St Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s Parish90 Buckley Street, Noble Park, VIC 3174

Tel (03) 9546 8276 - Fax (03) 9548 1608 - School (03) 9546 0044Email: parishsecretary@stanthonysparish.netParish Website: http://stanthonysparish.net

Parish Priest: Fr Arsenio Tuazon - Assistant Priest: Fr Richard RossePastoral Workers: Srs Kim Tran & Nga Nguyen

School Principal: Margaret Batt

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time YEAR B 2 September 2012

Monday to Saturday: 9.30amWednesday: 9.30am & 7.00pm1st Friday: 7.00pmSaturday Vigil: 7.00pmSunday: 8.15am,9.30am,11.00am,5.30pm3rd Sunday 2.00pm - Sudanese Mass - in Arabic Reconciliation: Saturday 10am and 6pm

Mass Times

Entrance Antiphon: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long. O Lord, you are good and forgiving,full of mercy to all who call to you.

Communion Antiphon: How great is the goodness, Lord,that you keep for those who fear you.

Next Week

First reading: - Isaiah 35:4-7 Second reading: - James 2:1-5 Gospel: - Mark 7:31-37

CountersSun 2 September: Group 1 - Keith & Sandra Bosmans, Pierre Marion, Frank SchapendonkSun 9 September: Group 2 - David & Rita Cubranic, Nick Simonetti, Marie Wright

Sun 9 September:

07.00pm: Gordon Pinto, Craig Bayross Serene Sequiera, Dawn Johnson08.15am: Ado Aguilar, Kyle Aguilar09.30am: Adelaide Sii, Trisha Molloy Stephen James Krol, Samantha Mathews11.00am: Mike O'Leary, Adeline John, Astrid D'Silva05.30pm: Youth Group, Paul Escasinas

Lectors

50 years in 2006

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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. AMEN.

OUR PARISH PRAYER

4th Sunday of Advent

Jesus did not come to establish a religion. Some would say he came to get rid of religion, in the sense of human traditions and practices that hinder a direct relationship with God. Certainly he was critical of his own religion and many of its practices. His followers need to be as critical of their own regulations and traditions, when these no longer serve their purpose, or even hinder the preaching of the Gospel. We must take care not to throw out the baby with the bath-water, of course, but if the bath-water is not changed regularly the baby will suffer.

Religion is a comfort, we say, but it can also be a contrivance whose rules allow some to lord it over others. Thus, rules meant for guidance can become destructive or deceptive. Only hearts open to God can make the difference. Empty rituals do not sanctify people's hearts. Only 'metanoia', the giving of their hearts completely to the Lord and his compassionate love, can sanctify their hearts.

Today we return to the continuous reading of Mark's Gospel, with religious traditions in the spotlight. We begin reading from the letter of James, which is equally concerned to get to the heart of the matter.

From Break Open the Word

THE JUST WILL LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.

NATIONAL PRAYER

Gracious God, You have blessed this ancient land with many gifts, especially its people.

We thank you for the Year of Grace, a time to start afresh from Christ.

You invite us to contemplate the face of Jesus your Son, that we may experience a new wave of grace, and that the light of Christ may burn more brightly in our lives.

Attune our hearts and minds to the presence of your Holy Spirit, that our Church may be transformed, our relationships be healed, and our nation grow in compassion and justice.

With the intercession of St Mary MacKillop, who showed us new ways of living the Gospel, we make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Various members of our Parish Groups shall light the Year of Grace candle at each Mass, signifying the light of Christ in our lives.

Whenever we have a Funeral Mass in our Church, a dedicated group is called to check that all goes as smoothly as possible. Assistance is given to the bereaved family to choose the readings, write the prayers of the faithful, select appropriate hymns, and plan the liturgy so that proper church protocol is followed. This group is our Funeral Ministers, and they light the Year of Grace candle on our behalf this weekend.

yearofgraceSTARTINGAFRESHFROMCHRIST

Couples for ChristCouples for Christ offers a 7-week Parish Retreat commencing on Sunday, 12 August 2012, 2:00-4:00 pm, in the Gathering Space at St Anthony's Parish. No cost to participants. Everybody is welcome. Children's activities are also available. Enquiries: Parish Centre, 9546 8276; Philip & Agnes Grijalvo, 0413 144 307. Flyers/invitations are available at the church foyer. We have the fourth session this weekend.

Our Lady of Vailankanni (Our Lady of Good Health)

FEAST DAY CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD ON 8 SEPTEMBER PLEASE JOIN US IN THE BIG HALL AFTER THE 7:00PM MASS. BRING A

PLATE TO SHARE.

† We pray in thanksgiving for Desire Amedee Rouge, Georgina Carstens and those who have

died recently in the peace of Christ.

† We pray for: Salvatore, Maria, Nunzio & Antonio Nicolosi, Giovanni, Girolamo & Robyn Mule, Vincenza Mule, Francesco &

Maria Favorito, Maria & Giuseppe & Giulio Sdraulig, Teresa Vu thi Mui, Clarence Mathews, Sixie Rodrigues, Josephine & Marshall Martin, Rodney Erispe, Mary Matilda, Barry Lemerle, Yvette & Robert Chan In Po, Phil Warton, France & Aline Migale, and all

those whose anniversaries occur at about this time.

† Please also pray for: Taysha Guer, Jaimie, Lindsay Michel, Liam Erispe, Salma Parker, Frieda Fortuin, Sam Baron, Baby Abdulla, Pat Doll, Emiliana Dela Cruz, Bob & Jenny Franklin, Jean-Robert Migale, Marlene Albert, Fr Jim Nyall, Krz, Bernie Saldanha, Sam Dimasi, Gary Day, Margaret Laverty, Ida Innarella, Mark Fraser, Rita Ephraums, Derick Fernandez, Elaine Davies, Patricia Falleiro, Veronica Varga, Mildred D’Souza, Tara Greco, Abo Smith, Magdaline Ghosh, Ramon Austria, Charlene Lauron, Antonio Sarlo, Joseph & Mildred Erispe, Giovanna Greco, Brendan Adams, Kath Malone, Molly Maguire, Leo O’Neill, Rita Briggs, Paul Camilleri, Mario Tizio, Melissa Haidar, Pat Turner, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Dean Whitewood-Neal, Tracy Hili, Brittany Charalambous, Blake Hayes, Samantha Adams, Floryse and Herman Ass, who are sick.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

Play Group - Mondays from 9.30 - 11.30am in the Small Hall Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 4.30 pm on Mondays. Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome. Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.

Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church. El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month. Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am. Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space. Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays. Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month. Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

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.

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

St Anthony's Carnival 2012The St Anthony's Carnival will again be held on Saturday 17th of November, to make this major parish fund raising event a success we need every parishioner's support. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how we can better organise this year's carnival please send an email to stanthonyscarnival@hotmail.com or come along to one of our meetings. The next meeting for the Parish Carnival will be on Monday 17th September @ 7pm in the Gathering Space. Please could all Stall Holders attend. Anthony Adaman

Ordinations to the Priesthood in Melbourne

Saturday 8 September, 10amArchbishop Denis Hart and Very Rev Fr Harry Entwistle are pleased to announce the ordination of 8 candidates to the priesthood. There will be four ordinands from Corpus Christi College: Andrew McCarter, Benneth Osuagwu, Jerome Santamaria and Kevin Williams. There will also be four men ordained from the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross – former Anglican clergymen who have accepted the invitation of Pope Benedict XVI to come into the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum coetibus. These men are Rev Neil Fryer, Rev James Grant, Rev Christopher Seton and Rev Ramsay Williams. Where: St Patrick's Cathedral, Cnr Gisborne Street & Cathedral Pl, East Melbourne.

A Dandenong Deanery Scripture Study initiative

You are warmly invited to join a bible study group. People from all parishes are welcome. We will be studying Paul's letters to the Philippians and the letters to Colossians and Ephesians. To register, please ring Keith Donovan on 9791 3342. There will be morning and evening groups, each Wednesday. Classes will be held at St Mary's Dandenong Community Centre. The course will run from September 19 to November 21st.

WEDNESDAY’S FRIENDS Outing to the Tulip Farm on 26 September 2012

(Since the minibuses are not available on 19 September, we have to postpone until 26 September)

Cost $15 + Bus $5.Bring your own lunch.

Meet in the Gathering Space at 10.00am.All welcome. Please ring Sr Nga at the Parish Centre

95468276 to register before 20th September.

PARISH HARMONY DAY SEPTEMBER 16

Format of the day - Mass at 11am - Benneth’s Thanksgiving Mass. Please dress in national costume.

Bring finger food, picnic lunch (savouries, spring rolls, sandwiches etc) Performance by various groups, games,

fun activities. Everyone welcome. Celebrate our Harmony in this “Year of Grace”.

SPECIAL COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND 1/2 September - Father’s Day Appeal 2012

Caring for those who caredYour generous donations have ensured a normal

living for our priests who have served actively in the Archdiocese, but who are now elderly and frail.

THANK YOUA big thank you to all who attended the “Daffodil Day” morning. It was a great success and we raised $500. All proceeds sent to the Cancer Council. The Catholic Women League, Knitting Group and Wednesday Friends thank you again for your support to this worthy cause. Well done and hope to raise more money next year.

At the 9.30am Sunday Mass. 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.

Children's Liturgy

ORDINATION OF BENNETHNext weekend at all Masses we will have a special collection for those who wish to make a donation to Benneth Osuagwu, as our gift to him. We will present this to him at our Parish Harmony Day Celebration.

DIVINE MERCY PRAYER GROUPOn Friday 7th September the Divine Mercy Prayer Group will not meet at Church, as some members will be on holiday for some well deserving break.

KAYEM PRAYER GROUP (Contemplative Prayer) We meet every 1st Wednesday of the Month. Next meeting will be on 5th September, 2012 at 11am. Anyone interested please contact Kathryn 9548 4809

Tabor Journey Program 5-7 October 2012 at Templestowe - Tabor Journey is a program for separated, divorced or widowed people coping with the loss, the grief, the heartache and struggle that follows the end of a marriage/relationship. This live-in weekend is designed to provide a reflective time, a time to share, to bring some closure on what has happened and move on with life with greater freedom. For further information phone 5221 7055 or email geelong@ccam.org.au.

A remembrance Mass will be offered for Giovanni & Concetta MARINO on Tuesday the 11th of September 2012 at 7.00 p.m at St. Anthony's Church.

Faces of Jesus for TodayThursday 13 September, 7.30pm

Presented by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, a Lecturer in Theology and Church History at Jesuit Theological College and frequent contributor to “Eureka Street” and “Australian Catholics”. Where: St Ignatius Parish Hall rear of 326 Church street, Richmond. More Info: St Ignatius Parish Office 8420 6789

An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke Thursday 18 October, 7pm to 9pm

Facilitated by Hugh Brown O Carm.In this session Fr Hugh Brown O Carm will provide an overview of Luke in preparation for the 2013 cycle of

readings beginning in Advent 2012.Cost: $20 ($15 early bird by 4 October)

Contact: The Carmelite Centre 9690 5430

NATIONAL PRAYER

Gracious God, You have blessed this ancient land with many gifts, especially its people.

We thank you for the Year of Grace, a time to start afresh from Christ.

You invite us to contemplate the face of Jesus your Son, that we may experience a new wave of grace, and that the light of Christ may burn more brightly in our lives.

Attune our hearts and minds to the presence of your Holy Spirit, that our Church may be transformed, our relationships be healed, and our nation grow in compassion and justice.

With the intercession of St Mary MacKillop, who showed us new ways of living the Gospel, we make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Various members of our Parish Groups shall light the Year of Grace candle at each Mass, signifying the light of Christ in our lives.

Whenever we have a Funeral Mass in our Church, a dedicated group is called to check that all goes as smoothly as possible. Assistance is given to the bereaved family to choose the readings, write the prayers of the faithful, select appropriate hymns, and plan the liturgy so that proper church protocol is followed. This group is our Funeral Ministers, and they light the Year of Grace candle on our behalf this weekend.

yearofgraceSTARTINGAFRESHFROMCHRIST

Couples for ChristCouples for Christ offers a 7-week Parish Retreat commencing on Sunday, 12 August 2012, 2:00-4:00 pm, in the Gathering Space at St Anthony's Parish. No cost to participants. Everybody is welcome. Children's activities are also available. Enquiries: Parish Centre, 9546 8276; Philip & Agnes Grijalvo, 0413 144 307. Flyers/invitations are available at the church foyer. We have the fourth session this weekend.

Our Lady of Vailankanni (Our Lady of Good Health)

FEAST DAY CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD ON 8 SEPTEMBER PLEASE JOIN US IN THE BIG HALL AFTER THE 7:00PM MASS. BRING A

PLATE TO SHARE.

† We pray in thanksgiving for Desire Amedee Rouge, Georgina Carstens and those who have

died recently in the peace of Christ.

† We pray for: Salvatore, Maria, Nunzio & Antonio Nicolosi, Giovanni, Girolamo & Robyn Mule, Vincenza Mule, Francesco &

Maria Favorito, Maria & Giuseppe & Giulio Sdraulig, Teresa Vu thi Mui, Clarence Mathews, Sixie Rodrigues, Josephine & Marshall Martin, Rodney Erispe, Mary Matilda, Barry Lemerle, Yvette & Robert Chan In Po, Phil Warton, France & Aline Migale, and all

those whose anniversaries occur at about this time.

† Please also pray for: Taysha Guer, Jaimie, Lindsay Michel, Liam Erispe, Salma Parker, Frieda Fortuin, Sam Baron, Baby Abdulla, Pat Doll, Emiliana Dela Cruz, Bob & Jenny Franklin, Jean-Robert Migale, Marlene Albert, Fr Jim Nyall, Krz, Bernie Saldanha, Sam Dimasi, Gary Day, Margaret Laverty, Ida Innarella, Mark Fraser, Rita Ephraums, Derick Fernandez, Elaine Davies, Patricia Falleiro, Veronica Varga, Mildred D’Souza, Tara Greco, Abo Smith, Magdaline Ghosh, Ramon Austria, Charlene Lauron, Antonio Sarlo, Joseph & Mildred Erispe, Giovanna Greco, Brendan Adams, Kath Malone, Molly Maguire, Leo O’Neill, Rita Briggs, Paul Camilleri, Mario Tizio, Melissa Haidar, Pat Turner, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Dean Whitewood-Neal, Tracy Hili, Brittany Charalambous, Blake Hayes, Samantha Adams, Floryse and Herman Ass, who are sick.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

Play Group - Mondays from 9.30 - 11.30am in the Small Hall Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 4.30 pm on Mondays. Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome. Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.

Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church. El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month. Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am. Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space. Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays. Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month. Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

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.

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

St Anthony's Carnival 2012The St Anthony's Carnival will again be held on Saturday 17th of November, to make this major parish fund raising event a success we need every parishioner's support. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how we can better organise this year's carnival please send an email to stanthonyscarnival@hotmail.com or come along to one of our meetings. The next meeting for the Parish Carnival will be on Monday 17th September @ 7pm in the Gathering Space. Please could all Stall Holders attend. Anthony Adaman

Ordinations to the Priesthood in Melbourne

Saturday 8 September, 10amArchbishop Denis Hart and Very Rev Fr Harry Entwistle are pleased to announce the ordination of 8 candidates to the priesthood. There will be four ordinands from Corpus Christi College: Andrew McCarter, Benneth Osuagwu, Jerome Santamaria and Kevin Williams. There will also be four men ordained from the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of the Southern Cross – former Anglican clergymen who have accepted the invitation of Pope Benedict XVI to come into the Catholic Church under the provisions of Anglicanorum coetibus. These men are Rev Neil Fryer, Rev James Grant, Rev Christopher Seton and Rev Ramsay Williams. Where: St Patrick's Cathedral, Cnr Gisborne Street & Cathedral Pl, East Melbourne.

A Dandenong Deanery Scripture Study initiative

You are warmly invited to join a bible study group. People from all parishes are welcome. We will be studying Paul's letters to the Philippians and the letters to Colossians and Ephesians. To register, please ring Keith Donovan on 9791 3342. There will be morning and evening groups, each Wednesday. Classes will be held at St Mary's Dandenong Community Centre. The course will run from September 19 to November 21st.

WEDNESDAY’S FRIENDS Outing to the Tulip Farm on 26 September 2012

(Since the minibuses are not available on 19 September, we have to postpone until 26 September)

Cost $15 + Bus $5.Bring your own lunch.

Meet in the Gathering Space at 10.00am.All welcome. Please ring Sr Nga at the Parish Centre

95468276 to register before 20th September.

PARISH HARMONY DAY SEPTEMBER 16

Format of the day - Mass at 11am - Benneth’s Thanksgiving Mass. Please dress in national costume.

Bring finger food, picnic lunch (savouries, spring rolls, sandwiches etc) Performance by various groups, games,

fun activities. Everyone welcome. Celebrate our Harmony in this “Year of Grace”.

SPECIAL COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND 1/2 September - Father’s Day Appeal 2012

Caring for those who caredYour generous donations have ensured a normal

living for our priests who have served actively in the Archdiocese, but who are now elderly and frail.

THANK YOUA big thank you to all who attended the “Daffodil Day” morning. It was a great success and we raised $500. All proceeds sent to the Cancer Council. The Catholic Women League, Knitting Group and Wednesday Friends thank you again for your support to this worthy cause. Well done and hope to raise more money next year.

At the 9.30am Sunday Mass. 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.

Children's Liturgy

ORDINATION OF BENNETHNext weekend at all Masses we will have a special collection for those who wish to make a donation to Benneth Osuagwu, as our gift to him. We will present this to him at our Parish Harmony Day Celebration.

DIVINE MERCY PRAYER GROUPOn Friday 7th September the Divine Mercy Prayer Group will not meet at Church, as some members will be on holiday for some well deserving break.

KAYEM PRAYER GROUP (Contemplative Prayer) We meet every 1st Wednesday of the Month. Next meeting will be on 5th September, 2012 at 11am. Anyone interested please contact Kathryn 9548 4809

Tabor Journey Program 5-7 October 2012 at Templestowe - Tabor Journey is a program for separated, divorced or widowed people coping with the loss, the grief, the heartache and struggle that follows the end of a marriage/relationship. This live-in weekend is designed to provide a reflective time, a time to share, to bring some closure on what has happened and move on with life with greater freedom. For further information phone 5221 7055 or email geelong@ccam.org.au.

A remembrance Mass will be offered for Giovanni & Concetta MARINO on Tuesday the 11th of September 2012 at 7.00 p.m at St. Anthony's Church.

Faces of Jesus for TodayThursday 13 September, 7.30pm

Presented by Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, a Lecturer in Theology and Church History at Jesuit Theological College and frequent contributor to “Eureka Street” and “Australian Catholics”. Where: St Ignatius Parish Hall rear of 326 Church street, Richmond. More Info: St Ignatius Parish Office 8420 6789

An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke Thursday 18 October, 7pm to 9pm

Facilitated by Hugh Brown O Carm.In this session Fr Hugh Brown O Carm will provide an overview of Luke in preparation for the 2013 cycle of

readings beginning in Advent 2012.Cost: $20 ($15 early bird by 4 October)

Contact: The Carmelite Centre 9690 5430

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2. 6-8

A reading from the book of Deuteronomy

Moses said to the people: ‘Now, Israel, take notice of the laws and customs that I teach you today, and observe them, that you may have life and may enter and take possession of the land that the Lord the God of your fathers is giving you. You must add nothing to what I command you, and take nothing from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God just as I lay them down for you. Keep them, observe them, and they will demonstrate to the peoples your wisdom and understanding. When they come to know of all these laws they will exclaim, “No other people is as wise and prudent as this great nation.” And indeed, what great nation is there that has its gods so near as the Lord our God that has laws and customs to match this whole Law that I put before you today?’

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 14:2-5

R. The just will live in the presence of the Lord.

Lord, who shall dwell on your holy mountain? He who walks without fault; he who acts with justice and speaks the truth from his heart. R.

He who does no wrong to his brother, who casts no slur on his neighbour, who holds the godless in disdain, but honours those who fear the Lord. R.

He who keeps his pledge, come what may; who takes no interest on a loan and accepts no bribes against the innocent. Such a man will stand firm for ever. R.

Second Reading: James 1:17-18. 21-22. 27

A reading from the letter of St James

It is all that is good, everything that is perfect, which is given us from above; it comes down from the Father of all light; with him there is no such thing as alteration, no shadow of a change. By his own choice he made us his children by the message of the truth so that we should be a sort of first-fruits of all that he had created.Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls. But you must

do what the word tells you, and not just listen to it and deceive yourselves.Pure, unspoilt religion, in the eyes of God our Father is this: coming to the help of orphans and widows when they need it, and keeping oneself un-contaminated by the world. The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: James 1:18

Alleluia, alleluia!The Father gave us birth by his message of truth,that we might be as the first fruit of his creation. Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8. 14-15. 21-23

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark

The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes. So these Pharisees and scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?’ He answered, ‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture: This people honours me only with lip-service, while their hearts are far from me. The worship they offer me is worthless, the doctrines they teach are only human regulations. You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.’ He called the people to him again and said, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that goes into a man from outside can make him unclean; it is the things that come out of a man that make him unclean. For it is from within, from men’s hearts, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these things come from within and make a man unclean.’

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

LITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORD