Mary Mother of the hurch atholic Parish · 2020-07-19 · Mother of God hurch 56 Wilfred Rd, Ivanhoe East Mary Immaculate hurch 4 Waverley Ave, Ivanhoe IVANHOE PARISH PRI St ernadette’s

No. 29 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 19 JULY 2020

Mary Mother of the Church Catholic Parish St Bernadette’s Church

89 Bond St, Ivanhoe

Mother of God Church

56 Wilfred Rd, Ivanhoe East

Mary Immaculate Church

4 Waverley Ave, Ivanhoe

St Bernadette’s Primary School Principal: Kathryn Lowe 53 Stanley St, Ivanhoe West 3079 Phone: 9499 3914

I V A N H O E P A R I S H P R I M A R Y S C H O O L S

Mary Immaculate Primary School Principal: Veronica Antrim 9 Rockbeare Grove, Ivanhoe 3079 Phone: 9497 1827

Exciting Joint Venture With The Good Samaritan Inn

It’s very easy to think that during the shutdown brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic nothing much is happening - but noth-ing could be further from the truth.

Not only is our Parish Centre Redevelopment Project steaming ahead, with preparations being made for the tendering process and the temporary move from the Mary Immaculate site to Moth-er of God church while the site is being redeveloped, we have also been busy developing a partnership with the Good Samaritan Inn who currently provide emergency accommodation at their Sacred Heart Preston premises for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

The Good Samaritan Inn, in partnership with our Parish, will repur-pose and redevelop the former St. Bernadette’s Convent into an accommodation facility for women and children who have experi-enced family violence and consequently have been made home-less.

This proposal has been endorsed by our Parish Pastoral Council and the Archbishop and is now in the final approval stage. It is hoped that works will begin on the former convent before the end of the year so that this sadly growing need within our community can benefit from this new initiative of outreach and mission on behalf of the Parish and in partnership with the Good Samaritans.

Please Note How Stage 3 Restrictions Effect You & Your Parish!

All Churches ARE CLOSED FOR MASS and private prayer. Therefore there are NO MASSES within the Parish. The PARISH OFFICE IS CLOSED all communication should be via

email [[email protected]] or phone [9499 1515 or 0427 879 733]

As a Catholic Community we respect the Wurrundjeri people, traditional custodians of the land upon which our parish resides, and commit ourselves to reconciliation and justice for all in our community and nation.

Inclusiveness Hospitality Service Mission

Parish Website Stay up to date with our Parish News. On the homepage of our Parish Website you will find my Weekly Update and all the links you have become used to using: our Online Mass, News-letter, Homily, Family Prayer etc.. Go to: www.ivanhoecatholics.com

Please remember that our Online Sunday Par-ish Mass is not uploaded to the website till noon each Saturday.

Prayer to St. Joseph St. Joseph, you were receptive to God working in your life. Help us by your prayers at this time of trial. You kept Jesus and Mary under your watchful care: may your prayers assist our local Church to respond to those in need. You taught the Christ Child your trade and prayers: help us to follow his example of love. You were part of God’s plan for all humanity: assist us to be vigilant and responsible this day. You spent your life in service: may we be mind-ful of others, particularly the elderly and vul-nerable, caring for them in these difficult days. You trusted in the clear primacy of God over all history and every situation: help us to grow in faith and pray to the Father, Thy will be done. Amen.

Parish Office: 4 Waverley Ave, Ivanhoe 3079 Phone: 9499 1515 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ivanhoecatholics.com

Parish Priest: Fr. Bill Edebohls Residence: 63 Wilfred Rd, Ivanhoe East Phone: 0427 879 733 Email: [email protected]

Priest in Residence: Fr. Ki Seun (Joseph) Youn, Korean Catholic Community Residence: 89 Bond St, Ivanhoe Phone: 9440 9515 Email: [email protected]

Parish Secretary: Teana McIntosh Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9.30am - 2.30pm. [CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE]

Bookings: Please contact Parish Office: 9499 1515 for Sacramental enrolments or appointments for Marriage We are a Child Safe Parish committed to the safety, wellbeing & dignity of all children. If you have any concerns or wish to report any issues contact our Child Safety Officers: Clare Bellio (0417 369 264); Lucy Dal Pozzo (0402 192 889)

PARISH WEEKLY CALENDAR

Please note that until further notice all Masses are cancelled & the Parish Office is closed

Saturday 18 July (Feria) Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21 Prayer Intention: For those suffering physically, mentally, spiritually or financially from the current viral pandemic

Sunday 19 July (Ordinary Sunday 16) Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43 Prayer Intention: For our Parish Family: that we may nurture hope and compassion and care for each other

Monday 20 July (Feria) Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42 Prayer Intention: For our Prime Minister and Premier and all political and civic leaders

Tuesday 21 July (Feria) Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50 Prayer Intention: For doctors, nurses and all working in health and aged care

Wednesday 22 July (St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles)

7.30pm Parish Pastoral Council & Finance Com-mittee via Zoom

Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18 Prayer Intention: For medical scientists seeking a vaccine and effective treatments for Covid-19

Thursday 23 July (Feria) Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17 Prayer Intention: For those facing financial ruin or extreme hardship, for the vulnerable and fearful

Friday 24 July (Feria) Gospel: Matthew 13:18-23 Prayer Intention: For those grieving the death of loved ones and for those who have died

Saturday 25 July (St. James, Apostle) Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28 Prayer Intention: For those suffering physically, mentally, spiritually or financially from the current viral pandemic

Sunday 26 July (Ordinary Sunday 17) Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52 Prayer Intention: For our Parish Family: that we may nurture hope and compassion and care for each other

Last Weekend’s Collections [please note: During the COVID-19 Shutdown you are encouraged to use direct debit or credit card - contact the parish office for details - or hoard your collection at home till we return to normal]

PARISH Collection Envelopes: $355 PRESBYTERY Collection Envelopes: $215

Loose: $0 Loose $0

Direct Debit & Credit Cards: $873 Direct Debit & Credit Cards: $255 CDF Web Portal: $100 CDF Web Portal: $160

Total (Parish Account) $1,328 Total (Presbytery Account) $630

Piano and Organ Seek New Home If you know anyone who would like a piano or an electronic organ please ring the Parish Office.

The only cost involved will be the cost of removal. The Schiedmayer upright piano is from one of Germany's best manufacturers of the 1910-20 period. The organ is a Ham-mond electronic keyboard.

At - Home Retreat Heart of Life is offering a “Retreat in Everyday Life – All Shall Be Well” – over five weeks, beginning Monday, 3 August and concluding 31 August. This at-home retreat, available via Zoom, invites you to spend some time in prayer at home each day pondering your experiences of the day, and to be accompanied by a prayer-companion on how God might have been present for you. To register your interest, please call 9890 1101 or email [email protected] no later than Monday 27 July.

St. Vincent de Paul Conference Many thanks to those who have continued to support the work of our local Vinnies through donations of groceries etc. With the closure of our churches future donations can be left in the box on the front porches of the Parish Office (4 Waverley Ave), the Presbytery (63 Wilfred Rd), the Dixon’s (9 Ambrose St).

Do You Need Assistance During Shutdown If you need support during the shutdown, for example, shopping, transport to doctors, a regular phone call, a meal, pastoral care etc., please contact Fr. Bill 0427 879 733. Don’t be bashful - we have people ready to help and support you.

PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY Sick & In Need: Rebecca Bolden, Jillian Champness, Mar-tin Stenhouse, Maree Nunan, Joseph Lau, Silvana De Iulio, Carmel Garonzi, Margaret Canty, Justin Fernandez Deaths: Patrick Slattery RIP Anniversaries: Barbara Webster, Gino Barro Names on sick list remain for nine weeks (a Novena) un-less otherwise advised. For privacy reasons people must give their permission before their names can be included.

WEEKEND PRAYER @ HOME

each week fr. bill is streaming our weekend parish mass

online go to our Parish Website www.ivanhoecatholics.com

Introductory Reflection A strange feature of our time seems to be our capacity to oper-ate with conflicting mindsets. On the one hand we demand scientific proof for truths before we will adopt them; we want empirical evidence to back up belief. On the other we are willing to entertain theories that appear fanciful and to accept marketing claims that have no basis in fact. Is there a wise way of discerning the truth so that we can live by it? The para-bles that Jesus tells are neither sci-entific nor fanciful. They are stories that bear deep truths for those who engage with them imagina-tively and who are prepared to make the choices they call for. Je-sus invites us on a journey of dis-covery when he begins “the king-dom of heaven is like . . .”. No par-able offers a logical or comprehen-sive description of the kingdom, but neither are we led astray into a world of fantasy. Jesus teases and challenges us to see the world in a different way – his way.

Introductory Rites + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus, you are good and for-giving, full of love to all who call on you: Lord, have mercy.

Christ Jesus, you are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness: Christ, have mercy.

Lord Jesus, you show us your way – that we may walk in your truth: Lord, have mercy.

May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glo-ry, Lord God, heavenly King, O

God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Fa-ther, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Prayer for this Week O God, patient and forbearing, you alone know fully the goodness of what you have made. Strengthen our spirit when we are slow and temper our zeal when we are rash, that in your own good time you may produce in us a rich harvest from the seed you have sown and tended. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

1st Reading Wisdom 12:13,16-19

A reading from the book of Wis-dom

There is no god besides you, Lord, whose care is for all people, to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly. For your strength is the source of right-eousness, and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all. For you show your strength when peo-ple doubt the completeness of your power, and you rebuke any insolence among those who know it. Although you are sovereign in strength, you judge with mildness, and with great forbearance you govern us; for you have power to act whenever you choose. Through such works you have taught your people that the right-eous must be kind, and you have filled your children with good hope, because you give repent-ance for sins.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm R. Lord, you are good and forgiving.

O Lord, you are good and forgiv-ing, full of love to all who call. Give heed, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my voice. R.

All the nations shall come to adore you and glorify your name, O Lord: for you are great and do marvellous deeds, you who alone are God. R.

But you, God of mercy and com-passion, slow to anger, O Lord, abounding in love and truth, turn and take pity on me. R.

2nd Reading Romans 8:26-27

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans

The Spirit helps us in our weak-ness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints ac-cording to the will of God.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have re-vealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia! The Gospel Matthew 13:13:24-30 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. + Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus put before the crowds a par-able: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well.

And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?' He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to him, 'Then do you

want us to go and gather them?'

But he replied, 'No; for in gather-ing the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bun-dles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection Spend some time in silent reflection and/or read the homily attached this newsletter.

Prayers of the Faithful Jesus revealed the mystery of God’s rule in stories of daily work and life. Let us bring our world before God and pray for God’s blessing upon it.

For a global cessation of war and hostility so that poor and strug-gling nations can focus their ener-gies on dealing with the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lord hear us: R/

For front-line health care workers and their support staff, that they stay safe and well and take good care of themselves. Lord hear us: R/

For all who are struggling through lockdown and isolation, that they will be provided with all the re-sources and care they need. Lord hear us: R/

For policy-makers planning for a post-pandemic economic recov-ery, that they will be guided above all by the common good and by care for our planet, God’s creation. Lord hear us: R/

For all at increased risk of domes-tic violence because of corona-virus restrictions, that they not hesitate to call for help if threat-ened: and for the work of the Good Samaritan Inn and all who provide shelter for victims. Lord hear us: R/

For healing mercies for the sick and those in need especially, Re-becca Bolden, Jillian Champness, Martin Stenhouse, Maree Nunan,

Joseph Lau, Silvana De Iulio, Car-mel Garonzi, Margaret Canty, Pa-ter Larsen, Justin Fernandez and for all who are suffering from the coronavirus or whose lives are severely impacted by it. Lord hear us: R/

For all who have died recently, all whose anniversary occurs at this time and departed family and friends especially Patrick Slattery, Barbara Webster and Gino Barro: May they enjoy everlasting peace in the kingdom of heaven. Lord hear us: R/

Holy God and fount of wisdom, you wield your power in the ser-vice of mercy. Heal our hearts and make us ambassadors of peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father…..

Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacra-ment. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my life today. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramental-ly at Mass, come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and remain with me forever. Amen.

Concluding Prayers Almighty and eternal God, our ref-uge in every danger, to whom we turn in our distress; in faith we pray look with compassion on the afflicted, grant eternal rest to the dead, comfort to mourners, heal-ing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to healthcare workers, wisdom to our leaders and the courage to reach out to all in love, so that together we may give glory to your holy name. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

May the Lord be with us to protect us. May he guide us and give us strength. May he watch over us, keep us in his care, and + bless us with his peace. Amen.

The Angelus The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary; And she con-ceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, etc...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to your word.

Hail Mary, etc...

And the Word was made flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary, etc...

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, your Son, was made known by the message of an an-gel, may by his passion and + cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Conclude with the Prayer to St. Joseph (see front page) ____________________________ Financial Support With the closure of our churches the financial situation of all parishes is very precarious. I encourage you to continue to support your parish by dropping off your offering envelopes to the Parish Office, or using our credit card or direct debit facilities, or the new CDF portal on our website.

CDF Online Payment Portal This new online portal enables you to make quick and easy online thanks-giving payments to both the Parish & the Presbytery – you can set-up monthly recurring payments, or you can choose a one-off offering. It’s a very simple process. Just click on the Portal complete the details for your offering to the Parish and then re-peat the process to make your offer-ing to the Presbytery. To enter the Portal please go to our website www.ivanhoecatholics.com

Mass from the Cathedral Coming to you live at 11.00am each Sunday on Channel 31 (which is chan-nel 44 on most digital TVs.

19 July 2020 Homily for 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Fr. Bill Edebohls

LENNIE AND GINGER MICK

Jesus was a popular teacher who made a deep impression on those who listened to him. Much of his teach-ing was in the form of parables like today’s gospel.

At face value, nothing particularly religious, spiritual or theological about them – stories based in the real world of his audience – images of farm life, home life, nature and the world in which he found himself.

Parables are like onions. Which is why they are such a powerful means of teaching. Peel the onion and it’s layer upon layer. Peel open a parable and it’s the same – layer upon layer of meaning. Truths that touch our lives, truths that teach us about the things of God, truths that open our eyes to a new world, new ways of thinking, new ways of living and being.

So today, instead of a homily, I’m going to tell you a story. It was emailed to me by one of our Parish family and I hope that like peeling an onion you might peel open this true story and find hope, resilience, and inspi-ration – even in the midst of the current crisis in which we find ourselves.

It’s 1932 and Australia is in the grip of the Great Depression. One in three workers are unemployed. Decrep-it shanty towns hug the outskirts of the big cities.

A scrawny rabbit caught in a trap will feed a family for a week. Country roads are filled with broken men walking from one farmhouse to another seeking menial jobs and a little food to survive starvation.

On the outskirts of the South Gippsland town of Leongatha, an injured farmer (World War I hero Captain Leo Tennyson Gwyther) lies in a hospital bed unable to walk – or work. He has a broken leg and the family farm is in danger of falling into ruins.

Up steps his son, nine-year-old Lennie. With the help of his pony Ginger Mick, Lennie ploughs the farm’s 24 paddocks and keeps the place running until his father can get back on his feet.

On his father’s return home from hospital – how does he reward his son?

Lennie has been obsessively following one of the biggest engineering feats of the era – the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He wants to attend its opening. With great reluctance, his parents agree he can go.

So, nine year old Lennie saddles up his pony, Ginger Mick, packs a toothbrush, pyjamas, spare clothes and a water bottle into a sack, and begins the 1,000 kil-ometre trek to Sydney.

Alone? That’s right. A nine year old boy riding a pony from the deep south of Victoria to the biggest and roughest city in the nation. It was a very different era. No social media. No mobile phones.

But even then it doesn’t take long before word begins to spread about a boy, his horse, and their epic trek. The entire populations of small country towns along the way gather on their outskirts to welcome his arrival.

He survives bushfires, is attacked by a thug, and endures rain, cold, and biting winds.

When he reaches Canberra he is welcomed by Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, who invites him into Parliament House for tea.

When he finally arrives in Sydney, more than 10,000 people line the streets to greet him. He is besieged by autograph hunters.

He becomes a key part of the official parade at the opening of the harbour bridge and he and Ginger Mick are invited to make a starring appearance at the Royal Sydney Show. Even Donald Bradman, the biggest ce-lebrity of the Depression era, requests a meeting and gives him a signed cricket bat.

A letter writer to The Sydney Morning Herald at the time gushes that “just such an example as provided by a child of nine years, Lennie Gwyther was, and is, needed to raise the spirit of our people and to fire our youth and others to do things – not to talk only. The sturdy pioneer spirit is not dead … let it be remembered that this little boy, when his father was in hospital, cultivated the farm – a mere child.”

When Lennie leaves Sydney for home a month later, he has become one of the most famous figures in a country craving uplifting news and hope.

Large crowds wave handkerchiefs. Women weep and shout “goodbye”. According to The Sun newspaper, “Lennie, being a casual Australian, swung into the saddle and called ‘Toodleloo!’”.

He finally arrives home to a tumultuous reaction in Leongatha. He re-turns to school and soon life for Lennie – and the country – returns to normal.

These days you can find a bronze statue in Leongatha commemorating Lennie and Ginger Mick.

But Australia has largely forgotten his remarkable feat – and how he in-spired a struggling nation. Growing up in Gippsland I never heard this sto-ry nor was I taught about him in school?

Never heard of him before? Well spread the word. We need to remem-ber – and celebrate – Lennie Gwyther and his courageous journey.

God knows we need these stories now, more than ever. Rather than sink-ing into pessimism, self-doubt, and selfish misery – let us get back on the horse – and be light, joy, hope and inspiration to those whose lives we touch. And encourage our children to do the same.

This newsletter is kindly sponsored by

LONERGAN - RAVEN FUNERAL SERVICE

Caring professional Funeral services at reasonable rates.

Secure Pre-paid Funeral Plan available.

Phone: 9489 8711

Climate Action Group In ‘Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home’, Pope Francis calls us to heed “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” and act urgently on climate change and the environmental degradation of the earth. Pope Francis describes how we have developed lifestyles which degrade the earth and disadvantage the poor and vulnerable and he calls each of us to an ecological conversion to adopt changed lifestyles to protect the earth. There are movements in most Christian denominations now, and in most faiths, calling for this same action. There is significant overlap between Pope Francis’ writings about this and those of many secular writ-ers. A recent purely secular article in The Age newspaper’s Good Weekend magazine, “Trunk Call”, (May 30) abounded with quotes that had overtones of Pope Francis’ calls to us.

Here’s a few of these quotes. We are faced with “Humanity’s once-in-a-lifetime chance to save the planet”, “For decades, humans have been ignoring Mother Nature’s warnings about the future of the planet. Exactly how loudly does she have to scream?”, and quoting David Attenborough, “We depend upon the natural world for every mouthful of food we eat and every lungful of air we breathe” and quoting an anonymous writer, “World; ‘There is no way we can shut everything down in order to lower emissions, slow climate change and protect the environment’. Mother Nature: Here’s a virus. Practise.” If you haven’t read ‘Trunk Call’, try to find it and read it now. Its last sentence ….. “Nature is speaking to us very loudly right now. We’d do well to listen.”