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Gospel Reflection 2019
Sunday 16 Yr C
Jesus valued women disciples highly. And this Gospel shows it. In
Jesus’ time women were little more than property. They had few
rights. They certainly weren’t allowed to study at the feet of
religious teachers. But Jesus saw things differently. He encouraged
women to learn from him and follow him. He appeared to a woman first
at his Resurrection. He defied stereotypes and sexism of his day.
Many women tell me they think our society still suffers from warped
views about a woman’s role. Ads seem to argue that women have no
value unless they wear the latest fashions. Teachers have said that
some young women don’t offer answers in class out of fear that boys
don’t find smart girls attractive. Women are under-represented in
leadership in many parts of society.
A frighteningly high number of women suffer abuse each year by men
who think women have no right to refuse their physical advances.
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village
where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister
called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be
made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my
sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset
about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen
what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
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[Updated 17.7.19]
Parish Office
The Parish Office will
be closed for the week commencing 29th July. Joan will be
disappearing to ride “The Ghan” (instead of her broomstick).
Parish Fun Night on Saturday, 20th July
at St Joey’s Hall. Be there to enjoy the fun !!
Plenary Council 2020
The second phase of the Plenary Council's preparation stage
“Listening and Discernment” began last month at Pentecost.
Following the opening phase of the Plenary Council “Listening and
Dialogue”, the views of more than 222,000 people were assessed,
reflected upon and prayed about. From that process, six National
Themes for Discernment emerged. The themes invited people to
consider how God is calling us to be a Christ-centred Church in
Australia that is: Missionary and Evangelising; Inclusive,
Participatory and Synodal; Prayerful and Eucharistic; Humble,
Healing and Merciful; A Joyful, Hope-Filled and Servant Community;
Open to Conversion, Renewal and Reform. Six groups will now be
formed - one each to focus on those National Themes for Discernment
- to review the responses made during the Listening and Dialogue
stage, including people’s questions and stories. The groups will
also consider their relevant theme in light of Church teaching, of
Church tradition, of Scripture and drawing from contemporary best
practice within and outside the Church. For more information on the
discernment and writing groups, go to.(https://plenarycouncil.
catholic.org.au/news/working-groups/)
Marriage Encounter
Invest in your most
precious asset......Your Marriage!
Married couples, come and learn how to keep/rekindle the passion in
your relationship and how to keep your love growing! This weekend is
based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome.
2019 weekend dates: 23-25 Aug, and 15-17 Nov.
Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday. Accommodation and all meals
provided. Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
Winter collection for
Asylum
Our parish is making a special collection for the Asylum Seeker
Resource Center (ASRC), which is located in Footscray. Currently
they have a great need for the following items: honey, coconut
cream, jam and peanut butter plus all toiletry items. We will be
collecting these items over the next couple of weeks. Thank you for
your generosity and support of this great organisation. For more
information about the ASRC, go to... www.asrc.org.au
A big thank you to our parishioners who have already donated to the
cause.
Helping the Homeless
VincentCare provides services and programs for people who are
experiencing or at risk of homelessness and disadvan-tage. Community
organisations are designated access points for assisting people
depending on where they are located.
To receive assistance from an Access Point in your area call the
Housing and Homelessness Support Line on 1800 825 955. Once you have
been assessed, you will be referred to the programs that are best
suited to you.
Prayer Evenings at St John's
Join us in prayer and spiritual conversation. We meet
fortnightly in Aikenhead Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm. Our next meeting
is this coming Monday, July 29. There is no cost and all are
welcome.
Winter Collection for
Vinnies
Rugging up in warm
jumpers, sitting in front of a cosy fire and enjoying a home-made
hearty soup are among the pleasures of the winter months.
Unfortunately, for those living without the security and comfort
of a warm, safe home, winter will be long and cold again this year.
Please source out your unwanted jumpers, socks, gloves, beanies,
etc.
Our parish is also collecting canned soups, baked beans, canned
meals and also personal toiletries to help restock supplies at St
Vinnies.
A big thank you to our parishioners who have already donated to the
cause.
Alight Family Fiesta
Saturday, 21 September
at St Bede’s College Mentone
At a time when living Christian family life can feel like swimming
against the tide, Alight is an event that will strengthen everyone –
especially parents – to be renewed in their mission. Fr Leo
Patalinghug, a priest and chef, will serve up a creative
presentation of faith and food that will have the whole family
wanting more. Rides, food and live music will help to make this a
joyful celebration for the whole family! To register or for more
info, look for the Alight flyers in your parish or visit
www.cam.org.au/alight19
The Collingwood
Cottage Inc.
(Foodbank for the Neighbourhood)
Founded in August 1983 as an Inter Church VOLUNTARY Organisation, is
NOW seeking some ‘new faces’ to share the workload. If any person
hears God’s call ‘to serve the needy in this simple way’ would you
please contact the Parish Office or Sister Zita 9470 4483 for
further details. Thank-you!
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