ST SIMON THE APOSTLE

A common feature among the many COVID 19-related “adjustments”  we will be facing in the coming / weeks months will be trying to find as much “normality “
as possible. On so many levels, life has been turned upside-down, with little clarity
as to when any semblance of what we used to think was “normal” might return.

3AW’s Breakfast duo, Ross Stevenson and John Burns, have made a most amusing yet insightful proposal in suggesting the footy allegiance which will be desperately missed by so many can be transferred to the Belarus Premier Soccer League, that competition being the only footy / soccer competition still being played in the world! They propose we “follow” a Belarus team aligned with 16 AFL clubs (Gold Coast, Giants miss out!).

It might seem fun and nonsense - and it is! But it’s also a helpful initiative and example, as it is saying: We might not have the footy as we are used to it, but we can still engage with something which will maintain our loyalty to what has been
a major part of our life for a long time and we need something to fill the vacuum
that these enormous changes have set upon us.

If that is true of our football loyalty, then what of our loyalty to our Faith, which may well be being sorely tested as we see things  and people precious to us being ripped away?
Catholic Faith places the Eucharist as central to the expression of that Faith, and even that is now  inaccessible  - just when we need it most.

So St. Simon’s can’t bring you or give you the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist,
at least not in the usual way. But technology can save the day, at least to some degree.
Most days Mass from St. Simon’s is on our website (www.stsimonsparish.com.au) from around 9.15am onwards. It can be replayed when desired. We hope to continue this until our church can be opened for normal use.

With Holy Week and Easter just around the corner, you might find it comforting
to know that the liturgies of Palm Sunday , Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday will also be available. Special thanks to Peter Evans (Parish Business Manager) whose dedication and media skills have made this possible, along with the rest of our parish team. 

You may have family and friends to whose attention you can bring this opportunity to connect with the central feature of Catholic Faith practice. It might not be as good as “being there”, but just like the Belarus Soccer League, it can keep us connected and involved with an irreplaceable part of our life.
 
 Fr. Kevin Dillon
 

This link will take you to the YouTube Channel for the Parish.  You will be able to see all Mass videos loaded so far.  Weekday Masses become available from 9:15am on the day.

St Simon the Apostle YouTube Channel

/mass-videos

MY JESUS, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I long for YOU in my soul. 
Since I cannot now receive You Sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You Have already come,
I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You:
never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.

WORD ON FIRE

is a wonderful faith resource, supplied free
of charge to all parishioners who have "Connected".
To "Connect", just enter your details in the
"Get Connected Now" section above, and "Sign me Up!". Learn about
all aspects of our faith
eg the Mass, the Eucharist,
Does God Exist?, children's resources, Youth Programs, and much more. To access, just use the link below
and explore.

https://flocknote.com