Parish Bulletin
PARISH NEWS
Lightness of Mercy
Frequently we hear the whinging: “how come this person or these people are assisted by the government or the church etc. when they haven’t earned it the way we or I have?” “I’m getting cheated! I’m an honest, hard-working taxpayer and these marginal layabouts are parasites “on the system’”. No empathy or fellow feeling here! They would enforce harsh law – “justice” – over compassion. They visualise a bucket of goodies. “If anyone else shares it, then we will lose out.” Or maybe they just enjoy feeling superior.
The same people feel particularly cheated, quite affronted, and resentful at God’s mercy too. At the notion of “sinners” (most other people) being forgiven. “I’m an upright God-fearing, church attending citizen. I always pay my bit to the collections, but I live by the rules and these other losers don’t.”
Their subtext is, “I’ve earned my salvation. I’ve ticked the boxes and I’m entitled to a place in God’s Kingdom, both now and in eternity.” Close on the heels of this notion is, “How come these other characters who haven’t been righteous like me are granted a place?”
And of course, the answer is illustrated in this week’s gospel (John 8:1-11). Firstly, no-one but Jesus is perfect, so no wonder the accusers drift away in shame. Jesus doesn’t interrogate the woman caught in adultery and she doesn’t deny her sin. He doesn’t suggest she hasn’t sinned but what Jesus shows is a mercy, not dependent on ticking boxes or technical righteousness, but on God’s unfathomable love. God’s mercy defeats our sins. She is sent to live her life sinning no more.
Pope Francis compares God’s mercy to the sun: “we look at the sky, the many stars, but when the morning sun comes, we don’t see the stars. Such is the mercy of God: it is a great light of love, of tenderness”. (Pope Francis Forgiveness in a caress, 7 April 2014)
Deacon Mark Kelly
Sacrament Key Dates:
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Reconciliation ceremony Thursday 20th March, 7 pm St. Ita’s Church
Sacrament of First Holy Communion: Parent Information Meeting Thursday 27th March, 7 pm Marian Room St. Joseph’s Church Warragul
Communion Masses will be held on the weekends of 31st May/1st June and 7th/8th June
Sacrament of Confirmation: Parent Information Meeting Thursday 19th June, 7 pm Marian Room St. Joseph’s Church Warragul
Confirmation Mass with the Bishop Friday 15th August, St. Ita’s Church, Drouin, 7 pm
Other dates will be provided closer to the time.
For more information, contact Liz at the Parish Office 5623 1642 or email warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
Live Your Best Life in Love...
A Marriage Encounter weekend is for you…
Every married couple deserves this very special weekend.
Time out to nurture your most precious relationship away from daily distractions.
The two of you will come away from your weekend feeling more deeply connected
and with tools to help keep the passion alive.
No group sharing is required.
The weekend is based on Catholic values. Couples of all faiths are welcome.
Please check our website for more details and to book your special weekend:
Our next weekend is: 25-27 April 2025 at St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South.
Starts Friday at 7 pm and finishes Sunday afternoon around 4.30 pm
Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au
PARISH RENEWAL PROGRAM
RITE OF ELECTION
The Rite of Election, which was held last Sunday, 16th March, at St. Mary's Sale, was a joyous and faith-filled occasion in the Diocese of Sale. This special ceremony marked a significant step for 31 catechumens and 27 candidates who will be received into the catholic Church at Easter Vigil. Let us continue to pray for our candidates Mia Hickey, Kimberley Page, Luke Farrugia and Lachy Walsh.
