St Mary of the Angels Parish in Geelong, Victoria | Church

St Mary of the Angels Parish

Locality: Geelong, Victoria

Address: 150 Yarra Street 3220 Geelong, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.stmarysgeelong.com.au

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25.01.2022 Click on the link to access the PDF of the current Reflection "To be Christ-like" written by Anna Demetriou (St Marys Pastoral Worker) http://www.stmarysgeelong.com.au//Reflection%20To%20Be%20C

25.01.2022 Come visit the Display at the corner of Yarra + Lt Myers Sts, opposite the Basilica. Decorated especially for Fathers Day this weekend. We are so lucky to have the Foundation and 1/2 students at St Marys Primary School contributing some beautiful artwork and sentiments to the fence line.... HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL FATHERS, GRANDFATHERS & FATHER FIGURES IN OUR PARISH. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe and well.

24.01.2022 FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2020MELANIE RIGNEY Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Psalm 17:1, 6-8, 15 Luke 8:1-3... Six Words But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20 A friend and I were engaged in an activity where you have to tell an entire story in six words. (The most famous, perhaps, was Ernest Hemingways For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.) I bragged that you only needed two words to tell the story of the New Testament: He lives. No, you need the full six, my friend said. He lives, and so do we. Its shorthand, but effective shorthand, I think, for what Paul told the early Church at Corinth: The resurrection of Jesus is only the beginning of the great truth. His truth reaches its final fulfilment as those who have died are resurrected and join him in eternity. His truth is that the Father loves us so much that he wants each of our stories, long or short, to have the happiest of endings. Jesus, hold my hand and guide me toward the Fathers happy ending

24.01.2022 WEDNESDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 2020FR MARTIN PABLE, O.F.M. Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian 1Corinthians 12:3113:13 Psalm 33:2-5, 12, 22 Luke 7:31-35... Demonstrating Love So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 Today, the Church venerates two martyrs from the third century: Pope St Cornelius (?-253) and Bishop St Cyprian (circa 200-258). Each worked tirelessly to preserve unity in the Catholic Church, something that was threatened by rebels of their time. St Cyprian wrote, You cannot have God as your Father if you do not have the Church for your mother. Pope Cornelius, in Rome, suffered martyrdom at the hands of heretics. Approximately five years later, Bishop Cyprian, in Carthage, was martyred as he was trying to rein in heretics in his area. Both were men of strong faith and firm will. Cornelius taught that the Church has authority to grant forgiveness even to heretics, provided that they are repentant. Cyprian was arrested for refusing to take part in pagan rituals and was beheaded. Through their martyrdom, each demonstrated faith, hope and love. May we honour them today and beyond by living a life that demonstrates the greatest of these-love.

24.01.2022 FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2020FR KENNETH E. GRABNER St Francis Xavier Cabrini 2 John 4-9 Psalm119:1-2, 10-11, 17-18 Luke 17:26-37 God Is Interested in You... With all my heart I seek you; let me not stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 Years ago I made a retreat at the Trappist monastery and heard something there I have never forgotten. One evening, a monk gave a short meditation in which he said with great conviction, God is interested in you! I had never heard this phrase before, and it struck me very deeply. His words gave me a new insight into God’s love that remains with me to this day. If God is interested in us, then every part of our life is important to God. And because God’s divine energy is infinite, God’s interest in us does not come and go. It is always there for us. It makes sense, then, to seek God with all our heart, to thank God with deep gratitude for God’s gifts and to ask God’s help when we are in darkness and pain. With all our heart we seek that divine friendship that never fails because God’s interest in us never dies.

23.01.2022 This short video is of the current display. It has a theme of forgiveness, healing and love. There are a few messages along the fence line to reflect upon. It shows the display and the Basilica in the background.

23.01.2022 WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2020JUDY SCHUENEMAN Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 7:25-31; Psalm 45:11-12, 14-17; Luke 6:20-26... Now and Later Raising his eyes towards his disciples Jesus said: Blessed are you whoBut woe to you who Luke 6:20, 24. The beatitudes are some of the most perplexing words in Scripture. Is it really a blessing to be poor? Hungry? Or mourning? Matthews beatitudes tell us to be poor in spirit. What does that mean? And what about inheriting the kingdom? What kingdom? Will our tears be wiped away? Will we really rejoice when others ridicule us? I am apt to say, Come on! And yet, in reflecting the answer is, Yes, to all these questionsif I follow Christ. However, things dont look so good if I dont share my bounty, dont give to the hungry, fail to help those in need or neglect those by the side of the road. Then, woe is me! Given my druthers, it seems far better to be with what seems like less now and live with Christ forever than to be like the rich man envying Lazarus later. As the saying goes, No pain, no gain.

22.01.2022 SATURDAY 14NOVEMBER 2020SR. MELANNIE SVOBODA, S.N.D. 3 John 5-8 Psalm 112:1-6 Luke 18:1-8 Lending Graciously... Well for the man who is gracious and lends Psalm 112:5 This line from the responsorial psalm made me stop. I was especially struck by the word lends Notice, there is no direct object following lends. The psalm doesn’t tell us what the person lends. That caused me to reflect on the kind of things we can lend to others. We can lend an ear, lend an arm, lend some money, lend a helping hand, lend a tool or helpful gadget. The list goes on Lending is important because it involves mutual trust. The lender is entrusting something to the person who asks. The person who asks, trusts that the lender will say yes. Lending also nurtures relationships. It creates a bond between the two parties. We must remember, though, that it is often easier to lend things rather than to lend our time and attention. Look around today. Is there something you might lend to someone else-even before being asked? If so, lend. And do so graciously.

22.01.2022 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time August 30, 2020 To be a follower of Jesus means to be selfless, not self-centred. So light your light shine towards others. Let them know you are a true disciple of Jesus.

22.01.2022 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Times - September 6 HAPPY FATHERS DAY "The heavens are singing the glory of God And all creation is shouting for joy"... A Blessing Prayer for Fathers Day (by Greg Sunter) God of Kindness and Compassion, we are your children and you are Father to us all. We give honour and thanks to those who reflect your fatherly example: those who are dads and grandads; step-dads, foster dads, godfathers and fathers-in-law; those who are coaches, leaders and mentors; and those who are elders and wisdom-men of our communities. We look to these men for strength of body and strength of character. We look to them to pass on skills and pass on stories. We look to them to protect and provide. We look to them for care and compassion. We look to them to be co-creators and stewards of the world. For all those who embrace their role as father, we give thanks. For those who struggle with being fathers, give them strength. For those who are distanced from their children, give them comfort. For those who have passed from this world, give them peace. Bless these men that we call father. Bless them in their strength and in their weakness. Bless them in their joy and in their sorrow. Bless them in their work and in their play. And bless them, Father, for being fathers. We make this prayer through the one who taught us to call you Our Father: Your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

22.01.2022 MONDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2020PHIL FOX ROSE Monday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 5:1-8; Psalm 5:5-7, 12; Luke 6:6-11... Love before Law Then Jesus said to them, I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil? Luke 6:9 Jesus question puts his gentler observation that, the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mk 2:27) in starker terms: Does the law prefer evil? If so, how can it be valid? It reminds me of a line from the Wendell Barry poem, Questionnaire: State briefly the ideas, ideals, or hopes/the energy sources, the kinds of security/ for which you would kill a child. When real-world application of an ideology harms, and defenders of that ideology are confronted, often they become enraged. They cant admit that they lack compassion, so the truth speaker becomes an enemy. The plot to crucify Jesus begins here-the powerful determine that Jesus threatens them in a tangible way for insisting that love trumps law. Lord Jesus, help me see where in my life I turn from compassion, saying I can or should do nothing. Help me turn back to love.

22.01.2022 Video showing the artwork contributions from St Marys Primary School and the Display Cross decorated for Fathers Day 2020

22.01.2022 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel and Homily. Taken from the Mass recorded at St Mary of the Angels Basilica for Radio Broadcast at 10am every Sunday on PULSE FM 94.7 The Celebrant is: Fr Joseph Panackal... Click on the link to access the audio file. https://soundcloud.com//gospel-reading-homily-frjp-22nd-su

21.01.2022 MONDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2020 SR JOYCE RUPP, O.S.M. Monday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Revelation 14:1-5 Psalm 24:1-6 Luke 21:1-4... Enough to Share but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood. Luke 21:4 Jesus used the setting of the widow putting in two small coins in the temple collection to teach about giving from our personal poverty. While it’s natural to think of something monetary, this teaching goes beyond being literal. The coins symbolise whatever we consider to be meagre about our ability to share. Where do we sense our poorness of mental, emotional, spiritual or physical aptitude? How does this hold us back from giving of ourselves for another’s benefit? No matter how inept or small those personal abilities might seem to us, they can make a surprising difference to someone else. Taking the risk to speak before a group, making that uncomfortable phone call, being with a dying person, hesitantly offering a kindness-when we donate these coins from what we feel incapable of giving, we are the widow in the temple, dropping in our two small coins with trust that God will provide us with enough to share.

21.01.2022 WEDNESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2020SR. MELANNIE SVOBODA, S.N.D Wednesday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Revelation 15:1-4 Psalm 98:1-3, 7-9 Luke 21:12-19... The Cost of Discipleship Jesus said to the crowd: They will seize and persecute you Luke 21:12 Today’s gospel is a tough one to read. For in it Jesus describes some awful things that could happen to us if we choose to become his disciples: betrayal, arrest, imprisonment, unspeakable suffering and even death. (Don’t these words describe the path his own life took?) We know for a fact that throughout history (and even in our own day), some Christians have followed the same path Jesus lived, the one he describes here. We call them martyrs. Although we may not become martyrs in the strict sense, we still bear sufferings because of our faith-the suffering caused when our loves no longer practice the faith, the polarization within our Catholic Church, the strain of trying to uphold our ideals with little societal support or simply the pain of seeing our faith mocked and God ignored. Following Jesus will cost us something, somehow, somewhere. What is your Christian faith costing you today? Jesus, help me to bear the cost of discipleship.

20.01.2022 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 13th, 2020 Click on the link to access the Audio File of the Gospel and Homily taken from the recording of Sunday Mass - live from the Basilica - The celebrant is: Fr Joseph Panackal. https://soundcloud.com//gospel-reading-homily-sept-13-2020

20.01.2022 FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2020Mary Marrocco Friday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Revelation 20:1-4,11-21:2 Psalm 84:3-6,8 Luke 21:29-33... Among His people I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God Revelation 21:2 The Old Testament prophet Joel promised that the young would dream dreams. For, when God’s Spirit fills everyone, the world is changed. In this reading from Revelation, the last book of the Bible, an early Christian shares his vision so we can see that promise is fulfilled. It’s not a misty somewhere over the rain bow vision but is the real and present marriage between heaven and earth. We don’t have to float above reality to find God. Already he has come down to us and made all things new. He brings fulfilment and life as it was meant to be. Here and now, in the present pain and suffering of humanity, we can receive this new life, freely given to us in the Beloved One. Even now, on earth, God lives among his people. Let us adorn ourselves with love and faithfulness to live with him for all eternity. Thank you, God, for living among your people

20.01.2022 Calling all Youth! This may be for you, so check it out.

20.01.2022 FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2020MELANIE RIGNEY Friday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27; Psalm 84:3-6, 12; Luke 6:39-42... In Training Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing 1 Corinthians 9:26 Its the time of year sports fans in America love: college and pro football are both underway; the hockey and basketball seasons openers arent that far off; and, if youre very lucky, your favourite baseball team is still in the mix for the playoffs and the World Series. Athletes have put in hours and hours of practice and training, always with an eye on decisive games and the title. If they dont take practice seriously, they get cut from the team pretty early on. But as America, and the world, learned on this day nineteen years ago, we seldom can predict the day our final race will be run. Life isnt a practice session we can skip from time to time; we need to be serious about our spiritual training, day after day after day. Lets lace up those shoes and fill those water bottles today, confident that we have the best, most invested coach ever. Lord, help me to add rigor and strength building to my sometimes flabby souls regimen.

20.01.2022 MONDAY 31 AUGUST, 2020SR JULIA WALSH. FSPA Monday of 22nd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Psalm 119:97-102; Luke 4: 16-30... Not Paying Attention For I resolve to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ1Corinthians 2:2 We live in a society obsessed with greatness and fame. We love to gossip about celebrities and celebrate anyone who seems to be the least bit remarkable. Whether we intend to or not, we sort people into categories and inflate their worth: most successful, best dressed, most beautiful, etc. Jesus and St Paul, though, model another way-a path of devotion and love. We are called into the mission of liberating the oppressed, of sharing good news with the poor and suffering. And to do this work, we dont have to know much. We need not appear to be extraordinary. If we are living by Gods commands, theres a good chance that few will even notice our small, faithful acts of love. We might not convince anyone of anything or boost the size of the Church. Yet our yes to God is useful for Gods purposes, and its likely that the Spirit of God, not us, will capture the attention.

19.01.2022 SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2020TERENCE HEGARTY Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18; Luke 6:43-49... Foundational Transformation But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. Luke 6:49 The house that my wife and I currently live in, was built without a foundation. It was the 1950s, and the local boy scouts of America council decided to establish a camp in this area. Several cabins were built, and, after about 20 years, the camp moved to another location. The road into the camp became a street, and, one by one, the cabins were slowly transformed into residences. Our house was raised up and a full basement was built underneath. Many renovations and additions, made over the course of several years, have allowed our once little cabin to become a suitable home. The care of our own soul can be similar. Through-out our entire lives, we are undergoing renovation. Unfortunately, we are all sinful at times. But if we have a solid foundation, and if we listen to the words of Jesus and act upon them, then we will be allowing ourselves, even if slowly, to be transformed.

19.01.2022 THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2020 GREG ERLANDSON St Josaphat Philemon 7-20 Psalm 146:7-10 Luke 17:20-25... With the Help of God Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob. Psalm 146:5 One of those oft-misattributed quotes is that God must love the poor because he made so many of them. It is not clear who actually first wrote those words, but there is a truth wrapped in its cynicism. God does love the poor, the suffering, the stranger. The responsorial psalm today reiterates a message true both to ancient Judaism and to our Catholic faith: the Lord is on the side of the weak and helpless. In Jesus’ actions, we see this deep love for the suffering and the marginalised. In modern society, it is easy to think that God’s blessings fall on those who are materially well off. But, in fact, Scripture tells us that it is the poor, the prisoner, the refugee for whom God has a preferential love. Those of us who are materially blessed may carry an extra burden, but in becoming the hands and feet of Christ, we fulfil God’s promise to the oppressed and imitate our Saviour. O God, fill me with the desire to share my blessings with others.

16.01.2022 THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER, 2020MSGR. STEPHEN J. ROSSETTI Thursday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9 Psalm 99:2-5 Luke 21:20-28... Our saving gratitude to God Stand up and go; your faith has saved you. Luke 17:19 The story of the ten lepers is one of my favourite gospels. I believe it is often misinterpreted and its real depth is lost. It is more than a tale of someone being grateful. When the one leper coms back to Jesus, he doesn’t just say, Thank you. No, he falls on his face at Jesus’ feet and praises God. In Old Testament times, people fell on their faces as a result of theophany, that is, God’s presence manifested. The leper realises that the Divine presence in Jesus healed him. So, he falls on his face at Jesus’, praises God and gives thanks. Jesus then pronounces a word of salvation: Your faith has saved you. To recognise what God has done for us in Jesus and to give thanks is to enter into God’s saving grace. Do you recognise and give thanks for the wonders that he has done for you?

16.01.2022 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time "Forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven." With forgiveness comes healing.

16.01.2022 TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2020PATRICIA LIVINGSTONE Our Lady of Sorrows 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31 Psalm 100:1-5 John 19:25-27 ... Piercing Sorrow Standing by the cross of Jesus (was) his motherWhen Jesus saw his mother and the disciples there whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold, your son. Then he said to the disciple, Behold, your mother. John 19:25-27 When Joseph and Mary presented their newborn Jesus in the Temple, Simeon predicted that a sword would pierce Marys heart (Luke 2:35). There could be no more agonising piercing for Mary than to watch her son be crucified. As she stood below, silently pouring out her love to him, he looked down and saw her. In that wrenching moment, he entrusted her to Johns care. In anguish she watched him die and be taken to the tomb. I love to imagine that, on Easter morning, perhaps Mary was the first person Jesus appeared to when he rose from the dead, holding with wordless tenderness the one who held him in her womb, transforming her piercing sorrow to joy. Beloved Mary, help us feel your sons love with us in our sorrows.

15.01.2022 Archbishop Peter Comensoli sends out a message to all Year 12 Students. Click on the link to listen. https://www.facebook.com/CatholicArchdioceseofMelbourne/videos/967432723739848/

15.01.2022 THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020 MARY MARROCCO Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 23-24; Luke 6:27-38... Packing It In Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing Luke 6:38 Do you ever sort, sift and re-settle a bag or box of goods to make sure you can fit in as much as possible? Whether its the carton of fresh berries youre about to purchase or the gift bag you cram for your youngest childs birthday, its fun and exciting to prepare, or receive, something filled to overflowing-as though its just unable to contain itself for joy. Jesus words mix together the abundant goodness of giving and receiving. He shows the lavishness of Gods love and shows too, that we can be more and more God-like through giving and receiving: physical gifts like food and clothes, emotional gifts like comfort and kindness, spiritual gifts like hope and faith and fortitude. Christ came to give life-life to the full. Let us, then, not be stingy in our living. Let us shake it down and pack it to overflowing. Lord, may I give and receive life to the full.

14.01.2022 We share with you a letter from Archbishop Comensoli to people and clergy in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Written on September 16, 2020.

14.01.2022 Special Blessing for Fathers Day May the Lord bless you and keep you in times of joy and in times of trial.... May the Lord make his face shine upon you that you, in turn, may be the face of God to those you father. May the Lord be gracious to you that you may be the instrument of grace in your families and communities. And may the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace that you might bring peace to your homes, to your families, to your work and to your world. Amen.

13.01.2022 Sunday Mass on Youtube First Sunday of Advent - November 29, 2020 Recorded at St Mary's Basilica Geelong. Celebrant is Fr Jim Clarke.... This Mass is only an audio file of the Full Mass - there were visual technical issues again this week and we could not deliver quality reproduction of the Mass. We apologize for any disappointment you may feel because of this, and hope to rectify the problem soon. https://youtu.be/nBfF599QRGk

13.01.2022 A reassuring message from Archbishop Peter Comensoli regarding changes to visits to the sick and the dying. https://www.facebook.com/31243329581/posts/10157976225504582/?extid=WEwbGwN7Wkap25SH

12.01.2022 Sunday Mass on Youtube. 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - November 15, 2020. Mass recorded at St Mary of the Angels Basilica Geelong. Available for viewing from 8am Sunday Morning.... Click on the link to view the video of this Mass. https://youtu.be/dvLaf-IYwDo Celebrant: Fr Jim Clarke PP Readers: Shirley Carrol and Santina Taranto Altar Server: John Douglas First Reading: Proverbs 31:10-13. 19-20. 30-31 Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 Gospel Acclamation Please stand as we welcome the Gospel: Alleluia, alleluia! Live in me and let me live in you, says the Lord; my branches bear much fruit. Alleluia! Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:14-30

12.01.2022 SUNDAY MASS WILL BE HELD IN THE BASILICA Starting from Sunday November 29,2020 Though the current (as of 11.59pm November 22, 2020) allowance of attendance for indoor worship is capped at 150, using the density quotient rule of 1 person per 4sqm, we cannot fit 150 people in our building. Only the main body of the church will be used at this stage, which allows us to invite bookings for 100 people only at each Mass. ... The Sunday Mass times are: 7.30am; 9.30am and 11.00am To Book: Parishioners are directed to call Diane at the Office on 5222 1977. Details required: Name, Current Phone contact, Email and Postcode. An email will be sent out with details to let all know what to expect. PLEASE SHARE AND PASS THIS INFORMATION ONTO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

11.01.2022 THURSDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER, 2020PAUL PENNICK Saint Gregory the Great 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; Psalm 24: 1-6; Luke 5: 1-11... A Fish Tale When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, Depart from me, Lord, I am a sinful man. Luke 5:8 Fishing for me has been a disaster. Three times I have tried and three times I have failed. Thats probably not enough of a test, but what can I say? Part of it is my lack of patience. Like Simon Peter, I would not have wanted to go out again for another difficult day on the sea with nothing to show for it. We are all a lot like Peter. It seems clear that is why Jesus chose him as a close disciple. Jesus knew Peters flaws but loved him dearly. That, too, is like us. Jesus knows our flaws. He knows we are sinful. He knows we prefer to take the easy way out. In spite of all this, he loves us and wants us by his side. There will be days when the fishing is very good. Have faith.

10.01.2022 You are warmly invited to attend the Seniors & Anointing Mass Saturday December 12th, 2020 at 10.00am. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL. PLEASE CALL THE PARISH OFFICE: 5222 1977

09.01.2022 TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2020STEVE GIVENS Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Psalm 145: 8-14; Luke 4: 31-37... The Word of God ...and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with Authority. Luke 4:32 How often do we allow ourselves to be astonished? We take so many things in our daily modern life for granted, things that those in a different age or another part of the world would consider miraculous. We flip a switch and the light comes on. We turn a faucet and warm soothing water hits our hands. These are everyday miracles that we usually miss. And sometimes, we read or listen to the word of God and think little of the of the life and the authority behind them. We forget what it means that God walked among us in the person of Jesus and left behind his parables, his voice and his wisdom. Sometimes, words are just words. But sometimes, when we pay attention and allow the word of God to pierce our tough skins and enter our lives, we find ourselves face to face with Jesus, the Word of God Jesus, astonish us with your word today

09.01.2022 WEDNESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER, 2020KARLA MANTERNACH Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Psalm 33:12-15,20-21; Luke 4: 38-44... Here and There From heaven the Lord looks down; he sees all mankind.He who fashioned the heart of each, he who knows all their works. Psalm 33:13, 15 This is the classic image of God looking down on us from above. It can be very comforting to think of God watching over us, like mum at the kitchen window. On the other hand, it can also make God feel distant and aloof, way up there in heaven rather than knee-deep in the nitty gritty of our lives. Which is it? Is God remote and above it all or right here, all around us? Is he as far away as the heavens or as close as our hearts? Rejoice and be glad: he is both! God is the mountain that seems far off no matter how long we walk toward it. He is also the whisper in our hearts. Our God can be all things at once: one and many, here and there, within and without. Mighty God, you are more than I can imagine. Open my eyes to you!

08.01.2022 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - September 13th, 2020 Photos of our colourful (and at night - sparkly) Display set to a theme of Forgivenes, Love and Hope. Enjoy xx

07.01.2022 This message is to inform you of the latest changes to restrictions. In case you are not aware of it all. As of 11.59pm Wednesday Sept 16th, regional Victoria (which includes Geelong) is moving to change from 2nd Step to 3rd Step of restriction changes. Melbourne Metro area remains at 1st step. Here is some information which may help you understand what is happening. Stay safe and well. ... https://www.abc.net.au//coronavirus-restrictions/12664458

07.01.2022 FRIDAY 4TH AUGUST, 2020JENNIFER CHRIST Friday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 4: 1-5; Psalm 37: 3-6, 27-28, 39-40; Luke 5:33-39... Not Ours to Judge do not make any judgement before the appointed time, until the Lord comes1 Corinthians 4:5 Its hard to go through your day without judging someone, whether its the loud teenagers on the bus, your neighbour whose front porch is groaning under a load of trash or your adult son who says, No mum, this is not a good time for a visit. By our fallen human nature, we are all rather ego-centric, thinking that we know how people should dress, talk and vote. We want people to embrace our values and our views as to how to live those values. We may be too polite to say so out loud, but the inner judge is always active. We even judge ourselves, sometimes in a harsher manner than Jesus ever would. But if we remind ourselves to stay rooted in Gods truth, Gods values, we will be much better served. St Paul tells the Corinthians that the one who judges is the Lord, and that we should suspend our human judgement until the Lord comes. With patience and prayer, practice that. Just for today.

07.01.2022 Christmas Memorial Mass - at the Basilica Tuesday December 15th at 7.30pm The Christmas season is usually one during which the loss of a loved family member is keenly felt, especially if it is the first one experienced without their physical presence. Here at St Mary’s Parish we offer a Memorial Mass of Comfort and Healing in the Basilica. At this Mass we all come together to pray for those who have died, and we offer prayers for consolation, and hope of comfort for family me...mbers who grieve for them. We warmly invite you to attend this Mass, together with any family members and friends, who may wish to accompany you. Booking your attendance at this Mass is essential. To do this you are required to call the Parish Office: 5222 1977. Please call Monday Friday from 9am - 5pm and be prepared to leave your details which we need to fulfil our contact tracing requirements. This year due to the Covid restrictions there will be no cuppa in the Narthex following the Mass. Requested names of those who have died during the past twelve months will be read out during the Mass. Names of those who have died in earlier years will also be included for remembrance, but through a separate list of names which will be placed on the altar during Mass. If you would like the name of your deceased family member or friend to be included,please call the Office 52221977 or email details to: [email protected] You may also use the option of coming in to the Parish Office to tell us the details.

07.01.2022 SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2020TERRI MIFEK Saturday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49 Psalm 56: 10-14 Luke 8:4-15... Morning Glory But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance. Luke 8:15 Last spring I planted morning glories in our back yard. By August, there was a network of vines draped across the deck railing but not a single flower. I concluded that there was no longer enough sunlight in our tree covered yard for the plant to blossom. Then one morning in September, I walked out on the deck and was startled to see a multitude of deep purple flowers in full bloom. It was a timely reminder that we are to continue persevering even when all looks lost. There are times, for all of us, when months or even years pass without a sign of hope. The world doesnt seem to change and neither do we, despite remaining faithful to prayer. During those times, it is tempting to give up in despair. But our challenge is to trust the process as we live in faith, hope and love.

07.01.2022 TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2020SR. MELANNIE SVOBODA, S.N.D. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Micah 5:1-4; Psalm 13:6; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23... Overflowing With Gratitude Let me sing to the Lord, He has been good to me. Psalm 13:6 On the eve of my 80-year-old fathers open heart surgery, I drove from out of town to be with him. My family had just left, so I had my dad all to myself-a real treat. As we talked softly, my dad started to get emotional. Finally, he said haltingly, My lifehas beenso blessed. At this critical moment in his life, he was not filled with sadness or regret. He was overflowing with gratitude for the life he had been given. (He lived for nine more years with his new heart valve.) Today we commemorate Marys gift of life. After the Annunciation, Marys first recorded words are the words of her Magnificent. It is a prayer filled with gratitude for what God has done for her specifically and for what God has done for the whole world. Today, take a few minutes to list some ways God has been good to you-and to all of us. Then say simply: Thank you, beloved one.

05.01.2022 TUESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2020AMY WELBORN Saints Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions Revelation 14:14-19 Psalm 96:10-13 Luke 21:5-11... To Rule the Earth Before the Lord, for he comes; for he comes to rule the earth. Psalm 96:13 Advent approaches, and as we draw near to that season, the Scripture readings are all about the last things: death, judgement and eternity. These can be frightening to contemplate, subjects we might rather avoid. But we can’t. Here they are, presented to us in God’s word. And, if we are honest, here they are in the ebb and flow of our lives. The Lord comes, and perhaps we tremble. A healthy fear of the Lord is, indeed, one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. But the lovely irony of this time-the surprise ending that is no secret at all-is that all of these portents, these mighty and overwhelming signs, lead to the Lord. For those who persist, those who put their fear and pride aside, are, indeed, led to the Lord-ruling from a manger in Bethlehem. Lord of all, I prepare for your coming.

05.01.2022 THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2020FR JAMES MCKARNS Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 28 Luke 7:36-50... Mercy Forever Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:1 It is a great blessing to know that the Lords mercy continues forever. Often people ask: How can God be totally just and at the same time totally merciful? This dichotomy contains no contradiction. Justice applies to any situation, and then mercy often tempers justice to make sure it is always just. Mercy is defined as caring for others, easing another persons pain and having an attitude of forgiveness. In the Old Testament, the throne of God is called the mercy seat. Jesus preached about mercy from the beginning of his public life until his death. Jesus told people, Go and sin no more. St Augustine explains that Jesus was condemning the sin but not the people. Even when dying on the cross, Jesus forgave a guilty thief. He offered his mercy to the Roman soldiers who were killing him. We rejoice that the Lord is merciful to us. We are to treat others in in like manner. If we would remove mercy from Christianity, we would remove its heart. If we make mercy a central virtue of our livers, we are imitating Jesus.

04.01.2022 MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2020 SR. JULIA WALSH, F.S.P.A Saint Andrew. Romans 10:9-18 Psalm 19:8-11 Matthew 4:18-22... Embodying Our Faith confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heartRomans 10:9 Discipleship in Jesus Christ is an embodied act, I’m learning. It’s not about appearances or lip service. It’s not about good feelings. Rather, our faith is a series of gestures. With our bodies, we bow in worship, we genuflect. With our mouths, we proclaim the Good News. Our ears hear God’s call to leave the unknown. Our feet follow Christ to the margins, where we open our eyes and see his face. We offer healing through our hands; we give food and comfort. And understandably, we grow tired. We feel broken by the suffering we encounter. When we pause to observe the Sabbath and rest our bodies, we renew our hearts. By God’s grace, we continue to embody the love of God.

04.01.2022 PARISH NEWS UPDATE: All Masses at the Basilica have not yet resumed. BUT Good News!! At this stage (Nov 15) we are able to celebrate Mass outdoors for 50 people. We have been planning with St Mary’s Primary School ... and can now let you know that we will hold these Masses under the Atrium in the school grounds. Entry will be via the gateway accessed from the Parish carpark. We have our first Mass block scheduled to begin on November 29, 2020 - the first week of Advent. Mass times are: 7.30am; 9.30am & 11.00am The Masses depend on weather conditions and will be called off if the weather is inclement. To book your place you are required to call Diane at the Parish Office between 9am-5pm during Office hours to leave your contact details and preferred Mass time. Details and procedures will be emailed to you after you have booked. Bookings will not be taken for weeks in advance. You can only book for the Masses happening for the current weekend. If you do not pre-book you will not be admitted to the Mass on the day. If you are feeling unwell or circumstances do not allow you to attend on the day, we ask you to remain at home and contact us to be placed on the next week’s schedule, otherwise your booking will be forfeited. Bookings for the first Mass block will open on Monday November 16 at 9.00am. We ask you to please be understanding if Masses are booked out for any day, and you are required to wait till the following week. Thank you. We are aware that the Premier is to announce on 22nd November changes to restrictions, and that we may be able to hold Mass for 100 people at a time in the Basilica from 22 Nov 11.59pm If this does happen we will move the Masses in to the Basilica and open up for the extra bookings allowed. We will adjust when that change is definite.

03.01.2022 MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2020JENNIFER CHRIST The Exaltation of the Cross Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38 Philippians 2:6-11 John 3:13-17... Challenges and Blessing with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God Numbers 21:4-5 This past Thanksgiving, my daughter flew into Milwaukee from San Francisco. It was to be a short visit: arrive late Wednesday evening and return to the West Coast Saturday afternoon. November in the Midwest! Of course the weather was an issue. She was delayed coming and really delayed returning. I felt so bad for her, but as she waited five hours in Minneapolis, she delighted in seeing the beautiful snow, a rarity for her. She treated herself to McDonalds and enjoyed the airport shops. She was due to open at work on Sunday morning and the Lord blessed her with a co-worker who volunteered to take her shift, so she had the day off when she finally reached San Francisco. So often our patience is worn thin by the journey of life. Yet we do have a choice in our attitude. The Israelites suffered many challenges before they reached the Promise Land. The Lord sent many blessings as well. The same is true of our journey!

03.01.2022 First Sunday of Advent November 29, 2020 Theme: Hope Hope is like a light shining in a darkened place

03.01.2022 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 22, 2020 PRAISE THE LORD MY GOD!

03.01.2022 SATURDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2020 -- SR. JOYCE RUPP, O.S.M. Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time 1 Corinthians 4:6-15; Psalm 145: 17-21; Luke 6: 1-5... Foolish Behaviour We are fools on Christs account1 Corinthians 4:10 St Paul reminds the followers of Christ, When ridiculed, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we respond gently (vs 12-13). Today is the feast of St Mother Teresa of Calcutta, much admired for her focus on the poorest of the poor. She is often pictured holding her arms a dying, emaciated person. But not everyone lauded her work. Some scoffed that her efforts would better serve the world by changing unjust systems and laws that were keeping these people oppressed. While this approach is essentially for societal change, Mother Teresas ministry also made a significant difference for each life she touched. She became a fool on account of Christ and did not let the opinion of others lessen her compassionate care for the unloved and unclaimed. If only we could be that convinced in our own following of Christ.

03.01.2022 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Times HAPPY FATHERS DAY Click on the link to access the Gospel Reading and Homily for the day. Taken from the recording at St Marys Basilica - which was broadcast on PULSE FM 94.7 at 10am. ... https://soundcloud.com//gospel-homily-fr-jim-clarke-septem See more

01.01.2022 SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2020KATHLEEN SWARTZ MCQUAIG Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary time Revelation 22:1-7 Psalm 95:1-7 Luke 21:34-36... A Good Time-For Prayer Jesus said to his disciples: Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life Luke 21:34 I love a good time-but not to excess. Carousing and drunkenness Aren’t my vices. Yet I do allow the anxieties of daily life to pile up and drowsy my heart like nothing else. I become consumed by the needs of others or take on responsibilities far beyond my realm. I fail to let God be God in every area of my life. This is not how I wish to stand before our Lord, either now or on judgement day. Real anxieties, needs and relationships tug at our hearts. But Jesus cautions us to not let those trials come between us and him. Tomorrow we start Advent-a perfect time to pray and to stand vigilant against the parts of our lives that allow our hearts to become drowsy. Lord, help me to renew my conviction and focus, that I might stand strong before you, now and evermore.