Blessings Issue No. 20 February/March 2020 - the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne

Blessings

 Issue No. 20 February/March 2020

welcome Blessings

 Contents

 From my desktop

Have you ever taken a close look at
 the magnificent stained glass
 windows at St Brigid’s and do you St Brigid’s Windows Climate Change
 know the story behind them? Understanding the Paramatta’s Bishop
 I thought that it would be imagery behind the Vincent Long talks about
 interesting to know, so I asked magnificent our critical role in caring
 Sr Reba if she would help me. St Brigid window p3 for our common home p8
In this, our 20th issue, read about
the first window, fittingly featuring
 St Brigid, whose Feast Day we
 recently celebrated on 1 February.
Subsequent issues will feature the
 stories of the other windows.

 With 2020 vision we also look
 back at Part I of “30 Years A Parish
 – St Brigid’s History from October
 1949-1979.” A very special
 recollection unearthed by a
 parishioner, Nancy Selby (thank
you). I hope you enjoy reading it and
 Young Adults Group From the archives
 Our YAG has a new look One of our parishioners
 the many other stories from our
 St Mary of the Cross Parish. and a renewed passion to came across some historical
 connect with people aged records about St Brigid’s in
 I am sure, like Nancy there are 16-35 years in our parish her archives (read garage )
parishioners in our midst who have who want to form a which she has kindly shared.
 memories of our parish and people deeper relationship with The first instalment p16
 that would make for interesting Jesus. Read about their
reading and importantly capture the mission & vision p13
knowledge of our past, so please do
contact me, and we can include the Also, inside
 stoies in Blessings. Our parish 6 Information on our Outdoor Mass
stories will also be retained forever you&recognise
 Picnic andthis
 World Day of Prayer
 person?
 7 Special celebrations for people Turn
 in ourtoparish
 page 4 to find out
in the digital versions of Blessings, 10 Where was God? – A reflection on the bushfires
which are all safely housed on our who it is.
 11 Farewell Trish and Colin Amor
 parish website. 12 Baptisms and Funerals
 14 St Louis’ and St Brigid’s School News
Wishing all a safe, healthy & happy 17 Fr Andrew’s Word
 year ahead.

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 2

St Brigid’s Windows – St Brigid
Over this and the next 3 issues of Blessings we will feature the stories behind the magnificent stained- glass
images depicted at St Brigid’s Church. In this first instalment, Sr Reba Woodwiss csb has kindly provided an
illuminating description of the images on the St Brigid window, as depicted on the front cover.

St Brigid’s Church at the current Main Street Mordialloc site was officially opened on October 28, 1956.
The first, St Brigid’s Church, built in 1910 was a timber building in Albert Street on land adjacent to and part
of the block on which the present St Brigid’s School stands.
On 4 July 1949, Archbishop Mannix established Mordialloc as a separate parish from
Mentone and Fr James Columbus English was appointed Parish Priest. Being a proud
and loyal Irishman, he called the parish St Brigid’s. He commissioned the beautiful
stained-glass windows above the entrance. One of which depicts St Brigid and the many
traditions and legends built around her as Brigid of Kildare –Mary of the Gael.

 St Brigid is gazing hopefully into the future
 symbolising her vision, faith, courage and Fr Jim English
 compassion. She was the co-founder of Christianity PP 1949-1986
 in Ireland, with Patrick, living in the same centuries.

 Her abbey founded in the year 480 on the hill in
 Kildare, became the centre of civilization in that
 area of Ireland. Thousands in need flocked to
 her doors for food, shelter and warmth as well
 as instruction.
 The tower of the abbey contained a fire temple
 with an eternal flame. It was kept alight by the
 sisters to show people where to receive help.
Sr Reba pointing out the various Our eternal flame now burns in the town square
images on the St Brigid window of Kildare as a reminder of this tradition.

The oak leaves recall the Brigid’s abbey
great oak tree beside which
Brigid’s abbey was built. She This oak tree still exists
planted oak trees around the today in the grounds of
abbey. The Brigidine Sisters Tullow. The Brigidine
have continued this tradition. Sisters have continued
In 1807 Bishop Daniel to plant an oak tree
Delany re-founded the status wherever a convent was
of St Brigid in Tullow built using an acorn
Co. Carlon and when he from this tree.
established the first convent,
he planted an acorn from a
tree near the ruins of Brigid’s Continued next page
monastery. The oak leaves

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 3

St Brigid’s Windows – St Brigid Brigid’s cloak flows out
 Brigid was a woman of over the countryside
 independent spirit not depicting the legend that
 afraid of what others when Brigid was
 thought. The crozier is searching for land for
 a sign of her status as her monastery the
 Abbes and Bishop of Cheiftans refused her.
 Kildare. Tradition has Eventually one tired of
 it that she received it her persistent request,
 at her consecration as and offered her a piece
 Abbes, the same of his land on which her
 blessing as a Bishop – cloak would cover.
 hence the crozier. She The story goes that on
 is the only female throwing down the cloak
 saint depicted with a it spread and spread till
 crozier honouring the Brigid's cloak it covered the amount of
 tradition. land she wanted.
 Brigid's Crozier
 The Brigidine Crest
Surrounding her depicts the coat of arms
monastery was a farm of Bishop Daniel Delany
with sheep and cattle and with his motto ‘Strength &
a market garden, the food Gentleness.’
from this farm she shared The date 1807 depicts
with the poor. the date of the Brigidine
Hence, she became the Sisters foundation in
patron of farmers. This is Ireland and 1886 is the
depicted by the sheep at date of the arrival of the
her feet. sisters in Victoria.

 The O’Brien Crest we are unsure of its origin and reason,
 but we suspect it may be a crest associated with The Brigidine Crest
 Fr English’s heritage. If any readers know the reason, please let the
 editor know.

 The cross Brigid is holding is the traditional
 St Brigid’s Cross which she wove from reed that
 covered the floor of a dying Chieftain.
 She was nursing him and telling him the story of
 Jesus dying on the Cross. The Chieftain died a
 Christian clutching the reed cross.
 They are still made in Ireland today and placed on the
 walls of homes as a sign of Brigid’s blessing to bring
 The O'Brien Crest peace and prosperity to the family.

 Words: Sr Reba Woodwiss csb

 Editor’s note: in our next edition of Blessings we will provide a
 description of the right- hand side window – the war memorial window
 St Brigid's Cross to St Michael Archangel.
 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 4

St Brigid’s Windows – About the artist – Alan Sumner
MBE
Alan Sumner MBE (1911-1994) was a painter, printmaker, teacher and stained-
glass designer. After studying at the NGV school, RMIT and the George Bell School
in the early 1930s, Sumner travelled to Europe and the UK, furthering his training
at the Grand Chaumière and the Courtauld institute.
Returning to Melbourne he took up an apprenticeship as a stained- glass designer
with Brooks Robinson before becoming a designer for Yenckens.
He taught painting at the NGV School from 1947 to 1950 and spent nine years as
Head of the School from 1953 onward. Meanwhile, over the course of his career he
completed approximately 100 commissions for windows in Melbourne and
internationally.
In 1993 the Eastgate Gallery mounted an exhibition of his technically brilliant
screen-prints at the same time as the NGV mounted a retrospective of his work. The artists recognition on the
He is represented in most major Australian galleries. St Brigid’s windows

Reproduced with thanks to the National Portrait Gallery, Canberra ACT

 Today, in a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman and wished I was as beautiful.
 When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle.
 She had one leg and used a crutch.
 But as she passed, she passed a smile.
 Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
 I have two legs; the world is mine.

 I stopped to buy some candy.
 The lad who sold it had such charm.
 I talked with him, he seemed so glad.
 If I were late, it’d do no harm.
 And as I left, he said to me “I thank you; you’ve been so kind.
 It’s nice to talk with folks like you.”
 You see.” he said, “I’m blind.”
 Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
 I have two eyes; the world is mine.

 Later while walking down the street, I saw a child I knew.
 He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know what to do.
 I stopped a moment and then I said,
 “Why don’t you join them dear?”
 He looked ahead without a word.
 I forgot; he couldn’t hear.
 Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
 I have two ears; the world is mine.

 With feet to take me where I’d go.
 With eyes to see the sunsets glow.
 With ears to hear what I’d know.
 Oh God, forgive me when I whine.
 I’ve been blessed; indeed, the world is mine.

 If this poem makes you feel thankful, just forward it to your friends. After all, its just a
 simple reminder to be thankful for all we have.
 Give the gift of love. It never comes back empty!

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 5

support our parish community
 Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 4 Blessings

 Everyone is warmly welcomed to our
 Outdoor Mass & Picnic at Braeside Park
 on Sunday 23 February at 11am
 BYO Chair/Rug/Picnic (no alcohol) –
 Games & Activities – Welcome Mass for Prep Families

 Please note that the regular 9.30am St Louis’ Mass & the 11am St Brigid’s Mass will be
 cancelled on Sunday 23 February to encourage everyone to attend this special parish event

World Day of Prayer Friday 6 March
The World day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement lead by Christian women who welcome you to join in
prayer and action for peace and justice. Through preparation and participation in the worship service we can
come to know our sisters of other countries, languages and cultures and understand the Biblical passages in their
context. We can hear their concerns and needs and can feel ourselves in solidarity with them as we pray with and
for them. In this way, it is possible to enrich our Christian faith as it grows deeper and broader in an international,
ecumenical expression.
The country chosen for the 2020 World Day of Prayer is Zimbabwe.
Our own St Louis’ church will be one of the venues hosting the World Day of Prayer Ecumenical Service for the
Aspendale/Chelsea region at 1.30pm on Friday 6 March. Afternoon tea will follow the service. All are welcome.
 “The painting portrays people’s lives in the society. Whereby the
 top part background from right to left represents a transition from
 a dark difficult past as a nation to a more prosperous and
 promising future.
 The bottom composition is more a display of love, healing and
 reconciliation as inspired by the story of John5: 2-9a. The part
 with vegetation is representative of the potential economic
 productivity since the nation is an agricultural based economy.
 I do abstract and semi abstract figurative paintings with lots of
 texture and a colourful finish. I am very much inspired by people’s
 lives, the way they relate to each other and the way they view
 things. I focus mainly on women as a woman myself.
 Artwork by Nonhlanha Mathe
 Empowerment is also displayed in the work.”
 Nonhlanhla Mathe - Artist

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 6

Blessings congratulations

Warm wishes to:

 Congratulations to Beth Law on her
 Congratulations to Juan Wilson 90th birthday, seen here with
 on her 80th birthday Fr Peter Matheson

 Congratulations to
 Sr Reba Woodwiss csb
 who celebrated her 60th anniversary of
 religious profession with the Brigidines

Congratulations to Rebecca Gilbert from our
RCIA Group who was baptised recently.
Rebecca married Yannick in Port Vila,
Vanuatu on 28 December. Rebecca will
return to complete her sacraments with the 50th wedding anniversary
other RCIA members at Easter congratulations
 to Gail and Bernard Selwyn

 Wedding congratulations to Sara Gazale
 & Robert Jones who were married by
 Fr Justel on 21 December 2019

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 7

reflect Blessings

Australia must lead on Climate Change: Bishop Vincent Long
 Catholic Outlook
 Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv granted the
 following interview on 14 January 2020 to
 Verlagsgruppe Bistumspresse, a conglomerate
 of 12 Catholic newspapers produced across
 Germany. Bishop Vincent is the Bishop of
 Parramatta and the Chair, Bishops Commission
 for Social Justice: Service and Mission,
 Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.

 Verlagsgruppe Bistumspresse: What is your
 view on the horrible fire crisis in Australia? How
 Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
 much does it scare you?
+Bishop Vincent Long: It has been a catastrophic summer for Australia. Dozens of people have died, and thousands of properties
have been destroyed in the unprecedented bushfire crisis. Countless creatures, including precious livestock, have perished, or
even become extinct and their habitats are decimated. Entire towns have been annihilated and livelihoods irreparably damaged.
Despite the best efforts of volunteer firefighters, fire brigades, emergency services, and the military, the destruction is likely to
continue for some time yet. There is little doubt that these fires and the drought have been made worse by human activities such
as deforestation and burning fossil fuels.
This is a national catastrophe and the scary thing is that the worst might not be over. Beyond the expressions of sympathy and
solidarity, there is yet to emerge a clear, resolute and courageous policy forward. This is what concerns the majority of Australians,
myself included.

VB: What is your opinion on the government and especially on Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s handling of the crisis?

+Vincent: The policy directions in relation to cutting carbon emissions that the government has chosen in recent times go against
the signs of the times, international agreements, the advice of scientists and even emergency services chiefs. These have been
very clear that the bushfires have been made much worse by human-induced climate change. Yet the government has not even
acknowledged this. Australia’s current climate policies are viewed globally as among the worst in the world.

As a nation, we cannot claim to be a responsible global citizen in addressing the moral challenge of our age while we lag behind
other nations on climate action and continue to subsidise old polluting industries. It is true that we are only responsible for a
comparatively small amount of carbon emissions. But it is no reason not to act and to show leadership. Australia has always
prided itself on punching above its weight. As Sir David Attenborough remarked that we are the keepers of an extraordinary
section of the surface of this planet, including the Great Barrier Reef, and what we say, what we do, really matters.

This is a time to repair damage done to people, places, creatures, our communities and the earth. It will require both personal and
political will in the immediate and longer terms. This is a time to transform our way of understanding the world, our place in it, and
our way of living – our very cosmology.
The bushfire crisis should serve as a wake-up call to Australia and all Australians. It should serve also as a catalyst for global
action on climate change.

VB: In how far should the government change their energy politics?

+Vincent: We urge the government to do what is right for the country, its people and the planet. The Australian Academy of
Science, an independent and authoritative scientific adviser to the parliament and to the nation, has appealed for urgent action
on climate.
Uniting behind the science, instead of hiding behind the misinformation peddled by vested interests, the government must do
what this moment in history calls for. As Professor John Shine, President of the above-mentioned Academy writes: “We must
improve our understanding of fire behaviour and other adverse weather events, and we must continually develop new
technologies, practices and behaviours to assist our nation to respond and adapt to, manage, and mitigate against such extreme
events. All the while, Australia must take stronger action as it’s part of the worldwide commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°
C above the long-term average to reduce the worst impacts of climate change.”
Only when we as a nation are doing our fair share can we rightly expect other nations to act also. Continued next page

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 8

Blessings reflect

VB: What do you think about PM Morrison denying a connection between the climate crisis and the fires?

+Vincent: The Prime Minister said that he is open to a rethink and that the government’s position is evolving in the light of the
bushfires and public opinion in favour of stronger action. It is time to have the courage to lead and to chart a new course on
climate policy.
This new course should include a decisive move away from old polluting industries on to low-carbon alternatives and renewable
energy, creating a more sustainable future for all.

VB: What can the Catholic church do to influence the government and to protect the Australians better and to give them a good
future?

+Vincent: The Catholic Church in Australia has called for a national response in addition to the practical help and support.
Immediate responses are required now, but we cannot ignore or put off any longer the many other things that are needed too. We
need urgent action to address climate justice and to care for our common home in order to prevent such calamities in the future.
Courageous, informed and decisive leadership is needed to galvanise whole populations to adopt ways of thinking and living that
are crucial in saving our planet from total devastation.

We call upon policymakers to remember we only have the one home that we must care and protect.

VB: What could, and should every Christian do to fight the climate crisis and to keep the world a liveable place?

+Vincent: As above, we should care for our common home. Even for those who do not see a climate crisis, we should always act
with care and respect towards the environment. Our environmental resources are finite and must be protected.

VB: In how far can our belief in God help us to cope with the climate crisis and to fight it?

+Vincent: Four years ago, Pope Francis issued an encyclical on the environment and called for an “ecological conversion”,
meaning a deep communion with all things that surround us. In that prophetic document, we have a blueprint for a sustainable
future that is based on respect and love for this beautiful planet. The encyclical is offered to us as timely reminder that we
humans are part of the interconnected cosmic web of creation and we need to live in harmony with it.

Today, we are also challenged to move beyond old patterns of living and behaviour, both individually and collectively. In the light of
the ecological crisis that demands a conversion of heart and a change of lifestyle, we must have the courage to align ourselves
with God’s plan for the world. Only by acting in the best interests of the environment, of the poor and of future generations can we
save this planet from devastation.

This interview originally appeared in Verlagsgruppe Bistumspresse
 and Catholic Outlook and was re-printed in Melbourne Catholic on 21 January 2020. With thanks to:

 Bushfire Liturgy
 A special Bushfire Prayer
 Service was held at
 St Brigid’s on Wednesday
 5 February at 7pm. This gave
 us the opportunity to gather
 as one community and pray
 for all who have been
 affected by our recent
 bushfires.
 We stand in solidarity, we
 hold them all in loving prayer
 and we do not forget them
 and their families and the
 many sacrifices made by so
 many wonderful people.
 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 9

reflect Blessings

Where was God? A reflection from Sharon Brewer
I am writing this article in mid-January. The beautiful blue sky
and gentle breeze I can see from my window belies what most
of us have experienced over the past month or more. Parched
earth, landscapes, homes and businesses ravaged by fire,
choking smoke haze and most recently thunder and hail-
storms. And lives lost, as a consequence.

I’m conscious that readers of this reflection come from a broad
range of religious belief, and none. Many of you have
subscribed to Faith Journey* because you are on a search for
something spiritual; something that will provide meaning in
your life, which might, or might not, include God, Jesus or the
Catholic faith. Some of you are baptised Catholics, who might
just be hanging in there or have decided to take a break from
attending Mass.

For this reason, I thought I would broach the topic of God’s role
in these tragic events. “Why do bad things happen to good
people?” or “where is God in the midst of this?” are perennial
questions. They are questions I ask too. And I certainly
pondered these questions in early January as I stared at what
was left of my brother’s home and business. Our family had The author Sharon at her brothers raised property
lived on this site for nearly 50 years. Now all that was left was in January 2020
the memories. As I looked down the road of this rural village, I
wondered if other people were asking why God would allow
this to happen. But you could say that the people providing all this
I know there are people who are a lot smarter than I am, who generosity might not have a religious bone in their
could provide a strong theological explanation for why things body! And, that might be true to a point. However,
happen in this world – good or bad. But allow me to try and I believe that the Christian message of love of
explain how I fathom this myself. neighbour still runs strong, even in our secular
 culture. There still seems to be, somewhere deep
Firstly, I ask an opposing question: why does God allow in our psyche, an inherent belief in the dignity of
beautiful things to happen? And then, I sort of accept that it is life.
a mystery. I accept that not everything goes according to my
plan, but to God’s much larger plan. I accept I cannot Our Catholic faith professes this in its words and
comprehend why certain things take place. But I’ve come to actions. As members of the Catholic faith, we
trust God has it under control, and that my tiny focused view of sometimes live out this value very well. At other
life (while very important to me) does not compare to God’s times, we fail.
infinitely greater role in the circle of life.

So, when I reflect on the personal circumstances of my own I would suggest, that as we see and experience
family during the bushfires, I see God’s actions over and over. I the outpouring of generosity at this time in
saw it in the sacrifice of my brother’s mate who literally pulled Australia, we are living out this Christ-like value
him from the burning house, begging him to get out. I saw it in very well indeed.
the generosity of a family who have given over their holiday This article is part of Faith Journey, a free monthly
home so that my brother has somewhere safe to stay. Then newsletter from the Catholic Enquiry Centre.
there are the donations of food, the bags of clothes, the With thanks to the author Sharon Brewer for allowing me to
volunteer labour to help with the clean-up of rubble and dead re-produce it. *If you would like to subscribe to Faith Journey
 please contact: info@catholicenquiry.com
cattle. The list goes on. Surely these people are the face of
Christ?
 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 10

Blessings farewell Trish & Colin

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 11

we pray for
 Blessings

 Welcome to children recently baptised
 Senan Louis Collins, son of Cliona & Cameron Collins
 Adeline Elizabeth Hickin, daughter of Alyce & Stewart Hickin
 Isabelle Mary Hamilton, daughter of Alycia & Jay Hamilton
 Beau Harvey Kneebone, son of Josh & Holly Kneebone
 Maximilian Tavin & Damien Titus Cunningham-Browne, children of
 Steven & Tavinee Cunningham-Browne

In sympathy our thoughts and prayers are with:
 John May (86). Karen May (61).
 Joan May (84). John passed Partner of Noel
 Joan passed away on Mitten. Karen
 away on 14 December passed away on
 December 3 2019. 15 January
 2019. Joan’s John’s funeral 2020. Karen’s
 funeral service service was funeral service
 was held at held at was held at
 Bunurong on Bunurong on Bunurong on
 13 December 23 December 23 January
 2019. 2019. 2020.

 Ed Riordan (85). Bridget Murphy
 Husband of (84). Bridget
 Tony McNicholas (87). Patsy. Ed passed passed away on
 Tony passed away on away on 20 9 January 2020.
 9 December 2019. December 2019. Bridget’s
 Tony’s Requiem was Ed’s Requiem Requiem was
 held at St Louis’ on was held at held at
 17 December 2019. St Brigid’s on St Brigid’s on
 27 December 17 January
 2019. 2020.

 Kay Rosenbrock (86).
 Elaine McCormack (84). Wife of Fred.
 Elaine passed away on Kay passed away on
 11 January 2020. 21 January 2020.
 Elaine’s Requiem was Kay’s Requiem was
 held at St Brigid’s on held at St Brigid’s on
 17 January 2020. 29 January 2020.

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 12

connect with youth
 Blessings Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 2

 The Young Adults Group is being reformed in 2020 with a fresh vision
 and mission. We invite anyone and everyone aged 16-35 years to be part of our
 group and regular events! We would love to get to know you, but first here’s a bit
 about us:

 What is our vision and mission?
 Mission statement: To support young people in their journey of faith as they
 grow in their relationship with Jesus and become faithful evangelizers of the
 Good News – that God loves us.
 Vision Statement: That we may ever be molded into the image of Christ
 through the loving care and guidance of Our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, bearing
 abundant fruit and bringing glory to God as servant-leaders of His Church.
What do we do?
We host a range of regular events and activities for you to be part of- you’re free to come as often as you would like.
You are guaranteed to learn something new, meet other young adults and form great friendships .

Weekly Lenten Reflection Series
To officially launch the reformation of YAG, we will kick start with our Weekly Lenten Reflection Series beginning on
Friday February 28th at 7pm. During Lent we will be gathering weekly on Fridays at 7pm beginning with Stations of
the Cross at St. Brigid’s Church followed by Praise and Worship, Scripture reading and Fellowship in the Upper Room
at St Brigid’s.

Regular fortnightly gatherings
After Lent, we will meet fortnightly on Fridays at 7pm at St Brigid’s Upper Room for Praise and Worship, Scripture
reading and Fellowship. This will include a range of topics, including Q&A events, guest speakers and more!
You are also welcome to suggest your own ideas too!

Monthly outreach
Once a month on Sundays we will gather to do different outreach activities together such as ministering to those in
nursing homes, beach clean ups, volunteering in soup kitchens, events run by the Archdiocese and more to come!
Our leadership team Kristian Tangso, Stefanie Carino and Chester Ryan invite those interested in a leadership role to
enquire with us to join the team via yag.stmaryofthecross@gmail.com

 Kristian Chester
 The wait is over! Rise 2020 is coming and will
 Stef feature special guests: Fr Rob Galea, Justine
 Cumbo, J.Sano and Gary Pinto. With more
 If you're interested in keeping up to date with our events, guests and workshops to be announced...
 please like us on Facebook by searching 'St Mary of the Cross stay tuned to our FB page! Open for high
 Young Adults.' As this group includes 16 & 17 year- old’s, all school students to 25 years at Emmaus
 adults are required to have a Working with Children Check. College in Vermont. Early bird tickets only
 Applying for a WWCC is free. $20.
 https://www.facebook.com/events/2680143
 Go to: https://wwcv.auspost.com.au/
 202066891/
 Feel free to contact us if you have any difficulties.
 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 13

support our parish community
Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 4 Blessings

 Welcome to our St Louis’ School Preps
 Our wonderful Prep
 children have made an
 excellent start to life at
 school.
 We are very pleased to
 have welcomed many
 new families to our
 school community, as
 well as siblings from
 existing families, and
 we are looking forward
 to a great year together.
 Students have enjoyed
 being in the
 classrooms, exploring
 the playground, visiting
 the garden, meeting our
 Year 4 buddies and
 starting to learn lots of
 new things.
 This is such an exciting
 time.
 Angela Healy
 Prep Lead Learner
 St Louis’ School

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 14

support our parish community
Blessings Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 4

New Buidings at St Brigid’s School

 Over the summer break we moved into our new administration and classroom block. Works will be completed by
early March as the original rooms and corridor which face Albert St are in the final stages of their renovation. This is
the single biggest investment in our school in its history. Once all works are complete, we will have open afternoons
 where all in our parish will be invited to come and have a look at our new facilities. This building project has now
 provided our school with outstanding, contemporary learning facilities for all."
 Michael Russo St Brigid’s School Principal

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 15

interest Blessings

From the
archives…
Not so long ago, one
of our parishioners,
Nancy Selby,
unearthed some
wonderful accounts
of St Brigid’s Parish,
which she passed
onto Fr Andrew.
(Thank you Nancy)
The well-written
documents hold a
treasure trove of
information,
particularly for a
relative ‘newbie’ to
the parish of
Mordialloc &
Aspendale. (My son
James & I came to
the parish in late
2012.)
This booklet, see
cover below, covers
the 30- year
anniversary from Oct
1949 – Oct 1979.
Hope you enjoy
reading page 1.
I will include page 2
in our next issue of
Blessings. Berna

 Page 2 in our next edition of Blessings

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 16

Blessings reflect

Father Andrew’s Word
Here we are mid-February and memories of Christmas and New
Year begin to fade as we head into our late summertime.
Our memories of this summer will undoubtedly include bushfires,
evacuations, smoke haze and emergency announcements.
As many Australians rebuild their lives and deal with the grief of
losing a loved one, the loss of their livelihoods or the loss of wild
life, we hold these people in prayer and make an extra effort to
support the affected towns through our visits to them in the
future.

We will soon launch into Lent through the profound ritual of marking our foreheads with ash. This
year, Ash Wednesday will carry extra meaning for us due to the recent bushfires because we will
embrace a rich symbol representing our desire to die to sin and rise to new life just as we will soon
see the new shoots of green coming from the ashen trees. The dirty ash marked out in the sign of
the cross on our foreheads is what Catholics do on Ash Wednesday and it triggers the beginning of
Lent whereby we are invited to make an extra effort to turn away from sin, to literally die to our
sinful ways and change to all things that are of God. We become the green shoots of new life that
are signs of hope for others.

Signs of hope appear in our parish through the commitment and generosity of parishioners
manifested through the monies raised for the Bushfire Appeal as well as our time for prayer at our
recent prayer vigil. Other signs of hope include the RCIA group who are on their journey to become
full members of our church this Easter, our school and parish staff attending a retreat day focusing
on Mary MacKillop and all that will happen through JAG.

As a parish community we are young and yet we are old. Due to our newly named parish of
St. Mary of the Cross which is nearly 1 year old (12th March), we are made up of two former
parishes that began in 1911 and 1965. I pray that we continue to be a strong community taking
part in all that is offered to us like the Parish Picnic, Lenten Scripture groups, Holy Week liturgies
etc. May the new life of Jesus be forever in our hearts.

Shalom,

Fr. Andrew Jekot
Parish Priest
St Mary of the Cross, Mordialloc and Aspendale

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 17

thanks to our sponsors
 Blessings

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 18

thanks to our sponsors
 Blessings

Do you have a local business? Would you like the opportunity to support our parishes & increase your business
exposure? We can create an ad for you, if you don’t have one. If you are interested, please contact the editor:
 Berna.Wake@cam.org.au

 When you pray, be like the mountain in stillness, in silence;
 thoughts rooted in eternity.
 Do nothing; just sit, just be;
 and you will harvest the fruit of your prayer.

 When you pray, be like the flower reaching up to the sun,
 straight stemmed like a column.
 Be open, ready to accept all things without fear,
 and you will not lack light on your way.

 When you pray, be like the ocean with stillness in its depths,
 the waves ebbing and flowing.
 Have calm in your heart,
 and evil thoughts will flee of their own accord.

 When you pray, remember the breath that made us living beings;
 from God it comes, to God it returns.
 Blend the Word and prayer with the flow of life
 and nothing will come between you and the Giver of Life.

 When you pray, be like the bird,
 endlessly singing before the Creator,
 its song rising like incense.
 Pray like the turtle dove and you will never lose heart.

 (St Seraphim of Satrov, Russian Orthodox saint, d.1833)

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 19

OUR PARISH VISION
 We are a faith community
 who gather to worship and
 praise God. In our next issue of Blessings…
We express Christ’s presence
among us by reaching out to available 18 April 2020
 those in need,
 with Christ’s message
 o Lent, Holy Week & Easter Celebrations
 of love and forgiveness
 o Meet our RCIA Group
 and the promise of justice
 o Outdoor Mass and Picnic – all the pictures
 and hope for all.
 o Meet our Parish Pastoral Councillors with a special profile on the three
 newest councillors
 o Part 2 of the St Brigid’s Windows Story
 and the next instalment - ’30 Years a Parish – St Brigid’s 1949 – 1979’
 o Parish Group News
 and much more

 WORSHIP PARISH DIRECTORY SACRAMENTS
 Weekday Masses Fr. Andrew Jekot Parish Priest
 T:9580 1018 Andrew.Jekot@cam.org.au Reconciliation
 Monday 9:15 am St Louis’ Friday 12noon St Brigid’s
 (Communion Service) Deacon Brian Muling T: 9580 1018
 Bernadette Carr Pastoral Associate Saturday 5.30pm St Louis’
 Tuesday 9.15am St Louis’
Wednesday 10am St Brigid’s Exposition of the
 Thursday 9.15am St Louis’ Parish Office Hours Blessed Sacrament
 Friday 11.30am St Brigid’s Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday 9.45am St Louis’
 T: 9580 7981 Friday 10.30am St Brigid’s
 Weekend Masses Secretaries: Susan Dornom (Mon/Thurs/Fri)
 Saturday 6pm St Louis’ Ann Fitzgerald (Tues/Wed) Marriage
 Sunday 8am St Brigid’s Email: mordiallocaspendale@cam.org.au Please contact
 Sunday 9.30am St Louis’ Fr Andrew
 Sunday 11am St Brigid’s Parish website
 Baptisms & Funerals
 www.cam.org.au/mordiallocaspendale Please contact the
 St Louis’ Acting School Principal Sarah McDermott Parish Office
 95805169 www.stlouisaspendale.catholic.edu.au

 St Brigid’s School Principal Michael Russo
 9580 4518 www.sbmord.catholic.edu.au

 WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE BUNURONG PEOPLE AS THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND
 UPON WHICH OUR PARISH STANDS.

 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 ISSUE 20 20