Parish Administrator:

Fr Thanh Tran

Thanh.Tran@cam.org.au

Parish Secretaries Dominique Hockey Carol Leathem

Parish Office Hours

Tuesday - Friday 9am—3pm

Baptisms Please contact the Parish Office.

Weddings By appointment and after Preparation

Children’s Ministries Kathy Menzies stschpar@bigpond.net.au

St Schols Community Centre 03 9808 1006

info@stscholscc.org.au www.stscholscc.org.au

St Scholastica’s Primary School Principal: Jenny Rohan 9808 7279 principal@ssbennettswood.catholic.edu.au

Outside School Hours Care

Camp Australia 1300 105 343

St Scholastica’s Kindergarten 9808 9724

Director: Catherine Findlay st.scholasticas.kin@kindergarten.vic.gov.au

Administrator:

Katherine Presley stscholskinderadmin@bigpond.com

348 Burwood Highway, Bennettswood VIC 3125 ABN 95 499 516 268

Phone: 9808 1006

Fax: 9888 7573

Email: stschpar@bigpond.net.au

Website:

www.stscholasticaparish.com.au

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

16th & 17th 2016

A vulnerable God~ Year of Mercy

The true God gives his flesh and blood. —Les Murray

We all have false images and representations of God. These often prevent us from seeing the real God at work in our lives. We actually make things difficult for ourselves and others by not properly appreciating the depths of our own faith. We substitute the wondrous and life-giving mystery of God with something (an idol) that diminishes us. When, however, we reflect on how the Word was made flesh in the Incarnation we are being asked to hear liberating Good News. God has joined himself to us inseparably. When Mary presents the infant Jesus in the Temple, the ‘overshadowing’ presence of God is now fully revealed – not in ‘stones’, but in a precious child. God loves us so much that he becomes one of us! This freeing truth is summed up in lines from Les Murray’s The Boys Who Stole the Funeral, where a dead World War I digger cries out: ‘the true god gives his flesh and blood. Idols demand yours off you’. The latter is what our essentially Calvinist media-

driven culture does so effectively when it persuades us to seek revenge. ‘Crime and Punishment’ is their paradigm and the dominant idol they worship is an avenger. Never mind that this drives ordinary people to despair. Why? Because to really join the human race (‘creaturehood’ is the lovely Ignatian term) means to accept oneself as a graced sinner. And even the most virtuous among us graced sinners needs more mercy, not more punishment. But what does our culture characteristically offer as a response to human evil, frailty, psychopathology and sin?

The mantra that is repeated endlessly is ‘punishment!’ Punish sinners. Punish the boat people. Punish the criminals. Punish the mentally ill. Punish the losers. Punish the different. Get even! Yes, revenge does feel the appropriate response to evil, especially when vulnerable and innocent persons suffer unjustly. The only problem is that ‘getting even’ does not actually work! It never really heals the pain. The ‘spiral of violence’ goes on and on, taking us down ever more destructive paths. How different is the merciful God of Jesus of Nazareth presented as a vulnerable babe in the Temple. I love how Pope Francis talks so powerfully of the mercy of our compassionate God. He recently recalled an encounter of more than 20 years ago with an elderly woman in Buenos Aires, who told him: ‘If the Lord did not forgive all, the world would not exist.’ Pope Francis said he had wanted to ask her if she had studied at Rome’s prestigious Pontifical Gregorian University, because her words reflected the ‘wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit: interior wisdom regarding the mercy of God’. Indeed, biblical scholar Phyllis Trible has taught us that the Hebrew word for mercy is the word for womb, with different vowel points. So mercy, she suggests, is womb-like mother love. We humans often struggle mightily our whole lives to really accept this love that gives itself so totally. But this is precisely the Good News. Our God becomes a tiny infant~ fragile yet divine. That’s right. God is not vindictive or a monster who demands his ‘pound of flesh’. Jesus is presented. God is compassion. The presentation of Jesus in the Temple means that the living God is greater (and bigger) than our hearts. (cf. 1 John 3:20).

WEEKLY CALENDAR 2016

Monday 18 July

Reflection Day for Reconcialtion

08.00am Communion Service

07.30pm Vinnies GA

Tuesday 19 July

08.00am Mass ~ Exposition 07.30pm Prayer Group - McAndrew Room

07.45pm Legion of Mary Curia meeting GA

Wednesday 20 July

10.00am Exposition 10.30am Rosary 11.00am Mass ~ followed by cuppa 01.30pm Legion of Mary in the GA

Thursday 21 July

NO MASS Communion Service only

08.00pm Burwood discussion group Mc Andrew room

Friday 22 July 08.00am Mass

Saturday 23 July 09.00am Mass ~ Confession 06.00pm Mass Sunday 24 July 09.00am Mass 11.00am Mass 05.30pm Mass

New to St Scholastica’s? WELCOME

We’re glad you came to join with us

In our worship time today, We hope that you have felt God’s love

In a new, refreshing way

For you’re so welcomed in this place

And we hope you’ll come again, To join with us in fellowship

And to make some special friends. Please take one of our new Parishioner packs from the

table at the main entrance to the Church

Please take a New Parishioner information pack home with you, they are located in the foyer of the

Church

Working with Children Check - A gentle reminder to all our coordinators and volunteers: In 2006, the Victorian Government introduced a new checking system to help protect children under 18 years of age from physical or sexual harm.

The Working with Children (WWCC) Check creates a mandatory minimum checking standard across Victoria. The WWCC Check helps to keep children safe by preventing those who pose a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or volunteer work.

As a volunteer with children you need to apply for a WWCC Check. Coordinators must ensure that any of their volunteers who need a WWC Check have applied. If unsure of how to proceed or if you need a WWCC, please contact the parish office on 9808 1006.

Also if you are a coordinator and have not applied for a Police Check please do so and the same again; if unsure of how to proceed or if you need a PC, please contact the parish office on 9808 1006.

ROSTERS

Day Mass Time

3rd Sunday of the month 17th July

Readers Special Ministers

Saturday 6.00 pm Dianne Smith Lindy Leigh Fred Hillas Franklin Rozario

Sunday 9.00am Sylvia Chuah Sharyn Newman Susan Jenkins Daniel Leong

11.00 am Ren Maliakal Stuart Bell April Lewis Ewena Ellis

5.30 pm Mernellie Pilcher Sonny Nguyen Margaret Sweeney John Doherty

Day Mass Time

4th Sunday of the month 24th July 2016

Readers Special Ministers

Saturday 6.00 pm Patrick Van Dyk Barbara Schobben Judith Silvina Laurine Shane

Sunday 9.00am Denis O ’Gallagher Joy Guinane Loretta Stapleton Anna Gaetano

11.00 am

April Lewis Pat Nitz Willard Lewis Maria Feleppa

5.30 pm Nita Tan Margaret Sweeny Michael Chan Anna Nguyen

Remembering Our Community

Sick

Bartek Slazak

Anniversaries

John Jayamaha, Stephen Partridge, Treasure Eaton

RIP

Bob Bubeck & Donato D’Augello

Baptism at St Scholastica’s

It is a requirement of the parish that a Baptism information night must be attended prior to having your child baptised. Contact the parish office on 9808 1006 to make a booking into one of the monthly sessions. Next session: Thursday 4th August 2016 @ 7.30 pm in the gathering area.

Special Minister required

Special Minister required for the 5.30pm mass if you can help please contact the parish office.

Community Centre

All enquiries and bookings for the Community Centre/Hall are now handled by Dominique Hockey between the hours of 9.00am to 3.00pm Wednesday to Friday on 9808 1006. Thank you. Hall tours by appointment only.

CELEBRATING WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES AT ST SCHOLS Fr Thanh would like to invite all couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries to receive a blessing and prayer during the 9 am Mass every First Sunday of the month. Next one is 7 August 2016

If you would like to receive the blessing and share this very special moment with St Schols community please contact the parish office to leave your details.

NATIVITY SETTING WANTED

The team at St Thomas the Apostle, Blackburn, is wondering if any parish has an unwanted nativity setting. If so, Sr Marg Burchell or Susan Collins would be delighted to hear from you. Please call 9878 0818 if you can help.

St Schol’s Seniors Luncheon What a great day we had last Tuesday at our Christmas in July luncheon. The hall set up was in true Christmas lunch spirit, decked out in red and green. Not to mention the beautiful lunch that was provided and all for $5. WOW now that’s a bargain. Why not come along to our next seniors luncheon they are held on the second Tuesday of every month. We have Bingo and raffles and best of all great company and lots of laughter. Everyone is welcome. Next date is Tuesday 9th August

Positions Vacant Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced people for the positions of: Human Resources Assistant, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne - East Melbourne

Human Resources Officer, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne - East Melbourne Further details can be found on either the Archdiocese website at:http://www.cam.org.au/Jobs.aspx

Achieving Pregnancy Naturally

The Billings Ovulation Method® can assist you in having the baby of your dreams. If you have been trying to have a baby without success, our teachers can provide essential information, which will give you the best chance to achieve your pregnancy naturally. For a free information leaflet, please call Billings LIFE on 1800 335 860

Missionaries of God’s Love. Spiritual Association

Next gathering on 23rd July at 2pm. At St Benedicts Parish, Brothers House. We have prayer time and finish with afternoon tea with all the MGL Brothers.

Intercessory Prayers

We have an intercessory team who pray for specific prayer requests. Should any one in the parish like to do this, they can send requests directly to parish office either via email stschpar@bigpond.net.au or they may be written and given to parish office staff who will pass them on to the intercessory team.

Granny Flat for Rent in Mitcham - $250pw incl. bills Self-contained, clean and well maintained granny flat, partially furnished with couch, microwave, washing machine. Located 10mins walk from Mitcham train station, cafes and shops. Located in a quiet area near a park. Contact Jonathan 0403 606 196

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 17th July 2016 Entrance Antiphon

See, I have God for my help. The Lord sustains my soul. I will sacrifice to you with willing heart, and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.

First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10

A reading from the book of Genesis

Lord, do not bypass your servant.

The Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up, and there he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, and bowed to the ground. 'My Lord,' he said 'I beg you, if I find favour with you, kindly do not pass your servant by. A little water shall be brought; you shall wash your feet and lie down under the tree. Let me fetch a little bread and you shall refresh yourselves before going further. That is why you have come in your servant's direction.' They replied, 'Do as you say.'

Abraham hastened to the tent to find Sarah. 'Hurry,' he said 'knead three bushels of flour and make loaves.' Then running to the cattle Abraham took a fine and tender calf and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then taking cream, milk and the calf he had prepared, he laid all before them, and they ate while he remained standing near them under the tree.

'Where is your wife Sarah?' he asked him. 'She is in the tent' he replied. Then his guest said, 'I shall visit you again next year without fail, and your wife will then have a son.'

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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; he who does not slander with his tongue. 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: Colossians 1:24-28

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Colossians

The mystery hidden for centuries has now been revealed to his saints.

It makes me happy to suffer for you, as I am suffering now, and in my own body to do what I can to make up all that has still to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church. I became the servant of the Church when God made me responsible for delivering God's message to you, the message which was a mystery hidden for generations and centuries and has now been revealed to his saints. It was God's purpose to reveal it to them and to show all the rich glory of this mystery to pagans. The mystery is Christ among you, your hope of glory: this is the Christ we proclaim, this is the wisdom in which we thoroughly train everyone and instruct everyone, to make them all perfect in Christ.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: cf Luke 8:15

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Martha took up the duties in the house. Mary chose the better part.

Jesus came to a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who sat down at the Lord's feet and listened to him speaking. Now Martha who was distracted with all the serving said, 'Lord, do you not care that my sister is leaving me to do the serving all by myself? Please tell her to help me.' But the Lord answered: 'Martha, Martha,' he said, 'you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.'

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

Communion Antiphon Behold, I stand at the door and knock, says the Lord. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door to me, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.

Readings 24 July 2016

First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32

Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14

Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

St Scholasca’s Catholic Primary School

Enrolments 2017

Enrolments for 2017 have opened. Enrolment forms are available

from website or an enrolment pack can be picked up from school

office. Once the form is completed, email or drop it back to the

school office. Let your neighbours, friends and rela"ves know that

2017 enrolments are OPEN.

Private School Tours are available on any school day throughout the

year by appointment.

See the school website for more informaon

www.ssbenne'swood.catholic.edu.au

Email: principal@ssbenne'swood.catholic.edu.au

Enquiries: 9808 7279

Come along to our Open mornings as follows:

Friday 15th July 2016

&

Tuesday 19th July 2016

9.30am -11am

Open day

Tuesday 26th July 2016

9am - 6pm

Families will receive a warm welcome followed by a tour.