Father Martin s Message

Transcription

1 Secondar y St ory Hea dline Padua News The Padua News is the official quarterly Newsletter of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Cnr Exford & Wilson Road Melton South, VIC 3338 Tel: Fax: sapmssec@netspace.net.au Parish Priest: Father Martin J Fleming Editorial Committee Dolores Turcsan Edwina La Rose Lorraine Tellis Kim Barton Godwin Barton If you are interested in being part of the Editorial Committee, please contact any one of the committee members or paduanews@yahoo.com.au Thank you. Issue 8 Father Martin s Message The winter season is drawing in on us and we notice the days getting shorter. Our Parish is all fired up though for two events coming on the horizon. We are celebrating 25 years as a Parish Faith Community with the Consecration of our Parish Church & Altar and also preparing to welcome pilgrims from overseas for the 'Days in the Diocese' as a prelude to World Youth Day in Sydney in July. The Solemn Dedication of our church and altar is a milestone event which looks back over the last 25 years acknowledging all those who were part of the journey and look forward to the future with all its joys and sorrows as life generally goes on. The Building called St. Anthony of Padua Church Melton South is to be consecrated by the archbishop Denis Hart DD on Friday, June 13 at 730pm. It is a formal acknowledgement of the many people who have been part of our parish's journey and whose lives have made it truly a sacred place. We also look forward in hope to what our future will bring. Melton South is a growing area. Our Parish School numbers are growing and we have had an influx of new parishioners. It is with a sense of great gratitude to God, present and past parishioners of St. Anthony's, that we celebrate our 25th Anniversary. June 1, 2008 The arrival of the international visitors for World Youth Day will be a great reminder that the Church, the Body of Christ, is worldwide. There is a great solidarity which we share with the rest of the world. We are not just on our own when we gather for Eucharist. As we meet and welcome our visiting pilgrims, we acknowledge our connectedness with these people who are on a similar journey. We are indeed pilgrims, too. Spread the message about our Year of celebration and, in particular, our Solemn dedication on the feast of St. Anthony of Padua on Friday, June 13 at 7.30pm. God Bless! Rev Martin Fleming.. Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee for an everlasting possession. Genesis 48:4

2 Padua News Issue 8 Page 2 Getting to know... Mary, Mother of God Bishop Tim Costello spoke to a group of Parishioners on 3rd April 2008 about the role of Our Blessed Mother Mary in our lives through scripture. Bishop Costello took us on a journey of how Mary is portrayed throughout the Letters of St Paul and the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, John and Luke and how the significance of her role has evolved in the writings of scripture. Early in the writings of scripture, in the Letters of St Paul, Mary is not referred to by name but as a woman, of whom Jesus is born. Bishop Costello highlights that this reference should not be underestimated in that it tells us a very important message, Jesus is human. This reference also provides us with an insight into the mindset of the disciples at the time, trying to understand who Jesus is. In the Gospels that followed earlier writings of scripture, Bishop Costello spoke of growing references to the Some of the participants at the talk Blessed Mother. In Mark s Gospel, Mary is referred to when she is visited by the Angel Gabrielle. Matthew s Gospel makes reference to Mary when Jesus speaks with the Pharasees and Scribes. In John s Gospel, written 70 years after the death of Jesus, Mary is described as the woman and mother of Jesus at the Marriage at Canna. In the Gospel of Luke, the reference to Mary and the blessed disciple is made at the Crucifixion. Bishop Costello highlights for us the importance of understanding the mindset of the disciples when scripture was written, and how their pursuit to understand Jesus Christ lead them on a journey from writing about Jesus and his teachings to exploring the origins of Jesus, and the pivotal role of the Blessed Mother Mary. Bishop Costello also shows us the importance of the Blessed Mother in scripture, as an example of our faith bringing us closer to Jesus, teaching us about Jesus, and transcending our journey as disciples of Jesus. Contributed by: Shelley Tellis PRAYER TO OUR LADY Remember, O most loving Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we turn to you, O Virgins of virgins, our Mother. To you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, do not despise our petitions, but in your mercy hear us and answer us. Amen

3 Issue 8 Page 3 Padua News In Appreciation of my Mother Traditionally, the second Sunday in May is set aside in honor of motherhood. Mother s Day this year was celebrated on May 11 with a prayer being distributed to all mothers at all the weekend Masses. We invited parishioners to write something about their mother. Here are some of the responses we received. A tribute to my Mum My mother passed away 6 years ago but she will forever live on in my heart. I could never be able to list down all the things my mum taught me to make the person I am today but these are just some of them: To say Please and Thank You To be cheerful and pass the joy around To never give up even though I m feeling down To always give 100% in whatever I do To respect all human beings, irrespective of their background To always give a helping hand where possible To be generous and to share To love and to be loved To never take things for granted I will always love you Mum. I love my mother, Jennifer Fernandez, Because she's always there for me even when I'm in some sort of trouble. She always gives my sister, Chantelle, and I heaps of hugs and kisses. So I would just like to say that I LOVE YOU MUM!!!! Corinna Fernandez Anonymous 'My mum, Jennifer, is the ultimate mother. She is so loving and easy to talk to. She is also the best friend that I have had for almost 15 years (my life so far!!!) I thank God every day for Mum!!!' 'My mum, Jennifer, is the ultimate mother. She is so loving and easy to talk to. She is also the best friend that I have had for almost 15 years (my life so far!!!) I thank God every day for Mum!!!' ~ Chantelle Fernandez ~ Chantelle Fernandez

4 Padua News Issue 8 Page 4 World Youth Day 2008 The Journey has begun in Melbourne! It gave me great pleasure to have had the opportunity to be a part of Welcoming the World Youth Day Cross and Icon, as part of the Days of the Dioceses, Melbourne, on the 25 th of April along with other parishioners. The young people from the Diocese of Sale handed over the WYD Cross to the youth of the Archdiocese of Melbourne at St. Patrick s Cathedral. The Icon of our Lady and the Message Stick accompanied the WYD Cross. It was a very moving ceremony and made me feel very proud to belong to the Catholic community. The Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Denis Hart, Archbishop of Melbourne, concelebrated by other Bishops of Melbourne, The Vicar General, Dean of St. Patrick s Cathedral, priests from the Archdiocese of Melbourne and priests of Melbourne s Religious Congregations. The music was heavenly; students from Sacred Heart College, Star of the Sea College, Xavier College and the young people from the Archdiocese of Melbourne and Geelong led us in song. We were privileged to have Guy Sebastian, Paulini Curuenavuli and Gary Pinto lead us in Praise and Worship. (Gary Pinto is the 2 nd cousin of Godfrey Pinto). These young people are great witnesses to their faith and it is a great inspiration to the youth. The Cathedral was overcrowded with young people in a sign of faith and solidarity. The readings from the Prophet Isaiah and from the Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians were very inspiring in that, they showed me that if I believe that God is with me, no one can be against me and that the Cross restores peace among men and by Jesus dying on the cross he brought us the good news of peace and through him we can find our way to the Father. The Mass concluded with Veneration of the Cross and Icon. Having been inspired by the Handover Ceremony of the Cross and Icon, I decided to join my family in Welcoming the Cross and Icon at Blessed Mary MacKillop Church, Keilor Downs on the 27 th of April. The parishes of St. Mary of the Assumption, Mary MacKillop, St. Paul s, Sacred Heart-Newport, Sacred Heart-St. Albans, Emmaus, St. Dominic s and St. Anthony s took an active part in the celebration. It was very appropriate that the Journey of the WYD Cross was depicted by the youth of these parishes in various forms for example Tableaus, readings, the candlelight pilgrimage walk with the Cross which was inspiring and meditative. Submitted by: Liza Fernandes History of the Cross and Icon The Cross and Icon arrived at St. Patrick s Cathedral in Melbourne on April 25, 2008 The Cross and Icon represent the inspiration and spirit to join in sharing an encounter with Christ. Sharing and witnessing this experience allows each of us to see the ripple effect it leaves on communities and parishes in Australia and all over the world. The Journey of the Cross and Icon has ignited the spirit of many since its inaugural journey in Pope John Paul II entrusted the youth of the world with this symbol of Cont d on Page 5 Cont d from Page 4

5 Issue 8 Page 5 Padua News Parishioners from St. Anthony s and St. Dominic s Parishes participating in the welcoming of the Cross and Icon at Mary MacKillop Church in Keilor Downs for World Youth Day on April 27, 2008 hope as part of the 2000 Jubilee for Youth. The late Pope John Paul II, saw the Cross as a sign of Christ s sacrifice for humanity and a sign of hope. Since then it has become a focal point of World Youth Day and over the past 20 years has been touched and carried by millions of pilgrims and members of the public from around the world. The Cross and Icon have assisted young people to come to terms with racial injustices, religious barriers, civil unrest and acts of terrorism. During the mid 1980s, the WYD Cross was smuggled behind the Iron Curtain into Eastern Europe where there was intense persecution of Christians under the Communist regime. In 2002 it traveled through the Americas visiting Ground Zero in New York and with it brought a message of peace and hope. The Cross, now accompanied by the Icon of Our Land since 2003, continues to move across the globe. It touched the hearts of those from Rwanda where genocide brought a humanitarian crisis and onto Gizo in the Solomon Islands after the country was decimated by an earthquake and tsunami. During its visit to East Timor in 2007 the locals expressed their gratitude at the timely arrival of the Cross and Icon. As the Cross and Icon travel around Australia, they will be accompanied by an Indigenous Message Stick. The Indigenous Elders involved in the Sydney WYD, through the Message Stick, invite the Indigenous youth of Australia to come to World Youth Day in July, The diverse journey overland and sea demonstrates how incredible the pilgrimage of the Cross and Icon is. Extracted from The World Youth Day Cross and Icon

6 Padua News Issue 8 Page 6 Days in the Dioceses Melbourne Event Program (Information extracted from as at 05/06/2008) EVENT VENUE Official Welcome Liturgy St Patrick's Cathedral PM DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 Thurs 10 July Fri 11 July Sat 12 July Sun 13 July Mon 14 July AM PM EVE AM PM EVE AM PM EVE AM PM EVE AM PM EVE Commissioning Mass Telstra Dome EVE Australian Catholic University, St Patrick's Pilgrim Welcome Centre Campus (ACU) ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Pilgrim Walks BI. Mary MacKillop Indigenous Reconciliation Ecumenical Stations Caroline Chisholm Pilgrim Places Brunswick & Melbourne City ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Kings Domain, Fitzroy Gardens & Rialto Building AM AM AM AM AM City of Melbourne Churches AM AM AM AM AM Docklands City & Cathedral ALL DAY AM AM AM AM East Melbourne St Patrick's Cathedral ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY CBD Melbourne, Lonsdale St St Francis Church ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY CBD Melbourne, Bourke St St Augustine's Church ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Overnight ALL DAY ALL DAY Geelong Camberwell Middle Park St Mary of the Angels Minor Basilica ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Our Lady of Victories Minor Basilica ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Werribee St Andrew's Church ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Dandenong St Mary's Church ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Burwood St Benedict's Church ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY Kew The Carmelite Monastery ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY ALL DAY West Melbourne St Mary's Star of the Sea Pilgrim House of Prayer Inner City Venue PM EVE AM PM PM EVE Tarrawarra Abbey Pilgrimage Visits Yarra Glen AM PM AM PM Peace in the Streets Pilgrimage Federation Square PM Enriching Our Catholic Faith and Life Workshops Thomas Carr Centre ALL DAY ALL DAY Caritas Forum on Becoming A Good Global Citizen Thomas Carr Centre AM Life Giving Love Meditation St Patricks Cathedral PM St Vincent de Paul Society Ozanam Lecture Melbourne Town Hall PM Reconciling Voices from the Margin ACU, St Patrick's Campus St Vincent de Paul Society Concert Federation Square PM EVE ACU, St Patrick's Campus DID08 Festival ALL DAY ALL DAY PM

7 Issue 8 Page 7 Padua News Volunteers Silver Jubilee Mass Celebrations Volunteers, past and pre- James as its First Shepherd sent, who assisted in the of the flock. various ministries of the Parish of St Anthony of The liturgy on this day was Padua, Melton South, cele- in reference to the Good brated a mass on 6th April Shepherd. In keeping with 2008, as part of our 25 the readings and the gospel Year Jubilee Celebrations. teachings, it was very fitting Our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. that Fr. Martin in his hommartin Fleming, was the ily, made reference to all volunteers as being celebrant at this Mass. shepherds in their own It was a very memorable right in carrying out their day for all those who were ministerial work in the parpresent. The day started ish. with a glorious morning with the sun shining A commemorative book was brightly and it seemed as placed at the entrance to the if the heavenly hosts church in order for all volwanted to join in these unteers to register their names and the year that celebrations. they commenced their volwith the church almost unteer work in the parish. filled to capacity, the service began as usual with Volunteers from the various the singing of the En- ministries were well repretrance Hymn accompa- sented at this Mass. It was nied by a slide show, cour- great to meet up and remitesy of Colin Consiglio, nisce with all those volundepicting various volun- teers who attended the social teer groups and individu- and light lunch that was als. It included a look provided after the Mass. back at the Parish of St Many stories were told by Anthony of Padua starting those who were present when the Church was from the commencement of built, with Rev Fr. Peter this parish and the wonder- ful work carried out by these very dedicated volunteers in making our parish what it is today. Some of these stories were happy, some filled with sadness, yet it showed the strength, determination and dedication of these volunteers in carrying out their ministries. In conclusion, the Volunteers Mass Committee, which was formed under the Service Quadrant, would like to thank all volunteers, their families, well wishers and parishioners, for being present and in making it a very memorable day. May God continue to perform his miraculous deeds through those who give of themselves to others, through their ministerial work. Submitted by: Ritchie Fernandesz Volunteers Mass Committee Service Quadrant Parishioners mingling over some heavy bar snacks after the celebrations VOLUNTEERS MASS 6TH APRIL AM

8 Padua News Issue 8 Page 8 Behind the Scenes... Music Ministry Submissions for next newsletter All Parishioners are welcome to give their suggestions. If you have any article of interest for the next newsletter, please submit them to the Parish Office or to: paduanews@yahoo.com.au by August 1, Editorial Policy The content of the articles contained herein may not necessarily reflect the official stance of the church or the committee and may differ from the opinion of the editors. The Padua News is approved by Father Martin Fleming prior to printing. The editors and Father Martin reserve the right to edit all articles submitted. Articles may be reproduced with permission from the writer and editor. Music is an angelic form of prayer. Our gift of voice is given to proclaim the word of God in reverent, heartfelt praise. Our music is chosen from the directives issued to us from the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Each week, we break open the word of God, whereby we discuss each reading. We then choose hymns proclaiming the word of God and to suit the church time of the year. We practice each week so that our ministry is proclaimed in sincerity and truth, and to the best that our talents can bring. Each member of our group volunteers their time and service in dedication and commitment. We each give thanks for our talent; in gift of music and voice and we do this in service to God and our community. We sing on Sundays at am at Mass and also at different celebrations throughout the year, eg school masses, Sacraments, Easter, Christmas, funerals, weddings and prayer services. The music ministry covers 2 groups led by Veronica and Ted, and Alex and Co. If anyone would love to join our group, please call Upcoming Events - Don t miss out! Friday, June 13 Sunday, June 15 Thursday, June 26 Sunday, July 13 Thursday July 10 - Monday, July 14 Friday, August 8 Veronica. You are all very welcome. Also if anyone feels they can meet the needs of the Parish in music - which is to sing at 6.30pm on Saturday evenings, please call Veronica. We would love to hear from you. Veronica can be reached on Music is a gift from God so let us lift our hearts and voices and sing together in His name! Submitted by Veronica Smackman Worship Quadrant 7:30pm Consecration of Church Dinner Dance at Luxor, 5.30pm 10.30pm St Anthony School concert Parish Picnic Days in the Diocese Pilgrims for the World Youth Day hosted by some of the parishioners of St. Anthony s Church. Look out for announcements on activities during this time in the weekend bulletins Talk on Mary MacKillop Tuesday, September 16 Senior Citizens Lunch 2 Friday, October 10 7:30pm Father Peter James Anniversary Mass Information as at 31/05/2008 Subject to change

9 Padua News Issue 8 Children s Pullout Page 1

10 Padua News Issue 8 Children s Pullout Page 2 The Story of Pentecost After Jesus arose from the dead that very first Easter Sunday, He spent forty days walking and talking with his closest friends and followers. They were thrilled that Jesus was alive again, and they listened very carefully to every word as He taught them more about the kingdom of God. One of Jesus' favorite places was on top of a mountain. He would go there often to be alone and talk to God. His friends loved Him so much and didn't want to leave Him. One day some of them followed Him to the top of the mountain. On the way up, Jesus told them that the Holy Spirit would come to give them power to teach people all over the world about Him. When Jesus finished talking about the Holy Spirit, a very strange, miraculous thing happened. They watched in amazement as a cloud appeared out of heaven. It surrounded Jesus and lifted him up. He disappeared out of their sight. They had never seen anything like that, and they couldn't believe their eyes! They just stood there staring up into the sky! Two ANGELS appeared right beside them, asking why they were just standing there. The angels explained that Jesus had been taken up to heaven, but He would someday come back to earth. They were certainly glad to hear that, but they still didn't know what to make of it all. This was all quite puzzling, and they weren't exactly sure about what they should do next. One of them remembered the words of Jesus telling them to stay in Jerusalem, so they walked down the mountain, and down the dusty road into the city, talking excitedly about the event that had just taken place. All the disciples and other friends of Jesus gathered in a big room to hear the story of Jesus being taken away in the cloud. They enjoyed each other's company and had meals together. They discussed the things Jesus had told them while He was with them. And most importantly, they prayed together. It was during one of these prayer meetings that ANOTHER strange and wonderful event occurred. SUDDENLY, from out of nowhere, came the sound of a rushing mighty wind. It sounded like a huge tornado was right in the room with them! They saw something that looked like two flames of fire resting just above each person's head! They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they all began to speak in other languages which they had never learned! The noise from the wind, and from the praying, and from all the people speaking at the same time was so loud that people outside on the street down below were beginning to wonder what in the world was happening up there in that room! People came from all around to find out what all the commotion was about. They were amazed and thought it was marvelous that they were hearing people speaking in their own language, because they knew that the people in the room were all from Galilee and didn't know any other language except their own. Some people were thrilled to be hearing about the wonderful works of God. Other people didn't understand and thought the people in the room were just drunk. Peter stood up and started to preach to all the people standing outside. He explained that no one in the room was drunk and that what they were seeing and hearing was the power of the Holy Spirit. He preached to them about some of the prophecies in the Old Testament. He preached to them about the teachings of Jesus. He preached that Jesus was truly the Son of God and they needed to accept Him. He preached that they needed to repent of their sins and be baptized. And he preached that if they turned away from their sins and accepted Jesus Christ, they too could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. On that ONE DAY, THREE THOUSAND PEOPLE became believers in Jesus! HALLELUJAH! Adapeted from The Story of Pentecost by Linda Sue Pochodzay Edwards