Parish Bulletin
PARISH NEWS
Just as I am?
Simon (Peter) in today’s gospel (Lk 5:1-11) makes the amazing discovery that millions of Christians have made since. “Me! You want me? Now, just as I am! A sinner!” (Lk 5:9)
Yep – that’s it Simon – he loves you now and wants you to work with him – before any conversion or confession or repentance! God’s process doesn’t end in forgiveness – it starts that way! Jesus, who you, Simon, will come to confess as the Son of the Living God, has become incarnate specifically to bring that news to all of us.
Even after 2000 years of absorbing Christian notions and teaching about equality, justice, outreach, and compassion, Jesus’ proclamation of the Creator’s kingdom still startles us. Everything is different in Gods reign, where mercy has taken the place of holiness.
Despite Simon’s sinfulness, almost because of the disreputable, dubious, shameful condition of people, that is who Jesus wants to be with. That is who he moves and chats and laughs and dines with. Rather than spending time with the devout, the holy and the respectable, that is the norm throughout Jesus’ ministry.
We can imagine Jesus’ message spreading excitedly through communities of ordinary, frail, sinful folk, and its frequent rejection by “holier than thou” types, made of “the right stuff.” Still is. The latter are affronted by the concept that their assiduous ticking of boxes isn’t important. God loves even (maybe especially) and unconditionally, the sinful unwashed.
How is that? Well, the truly holy don’t know they are holy. They just do what Jesus asks them to do. Love everyone as Jesus tells them to love. And hope and trust in God. The truly holy are immersed as Jesus was, and as Simon Peter became, among all God’s people as reassuring and living examples that, yes – He loves you and wants you now – exactly as you are!
Deacon Mark Kelly
Sacrament of First Reconciliation 2025
Attention: Families with Students in Grade 3 and Above in 2025.
Our program for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation begins early in Term 1, 2025. If your child is Baptized and will be in Grade 3 or above in 2025, and you would like them to receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, we invite you to attend our Information Meeting on Thursday 6th February, at 7 pm in the Marian Room at St. Joseph’s Church in Warragul. Our guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Fr. Elio Capra, SDB. He is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker. At this gathering, we will hand out information packs, containing enrolment forms, and outline the events and details concerning this wonderful Sacrament.
For further enquiries please feel welcome to contact Liz.
Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
Ph: (03) 5623 1642
