ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE NEWSLETTER

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

1ST MARCH, 2020 YEAR A

M A SS/L IT UR GY

CA LE NDAR

MONDAY 2nd MARCH 9.10am Mass TUESDAY 3rd MARCH 10.00am Mass WEDNESDAY 4th MARCH 9.10am Mass 10.30am Mass at St. Thomas’ Retirement Village 1.30-3.00pm LENTEN DISCUSSION GROUP THURSDAY 5th MARCH No Service FRIDAY 6th MARCH

NO STATIONS OF THE CROSS 11.30am 1st Friday Mass SATURDAY 7th MARCH 10.00am Reconciliation 6.00pm Vigil Mass SUNDAY 8th MARCH 8.30am Mass 10.30am Mass 5.00pm Mass

Dear Parishioners,

PRUNING TIME

“Pruning time is a painful time for a fruit tree.

The pruner rids it of all those suckers which use up a lot of energy but

produces no fruit.

However the aim of this surgery is not to inflict pain, but to help the

tree produce more and better fruit.

Lent is a kind of spiritual pruning time.

There is much that is useless and perhaps harmful in our lives, which

saps our energy, and diminishes our spiritual fruitfulness.

Of what shall we prune ourselves this Lent, so that we may become

more fruitful branches of Jesus Christ the true Vine?”

(Author Unknown)

Fr Terry Bowman msc

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish strives to create an environment

where all children and vulnerable adults including Aboriginal, special needs and persons

of cultural diversity are safe, respected and cared for.

Link to St. Thomas’ Parish, Blackburn website

PIETY STALL

Monastique Cosmetics available

at Piety Stall or Order Form.

We have a selection of testers.

**Proceeds to St Vincent de Paul

Rosaries, Baptism Gifts, Candles

and Religious Cards

St. Patrick’s Cards, Gifts

& Rosaries

Br. James CD’s available

$25.00ea

Friends of Same East Timor

Ground Coffee @ $7.50ea

**All proceeds go to

St Vincent de Paul

MSC Books :

‘A Quiet Place Within’

by Fr Khoi Nguyen-$19.95

‘‘Hearts Burning Within Us’

by Fr Peter Malone-$24.95

‘A Time to Hope’

by Fr Paul Castley-$19.95

A Vocation View:

We read in Leviticus:

“You must love your

neighbour, as yourself!”

Some are being called to

love their neigbour as a

priest or religious.

Pray that many will

answer the call to love.

Please remember the following in your prayers… Sick: Br. Bernie Gartland, Bridie Lennon, Nicholas Boekel, Margot Pettingill, Michael Rogan, S.J. Potter, Kevin Guilders, Neville Davis, Brian Law, Pino Bruzzese, Eric Eitel, Bernadette Andrews, Annette Nicolas, Charlie Santilli, Roland Schuster, Sr. Maureen Philp RSJ, Claire Tierney, Tamara Bobrovich, Marie Walker, Charles Fain, Jon Parkinson, Antonio So Jr., Ashley Woods, Malgosia Dziuk, Daisy Xu, Rosa Maria Santos, Patricia Duffy, Mietta Ulaan, Chris Leach, Dao Le, Peter Babulo, Moira Healy, Tony Hill & Martin Broad. Recently Dec’d: Margaret Robertson Anniversaries:

LES COEURS (THE HEARTS) Meeting on Friday March 6th has been postponed to Sunday 29th March for volunteer work in the community. STARFISH PROJECT First meeting will be Sat. 14th March at 10.00am. We meet at St Thomas’ Retirement Village to do some light gardening work for the residents. SIX2EIGHT Our first meeting will be on Friday 20th March, at 6pm. This group is for the younger, primary school students. If you have not been before, Come and Try it out. Enquiries: Caren on 9878 0818 YOUTH MASS There will be NO Mass on Sunday 29th March due to an organized volunteer activity for the Les Coeurs group. CATECHETICS 2020—Reconciliation, Confirmation & First Eucharist. The Sacrament of Reconciliation for all Parish children will be celebrated on Tuesday 24th March at 4.00pm. We are still taking in enrolments for Confirmation and First Eucharist. If you would like to join in these programs or have any queries please email carengarlick@cam.org.au or phone the Parish Office on 9878 0818 for an Enrolment Form.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Mt 4:4 Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory! No one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes form the mouth of God. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!

Alleluia! GOSPEL: Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus fasted for forty days and nights. COMMUNION ANTIPHON: Mt 4:4 One does not live by brad alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

ENTRANCE ANTIPHON: Ps 90:15-16 When he calls on me, I will answer him; I will deliver him and give him glory, I will grant him length of days. FIRST READING: Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7 Creation of our first parents, and sin.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Ps 50:3-6,12-14,17

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

SECOND READING: Romans 5:12-19 Where sin increased, there grace abounded all the more.

LITURGY - FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT - YEAR A

FIRST FRIDAYS MASS & LUNCHEON “MARVELLOUS MELBOURNE” To be held on Friday 6th March with Mass at 11.30am. Our speaker Jim McInerney will talk on the early days in Melbourne - roughly from Settlement to Gold Rush. Enquiries: Margaret 0407 098 615 OR Jackie 9886 7204

LENTEN PRAYER BOOK BY FR KHOI NGUYEN

“Towards Calvary: The Stations of the Cross in

Everyday Life’

Available during Lent from the Piety Stall for $14.95

We warmly welcome Jacob Veldhuis, William Rooke & Jack Hender who will be Baptised into our Parish Family this weekend. May the grace of God be with you

and your families always..

ST THOMAS’ BUS TOUR: 30th/31st MARCH.- 1st/2nd APRIL 2020 URBAN ART/SILO TOUR Destination: Horsham/Swan Hill More details on Church Noticeboard in Foyer. We still have a few vacancies if would like to join us. Cost: $730ea Single; $580ea Twin Share Bookings: Yvonne Crowe on 9877 3360 NB: TOTAL PAYMENT MUST BE PAID BY THURSDAY 27TH FEB. 2020 IF PAYING BY CHEQUE, MAKE PAYABLE TO “SUPERB TOURS”

CARDS: Will resume on Thurs. 12th March at 1.00pm. Venue will now be held in the Crying Room of the Church. All present and any NEW players most welcome. Pat & Don on 9878 4790

SCRABBLE NIGHT: Will resume on March 5th at 7.30pm in the Church Narthex/meeting space. All Welcome to join in the fun. Maureen on 9884 4376 or Chrissie on 9899 9675

St. Thomas’ Social Scene What’s On………. FILM NIGHT: Our first film for the year will be on Friday 6th March at the Pinewood Theatre. “Emma”- Jane Austen’s beloved comedy about finding your equal and earning your happy ending, is reimagined in this new film adaptation. Cost: $9 incl. light supper. Time approx.6.30pm Bookings with Dorothy on 9893 3341 OR put in First Collection in envelope with name, phone no. and money.

See you there!

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE PARISH SAFE-GUARDING CHILDREN COMMITTEE: As part of the new Archdiocesan and Catholic

Australia Professional Standards Policy, St. Thomas the Apostle is seeking EOI from people who are interested in volunteering to

sit on the Committee. This is to ensure that all children in our Parish enjoy a safe environment and are protected from harm

while participating in parish activities. That the Parish meets its legal obligations to protect children and responds to

Archdiocesan Policies and Procedures. Initially, the group may meet fortnightly, but over time this will reduce to 3-4 times a

year. If you or someone you know, is interested in the possibility of serving the community in this way, please speak to Anne

(our PPC Chair) or Fr. Terry through the Parish Office on 9878-0818 OR e: anne.marmion@icloud.com

BIBLE STUDY GROUP 2020

The BSG was due to meet on Thurs. Feb 13th, however, in deference to John and Fay Uren, we thought it might be better to put it off for a month. We will meet on Thursday March 12th, as the first meeting for the year. By that time we will be in Lent, and as the readings are going to be studied in association with the joint meeting with the Uniting Church, we’ll use the notes that had been prepared for February. These will be circulated nearer to the time. Contact Quentin on 9877 5906 or E: quentinbailey2000@yahoo.com.au

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK REQUIREMENTS All who volunteer as Special Ministers, Commentators, Lectors, Sacristan, Piety Stall and Money Counters at the Parish are now required to hold a valid WWC. If you require assistance with getting a WWC filled out online, please contact Susan at the Parish Office on 9878-0818. NOTE: THE WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK IS MANDATORY UNDER THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE REQUIREMENTS.

LENTEN DISCUSSION GROUPS ST THOMAS’ CHURCH: Wednesday March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th & April 1st from 1.30pm-3.00pm THE AVENUE UNITING CHURCH: Thursday March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th & April 2nd from 1.30pm-3.00pm

SOCIAL JUSTICE—FEAST FOR FREEDOM

Let’s share a meal together in solidarity with people

seeking asylum and raise funds for the Asylum Seeker

Resource Centre (ASRC). Join our Feast for Freedom

fundraising event on Sunday March 22nd at 12noon in

St. Thomas’ Parish/School Hall.

R.S.V.P. online or place your name on the guest list in the

Foyer of the Church. You can also donate online via

www.blackburn.feastforfreedom.org.au

Please bring your donation on the day or donate via our

fundraising page.

You will experience an amazing Persian meal cooked by our

local Iranian chef.

SR. MARG’S DIAMOND JUBILEE

To celebrate Sr. Marg’s Special Anniversary, a Morning Tea will be

held on Sunday 8th March after 10.30am Mass.

Please come along and bring a plate to share.

CONGRATULATIONS

Alexandra Gaffy & Victor Gonzalez Garcia

and

Christina Gaffy & Jason Prgin

on your Wedding Nuptials to be celebrated

at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish on

Wednesday 4th March.

ST THOMAS THE

APOSTLE PARISH

57 CENTRAL ROAD

(PO BOX 395),

BLACKBURN

PARISH PRIEST: Fr. Terry Bowman, msc

FORMATOR/ASST. PRIEST: Fr Khoi Nguyen msc PARISH PHONE: 9878 0818/9877 7693 PARISH EMAIL: blackburn@cam.org.au

PARISH WEBSITE: www.stthomastheapostle.org.au

PARISH SECRETARY: Susan Collins Admin: Luise Hendricks Bookkeeper/Admin: Luisa May PARISH ACCOUNTANT: Maurice Gartland

PASTORAL ASSOCIATES: Sr. Marg Burchell IBVM & Caren Garlick

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL : Anne Marmion SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Angela Lacey

SCHOOL PHONE: P: 9878 8268 SCHOOL EMAIL: office@stblackburn.catholic.edu.au

SCHOOL WEBSITE: www.stblackburn.catholic.edu.au

A Prayer for Priests God, grant them the joys of their vocation, health of mind, body and spirit; a strong faith and a light heart to do the Lord’s work in this world; and the love and support of their friends, family and parishioners. Holy Spirit, guide them and give them grace. Amen

Time for a cuppa and a chat

after Mass………..

ST.VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY: Call Centre for assistance – 1800 305 330 Free Call Weekdays 10am-3pm. Vinnies Centre Ringwood Ph. 9870 9124, Unit 1B/76-82 Maroondah Hwy Ringwood. For Furniture & Whitegoods pickup— Eastern Emergency Relief will pickup for St Vincent de Paul week days 9am-1pm . Ph. 9874 8433.

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT Attention Parishioners: We now have a new DEFIB which is located in the Sacristy. A First Aid Kit is also in the

Kitchen Broom Cupboard. First Aid items (blankets etc.) which are provided by the Church are stored in a large plastic tub in the Crying Room (right sliding cupboard.)

Catechetics/Altar Servers:

Caren Garlick 9878 0818

Les Coeurs: Caren Garlick

9878 0818

Six2Eight: Caren Garlick 9878 0818

Starfish: Caren Garlick 9878 0818

ST THOMAS’ PARISH BLACKBURN ADVERTISING IN PARISH BULLETIN We are offering advertising space on the back page of the Bulletin/Newsletter from January 2020 (small fee involved) to the local business community and beyond. Please call the Parish Office on 9878-0818 to discuss further. Thank you

AdventCare offers respite and permanent

Aged Care.

163-165 Central Road

Nunawading

Contact: Tania Fox: 9259 2130

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ST THOMAS PARISH/SCHOOL ARCHIVES Archival material always welcome. Please include dates and names when possible. Contact Parish Office Ph: 9878 0818

FIRST FRIDAY PARISH MASS & LUNCHEON: First Friday of the month Mass starts at 11.30am . CHILDREN’S LITURGY: Sundays at 10.30am Mass. During School Terms only. CHRISTIAN MEDITATION AFTERNOON/EVENINGS: Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the Presbytery front meeting room. Contact Phil Collins on 0410 668 140 or e:chrmed3130@gmail.com New comers most welcome. Monday afternoons at 4pm at the Retirement Village Centre. Contact Geni Hunt on 9802 2078 or e: geni.hunt9@gmail.com ST. THOMAS’ PLAYGROUP: Every Wednesday morning during the School Term, from 9.00am-11.00am. Please bring a piece of fruit. ALL PRE-SCHOOLERS ARE WELCOME. No cost to attend. Hope to see you there! Contact Tatiana Gibbs-0490 005 691

ROSTER: 7th & 8th MARCH, 2020

COMMENTATORS/LECTORS:

6.00pm: P. Muling ( C); P. Watson (L)

8.30am: P. Newton (C ); H. Newton (L)

10.30am: O. Shaw ( C); R. Mahony (L)

5.00pm: R. White( C); T. White (L)

SPECIAL MINISTERS:

6.00pm: M. ransom, J. Inverno, J. Philp

8.30am: D. Murray, J. Murray, M. Burchell

10.30am: M. Gibcus, H. Gibcus, J.Gucciardo

ALTAR SERVERS:

6.00pm: M. Anderson

10.30am: L. Garza, T. Athey

5.00pm: T. Paswindar, N. Paswindar

WELCOMING COMMITTEE:

8.30am: R. Johnson

10.30am: V. Barnes

PIETY STALL: Team 1

MONEY COUNTERS: Team 3

5.00pm MONEY COUNTERS: Team 2

CHILDRENS LITURGY: Rosanna

CHANGE OF DAYS …………..LAUGHTER YOGA is now being held on Mondays 11.00am-12noon in the Quiet Room at the Church. Proceeds of donations to Church.

ST SCHOLASTICA’S KINDERGARTEN, BURWOOD Accepting enrolments for 2020 & 2021. Providing a quality program for children aged 3 years to school entry age offering an educational environment that has a play-based philosophy. Ph No: 9808 9724 OR E: st.scholasticas.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND Married couples come and learn how to keep/rekindle the passion in your relationship. Dates: 17th-19th April; 17th-19th July & 13-15 Nov. 2020 Information: 0409 1863 676 OR E: vicbookings@wwme.org.au