Author: Maria

St Mary’s Parish
160 Foster Street, Dandenong
P.O Box 22, Dandenong
( (03) 9791 4611 7 (03) 9791 7119
8dandenong@cam.org.au ¿ www.stmarysdandenong.com.au
“The Parish of Saint Mary’s is committed to the safety, well being and dignity of all children and vunerable adults”.

“Though many we are one.”
One in faith and one in the Gospel values
of hospitality and welcome, compassion and justice.

PARISH PRIEST: Fr. Brendan Lane
DEACON: Rev. George Piech Meat
PASTORAL ASSOCIATE: Kathy Gottliebsen
PARISH SECRETARIES: Franca Van Boxtel &
Maree Walker
FINANCE OFFICER: Ms Josie Ferarro
GARDENER/CARETAKER: Mr. Kevin McLaren
CENTRE MANAGER: Mr. Miguel Matamala
CATECHETICS CO-ORDINATOR: Ms Marilyn Cuddihy
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday : 9.00am-3.00pm
New Parishioners Book: If you are a new parishioner to St Mary’s, could you please sign our Parishioners Book in the church foyer.
If you urgently need a priest please call 9791 4611, if Father does not answer, please leave a message and he will call you back.
WEEKEND MASS TIME
Saturday Morning: 9.15am
Saturday Evening: 6.00pm
Sunday: 8.30am, 10.30am and 5.30pm
WEEK DAY MASS TIME
Monday: 9.15am
Tuesday: 9.15am ( 11am Cardinal Knox)
Wednesday: 9.15am
Thursday: 9.15am (11.00am Cardinal Knox )
Friday: 9.15am (9.45am –12.30pm Followed by Exposition of Blessed Sacrament, concluding with Benediction at 12.30pm)
Last Friday of every month 9.15 am Anointing Mass
RECONCILIATION
Saturday after 9.15am Mass and 5pm to 5.45pm before 6pm Mass or upon request
BAPTISM
Please contact the Parish Centre on 9791 4611
MARRIAGE
Please book the Church at the same time as you book your venue.
As marriage preparation is an essential condition of marriage, you must book your preparation course at least 4 months prior to the wedding. Further details can be obtained from Fr. Brendan.
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St. Mary’s Primary School Phone: 9791 7650
New St, Dandenong.
Principal: Terry Gardiner
St. John’s Regional College Phone 9791 3366
Caroline St, Dandenong.
Principal: Timothy Hogan
St. Mary’s Community Centre 9792 4884
New St, Dandenong: Download brochure from www.stmarysdandenong.org

Dear parishioners,
Anzac Day has come and gone and it seems to be growing in importance each year. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. They landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915 to try and capture the Dardanelles and eventually Constantinople (now Istanbul). The action was a failure. Eight thousand Australians died and the rest were evacuated. But the legacy of Gallipoli was powerful. Soldiers had shown bravery, courage, and a readiness to sacrifice their lives for freedom and peace in the world.
Also this year was the centenary of the battle on the Western front at Villers Brettoneux in France when Australian troops had a very important victory to turn back the Germany army. There is a beautiful new memorial there that has just been opened to commemorate the achievement.
We do not glorify war, but we do want to remember the great qualities shown by so many under the enormous pressure of the battlefield. Qualities like self sacrifice, courage, bravery, mateship, and initiative. These, of course, are based on Christian values, as epitomised by Jesus. We admire these values, and so many show these same qualities in different ways in their daily life.
But with the decline of faith that is happening, are we in danger of losing these characteristics. Today, these community qualities are slowly being replaced by a belief in the rights of the individual. “I can do whatever I like”, we hear, or “if it feels good, do it”. They can never hold a society together. What keeps us together is our care for each other and our respect for each other. So let us look to our ANZACS again and try to live the values they died for.
God bless you all,
Fr. Brendan

From the desk of the
Parish Priest

CORPUS CHRISTI SEMINARY, CARLTON
On Sunday 3rd June the community of Corpus Christi Seminary, Carlton will celebrate their Patronal Feast Day with Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Carlton, beginning at 3.00pm followed by a Eucharistic Procession through nearby streets. This will be concluded with Benediction of the Blesssed Sacrament.
Parishioners are warmly invited to attend this gathering organised by the students of the Seminary.

PRAYER (YEAR OF THE YOUTH)
Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland Inspire our entire faith community, as we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy in the lives and communities of the People of God. Come Holy Spirit of Youth Fill the hearts of young people with the hope and love of Jesus Christ; enliven our community with the creativity, energy and joy of youth; guide us together, as we strive to offer God’s mercy to those who feel abandoned or outcast. Come Holy Spirit of Faith Empower our community to be courageous; unite your people as witnesses of love. Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship; accompanying young people as we renew the Church together. Come Holy Spirit of Vocation Stir within young people an awareness of God’s call; reveal to us the graces of young people; guide us all, in finding our place and raising our voices To build a civilisation of love. Amen Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, friend of the young, pray for us.

BIGGEST MORNING TEA
When: Thursday 24th May
9.00am-1.00pm
Where: Marian Room
Entry: Gold Coin for cancer research
Bring your family and friends anytime during the morning and enjoy a cuppa for a good cause.
Please sign up in the foyer if you intend to come.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
Invest in your most precious asset…. Your Marriage!
Recharge your relationship batteries and explore the precious nature of your marriage, allowing you both to share your feelings, hopes and dreams with each other in ways that normal, daily living tends to inhibit.
There is no group sharing. Couples and a priest present the weekend. It is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome.
1-3 June, 17-19 August and 9-11 November 2018
Starts 7pm on Fri and ends 5pm Sun. Accommodation and all meals provided.
Information/Bookings: Andrew and Maria 0411 225 992
Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au website: www.wwme.org.au

PARISH CALENDAR 2018
Date	Event
9th May	Parish Council
13th May	Mother’s Day
15th May	Baptism Meeting
24th May	Biggest Morning Tea
12th June	Baptism Meeting
13th June	Confirmation
20th June	Parish Council

The Regulars
Daily Rosary: After morning Mass (except Sunday)
Mondays: Monday Morning Helpers Group
Tuesdays: Centering prayer meditation at
The Open Door, 7pm
3rd Wednesday: Friendship Club
lunch at Dandenong RSL
1st Sunday: Hospitality Sunday ~Cuppa’s
(Commencing February)
3rd Sunday: Presentation of Baptism candi- dates at 10.30am Mass
Youth Group after 5.30 Mass
4th Sunday: Baptism at 10.30 Mass
*The Open Door is part of the St John of God Ministries, 110 Ann Street Dandenong 9791 8664
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This weekend we pray for
Recently Deceased: Zofia Cychowski, George Heldt
Anniversaries: Teresa Florence Furnell, Priscilla Perera
Sick: Bernadine Anthony, Melissa Warren, Hayley Pearson, Faye Cronin, Michael Kelly, Lemisio Nepa, Rosa Maria Santos, Mohammed Zohan, Kosmas Stefanidis, Janet Murray, Max Warner, Brian, Lorraine Wishart, Joyce Pieris, Michael Pieris, Bella Allan, Ushan, Henry Bangkal, Lili Tsim, Fleur Armstrong, Lidia Longo, Jim Wade, Venessa Lawrence, Jenny, Makerita Niupulusuleo, Norma Gray, Don Cantwell, Rita Sly, Leti Luki, Long Phan, Cheryl Barthelot
The privacy legislation requires us to have written permission by an authorised person before any name can be printed in the Marian.
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If any Parishioner would like their house to be blessed, please contact Franca or Maree at the Parish office on 9791-4611 to make a booking with either Father Brendan or Deacon George.
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Please inform the Parish Office on 9791-4611 if a sick person is seriously ill, homebound or hospitalised and wants to receive Holy Communion or the Sacrament of Anointing.

Collections
Weekly Thanksgiving: $1733.50 Presbytery: $ 337.05
Loose: $1452.00

Catechetics Classes for the Sacraments of
Reconciliation and Eucharist
Classes will commence on Wednesday 30th May at 4pm in Parish Centre. Enrolment forms available in Parish Office.

Parish Council Profile
Name:
Family:
Lives:
Parish:

New Parishioners,
we would like to welcome
you personally
If you have recently moved into the area, or have decided to make St Simon’s your parish home, please register your details in the New Parishioners’ Book .
One of the members of our Outreach Minstry Team will be in touch, so that stories can be shared.

Keep this date free…….
Have you thought about putting your faith into action? St Vincent de Paul is holding a recruitment session on Saturday 21st October at 10am in the Parish meeting room. Tea & coffee provided. ***This weekend there will be a speaker at all masses who will talk about this session.

Timetable 2017
Wednesday—12th April
7.00pm Reconciliation Service Rite II
Holy Thursday—13th April
7.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Good Friday– 14th April
11.00am Stations of the Cross in Dandenong Park,
Pultney Street, Dandenong
3.00pm The Passion of the Lord 8.00pm “Sitting, Listening, Being”
Time for Reflection
Organised by St Mary’s Youth
Holy Saturday 15th April
8.00pm Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday 16th April
8.30am Mass
10.30am Mass
NO 5.30PM MASS

2017 Prep Enrolments
St Mary’s Primary School
Enrolments for the Prep 2017 school year have now opened. If you or a friend has a child who turns five years old by 30th April, 2017, they are eligible to enrol their child at St Mary’s Primary School. Please collect an enrolment form from the School Office by Friday May 27th 2016

All Readers and Eucharistic Ministers if you wish to stay on the rosters could you please mark off your names on the sheets in the foyer. If anyone else is interested in being on the Readers or Eucharistic Ministers Roster please write your name on the sheets.
Rosters will be ready by the end of January. Until the new rosters are completed, could you please continue to sign up at the mass you are attending if you are able to assist as either Reader or Eucharistic minister.

A big “THANK YOU” - During the week, I received a large cheque—the sum of your 5 cent collections for our Solomon Island Missions. I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and kindness. This money goes to pay school fees for children, who might otherwise not be able to proceed to secondary school, or for school essentials for others.
God bless you, with loving and deep gratitude .
Sister Margaret Fields OP

CHRISTMAS TIMETABLE 2014
Reconciliation: Thursday 11th December 7.00pm
Private Confession: Saturday 13th & 20th 6-6.45pm
Tuesday 23rd 7-8.30pm Wednesday 24th 10-11.30am
Christmas Carols Sunday 21st December 6.30 pm
Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th Vigil Mass 6.30pm and 10.30pm
Christmas Day Thursday 25th Mass 8.30am, 10.30am
Polish Mass 12.30pm
NO EVENING MASS
Friday 26th December Feast of St. Stephen Mass 11.00am
Saturday 27th December St. John the Evangelist Mass 9.00am
Mass at Cardinal Knox Mass 11.00am
Sunday 28th December Feast of the Holy Family
(Saturday vigil) 7.00pm, Sunday 8.30am, 10.30am, 5.30pm, 12.30pm Polish Mass 7pm Malayalam
Wednesday 31st December New Year’s Eve
Word & Communion Service 9.00am Vigil Mass 6.30pm
Thursday 1st January 2015 Feast of Mary Mother of God
New Year’s Day Mass 7am Malayalam 11.00am English
Mass during the Christmas & January Holidays: Mass times are as usual however Word and Communion Service may replace weekday Masses occasionally.

ST MARY’S PARISH CUP EVE DINNER DANCE
Monday, 6th November 7pm-late
Where: St Mary’s Community Centre
New Street, Dandenong
(Carpark via McCrae Street)
Tickets: $40.00 per person (available after each mass in Fellowship Room in Church)
Buffet Dinner (including Dessert, Tea and Coffee) BYO drinks
Raffle and Melbourne Cup Day Sweep
Anglo-Oz Live Band & DJ

St Mary’s Outreach Group
This group reaches out to our new parishioners and anyone in our parish who needs a visit.
They meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Fellowship room.
Anyone who is interested in joining this group, or who knows of someone in our parish who may need a visit, please contact Kathy at the parish office.
“Mine is the face with which he smiles,
smiles a welcome to this world.
Mine is the heart with which he loves,
loves all people in this world.”
St. Teresa’s Prayer

For Sale
Jeep “Larado Grand Cherokee 1st Registered 2014 Low Kilometers approximately 42,000 kms. Ex St John’s College vehicle. Offers over $30,000. Contact Joe Van Es on 9791-8232 for further details.
Bids Close on 14th November 2016.

NEW ROSTERS
Until new rosters are completed, would you please sign up at mass you are attending if you are able to assist as either reader or Eucharistic minister.
Thank you

Please take home your new Thanksgiving Envelopes this weekend (some of you have been allocated new numbers). Help us save on postage, thank you. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Franca or Maree (Parish Office)

Mass will be celebrated for the Feast of the Sacred Heart in the Church on Monday at 9.30am with students from St Mary’s Primary School.

RCIA
Welcome to our new members of the RCIA who will be baptised and confirmed next Easter.
We pray for their journey.

Cuppas Roster for Sunday 6th March2016
8.30am	10.30am
Maria De Petra	Elizabeth Lam Sam
Alice & Joe Van Es	Adriana Cachart
Janina Gorski	Michael Kokoszka

We congratulate Berta and Martin Martens on the celebration of their 60th Wedding Anniversary this weekend. Our very best wishes and prayers for a wonderful celebration with family and friends

Census ….
If you or a family member haven’t filled out a blue census card over the last few weekends please do so today.
Today we require all parishioners in attendance who did not fill out a card over the last few weekends to fill out a new blue census card. We are updating our system and it’s amazing how many long term parishioners are not on our files, and how many have changed details and will “get around” to letting us know but caught up in life’s busyness. NOW IS YOUR CHANCE… this will only take a few minutes.
Thank you to all who have responded so far!

MONDAY MASS
Mass next Monday 3rd Oct. will be held at the Parish Centre at 9am. Mass at St Mary’s School Auditorium will resume on Monday 10th Oct. at 9.15am.

Congratulations and God’s blessings to Father Declan on the 17th Anniversary of his Ordination 26th June 1997 in Ireland
"You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:4

Would All Eucharistic & Ministers of the Word please collect your Roster from the foyer this weekend. Thank you

Reconciliation , First Communion and Confirmation for
Government School Students
After School Religious Education classes for Reconciliation and First Communion will begin on Wednesday 6th September in the Back Meeting Room at 4pm. Confirmation classes will commence end of April. Enrolment forms are available at the Parish Office

Rosters for Weekend 17th-18th December 2016
	6pm	8.30am	10.30am	5.30pm
Readers	Florence Holligan	Annmarie Lochery	Elizabeth Lam Sam	Neville Thomas
	Margaret Simmons	Patricia Oliver Rutherford	Pamela Spink	Remy Palat
Eucharistic	Elizabeth Fernandes	Ann Dalton	Tania Holland	Marilyn Meyer
Ministers	Theresa Fernandes	Maria De Petra	Margaret McLaren	Marie Michel
	Bibiana Fernandes	Joanna Van Der Ven	Teresa Talora	Neville Thomas

Please take home your new Thanksgiving Envelopes this weekend. Help us save on postage, thank you. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Franca or Maree

Notice to all Readers

Please Stay for a Cuppa
after 8.30 and 10.30 Masses this weekend

Readings for the 17th and 24th April, 1st and 8th May are on the notice board at the back of the auditorium.

The November Memorial Mass
This coming Wednesday
19th November 2014 at 7.00pm
All are welcome
Envelopes for the November Masses are available in the church foyer.

Advent News
Advent is almost upon us:
Advent Prayer will be held on the Fridays of Advent:
November 28th
December 5th, 12th and 19th at 7.30pm in the Church.
All welcome

St Mary’s Youth Group
St Mary’s Youth Group is meeting this weekend after the 5.30 pm mass, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm! Come along and share a meal, games and a reflection with Parish youth.

2018 Prep Enrolments
Enrolments for Prep 2018 school year have now opened.
If you or a friend has a child who turns 5 years old by April 30th, 2018, they are eligible to enrol their child at St Mary’s School. Please come and see Sandra and Jane to collect an enrolment form at the Office by Friday June 2nd.

Please consider donating to the Priests Retirement Fund Donations of $2 or more are tax deductable. Please take a minute to look at the statistics above. Envelopes are available . Thank you for your generosity.

THANK YOU
A big thank you to all those involved in organising the Sausage Sizzles last weekend. We raised $1168.00 which will go towards the Church Refurbishment. A fantastic effort!

St Mary’s Youth Group
Sunday, 18th March 6.30-8.30pm Food & Drinks provided
BYO Friends

Christmas Dues Envelopes are available for the support of the Priest of the Parish, The Archbishop and retired Priests

Mondays: Tai Chi 2pm
Meditation 2.30—3.30
(at The Open Door*)
Tuesdays: Centering Prayer 7-8pm
(at The Open Door*)

St Mary’s Primary School Mass
St Mary’s Primary School will have Mass for the Opening of the School Year on Sunday, 12th February at 10.30am.
All parishioners are welcome to attend.

CD OPERATOR NEEDED
Do you value and welcome Sacred Music during our Parish Eucharist? If so, you may like to assist our Parish community by operating the CD Player when we do not have Choir Ministry that evening or morning. One short and easy instruction lesson is all you need.
Please speak to Father Declan, Deacon George, Cate or one of the Parish Pastoral Council members if you would like to give your time to this valuable ministry.

“Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on earth. I beseech You to guide all the nations and their leaders in ways of justice and peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation, conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. Teach us to cease the storing and using of implements of war. Lead us to find peace, respect and freedom. Unite us in the making and sharing of tools of peace against ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression. Grant that we may grow in harmony and friendship as brothers and sisters created in Your Image, to Your honour and praise. Amen.” (St Ephraim the Syrian)

Please pray for Everiste, John and Kisa as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 4th at 8pm.

A few changes ……….Important Information:
Saturday Morning Mass will be replaced with Word and Communion Service .
The Sacrament of Reconciliation Rite (Confession) will from that date be celebrated from 6pm to 6.45pm Saturday evening or by appointment with Fr Declan.

Heart of Life Spirituality Centre
96 Albion Road, Box Hill Ph: 98901101
What’s on in August?
Saturday Prayer Day with Bridget Agius
* Cosmos, Christ and Creator Spirit: This prayer day explores the interconnectedness of contemporary science and theology. The day will involve some input, silent time and optional sharing. Although some intellectual dialogue may occur, the focus for the day is to relax, receive and reflect.
Saturday August 1st 10.00 am – 3.30 pm
Applications need to be in by Monday 27th June
Cost: $40 BYO lunch

Meeting for Word and Communion and Taking Communion to the Sick.
All those involved in this Ministry need to attend the Meeting on Tuesday 27th June at 7.30 in the Church

Census …. If you or a family member haven’t filled out a blue census card over the last few weekends please do so today.
Thank you to all who have responded so far!

Please join the Public Square Rosary, As we all know, Australia is in need of public prayer, repentance and conversion. We must ask God’s merciful blessing upon Australia through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Fatima.
Please join us in praying for our nation on 10th October, 2015 at 10.30 am . The local Public Square Rosary will take place at the Grotto, St Mary’s Church.

Altar Server training for Confirmation will be held on Wednesday 17 th June 2015 at 6.30pm at Parish Centre
All Altar Servers, NEW and OLD are welcome to attend, along with their parents.
See you there ….Deacon George.

Collections for last weekend…
Presbytery: TBA
Thanksgiving: TBA
Direct Debit weekly TBA
Total T/G Rec’d: TBA
Pledged weekly $2,797.80
THANK YOU

There is to be NO PARKING outside designated parking bays. Please allow yourself plenty of time to use street parking. There must be access AT ALL TIMES to emergency services.
Ambulance, Police or Fire Brigade.

MINISTERS OF THE WORD
Thanks to those ministers of the Word for your feedback at our recent information sessions. If you were unable to attend the session, contact Cate at the Parish Office on 9791 4611 to obtain the information pack and give your feedback.

	Cuppas Roster 5th February 2016
8.30 am	Maria De Petra, Alice & Joe Van Es, Lorna Brooks
10.30 am	Monica Holda, Margaret Chryplewicz, Anna Minenna, Dawn Hel

End poverty. Promote justice. Uphold dignity

100 Years of Fatima
Please join the Public Square Rosary. As we all know, Australia is in need of public prayer, repentance and conversion. We must ask God’s merciful blessing upon Australia through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Fatima.
Please join us in praying for our nation on Saturday, 14th October, 2017 at 9.30 am . The local Public Square Rosary will take place at the Grotto, St Mary’s Church.

St Mary’s Youth Group
Sunday, 20th August 6.30-8.30pm
Food & Drinks provided BYO friends

Break Open The Word Resources A number of Readers have asked if they can purchase the 2015 Break Open the Word book. If you wish to buy one, please let Cate know at a Sunday Mass or ring 9791 4611 in the coming weeks.

The Parliamentary Inquiry into the Handling of Child Abuse by Religious and other Non- Government Organisations: For recent updates, or to sign up for email alerts, visit the Church's website: www.facingthetruth.org.au

Hospitality weekend this week, with tea, coffee, cordial
and refreshments. Everyone welcome to stay after the
8.30am and 10.30am Eucharist to catch up with fellow
Parishioners and enjoy the hospitality.

Morning Mass and
Word and Communion Service
Monday: Mass at the school Auditorium 9.15 start
The following will be held in the Parish meeting room on Foster Street side
Mass
Tuesday—9.30 am, Wednesday—9.30am,
Thursday—9.30am
Word and Communion Service
Friday – 9.30am
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Weekend Masses will be held in the school auditorium at the usual times. Please enter from McCrae street. Please as a courtesy leave the front area for disabled parking.

Thanks to all who signed up for ministries this year. All rosters are available in the foyer.

Mrs Maureen Kelly and family thank all parishioners for their prayers, kind messages and support shown in many ways during the recent passing of Dave Kelly.
Thank you all.

Achieving Pregnancy Naturally
The Billings Ovulation Method® can assist you in having the baby of your dreams.
If you have been trying to have a baby without success, our teachers can provide essential information, which will give you the best chance to achieve your pregnancy naturally
For a free information leaflet, please call Billings LIFE on 1800 335 860

Beginning next Saturday, August 1st, and on every Saturday thereafter, after the 9.30 am Mass in the Parish Centre we have exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until mid-day. The Rosary will be prayed after Mass as usual and Father Declan will be available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please come and spend some time with our Blessed Lord in the great Sacrament of the Eucharist..

Kairos available this week from the Piety Stall

The Passionist Family Group will be holding their regular luncheon today, Sunday 27th September , 12 o’clock midday at the Parish Centre, back meeting room. New members welcome.

Singing Group
Join us for this fun workshop
When: Friday 25 July
Time: 1.30pm-3pm to learn a new song or join in
with some favourite oldies. No experience
necessary, just a willingness to enjoy.
Where: The Open Door, 110 Ann St,
Dandenong
Suggested Donation: A gold coin is welcome
Led by Josephine Carroll SSJG
Ph: 9791 8664
Fx: 9793 0150
Email: theopendoor@ssjg.org.au
Web: ministries.ssjg.org.au

The Passionist Family Group are always looking for new members. Come along to their luncheon here in the Parish Centre today after 10.30 am Mass.

This weekend, we welcome Father Abraham Kunnatholy of the Syro-Malabar Rite in the Eparchy of Australia. Father Abraham will be in residence only and will be working with the Syro—Malabar Community Eparchy of Australia . If you see him around, please say hello and make him welcome.

Please take home your new Thanksgiving Envelopes this weekend. Help us save on postage, thank you. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Franca or Maree (Parish Office)

Sausage Sizzle after all Masses on Palm Sunday 20th March all proceeds will go towards Church building.

Altar Server training for Confirmation will be held on Wednesday 17 th June 2015 at 6.30pm at Parish Centre
All Altar Servers, NEW and OLD are welcome to attend, along with their parents.
See you there ….Deacon George.

Please support the Cardinal Knox village Raffle—Great prizes , all money raised goes towards resources for the lifestyle centre at Cardinal Knox. Tickets on sale after Mass.
***Anyone who bought tickets last
Sunday after any Mass, please see Cate after Mass or call Cate at the office 9791 4611

St Mary’s Tennis Club
Ladies are you interested in playing com-
petition tennis on a Tuesday as a regular team member or emergency? Please contact Ann on 9791 1417.

Becoming Catholic- RCIA Programme 2014/15 If you are interested in joining a small group to begin inquiries into the Catholic faith, please let Cate know after the Sunday morning Masses or call the Parish Office on 9791 4611

Congratulations and God’s blessings to Sister Josephine on the 60th Anniversary of her Religious profession. Please remember Sister Josephine and all religious in this year of Consecrated life.

Much of the chocolate that we buy from our local shops is made with cocoa beans grown in the Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa. Hundreds of thousands of children work in West Africa’s cocoa plantations.
Thousands of children, as young as10 from Cote D’Ivoire and neighbouring countries are trafficked to harvest the beans from cocoa farms. Their freedom is taken and they are forced to work long hours on the cocoa plantations without receiving any money for their work.
They are beaten and have to work in dangerous conditions using machetes to open the cocoa beans. Most of the boys working on these farms have never tasted chocolate.
Let’s not stop until ALL our chocolate is slavery-free!

The Open Door Exploring Spirituality Today
Call either Trish or Jo on 9791 8664 for more information.
110 Ann Street, Dandenong 3175
Meditations: Awareness/Centering Prayer/Guided Imagery
Sewing Circle
Art of Soul
Tai Chi
Book club
Creative Writing
Luke’s Gospel
Plus many more

Ecumenical Service
to pray for Peace and Reconciliation and the acknowledgement of the
3rd Anniversary of the Independence of
South Sudan.
At St Mary’s Church Saturday 19th at 2pm to 5pm
all wlcome

Parish Lenten
Prayer-Stations of the Cross Fridays at 7.00pm.Please see to Cate if you would like participate in the readings.

******Pease note: Monday 14th March******
Word and Communion Service 9.30 at Parish Centre
(No mass at School Auditorium)

We have a second collection at all Masses this weekend for the Cyrene Centre. Thankyou.

RCIA We have had several enquiries regarding the Catholic Faith in recent months. Our new group will meet at the start of the 8.30 am Sunday Mass, in early October. We hope to gather a team of Parishioners to share attendance at these sessions. Please speak to Father Declan, Deacon George or Cate for more details or call Parish Office on 9791 4611

Enrolment day for children of our Parish attending Government schools
Sunday November 30, at 11.30 am in the Church foyer.
First Eucharist –Grade 3 or over First Reconciliation- Grade 5 or over Confirmation- Grade 6 or over.
A fee of $30 per child or $50 per family covers workbooks, photo, stoles, photocopies materials. Payment is due when classes start in 2015.
Please bring a photocopy of your child’s Baptism is required and well as a small passport sized photo.
If your child attended last year, you only need to bring the photo, not the Baptism certificate.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND There is no group sharing. Couples and a priest present the weekend. It is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome.2015 Melbourne weekend dates : 19-21 June, 21-23 August and 23-25 Oct Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday. Accommodation and all meals provided.Information/Bookings: PH: Marianne & Marcel 97730997 Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website:www.wwme.org.au

Volunteers Wanted
St Marys Parish Bingo
St Marys Bingo is one of our Parish’s important fund raising projects for our parish. We are urgently needing volunteers to assist with the running of weekly Bingo sessions. (No experience necessary)
Bingo times - Tuesday Afternoon, Tuesday Evening and Saturday Evening. Please contact either Jim Houlahan Ph 0425 789 455 or
Fr Brendan 9791 4611 if you can assist.
Jim Houlahan
Ph 0425 789 455

Readers and Eucharistic Ministers As there are no rosters during January & February would you please volunteer at the Mass you attend. Please write your name on the volunteer list. Thank you

A few volunteers are needed to help at the Seniors anointing Mass and light luncheon please leave a message for Maria at the office 9791 4611 or email dandenong@cam.org.au

The church will be closed on Mondays after the word and communion service and rosary.

Confirmation 2015 for Children attending Government Schools
Reminder to all students from Government and Independent schools who have requested Confirmation this year. Classes continues on Wednesdays at 4 pm till 4.50 pm, in the Parish Centre. Please speak to Cate for more information.

Saturday April 25th
Anzac Day Mass will be celebrated here in the Parish Centre at 9.30 AM
Lest we forget
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."
The Ode used is the fourth stanza of the poem For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon

TRIVIA IS ON NEXT SATURDAY at St Mary's Community Centre, starts 7pm. $10/person or $60 for a table of ten Please RSVP on 0413961816 if you are coming

Please Park in designated Parking Bays ONLY -
THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!

New Parishioners, we would like to welcome you personally
If you have recently moved into the area, or have decided to make St Mary’s your parish home, please register your details in the New Parishioners’ Book in the foyer . One of the members of our Outreach Ministry Team will be in touch, so that stories can be shared.

Eucharistic Minister Rosters…please take home your last Rosters for the year. These are prepared in February so if there are any errors, please let Maria at the office know in writing (there is a letter box slot at the front door of the Parish office) or via email
dandenong@cam.org.au. Thank you.

Altar Server training for Easter celebrations will be held on Thursday 26th March 2015 at 6.pm in the Church.
All Altar Servers, NEW and OLD are welcome to attend, along with their parents.
See you there ….Deacon George.

Important information for people wishing to marry overseas:
Father Declan needs at least 4 months notice to ensure that the appropriate paperwork is forwarded to the Vicar General’s Office 3 months prior to the
Marriage taking place.

Altar Servers
If you would like to be a Altar Server for
Fr Declan’s farewell Mass 10.30 17th September
Please register your name on the sign up sheet in
Foyer.

Purple Crosses
Our purple crosses of forgiveness will become part of the paschal fire at the Easter Vigil.

CYRENE CENTRE
The Cyrene Centre provides counselling for families who are affected by alcohol and other drugs.
The service is an initiative of the Dandenong Catholic Deanery and is free of charge.
If you know somebody who is in need of this service ask them to call 9574 6355 for an appointment.

BAPTISM BOOKINGS for February 2015
Please meet Cate in the foyer after the 8.30 am or 10.30 am Mass this week to make a booking for Baptisms for February.
Enrolments will be taken in the room next to the Sacristy, 10 minutes after the end of the Mass.

Holy Week Timetable 2016
Wednesday 23rd March
7.00pm Parish Reconciliation Service (Rite II) (School Auditorium)
Holy Thursday 24th March
7.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper (in Community Centre)
Good Friday, 25th March
11.00am Stations of the Cross in Dandenong Park, ( Pultney St, Dandenong)
3.00pm The Passion of the Lord (in Community Centre)
Holy Saturday 26th March
8.00 pm Easter Vigil Ceremonies and Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday 27th March 8.30am Mass 10.30am Mass
NO 5.30pm Mass

CENTERING PRAYER
Would you like to deepen your prayer life? Watch an inspiring video? Clarify and discuss with like-minded people? Spend 20 minutes resting in silence with the Lord? It’s what we do at centering prayer meditation.
Tuesday’s 7-8 pm
At The Open Door, 110 Ann Street, Dandenong.
Suggested donation: gold coin.
Bookings essential: Call Trish or Jo 9791 8664

Welcome Olivi, Timothy, Noah and Ayeisha who are being baptised this Sunday. Please pray for them and their families

RECONCILIATION:
After the 9.30am Mass Saturday morning, before 6pm Mass or upon request..

“remember always to welcome a Stranger, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”
(Hebrews 13.2)
This Sunday is “Sea Sunday” a day we are invited to become aware of the hardships and difficulties that seafarers face daily , and of the valuable service provided by the Apostleship of the Sea in being church who bears witness of the Lord’s mercy and tenderness in order to preach the Gospel in the ports of the whole world. Today, I wish to invite every Christian to look around and realise how many objects we use in our daily lives have come to us through the hard and laborious work of seafarers.
Antonio Maria Cardinal Veglio (President)

Please take home your new Thanksgiving Envelopes this weekend, Missing envelopes have been found or new ones issued. Help us save on postage, thank you.

Polish Mass will now be held at The Divine Mercy Shrine, 337-343 Greens Road, Keysborough. 9701 6071

2016 Prep Enrolments
St Mary’s Primary School
Enrolments for the Prep 2016 school year have now opened. If you or a friend has a child who turns five years old by 30th April, 2016, they are eligible to enrol their child at St Mary’s Primary School. Please collect an enrolment form from the School Office by 19th June 2015

Time and Talent...Last chance ….. This year we are introducing a new sign up system. It will no longer be assumed that your name is on the list from last year ¨ Please choose only ONE Mass time. These ministries are an important part of our Parish life. Your commitment is important to continuing to build our Parish Community. Thank you Father Declan

A Lasting Gift for Your Church!
Once you have made provision for your loved ones you have the opportunity to make a lasting gift to God, by leaving a legacy to His Church. A gift in your Will to your local parish is one of the most valuable and lasting ways you can contribute to support it’s mission and ministry within your community.
A Bequest can be an expression of your gratitude and thanksgiving towards God, and can help keep our parish alive, helping transform it’s future…..
mi

Reconciliation and First Communion for
Government School Students
After School Religious Education classes for Confirmation continues in the Front Meeting Room at 4pm until 4.50pm and continue throughout the school term. Please call Cate at the Parish Office on 9791 4611 if you have not enrolled.

Congratulations & God’s Blessing to the Children of our Parish who will be receiving their First Communion this weekend Please remember these children and their families in your prayers.

******** Important Information for all Parishioners **********
As of this Saturday 21st February after consultation with those who attend the Saturday Vigil Mass the Mass time will change from 7pm to 6pm
After a few months of a failing telephone system whereby calls were not getting through to the office and messages lost, the parish has upgraded the telephone system. Thank you for your patience while this was being dealt with. Father Declan

VINNIES POP UP PIETY STALL
Easter Edition
Last weekend for Easter gifts/cards, before and after all masses. Thank you for supporting your local Vinnies

St John’s Regional College
Year 7 2016
Late Enrolments.
Be sure to submit your application as soon as possible while there are still places available. All potential students MUST submit an enrolment application even if there are already siblings attending the College.

Welcome Tyree Gabriel who is being
baptised this Sunday.
Please pray for him and his family.

Welcome Fletcher Charles Ellingworth who is being baptised this Saturday. Please pray for him and his family.

We are still collecting used stamps and 5c coins for the Solomon Islands mission for Sr Margaret.

Urgent Request
Volunteers are urgently required to assist us continue our important social and fundraising effort at St Mary’s Bingo for our sessions on Tuesday Afternoon, Tuesday Evening and Saturday Evening. We are seeking your assistance once a month at any of our sessions, no experience is necessary, just your friendly smile.
Contact : Jim Houlahan Ph. 0425 789 455

Stay for a cuppa today after
8.30 and 10.30 Masses

Gerry O’Neill, formation manager for SSJG Ministries,
will explore the genesis of the false self, its allure and resistance to change and strategies for weakening its grip so that our essence may shine forth into the world in a way that announces the good news of who we truly are.

Welcome Scarlett, Messiah and Kenneth who are being baptised this Sunday.
Please pray for them and their families.

We congratulate Geraldine and Michael Kokoszka on the celebration of their 40th Wedding Anniversary this weekend. Our very best wishes and prayers for a wonderful celebration with family and friends

PARISH WORKING BEE ON SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 9.30 –12 noon. PLEASE MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR. LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.

	Cuppas Roster 4th Oct 2015
8.30 am	Pearl Roberts, Maria De Petra, Alice & Joe Van Es, Janina Gorski
10.30 am	Helen Anderson, Pepe Perez, Sharon Fonceca, Adriana Catchort

The Passionist Family Group will be holding their regular luncheon today, Sunday 20th March 12 o’clock midday at the Parish Centre, back meeting room. New members welcome.

This weekend there will be a collection for Peter’s Pence, the annual collection for the Holy Father

Holy Week Timetable 2016
Wednesday 23rd March 7.00pm Parish Reconciliation Service (Rite II) (School Auditorium)
Holy Thursday 24th March
7.00pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper (in Community Centre)
Good Friday, 25th March
11.00am Stations of the Cross in Dandenong Park, ( Pultney St, Dandenong)
3.00pm The Passion of the Lord (in Community Centre)
Holy Saturday 26th March
8.00 pm Easter Vigil Ceremonies and Vigil Mass
(in Community Centre)
Easter Sunday 27th March 8.30am Mass (in Community Centre) 10.30am Mass (in Community Centre)
NO 5.30pm Mass

“……….for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14
Pride and ego is the root cause of most of our sins. Thinking your time is so valuable, your talent is better than anyone else and your money gives you status is another way of making those things “gods” before God. Remember all those gifts were God-given. Instead we should be humbled by God’s abundant generosity and our hearts should be filled with gratitude.

Rosters for Weekend 22nd-23rd October 2016
	6pm	8.30am	10.30am	5.30pm
Readers	Pat Leane	Annmarie Lochery	Michele Lobo	Neville Thomas
	Liz Gilligan	Patricia Oliver Rutherford	Ofelia Alvarado	Remy Palat
Eucharistic	Elizabeth Fernandes	Ann Dalton	Thorwald Philipp	Graham Newberry
Ministers	Theresa Fernandes	Maria De Petra	Edith Philipp	Silvia Mastrogiovanni
	Bibiana Fernandes	Joanna Van Der Ven	Geraldine Koskoszka
			Colin Maslen

The times are changing… new arrangements for the Cyrene Centre The Cyrene Centre was established as a family support centre for those dealing with a drug affected member. Families were the main cohort accessing support from our parishes. The Deanery decided after much deliberation prior to 2002 that the centre would be set up locally for families. There were other services in our area supporting the drug user. We engaged Mary of the Cross (now Catholic Care) to be our service provider for counselling and community support. The sourcing of funding for the counsellor was their responsibility. The funding for the general expenses of the centre would be sourced by the Deanery from the deanery parishes, local council, local schools and general donations and fundraising activities. Over recent years, Catholic Care have expressed concern regarding the ongoing nature of funding and we have had long periods of uncertainty waiting for funding confirmation. Current conditions for funding do not match our intended service. Currently, the operation of the centre has moved considerably from the deanery's original intention as a family support centre with the increasing number of users (60%) accessing counselling. The premises, we feel, do not offer sufficient safety/security arrangements for the service to users, particularly in this current climate. We have a duty of care to our parish volunteers (as do Catholic Care for their counsellor) to minimise the risk associated with the provision of care. The offices of Catholic Care in Dandenong do provide necessary security arrangements for receptionists and counsellors with regard service provision for users. On Wednesday this week, Catholic Care informed us that they had received a letter of resignation from some Cyrene Centre current volunteers who had chosen to volunteer at Catholic Care into the future and they felt that this meant that the current service could not continue at Douglas Parade. In addition, the current funding was conditional upon the user as client. As a result of reduced volunteer support, in addition to funding restrictions, Catholic Care would be withdrawing their counsellor, to take effect at the end of the financial year. The files of former and current clients will be transferred to the Dandenong Office of Catholic Care and current clients who are drug users will be directed to the Dandenong office. We thank Gerard, Catholic Care and all those who have volunteered at our centre over many years for their service to the deanery. The Cyrene Centre will be vacating the premises at Douglas Parade and preferably relocate to parish properties to reduce costs. Use of existing funds, future fund-raising initiatives and parish, school and general donations will support the provision of Cyrene Centre counselling for families, which remains the priority of the Deanery above priority given to the location at Douglas Parade. The Cyrene Centre, through the Deanery Executive will determine if there is insufficient call on our services for family support for addiction issues, whether the service provision is extended to include other family support eg relationship, conflict, domestic violence. We will be sourcing alternate service provider/providers. We envisage that there will be still opportunities for volunteers who wish to support the Deanery Cyrene Centre initiative. Watch for more updates in the coming months. From: Dandenong Deanery Executive