Presentation of the Lord email: 02 February 2020 - - PDF document

Presentation of the Lord 02 February 2020

Parish Office Hours:

Mon—Fri 9:30am-2:30pm

CONTACT DETAILS

Parish Priest: Fr Jude Pirotta mssp Telephone: 9748 6800 email:

hopperscrossingnorth@cam.org.au

Assistant Priest: Fr Silvio Bezzina mssp Assisting Priest: Fr Brendan Byrne sj

Deacon: Dcn Royden Dsouza Parish Council President: Geralyn McCarthy Parish Secretaries: Red Lusterio Tita Manalo Thanksgiving: Maria Saldana Parish Bookkeeper: Angel Hartanto Wed & Fri 9:30-2:30 Sacramental Co-Ord Other Schools: Rachelle Revell Ph: 0411 774 636

hopperscrossingnorth.sacraments@cam.org.au

Youth Ministry Co-ord: Red Lusterio 0409 184 299 St James Primary School: Telephone: 9749 1000 Principal: Mary Abbott

principal@sjhcn.catholic.edu.au

St Francis Primary School: Telephone: 9749 9900 Principal: Michelle Gillett

principal@sfatarneit.catholic.edu.au

St Clare’s Primary School: Telephone: 9371 8400 Principal: Andrew Leighton

principal@sctruganina.catholic.edu.au

Thomas Carr College: Telephone: 8734 2444 Principal: Craig Holmes tcc@thomascarr.vic.edu.au Weekday Masses: Tues—Sat 9:00am 1st Friday Monthly: Mass at 7:30pm Adoration at 8:00-9:00pm Reconciliation (Confession): Saturday: 9:30am-10:00am 5:00-5:30pm Sacrament of Baptism:

Contact Jacinta & John Fisher

0438 793 630

hopperscrossingnorth.baptism@cam.org.au

Weddings: By appointment only 9748 6800

Weekend Masses: Saturday 6:00pm, Sunday 8:30am, 10:30am and 5:00pm

336 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing North, 3029 Under the Pastoral Care of the Paulist Missionaries

www.stjamesapostlehcn.com.au

Dear Parishioners, Our first Parish Bulletin for 2020 comes to print on the Feast of the Presentation. This Feast points to the lights and shadows that form the reality of our lives. As I returned home from a successful Mission Immersion in the Philippines, I was very much aware of the impact the bushfires have had on our nation and in our lives. Light and darkness have been evident in Australia and in the world. Despite these horrors, can we recognise God’s presence in unexpected people and places, speaking to our hopes and our expectations for change and healing? Clearly Anna and Simeon show us that it is by showing up, being present despite what is happening around them politically, socially and spiritually, listening with the heart, that God does respond in unexpected ways and fulfils the promise ‘I am always with you’ with the assurance of God’s favour. This year will see the long awaited construction of our Church extension which hopefully will begin mid February. We warmly welcome our Superior General Fr Mark who is visiting our mssp communities from Rome. Fr Martin will provide a Parish Mission inviting us all to deepen our faith commitment with a clearer understanding of mission. Our volunteers continue to be the heartbeat of our Parish. This year in particular we call upon the generosity of all Parishioners to fully participate in the various life and ministries of our Parish. As we move forward into 2020 may we, like Simeon and Anna, be reassured that our faith and relationship in God, in Jesus Christ, is what keeps us

• going. This is what gave meaning and purpose to their lives and they always

sought to keep that flame alive. God bless you, your families and all in our Parish Community. Fr Jude Pirotta mssp MESSAGE OF WELCOME Fr Martin Cilia mssp will be accompanying our Superior General Fr Mark Grima mssp from Rome who is visiting our communities. Fr Martin provides adult formation and will be speaking at all Masses next weekend on Sat/Sun 08/09 Feb. The Mission days are: Tuesday February 11—7:00pm-9:00pm Thursday February 13—7:00pm-9:00pm Saturday February 15—10:00am-4:00pm Please keep these days free and join us for any/all of these times. Further details can be found in the insert of this Bulletin. PARISH MISSION—BUILDING THE KINGDOM

Thanksgiving: $ 3510.55 Presbytery: $ 933.50 Flowers: $ 37.55 Youth: $ 8.25 COLLECTIONS LAST WEEKEND The combined Parishes of St. James and St. Peter's will commence the Bible Study 2020 on Monday 3rd February at 7 pm in the Thearterette at St. Peter's (Guinane Avenue, Hoppers Crossing) conducted by Clive Gonsalves and Francis Thomas. Come and experience an interactive study of the Gospel

• f

John with teachings, explanations, reflections and sharings with audio visuals. All are welcome with a special welcome memento to all attending regularly. Message enquiries to Clive Gonsalves 0490 814 452 or Francis Thomas 0401 787 372. BIBLE STUDY 2020 GOSPEL REFLECTION According to the Jewish law (Exod 13:1; 13:11- 16), all first-born males, animal and human, belonged to the Lord and had to be “redeemed,” that is, bought back from the Lord through a sum paid to the Temple. Accordingly, as told in the Gospel, Mary and Joseph bring their first-born Child to the Temple to “buy” him back from God with the simple offering prescribed for the poor. Led by the Spirit, however, the holy old man Simeon recognizes in the child, One who belongs to God in a unique way: one who is, in fact, the supreme gift of God to Israel and to the world as a whole. Simeon has longed for this moment. He will not live to see the salvation that the child will bring. But he can “depart in peace”. He knows that the God who is fulfilling the ancient promises to his people, will also be faithful to him. Simeon is thus the patron of the elderly who do not fret or worry about how their life has gone but simply entrust it to the mercy and faithfulness of God who understands, forgives, and heals all things. A word for Mary too. She too will have to let go

• f her child, surrender him to the difficult

messianic role that lies before him. Conflict and pain will not be absent, neither from her nor from him. In this too she is the patron of all mothers—all parents in fact—who must surrender the children they have nurtured to the adult lives that lie before them. Fr Brendan Byrne SJ Those who participated in the Mission Immersion this year to the Philippines with Fr Jude and Fr Mario will be sharing their experience at all weekend Masses on the weekend of 15/16 Feb. MISSION 20 Last year we expressed our gratitude to Rachelle Revell for her role as Sacramental Coordinator for other schools within our Parish. We are seeking a person within the Parish to replace Rachelle. Please see Fr Jude if you would require further information about this role. SACRAMENTAL COORDINATOR First Friday adoration for 2020 begins once again this Friday 07 February at 7.30pm with Mass and Eucharistic Adoration from 8pm to

• 9pm. Come and spend some quiet time with

Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament led by Deacon Royden including hymns, scripture reading, talk and silent reflection. This month we will be

• ffering our prayers and intentions for all those

impacted by the bushfires in Australia. FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION Peter O’Toole who has been the Coordinator

• f the St James Men’s Ministry since its

inception has advised us of his intention to resign from the position. We thank Peter for his great contribution in initiating the Men’s Ministry at St James which has benefitted many men of our parish. He has worked hard to keep the ministry running with many a man participating in regular fortnightly

• meetings. For this we as a Parish are much

grateful. We wish Peter well in his future endeavours. In the interim until a permanent replacement for Peter is found Deacon Royden will step in as the Coordinator of the St James Men’s

• Ministry. Please keep him in your prayers.

Fr Jude Pirotta MSSP ST JAMES MEN’S MINISTRY—UPDATE We welcome the Youth Leaders for 2020 who will be assisting Red our Youth Ministry

• Coordinator. They will

be commissioned at the Sunday evening Mass 5:00pm this weekend. Youth Group officially begins this weekend and is open to those in Years 7-12. We welcome you to check it out by speaking to the Youth Leaders after the Sun 5pm Mass, who will be wearing the red lanyards, or contacting them at 0409 184 299

• r

by email at HoppersCrossingNorth.Youth@cam.org.au. The Youth Group meets every Sunday from 4:50pm-8:00pm! YOUTH MINISTRY

Let us pray and support those in our community who are sick. We especially pray for K.M. Boyson, D. and Ema Camilleri, Kerrie Boyson, Meleane Ahomana, K. and A. Camilleri, Linda Noronha, Celia Pineda, C.Camilleri, Mario Ranada, Marcelo Arenas, Arn Raj, Sheillamar Cuetera, Dean Kharitou, Zenaida Porciuncula, Azucena Magcalas, Gauri Maskey, Emmanuel Bernardo, Manuel G. Martinez Jnr, Michael Xue, Robert Azzopardi, Corey Cauchi, Teodora Gundayao, Emerita Sagovia, Ann Maree Daly, Connie Micallef, Paul Cutajar, Juanito Osumo, Mary Ulep Guerzon, Tchiapke Joel, Jorge Maranan Jnr, Evelyn Soneja, Maria De Brincat, Elizabeth Magnaye, Mario Ranada, Paula Richards and all those who are ill. PRAYER LIST RECENTLY DECEASED & ANNIVERSARIES Please pray for our loved ones whom we remember especially Estefania Guerzon, Frances May Sheean, Leila Policarpio, Francis Kean and Salvu Muscat who passed away recently, Albina Rosiello, Philomena Leslie, Alphonse Sultana, Patrick and Gerard Joseph, Joseph Gonsalves, Gemma Macas, Anthony Baldacchino, Cindy De Pasquale, John and Angela Galea, Beryl Ward, Mary Headley, Andrew Prowd, Emy Saffarese, Nato Portelli, Jeff Ruthvern, Jake Shaw, Gloria and Mathew Montebello and all whose anniversaries occur at this time. As we approach the start of the construction for the Church Extensions, you can support this project through the ‘Donation Point’ in the

• Narthex. This device is for $5 donations per tap

and is available on the table in the Narthex at the section advertising the progress of the project. SUPPORTING THE CHURCH EXTENSIONS The Carpenter’s Club meet monthly to assist Fr Jude with any works that needs to be done of the Parish Grounds. Starting with a hearty breakfast at 7:00am, their next gathering will be

• n Sat 08 Feb.

CARPENTER’S CLUB ST JAMES VINTAGE GROUP A social group for all Parishioners over 55 and Young at Heart. No joining fee, just come when you can. Sun 09 Feb: Lunch at the Hoppers Club, Panaam Drive. Cost $20 Tues 11 Feb: Morning Melodies. Encore Events Centre. Cost $12 includes morning tea. For bookings or further information please contact Beatrice on 0403 683 374. Thank you to several Parishioners who have donated towards the up-coming Church extensions and to those using the ‘Donation Point’ in the Narthex of the Church. CHURCH EXTENSION DONATIONS Thank you to the Parish Family who donated the new Monstrance to the church, we are very

• grateful. The Monstrance will be displayed in the

Narthex of the Church next weekend. NEW MONSTRANCE FOR ADORATION Mass on this Thurs 06 Feb will be the Opening School and Community Mass for St James

• Primary. It will be at 9:00am in the Paulist
• Centre. No Mass in the church on this day.

MASS VENUE CHANGE THIS WEEK St James Playgroup meets weekly during the school term on Tuesdays from 9:00am. Their first session starts on Tues 11 Feb. For Term 1, Playgroup registrations are full. If you would like to join the Waiting List, kindly contact the Parish Office at HoppersCrossingNorth@cam.org.au. ST JAMES PLAYGROUP Thomas Carr College, our Regional Catholic College, is hosting their next Open Day on Sun 22 Mar from 10:00am-2:00pm. Please email registrar@thomascarr.vic.edu.au to register your interest. THOMAS CARR COLLEGE OPEN DAY Thank you to the Welcome Ministry and the hospitality they extend to all Parishioners. The Welcome Ministry are currently looking at new members to join this ministry. The Piety Stall Ministry are also looking for more volunteers, particularly at the Sun 10:30am Mass, in assisting Parishioners in finding and

• btaining items from the Piety Stall (the glass

cupboards in the Narthex). Please leave your details at the Welcome Desk if you would like to know more information about these ministries. VOLUNTEERS FOR MINISTRIES NEEDED READINGS FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 1st Reading: Is 58:7-10 Your light will shine like the dawn. Responsorial Psalm: Ps 111:4-9 A light rises in the darkness for the upright. 2nd Reading: 1 Cor 2:1-5 I came to you to proclaim Christ crucified. Gospel: Mt 5:13-16 You are the light of the world.

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