PARISH NEWS

LOG IN THE EYE

The “log in the eye” (Luke 6: 39-45) is one of Jesus’ most memorable images. Obviously ludicrous, so everyone gets it. Someone with a great lump of wood in their eye is in no position to be pointing out another’s speck. 

Along with Jesus’ other witty examples here: the blind leading the blind and students leading teachers, this gospel is instructive as we anticipate the second session of our Australian Plenary Council and we make submissions to the global Synod of Bishops in 2023.

On reflection we see that some of us are a little like scribes and Pharisees – striving to keep the letter, rather than spirit, of the law and to make sure others do as well. Their sinful spiritual pride, assuming they are better than those who think differently or propose reforms to the church, is a log in their eye. So too might those with radical solutions to the church’s problems, who breezily dismiss the law and tradition, sure they are better than traditionalists.

We must never lose sight that we are all part of the one Body of Christ. Our diversity is what makes the Church work. We should strive to listen humbly and respectfully to sincerely held views, even when they are frustratingly different to our own. Praying for and recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in our deliberations, we must be wary of potential logs of convenience and familiarity, bias and prejudice.

The circumstances we find ourselves in as Church are so different to any that have gone before. We are in uncharted territory, called to courageous, prophetic action. Rather than simply pushing our views, we must strive to move beyond our logs of comfort, convenience, familiarity, bias and prejudice, discovering common ground with the rest of the Body of Christ; discerning and responding to the questions, “What Would Jesus Do?”, “What Does God Want of Us in Australia at this time?”, what is God asking of our universal Church?

Deacon Mark Kelly

WE HAVE A NEW YOUTH MINISTER

Our new Youth Minister, Olivia Daly, has hit the ground running and Parish Youth Groups are off to a good start in 2022.

We are holding two Senior and two Junior Youth Groups on the First and Third Weekends of the month.

On the Saturday before the First Sunday of the Month we are holding Senior Youth Group [Secondary students] following the Saturday Evening Mass at St Joseph’s and the Junior Youth Group the next day at St Ita’s Hall following the 10.30am Mass.

On the Saturday before the Third Sunday of the Month we are holding Junior Youth Group at St Josephs from 5.30pm [prior to 7pm Mass] and the Senior Youth Group following 7pm Mass.

The focus for Junior Group will be the gospel of the weekend [as well as some fun activities] while the Senior Group will be following the Youth Alpha program on the First Sunday with alternative activities on the Third Sunday.

During the school holidays we are planning a combined off-site fun activity.

Rather than the often erratic and inadequate financial contributions to Youth Group activities [ie: food] we are asking for a contribution of $20 per term per child [plus $5 for each extra child in the family]. And we are asking that it be paid electronically into St Joseph’s and St Ita’s Youth Groups account in response to an account we will send out [by email] towards the end of each school term.

DONATIONS WANTED

by Sr.ALMA at HALLS CREEK OPP SHOP. (KIMBERLIES)

Coloured bed sheets (not white)

Material Curtains (any sort or colour)

Windcheaters (any color, not knitted)

Men socks (any color)

For more information please contact

Vin & Judy Bibby (03) 5625 5555, 0407 255 502 (Vin)  0439 565 555 (Judy)

Items can be delivered to 294 Princes Way, Drouin or give us a call to pick up.

For more information please

Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

For further inquiries please contact Thérèse on M: 0439 306 642