FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C) 6th March, 2016

We support the endeavours of the Royal Commission to bring healing to the victims of abuse. Church's website: www.facingthetruth.org.au

LOST AND FOUND

Many families, most classrooms, and different groups in society seem to have a ‘goody two-shoes’ - the reliable one, the loyal one, the one who never seems to put a foot wrong, the one who keeps all the rules. There can also often be someone with the opposite traits – the ‘tear-away’, the rebel, the one who causes heart-ache. Selfish, jealous, spoilt or just ‘way out of line’. In Jesus’ parable today he gives a classic portrayal of two brothers who fit these character types. We know the events of the story very well. We also know how the climax of the story develops. Despite their differences, their father loves both sons – unconditionally. It is not hard for us to draw the parallels of who represents whom.

It is good to keep in mind the context in which Jesus found himself, and which gave rise to the parable. The Pharisees were indeed faithful – they stringently kept all the rules. God should be very pleased with them. And here’s Jesus, who claims to speak God’s message, happily mixing with these dodgy corrupt characters and ne’er-do-wells ? To our modern day. . . . I have my home; I have my country; I have my rights and security. Who are these foreign streams of people trying to crash through borders and live where I live ? I have worked for what is mine. They haven’t. How would the father encourage the settled stable son/s, to welcome the impoverished brother begging

for acceptance ? The Father bonds us all in His Love and compassion. Sr. Delia

Lenten TimetableLenten TimetableLenten TimetableLenten Timetable Communal Rite of Forgiveness-7pm

St. Peter’s– Tuesday, 15th March St. Catherine’s- Wed. 16th March St. Paul’s—Thurs. 17th March

Anointing Masses—10am: St. Paul’s—Thurs. 10th March

St. Catherine’s– Wed. 16th March St. Peter’s—Fri. 18th March

Prayer Around the Cross in the Spirit of Taize—

Good Friday 25th March, 8pm, St. Peter’s

FIJI Appeal—Project Compassion 2016 Our prayers and thoughts go to those in Fiji who are suffering loss of family members, homes and incomes as a result of Cyclone Winston. Caritas Australia will be coordinating to meet the needs of the survivors of this devastating natural disaster. As many of you know Fiji as a nation is made up of over 300 islands and communication is non-existent to most areas at this time.

A sizeable proportion of our funds from this year’s Project Compassion will go to the people and community of Fiji.

Cardinal George Pell and the Royal Commission: After 19 gruelling hours and 4 days of legal argument and questioning which seemed to be going nowhere and causing more distress to the families concerned, the Cardinal gave of his extra time to listen to those who travelled to Rome. This simple but profound gesture might have done more ‘good’ than any legal process could obtain! A simple chat, face to face, person to person and even with the Ballarat group has possibly set the ground work for a future way forward out of this terrible mess. George Pell is after all a Ballarat boy! So my comment on this sad week is that the personal engagement without fear of threat or legal ramifications can open the door to genuine justice and healing and financial support. Michael

OUR MASS TIMETABLE (Subject to change)

OUR PEOPLE & OUR CONTACT DETAILS

Priests: Michael Sierakowski, Paul Gurry, Clem Cafarella, Cyril Blake

Pastoral Associates: Matilde Chia, Drusilla Gonsalvez, Margaret Pinzone, Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe (OLSH), June Kellar, Liz Liston, Catherine Green (Arrowsmith Program)

Parish Manager: Libby Thomas

St. Peter’s East Bentleigh OFFICE HOURS (Mon - Fri) 9am - 3pm

844 Centre Road, East Bentleigh 3165 Ph: 9579 4255 Fax: 9570 4288 office@holytrinityparish.org.au

Pastoral Associates: Carmel Dyt, Delia Donahoe, June Kellar Liz Liston Secretaries: Marion Quinn Trish Richards Sacramental Teachers Lidia Boschini Betty DeMarco Stewardship Program: Keith Gonsalvez Adult Faith Education: Chris Pearson St. Peter’s Primary School Michael Hanney - Principal 9575 0909

St. Catherine’s Moorabbin

2 Buchan Street, Moorabbin 3189 Ph: 9555 4242 office@holytrinityparish.org.au

Pastoral Associate: Margaret Pinzone

Secretary:

Primary School Lynda O’Donnell Principal Carmel Donlon - REC 9555 7200 Community Stewardship Presbytery

St. Peter’s $5,335 $1,001

St. Paul’s $1,338 $749.05

St. Catherine’s $1,020.70 $450.20

Collections: Last weekend 27th & 28th Feb. 2016

Emergency: Please call St. Peter’s and leave a message as we regularly attend this phone—03 9579 4255

St. Paul’s Bentleigh OFFICE HOURS (Mon - Fri) 9am - 3pm

122 Jasper Road, Bentleigh 3204 Ph: 9557 1165 Fax: 9503 4575 stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.com

Pastoral Associates: Matilde Chia, Drusilla Gonsalvez

Secretary: Libby Thomas

Primary School Catherine Tammesild Principal Margaret Smith - REC 9557 7130

RECONCILIATION: 1/2 hr before each mass

HOLY TRINITY PARISH WEB PAGE: www.holytrinityparish.org.au EMAIL: office@holytrinityparish.org.au

DAY TIME SERVICE COMMUNITY

WEEK COMMENCING 7th March, 2016

Mon

9:15am Communion St. Paul’s

10:00am Mass St Peter’s

10:00am Mass St. Paul’s

11:00am Funeral Mass Peter Brady

St Peter’s

Wed

9:15am Communion St. Paul’s

10:00am Communion St Peter’s

10:00am Mass St.Catherine’s

Thurs 10:00am Mass St. Paul’s

Fri

9:15am Communion St. Paul’s

10:00am Mass St Peter’s

Sat

8.30am Mass St Catherine’s

8:00am Communion St. Peter’s

9:30-10am Reconciliation St Paul’s

6.00pm Mass St. Paul’s

6.30pm Mass St. Peter’s

Sun

8.30am

Mass St. Peter’s

Mass St Catherine’s

9.30am Mass St. Paul’s

10.30am

Mass St. Peter’s

Mass St.

Catherine’s

5:30pm Mass St Peter’s

Tues

10:00am

Funeral Prayers

Marie Monaghan St Peter’s

Principal Co-ordinator of the three Primary Schools in Holy Trinity Parish -

Michael Juliff

GENERAL NOTICES

ST. PAUL’S NOTICES

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for the Crafty Ladies. Last week they hosted Sean Harvey from the Sacred Heart Op Shop in Bentleigh and donated another 30

blankets, bringing the total to well over 220. There are a regular group of up to 20 ladies who meet on a Monday

(except the 2nd Monday of each month) at St Catherine’s,

Buchan St. Moorabbin, 1pm, and also there are many other wonderful women, from near and far, who knit or

crochet squares for this worthwhile project. If you are interested in assisting in sewing, knitting or crocheting

please ring Sheelagh 9570.3550.

Celebrating 50 years—St Mary’s College University of Melb, will acknowledge 50 years on Swanston St and the Loreto Sister’s leadership of the College (1918-2013) with a Jubilee Mass to be celebrated by Archbishop Hart at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Newman College, 887 Swanston St Parkville; 3pm Sun March 13, followed by Garden Party in St Mary’s Courtyard. The Musical Directors are Ms Fiona Dybal & Sr Deirdre Browne ibvm. Alumni, friends and supporters of St Mary’s are warmly invited. RSVP for catering purposes to the College on 9349 9555 or secretary@stmarys.unimelb.edu.au

MONTHLY WALK BY THE BAY is this THURSDAY

March 10th, We leave Martin St. Foreshore at 9.15, walk

to St Kilda pier for a coffee, then back. ALL WELCOME.

Next dates: April 14th, May 12th. Enq. Maree 95787374

ANOINTING OF THE SICK MASS: St. Paul’s, 10am Mass on Thursday, 10th March will include the Sacrament of anointing of the sick. There will be a number of our priests present to help with the anointing. Morning tea will be served in the hall following Mass. All Welcome. CELEBRATING EASTER: ***

VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR EASTER CEREMONIES:: All available ministers (readers, leaders and Ministers of Holy Communion) are encouraged to have an active role in the Easter ceremonies. In addition to the usual ministries we need people on Holy Thursday 1. bring in the holy oil; and 2. for the washing of the feet. On Good Friday to bring in the crucifix. Additional ‘behind the scenes’ support would also be appreciated. Please look at the tasks on the lists for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday and write your name wherever you would be happy to help. Sign up sheets are available in front of Our Lady’s Altar. A member of the Liturgy team will then be in contact. Project compassion boxes can be brought to the Church on Holy Thursday. Parishioners will be invited to come forward during the Mass to place them in the basket. Boxes are still available from the stands at the doors for those who still wish to collect one.

BAPTISMS : We congratulate the following: Noah Lam son of Ken & Isabela, Zoe Water, daughter of Ashley & Clare, Thomas Tesoriero, Son of Mark & Sarah, Alex Kealy, son of Mark & Yvonne, who will be baptised this Sunday. We thank their families for bringing these children to Baptism and support them as they commence their journey of faith.

PALM LEAVES: once again we ask any parishioners who have small palm leaves, olive or cypress trees to bring in cuttings for Palm Sunday 19th/20th March. If these could be dropped off at the church on Friday 18th or Saturday morning 19th at the side door of the Church (closest to the school gates) or Parishioners could please bring their own branch to Palm Sunday Masses. Thank you.

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICKS DAY:

All Invited to join Rosemary & Geoff Green for a Special Lunch at Bentleigh Club Yawla St. 10.30am Arrival, 11am Bushwazee Duo, 12.15 Lunch. Thursday 17th March 2016. Adults $25, Children $10 Bookings by Fri 11th March ph: 9557 3819 or 0407 569 688 See Notice Board.

ST PAUL’S TENNIS CLUB MARCH MONDAY MADNESS

Free social tennis under lights for members and non members

Every Monday in March

Commences Monday 7th at 7pm

Grab your racquet, Grab a friend or come on your own.

Enquiries Anne 0418 540 310

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON NOTICE BOARDS

• Cabrini Malvern Communion Ministry Volunteers Needed. Are you interested in providing assistance to Cabrini Malvern as a Holy Communion Minister volunteer? Contact Leesa Horrigan 9508 1927.

• St. Johns Bentleigh Property Management INC: Part Time Position Unit Operations Manager.

• Presence In Absence: Reflections on the Post-Easter Season April 4-11 2016.

In the Boxes at the doors: • St. Paul’s School Newsletter ADORATION: Wednesday 3 — 4pm,

Friday 8.15 — 9.15am

Adoration for Trinity Parish sponsored by the Knights of the Southern Cross.

St. Catherine’s Church, Moorabbin Wed. 9th March, 5-8pm.

Lent in the Year of MercyLent in the Year of MercyLent in the Year of MercyLent in the Year of Mercy The parable in today’s gospel shows that there is always hope and a promise of forgiveness for those who repent and turn again to God and that God never tires of seeking the lost. The father allows his younger son to make his mistakes but welcomes him back. When the older son becomes alienated and lost, the father is consistent. He rewards both sons. Both, the lost son and his elder brother sinned and stood in need of reconciliation. One wasted his father’s inheritance, the other resented the father’s celebration and mercy. Reconciliation bridges over these family disputes and broken relationships. During Lent we are called to be both reconciled to God and agents of reconciliation. We say ‘yes’ to the call to heal relationships, to deal with the disorders of existence (our own and others’), and to name and address the imbalances that are part of our experience.

Ponder/Reflect/Meditate Do I have a sense of God seeking me out and saying to me: All I have is yours? Have I been ‘lost’ like the elder son – righteous but not right? Do I practice forgiveness in my life on a daily basis?

Act: ���� Invite someone to share a snack or simple meal. . • Remember those who are caught up in the

destructive web of addiction …pray for them and visit www.aa.org.au or www.reachout.com

or www.grow.org.au for ideas on how you can help. ���� Make an extra effort to attend our Communal Rite of Forgiveness evening

Prayer: God of mercy and forgiveness, heal my blindness, open my eyes to see your presence in the people I meet. Loving God, you are merciful and compassionate to all those who suffer. Help us to recognise and serve you in our neighbours, especially those in need. Teach us to discern your will in all that we

do. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our way, our truth and our life. Amen.

The Journey continues ...The Journey continues ...The Journey continues ...The Journey continues ... Pope Francis writes that ‘mercy is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality with which God reveals his love as that of a father or a mother, moved to the very depths out of love for their child’ (the Face of Mercy #6).

ST. PETER’S NOTICES

Sacramental Program 2016—For children NOT attending St. Peter’s Primary School

Classes for Reconciliation continuing

Wednesdays, 4-5pm in the Green Room Confirmation classes continue Sundays

10-11am –meet in McKenna Centre. Confirmation will be held on Fri. 20th May at St. Pat’s Cathedral.

Parish Office on 9579 4255.Sacramental Teachers-Lidia & Betty

Mon 7th Mar 7:30pm St V De Paul—Green Room 8:00pm Gospel Reflections for Lent- Charismatic Group –Anchor Wed. 9th Mar 4:00pm Sacramental Programme - Reconciliation-Green Rm. Thurs 10th Mar 7.30pm Baptism Preparation Night —Church & McKenna Centre

MEETINGS/FUNCTIONS THIS WEEK

Volunteers needed at St. Peter’s School

Mrs. McKee, Literacy Leader at St. Peter's School, is looking for volunteers to assist on a weekly basis with our Bridges Intervention Program. If interested pls call Mrs. McKee 9575 0946/kmckee@spbentleigheast.catholic.edu.au

Prayer around the Cross in the Spirit of Taize in Lent will be held on:-

Good Friday, 25th March—8-9pm

See McKenna Notice Board & Pamphlet Stand

∗ St. Peter’s School Newsletter : 3rd March 2016 ∗ Archdiocese of Melb. Parish Update: 2nd March ‘16 ∗ Cabrini Malvern Eucharist Ministry Volunteers needed: Contact Leesa Horrigan 9508 1927

∗ Part time work available: Social media student or anyone with expertise in social media advertising. Pls call Phillip 0402 213 813

∗ Salesians: Don Bosco Retreat Centre, Lysterfield, 7:30-8:30pm, Fri. 11 & 18 March.

∗ Salesian College: 2016 Hallof fame Reunion Dinner, Fri 18 March, pastpupils@salesian.vic.edu.au

∗ Part Time Position: Unit Operations Manager, 6 Unit Retirement Village, St. John Close, Bentleigh. 9557 4715

ST. CATHERINE’S NOTICES

FREE: Sofa Bed, in good order. Delphine 9579 3898

Children’s Liturgy of the Word for pre-school and primary school children. 1st & 3rd Sunday for month of March -Sunday 6th& 20th March - 10:30am Mass Come and share the Gospel and get to know other chil-dren at St. Peter’s

Fundraising for Sr Mary Bachelor after Mass Fri 11th Mar. & Sun 13th 8.30 & 10.30 - Home Made Preserves on sale.

Thank you to our Priests, Parish Team & Parishioners for all your love, prayers & kindness shown to me during my recent illness. I am so blessed to be part of such a caring & prayerful community. God bless you always. Anne Lo Schiavo

Loganville Social Committee meeting will be held on

Tuesday 8th March at Loganville at 12:30pm

VOCATION VIEW

God welcomes us home with extravagant love. Let the call

to holiness draw you home into a deeper relationship with

God. (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)

CRAFTY LADIES

The Crafty Ladies will meet tomorrow, Monday March 7th at 1:00pm in the Sweeney Centre.

EASTER CEREMONIES

Volunteers are required to assist with various Easter Services.

Please check the sign up sheets located in the Sweeney Centre and nominate for a variety of positions. Your input

is greatly appreciated and personalises each Mass.

BISHOP ELLIOT’S VISITBISHOP ELLIOT’S VISITBISHOP ELLIOT’S VISITBISHOP ELLIOT’S VISIT

Next week we welcome Bishop Peter Elliot

to St Catherine’s. Please join him at

the Parish/School Mass on Wednesday

March 9th at 10am or at the 8:30am or

10:30am Mass on Sunday, March 13th.

FIRST SUNDAY SOCIAL Please join us after mass today for a cup of tea or coffee and toasted raisin bread. It is a great opportunity to catch up with your fellow parishioners for a chat. New parishioners and visitors to our parish are especially welcome. Roster: 8.30 am: Pat Baird, Bernadette Jennings, Loretta Bowd 10.30am: Sylvia Demech, S Cernec, Llewellyn Noronha

EASTER RAFFLE

Tickets will be on sale from NEXT WEEK across the week-end of March 13 and 20th at both Masses. All proceeds to go to St Vincent de Paul Conference. Tickets are 3 for $5 or $2 each. Raffle will be drawn Palm Sunday (March 20) after

10:30am Mass.

WANTED: Upright piano for student, in tune, can pick up and . Please call David 0414 584 019.”

Congratulations & Congratulations & Congratulations & Congratulations & Best Wishes to Best Wishes to Best Wishes to Best Wishes to

Patrice & Joan Marshall Patrice & Joan Marshall Patrice & Joan Marshall Patrice & Joan Marshall On their 75th BirthdayOn their 75th BirthdayOn their 75th BirthdayOn their 75th Birthday

Accommodation needed urgently: Granny flat or 1 bed-room flat— 9570 6076

ST. PETER’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

LECTORS 6.30pm—Pat Berlingeri, Rubina Raja, 8.30am—Margaret Bellesini, Peter Carolan 10.30am—Anne & John Lo Schiavo,

5.30pm—Earnest Collins, Marinella Cubero

12th & 13th March

PRESBYTERY COUNTERS GRP 3: Kay Mannix, Kerry Honey, Pat Murphy, Romek Jarmolowski Sun 13th March

THANKSGIVING COUNTERS GRP 1: Ted Palmer, Pat Sinclair, Kath Kruger, Ann Damon, Geraldine Savage Sun 13th March

SACRISTAN GRP 11: Pat Sinclair, Trish Richards, Marj Brady, Sue Evers Sat 12th March

FATIMA STATUE Ainsworth Family—Axford Street Sun 6th March

Muratore Family—Bonny Street Sun 13th March

MOORABBIN

HOSPITAL VISIT Troy Kuhn (Sun) Michael Jones (Sun)

6th Mar 13th & 20th Mar

Liz Liston (Wed) Marj Brady (Wed)

9th & 16th March

23rd & 30th March

ST. PAUL’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

COUNTERS Mario Mirabile Richard English Sun 6th March

Marie Nath Peggy Davis Lillian Vella Sun 13th March

VOCATIONS / CHALICE Patricia Mirabile (Sun) Teresa Meyer (Sun) 6th & 13th March

LECTORS

Claire Stanley (L) Barbara Fyfe (R) (Sun) Kathy Lillis (L) Chris Periera (R) (Sun)

5th & 6th March

Pat Kelly (L) Lisa Perez (R) (Sun) Jane Renwick (L) Christopher Periera (R) (Sun)

12th & 13th

COMPUTER OPERATORS: De Losa Family (Sat) Peter Whitelaw (Sun) 5th & 6th March

Martina Bruce (Sat) Teresa Meyer (Sun) 12th & 13th

GIFTS Ling Family (Sat) Burns Family (Sun) 5th & 6th March

Davis Family (Sat) O’Halloran Family (Sun) 12th & 13th

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS:

Station 1: Sr. Elizabeth, Volunteer Station 2: Amanda Bonso, Volunteer, Volunteer Station 3: Claire Stanley, Volunteer

Station 1: Rosa Lettieri, Clyde Siebel, Station 2: Volunteer, Donna Dolfini, Volunteer Station 3: Dom L’Huillier, Libby Thomas

Saturday March Sunday

MORNING TEA (HALL)

Stella Sierak, Dot Doherty & Annette Clark 6th March

No Sunday Cuppa: Labour Day Long Weekend 13th March

COMMUNION TO THE SICK 2: Willie Chenhall 2: Maria Pellizzer 3: Donna Dolfini 6th March

ST. CATHERINE’S ROSTER PARISHIONERS DATE

COUNTERS Gary & Maureen Clynes, Bernadette Farrell Mon 14th Mar

ALTAR SOCIETY Daniela Pitrone Sat 12th Mar

LECTORS 8.30am: Stephen Caltabiano 10.30am: Mary Gill Sun 13th Mar

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS 8.30am: Terry Farrell 10.30am: Marg Pinzone Sun 13th Mar

COMPUTER OPERATORS 8.30am: Patricia Buchanan 10.30am: Norman Fuller Sun 13th Mar

FATIMA STATUE Caccamo Family Mon 14th Mar

BULLETIN NOTICES DEADLINES

St. Peter’s Trish Richards & Marion Quinn, 9579 4255, office@holytrinityparish.org.au Thursday

St. Paul’s Libby Thomas, 9557 1165, stpaulbentleigh@bigpond.com Thursday 9am

St. Catherine’s Maureen Gill - maureenagill@bigpond.com or 9555 5014 Wednesday 6pm

Lord, we commend to you people in need:Lord, we commend to you people in need:Lord, we commend to you people in need:Lord, we commend to you people in need: St. Peter’s: Bill Rankin, Maria Eyssens, Will Murray, Nina Lobo (Brian’s mother), Anna D’Rosario, Grace Sison, Aprille & Shane Thiedeman, Neville Bird, Baby Gabriel Clarke, Ann Dodd, Andrew Cook, Chris Diamond, Fr. Ross McKenney, Brian McKernan, Calvern Copeland, Rob Nicholls, Michael Tissera, Solange Ibrahim, Wilma Chevalier, Zelda Herman, John O’Connor, Marie & Ashleigh Popov, Sue Thorp, Faye Wareing, Melinda Hewitt, Marie Bibby, Maree Prior, Doug Willans, Moira Bugg, Anna Marteon, Peter & Marie Bergin, Sheryl Martin, Pat Huggins, Michael Griffin, Christina Andersen, Sarah, Elisa D’Elia, Paul Houston, Rachael Hailstone, Roland Fernandez, Merle Milner, Cresencia Elchico, June Jackson, Maria-Elena De Sa, Valmai Rogers, Matt Milanovic, Joan Clarke, Dorotea Moniz, Alfio Pappalardo, Claude Darga, Stephanie & Amelie Francois, Maria Kyunghee Chu, Melissa Jovanovic, Bill Tilley, Cathy Hogan, Kathleen Murphy, Abby, Jacqui Slattery, Daniel Pintado, St Paul’s: Verian Stroud, Henry Jewel, Mary Wong, Brenda Stewart, Giles Yates, Michael Brown, Marie Andrews, Dee Lupton, Patricia Briody, Elizabeth Wort, Sharon Boyd, Elisa D’Elia, Tanya Wall,

St Catherine’s: Jan Habel, Robyn Roberts, Johnny, Peter Wilson, Chris Madden, Gill Gamble, Shannan White, Betty Hargreaves, John O’Connor, Leo Mercuri, Sue Saddler, Joan Clarke, Joanne Barry, Robert Boileau, Paul Dwyer, Tony Infanti, Minna Beer, Trenna Scanlon

Those who are sick: Recently Deceased:

Anniversaries occurring at this time:

St Peter’s: Peter Brady, Marie Rose Monaghan, Beatrice McLogan (In Michigan, mother of Martha Morrow)

St Peter’s: Oscar Caruana, Giuseppe Famularo St Peter’s: Sheila Madden, Leonie Wilson, Vincenzo DeLosa, Joseph & Cynthia Rocha, Alexander Stevens, Vaughan Ryan, John Byrne, Nance Kennedy, Hartley Roydon Anderson, Eric Barthelson,

St Paul’s: Ray Davis, Joseph & Cynthia Rocha, Alexander Stevens, Marjorie Stewart, Agnes Ludlow, Yolanda Riviere, Valerie Thompson, Maisie Thompson

St. Catherine’s: Vera Connellan, Joseph Davis, Mary Stuart

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (YEAR C)

Gospel— Luke: 15: 1-3, 11-32 The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them: ‘A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that would come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery. ‘When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch, so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs. And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks the pigs were eating but no one offered him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s paid servants have more food than they want, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your paid servants.” So he left the place and went back to his father. ‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” And they began to celebrate. ‘Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. “Your brother has come” replied the servant “and your father has killed the calf we had fattened because he has got him back safe and sound.” He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out to plead with him; but he answered his father, “Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property – he and his women – you kill the calf we had been fattening.” ‘The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it is only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.”’

Bishop Peter Elliott will

be making pastoral

visitations to Holy Trinity

Parish during Lent. We

are looking forward to

his visiting our

communities on the

following dates -

St. Paul’s Bentleigh –

Fourth Week in Lent,

Saturday, 5th March –

6pm St. Paul’s Vigil Mass

Sunday, 6th March –

9:30am Mass

St.Catherine’s

Moorabbin

Fifth week in Lent,

Wednesday, 9th March

– 10am Parish Mass /

School and Parish

Visitation

Sunday,13th March –

8:30am & 10:30am

Masses.

1st Anniversary occurring at this time: