Cyrene Centre is having their Fundraising Dance to help the running of the centre. The event will be held on Saturday, 20th April 2013 at St Anthony’s Hall, 90 Buckley St, Noble Park from 7.30pm to 11.30pm. We will be entertained by Mistique Band. Cost of entry is $20 per adult and $10 per child. BYO food and drinks. Tickets are available from the Parish office or contact directly to Cyrene Centre on 9574 6355

Holy week & Easter Sign up sheets are in the gathering space and the foyer. Please sign for whichever ministry you think you can be available for over the week. Please note that you will be contacted by the group organising the Liturgy for the particular day when your services are required.

This weekend we pray for: Those who are sick Philippe Etheve, Youlia Younan, Natalie Bonnefin, Noel Brennan, Kifah Boboo, Rosemary Kuster, Franco Muleta, Christine Brennan, Nina Raveche, Sandra Samir, Shirley Frank, Connie D’Souza, Liz Jackson, Jose Zaia, Colleene Strentz, Lena Dichusa, Mike Jansz, John Coquet, Edgardo Sotiar, Ste-ven Klepac, Magda Domskoa, Aziza Chocky, Anthony Sylvester, Peter Tongi, Bert Geileskey, Su-zanne Michel, Teresa Leong, Joan Druett, Joyce Peters, Alyson Jillian Mendoza, Anne Payet, Samaa & Hadel

For those who have died Charles Daly, Henry Browne, Vivian Chapman, Esme De Fonseka, Vincent Mauro, Gra-ciano D’Silva, Rosita Villante, Cristanto Aguila, Tony Borg, Giovanni Bellio, Joseph Lieh Nang Nguyen, Gloria Leong, Adris Junkeer, Peer Scanlon, Carmel & Paul Donohue, John Taranto, Winifred Kerins, Sheila Watson, Bernard D’Souza, Steven Leveque, Bishop Bou-lous Rahoo, Gavin Lisk, Elsie Caldeira, Joseph Hanh Vinh Tran, Pierre Castelino, Joe Bon-nici, Amelia Quilala May they rest in peace

Sunday Readings

THIS WEEK: 4th Sunday of Lent Year C

Joshua 5: 9-12; 2 Cor 5: 17-21;

Lk 15: 1-3

NEXT WEEK: 5th Sunday of Lent Year C

Is 43: 16-21; Phil 3: 8-14;

Jn 8: 1-11

Lord,

inspire us to act justly, love tenderly,

and walk humbly with you, our God.

Breathe upon us your Spirit of peace

that we may be

bearers of reconciliation

wherever you place us.

May there be peace in our hearts,

in our homes, in our land,

and between all people. Amen

Stewardship Corner

- thoughts on Giving

“No longer was there manna for

the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the

land of Canaan.” (Joshua 5:12)

Throughout the forty years that the Israelites jour-

neyed through the desert, God provided them

with manna to eat. As soon as they were able to

enjoy the fruits of the Promised Land the manna

ceased. Likewise, God’s blessings to us may

change over the years but it is important to trust

that God will always provide us with all that we

need.

LENTEN CARBON FAST: Caring for our Planet Earth. Community: Inter-dependent living. The early Church (Acts 2:42-47, 4: 32-37) lived a community life which was radically different to our experience “All the believ-ers were together and shared everything in common… they gave to anyone who had need”. This week we think about our interdependence on God, on each other and on the environment. At the centre of community is relationships and inter-dependence. This week the Lenten Carbon Fast invites us to reflect on how our style of life affects others, particularly those who less well-off. For reflection: What are the challenges of living in an inter-dependent community, in a society which emphasises inde-pendence and individualism? Climate change and global weather events have no national borders. How do these global challenges reinforce the con-cept of community and interdependence? Some ideas for action: SHARE: more meals with friends, family and neighbour. LIVE: local. Choose shops closer to home. RIDE: to worship. Ride a bike, walk, or catch public transport to church. EAT: Local. Buy locally grown and organic food from Farm-ers’ markets.

Activities around us Marriage Encounter weekend will be on 19-21 April, 14-June and 9-11 August in Melbourne. For further infor-mation please contact Marianne & Marcel on 97330997 or vicbookings@wwme.org.au Catholic on Campus at Monash University Some information about this is available on the board in the foyer. For further enquiries please contact: Richard 0419386584, Fr Laurie 0439201182, Melissa 0430012903

Rosters for Next Weekend March 16th—17th (3rd Sunday of Month)

Parish Finances

Parish (1st) Pledged Weekly Rec’d

T/G Envelopes $3,110.38 $ 1,927.80

(303 pledges ) (121 env)

Credit Card & $2,333.04 $ 2,333.04

Direct Debit (177 pledges)

Cash $ 735.95

Parish Total $ 4,996.79

Priests ( 2nd Collection) $ 1,200.75

Thank You

St Paul Apostle St Paul Apostle

Catholic CommunityCatholic Community

Priests: Priests:

Fr Tim O’Toole CP (PP) Fr Tim O’Toole CP (PP)

Fr Tony Egar CPFr Tony Egar CP

Pastoral AssociatesPastoral Associates::

Sr Joan Smith CPSr Joan Smith CP

Sr Brigid Murphy CPSr Brigid Murphy CP

Parish Staff:Parish Staff:

Bursar: Bursar: Gillian VelupillayGillian Velupillay

Secretary: Secretary: Didi KarkasDidi Karkas

Passionist Community Passionist Community

Fr Brian Gleeson CPFr Brian Gleeson CP

Fr Tony Egar CPFr Tony Egar CP

Fr Tim O’Toole CP Fr Tim O’Toole CP

Fr Tomy Fr Tomy

Kanjarathungal CPCP

Sisters of Cross and Sisters of Cross and

PassionPassion

Sr Anne Cunningham CPSr Anne Cunningham CP

Sr Brigid Murphy CPSr Brigid Murphy CP

Sr Joan Smith CPSr Joan Smith CP

St Paul Apostle St Paul Apostle

North Primary North Primary

School School -- 9700 60689700 6068

PrincipalPrincipal

Mrs Christine WhiteMrs Christine White

St Paul Apostle St Paul Apostle

South Primary South Primary

School School -- 9700 36639700 3663

PrincipalPrincipal

Mrs Helen GreenhillMrs Helen Greenhill

St John’s Regional St John’s Regional

College College -- 9791 33669791 3366 Principal Mr Andrew Walsh

Sacraments: Baptisms are held on the 1st Sunday of the month. Preparation is on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

Marriages require 6 months notice to one of the priests, participation in a FOCCUS marriage preparation program, or a CatholicCARE Course.

Anointing of the Sick is held during Mass on the 1st Friday of the Month at 9am. Before going to hospital for major surgery, why not ask one of the priests to pray with you and anoint you.

Children’s Sacraments require full participation in the preparation phase.

Registration forms in the Parish Centre.

6pm 9am 11am 6pm

Welcome Lien Phan, Carlos & Sylvia Fernandes

David & Sandra McGuire, Carolyn Tinney

Maria Longano, Maria Allas

Sacristan Peter Miller Sandra & David Antoinette Gargano Kitty Jayasinha,

Readers & Commtrs

Andrea Rosario, Karen Rolfe, Reg Young

Nick Dimitrakas, Elizabeth Kee, Bernie O’Hara

Anne Astin, Sheahan Pereira

Marg Keating, Pierre Mendonca

Gifts Dorrie Turner, Gertrude Akom

Annette Lapierre O’Connor Family Hiranya Leitan

Communion

Paul Negri, Ivo-r/Myrtle Whiteman, Michelle Boissezon, Lien Phan, Meagan Rodgers, Cris Em-manuel

Ernie & Wilma San Giorgio, Margaret La Blanche, Daphne Vaifale, Anton Nada-rajah, Paul Smith, Danny O’Hara

Glen Johnson, Damian Kearney, Rhonda O’Connor, Esme Fourlze, Hel-en Greenhill, Shea-han Pereira, Chris-tine Gaiardo

Mignonne Meerwald, Dan Candido, Eugene Rebeiro, Kanthi De Alwis, Veronica Hassett, Penny Carvalho, Sam Car-valho.

Servers Jessica, Dominic, Joshua

Virendra, Mark Harper, Ethan, Luke

Meghan, Marc, Sean, Calvin, Jake, Jayden

Rachel, Julia, Dinarah

Cuppa

Communion to the Sick

after 9am Mass

Roster A: Vel Vaifale

Viewhills: Pauline Mallac, Christine Kennedy

Church Prep Albuquerque Family

Flowers No flower

(during Lent)

6pm 9am 11am 6pm

Welcome Bridgette Carvalho Sue Sharp Anne Martyn

Siro de Rozairo Amelia Bates

Cecile Boissezon George Jornet

Bert Bonett

Sacristan Anton Nadarajah Nona Sangalang

Readers & Commtrs

Denise Rodgers, Patricia Louden, Sophie Dang

Martin Vaifale, Daphne Vaifale

Yvonne Sherwin Glen Johnson

Premani Leitan

Gift Beryl Barnfield, Helen Sanders

Siro & Denver De Rozairo

Yolaine Chaperon Verna Family

Communion

Marie-Claude Mail-lard, Max Maillard, Celine Quinless, Carissa Fernandes, Denis Rice, Geraldine Lock, Grace Tyszka

Velia Vaifale, Joseph Chadwick, Siro & Den-ver De Rozairo, Dharshi Alwis, Aloma Perera

Solange Tranquille, Anabela Costa, Mi-chael O’Connor, Anthony Petryk, Sai Dilinger, Joseph Allas, Josephine Koshaba

Gladys Canales, Bert Bonett, Nelushka Sendapperuma, Nata-sha Fernandes, Kathy Rowden, Hiranya Leit-an, Candy Bird

Servers Dominic, Kathleen Natasha

Stephan, Kurt, Vi-rendra, Ashvika, Jason W

Aidan Jaysen, Kevin, William, Jake, Jay-den

Rachel, Dinarah, Lakni

Roster for this weekend March 9th—10th (2nd Sunday of month)

4th Sunday of the month