PARISH BULLETIN

St Joseph’s Priory Church, Queens Park St Francis of Assisi, East Cannington

Online at www.norbertines.org.au

eRecord online at www.therecord.com.au

13th SUNDAY “PER ANNUM” Year A

28 June 2020

CONGRATULATIONS AND JUBILATION Welcome into the community of the Catholic Church, Ayisha Yananai Mazambani baptized into Christ this weekend. Let us pray for this new Christian, her parents & godparents, that they will mirror the face of Christ to us all.

WE ARE BACK - TO ‘THE NEW NORMAL’ With the easing of more restrictions so that we are able to use almost the whole Church again, let us not get complacent about those measures which will help the safety of others and ourselves. Please use the sanitiser provided, practise physical distancing (at all times)

ALL MINISTRIES ROSTER is being prepared – to begin in mid to late July. If you would like to take part in any ministry or if you can no longer be a part of the roster, Please let the Parish office know.

CONGRATULATIONS – FR STEPHEN COONEY This week, July 2nd to be precise, Fr Stephen will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood. Sixty one of those years has been ministering in Western Australia as a priest. Let us pray in thanksgiving to God for his commitment to his ministry.

NORBERTINE TERTIARIES ST JOSEPH’S PRIORY Our goal is to lead an authentic Christian life in the charism of St Norbert. A tertiary commits to become involved in church life, to celebrate Lauds and Vespers as often as they can. The tertiaries of St Joseph’s Priory gather on the last Sunday of each month for Vespers, spiritual input and shared meal. AT LAST!!! We will meet for Vespers at 5.30pm this Sunday 28 June 2020, followed by Communio in the Chapter Room of the Priory. Please bring your preferred drink and if you are able, a plate to share. Tea/Coffee provided. WE ENCOURAGE AND WELCOME ALL TO JOIN US

LITURGY PROGRAMME – June/July 2020

Sunday 28 13th Sunday “Per Annum” Year A Sat 6.30 pm Vigil Mass (Pasquale Salvucci – RIP) Sun 7.25 am Lauds 8.30 am Mass (Joseph Cassel - RIP) 10.00 am Mass (Pro Populo) 5.30 pm Vespers

Monday 29 Sts Peter & Paul, Apostles-Solemnity

6.25 am Lauds 6.45 am Mass 5.30 pm Vespers

Tuesday 30 Weekday 6.25 am Lauds 6.45 am Mass 9.00 am Mass (Adib Nakhoul – RIP) 5.30 pm Vespers

Wednesday 01 Weekday 6.25 am Lauds 6.45 am Mass 9.00 am Mass (Dean Gabriel - RIP 5.30 pm Vespers

Thursday 02 Weekday 6.25 am Lauds 6.45 am Mass 9.00 am Mass (Spec. Int. CdZ) 5.30 pm Vespers

Friday 03 St Thomas, Apostle - Feast 6.25 am Lauds 6.45 am Mass 8.15 am Mass (Charlotte Tabarias – RIP) 5.30 pm Vespers

Saturday 04 Weekday 7 25 am Lauds 7.45 am Mass (Spec Int – SJ) 4.45 pm Sacrament of Penance 5.30 pm Vespers

NEXT WEEK 14th Sunday “Per Annum” Year A –04/05 July 2020 Masses: Saturday: 6.30 pm; Sunday: 8.30 am, 10.00 am

READINGS First Reading Second Reading Gospel

28 June 2020 2 Kg 4:8-11 Rom 6:3-4, 8-11 Mt 10;37-42

05 July 2020 Zec 9:9-10 Rom 8:9, 11-13 Mt 11:25-30

CHILDRENS BULLETIN

PLANNED GIVING year concludes this weekend. If you do not already have envelopes and wish to join the Planned Giving system for the coming year, please see Fr Peter. If you would like to contribute via direct deposit, see Fr Peter as well. If your address or contact details have changed over the past year, please contact the Parish Office so that we can keep our information up to date DIRECT DEPOSIT Many parishioners are switching to direct debit giving and therefore we are able to save on envelopes. This means that some people will have different numbers this year as we reduce the number of envelopes we buy.

SEA SUNDAY, in 2 weeks, when the church prays for those who live and work at sea. There will be a national Appeal for Stella Maris, Apostleship of the Sea, the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church. Donations will provide practical and spiritual support to seafarers in these challenging times of COVID-19. Please give generously. Go to: bit.ly/seasundayaustralia

MARK KELLY

Rite of employment

If you are fortunate enough to have a job at the moment, please spare a thought for those who have lost theirs. The last 3 months have been challenging for businesses and individuals alike. Many will be in precarious financial positions through no fault of their own. Many will have had to call on government assistance for the first time in their life. Whilst these things might sound straight forward, I would argue they are not. Not having a job is a feeling very alien to many people.

Pope Francis often talks of the dignity of work. The right of those who want to work to be able to gain employment to provide for themselves and their family. The importance of work to the dignity of the human person. Whilst the signs of the control of the virus in WA are good, there will still be a lot of pain throughout this year and beyond.

As Christians, I believe we should be aware that others around us may be suffering. We need to have empathy for those who may be doing it tough, either financially or mentally or both. We should look for opportunities to support individuals and smaller businesses where we can. If we can offer employment and give hope to those who may have lost hope, I think that is commendable.

Thinking of others and continuing to spread kindness in these difficult days is our challenge. Are we up to it?

mkelly101@hotmail.com

READERS & COMMENTATORS NEXT WEEK 04/05 July 6.30 pm Vigil Mass 8.30am Mass 10.00 am Mass

COMMENTATOR

FIRST READER

SECOND READER

SUNDAY HOLY COMMUNION HOME HOSPITAL HOME & HOSPITAL

28 June 2020

05 July 2020

CHURCH CLEANING ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH Fri 03 July 2020 6.00pm

ST JOSEPH’S LINEN ROSTER

28 June 2020

05 July 2020

COLLECTIONS AT MASS From time to time people in the parish ask what the collections that we take up at Mass are for, and where the money is directed. The first collection is for the support of the parish priest, and the second collection (which is published in the bulletin each week) is for the support of the parish.

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Archdiocese delivered direct to your inbox .To subscribe, visit www.therecord.com.au or by sending details to communications@perthcatholic.org.au. For more information contact Jamie O’Brien on 08 9220 5900 or 0455 099 652.

21 June 2020 Envelopes $1653.90 Loose $58.30 Direct Debit $555.00

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH 135 Treasure Road

Queens Park WA 6107 PO Box 354

Cannington WA 6987 T:(08) 9458 2729

(08) 9451 5586 F:(08) 9356 1602

Email:

The Parishes of Queens Park and East Cannington were entrusted to the care of the Norbertine Canons in 1977 and 1994

respectively.

Safeguarding Officers: Doris Matias 0417 931 184

Sheetal Silveira 0401 461 521

Parish Priest: Fr Peter Joseph, O Praem

Ref: 2020.8 24 June 2020

Directives for Churches and Chapels within the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth

Phase 4 of Western Australia’s COVID 19 Roadmap from The Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB

Archbishop of Perth Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, On Saturday, 27 June 2020, Western Australia will commence Phase 4 of the Western Australian Government’s COVID-19 roadmap. Under Phase 4, Western Australia’s COVID-19 restrictions will be relaxed even further, as Western Australia’s roadmap is updated to complete the removal of all restrictions. The WA roadmap has been developed in conjunction with the National Cabinet principles and is based on the best health advice for WA.  The current health advice is that we can cautiously continue to reopen or increase capacity of certain venues, and increase indoor and outdoor gatherings while continuing to practise physical distancing and good personal hygiene. The WA COVID-19 roadmap can be accessed at: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-wa-roadmap#phase4 It is incumbent upon each of us to continue to exercise responsibility in keeping infection rates low and demonstrating diligent citizenship as well as Christian concern and charity. I take this opportunity to again acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our clergy and all those women and men across the Archdiocese of Perth who have continued to adapt to ‘the new normal’ in our gradual return to our parishes, worship, Catholic agencies and communities of faith. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to each and every one of you. Today, I recommit the Archdiocese of Perth to the support of, and compliance with, government directives and associated public health advice. The Western Australian and Federal Governments continue to issue ongoing public health advice in relation to COVID–19. The Archdiocese of Perth continues to be guided by this advice through our ongoing commitment to monitoring any threat posed by COVID–19 to Catholic communities across our Archdiocese. I write to share with you a revised series of directives which come into effect across the Archdiocese of Perth commencing Saturday, 27 June 2020. The website of the Archdiocese of Perth has a dedicated COVID-19 web page on which all statements from the Archdiocese of Perth can be found. You can access this page at: http://perthcatholic.org.au/COVID19.htm The following directives apply to the clergy, religious and the lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Perth and commence on Saturday, 27 June 2020:

• Churches and chapels are permitted to open with capacity limits determined by the two (2) square metres per person rule, excluding the people required to conduct the service.

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Perth

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• There is to be two (2) square metres of floor space per person with each person

practicing physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from persons of other

households.

• Additionally to remain open during Phase 4 churches and chapels need to:

o maintain a minimum of two (2) square metres per person o maintain hygiene and frequent cleaning

• Latest information and advice, including health support measures and restrictions can be found at: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-wa-roadmap#phase4

• Latest frequently asked questions relevant to Religious practices can be found at:

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/phase-4-easing-of-restrictions-

frequently-asked-questions#religious_practices

• Western Australia’s COVID Safety Guidelines for Phase 4 are being updated and will

be available online before the Phase 4 starting date of Saturday, 27 June 2020 at:

https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-

coronavirus-business-and-industry-advice#covid-safety-plans

• COVID Safety Plans: Churches and chapels must ensure that their COVID Safety Plan is available for inspection by authorised officers.

o Each church and chapel must complete a COVID Safety Plan for each church or chapel prior to reopening.

o If your parish has multiple churches/premises, you must prepare a COVID Safety Plan for each church/premise.

o Churches and chapels that opened during Phase 3, or which will reopen in Phase 4, should review the new guidelines and update their COVID Safety Plans where applicable.

o If a church or chapel’s capacity is increased during Phase 4 this should be reflected on an updated COVID Safety Plan certificate.

o Each church and chapel must display a COVID Safety Plan certificate at an

entry point to the church or chapel.

• Visitor Registers: Churches and chapels are no longer required to keep an

attendance register as part of their COVID Safety Plans.

o Churches and chapels that kept attendance registers previously are required

to keep the information in the register until twenty eight (28) days after the State

of Emergency has been lifted.

• Seating in the Church: Physical distancing of one (1) person per two (2) square metres must be observed inside the church or chapel. Available seating must be clearly marked with signage to assist in maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 metres between people of different households.

• Hand sanitizers are to be available at each entrance to every church and chapel.

• Clear guidelines must be put in place to direct people on how to enter and exit the church or chapel to ensure that this is done systematically to ensure that appropriate physical distancing is observed.

• Holy Water fonts/stoups in all churches and chapels are to remain empty.

• Pews, seats, seatbacks, top rails, kneelers, doors, door knobs, microphones, sacristies, toilets/bathrooms and all other communal areas are to be cleaned, wiped down and sanitised regularly.

• Parish newsletters or bulletins should not be re-used. Sufficient copies should be made to ensure that people get copies, but then they must either take them home or dispose of them.

• Hymnals or shared copies of texts are not to be used.

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Perth

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• Persons who feel unwell, who have flu/respiratory symptoms, elevated body

temperatures or who have been in contact in the previous fourteen (14) days with

persons suspected to have, or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are not

permitted to enter churches or chapels.

• St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth: please refer to the St Mary’s Cathedral website and

social media pages for updates relevant to the Cathedral:

https://stmaryscathedralperth.com.au/

Celebration of the Sacraments of the Church

• Preparations for, and the celebration of, First Reconciliation (school-aged children) and First Holy Communion (school-aged children) may continue. Physical distancing of one (1) person per 2 square metres must be observed inside the church or chapel. Available seating must be clearly marked with signage to assist in maintaining a physical distance of 1.5 metres between people of other households.

• Confirmation (school-aged children) remains temporarily suspended, except for those in danger of death. This temporary suspension will be reviewed ahead of the commencement of Phase 5 of the Western Australian Government’s COVID-19 roadmap which is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 18 July 2020.

• Individual parishes may choose to celebrate the Rite of Initiation with RCIA Elect and candidates.

• There should be two (2) square metres of floor space per person with each person

practicing physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other persons of other

households.

Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)

• Individual parishes may choose to celebrate the Rite of Initiation with RCIA Elect and candidates.

• Please refer to Baptism and Confirmation directives when celebrating these sacraments with the RCIA Elect and candidates.

• For the anointing with Chrism, the celebrant should use cotton balls with a separate one for each candidate. These cotton balls must disposed of appropriately after the celebration.

• Please contact Dr Carmel Suart, Director of the Office of Christian Initiation, on either 08 6104 3696 or christian.initiation@perthcatholic.org.au for any queries in relation to RCIA.

Baptism

• The number of people that can attend a Baptism will be determined by the maximum capacity of each church or chapel, based on at least two (2) square metres of floor space per person.

• Fresh baptismal water must be used for each candidate.

• Full immersion baptism is prohibited unless the water in the baptismal pool is drained between candidates. The baptismal pool must subsequently be cleaned and disinfected after each full immersion.

• For the anointing with Chrism at baptism, the celebrant should use cotton balls with a separate one for each candidate. These cotton balls must disposed of appropriately after the celebration.

• There should be two (2) square metres of floor space per person with each person

practicing physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from persons of other

households.

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Perth

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Confessions

• Priests can provide opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, according to the First Rite.

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation is to occur in a well-ventilated space and with appropriate social distancing being maintained at all times, including the absolution. The Sacrament can be celebrated in the sanctuary but provision for anonymity should be made.

• There should be two (2) square metres of floor space per person with each person

practicing physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from other persons of other

households.

Masses Priests must exercise judgement in deciding whether it is yet practicable to conduct public Masses or to reopen churches and chapels. In light of the two (2) square metre rule under Phase 4 of the WA Government’s COVID-19 roadmap, it may be necessary for Parish Priests to implement revised weekday and weekend Mass timetables. Parishes are to put in place procedures to ensure that numbers of attendees at all Masses conform to the directives of the Western Australian Government. The faithful continue to be dispensed from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Parishes are encouraged to continue live streaming Masses.

• Allocated seating for each member of the congregation is to be clearly indicated

through the use of signage.

• In view of the now long-standing practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand, all

Catholics receiving Holy Communion at Masses celebrated in the Ordinary Form of

the Roman Rite are very strongly encouraged, out of concern for the health of others

including the celebrant and other ministers, to refrain from receiving Holy Communion

on the tongue.

• Offertory gifts are to be in closed vessels or, where this is not possible, vessels should

be appropriately covered.

• Offertory processions and Gospel processions are to be omitted.

• The Sign of Peace is to given without physical contact.

• Collections are not to be taken up during the Mass. Churches and chapels can install

boxes or containers for offerings at the entrance to the church or wherever they decide

to be appropriate.

• The Precious Blood is not to be shared from the chalice at any Masses and is reserved

to the celebrant(s) only. The celebrant and concelebrants are to receive from the

chalice by intinction.

• All priests and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are to wash their hands in

soap and water, or are to use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser both immediately before

and immediately after the distribution of Holy Communion.

• A physical distance of 1.5 metres between people in the Communion Procession is to

be observed. Churches and chapels may wish to dedicate ushers to facilitate the

movement of people at the time Communion is distributed.

• Pews, seats, seatbacks, top rail and kneelers are to be wiped down and sanitised

regularly.

• The pulpit, lectern, credence table, ministers’ seats and anything handled by multiple

people is to be wiped down and sanitised regularly.

• Church ushers may need to remind parishioners and the faithful to maintain social distancing whether they are entering or exiting a church or chapel for Mass or in the Communion Procession.

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Perth

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• There should be two (2) square metres of floor space per person with each person

practicing physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from persons of other

households.

Confirmations

• The celebration of Confirmation (school-aged children) remains temporarily suspended, except for those in danger of death or when the baptism of an adult is celebrated. This temporary suspension will be reviewed ahead of the commencement of Phase 5 of the Western Australian Government’s COVID-19 roadmap which is scheduled to commence on Saturday, 18 July 2020.

• Individual parishes may choose to celebrate the Rite of Initiation with RCIA Elect and candidates.

• Delegation for the individual celebration of Confirmation is to be requested from the

Office of the Vicar General.

Weddings

• Churches and chapels are permitted to celebrate weddings.

• There must be two (2) square metres of floor space per person with each person

practicing physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from persons of other

households.

Funerals

• Churches and chapels are permitted to celebrate funerals.

• There should be two (2) square metres of floor space per person with each person

practicing physical distancing by keeping 1.5 metres from persons of other

households.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (for individuals)

• Priests will continue to respond to appropriate requests to anoint people, and will continue to celebrate the sacrament on an individual basis.

• Upon request, and with strict compliance with restrictions in place within nursing homes, aged-care facilities and hospitals, priests will continue to minister the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

• The communal celebration of the Anointing of the Sick is to be temporarily suspended.

Resources A variety of resources continue to be offered by the Archdiocese of Perth on the dedicated COVID-19 webpage and through the Centre for Liturgy and Centre for Faith Enrichment websites: Archdiocese of Perth Centre for Faith Enrichment website

• https://cfe.org.au/

Weekly streamed Masses from the Archdiocese of Perth

• http://liturgy.perthcatholic.org.au/ Masses from the Archdiocese of Perth will continue to be streamed on Sunday at 11.00 am until further notice.

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB Archbishop of Perth

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These Masses will be streamed to the Archdiocese of Perth’s website, Facebook and YouTube:

• www.perthcatholic.org.au

• www.youtube.com/catholicarchdioceseofperth

• www.facebook.com/perthcatholic Daily Mass Livestream

• Mass Online - Archdiocese of Perth

• Mass on Demand – CathNews

• Mass for You at Home (Channel 10 -- aired 6am each Sunday)

• Mass on Demand – Archdiocese of Brisbane

• Daily Mass -- Archdiocese of Melbourne

• Daily Mass -- Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

Mass Readings and Liturgical Resources

• Readings of the Day

• Prayers for Time of Pandemic Prayers and Scripture

• Act of Spiritual Communion – Diocese of Bathurst

• Prayer from Apostolic Nuncio in Australia, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• COVID-19 Information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing The Western Australian Government’s COVID-19 Roadmap Current information on the measures being taken to protect the Western Australian community in order to minimise the potential impacts of COVID-19 in WA can be found at: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-wa-roadmap#phase4 The Western Australian Government has indicated that Phase 5 of the COVID roadmap will commence on Saturday, 18 July 2020. These changes will provide additional scope for a revision of the directives which have been applied to the Archdiocese of Perth. Subsequent guidelines relevant to the Archdiocese of Perth will be issued accordingly to reflect the Western Australia Government’s implementation of Phase 5 on Saturday, 18 July 2020. I assure you of my continued prayers and gratitude as together we as an archdiocese seek to continue to witness and proclaim our Christ-centred hope within a global context that is collectively seeking to respond to the uncertainty and reality of COVID-19. Yours sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB DD Archbishop of Perth

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year A

28 June 2020

Collect O God, who through the grace of adoption chose us to be children of light, grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth. 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.

Readings and Commentaries One of the oldest and most famous baptisteries in the world lies adjacent to the basilica of St John Lateran in Rome. It contains a poetic inscription centred on the image of the baptismal font as a fertile womb teeming with new life. The poem delights in the idea of baptism as rebirth in the power of the Spirit. It can be seen as an inspired commentary on Jesus’ brief word to Nicodemus about the need to be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

For his part Paul offers the distinctly different but complementary image of the font. He presents it not as a womb but as a tomb. In Paul’s mind baptism is a sharing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going down into the waters of the font, the candidate dies to sin and death and rises out of them to new life with God.

These two perspectives are mutually enriching rather than contradictory. Together they set our imaginations free to gain fresh insight into this sacramental rite that is cherished by every Christian community.

A reading from the second book of the Kings 4:8–11, 14–16

One day as Elisha was on his way to Shunem, a woman of rank who lived there pressed him to stay and eat there. After this he always broke his journey for a meal when he passed that way. She said to her husband, ‘Look, I am sure the man who is constantly passing our way must be a holy man of God. Let us build him a small room on the roof, and put him a bed in it, and a table and chair and lamp; whenever he comes to us he can rest there.’

One day when he came, he retired to the upper room and lay down. ‘What can be done for her?’ he asked. Gehazi (his servant) answered, ‘Well, she has no son and her husband is old.’ Elisha said, ‘Call her.’ The servant called her and she stood at the door. ‘This time next year,’ Elisha said ‘you will hold a son in your arms.’

Responsorial Psalm Ps 88:2–3, 16–19

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens. R.

Happy the people who acclaim such a king, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face, who find their joy every day in your name, who make your justice the source of their bliss. R.

For it is you, O Lord, who are the glory of their strength; it is by your favour that our might is exalted: for our ruler is in the keeping of the Lord; our king in the keeping of the Holy One of Israel. R.

First Reading

The stories of the prophets Elijah and his successor Elisha recorded in the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings are colourful and dramatic. Today’s is no exception, though unfortunately we only hear a shortened version of the first part of it. Readers would do well to turn to their Bibles and find the whole tale in 2 Kings 4:8–37.

This story from the Elisha cycle looks back to one of Elijah’s exploits (1 Kings 17) and ahead to events in the ministry of Jesus (Luke 7:11–17; Matthew 9:18–26) and of Paul (Acts 20:7–12). It also connects with the several biblical stories of childless women unexpectedly blessed by God with the birth of a son.

The theme of this extract is that hospitality to God’s servants is richly rewarded, as Jesus declares in the final verse of today’s gospel. The unnamed woman from Shunem goes to trouble and expense to provide lodging for Elisha and in return is promised a son. In the gospel Jesus assures those who offer even a cup of cold water to a disciple will receive their reward.

The reading itself is straightforward enough, except perhaps for the proper names. Readers who check the pronunciation guide will see two options for Elisha and three for Gehazi. Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 88/89 is quite long. It offers praise to God for the work of creation and for the election of David and his descendants as kings. The verses for today have been selected and combined from the beginning and the body of the psalm.

The very first line of the psalm serves as the response. It captures the faith-filled attitude of the Shunemite woman. Though her story implies that she was well-to-do, her faith is that of the humble and patient poor ones of Israel. We may assume that she is promised a son because she has always been a person of thanks and praise, not that she is only now turning to God in gratitude for the assurance of a son.

Both the language and the form of the psalm are straightforward. The principal challenge for the reader is managing the rather long lines of the verses. Readers will need to resist the temptation to hurry them. The solution lies in a steady style of proclamation that enables the congregation to hear each verse as a coherent unit and offers them clear vocal and visual cues for their response.

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans 6:3–4, 8–11

When we were baptised in Christ Jesus we were baptised in his death; in other words, when we were baptised we went into the tomb with him and joined him in death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the Father’s glory, we too might live a new life.

But we believe that having died with Christ we shall return to life with him: Christ, as we know, having been raised from the dead will never die again. Death has no power over him any more. When he died, he died, once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 10:37–42

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.

‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.

‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet because he is a

prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man because he is a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.

‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’

Second Reading

The early chapters of Paul’s monumental letter to the Romans are concerned with God’s judgement on humankind. Gentile and Jew alike are caught up in the power of sin and death. Paul now spells out the good news. In sum, Jesus Christ has died and been raised to life with God, and thus has overcome sin and death; Christians share in this victory by dying and rising with Christ in baptism. However Paul is rarely content to state his case simply and succinctly. His fertile mind is always searching to find fresh ways of expressing the mystery.

The reading for today falls into two parts because of the omission of three verses in the middle of the passage. This means, in effect, that the second part repeats in a slightly different way what has already been asserted in the first. This makes the retention of the transition word “But” a little confusing.

In contemplating this inexhaustible mystery, Paul might be compared to an art lover viewing a great painting from different angles. Readers have the opportunity to invite the congregation to discover the wealth of meaning contained in his teaching. They can do this by studying the text carefully, rehearsing it aloud a number of times, and proclaiming it in a spirit of confident faith. Gospel

The concluding section of Jesus’ second discourse in Matthew, his mission sermon to the disciples, falls into two parts. The first is full of challenge, the second full of promise.

Jesus begins by throwing down the gauntlet. He demands priority for himself over the most binding family ties. Matthew may appear to soften Luke’s language about “hating” one’s family members but the call remains uncompromising. And Jesus’ insistence that the cross and self-sacrifice are the only path to life is inescapable; Matthew makes sure that his readers hear this hard saying again later in the gospel.

The assurances that follow arise from the intimate bond that links “little ones” and the disciples to Jesus and Jesus to the Father. Together they form a community that transcends earthly relationships. This teaching of Jesus has a warmth and appeal that counterbalances his confronting words about the cross.

Each of the two parts is made up of a series of sayings in similar format. The temptation to rush through them should be resisted. Each saying should be given its own time and emphasis. It would also be helpful if there is a distinct pause and change of tone between the two halves of the passage, allowing the congregation to appreciate the shift of focus. It is a pity that the concluding verse of the discourse (11:1) has been omitted from the lectionary.

Concluding Prayers

Almighty and all-merciful God, lover of the human race, healer of all our wounds, in whom there is no shadow of death, save us in this time of crisis; grant wisdom and courage to our leaders; watch over all medical people as they tend the sick and work for a cure; stir in us a sense of solidarity beyond all isolation; if our doors are closed, let our hearts be open. By the power of your love destroy the virus of fear, that hope may never die and the light of Easter, the triumph of life, may shine upon us and the whole world. Through Jesus Christ, the Lord risen from the dead, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Mary, health of the sick, pray for us. St Joseph, guardian of us all, pray for us.

(Most Rev. Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane)

or

Gracious God, We give thanks anew for your providence and presence. We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and overseas. We pray for those in need of healing. We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or grieving. We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain all those who are serving in response. We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment amidst the many choices and decisions facing our national, community and medical leaders. We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do to help those who are vulnerable. This prayer for our nation in the family of nations, with all that is on our hearts, we gather now and pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Ecumenical prayer from the National Council of Churches. We have been invited to pray this prayer at 7pm each day.)

The Story In today’s reading from Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is instructing the twelve before sending them out to tell other people about Jesus’ message. The instructions Jesus gave his disciples are also instructions for us. Jesus is telling us that when we welcome and help other people, we welcome and help Jesus. .

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 21 June 2020

"Anyone who welcomes you, welcomes me.”

Something to Think About Where do we find Jesus today and how do we make Jesus welcome? Think about your family, your friends, your neighbours. Is there someone that could use your help? Maybe you could do a job to help a grandparent. Maybe you could cheer up someone who is sick. We can be the hands of Jesus and help others.

The Scriptures A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 10:40-42 Jesus said to his disciples: "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. "Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. "And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded."

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

Video Click to watch the video.

Random Acts of Kindness.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK

Prayer

Images from Unsplash.com and Pixabay.com. Used under licence/with permission.

Contemporary English Version of Scripture extracts provided under licence from ICEL to Liturgy Brisbane.

Family Activity

This week be a family that answers Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger, to comfort the afflicted, to feed the poor. How can we do this, especially in this time of COVID-19? Maybe you know a person or a family who would appreciate a home cooked meal delivered to their door - add a note with a blessing prayer from your family. Maybe you know someone who is feeling sad or lonely and would love the surprise of a letter or card from your family - add a blessing prayer from your family.

Family Discussion Talk about what makes you feel welcome when you go somewhere new. When you have visitors to your house, how do you make them feel welcome? This is what Jesus is talking about when he says that we are to welcome strangers and be kind to them. When are some occasions when you have been welcoming and kind? Talk about how when we do this it is just as if we are welcoming Jesus. Jesus can only act through our hands, our words, and our generosity.

Welcome others – WELCOME JESUS

You are playing hand ball on the

playground and a new boy wants to join in…

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

You are building with Lego and your

sister wants to help… WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

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Dear Jesus, thank you for choosing Simon Peter to build your Church. Simon Peter wasn’t perfect, but you trusted him to share your love. Thank you for trusting me to share your love too. Help me to trust you. Amen.

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Jesus asks his disciples who they think he is. Simon says that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus is pleased and says that Simon will now be called Peter. Simon Peter is the rock on which God will build the Church.

Sunday 28 June 2020Matthew 16:13-19Ss Peter and Paul, Apostles

Sentence

BUILD MY CHURCH

The rock

Living stonesJesus chose Simon Peter to build his Church. We are all the Church, we are the living stones that make up the Church. We build the Church when we share God’s love. Draw yourself in one brick and your friends and family in the others!

Messiah?Simon said that Jesus was the Christ, the Greek word for the Messiah, but what does that mean? Break the code to find out the meaning.

Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, which means “rock”.

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Write the words in the rock that

describe it best. Why do you think Jesus

named Simon,

“the rock”?

hard

strong reliablelight

soggy

solid

Beginning with the coloured square, follow the letters from

square to square to find a sentence about Jesus.

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Look. Written by Liz Roberts. Design by Anna Davie/Louise Hilton. Edited by Rachel Thompson. Copyright © Redemptorist Publications. Published in Australia by Majellan Publications (ABN 23 152 266 720) PO Box 43, Brighton, Vic. 3186. Phone: (03) 9592 2777. Fax: (03) 9593 1337. office@majellan.org.au Printed by FSG Print Management.