St Liborius Parish

VISION: We, the St Liborius parish Community, seek to support each other in growing together in faith and sharing this faith with the wider community.

St Augustine’s (Myers Flat), St Stephen’s (Raywood) Communities Growing Together

11th December, 2016 - third Sunday of advent, year a

Next Week’s Readings Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24

Gospel Acclamation Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring Good News to the poor. Alleluia!

Responsorial Psalm Lord, come and save us .

Papal Prayer Intentions for December 2016 End to Child-Soldiers That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over. Europe That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life.

Advent is a time to prepare our hearts to receive Christ, our Saviour and hope. 4th December

The Word Today Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11

ARE YOU THE ONE? John the Baptist had spent his life preparing the way for Jesus. But now, locked up in a dark dungeon with the threat of death hanging over him, it seems that he was having doubts about Jesus. What could have brought this about? Johns idea of the messiah was radically different from that of Jesus. For John, the messiah would be a stern, uncompromising judge, who would execute a fiery judgement on sinners. But Jesus didn't fit this image. Jesus made it clear that he had come, not to condemn sinners, but to save them. John preached bad news; Jesus preached good news. John prophesied the judgement of God; Jesus prophesied the salvation of God. Moreover, their approaches were very different. John was an ascetic who lived apart from the people. Jesus mixed with the people, eating and drinking with sinners. John was severe. Jesus was radically friendly. All of this may have accounted for Johns doubts about Jesus. Now that his life was ending, he wanted to know for sure if Jesus was the messiah or not. Because if Jesus was not the messiah, it would mean that he had wasted his life and mislead the people. So he sent two of his disciples to question Jesus. When the two asked Jesus, “are you the one who is to come?” Jesus might have replied with a straight forward, “Yes I am.” and left it at that. But he didn't’. Instead of trying to convince Johns messengers with words, he pointed to the works he was doing: “The blind see, the lame walk, the leapers are made clean, and the good news is preached to the poor.” These were exactly the kind of things that had been predicted for the messianic times by prophets like Isaiah. In other words, Jesus is the one who fulfils the messianic prophesise. There is a well known saying: Actions speak louder than words. Jesus was quite happy to let his deeds speak for him. And they did so? Eloquently. If someone were to ask us: “Are you a disciple of Jesus?” We would probably reply: “Yes, I am.” But would there be enough evidence in our lives to bear this out? John’s situation was a grim one - locked up in a dungeon with the threat of death hanging over him. Jesus knew that he needed comforting and reassurance. So he sent a special message to him: “Blessed is the one who does not loose faith in me”. These beautiful words are now spoken to us. Blessed are we if we do not loose faith in Jesus. And twice blessed are we if we show forth our faith in deeds of love and mercy. People will encounter Jesus within us. Where can Jesus be found today? If he is to be found at all, it will be in us, his disciples. STORY TO BE REFLECTED UPON BY ALL Once a group of salesmen were attending a convention. They had assured their families that they would be home in time for dinner. But the meeting ran late so they had to run for the train. Tickets in hand, they dashed along the platform. One of them knocked over a table supporting a basket of apples. But neither he or any of his companions stopped to help the young boy who manned the apple stand. All reached the train and boarded it with a sigh of relief. But then one of them felt a twinge of compassion for the boy whose apple stand whose apple stand had been overturned. Saying goodbye to his companions, he returned to the scene of the accident. He was glad he did so. He discovered that the boy was blind. The salesman began to gather up the apples. As he did so he noticed that some of them were bruised. He took out his wallet and handed the boy some money he said, “Here, take this for the damage that we did. I hope we didn't spoil your day.” As he started to walk away, the bewildered boy called after him, “Are you Jesus?” “Are you Jesus”. In a sense he was. Because he acted like Jesus. Where can Jesus be found today? He will be found in us, his disciples, if we show forth our faith in deeds of love and mercy.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

Christmas Eve (Saturday)

7.00pm & 10pm

Christmas Day (Sunday)

9.00am (Stephen’s Raywood), 10.30am (St Liborius)

With St Liborius, St Stephen & St Augustine, let us be a spiritual benefactor to each other in prayer, especially for the health and well-being of:

Pray for our seminarians: Dean Klayford Bongat, Adi Indra, Jackson Saunders & DJ Suguitan.

May they rest in the peace of Christ. Amen.

In faith and hope let us pray for those who have gone before us and those whose anniversaries occur around this time.

Harold Calvert, Norma White, Marion Cole, Grampo Natalli,

Theresa Doolan, Mary Appleby, Cheryl Woolley.

Anniversaries:

Recently Deceased: Des Tobias

As we gather to worship, we acknowledge the Traditional owners and custodians of this land- the Jaara Country we are standing on- the Jaara people of the Dja Dja Wurrung community and their forebears who have been custodians of this land for centuries.

Mary De Nardis, Bridget Stewart, Ted Verryt, Mikkael Floyd Magpulong, Doreen Dibdib, Lise Cook, Mary Furlong, Paul Woodward, Russell Milikins, Jodie Ryan, Bryan Keogh, Frank White, Margaret Berriman, Zoey Lovejoy, Gerald Smith, Len Fitzgerald

Cynthia Griego, Muriel Maes, Patricia Schultz, Bert Caldow, Angeline Caldow, Gary Jones, Frances Cushing, Brendan Irwin, Ian Connally, Jocelyn Lyon, Marie Casey, Georgie Manning, Teresa Brandreth, Denis Pommer, Mary Salmon Eiffe, Marianne Cuskelly, Mary McAdam,

Rosalia Van Leuwen, Kevin Tobias, Shirley Baker, Carmel McCashney, Bert Youla, Denise Wong, Melinda May, Ian Johnson, Maureen O’Keefe, Josefina Wilson, Xavier White, Claire Dearaugo, Rosario Jewell, Tila Wynands, Christine Longmire Kelvin Ryan

PARISH MATTERS

FLAT FOR LEASE 1/2 Sandhurst Road, California Gully. Lovely, low maintenance two bedroom brick veneer unit close to supermarkets, shops & public transport. Comprising of two bedrooms both with built in robes, lounge room with heating and cooling, dining area and kitchen with gas cooking. Bathroom with shower & vanity, separate toilet & laundry, single carport enclosed yard and garden shed. $220 a week rent. Available from January 15th 2017. Contact Barry Plant Real Estate - Reecy Owins 03 5444 2526 | M 0418 593 952

ST LIBORIUS CHRISTMAS LUNCH IS ON AGAIN When: Christmas Day 25th Dec, 12 – 2pm Where: Parish Centre, 50 Panton Street, Eaglehawk Christmas day is the day when no one should be alone. So if you know of anyone who may be in this situation please spread the word that all are welcome to come and participate. Please give name, contact number (and address if transport needed) to Tracy at Parish Office 5446 8235

BRUNCH KITCHEN Last Brunch Kitchen will be Tuesday 13th December. Brunch kitchen will return in 2017 on February 7th.

DO YOU LOVE KNITTING OR CROCHETING? COMFORT BLANKETS ARE NEEDED

Our Comfort Blankets bring comfort to patients who may be missing their familiar surroundings or going through a hard time. They help to make patient rooms feel more homely and provide warmth in a cheerful and personal way. The ways we need help are:

Making up of blankets by sewing of squares together

Knitting or crocheting of squares for blankets:

8 ply wool (we can supply if we have donated wool on hand)

4mm needles (Size 8)

40 stitches X 80 rows

Granny squares of approximately 20cms

In the past knitters have been asked to leave a generous length of wool on the end of the squares to assist with sewing.

We use 49 squares to make the blankets

Donations of bright coloured wool.

Both for knitting and crocheting as well as sewing up of blankets.

We will also gratefully receive completed knitted or crocheted blankets for patients to be used as knee blankets or for their beds.

Please be assured that the above details are guidelines and we will be able to make use of whatever you may be able to donate or assist with. We would hope that by sharing the tasks around that it will never be too onerous. Anyone who would like to help can contact our Pastoral Care Team (attention Annie) on 54343227. Thank you in anticipation, Lynda Wyles - Pastoral Services Coordinator

PRAYER FOR ADVENT Dear Lord, through darkness,

I look for your wisdom. I want my heart to be open to you.

But sometimes in these days, it seems that so many things come between us.

Help me to be awake and aware of the radiance you bring to my life.

Help me to be grateful each day for the blessings of family and friends.

Let me be a peacemaker in my own life,

and in the world. Let me pray especially for this

difficult world and those who are so in need of an end to violence.

My heart begs for this as my Advent prayer today. Amen.

ROSTERS FOR CHRISTMAS We need Welcomers, Readers and Eucharistic ministers for the two Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass’s. Please add your details to the sheet at the back of the Church or contact Maureen Bourke on 5446 8821.

Youth Corner Summer School Melbourne - 8-15 Jan 2017 – Registrations now open! Join other young people aged 16-35 for a powerful week of teaching, live music, sacraments, prayer, praise and great speakers. Register before 15th Dec for earlybird rates and/or register as a group of 4 and save $100 (3 participants must be new to Summer School). More info: melbourne@summerschool.org.au, 0490 157 556 or summerschool.org.au

OUR SCHOOLS BENDIGO & DIOCESAN MATTERS

ST LIBORIUS SCHOOL Opening of Assisi Arts Centre & Administration Buildings - On Monday the 5th December was the official opening of the Assisi Arts and Administration buildings. We were fortunate enough to have in attendance Bishop Les Tomlinson, Fr Antony, Mr Paul Desmond, Director of Sandhurst CEO and a member of the Federal Parliament to officially open our new buildings. It was lovely to see the community come together for this event. Orientation Day - What a busy day it was yesterday. We started the day off welcoming all of our new prep children and their parents & carers. They were so pumped and settled beautifully into their new class groups. Their 2017 senior buddies worked with them throughout the morning assisting them to borrow their very first book from the St Liborius library and participate in their first liturgy along with parents and teachers. Our Yr 6’s attending CCB & MCB boarded buses and spent the entire day in their new secondary school settings, along with many other students from around Bendigo. They were buzzing when they arrived back at school at the end of the day. All of our other St Liborius students moved into their 2017 class groups for the morning with their new teachers, in-cluding our three new teachers starting next year. What an exciting year ahead. 2017 Staffing- Classroom Teachers Prep Dave Waters and Hollie Webster Yr 1/2 Chelsie Haebich, Karen Signorotto, Gradey McNicol and Georgia Turville Yr 3/4 Tara Murray, Brent Anstee, Elise Woodall and Stephanie Sefton Yr 5/6 Vin Ryan, Travis Ledwidge and Lisa Patterson Specialists The Arts Belinda Dart and Vicki Westcott Languages Sue Borserio Health/PE Dave Waters and Travis Ledwidge Yr 6 Graduation Dinner - On Friday the Yr 6's and their families will come together for the graduation dinner. Canterbury Park Christmas Carols- This Sunday the 11th December we have some St Liborius students singing at the Carols by Candlelight in Canterbury Park. This event starts at 7pm and there is a free sausage sizzle from 6pm. End of Year/Graduation Mass- As we come to the conclusion of the 2016 school year, it is exciting and fitting to come together as a catholic community to celebrate Mass together. Fr Antony will celebrate Eucharist with us as we reflect on our school year, congratulate and farewell our Yr 6 students and farewell any families or staff who are finishing their time at St Liborius. Mass will take place in the Liborius Centre on Monday 12th Dec at 6pm. Every St Liborius family is asked to come along and join us for this celebration of a successful year and give praise for the many blessings we have received throughout the year. ERP EXPO - You are invited to attend our Term 4 EXPO. This will be held in the Liborius Centre on Tuesday 13th December from 9:30–10:30. Dahlia and Arts Gala Carnival Meeting - We welcome all St Liborius parents and friends to come along to the Parents Club Meeting next Tues 13th December. This meeting we will be discussing the Dahlia and Arts Carnival. Wishing you all a wonderful week Frank Dullard - Principal

ASPIRE CHRISTMAS MARKET The Aspire Cultural & Charitable Foundation is holding a Christmas Market where there will be a variety of food and activities including live music with Fr Rob Galea. When: Sunday 11th December from 4:30pm -7pm Where: Sacred Heart Cathedral Grounds, Cnr High and Wattle Street Bendigo. Followed by the annual Marist Brass Carols in the Cathedral.

MARIST BRASS CAROLES AT THE CATHEDRAL Marist Brass is holding it’s annual Carols in the Cathedral Concert with performances by the Marist Brass Marist Academy of Brass, Marist College Choir, Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir and more, on Sunday December 11th at 7:30pm following the Aspire foundation Christmas market. When: Sunday December 11th at 7:30pm Where: Sacred Hear t Cathedral, Crn High and Wattle Street Bendigo. Admission: Gold Coin Entry.

EMPLOYMENT: CHILD SAFETY OFFICER Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. Applications are invited for this full time position with the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst – Bendigo. The successful applicant is responsible primarily to develop, facilitate and evaluate the implementation of policies and procedures in relation to the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards and to ensure a safe environment for children. They will work in close collaboration with all parishes, Catholic Education Office, CatholicCare Sandhurst and other Catholic entities operating within the Diocese. It is desired that the successful applicant will have an understanding of and willingness to work within the Catholic ethos. For any other queries please contact Sally Holmes on Ph (03) 5445 3617 or sally.holmes@sandhurst.catholic.org.au. A copy of the position description can be obtained from www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au. Applications close Thursday 15 December 2016.

EMPLOYMENT: CO-ORDINATOR OF PASTORAL INITIATIVES AND YOUTH MINISTRY

Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst. Applications are invited for this full time position with the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst – Bendigo. The successful applicant will participate in the development and implementation of a Pastoral Plan and will act as a reference point and co-ordination for a number of pastoral initiatives and movements in the Diocese. The successful applicant is responsible primarily to effectively co-ordinate and manage all resources and personnel involved in the delivery of diocesan services and events related to Youth Ministry whilst fostering the personal and spiritual growth of each person in the Diocese of Sandhurst. They will work in close collaboration with Pastoral Associates, RCIA, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Adult Faith Education, the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, and Teams of Our Lady. It is desired that the successful applicant will have an understanding of and willingness to work within the Catholic ethos. For any other queries please contact Sally Holmes on Ph (03) 5445 3617 or sally.holmes@sandhurst.catholic.org.au A copy of the position description can be obtained from www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au.

MOTHERS PRAYERS Mothers prayers at the Parish Centre will have their final meeting for this year on Friday 16th December. Will resume again on Friday 3rd February at 10am.

CONTACT US Office Hours: Tue 10.30am-1.00pm Wed/Thu 10.30am-2.30pm Fri 10.00am-3.00pm

Phone: 5446 8235 (Parish Office) Address: 50 Panton Street Eaglehawk 3556 Email: eaglehawk@sandhurst.catholic.org.au

Web: stliboriuscatholicparish.wordpress.com

Parish Priest: Fr. Antony Joseph Mobile: 0407 708 895 Email antonypedi@gmail.com Parish Secretary: Tracy Rober ts After Hours (7pm—7am) Emergency Catholic Clergy Contact: 0429 371 253 SCHOOL Phone: 5446 9172 Principal: Frank Dullard Deputy: Alistair Stewart Secretary: Louise O’Connor Chaplain: Louise Trewhella

PARISH ORGANISATIONS Parish Pastoral Council

Ex-Officio: Fr Antony Joseph, Frank Dullard, Darren McGregor. Members: Michael Nolan, Cathy Mitchell, Terry McDermott, Brendan Keogh, Kathy Taylor, Anne O’Brien, Brian Bourke, Trish Mudge, Margaret Watson.

Parish Finance Committee

Laurie Fitzgerald, Terry Westaway, Geoff Gallagher, John Pallotta

Planned Giving David Trewarne

Parish Liturgy Team Mary Haugh, Elizabeth McDermott, Sandie Westaway, Maureen Bourke, Terry Westaway

Parish Loss & Grief Team

Elizabeth McDermott, Jane Bretherton, Patricia Angelini, Joan Noonan, Cathy Mitchell, Tricia Blanks, Eilis Whelan

Parish Sacramental Team Denise Webb, Jenny Chirgwin, Holly Webster, Claire Flood & Trish Blanks

Catholic Women’s League

Mary Haugh, Maureen Bourke

Legion of Mary Peg Singe / Anne O’Brien

RCIA Team Tricia Blanks, Brian Bourke, Maureen Bourke, Anne-Maree McDonell

Tuesday Communion Round Co-ordinator: Sandie Westaway

Friday Communion Round Co-ordinator: Anne Trewarne

KSC Community Welfare Project Brian Bourke: 5446 8821

R.S.J. Margaret Tobias

Caritas Project Compassion Brian Bourke

Children’s Liturgy Denise Webb & Natalie Duane (1st and 3rd Sunday of month)

God Start Anne O’Brien

Piety Stall Michael O’Dea, Anne O’Brien

PLANNED GIVING — Thank You COLLECTIONS FOR 4th December

ENVELOPES: LOOSE: DIRECT DEBIT

$1295.60 TOTAL:

$897.50 $188.10 $210.00

Mass Welcomers Lectors Extraordinary

Ministers of Holy Communion

This Weekend 6.00pm

A Kirkwood P Angelini

1st: 2nd:

S Westaway T Westaway

J Chirgwin, A O’Brien, B Bourke.

10.30am M Dole D Purden

1st:2nd:

N Duane D Duane

E Tuohey, K Waters, M Smith

Next Weekend 6.00pm

P&B Pontell 1st: 2nd:

S McGowan M Watson

S Westaway, T Westaway J Chirgwin

10.30am K Taylor M Gill

1st:2nd:

A Atkins T Duane

C Paton, T Blanks, C Giri

PARISH ACTIVITIES WEEKLY

Wise Eaters Every Monday at 9.30am. Walk N Talk Every Tuesday at 9.30am. Brunch Kitchen Every Tuesday at 11.30am (exc school holidays) Euchre Card Club Every Tuesday at 7.30pm. Legion of Mary Every Wednesday at 10.00am and Every Friday at 7.30pm. Vocaltones Every Thursday at 7.30pm (exc school holidays) Parish Sacramental Team Every Tuesday at 7.00pm Mothers Prayer Every Friday 10.30am till 11.30

MONTHLY

Secular Franciscans Every 2nd Mon of the month at 7.30pm. Liturgy Meeting Every 1st Tue of the month at 1.30pm. Parish Finance Committee Meeting Every 4th Tue of the month at 7.30pm. Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Every 2nd Wed of the month at 6.30pm. Card making Every 2nd Wed of the month at 1.30pm. Catholic Women’s League Every 4th Wed of the month at 1.30pm. BEC Meeting - Group D Every 1st Fri of the month at 1.30pm. R.S.J. Meeting 3rd Wed of every 2nd month at 10.30am. Bendigo Textile Group Every 2nd Sun of the month at 10.00am. Contact: Barbara Lomas 0417313760 Knights of the Southern Cross Every 2nd Thu of the month. Contact: Brian Bourke 5446 8821

MASSES THIS WEEK

Mon 6pm Mass Tues - Friday 9:15am Mass

P.S. Funeral Mass replaces the Mass of the day

Saturday 9.15am Mass (St Augustine’s Myers Flat- followed by brunch) 6.00pm (Parish) Sunday 9.00am (Raywood) 10.30am (Parish) 4.00pm Sunday School

5.30pm Syro Malabar Rite Mass at St Francis Xavier’s Church, 24 Strickland Road

SACRAMENTS

Reconciliation

Everyday of the week 40mins prior to Mass except on Sunday.

Anointing of the sick

Please ring parish office.

Baptisms

Please call in to the parish office for a Baptism kit ($30).

Baptism preparation is conducted on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at St Kilian’s Parish Centre.

Bookings required. Phone 5441 6244.

Weddings

Bookings must be made at least six months prior.

Please ring parish office.

ROSTERS

What a Life! Buying gifts for men is not nearly as complicated as it is for women. Follow these

rules and you should have no problems.

Rule #2: If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or

socket in it. Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "OK. By-the-way, are you through with my 3/8-inch socket yet?" Again, no

one knows why.

Rule #4: Never buy men bathrobes. Once I was told that if God had wanted men to wear

bathrobes, he wouldn't have invented Jockey shorts.