Christmas 2014

Catholic Parish of Saints Michael & John

Dimboola – Horsham – Murtoa – Natimuk - Rupanyup

From the Desk of Father Peter Hudson Every Second Sunday of Advent John the Baptist appears in the Gospel, to disturb our comfort and to ask niggling questions. In addition to his calling people to change their lives, he heralded the coming of the Messiah. John’s call is a reminder to all of us that God’s presence is all around us and in us, but often we are too busy, preoccupied, perhaps too disinterested, to notice. Yet, the same wake-up call, the same God, whom John encountered in the wilderness, the same Word of God, comes to our own hearts, nudging, disturbing, inviting us to accept, to hear and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, by working for justice, reaching out to others with generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and treating everyone we meet with dignity and respect. When Pope Francis was flying back to Rome after his week in Africa, he was asked “What is your memorable experience of the trip?”. Francis answered: “The crowds! I knew they would be big - but the size was beyond my expectations - most of them would have come with an empty stomach. The people, hungry and poor, and yet so open. They were not cluttered, nor weighed down, but travelling light, with so much room in their hearts and every person, for

the Word of God.” Pope Francis’ reaction is a challenge to us in our Country today, to ask ourselves, where we seem to have so much, what is it like to be so open, so hungry, so thirsty for God’s Word? What is it like to come to God with an empty stomach? May we, too, like the African people, come to God this Christmas with such openness, with our hearts, lives uncluttered; come to God with empty – not stomachs - but hearts and our very person. Christmas is a time for us to look into our hearts, and to let go of all that is harsh, condemnatory, or cruel and to bring the mercy of God to our troubled earth. The message of the Gospel is for the whole world. Christ will come into the world this Christmas, described by Pope Francis, as a: “broken world, pervaded by consumerism, feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, a world that has little place for the poor, where God’s voice is barely heard, and the quiet joy of His love has faded, along with the desire to do good, a world mired in corruption and grinding poverty, besieged by heinous crimes - murder, rape, beheading, kidnapping, torture, slavery, human trafficking, child abuse, domestic violence, and violations of human rights - a world threatened by ethnic wars, climate

change, global warming, destructive typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, terrifying storm surges, incurable diseases, a difficult, troubled world.” This is not a pretty picture Pope Francis paints of our world. It is to this world that Pope Francis has proclaimed a Year of Mercy. John the Baptist foreshadows the real significance of Christmas to our troubled world today. Yes, Jesus comes among us, as one of us, motivated by limitless love. It is this love that fills our empty hearts with hope and courage, to hold firm, take heart, and not despair. Advent has been an invitation to stop, listen and hear Jesus speak to our hearts. To be a true Christian we should allow ourselves to be embraced by the mercy of God, who is merciful. Mercy is the key word of the Gospel. Be not afraid, for Christ came to be our Saviour. The strength of the Risen Lord, will guide us on our pilgrim way, will sustain us, to cooperate with Christ’s work of salvation. Christ leads the way and supports us so that we may contemplate the face of mercy in those around us. Come, Lord Jesus! Come and be born in or hearts! May Christ bring to us his peace, joy, love, hope and light to fill our hearts, our homes and our world. Christ is the Wisdom of God

to us: God’s wisdom is intelligent, holy, unique, active, manifold, subtle, incisive, unsullied, lucid, invulnerable, benevolent sharp, irresistible, loving to all, beneficent, almighty, steadfast, dependable,unperturbed all-surveying,penetrating all-intelligent, pure and most subtle. God’s Wisdom is quicker to move than any motion; pure, pervades, permeates all things. Breath of the power of God, pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty hence nothing impure can find a way in God’s Wisdom. Reflection of the eternal light, untarnished mirror of God's active power, image of his goodness. Compared with light, Wisdom takes first place, for light must yield to night, but over Wisdom evil can never triumph. This is the beautiful gift of God to us in His Son, Jesus. In Jesus we find the wisdom, love and mercy of God shining for us all. May we never give in to any evil for God’s Wisdom will never fail us Have a happy, joyful and wise Christmas.

Christmas 2015

BAPTISM Welcome to these new members of our parish community:

Mimi Belle RISSMANN Christopher & Lisa

Remy Jude Milla LANDWEHR Dallas & Emily

Kai MORRISON Daniel & Melanie

Jasper Hugo JAMES Wynter Lily JAMES Mark & Beau

Elliott Mark McKINNON Simon & Loretta

Ted William SMITH Daniel & Emily

Elliott Craig BUWALDA Liam & Cody

Thomas James ROWE James & Ema-lee

Noah Albie HARRIS Aaron & Stephanie

Nathan JOSEPH Joseph & Digna

Rory Luke JACKSON Luke & Rhiannon

Tilly Sofia MAHER Ty & Hannah

Oscar Roy BOTH Steven & Corrine

Jade Evy SHILTON Bradley & Alicia

Maddison Harper BARNES Larren & Kelly

Matteo Franco MARCIAL Franklin & Sharon

Olivia May BANSEMER Richard & Emma

Indi Maree BURNS Dalton & Lisa

Olivia Eve ROBERTSON William & Sharon

Ethan Matthew DRIDAN Dale & Carmen

Abel Joseph ROWE Michael & Rebekah

Ciaran Mark O”DWYER Michael & Madeleine

Alexandra Catharine BLAY Daniel & Martene

Charlie Francis AMOR Justin & Louise

Amara Louise AGUSTIN Jayson & Mary

WEDDINGS: Andrew Allen HENDY Carla Rosa BAVIELLA Simon James LYNCH Kara BALLINGER John Patrick ROBERTSON Vicki Kara NEWELL

FUNERALS We remember those who have died:

Maureen O’CONNOR

Patricia June O’CONNOR

Pat CAREY

Murray LLOYD

Ria OP DE COUL

Theo BUWALDA

Jennifer LYNCH

Marge MARTIN

Elisabetta COLOSIMO

Michael James KENNETT

Margaret KEEGAN

Andree Marie COUTTS

Kevin James GAYLOR

Marge HAEBICH

Raymond Thomas COUTTS

Toni BESSELAAR

Ann DOWNS

Margaret Anne NIEHUS

Ellen FEWSTER-HYNES

Kevin Richard WALSH

Barbara Anne PFEIFFER

Kevin Thomas O’CONNOR

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pope Francis on Year of Mercy "The necessary work of renewal of the church's institutions and structures is a means that must bring us to make alive and enlivened the experience of God's mercy, that alone can guarantee a church that is a city upon a hill, that cannot remain hidden. If we were to forget, even just for a moment, that mercy is 'that which God likes most,' every one of our labours would be useless because we would become slaves of our institutions and our structures, however renewed they might be. We would always be slaves. Only a merciful church shines and sets us free to serve."

SACRAMENTS Since the Easter Edition of The Fisherman

With gratitude for everything the Church has received and with a sense of responsibility for the task that lies ahead, we are confident that the strength of the Risen Lord, who constantly supports us on our pilgrim way, will sustain us. May the Holy Spirit, guide us in the work of salvation brought by Christ, lead the way and support we the People of God, so that

all people may contemplate the face of the mercy of God in and through us.

Fr Peter at Philllippi in Greece

Joan Wiley, President of the CWL,

presented Noreen Ellis and Pat Sheridan

with special certificates to mark their 50

year membership of the CWL.

PARISH FINANCE REPORT November 2015 - November 2016 Budget

Budget Actuals Actuals Income Nov15-Nov16 Nov14-Nov15 Nov13-Nov 14 Planned Giving $197,000.00 $161,032.47 $185,268.65 Hire of Hall $ 0.00 $ 2,055.00 $ 1,140.00 Chaplaincy $ 0.00 $ 1,391.20 $ 1,391.20 Sundry Income $ 5,200.00 $ 565.66 $ 3,470.91 Total Income $202,200.00 $165,044.33 $191,270.76 Expenses Liturgical $ 6,000.00 $ 5,972.60 $ 2,075.93 Priests Supply $ 7,000.00 $ 7,232.80 $ 3,588.69 Diocesan Levies $ 22,000.00 $ 21,750.99 $ 21,606.75 Administration $ 30,000.00 $ 29,498.77 $ 38,491.44 Capital $ 0.00 $ 1,844.55 $ 904.64 Property Costs $ 25,000.00 $ 23,359.52 $ 23,933.08 Maintenance $ 20,000.00 $ 10,838.38 $ 9,786.71 Wages $ 77,000.00 $ 74,496.24 $ 66,444.25 Superannuation $ 8,000.00 $ 7,922.72 $ 8,722.83 School Demolition Loan $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00 $ 3,000.00 Total Expense $201.000.00 $188.796.57 $178,648.52 Net Ordinary Income $ 1,200.00 - $23,752.24 $ 12,622.24

PARISH STEWARSHIP PROGRAM

The final outcome of our Renewal of our Parish Stewardship Program is:

Amount pledged per week : $3785.29 Number of pledges : 332

New Pledges : 36 Average amount per pledge: $11.41

No of envelopes : 218 (65%) No of Credit Card pledges : 62 (19%)

No of Direct Debits : 52 (16%) Increase per week : $761

1504 families are on our database

(Compared to last Program as at 31/10/2015):

Amount pledged per week : $3024

No of pledges : 321 Average weekly pledge : $8.06

No of envelopes : 73% No of Credit Cards : 15%

No of Direct Debits :12% )

Our Collections at Mass

The First Collection, which

is the brown basket, is for

the support of the Priests,

Presbytery and its upkeep.

The Second Collection,

which is the green bag, is

for the Planned Giving

Program, and the loose

money of those who do not

give a pledge.

Special Collections are the

Bishop’s Christmas Appeal,

and any Leaving Collections

at the doors for special

causes, like Caritas Appeals

Renewal of Parish Stewardship

Program

Thank you to the Stewardship

Committee who worked with our

Finance Committee, to plan the

Renewal in October and November.

Thank you to Jill Coutts who was the

Chair of the Stewardship Committee.

Thank you to Jill, Chris Robarts and

John Foster who spoke at our

Masses during the Program.

Thank you to those who volunteered

to form the Follow Up Committee

which will speak to us at different

stages of the year to remind us of

our commitments and how the

Program is progressing.

The Finance Committee is:

Jill Coutts, Rodney Clark,

John Foster, Kath Robertson, Lyndel

Carbone, Fr Peter, Anita Masiero.

They will report quarterly and bring

us up to date on the Parish Budget.

Thank you for your generous

response to our Renewal program,

in difficult finance times. May God

bless you in your giving and caring.

In 1954 the late P.P. Fr O’Connell called a group of local men together and formed a St Vincent de Paul Society. He saw a need with the many ‘Track Travellers’ & calls for help from people who called at the Presbytery and Convent.

The first meeting had as President Mr A Irvine, Secretary Mr John Sharry Jnr & Treasurer Mr H McDonald. The committee had Mr Jack Sharry Snr & Mr Jerome Callaghan, no Ladies!.

The first few years were trial and error in finding their way but with their faith and willingness to work hard they overcame many difficulties. Their main works consisted of weekly visits to the male ward of the Hospital distributing cigarettes & sweets to the patients, home visits to the elderly involved mowing lawns, chopping wood & any other jobs required. Wood was chopped & supplied to keep the Convent furnace burning. Importantly the assistance to ‘Track Travellers’ in the form of food, accommodation & clothing was always a priority. Meetings were held regularly furniture & clothing donated was stored in the shed behind the Presbytery.

First priority was a Piety Kiosk which

was set up in the old Church to sell Rosary Beads, Sunday Catholic papers & other Piety items. This continues today.

More volunteers joined & with them came new ideas. Harris’ old grocery shop in David Street was rented until a shed was built on railway land. This shed was an office, meeting room & a storage area for some years. O’Beirns' Butcher Shop became vacant & was purchased by Vinnies. The transformation of 10 David Street began & the rest is history. This building has been extended and refurbished over the years to the wonderful store it is today. Of course all this could not have been accomplished without the ladies who still talk about the mountain of clothes they had to sort.

A ladies conference was convened & Amy Wangeman was the first president. In 2002 after extensive renovations to the shop a separate area was made available for conference with an entrance from Henry Street. This provides confidentiality & privacy for people seeking assistance. The work of the Conference has never changed to date. This year we have assisted 140 people with material help which consisted of household goods,

furniture, food and vouchers. We work closely with CEFC, Grampians Health and Wimmera Uniting Care. This networking is very important in providing the best outcome for each individual. We work closely with the Vinnies' Centre and we are lucky to have Heather & her volunteers who work very hard so we can provide the assistance needed.

Today we have a college conference at St Brigid's they are a very progressive group of young people who are to be congratulated and we wish them lots of luck with all their projects.

Hopefully a ‘Mini Vinnies’ Group will commence at St Michaels & Johns.

To Father Peter we acknowledge his support of our projects together with the principals & teachers of the schools who supported the sleep out project, the Poor Mans’ Mass & the Assist a Student Program.

We are always hoping to attract new volunteers as this work is very rewarding. Sometimes it is just the ‘hand up’ & a grateful Thank You which says it all.

Celebrating 60 years of

St Vincent de Paul in Horsham

The congregation at St Mary's Murtoa have been working on a program of improvements to the small timber church , which was built in 1880. The louvre windows on either side of the nave have been replaced with framed opaque windows. Three stained glass windows have been installed in the west wall of the church. The central round window was gifted

to the congregation by the parish and was originally a feature of the Natimuk Catholic Church, before it was decommissioned. Interested parishioners are invited to visit St Mary's, which is open daily for devotion.

NEW WINDOWS FOR MURTOA CHURCH

Our Year Six Graduands from

OLHC School Murtoa:

Jessie Delahunty, Samantha

Crawford, Justice Clow

The home masses for 2015 concluded with many

parishioners praying together at the home of Will,

Magdala & Valeria.

Fr Peter welcomed all, especially Will’s family Rachael

and Phillip from Columbia.

Members of St Phillips Anglican Church no longer have

services in Rupanyup and they enjoy the spiritual care

and praying with us each month. During the Anointing

Mass. Special prayers were offered for the sick of our

community, especially cancer patients and the elderly.

The usual beautiful meal was most enjoyable thanks to

all the ladies. A sincere thank you to all the families who

have welcomed young and old into their homes during

the year.

Helen presented

Father with a

Christmas gift and

thanked him for

his spiritual care

and the special

home Masses.

May the blessings of Christmas be with you all, travel

safely and may we look forward to prayerful and

spiritual celebrations in 2016. Margaret Lingham

Home Masses at Rupanyup

It has been a very busy, productive and rewarding second semester at Our Lady help of Christians School, with the students being involved in many educational and social activities. I would like to highlight some of these events and achievements.

School Concert: In the last week of Term 3 the community of Murtoa was treated to an evening of songs, movement and drama by the students. The performances came together through the dedication and cooperation of all the students and teachers. There were two performances; Captain Noah Saves The World by the Prep- Year 2 class and Hidden Treasure Production by the Years 3- 6.It was great to see so many families, relatives and friends to come along to support and show their appreciation of the students' performances. Murtoa Big Weekend: It was especially a busy and interesting last weekend of the holidays with the Murtoa' Big Weekend. Our students were involved in different competitions in the Murtoa show. Once again our students performed well in the different categories of the show competitions. I would like to congratulate all the parents who supported The Parents & Friends Committee for assisting in the catering during Murtoa's Big Weekend on Friday and Saturday. Ecumenical Service: A Special thank you to the group of students who

represented Our Lady's School in an Ecumenical Service on Sunday 4th October, at the Mechanics Hall at 11:00am. Our students sang the song ‘Light of the World’ at the Service. Mission Week: (Monday 19th - Friday 23rd October) Was a special week that involved the whole school. There was a beautiful liturgy focusing on "living water" celebrated by the whole school on Monday morning. The children from Prep to Year 6 participated in prayers, readings, bringing of the gifts and beautiful singing. On Tuesday all students experienced a special lunch that consisted only of rice. On Thursday the students organised a school fete to raise money for the Missions. It was a week that provided the students with educational, social and fun aspect to their learning. Congratulations to the teachers and non-teaching staff who supported and assisted the students magnificent efforts. The School Council Advisory AGM: This meeting was held on Friday 6th November at the Railway Hotel, Murtoa at 6.30pm. Our guest speaker for the meeting was Sr. Jacinta Rice; Jacinta's presentation touched on science and religion and was well received by those in attendance. Farewell: I would like to formally thank Mrs Kristin Starick who has been our senior classroom teacher in 2014 and 2015. Kristin has provided excellent leadership across the school and has been a great team member of our staff. She has been greatly appreciated by the staff, students and parent community whilst working at Our Lady's School. We wish Kristin all the best as she returns to her place of

employment in Warracknabeal in 2016. 2016 New Teacher: On Tuesday 8th December, Mr Brenton Foott worked at Our Lady's School for the day. Mr. Brenton Foott was teaching the students who will be in the senior class in 2016. This was an excellent opportunity for Brenton to get to know the students and staff that he will be working with next year. On behalf of the school community I wish Brenton all the best for 2016 and that he becomes an integral part of our school community. Graduation Mass: On Monday 14th December, the school and parish community gathered together in the St Mary's Church at 6:30pm to celebrate the 2015 End of the School Year and Graduation Mass for our Year 6 students. During the Mass we acknowledged and celebrated the journey of these students as they complete their primary education at Our Lady Help of Christians School. The students completing their primary education were; Jessie Delahunty, Samantha Crawford and Justice Clow. After Mass, everyone returned to the school for a shared supper as well as a visit from Santa. On behalf of Our Lady's School, we wish everyone a peaceful and joyful Christmas. Mr Gary Typuszak Principal

Our Lady Help of Christians Report

This year we started our school

year off with the launch of “Self

Responsibility sticks at St Micks”.

We have been working in our

community on our 3 B’s code of

behaviour, which is “Be safe, Be

respectful and Be responsible”

This has had a huge impact on

everyone taking responsibility for

their behaviour whilst caring,

learning and growing.

Another terrific year has passed and along with that, a year of learning, fun, and great friendships. Our Yearbook recently published, consists of many of the activities and people that make Ss. Michael & John’s Catholic School a great place to be! We celebrate the many sports, activities and special events we are blessed to have been a part of. Without the commitment and dedication of each and every member of our school community, these diverse events would not be possible. Supporting our children in their education by being involved and working together makes a big difference in their success. We need to take this opportunity to thank the students, staff, volunteers and parents for their many contributions this year. Our School Advisory Council has

worked diligently all year to support our school goals and to ensure the success of school and Community 4 events. They have been successful in raising spirits and ensuring a strong school community as well as raising funds to support our school. The huge success of the SMJ Spring Community Festival was a major example of all 4 arms of Community 4 (Faith, Family, Fun and Fundraising) working together at the one event for a common goal. The increased family participation and engagement alongside Horsham Community involvement contributed to a very successful event. The support and presence of our Parishioners prior and during the event was a clear indication of the Catholic Identity, which exists in our school. As always at the end of the year we

farewell our Grade 6 children. We

wish them well as they continue

their schooling and we thank them

for all they have contributed to our

school. Each year at Graduation

we have Bursaries and awards to

those children who have

demonstrated a commitment to their

learning and the life of the school.

The following are the recipients for:

Brigidine Bursary: Awarded to a

student who

demonstrates

the Brigidine

ideals of

‘Strength and

Kindliness’.

This year’s recipient is Nathan

Sparke.

Hillross- Horsham All Rounder

Award: For a student who has

excelled in the areas of Leadership,

Attitude, Learning and Service. This

year’s recipient is Reuben Elliott.

Rotary Community Award: For a

student who has demonstrated an

outstanding commitment to adding

value and difference to our school

community. This year’s award

winner is Megan Delaney.

Horsham Brigidine Convent Past

Pupils’ Bursary: Awarded to a

student who has demonstrated our

school values of ‘Caring, Learning

and Growing’. This year’s winner is

Charlotte Dunn.

Thank you all for a very productive

and supportive year. Thank you for

always keeping the students at the

heart of your thinking, decisions and

actions. We look forward to

continuing the learning journey with

you all in 2016.

Ss. Michael & John’s School from Acting Principals Cathy Grace and Louise Chesterfield.

School Captains in 2016: Nicholas

Macchia and Lotus Martin.

Vice Captains: Riley Hall, Jana Pial

Year 6 Graduating Groups

As one school year draws to a close and another awaits just around the corner, I often ponder if it possible for the new year ahead to be as rich, dynamic, and exhilarating as the current year. Of course the answer is always a resounding ‘yes’! The challenge to us on each and every day is to enjoy the moment but also plan for the moments to come. A year at St. Brigid’s College has so many glorious moments to ponder and reflect upon with a smile in one’s heart. Some of the very special moments are those in which challenges and obstacles were overcome with courage and perseverance and a willingness to accept support and guidance. I commend all in our community who will look back upon such moments with pride and a sense of a very real achievement. Our current and past pupils have continued to inspire us through the effervescent spirit, commitment and openness to new people and new opportunities. Leadership at St. Brigid’s College must always be a leadership imbued with the Gospel values, a leadership which values each member of our community, a leadership of service and hard work. Under the leadership of our Student captains, Eilish Chesterfield and Lochie Pymer, I have seen the spirit and charism of St. Brigid continue to burn deeply in our students. The strong Brigidine spirit of our students across all aspects of life at St. Brigid’s College energised us all throughout the year. The manner in which our guests from Japan were welcomed into our school and classes confirmed to me that our students do exude the qualities that we uphold at this College. The cheerful and open manner in which our Year 12 students celebrated the final week of secondary school classes was reflective of the approach they have taken to all aspects of life at St. Brigid’s College. I have great

confidence in a future in which the class of 2015 will be leading, in smaller and larger settings. I commend all our students and staff whose work for justice has continued to bring vibrant life to the Brigidine vision of education that would not only assist the individual but would contribute to a better and more just society. Through the work of our Young Vinnies group, our Monday Munchies group and our participation in the Caritas Walkathon, our Catholic Fete day and our Relay for Life team clearly demonstrate that the need for justice in our society is understood and responded to in a tangible way by all in our community. The active participation of our students in a diverse array of extra-curricular opportunities is worthy of great celebration. Our students have embraced opportunities within public speaking, music, Socrates club, Study Slam, sport and so much more. Our production of “The King and I” rightly received numerous accolades, as have our students in the sporting arena. It was a very great pleasure to join students and parents at a range of functions and Liturgies, including the Opening of the School Year Mass, the year 7 Welcoming BBQ, Class liturgies, Caritas Walkathon, Catholic Missions Fete, Monday Munchies, the Presentation Ball to name but a few. As I look back upon all that has been achieved in 2015 I have a great sense of pride in students and staff and a great sense of appreciation for the generous support of parents and friends of St. Brigid’s College. I am particularly appreciative of parents who are generous volunteers in the Canteen, the Uniform Shop, the Musical and at sports. Through this wonderful partnership we can ensure not only that current opportunities continue to be available to students but that new ones are created. In the academic program, our

teachers take on a multitude of roles. They not only bring knowledge, wisdom and practical strategies that will support students in starting from where each is and moving strongly forward, but they care greatly for the academic and personal well-being of each. I express a strong commendation to all members of staff for their commitment to supporting each student to be the best they can be. I pay tribute to Mrs Mac who retired this year after 30 years of noteworthy service in the canteen. On behalf of all in our community, both now and in the past, I thank Marg for everything she has done for us and for being the “mum” to generations of our students. I extend our appreciation to all staff who will be departing St. Brigid’s College at the end of 2015 for their commitment and dedicated service. Our students and staff are the better because you have worked with us. I thank Ms Elsbeth Zeegers, Ms Deb Shannon, Mr Glenn Critchley, Ms Brittany Burns, Mrs Mia Pretorius and Mr Jordan Wakeling and wish you well in your future life away from St. Brigid’s. The best measure of a school and its mission is the quality of the students who represent it and the values that they espouse and uphold. It is always a delight to walk through the school each day and be greeted without exception by young men and women who exemplify the College values of Faith in Action, Excellence, Justice, Compassion and Care for others. It is exciting times to be associated with St. Brigid’s and I thank all staff, students, parents, Council members and friends associated with this College for their support and dynamic output. I look forward to 2016 with hope and excitement and wish you all a safe and holy festive season.

St Brigid’s College - from the Principal Peter Gutteridge

Parish Contacts Parish Team Fr. Peter Hudson

Parish Secretary Anita Masiero

10 Roberts Avenue, Horsham 3400 PO Box 212, Horsham Vic 3402 Phone: 5382 1155 Fax: 5382 3016

Email: horsham@ballarat.catholic.org.au Website: www.ballarat.catholic.org.au

Schools Ss Michael & John Primary Principal: Andrea Cox Phone: 5382 3000

St Brigid’s College Principal: Mr Peter Gutteridge Phone: 5382 3545

Our Lady Help of Christian Principal: Mr Gary Typuszak Phone: 5385 2526

Liturgy - Readers, Music, Choir, Singers, Commentators, Eucharistic

Ministers, Altar Servers, Collectors, Computer, Offertory Procession,

Welcomers, Children’s Liturgy, Flowers, Cleaners, Church Linen,

Sacristy, Cup of Tea, Piety Stall.

Schools - Sts Michael & John’s – Principal Andrea Cox,

St Brigid's – Peter Gutteridge,

Our Lady Help of Christians – Principal Gary Typuszak,

teachers and staff, School Advisory Councils, Community 4 at SMJ,

Parents and Friends, all helpers.

Parish - Parish Council, Finance, Liturgy, Sacrament Program, Baptism

Preparation, Adult Faith, RCIA, Pastoral Care, Bereavement, Seder

Meal, CWL, Catering, Men’s Group, Prayer Groups, Meditation Groups,

Craft Groups, Hospital Visitation, Cleaners, Counters, Communion to

homes, Lenten Program, Spiritual Direction, Brigidine Past Pupils,

Maintenance, Grounds, Playgroup, Youth Group, The Fisherman, St

Vincent de Paul, Vinnies Shop, those who help with putting letters, cards

and planned giving into envelopes, Counselling, our Indian, Filipino,

African, Italian, other ethnic communities,

Country Centres: Dimboola, Natimuk, Murtoa, Rupanyup,

Coughlin Park User Groups, to Brendan Ryan for his leadership,

Christian Food Emergency Centre and the wonderful volunteers

Special thanks to Fr John Pothiyittel, Fr Damian Heath, to Anita in the

Office, Sr Jacinta, Bob in the grounds, our OH&S team, Michelle in the

Presbytery.

Our Community: what an inspiration you are in your generous support

to the prayerful and financial and practical challenges of maintaining our

Parish buildings, supporting works of charity, sharing in Parish and

Diocesan and Community commitments, supporting our Priests, and so

many other causes.

Thank you for your service, time and talents in all these ways.

May God bless and sustain you in your goodness, kindness, time,

generosity, prayer and talents. Thank you.

May joy and peace be your gift at Christmas and, with these gifts, may

faith, hope and love be your treasures in the New Year.

SACRAMENT DATES for 2016 Sacrament of First Reconciliation

Parent Information Evening at 6pm on Wednesday February 17th in the Parish Centre. You will be required to complete an enrolment form with a payment of $35 which covers all the Sacraments. If your child has been baptised in another Parish, a copy of the Baptism Certificate is required.

First Reconciliation Wednesday March 16th and Thursday March 17th - in the Church, at 5pm or 7pm either day.

Confirmation and First Communion Tuesday April 26th - Parent Meeting at 6pm in the Parish Centre. To prepare Cluster Groups for these Sacraments and to give Parent and Child materials .

Confirmation and Eucharist Dates Saturday 28th May at 6.30pm Mass. Sunday 29th May at 10.30am Mass. Saturday 4th June at 6.30pm Mass. Sunday 5th June at 10.30am Mass. * Extra Mass if needed Sunday June 19th at 10.30am Mass. * Sacrament Mass time for Murtoa to be arranged.

To all involved in Parish life and Ministries in 2015

COUGHLIN PARK NEW BUILDING UPDATE The Government Grant of $905,000 was given to the HRCC. The Contract was let to mkm Constructions Ballarat at $1,097,000. The Users of Coughlin Park - Football, Bowls, Cricket, SBC - contributed $200,000, and the Parish $300,000, to total the amount of $1.405 million upon which the Grant was based. The money from the Parish and Users make up the $192,000 difference in the Government Grant and the Contract amount, plus any contingency money that comes with variations to the Contract. There will be no further costs to us, no matter what changes. The Building Permit will be issued to mkm next week before Christmas. The builder begins on January 11th, laying the footings first, then the steel framework will go up, then the floor and fittings. Anticipated finish date is end of May, and handover date is mid-June!! Once completed the Parish is in complete control of the Facility. The Board of Management will be in charge of letting the Community Centre for Users and outsiders. A new Board is to be formed. Regular updates from January 11th will be on the Parish Bulletin.

The School Year for 2016 will

begin for all classes at SBC, SMJ,

OLHC on Monday February 1st.

Staff Commissioning Mass Feb 14