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Parish Priest:
Fr Thanh Tran
Parish Secretary Dominique Hockey Amelia Younane
Parish Office Hours
Tuesday - Friday 9am—3pm
Baptisms Please contact the Parish Office.
Weddings By appointment and after Preparation
Children’s Ministries Kathy Menzies [email protected]
St Schols Community Centre 03 9808 1006
[email protected] www.stscholscc.org.au
St Scholastica’s Primary
School Principal: Jenny Rohan 9808 7279 [email protected]
Outside School Hours Care
Camp Australia 1300 105 343
St Scholastica’s Kindergarten 9808 9724
Director: Catherine Findlay [email protected]
Administrator:
Katherine Presley [email protected]
348 Burwood Highway, Bennettswood VIC 3125 ABN 95 499 516 268
Phone: 9808 1006
Fax: 9888 7573
Email: [email protected]
Website:
www.stscholasticaparish.com.au
HARMONY DAY - PENTECOST SUNDAY - 4TH JUNE
Join us at St Scholastica’s in celebrating Harmony Day starting with the Celebration of the Eucharist at 11am followed by a Multicultural Luncheon. As part of Harmony Day, there are a few different ways you and your family can participate.
Be Part of the Procession - we are asking people to wear their national costume and be part of the entrance procession at the beginning of mass. We would love to have a large variety of cultures represented at this celebration of diversity. If you would like to participate in the entrance procession, in your national costume/dress, please advise the Parish office on 9808 1006 or [email protected]. Items of Cultural Origin - we are looking for items that represent ethnic origins that will be displayed in front of the altar for the Mass. It would be greatly appreciated if we could have a ‘loan’ of these items and they would be returned at the end of Harmony Day. If you have any items that we could borrow, please contact the Parish Office on 9808 1006 or [email protected]. Multicultural Luncheon - after the 11am Mass we will be holding a Multicultural Luncheon which will include foods from all over the world. We encourage you and your family to join us for a taste of the world which will include Indian, Italian and Vietnamese cuisines - to name just a few!
Please note the 2nd collection next weekend will be taken up to support Harmony Day.
CHAPLAINCY SUNDAY APPEAL 2017 - THIS WEEKEND
Give hope by giving generously to Chaplaincy Sunday 2017, 20/21 May. The Melbourne Catholic Archbishop’s Charitable Fund will be conducting an Appeal in parishes to support the vital work of Catholic Chaplains in our community. Our dedicated Chaplains in the Youth Justice Centre at Parkville can work under extremely sad circumstances; conducting funerals, memorial services, hospital visits and offering support at court appearances. The role of the Catholic Chaplain is to walk with people as they seek out new possibilities in their lives and support them as they invite God and others to join them in this journey. They spend much of their time listening to the anxieties, fears, hopes and joys of those they meet. As one Chaplain describes it “What a privilege is the role of the Catholic Chaplain.” To find out more, please view the Chaplaincy Sunday webpage: www.cam.org.au/chaplaincy Donations will go towards supporting Chaplains who work with: − Young people in youth justice facilities
− Patients and their families in public hospitals − People living with HIV/AIDS. Men and women in Prisons − Seafarers
KINDERGARTEN ANNUAL BOOK FAIR
Thank you to the wonderful, generous parishioners who kindly donated their pre-loved books to the Kindergarten Book Fair. Your support of our fundraising efforts is truly appreciated.
6th Sunday of Easter Year A 20th & 21st
May 2017
WEEKLY CALENDAR 2017
Monday 22 May 08.00am Communion Service
7.30 Vinnies gathering
Tuesday 23 May
08.00am Mass ~ Exposition 07.30pm Prayer Group Mc Andrew room
Wednesday 24 May
10.00am Exposition 10.30am Rosary 11.00am Mass followed by a cuppa GA 01.30pm Legion of Mary GA
07.00pm Meeting for Harmony Day in Presbytery 07.10pm Rosary followed by Novena
08:00pm 1 Month Anniversary Mass - Teresa De Leo
Thursday 25 May
08:00am Mass 08.00pm Burwood discussion group Mc Andrew room
Friday 26 May
08:00am Mass
Saturday 27 May - Collection for Harmony Day
09:00am Mass - Confession
06:00pm Mass
Sunday 28 May - Beginning of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity & Collection for Harmony Day at all masses 09.00am Mass - Presentation of the First Holy Communion candidates of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
10:00am Confirmation - Lesson 8
11.00am Mass followed by baptism of Charles Ellul 05.30pm Mass
NO Vietnamese Mass Sunday 4th June
Remembering Our Community
Sick
Dolores Bubeck, Kath Laurie, Tahnee Walters, Barry Del Brocco, Trong Nguyen, Silvana Guidolin
Anniversaries John Marian, Lise Marot, Kathleen Torpy, Joan Bartholomeusz, Louise Wates, Tom Muir
Recently Deceased
Teresa Carnovale
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CELEBRATION
Thank you so much to everyone who helped make Saturday 9am Mass so special to celebrate 100 years since the appearance of our Blessed Mother to Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia. The music and floral tributes were so beautiful. Jeremy and Gerard were very careful with the Our Lady of Fatima's Statue in procession and the children were so excited to process in from the Hall. The children from the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Ministry and their families always feel so welcome at St Schols! Some of the families left their homes at 7:30am to arrive at church by 8:25am for the Rosary and the procession. Special thanks to Fr Thanh for supporting this celebration, and to Blossom, Yvonne and Adrian for receiving the food from the parents in the hall and serving endless cups of tea and coffee to parents and parishioners. Be sure to have a look at the photos in the Gathering Area. God Bless
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION RETREAT 18-21 MAY 2017
CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
This weekend 17 children from our Level II Atrium will be receiving Jesus for the first time in the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is a very special time in the faith journey of these children and their families, many of whom have been coming to the Atrium since 2012. Please join us in praying for:
Leila, Jasper, Raquel, Gabe, Theo, Chris, Samantha, Noah, Keenan, Jenna, Philomena, Zoe, Emma-Louise, Winston, Helena, Grace, Laudate.
Next week, 28 May (9am Mass) these children will be presented to the Parish and receive their certificates after Communion. Please join us in the Gathering Area after Mass for a special celebration cake. Thank you for your continuing prayers for the children, their families and the beautiful work of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. God Bless
Notice to Parishioners
We have been advised by an arborist that the tree facing Starling Street side has a disease and in the interest of safety for all it will need to be removed. It is a shame to lose such a beautiful tree but we hope to replace it with a new one soon. Thank you.
ROSTERS
Day Mass Time
6th Sunday of Easter 20/21 May 2017
Readers Special Ministers
Saturday 6.00 pm Dianne Smith Lindy Leigh Fred Hillas Franklin Rozario
Sunday 9.00 am Sylvia Chuah Susan Jenkins Daniel Leong Anna Gaetano
11.00 am Ren Maliakal Quyen Truong April Lewis Ewena Ellis
5.30 pm Mernellie Pilcher John Doherty
ROSTERS
Day Mass Time
The Ascension of the Lord 27/28 May 2017
Readers Special Ministers
Saturday 6.00 pm June O’Bryan Barbara Schobben Judith Silvina Laurine Shane
Sunday 9.00 am Denis O’Gallagher Joy Guinane Roland Devaraj Anna Gartano
11.00 am April Lewis Pat Nitz Willard Lewis Maria Feleppa
5.30 pm Louise Willison Michael Chan Anna Nguyen
The Jubilee Cross - Sunday 11th June, 5:30pm
The Jubilee Cross will be at St Scholastica’s Parish from Sunday 11th June to Sunday 18th June 2017. This year marks the 50th Jubilee Year of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement worldwide. We are privileged to have the Jubilee Cross visit our parish. Hosting the Jubilee Cross at our Parish allows us the opportunity to answer the call to personal and communal prayer. Personal prayer intentions may be written and placed in the box at the foot of the cross, and these offered up in prayer as the Cross makes its visit to the different Catholic Parishes. These remain private and confidential. The Jubilee Cross will be welcomed with Holy Mass celebrated by Monsignor Greg Bennet (Vicar General) and concelebrated with Fr Thanh Tran on Sunday 11th June at 5:30pm. This mass will be followed by refreshments in the hall. We welcome all parishioners to attend.
Home Visit to Parishioners
Fr Thanh is more than happy to visit parishioners at home who are unable to attend mass. You may be of ill health and unable to come to Mass or you may just wish to have Fr Thanh pay you a visit in your home. If you would like Fr Thanh to visit you, please contact the parish office to arrange a suitable time.
Volunteers Required
The following ministries are looking for volunteers: - AV Operators needed for 9am Mass Sunday - Training provided! You can contact us by email on [email protected] or you can give your details to Fr Thanh Tran. Thank you.
Baptism at St Scholastica’s
It is a requirement of the parish that a Baptism information night must be attended prior to having your child baptised. Contact the parish office on 9808 1006 to make a booking into one of the monthly sessions. Next session: Thursday 1st June 2017 at 7.30 pm in the gathering area.
Communion to the sick and homebound
Would you like to hear about this ministry? Then please come along to our next meeting on Saturday 3rd June at 10:15am in the Gathering Area. Father Thanh will be there to answer any questions you may have. Holy communion is the most intimate encounter with Jesus possible in this life - let us take this opportunity to renew our appreciation of this sacrament and the joy of taking Jesus to our parishioners who cannot get to Mass because of illness and frailty. All ministers of Communion to the sick are asked to mark the above date in their calendars.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
There will be a week of pray from 28 May - June 4 with the theme being - "Reconciliation - the love of Christ compels us." Special prayers will be said during that week and all are invited to a special service at St Benedict's on Thursday, June 1st at 9 am.
Intercessory Prayers
We have an intercessory team who pray for specific prayer requests. Should any one in the parish like to do this, they can send requests directly to the parish office either via email: [email protected] or they may be written and given to the parish office staff who will pass them on to the intercessory team.
Stewardship Corner
“For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be God’s will, than for doing evil.” 1 PETER 3:17 The old line says “if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” Many of us are diligent in our planning, making sure things are progressing smoothly, then disaster strikes, we don’t get the result that was intended. An unforeseen problem arises. Many times we may respond negatively. Why me? I did everything right! Here’s the thing – God has a different and better plan in store for you.
Catholic Theological College
2017 Knox Public Lecture - Wednesday 31 May 2017 at 7.30pm
Rev. Prof Denis Edwards - Ecumenical Priorities after 50 years of ARCIC. Bookings and Information: Email: [email protected] or ph: 9412 3304. RSVP: Friday 26 May. Venue: Gateway Lecture Theatre, Trinity College Royal Parade, Parkville
Emergency Appeal - East Africa Famine
Drought and conflict in East Africa mean the world now faces the largest humanitarian crisis since 1945.Your gift could provide lifesaving food, water and much needed supplies to families dying from starvation. If you would like to donate, envelopes are available at the Church doors.
Seniors Outing: Yarra Valley, Alowyn Gardens, Tarrawarra Museum of Arts
When: Wednesday, 31st May departing at 9am. Pick up point: St Dominic’s Church
Destination: Yarra Valley
Meal arrangements: Morning Tea and 2 course lunch at The Healesville RSL
Cost: $75.00 per person
To Book: Call St Dominic's Parish Office at 9912 6870 ext 310.
Holy Stitches - An Exhibition
Thursday 25 May to Thursday 8 June, 10am–4pm daily, Wednesdays 10am–8pm. Embroidery House, 170 Wattletree Road, Malvern.
Holy Stitches is an exhibition of antique embroidered ecclesiastical textiles. The Embroiderers Guild Victoria will exhibit Dr Guy Churchman’s private collection of vestments and church furnishings dating from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Details: 9509 2222 or [email protected] Web: http://www.embroiderersguildvic.org
6th Sunday of Easter Year A 21st May 2017
Entrance Antiphon
Proclaim a joyful sound and let it be heard; proclaim to the ends of the earth: The Lord has freed his people, alleluia.
First Reading: Acts 8:5-8. 14-17
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
They laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Philip went to a Samaritan town and proclaimed the Christ to them. The people united in welcoming the message Philip preached, either because they had heard of the miracles he worked or because they saw them for themselves. There were, for example, unclean spirits that came shrieking out of many who were possessed, and several paralytics and cripples were cured. As a result there was great rejoicing in that town.
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, and they went down there, and prayed for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit, for as yet he had not come down on any of them: they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Psalm: Ps 65:1-7. 16. 20
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
Cry out with joy to God all the earth, O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise. Say to God: 'How tremendous your deeds! R.
'Before you all the earth shall bow; shall sing to you, sing to your name!' Come and see the works of God, tremendous his deeds among men. R. He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod. Let our joy then be in him; he rules for ever by his might. R.
Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul: Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me. R.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:15-18
A reading from the first letter of St Peter
In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.
Reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience, so that those who slander you when you are living a good life in Christ may be proved wrong in the accusations that they bring. And if it is the will of God that you should suffer, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.
Why, Christ himself, innocent though he was, had died once for sins, died for the guilty, to lead us to God. In the body he was put to death, in the spirit he was raised to life.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation: John 14:23
Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 14:15-21
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John
I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate. Jesus said to his disciples: 'If you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, that Spirit of truth whom the world can never receive since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you.
I will not leave your orphans; I will come back to you. In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.
Anybody who receives my commandments and keeps them will be one who loves me; and anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and show myself to him.'
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Communion Antiphon
If you love me, keep my commandments, says the Lord, and I will ask the Father and he will send you another Paraclete, to abide with you for ever, alleluia.
Readings for The Ascension of the Lord 28th May 2017
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Second Reading: Ephesians 1:17-
23
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY
In these final weeks of Eastertide the thought of the liturgy turns increasingly to the coming of the Spirit at
Pentecost. This is foreshadowed today both in the First Reading, which tells of a ‘mini-Pentecost’ occurring in
Samaria, and in the Gospel, where Jesus speaks of ‘another Paraclete’ which the disciples are to receive.
Central to the vision of the Acts of the Apostles is a sense of the Gospel as fanning out from Jerusalem, to all
Judea, Samaria and (at the hands especially of Paul) to ‘the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). Today’s First
Reading, Acts 8:5-8, 14-17, describes both the evangelising activity of Philip (not the apostle Philip but one of
the Seven elected to assist the Apostles, as told last week [Acts 6:1-7]), and the follow-up activity on the part of
the leading Apostles Peter and John. The Samaritans had received the Word and been baptised ‘in the name
of the Lord Jesus’. But it was only when the Apostles laid hands on them that they received the Holy Spirit.
This rather curious ‘separation’ between baptism and the coming of the Spirit in a way foreshadows the
sacrament of Confirmation. However, the ‘separation’ should not be pressed too rigidly. Fundamentally,
Christian Baptism does impart the Spirit. The narrative of Acts at this point probably has in mind a more
experiential (‘Pentecostal’!) awareness of the gift.
The Gospel, John 14:15-21, presents a further extract from Jesus’ long discourse at the Last Supper. As we
noted last week, the discourse oscillates back and forth between two understandings of Jesus’ ‘going away’
and ‘return’. On the more immediate level there is the ‘going away’ of his death and the ‘return’ of his
appearances as risen Lord on the third day. At another level, the discourse addresses his more permanent
‘going away’ and absence from the disciples following his final return to the Father. The return ‘on that day’ of
which he speaks would then be his return on the last day at the end of time.
But here there is more to say. The Fourth Gospel plays down the traditional expectation of Jesus’ coming at
the last day in the direction of emphasising his abiding presence in the community. This lies behind the
statement: ‘In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will
live.’ In contrast to ‘the world’ (unbelievers), for whom Jesus after his death will cease to exist, believers will
‘see’ him and ‘also will live’ in the sense of here and now experiencing his presence in the community and
sharing his risen life.
Thus the passage continues to address directly the situation of the disciples in the period when his
appearances as risen Lord have ceased, the situation of the Church that prevails to this day. Naturally, the
disciples will feel the loss of his comforting physical presence. But if they grasp the sense in which he will
continue to be present, they should not feel ‘orphaned’.
In this connection Jesus speaks of ‘another Paraclete’ that he will ask the Father to give. (The implication is
that Jesus himself has been a ‘Paraclete’ for the disciples during his earthly life.) The essential idea behind
‘Paraclete’ is that of someone who stands beside you in time of difficulty, providing a comforting, supportive
and encouraging presence. One thinks perhaps of a highly respected person whom you might ask to go to
court with you and act as character witness. Such is the idea that the Gospel applies here (and in several other
places) to the Spirit. Though Jesus may no longer be physically present, the comfort and assurance his
presence gave the disciples during his lifetime will continue in the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the face of
constant trial and rejection from the world, the Paraclete will be for the disciples ‘the Spirit of Truth’ in the
sense of imparting to them a conviction that what they believe and hold on to is indeed reality in the most
profound sense. We come close here to the fine statement in the Second Reading, 1 Peter 3:15-18: ‘Always
have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that is within you’.
Finally, we should note the way in which the Gospel begins and ends with the sense that believers ‘have
entered into the same reciprocity of love that unites the Father and the Son’ (C. K. Barrett). Though the
language may suggest it to be the case, the Gospel does not mean that God’s love is conditional upon human
observance of the commandments. The essential commandment is that of love. What the Gospel is saying is
that when the community is indeed one where love prevails, the atmosphere of love that it experiences is
nothing other than a sharing in the communion of love that is the Godhead.
© Brendan Byrne SJ
