14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Catholicism study group
Young adults (18 to 35) are invited to join a discussion group which meets at 7:30 on Tuesday nights. The group is an opportunity to enjoy other people’s company and grow in your faith.
At present, we’re viewing Catholicism, a ten-part film series on Catholic history and theology that was launched late last year. We watch an hour-long episode each week and cap it off with some informal discussion over food and drink.
7:30, Tuesday nights, at the Parish House. No need to RSVP. Just come along! For more information e-mail Fr John: john.corrigan@ballarat.catholic.org.au
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is a time for the young children to better understand the Scripture. The children are called forth after the Opening Prayer and ‘dismissed’ from within the community to a place where they can Listen and Pray the reading of the day in the language of the children. The Children’s lectionary is used and worksheets emphasise the meaning and relevance of the Scripture. The leaders bring the children back at the ‘Procession of Gifts ‘; they join in the procession to show Father their work. We are blessed to have some of our teenagers as our leaders of this liturgy. The liturgy takes place at the 10.30am Mass on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sunday of the month.
If you are interested in being part of this ministry please contact Sr Marg Carmody at margaret.carmody@ballarat.catholic.org.au
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr John McKinnon’s Website
A NEW RESOURCE – (Taken from Ballarat E- News June 2012)
Fr John McKinnon, well known to many around the Diocese, has established a website. Although still under development, Fr John’s aim is for it to be a resource to help all who love and reflect on the Word of God.
Already on the site are the Commentaries on the Gospels of John, Mark & Luke, written over the past years. The Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew is a work in progress – up to Chapter 8 now.
Sunday Homilies for the current Liturgical Year can also be found on the website.
Fr McKinnon hopes to also produce ten minute audio/video presentations on the up-coming Sunday Gospels which will then be available on the website. Finally other publications and articles he has written over the years will also be available. Such a resource will be invaluable for all who prepare, reflect and share the Sunday scriptures.
The address of the website is: www.johnmckinnon.org
Sacraments of Initiation
Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation, for Children.
Parents/Guardians you are invited to present your child/ren for the Parish Sacramental Program when you feel that your child is ready. This readiness is usually around the age a child is in Grade 3. The Sacraments of Initiation – Confirmation and Eucharist are preceded by the preparation for and celebration of, the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
When you presented your child for the Sacrament of Baptism you began, for them, a journey in faith in Christ, in the Catholic Tradition. The next step in your child’s initiation is Confirmation, when Baptism is confirmed in the Holy Spirit. The reception of Eucharist completes your child’s initiation in the Church. They are now able to participate fully at Mass with Holy Communion.
Each year preparation and celebration of Confirmation is around Pentecost Sunday in second term and preparation for, and celebration of, First Holy Communion is during third term. The Reconciliation program is run during Lent in first term.
Each program begins with an information night for parents/guardians. All dates are made at the beginning of each year and they are listed below. Candidates are required to present a copy of their Baptismal Certificate at the beginning of the program. There is a cost to cover Booklets etc for the year.
Of course like any initiation process, this is just the beginning of a life long journey in faith for your child. A journey that requires support, example and love on your part as well as that of the Faith Community.
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Symbol of sacraments of Initiation[/caption]
Multicultural Mass
A Multicultural Mass recently welcomed members of the local Indian community to St Mary’s Parish, who have settled well in Hamilton and into their respective professions and lifestyles. Fr Peter Jose travelled from Melbourne to join with Fr Patrick Mugavin in concelebrating the special service.
Parishioners experienced Mass by way of the Indian culture as they ministered through music, prayer and stories. They willingly participated in the Sunday service readings and parishioners were treated to a number of hymns regularly played at an Indian Mass.
Following the service a large St Mary’s community extended a further welcome with a shared morning tea where many were keen to try and enjoyed the variety of Indian food that had been prepared.
It is planned to offer further Multicultural Masses in the future, focussing on inclusiveness for all parishioners from diverse cultural backgrounds. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to share with us their music, lifestyle and traditions.
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