st john the baptist catholic church plympton parish the most …€¦ · o’reilly and all souls...
TRANSCRIPT
OUR LITURGY
FIRST READING Exodus 34: 4-6, 8-9
Moses meets the Lord on the mountain of Sinai. This is
symbolic of God’s revelation of loving mercy and
compassion, which extends even to us today.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 3:52-56
R Glory and praise for ever!
SECOND READING 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13
St Paul’s greeting to his listeners is the source of the
greeting the priest uses at the beginning of Mass - that
is, the hope to share fully in the life of the Trinity.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Revelation 1:8
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: to
God who is, who was and who is to come.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL John 3: 16-18
Christ’s words to Nicodemus affirm the love of the
Father for us as shown in sending the Son into our
world so that all may have eternal life.
REFLECTION
This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary
Time. This Sunday and next, however, are designated as
solemnities—special days that call our attention to central
mysteries of our faith. Today on Trinity Sunday we
celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity, one God in three
persons.
Today’s Gospel is from the beginning of John’s Gospel. The
passage we read follows Jesus’ conversation with a
Pharisee, Nicodemus, about what it means to be born of
both water and the spirit. Nicodemus approaches Jesus at
night and acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God. Jesus
tells him that only those who are born from above will see
the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus misunderstands and
questions how a person can be born more than once. Jesus
tells Nicodemus that no one can enter the Kingdom of God
without being born of water and Spirit. Jesus is essentially
explaining Baptism, which we celebrate as a sacrament
today. Yet Nicodemus, we are told, still does not
understand what Jesus is saying. Jesus continues by
testifying to the need to be born from above so that one
might have eternal life.
After the dialogue with Nicodemus, the author of the
Gospel offers his own explanation of Jesus’ words. This is
what we read in today’s Gospel, John 3:16-18.
In the context of today’s focus on the mystery of the Holy
Trinity, the reading calls our attention to the action of
God, who reveals himself in three persons: God the Father,
Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God the Father, out of
love for the world, sent his Son into the world in order to
save it. Through the death and resurrection of the Son, we
have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. As three
persons, God acts always as a God of love; he does not
condemn the world but acts to save it.
The Gospel also calls attention to the response that is
required of us. God’s love for us calls us to respond in faith
by professing our belief in God’s son, Jesus, and the
salvation that he has won for us. This profession of faith is
a sign of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Pope Francis Quotes:
The mystery of the Holy Trinity
reminds Christians that “we are
called to live not without each
other, over or against the other,
but with one another, and in one
another.”
St John the Baptist Catholic Church
Plympton Parish
The Most Holy Trinity
7th June 2020
PLEASE PRAY FOR
Recently Deceased:
Dushan Luvin, Roger French, Maria Caruana.
May they rest in peace!
Anniversaries:
Ian Windibank, Joe Caruana, Antoine Marie Mouri, Patrick
O’Reilly and all souls in Purgatory.
The Sick:
Antonietta Caruana, Fr Chris Warnlock, Angelica Mendoza,
Tamia Zegarra, Jeremy Sia, Anne Chiu, Betsabeth & Sebastian
Trujillo, Ignacio Pomar, Linda Smith, Chrisanthi Panayotakis,
Paz Jayme, Mercedes Li, Maria Alban, Johanna Coad, Miriam
Aranda, Reynaldo Melchor Cruz, Emily Elgueta, Rob, Natalia
Memije Sabio, Andrew Koh, Judy Cahill, Kieffer, Paul
Mbvoma, Kevin Clarke, Fr John Chambers and all sick
children.
We also pray for the sick in our parish,
in nursing homes, hospitals and the housebound.
LIVE GUIDED EXAMEN PRAYER
Every Thursday evening at 7.30pm (till the COVID-
19 restrictions are lifted). St Ignatius, Norwood will live stream
a 15 minute Guided Examen Prayer. Please follow this link for
more details https://rebrand.ly/Examen
EASING OF RESTRICTIONS UPDATE
Update effective 25/5/2020:
The Premier has announced the relaxing of restrictions
with Stage 2 now being implemented from June 1 2020
(one week earlier than scheduled). The key points to note
are:
Places of Worship permitted for up to 20 attendees
(It is essential to book for mass to the Parish Office on
8293 6600 to avoid going beyond the required number of
attendees)
Funerals will be permitted for up to 50 attendees
Baptisms will be permitted for up to 20 attendees
20TH ANNUAL PARISH LUNCHEON
CANCELLED
Due to the Coronavirus and government restrictions, this
year’s 20th Annual Parish Luncheon is cancelled but we
look forward everyone joining us in 2021!
The Parish Office is CLOSED for face to face communication.
If you:
Have a urgent pastoral need, please ring the doorbell
9am – 2pm weekdays. If the office is unattended, please ring 8293 6600 and leave a message or ring 0427 241 574 for emergencies only.
If you would like to make an appointment with the Priest please ring 8293 6600 or leave a message if phone is unattended.
ANY correspondence can be deposited through the letter slot at the Parish door.
Please check our website www.parish.stjohnplympton.com for updates and our facebook page ‘Plympton Catholic Parish’
Thank you for your understanding.
KNIGHTS OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS NEWSPAPER
COLLECTION
On the First Sunday of each month the Knights will still be
collecting your newspapers from St John the Baptist
Church.
Please leave your papers on the Eastern side of the Church
near the seat. Social distancing will be observed at all
times.
The Sunday dates for collection are SUNDAY JUNE
7TH
, SUNDAY JULY 5TH
, SUNDAY AUGUST
2ND
, SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH
. We will advise further
dates, as we will be guided by Government Guidelines.
Thanking everyone for their continued support.
Darryl Smitheram and Simon O’Neill.
Plympton/Edwardstown Knights of the Southern Cross.
ST VINCENT de PAUL WINTER APPEAL
The St Vincent de Paul Society has launched its Covid-19
Winter Appeal to help people experiencing disadvantage.
As the impacts of job losses due to Covid-19 are realised
and more people reach out for assistance, the organisation
needs your help to ensure our local Conference members
and volunteers can continue their work supporting the
disadvantaged in our community.
Donations can be made online at www.vinnies.org.au/
donate, by calling 13 18 12 or by sending a cheque or
money order to St Vincent de Paul Society, GPO Box 1804
Adelaide, SA, 5001.
If you are unable to donate in this manner, the parish
office has a number of donation envelopes for the Vinnies
Covid-19 Winter Appeal.
To book an appointment for FREE COVID-19 telephone
counselling, please phone Centacare on 8215 6700.
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
A BOOK THAT IS A TIMELY REMINDER OF HOW WE
SHOULD BE AS A CHURCH
Fr. Michael Trainor has prepared a series of podcasts on the
Acts of the Apostles, together with accompanying notes and
discussion questions. This is now available at the Lockleys
Catholic Website (https://www.lockleysparish.com/the-acts-of-
the-apostles).
For those many parishioners without access to the web, a CD
can be prepared of the podcasts. If you are interested in one
of these, please call or leave a message at the parish office on
8293 6600. Please leave your name and the best address to
which we can send the CD and accompanying documents.
You may like to use this resource for personal reflection or for
small group gatherings (under 10 people) with appropriate
social distancing. Alternatively, you may want to listen to the
podcasts and then discuss them, using the questions Fr.
Michael has prepared, using one of the virtual platforms.
Deacon Paul Crowe.
PARISH THANKSGIVING PROGRAM
As all Masses have been temporarily suspended and collections
cannot take place, if you are still able to make a contribution
to the 1st or 2nd collection, this can be done in a number of
ways.
1) Via an electronic contribution. The link on the
Archdiocesan website is www.adelaide.catholic.org.au/
donation. You will need to select the Plympton Parish and
chose whether you are contributing to the First Collection
(Support of Priests) or Second Collection (Parish Property &
maintenance etc).
2) If you are currently contributing via envelope, you can
choose to make your contribution via credit card or direct
debit. Forms can be emailed or posted to you at your
request.
3) You can make a direct deposit into our account. Please be
sure to put your Planned Giving (PG) number and surname as
a reference. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange this.
4) Please contact the Parish Office to discuss how you can
deliver your envelopes (2nd Collection) or donations to the
First Collection (clearly marked).
5) You can set up an ongoing deduction to the First Collection
by following this link
http://www.adelaide.catholic.org.au/__files/f/24812/First%
20Collection%202017.pd
Thank you for your continued support of the Priests of the
Archdiocese and the Parish.
SUPPORTING THE EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL
NEEDS OF CHILDREN DURING COVID-19
Please find attached Child Protection Unit Newsletter
containing information, helpful links and resources which
support Children’s mental health.
CONFESSION – THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
The Sacrament of Confession has been suspended during
this time of pandemic. Physical and moral impossibility
excuses a person from confession, in which case
reconciliation may be attained by other means, for
example an act of perfect contrition. (Canon 960) An act
of perfect contrition can be made by saying these or similar
words: “My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
I should love you above all things. I firmly intend, with
your help, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads
me to sin”.
ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy
Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to
receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my
heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and
u n i t e m y s e l f w h o l l y t o Y o u .
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
PLENARY COUNCIL DISCERNMENT PAPERS
As you would be aware due to the COVID-19 Pandemic,
the Plenary Council Assembly in Adelaide has been
postponed until October 2021, with exact dates to be
finalised.
On Pentecost Sunday, the Discernment papers from the
Writing and Discernment Groups, taking into account
everything said from the 1st (Listening and Dialogue) and
ongoing 2nd
(Listening and discernment) phases of the
Plenary Council were released. They can be found at:
https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/continuing-the-
journey-of-discernment/
THRESHOLD@HOME – MUSIC PERFORMANCE SERIES
ON FACEBOOK LIVE TUESDAYS AT 8PM
Check out performances from young Catholic musicians
from across the Archdiocese of Adelaide every Tuesday
n ight f rom 8pm at www.facebook .com/
cathyouthadelaide/live. Interested in being a performer on
Threshold @Home? Contact Peter in the Catholic Office
f o r Y o u t h a n d Y o u n g A d u l t s a t E :
POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY - FOR DEACONS
The leadership team of the International Diaconate Centre
has been asked to draw to your attention Pope Francis’
request that there be prayers for deacons this
month. Details are at https://www.vaticannews.va/en/
pope/news/2020-05/pope-francis-prayer-intention-may-
The COVID safe app
Speeds up the process for notifying
people who may
have been exposed to coronavirus.
For more information visit https://www.health.gov.au/resources/
collections/covidsafe-app-campaign-resources
ST VINCENT PALLOTTI SCHOLARSHIP TRUST
The St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust offers scholarships to
enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in
leadership/ministry or a specialised activity, such as
promoting faith enhancement, social justice and pastoral
care. More information and applications forms are available
on our website https://www.pallottine.org.au/scholarships/st
-vincent-pallotti-scholarship-for-lay-ministry.html
Closing date July 31 2020.
FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR JUNE ISSUE OF
THE SOUTHERN CROSS With churches closed and Masses suspended due to the
coronavirus pandemic, The Southern Cross has found a
creative solution to continue to spread the good news to the
Catholic community – and it’s free!
To subscribe for the free issues go to https://
thesoutherncross.org.au/delivered-to-your-door/
YOUTH MINISTRY RESOURCE ONLINE
The Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults is compiling
resources for youth and young adult ministry in these
extraordinary times. To view these resources visit http://
www.cathyouthadelaide.org.au/resources1
SUNDAY LITURGY FOR FAMILIES
As a response to the COVID-19 situation while Masses have
been suspended, the Family and Parish-Based Catechesis
Office has prepared liturgies with a focus on children. Families
can use these at home to reflect on the Gospel each Sunday.
This can be found at this link on the Archdiocesan website:
http://www.adelaide.catholic.org.au/our-works-and-
community/family-and-parish-based-catechesis/prayer-services.
Please help us to make your families aware of this resource for
this time. For any further enquiries, please contact Sr Jenny
Seal [email protected] or Elena Moffa
PARISH INFORMATION
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR - Fr Denis Ssemuju
8293 6600
DEACON Paul Crowe
8293 6600 (Tues, Thurs & Friday)
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE - Mary-Anne Quinn
8293 6600
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE - Heran Jayasuriya
8293 6600
PARISH OFFICE
Open Monday - Friday - 9.00am - 2.00pm
Parish Secretary - Helen Konieczny
342 Anzac Highway, Plympton SA 5038
Phone 8293 6600 Fax 8293 8992
Email: [email protected]
Website: parish.stjohnplympton.com
Postal Address: PO Box 90 Plympton SA 5038
Parish Pastoral Council Chairperson - TBA
Child Safety Officer - Helen Konieczny - 8293 6600
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL - 8293 6280
Principal -Todd Murfitt
Co-Principal - Bernadette Lacey
Deputy Principal - Joanne Livingstone
APRIM - Angela DeNadai
Hearing assistance available. Please ask for a receiver.
COMMUNION FOR COELIACS
Please see Priest before Mass to arrange a
gluten free Host.
TOILETS ARE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOYER
Baby change table available for use in toilet area.
www.facebook.com/PlymptonCatholic Parish
Live streaming of Masses from St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral
The Archdiocese is continuing to live stream daily Mass at
midday and on Sundays at 10am from St Francis Xavier’s
Cathedral. These Masses can be viewed live and on demand
on the home page of www.adelaide.catholic.org.au. It will
also be available via Facebook or YouTube.
For those without internet access the Sunday Mass is now
being replayed on Channel 44 at 4pm every week. An inter-
state service is screened live every week on Channel 10 at
6am.
Sunday Mass Now On Channel 44
Sunday Mass from St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral will be
replayed on Channel 44 at 4pm. The usual live stream will
go ahead at 10am (www.adelaide.catholic.org.au), however
this will allow those without access to online Masses the
opportunity to celebrate.
Next Week’s Readings
Corpus Christi
First Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14-16
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Gospel: John 6:51-58
MASS INTENTIONS
Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to
offer a Mass for your loved ones.
Feast Days During the Week
Tuesday 9th June - St Ephrem
Thursday 11th June - St Barnabas, Apostle
Saturday 13th June - St Anthony of Padua
The Most Holy Trinity
It’s natural for us, when we meet others, to exchange names. In doing this we invite people into a
relationship that’s built on trust, kindness, compassion, and even love.
Have you ever considered where this capacity for trust, gentleness, and love comes from? Why is it
that we seek out relationships with one another? Why, indeed, in general society, is there a search for unity in
a perceived world of diversity? Strangely, it's in the doctrine of the Trinity that we find the answer to this
conundrum.
In the first reading from Exodus, Moses seeks out God and calls him by name. In response, God points
out that a relationship exists between the two of them. As human beings we commonly do what God does in
this story. We share a little of our own story with each other and share something of our own personality.
God tells Moses that he is
a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness.
This divine personality is embedded so deeply within us that we’re prepared to do so much for
others, even at the possible expense of our own lives. We only need to look at the acts of human kindness
and heroism that have occurred in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and the nation’s bushfires before that.
The Gospel re-enforces the significance of naming someone in establishing a relationship. Jesus, in
identifying himself as God’s only Son to Nicodemus, indicates that he, Jesus, is part of the Trinity. It’s the
relationship with His Father, and of course the Holy Spirit, that establishes his divinity. For it’s only in a
relationship that love can exist, and only in a divine relationship that divine love, the true essence of divinity,
can prevail.
A good analogy to help explain the Trinity is found within human marriage. When Gordana and I first
met and fell in love, all we could think about was spending our lives together. After being blessed with
children, we realized that our love for each other had become deeper as we shared that love with our
children. The wonder, of course, was that in giving life and love to a child, our own love for each other
grew. The circle of lover, loved, and beloved was complete.
Similarly, in the wider world, we as human beings, hunger for relationship. It’s love, not life, that we
ultimately seek. In this we mimic the true nature of God.
The Trinity, therefore, lies at the very core of our humanity. Unity and diversity are not opposite
poles of human existence but form the central elements that need to be kept in balance for a healthy
community to exist. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches us that unity and diversity go hand in hand. The
events both here and in the US this week should teach us that we’re all just human beings, irrespective of
colour, race, or creed.
While we’ll never fully appreciate the majesty and mystery that’s present in the Trinity until we come
face to face with God, the hunger for relationships that lies deep within us gives us an inkling of this central
core doctrine. A prayer that we often use, the Glory Be to The Father, is often rattled off without too much
thought. As we it pray it this week, let’s remember that we’re glorifying the unity of divine nature in the
diversity of three separate persons. Let’s spend time contemplating the words of this prayer more carefully.
As God’s beloved people born in the image of God, let our diversity, each of us known and loved intimately
by him, be our strength and source of unity, not something that divides us.
Deacon Paul Crowe