"Celebrating 129Years"
"Celebrating 125 Years"Dear Parishioners,
Due to the rapidly changing situation in respect to the threat posed by COVID-19, and acting on the advice of the Australian and Victorian Department of Health we are postponing our First Eucharist Programme until further notice.
Sincerely
Father John Madden
If I were to ask most adults what they actually know about the Mass, their knowledge would be profoundly lacking. Others maintain a belief system that is based on pious personal opinion but lacking in objective serious reflection.
It is important in today’s world that parents’ have some grounding in Sacramental Theology, so they have a more mature, and dare I say, a valid understanding of the Eucharist.
In a world where most people are well educated, our knowledge of the Catholic faith is lacking if not remote. How can we expect people to attend weekend Mass regularly if they do not understand the theological underpinnings of this sacred mystery? I for one would not regularly attend something I did not understand. To this end, I have introduced our Parish Sacramental Programme.
Its aims are as follows:
Sunday Mass
International renowned theologian Fr. Frank O’ Laughlin believes it three generations to leave the Church.
The 1st generation is parents who attend Mass on Sundays and belong to a worshipping community. The 2nd generation represents those parents who do not follow their parents’ example and view attending Mass as a choice for individuals to make rather than a Commandment from God. This view is passed on to their children in turn so that the link with the Church is weakened. Church now becomes a place to visit for special occasions, Christmas and Easter, baptisms, weddings funerals, or to seek support in times of difficulties. The 3rd generation is those children who have little or no identification with the Church. Baptism becomes a social family affair rather than membership with the Church.
Why Weekend/Sunday Mass
As you know one of the concerns I have as your Parish Priest is the fact that, so few parents bring their children to Mass Regularly. As Parish Priest, I have a responsibility to look after the spiritual welfare of those placed in my care. The Church requires that people attend weekend Mass. This is nothing new. In fact, the Jewish people were required to obey the 10 Commandments. These are Commandments of God and not a request. The third is to keep holy the Sabbath day. Hence the Church requires that people attend Mass in response to this command from God. So, in truth, I am not asking you to come to Mass. Rather as your Priest, I am stating that this is what God commands of you as Catholics and Christians. This is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that in #2181 “The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own priest.<119> Those who deliberately fail in this obligation “commit a grave sin.”
Footnote: 119. Cf. CIC, can. 1245.
Costs for registration, administration, certification and Adult Education sessions will be $150.00 per student. Registration, copy of Baptism Certificate, Reconciliation Certificate and payment are due on Monday 1 June 2020.
NB. there will be no registration accepted after this date unless prior arrangement has been made.
BANK DETAILS:
BSB: 083 347
ACCOUNT #: 682 606 383
REFERENCE: EUC: CHILD'S NAME
Students must attend Mass and submit their Commitment form (COMING SOON) at one of the following Masses:
Parents are required to attend both adult education sessions:
15 -16 August 2020, 6PM, 9:30AM & 5PM
22 - 23 August 2020, 6PM, 9:30AM & 5PM
Please register by Monday 1 June 2020 to the Parish Office. There is a maximum of 8 First Eucharist Students per Mass.