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St. John’s Parish Mitcham 494 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham 3132
(Postal: P.O. Box 95, Mitcham 3132) Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stjohnsmitcham.com.au Phone: 03 9401 6366 Fax No. 03 9872 4316
Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time September 13 2020—Year A
“St John’s Parish community, committed to the Victorian Child Safe Standards & acknowledges that Child Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility”
Dear Friends
In Child Protection Week, our whole nation is invited to ‘put children first’. In fact, that is
the theme in 2020, which marks thirty years of Child Protection Week in Australia.
Although the Pandemic has changed the way we are all living and working, it doesn’t
change what is most important. For Christians, the Lord Jesus shows us that at all times,
the most vulnerable among us are those requiring our greatest care. In particular, the
safety and the protection of children is one of our most important priorities.
The Professional Standards Office of our Archdiocese along with our Mission Team have
developed some resources to be of help for all in our communities. These are designed to
support children and young people’s right to be safe and feel safe.
My heart breaks for those who were not cared for and protected in the past. When a child
is neglected or abused, the pain and suffering endures throughout their whole life. I am
sad and angered that the Church has not always been a place that has put children first.
We continue to address the horror of abuse, to walk with those in need, and to build a cul-
ture of safety and protection for our most vulnerable. Personally, I will continue to meet
with survivors of abuse; listening to them, hearing them and trusting them, and helping
our Church be continually converted.
Please pray with me that we would put children first always, and protect their safety.
Most Rev Peter A Comensoli
Archbishop of Melbourne
Parish Information
Parish Information & Daily readings
Normal Weekend Mass Times at St. John’s Saturday Vigil, 6pm, then 8.30am, 9.45am, 11.15am, 5pm 9.30am St James Vermont
Parish Priest
Fr Dispin John Supported by Fr Michael Kelly, CSsR Parish Office
Visitation and Communion to the Sick & Housebound: Office hours: Closed until further notice please call for assistance
Co-ordinator: Cath Brindle 0423 065 825 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Ph: 9401 6366
Bereavement Ministry & Pastoral Care: Monika Bredhauer Parish Secretaries: Martine Giles (Monday-Wednesday & Friday)
Schools Elisa Kelesidis (Tuesday-Friday)
St John’s School, 494 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, 9874 1575 Principal: Mrs Verona Gridley St. James School, 51 Centre Road, Vermont, 9874 1830 RE for Government Schools:
Principal: Mr Dave Mutimer Andrew Puls—0407 352 706
Services: St Vincent de Paul Shop 2/82 Maroondah Hwy Ringwood 9870 9124 - St Vincent de Paul Furniture Pick-Ups 1800 621 349 The House of Books (house next door to the Church) 9401 6306 - St Vincent de Paul Welfare Assistance 1800 305 330
Scripture Readings for week Mon: Numbers 21:4-9 John 3:13-17 Tues: Hebrews 5:7-9 John 19:25-27 Wed: 1Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Luke 7:31-35 Thur: 1Corinthians 15:1-11 Luke 7:36-50 Fri: 1Corinthians 15:12-20 Luke 8:1-3 Sat: 1Corinthians 15:35-37,42-49 Luke 8:4-15
Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 55:6-9 Philippians 1:20-24,27 Matthew 20:1-16
AMONGST OUR PARISH FAMILY
We ask for the grace and peace of Eternal life for those who have recently passed away, Bartolome Dumaguet Jnr and for those whose memories are sacred to us at this time especially, Dominic Vecci, Breanna Stirling, Ursula Clifford, Mabel Bartling, David Ringin, Bill Harkin, Jack King, Nandor Szabo, Val Magree
The Travelling Rosary will be held at the home of Margaret Baulch from Sunday 13 September—Friday 18 September. We encourage you to say the Rosary in the safety of your own home during this time.
Inspiration for the coming week from the Compassion & Friendship Group A beautiful bright light shines at the end of this path, and a few more windings will bring us to it. St Mary MacKillop
How you can support your Parish through CoVid Lockdown Details are: 1st Collection: Account Name: St John’s Presbytery Account BSB: 083343 Account No. 515 469 035 2nd Collection: Account Name: St John’s Church Account BSB: 083347 Account No. 676 841 942 Reference field: Must have Envelope number and Surname (please contact the Parish Office if you don’t know your envelope no.) You can mail a cheque, mentioning the split between the 1st and 2nd collections. Please mention your name and envelope number. If you have any questions about this, please ring the Parish Office 9401 6366 or email: [email protected]. Mail to PO Box 95 Mitcham Vic 3132 During stage 4 we will not be able to pick up envelopes with cash, just keep them with you :)
PARISH OFFICE UPDATE
As a result of the stage 4 restrictions the Parish Office will remain closed. This is consistent with the Victorian Government guidelines.
If you need to contact Fr Dispin urgently, please call him directly on 0413 683 153 or if you would just like a friendly chat
Please email any recent death or anniversaries to be included in the Newsletter and prayed for in the Sunday Mass. If you would like anything included in the Newsletter please email by Thursdays.
Please celebrate with us our Parish Masses posted on our parish website stjohnsmitcham.com.au or on our Facebook page.
Margaret and Frank Cronin, who moved into St John’s Parish in January, 1961, will celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, 17
th September. They have
enjoyed a wonderful life living in this Parish for all those years and they send their warmest wishes to all their Mitcham and Vermont friends.
Faith Formation, Social & Other
Nothing can Separate us from the Love of Christ It is encouraged to continue active participation in the life of the Church, through activities such as time in personal and family prayer, reflecting on the Scriptures and making a spiritual communion.
Please be aware that you can access the parish website to view the video of Fr Dispin’s Homily and Gospel of the weekend https://www.stjohnsmitcham.com.au/ or you can participate in a Mass online via http://bit.lyMassOnDemand, or www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass
Masses are livestreaming from St Patrick’s Cathedral Monday—Friday at 1pm, Saturday 8am and Sunday 11am. This is available to view on demand until one hour prior to the next scheduled Mass https://www.cam.org.au/mass
Catholic Social Teaching—What Can I Do About it here and Now?
We hope you have been able to join us on Tuesdays and celebrate our Healing Mass together through our parish website. Special prayers will be offered at this
Mass for the healing of the sick followed by a Novena of Saint Mary MacKillop. This Mass aims to offer a gentle reflection to help us along during the week. If you know of someone who might need our special prayers or to be added to the Novena List please email the parish office [email protected] and leave a message for those you wish to be prayed for by Monday afternoons. Keeping you in our prayers.
Words of Hope Zoom Group Alys Cavanagh is opening up a Zoom video conference room for any who wish to join, on Tuesdays, 730pm-830pm. We will grow our hope and love for each other through connection, prayer and reflection on Sunday's homily and readings. Come and join us to keep your faith and hope aflame right now! What: Words of Hope Zoom Group When: Tuesdays 730pm - 830pm, starting Tuesday 8th September Zoom website: https://www.zoomgov.com/ (Click on `join a meeting') Zoom ID: 75691396153 Password: t4edCP If you are unsure of how to access a Zoom meeting, call Alys anytime on 0400896542 and she will help guide you through it.
Marriage Encounter Online Weekend If you are spending time together, but feel the distance between you …
A great opportunity to spend a weekend improving your communication in the comfort of your own home.
This VIRTUAL Weekend gives couples the chance to sleep in their own beds and check-in on kids or animals during meal times. Come and learn how to keep/rekindle the passion in your relationship and how to keep your love growing! The weekend we offer is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome. Couples from regional areas may find this option ideal.
Next weekend is on 9-11th October 2020. Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or Email: [email protected] Website: wwme.org.au
Emmaus College
Join us for one of our Virtual Information Sessions
14th September & 5 October 6pm, 7pm & 8pm
Limited places available for each session,
so book now!
Www.emmaus.vic.edu.au 98453211
National Child Protection Week 6th – 12th September 2020
This year’s theme is ‘Putting Children First’ and encourages us all as individuals, as part of families, organisations, communities and society on how we can prioritise children, their safety and wellbeing. St John’s Safeguarding Committee has devised a family activity “The Network Hand” and encourages your family to do this activity together. You can find this on the 2nd last page of the Newsletter. Once completed you may like to decorate and colour in your hand.
Are You Called to be a Spiritual Director? – The Siloam Program is a full-time or part-time program to form Spiritual Directors. It is suitable for those who wish to companion others on their spiritual journey, helping them to notice the movement of God in their hearts and in their lived experi-ence. The program, which commences on 4 Feb 2021, blends academic and supervisory work to foster a discern-ing, contemplative approach. The program may be offered face-to-face, online via Zoom, or a combination of both. It may be studied as a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direc-tion at the University of Divinity, with Fee-Help available to qualifying students. Previous participants have commented that this program has been transformational for their per-sonal spirituality and has deepened their awareness and ability to listen. Apply to Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation. Brochure and application form at www.heartoflife.melbourne or tel 03 9890 1101.
Around our Parish Community
News from St John’s Primary School We have had another enjoyable week at St John’s. Verona Gridley, our Principal, invited parents to online Parent Forums as another way to connect with families and provide an opportunity for them to ask questions, share stories and provide feedback on the Remote Learning experience.
Our Fun Friday theme of Teddy Bears’ Picnic saw lots of teddies on screens and a large blue bear dancing around the school. National Walk to School Day was acknowledged by families walking past the school throughout the day and collecting a sunflower seedling to plant in their gardens at home. Staff are busily preparing for Literacy and Numeracy Week, an annual event that takes place during the last week of term. Students will be involved in a range of activities including:
A webinar with author and illustrator Michael Salmon Digital literacy tasks such as coding Bebras Challenge Staff reading their favourite stories Maths around the neighbourhood Riddles to solve Maths puzzlers Whole school Google Meet Disco. The winners of our St John’s Talent Show will also be announced and students will be dressing up as one of their heroes on the last day of term. We think everyone has been a super hero this term!
We would like to encourage any Parishioners to add their own spoon to our St John's Spoonville, which is located just outside the front door to our School.
News from St James Primary School This week launched with a ‘Minimal Screen Monday’, focussing our learning more on doing, exploring and investigating issues around Sustainability. ‘Loving God, encourage us to be people of Hope, as we look forward in faith,
knowing that we can build a world of justice and peace.’ We pray to the Lord
Learning continues In lots of different ways, not always from a screen, but it is always good to catch up with our class mates and
teachers… The return to school is getting closer!
It’s Time to Lift Our Spirits
Sharing our gifts, recipes, & stories of hope Well it’s time to lift our spirits even further and introduce a sense of fun and humour into our weekly dose of inspiration in isolating times. Here is a spot of humour and a quiz idea, sent in by a parishioner, to make you laugh:
At an Optometrist’s Office:
“If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.”
My daughter asked me for a pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were $70!!! Blow this, I thought, I can get one cheaper off the web!
**************************************************
And now it’s time to pop on thinking caps and introduce to our new Quiz:
Who’s who in the Bible!!!!! Who Am I No. 1
I was a Greek citizen Theophilus was a good friend of mine I was trained as a medical doctor. This story is only found in a book I wrote: the story of a runaway son who wasted his money
and was forgiven. I travelled with Paul to preach the Gospel in Macedonia.
Who Am I No. 2
My famous words are: “Where you will go I will go, and where you stay I will stay…” I loved my mother-in-law, Naomi, very much. After Naomi and I returned to Bethlehem, I went to work in the fields where men and women cut barley with sickles. Boaz and I fell in love, and were married. We had a son named Obed. Naomi became the proudest grandmother in Bethlehem.
(Answers in next week’s edition) *******************************************
Here is a beautiful reflection sent to us this week: Six little Stories with Lots of Meanings
Once all the villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer, all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That is faith. When you throw babies in the air, they laugh because they know you will catch them. That is trust. Every night we go to bed without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but we still set the alarms to wake up. That is hope. We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge in the future. That is confidence. We see the world suffering, but still, we get married and have children. That is love. On an old man’s shirt was written a sentence: “I am not 80 years old: I am sweet sixteen with 64 years of experience. That is attitude. Have a happy day and live your life like these six stories. Remember – Good friends are the rare jewels of life, difficult to find and impossible to replace!! To finish off with a laugh, here is a video clip found by and sent to us
by a parishioner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPhpJuraz14.
Take care and have a good week everyone. Send us some of your humour to brighten our day for next week. Monika.
Support for our Community
CatholicCare is here for you during COVID
When the extension of Stage 4 restrictions for Melbourne were announced on Sunday 6
September, the news brought groans of anguish at the prospect of a further weeks of tightened
restrictions. But for those who will be stood down or sent home due the forced closure of shops,
offices and factories – the news will bring the added pain of uncertainty and financial pressure.
While the Victorian and Commonwealth governments have announced further provisions for
businesses1 forced to close and for individuals affected by COVID-19
2, many families will find
themselves in financial hardship.
‘Earlier this year, COVID-19 job losses resulted in a huge surge in demand for financial
assistance,’ said Madeliene Scicluna, Emergency Relief Manager for CatholicCare. ‘Between
April and June this year, we saw nearly twice as many clients and the value of the assistances
distributed was more than two and a half times that of the previous three months.’
‘With another 250,000 workers predicted to be affected by the tightened restrictions, we are
anticipating another surge – and we are ready.’
At the end of March, CatholicCare pivoted to remote delivery for most programs and services,
and between April and June recorded more than 6,000 phone or Zoom sessions with clients –
and it wasn’t just Emergency Relief in demand.
COVID-19 has also had a profound impact on people’s emotional wellbeing, such as loneliness
from being separated from loved ones, anxiety about one’s health and finances, and increased
stress over the challenges of working from home or supporting children with remote learning.
Service data from March and June shows that coping issues (23%), relationship issues (22%),
anxiety (12%) and stress/conflict (10%) featured as the major presenting themes for people
accessing counselling services. Talking to a counsellor can help people make sense of the
challenges they are facing, to find ways of coping and to improve emotional wellbeing.
‘I’m very proud of the way that CatholicCare has been able to continue to support vulnerable
families during this very difficult time,’ said Netty Horton, CEO. ‘We may have closed our office
doors to ensure safety of clients and staff, but that has not diminished our commitment or
capability to help people in need.’
‘The next weeks will continue to be a challenging time in our community as we all play our part
in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria. I encourage anyone seeking support to
contact CatholicCare.’
If you would like to find out more about our Emergency Relief and Counselling programs,
visit www.ccam.org.au/covid19response
If you would like to find out more about donating to CatholicCare to support their programs,
visit http://www.ccam.org.au/campaign/34/sunday-appeal
1. www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-
support-package/business-support-fund
2. www.vic.gov.au/lost-your-job-or-income-due-coronavirus-find-support
Safeguarding Committee Activity
MY NETWORK HAND
NETWORK PEOPLE I CAN TRUST WHEN I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE OR SCARED, WHO I CAN TALK TO:
Safeguarding Committee
