Parish Bulletin
WITNESSES TO THE WORLD
Sunday’s Gospel (John 17:11-19) speaks directly to the hearts of 21st century Australian Christians about inclusion and unity! Jesus knows exactly how we are fixed. We live, work and play in an environment often indifferent or opposed to the core Christian values which recognize God’s limitless love for us and in turn our desire to love God and our neighbours to the best of our abilities.
Much of the wider world is focussed on individualism over community, on hedonism over compassionate service, on wealth accumulation rather than equitable distribution and on furious, pro-active, denial of a divine creator (and denigration of those who disagree). Like Jesus, we do not identify with the worst of the world’s values and priorities. Also, like Jesus, we don’t ask to be removed from the world but rather protected from those evil influences. Our purpose of existence as baptised Christians in the world is to proclaim the Good News of God’s Kingdom wherever and whenever we go. We can only do this immersed in the world we are placed in. Like Jesus too, we have a great affection for the people we encounter and a desire to love them for themselves, to chat and mix with them, to heal them where we can, to immerse ourselves in the many earthy, harmless and enjoyable pursuits of the world and helpfully roll up our sleeves as needed. The best of third millennium Christians are to be found amidst all the other flavours of Australians, evangelising by their very lives, shared struggles and joys.
Adversity has brought Christians together as we haven’t been for many centuries. Together we deal with the hostility and indifference of the world. And together, immersed in the world, those we move among can witness our integrity, truth and sincerity such that many will also seek to be disciples of Jesus.
Deacon Mark Kelly
BOOKINGS FOR MASSES
Weekend of May 8th:
Go to https://www.trybooking.com/BQZSP
This will bring up the list of Masses.
Click on book now button and follow the prompts
Click on the Mass you wish to attend (please only choose one Mass)
Then click on the number of tickets required.
(Please note Children over 12 months need to have a ticket booked)
Then fill in your details.
Click on purchase ticket. TICKETS ARE FREE.
Make sure that you have completed the purchase of your ticket by checking your email confirmation. If you do not get an email confirming your ticket please contact the parish office.
(You don’t need to print or bring your ticket.)
You must book in to come to a Sunday Mass.
Warragul & Drouin Masses are strictly limited to 80 people. Neerim South 50 people.
If you have any issues please call Prue at the Parish office p: 5623 1642.
ST VINNIES DROUIN - PANTRY ITEMS REQUIRED
Thank you for your generous support in the past. We need your help again with items for our pantry as stocks are depleted.
We would like donations of tea, coffee, long life milk, jam, vegemite and sweet or dry biscuits.
Your donations can be left in the St. Vincent De Paul box in St. Ita’s Church Foyer.
Your generosity is very much appreciated by our Members and those we help.
Sincere thanks,
Frances Godfrey
St Ita’s Conference
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION
