ST SIMON THE APOSTLE, ROWVILLE

(Except for Monday, which will be a church Mass Service only)

Friday, July 10 2020

Fr. Kevin Dillon - St Simons, July 12 2020

A PRAYER FOR OVERCOMING FEAR

WILL SMITH: One of the most powerful speeches from Will Smith
on why the best things in life are on the other side of fear and terror.

As ABBA sang some years ago:
“Mama Mia, here we go again”. 

The 6-week lockdown of Melbourne which began
on Thursday probably comes as no surprise.
The continuous escalation of COVID-19 cases
in the past fortnight meant that a return to Stage 3 restrictions was highly likely, if not almost inevitable. 

From a Church / Parish perspective, it is disappointing (to say the least) that the capacity to provide the Mass, along with sacramental and pastoral care for parishioners is enormously compromised - again! 

Of course our online Masses (on weekends and from Tuesday to Friday) will continue,
and I am personally deeply grateful to Peter Evans, our cinematographer / editor / director (and in his “spare” time, Parish Business Manager) for making the online Masses so professional and well-presented. 

Thanks also to Loretta and Abbie (our pastoral associates), our Sacristans, parish staff,  those who have provided music for the website Masses., and many volunteers who have assisted in a variety of ways. Nearly one hundred Masses have gone online since mi24d-March, and they have generated an enthusiastic following from near
and far. Without a wonderful group of people working together, this service would not be possible. Please God we can continue it at least until Mass attendance restrictions are
a thing of the past, but hopefully also beyond that welcome moment. 

But with this new lockdown extending for six weeks (at least), we know that the restriction of our own parish mission and activities (see overleaf for further details) is just one more unwelcome facet of this devastating tragedy. 

And it is a tragedy. That’s a word that so far hasn’t been widely used, given the toll
of deaths and ICU-hospitalisation in Australia has been far less than in many other parts
of the world. 

But for those who have lost employment, or whose businesses have gone under, or whose families have been torn apart for a thousand different reasons, or whose physical health has suffered from the stress and tension of home life .. for these and so many others, the word “tragedy” is no exaggeration. 

We may understandably shrug our shoulders and say “What can I do?” Well, we can certainly follow the throw-away line we often use in farewelling others, be it on the phone or in person: “Stay safe”. That also means for us to “stay safe” ourselves. 

This means that if we’re safe ourselves, chances are that those in contact with us will hopefully be “safe” too. So the various safeguards and restrictions, even though they may at times seem “over the top” and far too restrictive, can be the means by which the tragedies job losses, financial hardship and family tensions can be minimised. 

Let’s not forget that the life and attitude we can most effectively control is our own. 

Link to be able to see all our Mass videos loaded so far.

Previous "Mass Videos"

This week's Bulletin & Sunday Homily

Previous "Bulletins"        Previous "Homilies"  

MY JESUS,
I believe that You are present in this most holy sacrament, I love you above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and I unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.        Amen

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Return to Level 3
Restriction

All Church Masses SUSPENDED

until further notice

We will continue to film weekday Masses from Tuesday to Friday, and Sunday Masses and make them available.

Weddings can have a maximum
of five people (the couple, two witnesses and the celebrant).
You can travel to a wedding outside
a restricted postcode. The restrictions apply based on the location of the wedding.

Baptisms are to be postponed
where possible with the maximum
of 5 people + celebrant

Funerals will be restricted to
10 mourners plus people required
to conduct the funeral. You can travel
to a funeral outside a restricted postcode. The restrictions apply based on the location of the funeral.

Churches are closed for private worship or religious ceremonies (except for live streaming, Weddings and Funerals as directed).

We thank you for your understanding and co-operation during these challenging times and hope we are still able to continue to serve you in every way possible. Please contact
us if you need any support. 

May God bless you and keep you
safe and healthy.

(Hillsong Cover)

Home Isolation Sesions

JOY 

(2015) starring Jennifer Lawrence

POPE'S PRAYER
OF INTENTION FOR JULY

That families be loved, respected,
and guided