Parish Bulletin
PARISH NEWS
AS GOOD AS IT GETS
If we’ve got into the habit of thinking about the gospel figures as remote and inspirational but not us, then today’s gospel makes us sit up. The twelve apostles are specifically commissioned by Jesus and Peter is appointed leader of the church. That was 2000 years ago, and we understand the Pope is the successor of Peter while the bishops are in the line of the apostles.
But what about the rest of us? Today’s gospel (Lk 10:1-12, 17-20) recounts Jesus appointing others besides the Twelve. These others are to be His disciples too and they represent all of us. We aren’t members of the Twelve but we’re disciples. Baptism is the ritual by which we become disciples of Jesus who speaks to these “others” and tells them being a disciple won’t always be easy. Again, he is talking about us. He is talking to us: women and men, old, young, of whatever status, ethnicity, or background.
And we know about it not being easy! How unfashionable it is to be a disciple today - to lead a Christian life, to stand tall behind core Christian values, defence of the poor and marginalised, of refugees and victims of discrimination, defending the rights of the unborn, while at the same time respecting the dignity of those who don’t respect us. It is hard to be faithful to regular participation in Eucharist and reconciliation when nobody else seems to care. It is hard not to be entrapped by the consumerist, care for nothing world around us. Discipleship is difficult.
But, as our gospel today assures us, we are not alone, we are sent and we wield the power of the Holy Spirit, we are spreading the Good News by our Christian lives and we are assured by our saviour that, “our names are written in heaven.” That is as good as it gets!
Deacon Mark Kelly
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION PROCESS 2025
Confirmation is the sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives us the increased ability to practice our Catholic faith in every aspect of our lives and to witness to Christ in every situation.
An invitation is extended to Grade 6 families who wish to have their child continue their journey of initiation into the life of the Catholic Church, through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
This sacrament is offered to Grade 6 children who are baptised Catholic and have celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is such a special time for our Confirmation Candidates as they become full members of the Catholic Church.
Please know we will keep you all in our prayers as you take this next very important step in your child’s life.
If you wish to accept this invitation, please put these important dates in your diary.
PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOP
Families are invited to attend this workshop.
Thursday, 31st July 7pm – 8pm
Marian Room, St. Joseph’s Church, Warragul
RETREAT DAY
AT Marish Sion College, Warragul
Friday, 8th August, 10.00 – 2.30
The candidates will participate in a rehearsal of the ceremony
2ND RITE OF RECONCILIATION
Thursday, 7th August, 7:00pm St Ita’s Church Drouin
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Friday, 15th August, 7:00pm Marist-Sion College Hall.
Celebrant: Bishop Greg Bennet
If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Liz Schellekens: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au or St. Joseph’s Parish Office: 56231642
The Sacrament Team is looking forward to working with you and your child in this next very important step in their faith journey.
Kindest regards, Liz Schellekens
SACRAMENT KEY DATES
2ND RITE OF RECONCILIATION Thursday, 7th August, 7:00pm St Ita’s Church Drouin
RETREAT DAY Marish Sion College, Warragul Friday, 8th August, 10.00am – 2.30pm The candidates will participate in a rehearsal of the ceremony
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
