St Mary's Parish Altona in Altona, Victoria, Australia | Catholic Church

St Mary's Parish Altona

Locality: Altona, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9398 2964

Address: 95 - 97 Railway Street N 3018 Altona, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.smaltona.catholic.edu.au

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24.01.2022 FAMILY LIFE CAN BUILT VALUES integral to a strong vocation whether to priesthood, religious life or marriage. Teaching your children to value commitment, service and prayer will help them make strong vocation decisions as adults and live out those vocations with success and fulfilment.

23.01.2022 'Walking with Wisdom' Contemplative Sessions (via Zoom) Thursdays, 10am-12.30pm (AEST) on 8, 15, 22 & 29 October 2020. We invite you to join us for a series of contemplative sessions with Carole Carmody rsm and Marlene McGrath, providing opportunities for Deep Listening: to oneself at this unique time in our lives; to Divine Wisdom in the Heart, and in the Hearts of Others; and to engage in a gentle, creative response. Join for one or all sessions. $85 for the Series or $25 per session. Bookings at www.trybooking.com/BLILH. Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation, tel 03 9890 1101, www.heartoflife.melbourne

23.01.2022 Letter from Michele Frankeni, Australian Catholics assistant editor. As Covid-19 continues to affect our lives we pray this week's Responsorial Psalm with fervour 'Remember your mercies, O Lord'. Remember your mercies, O Lord as we pray for all those who have died or become sick from the coronavirus.... Remember your mercies, O Lord as we pray for those who have lost livelihoods; and for those feeling isolated and worn down with worries. Remember your mercies, O Lord as we pray for all who are making sacrifices to help prevent the spread of the disease and are working for the greater good. Remember your mercies O Lord as we pray for government and business leaders who have to manage the health of the people in their care, along with the health of economies. We humbly ask you Lord to show us the right path. LOVE MADONNA MAGAZINE? Share it with others and help keep it alive Madonna, published by the Australian Jesuits, has accompanied Australians in their daily prayer and spiritual growth for more than 120 years. It is more than a magazine. It is a community. Despite our loyal subscribers' love for the publication, subscriber numbers have been falling for many years as younger people move to digital platforms, meaning that at current numbers, print publication is no longer sustainable. If you are a subscriber, please consider sharing Madonna with your family and friends, recommending it and possibly buying a gift subscription or two. Blessings Michele Frankeni Australian Catholics assistant editor Image: depositphotos.com

23.01.2022 To view the current Covid-19 Guidlines in relations to church matters please visit our website:www.altonacatholic.org.au under the heading 'documents'.

22.01.2022 27 September, 2020 26th Sunday Year A Actions speak louder than words... Many parents today could empathise with the father asking each of his two sons to work in their vineyard. It is not an unreasonable request. Presumably their livelihood relies on the income from the vineyard, and the father speaks not harshly but with affection, My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today. Jesus does not explain the motivation of the two sons, but the defiance of the first son in initially refusing to work in the vineyard would have hurt his father. Jesus does not say why the son then thought better of it and went to work. Perhaps it was seeing the pain on his fathers face. The point for Jesus is that he changed his mind. The second son instantly agreed to his fathers request but then reneged. As St Matthew recounts, Jesus is telling this story in a contest with the chief priests and elders of the people who have challenged his authority to be teaching and acting as he does. So, he tells this story and asks them to decide who did the fathers will. Of course they answered: the one who went to work in the vineyard. In words that must have shocked and outraged his opponents, Jesus declares: I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. At that time, tax collectors collaborated with the oppressive Roman authorities and made money for themselves as well. They were socially despised and outside the Jewish law, like the prostitutes. Yet these despised people were among those who heard and believed the message of John the Baptist, a pattern of true righteousness, while the chief priests and elders, the very ones who should have been most alert to the message of John, refused to accept him. They were like the second son who said he would go to the vineyard, but then refused. Jesus is declaring that Gods loving embrace is available to everyone, especially those who feel most excluded, or who are seekers drawn by some deep inner longing. This incident of Jesus arguing with these religious leaders also carries a warning for us today. We too can be deaf to the unexpected call of God. Moreover, Jesus insists that responding to the fathers will is not just a matter of words, but of action. Actions speak louder than words. So we pray that God will truly walk with us, and help us live with insightful concern for others, especially in this traumatic year that has included extensive bushfires, COVID-19 and economic distress for many. Let us also embrace the call of Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si to play our part in protecting our planet and environment, while striving for a more just world with social and economic systems that serve everyone well. Bruce Duncan CSsR Redemptorists 2020

22.01.2022 Today's readings are rich in imagery and invite us to deepen our understanding of God's love and mercy. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah urges us to see...k a merciful Lord, whose ways 'are not our ways'. St Paul, in the second reading, describes how he longs to be with Christ in the resurrection but knows that he will glorify Him just the same by being of service to others here and now. Then, in Matthew's gospel, Jesus offers us a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven where 'the last will be first, and the first, last'. Each of us is called to work in the Lord's vineyard, and yet it is not solely by our works that God's Kingdom will come to fruition for God's ways are not our ways; and His thoughts not ours. Join us for 11am Mass today, livestreamed from St Patrick's Cathedral via YouTube (www.youtube.com/archmelb) or on TV at C31 (Channel 44 on digital TV).

21.01.2022 What a great joy to see this unifying message of hope and love being proclaimed by our parishes in readiness for the Season of Advent beginning this Sunday! T...o share this message with your own neighbourhood, family and friends, download signs for your front door/window and wallpapers for your devices at: www.melbournecatholic.org/advent See more

21.01.2022 Parishioners might find the resources in this article helpful. Counselling and Therapeutic Support in a Time of COVID, which provides an opportunity to become more familiar with mental health services, and how to practically reach out for or point to assistance.

20.01.2022 Some good philosophy!

18.01.2022 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Sunday 27th September, 2020. On Sunday 27th September, the Catholic Church marks World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year will be the 106th commemoration, with the theme being, 'Like Jesus Forced to Flee: Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting and Integrating Internally Displaced People'. The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office has prepared a Migrant and Refugee Kit, which includes stories from local communities, homily notes, reflections and prayers that help draw our hearts and minds to those seeking refuge, love, support and care within our communities. More information is available on our website www.altonacatholic.org.au

18.01.2022 Transform your life with these prayer tips.

17.01.2022 Do nothing out of selfishness; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves - Philippians 2:3 Pride and ego are hard things to control. We see how others act or dress and think we are superior to them. We idolize our own self-image. But, if we truly believe everything is a gift from God, we recognize all the people that God has put in our lives as gifts! We are grateful for how they enrich our lives. Pray every day for the people in your life: your family, your friends and those who make you angry.

15.01.2022 Some sharing during Covid ........

13.01.2022 As another week comes to an end, let us spend a moment giving thanks to the Lord who walks with us daily. Let us offer in prayer all our thoughts and any anxiet...ies we might be carrying; and humbly seek God's loving mercy and wisdom. And as we do so, let us ponder St Mary MacKillop's words: 'Our good God understands each of us better than we understand ourselves.' Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

12.01.2022 In this week's message to the community of faith in Melbourne, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli invites us to recognise the Lord's abiding presence in all of creati...on. He also reflects on our sacramental life as Catholic Christianssomething that is deeply ingrained within us, and that he is working to restore as we move towards the next stage of our COVID roadmap. See more

12.01.2022 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time will come. - MARK 13:33 We all take things for granted. In particular, we take time for granted. We make our lives... too busy. We plan our time, our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence, every day, and listen to how God is calling you right now to help build His kingdom on earth. See more

11.01.2022 During this time of continued lockdown you might enjoy the poems of Tomos Roberts at his website: www.probablytomfoolery.com

09.01.2022 Mass of Thanksgiving for Jude Johnson. Most of you will remember Seminarian Jude Johnson who did his pastoral Placement at our Parish in 2017. Jude will be admitted to Priestly Ordination on the 5 December @ 10:30am at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He would like to invite parishioners of St. Mary’s to attend his Thanksgiving Mass on: Date: 6th December 2020 Time: 4:00 pm Venue: Basilica of Our Lady of Victories, Camberwell. Please note that the number of attendees is limited to thirty (30). If you would like to attend, please contact the parish office to register your name.

09.01.2022 Many Catholics have been rightly concerned and sought advice from the bishops about the ethics of a COVID-19 vaccine. In response and on behalf of the Australia...n bishops, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has written a letter to share the perspective of the Catholic Church in Australia. As he explains, some vaccines have been and are being developed using cell lines of tissue derived from abortions, sometimes performed decades ago. As people of faith concerned for the common good who know that human life must be respected in every circumstance, we advocate for vaccines to be produced without reliance on human tissue derived from an abortion. As we await what we ardently hope for, we pray that both scientific researchers and political leaders will favour the ethical development of a vaccine, respecting human life in every circumstance. Read more here: bit.ly/vaccineresponse

07.01.2022 Latest news from the Archdiocese of Melbourne regarding Covid-19 Restrictions (Update #22) can be viewed on our parish website www.altonacatholic.org.au under the heading ‘Covid 19 Restrictions’.

07.01.2022 Parishioners will no longer need to register by phone for weekday Masses. However it will still be necessary to ring the parish mobile (0434 088 900) and book by 4pm on Friday for the Saturday Vigil Mass and by 4pm on Saturday for the 8.30am & 10.30am Masses. Please make sure you specify which Mass you wish to attend. You will need to register your full name and phone number when you attend Mass. We are able to register 50 parishioners for each Mass at this stage.

05.01.2022 Celebrating Children’s Week Further to the announcement of the Celebrating Children’s Week activity in MC News the Professional Standards Unit is pleased to announce an extension to the activity entry deadline to Friday 18 December, 5pm. We kindly ask parishes to promote this activity through their communication channels e.g. newsletter, Mass announcements, children and young people’s parish programs. Children's Week Activity: "Just as I have loved you" As people of fait...h strive to live by Jesus’ message to his disciples: 'Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.' (John 13:34) Jesus' commandment reminds us that we are each loved by God, who created us in his own image and likeness. We are then invited to show that same love to our neighbours - within our families, our local parish, school communities and the wider community. How to participate To celebrate Children’s Week this year, we are inviting all children and young people (from the ages of 4 years to 17) to participate in an activity. We want you to share with us what the words Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (Jn 13:34) mean to you through a drawing or artwork (mixed media). Download the activity flyer & submission form Download activity colouring sheet (for the little ones!) Along with your artwork, please include an answer (150 words or less) to the following question: In what ways do you feel part of the parish community and how do you try to make others feel welcome? Entries should include the completed submission form and can be sent to [email protected] before 5pm on 18 December 2020. (Parents are welcome to answer the question on behalf of their child/ren if they are too young to do so.) For more information please visit https://melbournecatholic.org//celebrating-childrens-week- It is important to note that this is not a competition, but a reflection and an opportunity for adults to hear the voice of our young ones. Those who participate will be invited to an online gathering with Archbishop Peter A Comensoli following the activity.

04.01.2022 Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia at Campion in Kew (JISA-Campion) is providing a series of online retreats being offered by the team of Spiritual Directors at JISA-Campion. DATES: 5 12 October 2020 916 November 2020 714 December 2020 Contact can be made on 1300 EXAMEN (1300-392-636) or [email protected] to enquire and book.

03.01.2022 The Catholic Bishops of Victoria have written to Premier Daniel Andrews raising concerns of unfairness in COVID restrictions to people of faith: "In the most si...mple of measures, the current restrictions in regional Victoria literally fail the pub test: if people of faith can gather in a restaurant or bar catering for a particular number of patrons (and remove their face covering), they ought to be able to put on their mask, cross the road and worship in their faith community with the same numbers, provided equivalent COVID-safe practices are in place. We ask that this disparity be rectified urgently and that the principle of fairness be applied for each subsequent step on the roadmap to reopening." Read more here: bit.ly/LettertoPremier250920

02.01.2022 Today we celebrate the feast of St Pius of Pietrelcina, affectionately known as "Padre Pio". From an early age, Padre Pio expressed a deep desire to serve God a...nd eventually joined the Capuchin friars. As a young priest, he experienced visible stigmata severe wounds on his body that echoed the wounds of Christ on the Cross. These wounds continued to appear throughout his life and despite the pain, only strengthened Padre Pio's resolve to care for the sick and suffering in the community. Padre Pio was also instrumental in building the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, or Home for the Relief of the Suffering. He called it a place of prayer and science, where patients, doctors and priests were called to be 'reserves of love'. The hospital still operates today, and now includes a home for the elderly and accommodation for families of children undergoing cancer treatment. As we celebrate Padre Pio's feast day, let us include in our prayers all those who continue to suffer in our world, especially during this time of the pandemic. We pray too for all doctors, nurses, carers and priests that through the intercession of Padre Pio, they may continue to be instruments of God's healing mercy to all those in need. 'Pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.' (Padre Pio) : Mosaic by Fr Marko Ivan Rupnik SJ

01.01.2022 This Sunday, we celebrate World Day for Migrants and Refugees. For more than a century now, the Catholic Church has marked this occasion as a way to celebrate t...he gift of migrants and refugees and draw attention to the plight of millions around the world who are forcibly displaced and trafficked. We recall that Jesus himself was a refugee; forced to flee his homeland for safety. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has encouraged us to reflect on Pope Francis' message for the day, where he emphasises the need to welcome, protect, promote and integrate those who come to our shores seeking refuge and a new life. We also pray for our own migrant and refugee communities, who are such a gift to our society and Melbourne Catholic community! Read Pope Francis' message here: bit.ly/MigrantRefugeeSunday2020

01.01.2022 A letter fom Archbishop Peter Comensoli 16 September 2020 To the People and Clergy of the Archdiocese of Melbourne...Continue reading