St Fiacre's Parish, Leichhardt in Leichhardt, New South Wales, Australia | Catholic Church

St Fiacre's Parish, Leichhardt

Locality: Leichhardt, New South Wales, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9518 0650

Address: 96 Catherine Street 2040 Leichhardt, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.stfiacreparish.com

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25.01.2022 Morning Prayer Lord, I my vows to thee renew; disperse my sins as morning dew; guard my first springs of thought and will, and with thyself my spirit fill.

25.01.2022 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, LUKE 10:38-42 Weekday (Galatians 1:13-24; Psalm 139) KEY VERSE: "Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her" (v. 42). TO KNOW: On Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, he stopped at the village of Bethany to rest at the home of his friends, Martha and Mary and their brother Lazarus. Jesus had been teaching his disciples about the privilege and responsibility of being a disciple, and then he did a radical thinghe taught a woman. Mary seated h...erself at the feet of Jesus, and listened to his words just as a disciple of a Jewish rabbi would do. Martha criticized her sister for neglecting her duties as a host, but Mary showed true hospitality by being totally present to her guest. When Martha complained that Mary had left her with all the serving, Jesus told Martha that she was too "anxious and worried about many things" (v. 40-41). The one thing that should concern her was "to seek God's kingdom before all else" (12:29-31). Mary freely chose to be Jesus' disciple, and she would not be deprived of the opportunity. Her service to others would flow from her single-hearted devotion to the Lord. TO LOVE: What does the hospitality ministry in your parish do to make visitors feel welcomed? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to serve others with respect and dedication. See more

25.01.2022 Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi Francis, the son of a rich cloth merchant, led a misspent youth. His search for conversion led him to the ancient church at San Damiano. While he was praying there, he heard Christ speak to him from the crucifix, "Francis, repair my church." Francis assumed this meant the crumbling building he was in. Acting in his impetuous way, he took fabric from his father's shop and sold it to get money to repair the church. His father saw this as an act... of theft, dragged Francis before the bishop and in front of the whole town demanded that he return the money and renounce all rights as his heir. Francis not only gave back the money but stripped off all the clothes his father had given him, and declared that from then on his true Father was God in heaven. Francis took the Gospels as the rule of his life, and Jesus Christ as his example. He dressed in rough clothes and begged for his sustenance. He visited hospitals, served the sick, cared for lepers, preached purity and peace, composed songs and hymns to God and nature, and regarded all people as his brothers and sisters. He began to attract followers, and in 1209, with papal blessing, founded the Franciscans. In 1212 Clare of Assisi became his spiritual student, which led to the founding of the Poor Clares. Francis visited and preached to the Saracens in Arabia. In 1221 he resigned as director of the Franciscans. While in meditation on Mount Alvernia in the Apennines in September 1224, Francis received the stigmata, which periodically bled during the remaining two years of his life. See more

25.01.2022 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, LUKE 11:47-54 Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church (Ephesians 1:1-10; Psalm 98) KEY VERSE: "Woe to you! You build the memorials of the prophets whom your ancestors killed" (v. 47). TO KNOW: Jesus continued his tirade against the scribes, the "scholars of the law" (v. 45). He charged them of depriving people of the key to knowledge of God's kingdom by distorting God's word and not practicing it themselves. By their superficia...l religiosity, they were following in the footsteps of their ancestors who killed the prophets. While they piously built memorials to the prophets, they refused to do what they required: "to do right...love goodness, and to walk humbly with God" (Micah 6:8). The blood of those who died for the truth stretched from "A-Z"Abel to Zechariah, the first and last murders in the Hebrew canon of scripture (Gn 4:8; 2 Chr 24:20-22). The religious leaders would be charged with their blood. Jesus warned his disciples that if they clung to their lives, they would lose it. If they gave it away in love, like Jesus did, they would get it back a hundred fold. TO LOVE: Do I neglect the spirit of the God’s Law in following the letter of the Law? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, I pray for all who faithfully witness to the Gospel even to the point of death. See more

24.01.2022 FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, MARK 1:29-39 (Job 7:1-4, 6-7; Psalm 147; 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23) KEY VERSE: "Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come" (v 38). TO KNOW: Mark continues his narrative of a busy day in Capernaum as Jesus taught and healed. The miracles that Jesus worked, combined with his authoritative teaching, were signs pointing to the coming of God's reign, which he announced at the... beginning of his ministry (Mk 1:15). Following the Sabbath service, Jesus went Jesus went with his four disciples, Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, to Simon Peter’s home where the apostle's mother-in-law lay ill. Taking her by the hand, Jesus raised her up and she was healed. In gratitude, she immediately waited on all in the house. With the Sabbath's end at sundown, the people were free to bring their sick to Jesus and he healed many. Early the next day, Jesus went to a place of solitude for prayer. Even there his disciples searched him out and urged him to return. Jesus told them that he must spread the good news throughout Galilee to reveal God's kingdom of compassion and mercy, for that was why he had come. TO LOVE: Do I make time for prayer in my busy activities? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, teach me to serve others just as you have ministered to me. See more

24.01.2022 Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr Ignatius was a convert from paganism to Christianity. He succeeded Peter as bishop of Antioch, Syria. During persecution, the Emperor Trajan ordered him to be taken to Rome. En route,Ignatius wrote six letters to the churches in the region and one to a fellow bishop, Polycarp, bishop of Smyna (also martyred). This correspondence is an example of early Christian theology. Important topics include ecclesiology, the sacram...ents, and the role of bishops. In speaking of the authority of the church, he was the first to use the phrase "catholic church" (meaning universal), which is still in use to this day. Ignatius died a martyr c.107 at Rome, killed by wild animals. His relics are at Saint Peter's, Rome. St. Ignatius wrote: I am writing to all the churches to let it be known that I will gladly die for God if only you do not stand in my way. I plead with you: show me no untimely kindness. Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God. I am God's wheat and bread. See more

21.01.2022 Morning Prayer We fall down before Thee, O merciful Father, to offer up our united prayers and praises at the footstool of Thy divine Majesty. We thank Thee that Thou has preserved us during the night past in peace and safety, and raised us up again to see the light of another morning. ~ William Wilberforce 1759-1833

21.01.2022 Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead This series of thoughts and reflections are given for each day of thirty days. They are most appropriate for the month of November Fourteenth Day Prayers for the Faithful departed are more acceptable to God than prayers for the living: for the suffering souls are in the greatest need and cannot help themselves.... O Lord Jesus, shower down on us Thy divine graces and blessings. Unite our will to Thine, and make our prayers more acceptable to Thee, and more beneficial to the Souls in Purgatory who cry out, "Have pity on me, for the Hand of God has touched me." Amen.

20.01.2022 Prayers of the Faithful for Advent Sunday Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, in the spirit of the prophet Isaiah, we gather our thoughts and prayers with hope and humbly call on God to help us in our needs. That Pope Francis will lead us into this new year in the life of the Church, with simplicity of heart, showing us the way to hope and believe, we pray to the Lord ... That Christians may follow the Gospel mandate to "Be on guard" against all forms of disrespect for the sanctity of human life, we pray to the Lord... That all people will seek justice and have compassion for the poor and hungry of our world, we pray to the Lord That our hearts will be filled with joy as we prepare for the birth of Jesus, let us pray to the Lord That those who have died may be granted the peace of God’s kingdom, we pray to the Lord Celebrant: Almighty Father, as we look forward to the coming of your Son, fill us with your mercy and answer our prayers. Though Christ our Lord. Amen

19.01.2022 This Advent and Christmastide we find ourselves passing through some particularly difficult terrain. The restrictions that we find ourselves living under may mean our celebrations are more subdued than usual; family gatherings may be smaller; some of us will be conscious of the loss of those dear to us, and of the strains and stresses we are bearing at work and home. So we invite you to use these resources to help you to sing up and keeping up walking in company with fell...ow Christians from across our parishes. We might not be able to ‘sing up’ with our mouths this year, but we can make our souls sing; and we can let them sing not as some sort of exercise of ‘whistling in the dark’, but because we’re filled with a real hope because of what these days are proclaiming to us God is with us, and we’re walking into the future with him. Week One: The Patriarchs Before reading the daily reflection: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Sunday 29 November 2020 The First Sunday of Advent By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11.8 When the author of the Letter to the Hebrews looks for examples of people who have been steadfast in their faith, he looks first at the Patriarchs, those characters in the Old Testament who first grasp the purpose and promise of God. At the very beginning of the Bible they show us that the creator God is also the covenant God, the God who makes promises with his people and these are promises that can be trusted. In particular he holds up the story of Abraham and Sarah, for God intervenes in their lives to show that, not only is he trustworthy, but that he creates life where there was none. The Patriarchs show us that God is faithful and to be trusted, and so they prepare us to understand his actions in Jesus. He is the one in whom all God’s promises are met, and God had been preparing the way for that coming from the dawn of creation. Give thanks for those who have prepared the way for God in your life, those who first shared their faith with you, and those who’ve nurtured you in the ways of holiness. Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

19.01.2022 FEAST OF SAINT ANDREW, APOSTLE NOVEMBER 30, MATTHEW 4:18-22 (Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19) KEY VERSE: "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men" (v 19). TO KNOW: As Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, he encountered two pair of brothers going about their everyday tasks as fishermen. Jesus invited them to follow him as his disciples, promising that they would become fishers of souls. Discipleship meant more than being instructed by the master. Jesus called his disciple...s to share an intimate relationship with him, learning from his example, participating in his mission and being committed to him even to the point of death. Peter and his brother Andrew and James and his brother John responded to Jesus' call "at once" (v 20). Their commitment was immediate and total as they left home, family and work behind in order to be his disciples. These were only the first steps on a long and difficult road as they followed Jesus to the cross. TO LOVE: Let us "who hold and teach the Catholic faith that comes to us from the apostles" continue in our own time to hand on the faith that we have received, just as the apostles did in their time. [Eucharistic Prayer I] TO SERVE: St. Andrew, help me to respond wholeheartedly to Jesus' invitation to follow him as you did. See more

19.01.2022 MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, LUKE 10:25-37 Weekday (Galatians 1:6-12; Psalm 111) KEY VERSE: "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself" (v. 27). TO KNOW: A scribe, well versed in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus asked him what was written in the law. The scribe answered correctly that he must love God and neighbor as himself. The...n, hoping to put Jesus to the test, the scribe asked: "Who is my neighbor?" In his parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reversed the scribe's narrow view of 'neighbor' as only those who belonged to the people of Israel. Jesus contrasted the attitudes of three witnesses to the scene of a victim who had been beaten half-dead. A priest and Levite passed him by but they did not stop to help, probably because they were on their way to the holy city of Jerusalem, and did not want to risk the possibility of ritual impurity. Their piety got in the way of their charity. But an outsider, a Samaritan, came to the man's rescue. There was deep hostility between Jews and Samaritans, and the words 'Samaritan' and 'neighbor' were generally not used together. But Jesus made the supposed villain into the hero. He asked the scribe, "Who was neighbor to the wounded man?" And the scribe answered, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus told this legal expert to go and do likewise to the "neighbor" he would meet along the way. TO LOVE: Do I have compassion toward people who do not meet my standards? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to see you in the suffering people I meet each day See more

19.01.2022 The dilemma that Jesus is placed in by the question put to him about the paying of the Roman tax is brought out in Matthew’s account. The famous reply of Jesus is not a clever evasion. With this reply, he turns the question back on his interrogators, he tells them that they are faced by a decision of conscience. His reply concerns, the order of moral responsibility - the individual’s duty to participate in the life of the nation in a way that best promotes the common good of justice and peace. https://gregrowles.wordpress.com//twenty-ninth-sunday-in-/

18.01.2022 Today we begin the season of Advent, Today’s Gospel reminds us that Advent is about more than our preparation for the Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas. Advent is also about preparing ourselves for Christ’s return in glory at the end of time. Like the disciples and the faithful in Mark’s community, we must also stay alert and watchful. Our faithfulness to God, through the good times as well as the difficult times, shows us to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man. https://gregrowles.wordpress.com/2020/11/27/advent-sunday-b/

18.01.2022 Prayers of the Faithful for the Twenty Seventh Sunday Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, Jesus uses the vineyard as a symbol of the Kingdom of God, coinciding with the Feast of St Francis, patron of ecology, and name day of Pope Francis. For Pope Francis, who has given to the Church and to the world a unique understanding of God’s gift of creation, that with his leadership, we will share responsibility for planet earth, ‘our common home.’, we pray to the... Lord That each one of us will receive the grace to fill our minds with everything that is true, noble, good, and pure, virtuous, and worthy of praise, we pray to the Lord That God, who looks for justice rather than bloodshed, may strengthen all nations to protect human life, especially at its most vulnerable stages, we pray to the Lord... That families will be strengthened as they seek to welcome the Lord into their hearts and homes, we pray to the Lord That the Kingdom of God in all its fulness will be given to those who bore its fruit while on earth, and who have now passed through death. We also remember, we pray to the Lord Celebrant: Merciful God, hear the prayers of your faithful people and give us the gift of faith that we may serve one another. Through Christ our Lord.

17.01.2022 Latest News: Happy Advent!

16.01.2022 Latest news from our Parish: Congratulation & Welcome.

16.01.2022 Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead This series of reflections and prayers are given for each day of thirty days. They are most appropriate for the month of November Fifteenth Day Death cannot destroy the affection your loved ones bore for you in life, but that affection is now sweeter, purer, more constant. United with God in Heaven, or offering atonement to Him in Purgatory, they love us with a deeper, everlasting love.... O Lord Jesus, deign to harken to the voice of the Souls in Purgatory. Grant them remission of their sins because of the love they bore Thee, and bring them with Thee to Heaven, that they may forever praise Thee. Amen.

15.01.2022 THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, MATTHEW 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21 (Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6) KEY VERSE: "For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance" (v. 29). TO KNOW: Jesus' parable of the talents was an allegory on wise stewardship for his disciples while they awaited his return and anticipated the Last Judgment. In the story, each servant was given a different sum of mo...ney to invest. (A talent was a Greek coin worth about 6,000 denarii, equal to a year's wages. Its modern-day meaning of a special aptitude or gift is derived from the use of the word in this parable.) The first two servants made wise investments and doubled their money. The third servant, fearing his master's rebuke should he fail, buried the money for safe-keeping. When the master returned, each individual was asked to give an account of his stewardship. The wise servants were rewarded for their fidelity. They were given even greater responsibilities, and were invited to the heavenly banquet. The one who saw his master as a tyrant and therefore acted unwisely was punished, losing the gift that had been given to him. TO LOVE: In what ways do I use my time, treasure and talents to further the kingdom of God? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to use the gifts you have given to me for the greater good of all. See more

14.01.2022 Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead This series of thoughts and reflections are given for each day of thirty days. They are most appropriate for the month of November. Thirtieth Day ... Prayer directly offered for the Soul in Purgatory is the petition of a child beseeching God to be kind and merciful. Could such a prayer, offered from the heart, fail to move God? Most gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor, captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on the souls of the Faithful Departed. Be not severe in Thy judgments, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames and do Thou, O merciful Saviour, send Thy angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.

14.01.2022 TWELVE ELEMENTS OF FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY: Sources of Grace and Inspiration 2-LOVE OF THE EUCHARIST Love is both active and passive when we embrace Love of the Eucharist. When you engage the energy of the Eucharist, that energy gives life. To meditate in an attentive, orderly way on the Eucharist. To explore in our hearts the riches of the Eucharist as we seek to love it a Communion time. To will to bring the divine lessons of the Eucharist into our lives. To attend Mass as often as possible and to receive Holy Communion regularly.

14.01.2022 Morning Prayer God of work and rest and pleasure, grant that what we do this day may be for us an offering rather than a burden; and for those we serve, may it be the help they need. Amen.

13.01.2022 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, LUKE 12:8-12 Memorial of Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr KEY VERSE: "For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say" (v. 12). TO KNOW: Jesus encouraged his disciples to be fearless in their proclamation of the gospel. The disciples need not worry about how they should defend themselves when brought before the authorities. The Holy Spirit would enlighten and strengthen them as they bore witness to their faith. Jesus did not p...romise to save them from suffering, or even death, but he did guarantee that he would testify to their fidelity before God. Jesus warned his followers of blaspheming against the Holy Spirit. These sins despairs of salvation, presumes on God's mercy, envies another's spiritual good, resists known truths of faith, and is obstinate and impenitent at death. Although each sin puts an obstacle in the way of God's mercy, God's grace could overcome even these sins. But if the unrepentant refused God's power to save them, they also denied the possibility of mercy and forgiveness of sin. TO LOVE: Do I thank God for the grace of faith? TO SERVE: Holy Spirit, strengthen me when I am too weak to defend mysel See more

13.01.2022 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, LUKE 12:1-7 Weekday (Ephesians 1:11-14; Psalm 33) KEY VERSE: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and can do no more" (v. 4). TO KNOW: In the face of growing opposition to Jesus' proclamation of the gospel, he turned to his disciples whom he called "friends" (the only time the word is used in the synoptics -- Matthew, Mark and Lukesee John 15:14). Jesus warned his followers to be on guard against Pharisaical hypocrisy, which subtly eroded the trut...h. His disciples should not be afraid of physical suffering. The only one they ought to fear was Almighty God, the author and judge of their eternal destiny. Yet God was not a harsh magistrate; God was concerned about the welfare of every creature, knew the worth of each bird sold for sacrificial offering, and the number of hairs on each person's head. Therefore, Jesus' followers should be assured of divine protection during times of persecution. TO LOVE: Does fear keep me from openly proclaiming my faith? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to have confidence in God's care for me. See more

12.01.2022 TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, MATTHEW 21:33-43 (Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80; Philippians 4:6-9) KEY VERSE: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (v. 42). TO KNOW: Jesus' parable of the vineyard recalled Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard" (Is.5:1-7). In interpreting a parable it is usually a mistake to treat it as an allegory, trying to find a meaning in every single detail. But this case is different; the parable becomes an alle...gory. In the parable, the vineyard was the nation of Israel, and its owner was God. The tenants were the religious leaders of Israel, who were charged with the welfare of the nation. The messengers were the prophets who were sent by God and were rejected and often killed. The son was none other than Jesus himself, the Son of God. Prior to "vintage time," the coming of the Messiah, God sent his servants, the prophets, who were treated shamefully. When the vineyard owner sent his own son to collect the fruits of the harvest, he was "dragged outside the vineyard" (Hb 13:12) and killed. Jesus solemnly asked what the landowner would do when he returned. Because the people rejected the one God sent, others would benefit from God's mercy and would yield a rich harvest. TO LOVE: Do I ignore the messengers God sends to me? TO SERVE: Lord, Jesus, help my labors to produce a fruitful harvest. See more

12.01.2022 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, MATTHEW 15:20-37 Advent Weekday (Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23) KEY VERSE: "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd" (v. 32). TO KNOW: Like Moses, Jesus went up on a mountain to teach the people. Jesus was a compassionate teacher who had concern for the needs of his people, both spiritual and physical. He took pity on the crowd, which had been following him for three days and were without food. The disciples were at a loss as to how they could feed so man...y hungry people. Jesus took what the disciples had, seven loaves of bread and some fish, gave thanks, broke the bread, and distributed it to the disciples who in turn satisfied the hungry people. This Gentile feeding corresponds to the Jewish feeding (Mt 14:1321). The seven remaining baskets signified the fullness of God's care for all people, gentile and Jew. These same acts: taking, thanking, breaking and offering are what priests continue to do in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass. The "Breaking of the Bread" was an early name for the Eucharist (Greek, eucharistia, "the giving of thanks," Acts.2:42). The followers of Jesus believed in his miracles of, and they didn’t see them as mere symbols. They saw them for what they truly are: the real presence of Christ in our hungry world. TO LOVE: In what ways will I feed God's people this Advent? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, thank you for satisfying my hunger in your Eucharistic presence. See more

12.01.2022 Morning Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

11.01.2022 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, MARK 6:30-34 Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and companions, martyrs (Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21; Psalm 23) KEY VERSE: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while" (v 31). TO KNOW: The Twelve Apostles had been sent by Jesus to heal and preach the coming of God's reign (Mk 6:7-13). When they returned from their first mission they reported to Jesus all that had occurred. Because the needs of the people had been so great, the apostles scarcely ha...d time to eat. As a wise leader, Jesus knew that these servants of God must tend to their physical necessities as well as to their spiritual needs. So he invited them to go with him to rest at a secluded place across the lake. The crowds saw Jesus going away so they went around the lake on foot. When Jesus and his men arrived, they discovered that the people were already there to meet them. Instead of being annoyed by this interruption, Jesus took pity on the crowd, for they were "like sheep without a shepherd." Ignoring his own need for rest, Jesus began to "teach them many things" (v 34). TO LOVE: Do I pray for the physical and spiritual needs of those who minister in my community? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to balance my work with prayer and recreation. See more

11.01.2022 St. Peter Baptist’s Story Nagasaki is famous to us because of the atomic bomb exploded there in 1945. That city is also known among Franciscans for the friars and tertiaries martyred there in 1597. Peter Baptist Blasquez was born in 1542 to a noble Spanish family; he joined the Franciscans in his homeland. He worked for several years in the Philippine Islands and in 1592 was delegated by Philip II of Spain to negotiate peace with Hideyoshi, the ruler of Japan.... Peter Baptist and several confreres accomplished their mission and stayed in Japan to spread the gospel. Their success in making converts and establishing churches and hospitals frightened Hideyoshi. In December 1596 he imprisoned Peter Baptist, two other priests, two brothers, a cleric, 17 Japanese Secular Franciscans and three Jesuits. Condemned to death in early January at Miyako, these prisoners were led on a painful four-week trip to Nagasaki. On February 5, 1597, they were crucified and run through with spears. They were canonized in 1862.

10.01.2022 Morning Prayer Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

09.01.2022 The Collect For Labour Day Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

09.01.2022 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, LUKE 11:1-4 Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary (Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14; Psalm 117) KEY VERSE: "Lord teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples" (v. 1). TO KNOW: The disciples observed Jesus praying and they asked him to teach them to pray, as John the Baptist taught his disciples. In response to their request, Jesus taught them what is called the Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew’s Gospel, the Lord’s Prayer is part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 6:913...). In Luke's gospel, the setting is a time of prayer, characteristic of his gospel. Comparison of the two forms of the Lord’s Prayer reveals that the content is basically the same, though shaped by different community traditions. Matthew’s text was later adapted for liturgical use, and has been used in worship to our own day. The briefer text of Luke may be less familiar, but it probably reflects the original instruction of Jesus. Both begin with Jesus’ distinctive address for God, Father (Hebrew: Abba). He prays for the glorification of God’s name on earth and for the full establishment of his reign. Then the prayer turns to the disciples’ needs: God’s providential care and continual protection in the face of the final test at the end of time. Both versions relate God’s forgiveness of us, and the necessary forgiveness of others. In order to have a right relationship with God the Father, we must seek him in prayer, as Jesus did. TO LOVE: Do I spend time each day in prayer to our Father? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, teach me how to pray. See more

09.01.2022 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, LUKE 10:21-24 Advent Weekday (Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72) KEY VERSE: "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (v. 23). TO KNOW: Jesus sent out seventy-two of his disciples to proclaim the gospel and heal the sick. When they returned from their mission, Jesus was overjoyed to hear of God's power at work in them. Through their proclamation of God's kingdom, they witnessed the collapse of Satan's reign. The unique relationship of the Trinity is seen in thi...s passage: Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and gave praise to the Father. Jesus thanked the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to his disciples who followed him like little children. The "wise and learned" had no understanding of these heavenly things. The Father conferred this knowledge upon the Son, and he in turn revealed it to those whom he chose. Jesus reminded his disciples of their great privilege in witnessing things that the prophets and kings longed to see and hear. TO LOVE: In what ways will I share the gospel with others this Advent? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to proclaim your kingdom with joy. See more

08.01.2022 Morning Prayer Lord God, you called Saint Andrew, your apostle, to preach the gospel and to guide your Church. We humbly pray that he may always plead for us in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

08.01.2022 Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church October 5th Teresa of Avila was the daughter of a Spanish noble. Crippled by disease in her youth, she was cured after prayer to Saint Joseph. Her mother died when Teresa was 12, and she prayed to Our Lady to mother her. Teresa's father opposed her entry into religious life, so she left home without telling anyone, and entered a Carmelite house at age 17. Seeing her conviction to her call, her father and famil...y consented. Soon after taking her vows as a Carmelite, Teresa became gravely ill, and never fully recovered her health. She began receiving visions, and was examined by Dominicans and Jesuits, including Saint Francis Borgia, who pronounced the visions to be holy and true. She considered her original house too lax in its rule, so she founded a reformed convent of Saint John of Avila. Teresa is a mystical writer and was proclaimed Doctor of the Church on 27 September, 1970 by Pope Paul VI. See more

08.01.2022 For the next twelve days we will look at TWELVE ELEMENTS OF FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY: Sources of Grace and Inspiration 1- THE INCARNATION The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. To seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ; To embrace the divine seed in our brothers and sisters; To love Jesus and to imitate Him as closely as possible.

08.01.2022 Morning Prayer Lord God, you made Saint Francis of Assisi Christ-like in his poverty and humility. Help us so to walk in his ways that, with joy and love, we may follow Christ your Son, and be united to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

07.01.2022 Latest news from our Parish: Join Us at a Special Mass for HSC Students.

06.01.2022 Morning Prayer Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, now and for ever. Amen.

06.01.2022 In today's Gospel, Jesus once again speaks to the priests and elders with a parable. In telling the parable, Jesus is clearly drawing upon which is today's first reading and one that the priests and elders would have known well. The chief priests and elders have condemned themselves with their answer to Jesus' question. This Gospel reminds us God speaks to us in many waysthrough Scripture, through our Church tradition and in our Church's teaching. Are we attentive and receptive to God's word to us through these messengers? https://gregrowles.wordpress.com//twenty-seventh-sunday-i/

06.01.2022 Morning Prayer Father, we praise thee, now the night is over, active and watchful, stand we all before thee; singing we offer prayer and meditation: thus we adore thee. ~ Latin hymn, 10th century

05.01.2022 Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary On October 7th, the Catholic Church celebrates a memorial in honor of Mary as Our Lady of the Rosary. October has also been traditionally known as the month of the Rosary. The recitation of the Rosary is a devotion based on Sacred Scripture. The feast of "Our Lady of the Rosary" is attributed to a vision of the Blessed Mother to St. Dominic. The Rosary ("rose garden") is called the "Psalter of Mary" because its 150 "Aves" (all 15 decades) co...rrespond to the number of psalms. The Rosary has been called the "Jesus Prayer" of Western Catholicism. While saying the prayers of each decade, the person meditates on the mysteries of our Lord and Lady's life. In addition to the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries, Pope John Paul II recommended that the Luminous Mysteries be recited on Thursdays. These "Mysteries of Light" are drawn from the life of Christ, and the public revelation of his divine nature and mission. See more

05.01.2022 Prayers of the Faithful for The Thirty Third Sunday Celebrant: Sisters and brothers, with joy and hope, we present our petitions for the church and the world to our generous and loving Father: For the Church of God, that she will joyfully proclaim and live the faith of Christ in the world, we pray to the Lord ... For all Church ministers, that they may serve the people faithfully and with conviction for the truth, we pray to the Lord For all God's people, may they use their many talents to proclaim the sanctity of life in the arenas of business, media, the arts, and politics, we pray to the Lord... For mothers and fathers who await the birth of their child, that God might fill their hearts with an ever-deepening love each day, we pray to the Lord For our beloved dead, especially our family and friends., that they rise with Christ to new life. We also remember..May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed through the love and mercy of God rest in peace, we pray to the Lord Celebrant: God of mercy and compassion, hear our prayers and always assure us of your presence in our time of need. Through Christ our Lord.

04.01.2022 Memorial of Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin Healed from a crippling disorder by a vision of the Blessed Virgin, Margaret Mary was prompted to give her life to God. After receiving a vision of Christ fresh from the scourging, she was moved to join the Order of the Visitation in 1671. Margaret Mary received a revelation from our Lord in 1675, which included Twelve promises to her and to those who practiced true devotion to His Sacred Heart. The devotion has become widespread and... popular. The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary for those devoted to His Sacred Heart: 1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life. 2. I will establish peace in their families. 3. I will console them in all their troubles. 4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death. 5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings. 6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy. 7. Tepid souls shall become fervent. 8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection. 9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored. 10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts. 11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced. 12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

04.01.2022 OUR LADY OF EXPECTATION, PRAY FOR US Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth be fruitful, and bring forth a Saviour. Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know me and believe me: I, even I, am the Lord, and beside me there is no Saviour: and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.... Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth be fruitful, and bring forth a Saviour. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, my salvation shall not tarry: I have blotted out as a thick cloud thy transgressions. Fear not, for I will save thee: for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Redeemer. Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth be fruitful, and bring forth a Saviour.

04.01.2022 Mother of Hope has recently been added to the long list of the beautiful names used when speaking of our Lady Mary risked everything that she had when she said Yes to God’s angel and became the mother of Jesus. We can often overlook that she risked reputation, status, even her life by consenting to this and becoming an unmarried mother. A young, pregnant, peasant woman so many things to alienate her from the power structure of her day says Yes to God, and has Hope. ...She had hope not in some magic, not in a fanciful day dream, but in the faithfulness and love of God. God is faithful to us even when we turn our backs on him. We see this throughout the Old Testament when time and again God shows himself as the God who intervenes the great I am. We might well go off track and forget God, but he never goes off track with us. Mary was convinced that despite many things pointing differently she was doing something great and special for God. She had a hard time knowing fear, knowing despair and even having to witness her son dying on a cross. That conviction, that HOPE, was turned into reality when she also witnesses her son’s triumph on Easter Day, and when she is assumed at the point of death into heaven. We have those among us who like Mary are on the margins of society because of immigration status, or addiction, crime, unemployment and her Hope can be realised in their lives. We have folk who like Mary are worried about the future, about their children’s future and about Covid19 and other diseases and Mary’s Hope can be shared with them. We have parents who like Mary see their children suffering and even dying and Mary can give Hope to them. Mary can give Hope to all of us Mary, Mother of Hope, Pray for us.

03.01.2022 FEAST OF SAINT ANDREW, APOSTLE According to the Gospel of John, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, and then he was the first disciple called by Jesus (Jn 1:40). Although Andrew was not one of the inner circle of disciples (Peter, James and John), it was Andrew's great joy to bring others to Jesus. After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned from him, he hastened to share this with his brother Peter. And it was Andrew who spoke up about the boy who had the barle...y loaves and fishes before the multiplication of the loaves (Jn 6:8-9). When some Gentiles wanted to see Jesus, they came to Philip first, but Philip turned to Andrew who brought them to Jesus (Jn 12:20-22). Little else is said about Andrew in the Gospels. Legend has it that Andrew preached the gospel in what is now modern Greece and Turkey and was crucified on an X-shaped cross (saltire) at Patras. It is said that as he hung on the cross he preached for two days. See more

02.01.2022 A reflection for Sunday https://gregrowles.wordpress.com//fifth-sunday-in-ordinar/

02.01.2022 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, LUKE 11:42-46 Weekday (Galatians 5:18-25; Psalm 1) Key Verse: "You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them" (v. 46). TO KNOW: Every clash with the religious leaders moved Jesus a step closer to Calvary. He spoke stern words to the Pharisees and the scholars of the law (scribes) for oppressing the people with their impossible legal requirements, and doing nothing to lighten their burden. Whereas the... law required people to pay a 10% tax on produce, the Pharisees taxed even the tiniest garden herbs and ignored the greater demands of the law, which was justice and charity. The Pharisees loved to be respected by the people in the synagogue and marketplace. Although they gave the appearance of being holy men, Jesus said that they were spiritually dead as the "unclean" bones in the graveyard. He accused the scribes of using the law as a rod to punish the people instead of interpreting it for them as a gift from God. They had taken away the means for true understanding of God and salvation, and, by misusing the law, were themselves misled. TO LOVE: In what areas of my life am I hypocritical in observing God's law? TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, help me to obey your laws of justice and love. See more

02.01.2022 Latest News: Catechist Sunday & Ash Wednesday.

02.01.2022 Morning Prayer New mercies each returning day, around us hover while we pray; new perils past, new sins forgiven, new thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. ~ John Keble

01.01.2022 Morning Prayer Father, as a new day comes to bring its unmarred opportunity, help me to use it better than I used yesterday. While yet there is time, I would remember the special temptations which have overcome me before, and can overcome me again unless I am better armed against them. ~ Walter Russell Bowie 1882-1969

01.01.2022 This week’s Gospel speaks of how Jesus’ disciples are to conduct themselves as they await the Kingdom of Heaven. This Gospel reminds us that Christian spirituality is not passive or inactive. Our life of prayer helps us to discern the gifts that have been given to us by God. This prayer and discernment ought to lead us to use our gifts in the service of God and our neighbour. God’s grace allows us to share in the work of serving the Kingdom of Heaven. https://gregrowles.wordpress.com//thirty-third-sunday-in-/