Each year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter the gospel reading takes a passage from Jesus' discourse on the theme of the Good Shepherd in chapter ten of John's gospel. So this Sunday becomes an unofficial feast of the Good Shepherd.
This year's section emphasises the shepherd's care for the sheep to the extent of laying down his life for his sheep. The other readings point to the positive results of the shepherd's sacrifice: we are made whole, we become God's children, with a future we cannot imagine.
Jesus' image of the good shepherd points to how authority is to be exercised in the Christian community. Those who aspire to leadership in the Christian community must be close to the people, share their lives, know their hopes and fears, their needs and aspirations. They must act as servants not masters and be willing to die daily that others might live. They are to look after the people's interests, not their own interests and privileges.
What challenges does this present for Christian leaders today?
from Break open the Word
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER † We pray in thanksgiving for
Giuseppe Calderolla, Henry Lal,
and those who have died recently in the peace of Christ.
† We pray for:
Wilkinson Benjamin, Padmani Benjamin, Lakshman Benjamin Kristy de Silva, Leslie de Zoysa, Patricia de Zoysa, Vivian St Claire Johnston, George & Florence Andrews, John & Amelia Fernandes, Helen & Constance D’Souza, Fortunato Giovanni, Jeanne Pasquet, Rosalinda Espiritu, Raymond James,
and all those whose anniversaries occur at about this time.
† Please also pray for:
Gary Day, Margaret Laverty, Dee Murray, Ida Innarella, Mark Fraser, Rita Ephraums, Gary Day, Derick Fernandez, Elaine Davies, Patricia Falleiro, Veronica Varga, Milderd D’Souza, Tara Greco, Abo Smith, Magdaline Ghosh, Ramon Austria, Charlene Lauron, Emiliana Dela Cruz, Antonio Sarlo, Joseph & Mildred Erispe, Giovanna Greco, Brendan Adams, Mary Spittall, Kath Malone, Molly McGuire, Leo O’Neill, Rita Briggs, Paul Camilleri, Mario Tizio, Melissa Haidar, Pat Turner, Daisy Ebert, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Dean Whitewood-Neal, Tracy Hili, Brittany Charalambous, Blake Hayes, Samantha Adams, Jean-Claude Allas, Floryse and Herman Assy, and Jean Claude Salece,
who are sick.
PARISH NOTICES
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
This week we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday. It is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. We pray with the whole Church for vocations: for men and women who will recognize their call from God to give their lives to continuing the ministry and service of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We pray especially that our parish may be a seedbed where such vocations are nourished and developed. We welcome Seminarian Fabio Mangiapane who will talk on Vocations in all the Masses.
Anointing Mass
Our annual Mass with communal anointing of the sick will be celebrated here at St Anthony's on Wednesday, May 9, at 11:00 am, followed by lunch in the big hall. All welcome. For those who need transport, please contact the Parish Centre 9546 8276.
HELP WANTED
Volunteers are required to assist in cleaning the Church. Your commitment is required at a minimum of once a fortnight. If interested contact the Parish Centre on 9546 8276 leave your name and contact details. Thank you.
CHAPLAINCY SUNDAY APPEAL, 20 MAY
There will be a special collection on the Weekend 19/20 May 2012 to support and expand the vital work of Catholic Chaplains, who are tangible sign of the presence of God’s care at moments of great suffering and vulnerability. Please support the appeal generously.
TRIP TO MARY MACKILLOP HERITAGE
Tuesday 15th May 2012
Departure from Resurrection Parish
at 9am sharp
Cost: $5.00 for Museum
$9.00 for Coach
BYO lunch
Coffee & Tea provided
Contact Phyllis/Chris 9798 5298
Keep Love Alive!
Auction items, sponsorship, donations or ticket sales for CatholicCare's Gala Ball
Once a year CatholicCare holds a Gala Ball, proceeds from which go to support families affected by substance abuse. Only a small proportion of this vital service is funded by Government, the rest of the service is reliant on sponsorship from the Archdiocese, fundraising activities and a dedicated band of volunteers raising money each year. Any auction items, sponsorship, donations or ticket sales will be greatly appreciated.
Contact: Kathy Matthews 8417 1200 OR kathleen.matthews@ccam.org.au
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
We have a Casserole Club in our Parish and we support families, who are going through a hard time, with many types of food. We can only keep this going by your support. If you were interested or need any more information please contact Margaret Foy on 9547 0939.
Sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and Eucharist
If you have a child in a school other than St Anthony's, who has not received the above Sacraments and you would like them to receive one of these sacraments this year, could you please enrol them for catechist classes, which are held on Tuesdays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at St Anthony's. Please contact Marilyn at the school on 9546 0044.
Children need to be in Grade 3 or above for Reconciliation, Year 4 or above for First Eucharist and Year 6 or above for Confirmation.
Vincent Pallotti Scholarship for Lay Ministry
Applications close 30 April
The Union of Catholic Apostolate (UAC) was founded by St. Vincent Pallotti in Rome in 1835 and offers scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity. Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm and ability in a particular area of endeavour e.g. youth ministry, pastoral care, community service, Aboriginal health and education. From a pool of approximately $5000, one grant or several smaller ones are offered. There are two rounds each year, for which applications close on 30 April and 31 October.
More info & application form: www.pallottine.org.au or patron2@dodo.com.au
GRIEF SUPPORT
St Anthony's Grief Support Group will resume meeting on the third Wednesday of every month at 10:15am in the Parish Centre and repeated in the evening of the same day at 7:30pm in the Parish Centre.
If you are struggling with the death of a loved family member or close friend, have recently separated or divorced, relocated, lost your job, struggling with illness or any other major loss in your life, we invite you to join us on our journey of healing, compassion & friendship.
If you are interested in joining this group, please ring Maria Jones on 9792 4755 or 0414 520 488 (If you know of anyone who might benefit from this group, please extend an invitation).
Children's Liturgy Children's Liturgy takes place every Sunday's 9.30am Mass, except school holidays. This caters for the needs of the younger members of the Parish, presenting them with the Word of God and activities appropriate for their age. We are inviting parents to bring their children. All welcome.
KAYEM PRAYER GROUP (Contemplative Prayer)
We meet every 1st Wednesday of the month. Anyone interested contact Kathryn 9548 4809
Dandenong Homework Tutoring Program
This program is a St Vincent de Paul and CatholicCare initiative. We are currently looking for volunteer tutors Mathematics or English to students in Years 5 to 8. Volunteers need to be available each Saturday from 9.30am till 12.30pm. Tutoring takes place at St Mary’s Primary School, Dandenong. No experience necessary. Training provided.
Please contact Michelle Pereira 0488 363 359
or dandenong.tutor@svdp-vic.org.au
St Mary's Dandenong
In 2012, St Mary's will run a guided Scripture study course on EXODUS. Sessions will run on Wednesday mornings and Wednesday nights, from March 7 to May 23rd. The Bible study is open to all Deanery members. All are welcome. Registration opens in February and closes in Early March.
Enquiries to Keith Donovan 97913342
MAKE A DIFFERENCE – BECOME A VOLUNTEER TUTOR at AMES EDUCATION NOBLE PARK
Role Description: Tutoring basic English to new refugees and migrants. Qualifications: No formal qualifications or proficiency in a second language are required. Training: A free course is provided to all volunteers joining the program. Commitment: 1 – 2 hrs per week (flexible times, evenings or during the day)
Benefits: Learn about new cultures, gain valuable experience to improve your employment opportunities, meet new people, socialise and widen your community networks, earn a certificate or change your career!
For more information contact: 8558 8804
or email: railicn@ames.net.au
COMMUNION TO THE SICK
Anyone who takes Communion to the sick, could you please put your name down and who you are taking Communion to. The book is in the sacristy marked (Communion to the sick).
DONATION Have you any old reading glasses or sunglasses you no longer need, there is a box in the foyer of the Church, please put them in there for collection.
PRAYING FOR THE SICK
Commonwealth Privacy Legislation protects the rights of people to privacy, including the sick. A person who is sick has the right not to have their condition mentioned publicly without their permission, including praying for them. The parish practice from now on requires written permission to print names in the Bulletin. Names for inclusion need to be dropped in to the parish office by 10:00 am on Thursday.
PARKING OUTSIDE CHURCH IN BUCKLEY STREET We officially received a letter from the council that we can now park outside the church in Buckley St. The yellow Line has been blasted away. We must obey the signs which clearly mark what hours we can or cannot park. Carmel Martin
OUR VISION
We the Parishioners of
St. Anthony’s Noble Park,
Believe we are called by Christ
to be the people of Prayer, Welcome,
Participation and Outreach.
OUR MISSION
Prayer
• To gather each week to celebrate Eucharist
• To provide various opportunities to hear
God’s word and allow to shape our lives
• To encourage and to explore a variety
of expressions of Christian prayer
and spirituality
• To plan liturgies which nurture faith and
community life.
Welcome
• To continually invite others to be involved
• To be a community that is welcoming,
supportive, caring, nurturing and positive
• To celebrate and respect the diversity and
richness and giftedness of our community.
Participation
• To encourage the gifts and potential in one another
• To offer a variety of opportunity from
gathering and socialising
• To seek open communication
• To develop effective networks and provide
opportunities for sponsoring, mentoring
and training
• To plan for the future with hope
...and Outreach
• To be responsive to the needs of individuals and groups in our Parish
• To collaborate with existing groups to identify and respond to local community needs.
• To be aware of the needs of the wider world and to determine an appropriate response.
OUR PARISH PRAYER
St. Anthony,
patron of our parish,
loyal servant of God,
faithful follower of Jesus:
You taught by word and deed,
the message of the Gospel.
Teach us to live the Gospel
values as you did.
Enlighten our minds in search
of God's will.
Inspire us to be a
prayerful community,
ever reaching out to
and cherishing our neighbour.
Help us proclaim God's love
and live what we proclaim.