Parish Bulletin
PARISH NEWS
Faithful Joseph
Faced with hurts and humiliations, ethical and moral dilemmas in our lives, we could do a lot worse than following the example of Joseph, the Nazarene carpenter.
Joseph would have been, to say the least, mortified, perturbed and confused to discover that his betrothed is pregnant and he knows he is not the father. What personal, ethical and moral decisions must he make? He is certainly not going to live with Mary now but should he, as was his right according to the law, publically reject Mary? She would be stoned to death! He must have been tempted. Instead, as an honourable man, Joseph determines to informally, quietly, divorce her instead. This is a man of courage and compassion who sees beyond his own personal perspective.
Joseph doesn’t lash out angrily in his hurt but rather, we imagine, goes to bed prayerfully, ruefully, pondering on this debacle in his life. In an astounding revelation, God sends him clarity to resolve matters and to go forward with confidence.
Matthew’s gospel (Mt 1:18-24) seamlessly links the angel’s message to Joseph with the Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah (Is 7:10-14) in our first reading this Sunday. Joseph understands that his awesome mission is to protect the mother of God and her Son. His demeanour has much to teach us.
His steadiness of character and his reflective, considerate decision making are worthy of emulation. Joseph’s compassionate humanity manifests so that, whatever the legalities, whatever his hurt, he doesn’t want barbaric revenge on Mary. Neither she nor her child deserve to die and his compassionate instinct is still to spare her indignity.
Situation clarified, Joseph immediately embraces the mission God has called him to, without counting the cost. Would that we all be faithful as Joseph is faithful!
Deacon Mark Kelly
CONGRATULATIONS
2023 SACRAMENT DATES - RECONCILIATION |
| Reconciliation Combined Parent Information Meeting: Drouin: Wednesday 8th February Warragul: Thursday 9th February 7pm |
| Parent/Child Workshop 1: Drouin: Wednesday 1st March 7pm Warragul: Thursday 2nd March 4pm & 7pm |
Parent/Child Workshop 2: Drouin: Wednesday 15th March 7pm Warragul: Thursday 16th March 4pm & 7pm |
| SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Drouin: Wednesday 29th March, 7pm Warragul: Thursday 30th March, 7pm |
Commitment Masses: Drouin: 19th & 26th February 10.30am Warragul:18th & 19th February 7pm & 9am |
PARISH SACRAMENT ENQUIRIES
Sacrament Enquiries: Mrs Therese Meggetto
Mobile: 0439 306 642 Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMETABLE
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SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER 2022 7.00pm - Marist Sion Hall Warragul (Carols 6.30pm) 9.00pm - St. Joseph’s Church Warragul (Bell ringing 8.30pm – 8.50pm) |
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SUNDAY 25TH DECEMBER 2022 9.00am - St. Ignatius Church Neerim South 9.00am - St. Joseph’s Church Warragul 10.30am - St. Ita’s Church Drouin |
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2ND RITE OF RECONCILIATION BEFORE CHRISTMAS As well as regular times there is to be a communal service for Reconciliation at St. Ita’s Church on Tuesday, 20 December 2022 at 7.30pm. All parishioners are welcome. |
