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

Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10.00-3.00pm (03) 9764 4058

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

September 6, 2020 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

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)

Miss Sophia Giuliano (Thu, Fri)

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

NAZARETH COLLEGE PRINCIPAL: Mr Sam Cosentino: 9795 8100 NORMAL MASS TIMES: Currently not in place due to COVID-19 related restrictions

WEEKEND ONLINE MASS TIMES: Sunday: live from Saturday 6pm

OTHER ONLINE MASS TIMES: Tuesday to Friday: Live from 6.00am

Also currently unavailable during COVID-19 restrictions:

RECONCILIATION

BAPTISMS AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE PREP: Contact Parish Office

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Available as necessary by private

arrangement with Fr. Kevin

(0421 777 360).

PARISH COUNCIL: parishcouncil@stsimonsparish.com.au

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

on 89.9 FM The Light - at 7am Sundays

PARISH HALL HIRE:

St. Simon’s Parish Hall is available for

hire After School Hours and Weekends

(not during current restrictions).

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

The letter at left, published in last Monday’s “Herald Sun”, was written by a “senior single with a disability”. Please take a moment to read it - because it’s worth reading.

It is not a political comment. It is not a criticism of anyone. It is not a rallying-cry for people to join loudly together in large. It’s much simpler than any of those.

It is a cry from the heart. It is a cry of anguish. It is a pleading, plaintive cry ... for ... help!

And there are many, many Kaye Gooches in Melbourne and across Victoria. And they listen, respectfully, to the instructions: “Stay Home”. “Stay safe”. “Take a test even if you have no symptoms”. And they do as they’re told, because that’s what they have done all their lives.

Problem is …. while there are untold thousands of Kaye Gooches in Victoria, they’re still on their own. All day. Every day. For six months already, and who knows how much longer.

We know that the people who devise and enforce the rules for the rest of us have to find a manageable balance between physical health, employment, economic stability and a host of other concerns. And we know that’s not easy.

But back on March 8, on this very page, against the background of the absurd toilet paper panic-buying, was written “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 .. can fire up an epidemic of selfishness and a “Bad luck, mate” attitude which could prove even more destructive to humanity than the virus.”

“Loneliness” is not the same as “panic”. But while it might be quieter, less spectacular and therefore attract less attention (be it from government or from the media), loneliness can be even more destructive than panic. It can be silently, stealthily...lethal.

The Kaye Gooches of Victoria deserve to be heard. It must have taken much courage,

perhaps combined with a touch of desperation, for her to bare her soul to the world. But for her sake, and for so, so many like her, her words need to be heeded and acted upon without delay.

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

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm (03) 9764 4058

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

Your report (“Lockdown reprieve looming for singles”, HS, 29/8) is spot-on. Living alone and not being allowed to visit friends or family is especially tough. Single people, especially seniors, have been deprived of most of their social networks—church, council seniors social programs, entertainment etc. “We’re told to “look after our mental health —but just how are singles able to do this? They are being denied their social networks, they can’t visit family or friends, they’re completely by themselves at home, with no-one to talk to. Not everyone is computer-savvy enough to use social media, and we are all in need to personal interaction, not just screen contact. The 5km-radius for personal contact needs reconsideration too, for all single people, but especially those in rural areas. These people need to be able to travel longer distances in order to have much-needed human contact. As a senior single with a disability, I would enjoy being able to visit friends and family. I get lonely at home, and would love to visit some friends who live in Melbourne but more than 5 km away. The night curfew needs reconsidering too - dismantling this would allow singles to break their isolation by having an evening meal with friends. As long as hygienic precau-tions were maintained, there should be no serious harm in giving single people more opportunity for socialisation. Human contact is vital for our mental health, and people living alone need the chance of some socialisation to keep mentally well during this pandemic. Kaye Gooch, Prahran “Herald Sun”, Mon. Aug. 31

PARISH DIARY

All Church Masses SUSPENDED until further notice.

We are doing everything we can to try and keep our Parish community together, at least virtually (i.e. via the internet on phones, iPads, laptops and computers), and to continue to offer comfort and support to one another in our community during this crisis. But we need everyone’s assistance and co-operation (very much including yours!) to make that happen as safely as possible once restrictions eventually start to relax.

Unfortunately, due to the imposition of Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, there will be no Mass Services for Parishioners to attend in person in the Church until further notice. We will continue to film Tuesday to Friday and Sunday Masses, and make them available via our Website and YouTube Channel.

And remember that we now have a library of over 100 recorded Masses available via our website or YouTube Channel as well. Please go to our website: www.stsimonsparish.com.au and scan down to the section which links to the Masses.

Further updates on Parish life and activities will be placed on the website as quickly as we can.

We thank you for your understanding and co-operation during these challenging times and hope we are still able to continue to serve you in every way possible. Please contact us if you need any support.

May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy

…………………………………………………………………….……...……..

RECONCILIATION & PRIVATE PRAYER

SUSPENDED until further notice. …………………………………………………………………….……...……..

PRAYER GROUPS AND OTHER PARISH MEETINGS

Only meetings via ZOOM will be able to continue.

…………………………………………………………………….……...……..

ST SIMONS YOUTH

Connect Group

Monday Sept. 7th, 7.00pm - 8.30pm

1st & 3rd Monday of the month on zoom. We are excited to connect with the youth aged 18 - 30 years in our parish and the wider community. To join email Aly: arosemeyer94@gmail.com …………………………………………………………………….……...……..

BIBLE STUDIES

Bible Study on Matthew's Gospel final session. …………………………………………………………………….……...……..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Josiah Archer, Angelica Susod, Victoria Kong, Rod Whaler, Francis Cheong, Debbie Robson,

Zoe Evans, Theresa Calimlim, Shamaya Mathes …………………………………………………………………….……...……..

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE RISEN IN THE LORD

Recent Deaths: Clare Ross, Brian Joseph Murphy

Anniversary of Death: Jacqueline Gray, Anna Mary Rasiah, Celine Roche, Patricia O’Donnell (50th Anniversary)

CHURCH & PARISH OFFICE CLOSURE In response to the latest Victorian Government’s directives (effective 6 Aug 2020), please note that

St Simon’s Church and Parish Office are now closed until further notice.

The parish office email office@stsimonsparish.com.au will be monitored.

For urgent queries, please try calling either: Fr Kevin Dillon on 0421 777 360 or our parish mobile on 0491 176 149

and we will try to get back to you as soon as we can, and certainly within 3 business days.

May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy. …………………………………………………………………….……...………....

ST . SIMON’S MOVIE CLUB Have you been wondering what you can do which is “different” during the lockdown? You could join with fellow parishioners in our St. Simon’s Virtual Cinema Club. Our initial “meeting” will be on Thurs Sept. 10th, and the movie is “Changing Lanes”, starring Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson. The group will meet via Zoom at 7pm, watch the movie on SBS On Demand at 7.30pm, then regroup for another meeting (with a cuppa etc.) at 9.20pm and have a chat about the movie (or anything else, for that matter! ).

These small clubs and discussions could continue when (eventually!) the current restrictions are eased and we can use our own cinema - or maybe a “Virtual Cinema” can continue as well.

If you would like to explore this, with no obligation, contact Fr Kevin: frkd@stsimonsparish.com.

…………………………………………………………………….……...……..

THE HOPE OF SPRING

Join us on Zoom and Soul Thursday Sept. 10th at 7.30pm

To brighten your spirits with the Hope of Spring. Come and be in spired by messages of hope and faith to warm your heart.

To join email: loretta@stsimonsparish.com.au …………………………………………………………………….……...……..

Zoom GOSPEL REFLECTION/PRAYER GROUP

Weekly on Mondays at 7.30pm

We use a guided reflection to meditate on the Sunday Gospel as well as share our own insights to enrich our understanding and allow God's Word to touch our lives. To join the zoom meeting email: loretta@stsimonsparish.com.au

Spring is a metaphor for change. Some changes we eagerly await, and some we abhor. Some changes we plan and others arrive uninvited. To all these changes we ask the

gift of Your perspective beckoning us to expectation, hope and rebirth.

May the sunlight and the rain be reminders that You are at work renewing the earth. As a God of renewal, You are ever

at work in our lives, too.

Open our eyes and lives to the needed changes in our lives this Spring. Awaken us to new life and perspective, for we

pray in Jesus’ name. Amen Rev. Mark Bekkedahl

A NOTE OF THANKS

May I offer my sincere thanks to the many people of St. Simon’s who have prayed for the repose of the soul of my sister Geraldine, and also for my brother Fr. Brendan as he battles the advancing stages of Parkinson’s Disease.

The engagement of St. Simon’s parishioners in Geraldine’s Masses on Wednesday (Vigil) and Thursday (Funeral) has lightened the load enormously, with all the practical needs and arrangements being undertaken with total reliability, efficiency and the ever-present St. Simon’s graciousness.

In particular, our fantastic office team could not have given more or done better. They were magnificent in every way.

I know this is a “note of thanks”, but can I ask you to continue to pray for Fr. Brendan who is now (would you believe?) a parishioner of St. Simon’s, in respite care at the newly-opened Rowville Manor, where the staff have already welcomed him warmly.

And for myself, I need to say that the cards, messages, flowers, food and prayers which have come from so many have greatly eased the challenges of the very difficult recent months. My deepest appreciation to you all. I could never have anticipated such wonderful practical and spiritual support. Thank you, thank you.

May God bless you all for your amazing kindness.

Fr. Kevin .…………………………………….…………………………………….………

FATHER’S DAY PRAYER

Dear Lord, We give thanks for all of the men who serve as

father figures in our lives. Bless them as they balance work, family and faith in joy and sacrifice. May they

know that they are not alone, the God of compassion walks with them and strengthens them in their sorrow.

We remember those who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with

their love. Thank you for the gift of fatherhood. Amen …………………………………….…………………………………….………

ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL LEADER?

The Spiritual Leaders Program

A one-year, part-time program held on Friday mornings (and some Friday afternoons). It is suitable for people in outreach ministries, spiritual formation, and various positions of leadership such as priests and ministers, lay ecclesial ministers, community and spiritual leaders, chaplains, pastoral carers, and those in health and education.

The program, commencing in Feb 2021, focuses on personal integration of the theory and practice of a contemplative, discerning approach to pastoral ministry.

Fee-Help may be available. Apply to Heart of Life Centre for Spiritual & Pastoral Formation.

Brochure and Application form at www.heartoflife.melbourne or tel 03 9890 1101

PROJECT COMPASSION 2020

Thank you

Overall, Project Compassion throughout Australia this year raised $7.9 million. Melbourne contributed $1.216 million this year. Many of our contributors are dealing with the economic effects lockdowns and restrictions, including unemployment and loss of business, which makes the contributions even more exceptional. All of us in Caritas are deeply, deeply grateful for your dedication to this part of the Catholic church’s work with those in need. …………………………………………………………………….…………...…

ARE YOU OR A FRIEND THINKING OF BECOMING A CATHOLIC?

Adults entering the Catholic Church or just thinking about it, follow a process called RCIA - the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA IS FOR: Adults who are not baptised, Adults baptised in another Christian church, and Non-practising Catholics wishing to renew faith.

At St Simon’s, new sessions begin with an information night on Tuesday, 6th Oct 2020 from 7.45pm.

Contact the Parish Office or Reg on 9790 5616. …………………………………………………………………….…………...…

At the heart of the St Vincent de Paul Society our members have a profound sense of respect for the people we serve and a desire to learn from them. Our works are varied. No work of charity is foreign to us. No person is alien to us.

The Society aspires to be recognised as a caring Catholic charity offering “a hand up” to people in need. We do this by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

We do this without Judgement, regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender, or political opinions.

As part of the Rowville and Lysterfield community our members are still out to assist where possible, in today’s tough environment. We understand we all need help at some time in our life.

We are here if you need someone to chat to or, might need material or any other assistance.

We are only a phone call away. Contact: 1800 305 330 FREE CALL (Victoria only) in complete privacy. …………………………………………………………………….…………...…

VMCH At-Home Aged Care

Services remain open.

We continue to support thousands of clients with their at-home aged care needs. We have implemented strict health and safety procedures as we continue to deliver personal care, domestic care, respite, companionship and wellbeing checks.

If you are after support or any advice please contact one of our compassionate consultants on 1300 698 62 …………………………………………………………………….…………...…

THE SWAG—SPRING EDITION

Parish Subscription: www.theswag.org.au

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Swag Spring edition will be available online for all parishioners.

Please click on ‘Parishes and Schools with a bulk subscription’ for access.

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

Super Steve’s Cleaning Team

First reading

Ezekiel 33:7-9

The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, warn them in my name. If I say to a wicked man: Wicked wretch, you are to die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked man to renounce his ways, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you do warn a wicked man to renounce his ways and repent, and he does not repent, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life.’ Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 94(95):1-2, 6-9 Second reading

Romans 13:8-10

Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.

Gospel

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.

‘I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.

‘I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’

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

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: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Ecclesiasticus 27:33-28:9; Romans 14:7-9;

Matthew 18:21-35

September 6, 2020 - 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

We come to you

Law: family law, wills, power of attorney and estates, commercial law, employment, contract and debt disputes.

Conveyancing: buying and selling property.

www.powalawyers.com.au

0407 739 123 | 0452 615 780