LENTEN REFLECTION GROUP 2012

A 5 week program run by Fr Terry will begin on Thursday 1 March at 7.30pm (in the narthex) and will continue every Thursday night until the 29 March. Sign up sheets are located in the narthex.

NATIONAL CHURCH LIFE SURVEY 13 NOVEMBER 2011

On the 13 November you will be asked to complete a Church Life survey during Mass.It is designed to assist the parish to reflect on its life and mission and to find and build on strengths already in our church. The primary purpose is to support the parish in its mission and plan for the future with solid research. Surveys will be available in English & Italian and also for children and youth of our parish. Surveys will be completed during Masses that weekend.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL UPDATE

The October meeting discussed the possibility of inviting Fr Kevin Lenehan back to continue his talk on our Catholic identity. Time was also given to discussing ways of assisting both our early-teenagers (school years 6, 7, 8 and 9) and older youth on their Faith Journey. Information was given regarding the forthcoming National Church Life Survey.

SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY 25 September

The Melbourne Launch of the statement, “BUILDING BRIDGES NOT WALLS. PRISONS AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM” by Fr Joe Caddy (CEO, CatholicCare Melbourne) and Sr Mary Ó Shannassy (Director, Catholic Prison Ministry.) is at 12 noon, Thursday 15 September 2011.

Tea/Coffee beforehand, light refreshments at 1.00pm

Cathedral Room, Cardinal Knox Centre, 383 Albert Street EastMelbourne

RSVP:  justice@cam.org.au or (03) 99265710  by Monday 12 September.

WEEKDAY MASSES IN SEPTEMBER

There will be no weekday Masses in the parish until the 26th September.

Mass is celebrated at 9.30am on weekdays in the chapel at Justin Villa, 2 Caravan St, Balwyn.  You will also find copies of Mass times in the “neighbourhood” on a table in the narthex.

CARITAS AUSTRALIA EAST AFRICA APPEAL

The drought gripping East Africa is a humanitarian catastrophe. Caritas Australia and the Catholic Community must stand in solidarity with prayers and support for the 12.5 million men, women and children in urgent need of assistance. Caritas Australia is engaged in Kenya and Somalia and is working towards ensuring families have access to health care, food rations, clean water and nutrition for the sick. Through the East Africa Crisis Appeal, you can help provide food relief, clean water and basic necessities in this time of crisis. For more information or to donate please visit www.caritas.org.au/eastafricacrisis call 1800 024 413; or post donations to GPOBox 9830MELBOURNE VIC 3001.

CONFIRMATION 2011

Bishop Hilton Deakin will confirm 22 children of our parish on Friday, 2 September at 7.30pm.  On 21 August  we welcome these children at Mass and entrust to them the Apostles’ Creed, the faith of the Church into which they are being initiated.  Please remember them in your prayers as they prepare to take this important step.  May they be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit!

PASTORAL COUNCIL UPDATE

The council last met on 27 July.  Matters discussed included how the parish might serve youth, the formation of the parish liturgy group, action on various proposals received in the Suggestion Box (see narthex notice board). Next meeting, Wednesday, 24 August.  Ideas etc to the Suggestion Box please.

Confirmation Classes

Classes will commence next term for grade 6 children attending non-Catholic schools and others wishing to prepare for the Sacrament. The classes will be held in the church narthex on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8pm commencing 25 July 2011. Enrolment form is available on the website. For further information please contact Edgar D’Souza on 0412 183 141.

FIRST EUCHARIST DATES 2011

18 June at the 6pm Mass

19 June at the 10am Mass

26 June at the 10am & 5.30pm Mass