In nearly forty years of writing “front pages” in parish bulletins, never before has toilet paper been the focal point. Until this this week!

The best thing that can be said about the reported “panic buying” of supermarket products (including toilet paper) is that the number of people who have indulged in it have most likely been a minority - at least so far.

Most people, hopefully, are acknowledging that the threats, inconvenience, disappointments, shortages and costs that are accompanying the spread of the corona virus across the globe are burdens to be carried by all of us together.

The word “panic” describes the situation as it should not be. When we panic (and we all can panic!), calm, rational thought processes are replaced by impulses which are self-centred, short-sighted, and almost always ineffective. Panic creates more problems and magnifies existing ones, and rarely if ever creates a worthwhile path to resolve any existing issues.

In any area of life - sport, business, government, and even in our day to day dealings with one another, “character” is all-important.

Not “being a character” i.e. a quaint personality who amuses others), but possessing character, meaning having qualities which are demonstrated in personal integrity, loyalty, generosity, thoughtfulness and unselfishness.

The fears accompanying the corona virus outbreak may be well-founded, but those fears will more readily become reality if the “I’m alright Jack, too bad about you” background of panic-buying is not dealt with genuine “character” on the part of each individual and of our nation as a whole.

Are we going to panic if we see someone cough or blow their nose? (The Vatican issued a press release to say the Pope has a cold because he coughed during Mass this week). Are we going to refuse others in need food, basic household items or medications that we possess in abundance because we cleared out the supermarket for ourselves?

We need to take sensible precautions about the dangers of the corona virus. But we need to be well aware that panic of any type - for toilet paper or whatever - can fire up an epidemic of selfishness and a “Bad luck, mate” attitude which could prove even more destructive to humanity than the virus.

St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178

Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9.00-4.00pm (03) 9764 4058

office@stsimonsparish.com.au www.stsimonsparish.com.au

March 8th - 2nd Sunday of Lent

Parish Personnel PARISH PRIEST: Fr Kevin Dillon

Mobile: 0421 777 360

Email: frkd@stsimonsparish.com.au

PASTORAL ASSOCIATES: Mrs Loretta Hughes (Tue, Thu)

Mrs Abbie Ferdinands (Mon, Wed, Fri)

SACRAMENTAL CO-ORDINATOR: Mrs Marialisa Mandarino (Wed)

BUSINESS & OFFICE MANAGER: Mr Peter Evans (Mon - Thu)

CHILD SAFEGUARDING: Ms Delisa Gonsalves (Mon)

SECRETARIES: Mrs Felicia Ahumada (Mon - Wed)

Mrs Christina Liew (Thu, Fri)

ST. SIMON’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Mr. Tom Wursthorn: 9755 4222

NAZARETH COLLEGE PRINCIPAL: Mr Sam Cosentino: 9795 8100

WEEKEND MASS TIMES: Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm

Sundays: 8.00am, 9.30am, 11.00am

OTHER MASS TIMES: Mondays to Saturdays: 9.15am

Tuesdays: 7.00pm

RECONCILIATION: Saturdays: 9.45am

BAPTISMS: First Sat 11.30am, Third Sun 12.30pm (Please check website for available dates)

AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Tues (school term): 4:15pm - 5:15pm

WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE PREP: Contact Parish Office.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: When required or at 9.15am Mass

on the First Friday of the Month

PARISH COUNCIL: parishcouncil@stsimonsparish.com.au

MASS ON RADIO: Mass from St. Simon’s is broadcast

on 89.9 Light FM - at 7am Sundays

PARISH HALL HIRE:

St. Simon’s Parish Hall is available for

hire After School Hours and Weekends.

For enquiries, contact the Parish Office

during Office Hours. Phone: 9764 4058.

PARISH CENTRE FACILITIES HIRE:

Contact the Parish Office.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL HELPLINE:

1800 305 330

A woman allegedly pulled

a knife on a customer after an

argument broke out over toilet

paper as shoppers emptied

shelves over coronavirus fears.

A supermarket staff member

told police that a customer was

carrying a knife in an aisle,

police later cordoned off the

toilet paper shelves.

Police in Sydney, Australia

said their officers were called

to a “disturbance in an aisle” at

the Woolworths Supermarket.

A witness told Daily Mail

Australia:

“There was a fight over

toilet paper – you could hear

a commotion coming from

down the end aisle. “There was

a knife pulled and the people

started running around. It was

all over in a few

moments, security were here

and police came and talked

to a woman.”

Woolworth’s is Australia’s

largest supermarket and has

placed restrictions on the sale

of essential items, effectively

starting a rationing programme

limiting customers to just four

packs of toilet paper per

shopper.

“7 News” - Wednesday March 4

PARISH DIARY

Monday March 9 10.00 am: Mass - Public Holiday time - followed by Rosary

Tuesday March 10 9.15am: Mass 7.00pm: Mass

Wednesday March 11 9.15am: Mass

Thursday March 12 9.15am: Mass

Friday March 13 9.15am: Mass 7.30pm: Stations of the Cross

Saturday March 14 9.15am: Mass 9.45am: Reconciliation 6.00pm: Mass

Sunday March 15 8.00am, 9.30am & 11.00am Mass 12.30am: Baptisms ………………………………………………………………….……...….……….……..…

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE Risen in the Lord

Recent Death: Harold Wittahatchy Anniversary: Thelma Rive ………………..………………...……………………………………………………..….…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rebecca Ventura, Darrel Melder, Shyamie Fernando, Liz Ferdinands, Brittany Failla, Zebah Mathew, Michelle Nguyen, Eliza Giuliano, Stephen White, Michael Olivetti, Nathan Ferandes, Madeleine Carrns, Lachlan Viney, Tahlia Spano, Daniel Haining, Jane Thomas, Clement Kueh, Evan Hart, Aidan O’Connor, Surani De Silva, Krispin Martin, Doug Luxmoore ….……………………………………………………….……………………………….….

CHURCH FLOWER ARRANGEMENT 2 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. Training will be provided by our leader, Jackie Devienne. Please call Parish Office if interested. ……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….……

35 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

Nazareth College Celebration Carnival

Saturday, March 14: 11.00am - 5.00pm

Manning Drive, Noble Park North, VIC. 3174

……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….…….

COMMUNITY FUN DAY

St Joseph’s College

Sunday. March 15: 10.00am - 3.00pm

5 Brenock Park Drive, Ferntree Gully, VIC. 3156

MEETINGS RCIA: Tue. Mar. 10 at 7.45pm (Chapel)

Pastoral Care: Wed. Mar 11 at 5.00pm (Meeting Room)

Fete Meeting: Wed. Mar 11 at 7.00pm (School Lunch Room)

Bach St Matthew Passion: Sun. Mar. 8 at 3.30pm (Cinema) ……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….….…….…

VOLUNTEER THANK YOU An evening on which, as parishioners of St. Simon’s, we express our gratitude to one another for the multitude of work and giving done by so many for so many. A simple celebration, beginning with Mass at 5.30pm (for those who can make it by then), followed by a barbecue at 6.30pm. Just invite yourself - ”Sign Up” sheets (at the Help Desk) are necessary to make sure we have enough for every one. Also, if you are able to assist with setting up, cleaning up, a salad or dessert, please indicate this at the Help Desk. It’s not a “flash event”, just a quiet way of expressing appreciation to one another for the fantastic contribution made by so many volunteers, along with wonderful staff who give “above and beyond”.. Tuesday 17, March. ……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….….…….…

FROM THE SUGGESTION BOX A number of parishioners (both through the Suggestion Box and verbally) have asked that an increased effort be made with regard to having conversations in the Church, (other than those which are absolutely necessary), both before and after Mass. Expressing a sense of reverence for a sacred place, showing deep respect for the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle, and giving consideration for fellow parishioners who wish to pray quietly before and after Mass are some of the points raised. These requests are fair points, so can we reserve our important social engagement to the Church Foyer, the garden or (soon) the Parish Centre? Please consider. ……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….….…….…

AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Volunteer needed to assist After School Religious Education to state school children. Former teaching experience can be helpful but not essential. We have a program in place and you will be supported by our Team Leader. Please call Rosetta on 0408 884 867 for further information. ……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….….…….…

UPDATE ON CHILD SAFEGUARDING Thanks to the 120 Parish volunteers who attended the excellent presentation by Delisa Gonsalves and Julie Ashman on safeguarding after last weekend’s Masses.

A reminder that all volunteers need a current Working With Children Check in place registered to the Parish – this is free. They also need to review, sign and return the Parish Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.

Some volunteers also need a Police Check (name check only) in place; for this, we have registered for a reduced fee for volunteers. Please enter the code CVF 04/223 in the “Declaration of Volunteer Status” section of the “Consent to Check and Release National Police Certificate” form to claim the reduced fee. The Parish will reimburse volunteers for this fee.

Rosters for weekend of 14th & 15th March 2020

Mass Times 6.00 pm 8.00 am 9.30 am 11.00 am

Reader 1 Fiona Gonsalvez Enakshi Jayamanne Janina Woronczak Ingrid Kertesi

Reader 2 Jodie Marziano Enakshi Jayamanne Michael Toomey Buena Dinuzzo

Commentator Graeme Smith John Dorton Peter Evans Colin Maslen

Help Desk Maria Walton Cheryl Philp Maggie Braganza Julie Cosentino

CLOW Anita / Marsha N/A N/A Audrey Lee/Greg Woo

Bus Driver Michael Ng Flowers: Volunteer Needed

Mass Recorder Rick Foster Homily Typist: Sunita Nazareth

Altar Society Carolyn Culpepper & Margaret Lancefield

Church Cleaning Jeannette Wallis, Vicki Bowers, Phil Mawdsley

Counters Joy & Larry Amoranto, Brian Harriss, Nirmala Andrew

COLLECTIONS: March 1, 2020

Presbytery $1,944.80 Loose donations $ 461.35 Weekly Pledge Received Cumulative

Stewardship - Envelope. (2nd Collection) $2,550.31 $2,127.00 85.3% Stewardship - Credit Cards / Direct Debit (cumulative Average) $3,570.34

2016 campaign pledge (weekly) $6,120.65

Thank you for sharing your treasure

ST. SIMON’S CINEMA - Coming Features You haven’t seen a movie until you’ve seen

it on a BIG screen, as it was meant to be seen.

There is no admission charge for screenings at St. Simon’s Cinema. However, a donation of $5 per

person towards the cost of building our Parish Centre will be gratefully accepted.

Sun. March 8 at 1.30pm: “Spartacus”

Sun. March 8 at 5.30pm: “Ford v Ferrari”

Mon. March 9 at 7.30pm: “Bernadette”

Thur. March 12 at 7.30pm: “Hacksaw Ridge”

Fri. March 13 at 7.30pm: “Fisherman’s Friends”

Sat. March 14 at 7.15pm: “Knives Out”

Sun. March 15 at 1.30pm: “Fiddler On the Roof”

Full listing of screening for March is available in the Foyer. ……...….………………………………………………………….………..……...............

ST. SIMONS YOUTH MOVIE AND PIZZA NIGHT

The Blind Side

29th March @ 6pm for Pizza followed by Movie @7pm.

We invite anyone in Years 7-11 to come and join us! Please bring $8 to go towards Pizza and the running of the Movie. Enjoy the night of great company and discussion.

……...….………………………………………………………….………..……...............

ADVANCE NOTICE: “LIFEBOAT” FUNDRAISER

A Smorgasbord by Silver Platter Date: Saturday, May 16. Time: 7.00pm Cost: $50, including top entertainment and dinner. Venue: St Simon’s Parish Hall.

……...….………………………………………………………….………..……...............

"FROM DIAGNOSIS TO O.A.M.

- A Personal Autism Journey" Daniel and Daryl will be speaking at Kilsyth on Saturday, Mar. 14 @ 1:00 pm | Bookings at www.trybooking.com/BICEE ………………………………………………………….………..……...............................

DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA? If you have basic skills with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc., you might be willing to assist a new and exciting community help project, to be initiated by St. Simon’s Parish. Contact Fr. Kevin on frkd@stsimonsparish.com.au or 0421 777 360 for more details. ………………………………………………………….………..……...............................

STAFF CARPARK

Please do not park on either of the two paths ways to the Parish Centre as this creates a major safety Hazard. ………………………………………………………….………..……...............................

CHURCH CARPET There are some cut offs of the old church carpet . If anyone is interested, please contact the Parish Office.

PARISH COUNCIL 2020 The new 2020 Parish Council has been finalized following the selection process in February. Members are: Brian Crowley, Val D’Souza, Jacqui Giuliano (Chair for 2020), Marcello Martino; Colin Maslen; Phil Mawdsley; Pia Pagotto; Rosetta Scheepers; Graeme Smith.

They will be joined by Peter Evans (Business Manager), one of the Pastoral Team (Loretta Hughes, Abbie Ferdinands and Marialisa Mandarino – probably on a “rolling roster” of their own arrangement), and a representative of the Finance Committee. There will also be two representatives of the School Leadership Team – Tom Wursthorn, Maree Fatouros, Hedy Carvalho and Phil Solari.

Sincere thanks to the “outgoing” Council (2018 –19): Tony Biviano, Diane Carey, Val D’Souza, Peter Evans, Kim Gomez, Abbie Ferdinands, Jacqui Giuliano, Loretta Hughes, Pam Janssen, Gisella Koroknai, Mirella Louey; Maralisa Mandarino, Mary Mann, Marcello Martino, Ed Nicdao, Jacqui O’Connor, Brian Philp, Rosetta Scheepers, David West.

You have served St. Simon’s very well indeed. ……………………………………………...……………………...………….……….....…

OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE Sincere thanks to Barry Kearney who in a few weeks has crafted a great “new-look” website for St. Simon’s Parish. All the old favourites” are there of course, but there’s a whole range of new features which will be detailed further in next week’s bulletin. In the meantime, have a good look at the website (www.stsimonsparish.com.au) and become a little more familiar both with what’s already there and what will be coming. ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…

COMBINED CATHOLIC PARISHES RAFFLE Parishioners who wish to help sell more books can collect one (or more!) from the CCPR volunteer in the foyer. Sold Tickets can be returned to the Help Desk after each Mass or the Parish Office. Drawn Sat. June 6th 2020. Please note that tickets need to be returned latest by April 24. ……………………………………………...……………………...………….……….....…

CORONA VIRUS SAFEGUARD 1. Until the current crisis is over, Holy Communion will

be distributed in one form only - the consecrated Host.

2. We will greet each other without physical contact at the beginning of Mass as a temporary replacement for the usual Sign of Peace.

3. People who prefer to receive Holy Communion on the tongue are respectfully requested to receive in the hand, as the almost inevitable transfer of saliva creates a high unnecessary risk to others’ health.

……...….………………………………………………………….………..……...............

A SMALL EXHIBITION OF SACRED ICONS Icons will be on display in the church foyer before and after all Masses next weekend 14th/ 15th March. The iconographer is parishioner Patricia Barber.

An icon is an image which acts as a pointer to “realities beyond’. A sacred icon is in tended to lead us to prayer. (you may wish to order one or more prints) ……...….………………………………………………………….………..……...............

IF YOU WANT A MASS FOR A SPECIAL INTENTION / REMEMBRANCE

Please introduce yourself to Fr. Kevin before Mass begins.

Super Steve’s Cleaning Team

Spring Clean Windows Inside and Out

Carpet Cleaning

Tenant Vacate Clean

General House Cleaning

For a FREE QUOTE

call Steve: 0423 496 516

Appliance Repairs

& Installation Service

We specialize in the repair of:

Washing Machines

Dishwashers

Dryers

Electric Ovens

Microwaves

Cooktops / Range hoods

Fridges / Freezers

Test / Tag Services

Contact: Ash (0413 913 619)

NBN / Data Networks CCTV Security Cameras

Digital & Cable TV Wi-Fi Speed Boost

Call Brad: 9803 8644

sales@chipking.com.au

Registered Cabler T08011 Security Reg. 936-086-80S

Please call the

Parish Office

if you would

like to advertise

your business

in our

weekly bulletin

Please call the

Parish Office

if you would

like to advertise

your business

in our

weekly bulletin

March 8th - 2nd Sunday of Lent

First reading

Genesis 12: 1-4

The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your

family and your father’s house, for the land I will

show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless

you and make your name so famous that it will be

used as a blessing.

‘I will bless those who bless you:

I will curse those who slight you.

All the tribes of the earth

shall bless themselves by you.’

So Abram went as the Lord told him.

Responsorial Psalm:

Psalm 32(33): 4-5,18-20, 22

Second reading

2 Timothy 1: 8-10

With me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good

News, relying on the power of God who has saved us

and called us to be holy – not because of anything we

ourselves have done but for his own purpose and by

his own grace. This grace had already been granted

to us, in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time,

but it has only been revealed by the Appearing of our

saviour Christ Jesus. He abolished death, and he has

proclaimed life and immortality through the Good

News.

Gospel

Matthew 17: 1-9

Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother

John and led them up a high mountain where they

could be alone. There in their presence he was

transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his

clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses

and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with

him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is

wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make

three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one

for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly

a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from

the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my

Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’

When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces

overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched

them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when

they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.

As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave

them this order, ‘Tell no one about the vision until the

Son of Man has risen from the dead.’

Piano Lessons

Private or Group Lessons on: Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Singing, Theory

5 years old to adults, for all levels

Preparation for A.M.E.B and V.C.E Exams, vocal performances and just

for your pleasure!

Book a free trial class:

Phone: 0407 816 197 Email: nataliaspeirs12@gmail.com

www.melodymusicschool.com.au

Law: family law, divorces,

wills and estates, commercial

law, employment,

immigration

Conveyancing:

buying and selling property.

We are mobile and can come to you

www.powalawyers.com.au

0452 615 780

Life-Changing, Difference-Making, Financial Services

Experienced Mortgage Brokers redirecting

20% of our revenue to help end homelessness.

- Commercial Loans

- Residential Loans

- Investment Loans

Call Hillary Van Estrop on (03) 8761 9024 or 0404 065 396.

www.together.finance

hillz@togetherfs.com.au

Imagine if you could refinance your loan to a lower

rate and help put an end to homelessness.

Our experienced Mortgage Brokers, based right here in

Rowville are ready to assist you. Not only will we find you the

best deal, but thanks to the work of our charity partners, your

loan will also have a social impact.

Learn more at www.together.finance find us on Facebook

@together.finance or call (03) 8761 9024.

Next Week’s Readings: 3rd Sunday of Lent

Exodus 17:3-7; Romans 5:1-2,5-8;

John 4:5-16,19-26,29-42