Stories of tragedy and heroism are the constant companions of bushfires, floods and any number of other natural disasters and challenges that can beset us at any time.

The current fire crisis across Australia has provided many instances of great courage and service, with so many examples of devastating loss of both life and property. Any story can, and does elicit a strong emotional response from thousands of people across our land.

While every fire-related death has been truly tragic, it is almost certain that the deaths two weeks ago of three US firefighters in the Snowy Mountains region touched most Australians very deeply indeed.

These men weren’t Australians. They had no families here. They had no investments in Australia, other than the investment of the common bond of shared humanity, and a compassionate awareness that what had happened here, on the other side of their world, could happen anywhere. In their own homeland, to people they loved.

They knew they had the skills necessary to help significantly - and so they came. They will be taken home, surrounded by the respect, dignity and gratitude they so richly deserve.

That we rightly honour those who have travelled across the world to help neighbours in need is yet another reminder of the story and example of the Good Samaritan, who owed nothing to the wounded man he assisted, but gave so much to help.

The three US firefighters gave their lives in a foreign land so that our lives could be more safe. “Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life” not only for friends, but for neighbours from across vast distances. Thank God for them, and for so many selfless others like them.

St. Simon the Apostle Parish 2 Taylors Lane, Rowville 3178

Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9.00-4.00pm (03) 9764 4058

office@stsimonsparish.com.au www.stsimonsparish.com.au

February 2nd - The Presentation of the Lord

Parish Personnel PARISH PRIEST: Fr Kevin Dillon

Mobile: 0421 777 360

Email: frkd@stsimonsparish.com.au

PASTORAL ASSOCIATES: Mrs Loretta Hughes (Tue, Thu)

Mrs Abbie Ferdinands (Mon, Wed, Fri)

SACRAMENTAL CO-ORDINATOR: Mrs Marialisa Mandarino (Wed)

BUSINESS & OFFICE MANAGER: Mr Peter Evans (Mon - Thu)

CHILD SAFEGUARDING: Ms Delisa Gonsalves (Mon)

SECRETARIES: Mrs Felicia Ahumada (Mon - Wed)

Mrs Christina Liew (Thu, Fri)

ST. SIMON’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: Mr. Tom Wursthorn: 9755 4222

NAZARETH COLLEGE PRINCIPAL: Mr Sam Cosentino: 9795 8100

WEEKEND MASS TIMES: Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm

Sundays: 8.00am, 9.30am, 11.00am

OTHER MASS TIMES: Mondays to Saturdays: 9.15am

Tuesdays: 7.00pm

RECONCILIATION: Saturdays: 9.45am

BAPTISMS: First Sat 11.30am, Third Sun 12.30pm (Please check website for available dates)

AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Tues (school term): 4:15pm - 5:15pm

WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE PREP: Contact Parish Office.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: When required or at 9.15am Mass

on the First Friday of the Month

PARISH COUNCIL: parishcouncil@stsimonsparish.com.au

MASS ON RADIO: Mass from St. Simon’s is broadcast

on 89.9 Light FM - at 7am Sundays

PARISH HALL HIRE:

St. Simon’s Parish Hall is available for

hire After School Hours and Weekends.

For enquiries, contact the Parish Office

during Office Hours. Phone: 9764 4058.

PARISH CENTRE FACILITIES HIRE:

Contact the Parish Office.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL HELPLINE:

1800 305 330

Three US firefighters killed when

their plane went down battling a

blaze in NSW last week have been

remembered as "world class"

officers.

Today the CEO of Coulson

Aviation Wayne Coulson said there

has been "an outpouring of support"

since the tragic accident on Thursday

that claimed the lives of Captain Ian

McBeth, First Officer Paul Hudson,

and Flight Engineer Rick DeMorgan

Jr.

Coulson Aviation is the aerial fire-

fighting company, based in British

Columbia, who employed the three

firefighters killed in the accident.

“The outpouring of heartfelt grief

around the world has been much

appreciated and deeply felt at this

time of loss," Mr Coulson said from

RFS headquarters.

"It reflects the grief of the

families, the grief of their colleagues,

and the Coulson Aviation family and

all the people they have helped in this

bushfire season. These pilots were

valued members of the firefighting

family. They were known all around

the world for their skill and

experience in aerial firefighting and

in the C-130 military world."

Mr Coulson said he is working with

the families of the firefighters and the

Australian authorities to get their

bodies home. He added that he

visited the crash site in the Snowy

Mountains region yesterday. "We

flew to the site where the aircraft

crashed yesterday, in the Monaro

Snowy region and walked the area to

see our aircraft on the ground,

knowing we have had such loss of

life, was devastating," he said.

"These are world class,

experienced flight crews, flying a

world class, reliable and well-

maintained aircraft. We are a safety-

first company. "On average over

60,000 firefighting missions per year

around the world. For that reason, it's

vital we understand the

circumstances around this crash."

“Nine News - January 27, 2020

Capt. Ian McBeth, First Officer Paul Clyde Hudson, Flt. .Engineer Rick DeMorgan Jr

PARISH DIARY

Monday February 3 9.15am: Mass followed by Rosary 1.00pm: Reflection Group (Chapel)

Tuesday February 4

9.15am: Mass

7.30pm: Mass (Note time change this week only)

Wednesday February 5

9.15am: Mass

Thursday February 6

9.15am: Mass

Friday February 7

9.15am: Anointing Mass

10.00am: Seniors Morning Tea (Comm. Hall)

Saturday February 8

9.15am: Mass

9.45am: Reconciliation

6.00pm: Mass

Sunday February 9 8.00am, 9.30am & 11.00am Mass …………………………………………………………………….……...….……….…..…

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE RISEN IN THE LORD

Anniversary: John Mataska, Cecylia Mataska ………………..………………...………………………………….…………….……….…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Shari Gilbert, Susan Smedley, Jordan Rajendran, Michael Giaccotto, Rowend Santos, Elissa Pirotta, Jessica Rajasingam, Dean Elsey, Alyssa Borovic

Our Parish Birthday Book is located on the helpdesk. If you’d like your name included in the bulletin for your birth week, please write your name clearly in the Birthday Book on your birth date. If you’ve informed us years ago and would now like it removed, please let us know too.

….……………………………………………………….……………………………….….

PLENARY - SUPPER & SOUL NIGHT As church and individuals, how important is it for us to be renewed and reformed on our spiritual journey? Please join us for supper and share your inspirations on

Thu. Feb 6 (7.30pm to 9.00pm) in the Chapel. Sign up sheets in the foyer. ….……………………………………………………….……………………………….….

JOIN A LENTEN GROUP AND

JOURNEY TO EASTER SIGN UP Sheets in Foyer. Book is $10. You have 7

groups to choose from starting: Sun. Feb 23 at

7.30pm (Youth Group) - Chapel

Mon. Feb 24 at 10.00am or 7.30pm - Chapel

Tue. Feb 25 at 7.30pm - Chapel

Thu. Feb 27 at 10.00am or 7.30pm - Chapel

Fri. Feb 28 at 10.00am - Chapel

Any queries, pls email: loretta@stsimonsparish.com.au

MEETINGS Staff: Mon. Feb 3 at 10.00am (Staff Room) ASRE Info Session: Tue. Feb 4 at 4.15pm (Parish Centre) RCIA: Tue. Feb 4 at 7.45pm (Chapel) Baptism Prep: Wed. 5 at 7.30pm (Chapel) Plenary/Supper &Soul: Thu. Feb 6 at 7.30pm (Chapel) Seniors Morning Tea: Fri. Feb 7 at 10.00am (Comm. Hall) ……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….……….…

UPDATE ON PEW PLAQUES Thanks again to those who donated money towards church refurbishment via pew plaques. You will see temporary (NB: “temporary”!) mock-ups of the final plaques on the pews so people can see what we are planning and provide any feedback. These are laminated paper of roughly the right colour and size – BUT NOT THE FINAL PLAQUES!! Those will be done in February. ……………………..………………...………………………………….…………….……….…

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2020 Friday 6th March, 7.30pm

St Simons will host this year’s WDP for all churches in the Rowville-Lysterfield area. This year the service has been prepared by Christian women in Zimbabwe. We look forward to your participation. Any enquiries, please contact the Parish Office, Jeanette Wallis (organist) after 9.30am Mass or Jacqui Giuliano on 0410 457 034. ……...….………………………………………………………….……….…….....………...….

ST SIMON’S SHARE THE CARE “Share the Care” is still seeking a co-ordinator for 2020. This person would not have to visit, but organize the team visits once a month. Our next meeting is Mon. Feb 17. The present co-ordinators Elaine Wright and Jill Mitchell will be able to explain and hand over the details. Please contact either Elaine Wright on 0448 113 346 or Jill Mitchell on 0438 641 420 for further information. ………………………………………………………………….……….……….....…….……….

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING Wed, Feb 19, 7:30–8:30pm

A talk on Mental Health and Wellbeing by Janet Forster, psychologist, and a parishioner of St Simons. Janet has worked in the mental health sector for many years. She will speak about recognising the warning signs in mental health issues, how we can best support ourselves and others experiencing difficulties, and give tips for mental health and wellbeing. She will look at the benefits of religion and spirituality for our wellbeing.

Also, if you’d like to enjoy a chocolate treat just before Lent, come and enjoy a “mindful” chocolate eating exercise! ………………………………………………………………………

VOLUNTEERS’ ROSTER

Please pick up a copy at the Help Desk.

Rosters for weekend of 8th & 9th February 2020

Mass Times 6.00 pm 8.00 am 9.30 am 11.00 am

Reader 1 Graeme Smith Peter Kean Anabel Henriques Forster Family

Reader 2 Graeme Smith Peter Kean Stephen White Forster Family

Commentator Peter Pereira John Dorton Margaret Ng Estela Banac

Help Desk Felicia Ahumada Mary Mann Myrella Desfosses Anne Siriwardena

CLOW Felicia Ahumada N/A N/A Elsa Lapiz

Bus Driver Carmel De Frece Flowers: Rosanna Almojera

Mass Recorder Alden D'Couto Homily Typist: Michelle Goh

Altar Society Melanie Jacobs & Annie McNeill

Church Cleaning Nicole Saldutto, Sharon Melder, Vincent Pius, Victor Dare

Counters David Wong, Graham Landers, Lin Tie

COLLECTIONS: January 26, 2020

Presbytery $1719.00 Loose donations $ 341.25 Weekly Pledge Received Cumulative

Stewardship - Envelope. (2nd Collection) $2,550.31 $1958.50 85.2% Stewardship - Credit Cards / Direct Debit (cumulative Average) $3,570.34 $3,253.23 90.8%

2016 campaign pledge (weekly) $6,120.65 $5,424.18 88.6% Thank you for sharing your treasure

ST. SIMON’S CINEMA - COMING FEATURES You haven’t seen a movie until you’ve seen it on

a BIG screen, as it was meant to be seen.

There is no admission charge for screenings at St. Simon’s Cinema. However, a donation of $5 per

person towards the cost of building our Parish Centre will be gratefully accepted.

Sun. Feb 2, 1.30pm: “NORTH BY

NORTHWEST”.

A New York advertising executive is on the run from foreign spies. A true classic by Alfred Hitchcock. Often cited as his

best-ever film. Don’t miss it.

Sun. Feb. 2, 5.30pm: “FIRST MAN”.

A look at the life of Neil Armstrong, the

first man to walk on the moon in July

1969. Riveting viewing.

Mon. Feb. 3, 7.30pm: “TRUE GRIT”

Classic western, directed by famed Howard Hawk. John Wayne stars as Rooser Cgnburn in his Oscar-winning role. Great entertainment.

Thu. Feb. 6, 7.30pm: “EL CID”

Classic, sprawling drama starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. Definitely a “big

screen” epic.

Fri. Feb. 7, 7.30pm, and

Sun. Feb. 9. 5.30pm

THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN

Robert Redford is given a charming farewell and plays a man who refused to alter the way he lived life this is even more important

to him as he comes to the end of the line.

Sun. Feb. 9 at 1.30pm

ANDRE RIEU - LIVE IN AUSTRALIA

Andre Rieu and his amazing show finally

made it to Australia in 2008. The joy on 40,000 faces was testament to Rieu's style of entertainment. ………………………………………………...……………………………….……….....…

STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS CONFERENCE Saturday, 15 Feb 2020, 9:00am – 6:30pm,

400 City Road, Southbank (Planetshakers Centre) A day of prayer and renewal, to be strengthened and encouraged in faith. Encouraged by Pope Francis' message that we are all called to be saints, the theme of the conference is to rely solely on God's grace and strength – especially in times when faith is questioned and challenged. Guest speakers will include Archbishop Peter A Comensoli, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Fr Augustine Vallooran V.C, Lenyce Willason, Fr Ken Barker MGL & Lalith Perera. Everyone welcome to this FREE event. To register go to: www.strengthinweakness.com.au

AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Parents & Children’s Information Session:

Feb. 4 from 4.15 - 5.15pm at the new Parish Centre New enrolments welcome.

Classes will commence Feb. 11 in the Church. Queries? Please contact Rosetta Scheepers on 0408 884 867 ………………………………………………………………….……….……….....…….…

PARISH COUNCIL 2020 SELECTION The Jan. 19 bulletin (front page-copies are available at the Help Desk) outlined that on the weekend of Feb. 8 & 9, all parishioners 16 years and over are invited to nominate up to seven parishioners whom they believe can serve our parish well as Parish Councillors over the next two years.

Please consider between now and then who you would like to put forward. Those gaining the highest number of nominations will be invited to join the Council for three (or two) years. It is hoped that the newly selected Councillors will provide effective leadership and wide representation to assist an expanding group of working Committees.

Please give thought and prayer as to whom you

believe can serve our parish best.

Those absent on Feb. 8 & 9 will still be able to receive a form by which they can express their preferences.

…………………………………………………………………..

OUTREACH - RELAY FOR LIFE 2020 Relay for Life raises funds for cancer research. St Simon’s has a team for the Knox 2020 Relay for Life - 4pm on Sat March 14 to 10am on Sun March 15. Please join our team or donate to our team at: https://secure.fundraising.cancer.org.au/site/TR/RelayforLife/

CCVIC?team_id=65919&pg=team&fr_id=6094 Select “Team” and type in “St Simons Striders”, and follow that link to take action. Queries to either Peter Evans (0427 511 037) or Gisella Koroknai (0403 454 002) ………………………………………………………………….……….……….....…….…

PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVING ENGLISH Can you help teach English to asylum seekers, refugees? No experience necessary. On the job training provided. We’re open Mon to Thurs 9.30 to 12.30. Volunteers only need do 1 morning a week. Call Colin Maslen 9763 4862, if interested. ………………………………………………………………….……….……….....…….…

ADVANCE NOTICE: “LIFEBOAT” FUNDRAISER Date: Saturday, May 16. Time: 7.00pm Cost: $50, including top entertainment and dinner. Venue: St Simon’s Parish Hall. …………………………………………………………………..

DO YOU USE SOCIAL MEDIA? If you have basic skills with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc., you might be willing to assist a new and exciting community help project, to be initiated by St. Simon’s Parish. Contact Fr. Kevin on frkd@stsimonsparish.com.au or 0421 777 360 for more details.

https://secure.fundraising.cancer.org.au/site/TR/RelayforLife/CCVIC?team_id=65919&pg=team&fr_id=6094https://secure.fundraising.cancer.org.au/site/TR/RelayforLife/CCVIC?team_id=65919&pg=team&fr_id=6094

Super Steve’s Cleaning Team

Spring Clean Windows Inside and Out

Carpet Cleaning

Tenant Vacate Clean

General House Cleaning

For a FREE QUOTE call Steve: 0423 496 516

Appliance Repairs

& Installation Service

We specialize in the repair of:

Washing Machines Dishwashers Dryers Electric Ovens Microwaves Cooktops / Range hoods Fridges / Freezers Test / Tag Services

Contact: Ash (0413 913 619)

NBN / Data Networks CCTV Security Cameras

Digital & Cable TV Wi-Fi Speed Boost

Call Brad: 9803 8644

sales@chipking.com.au

Registered Cabler T08011 Security Reg. 936-086-80S

Please call the

Parish Office

if you would

like to advertise

your business

in our

weekly bulletin

Please call the

Parish Office

if you would

like to advertise

your business

in our

weekly bulletin

February 2nd - The Presentation of the Lord

First reading Malachi 3:1-4

The Lord God says this: Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire and the fullers’ alkali. He will take his seat as refiner and purifier; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and then they will make the offering to the Lord as it should be made. The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will then be welcomed by the Lord as in former days, as in the years of old.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23(24):7-10 Second reading Hebrews 2:14-18

Since all the children share the same blood and flesh, Christ too shared equally in it, so that by his death he could take away all the power of the devil, who had power over death, and set free all those who had been held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. For it was not the angels that he took to himself; he took to himself descent from Abraham. It was essential that he should in this way become completely like his brothers so that he could be a compassionate and trustworthy high priest of God’s religion, able to atone for human sins. That is, because he has himself been through temptation he is able to help others who are tempted. Gospel Luke 2:22-40

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law

of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

Piano Lessons

Private or Group Lessons on: Piano, Keyboard, Guitar, Singing, Theory

5 years old to adults, for all levels

Preparation for A.M.E.B and V.C.E Exams, vocal performances and just

for your pleasure!

Book a free trial class:

Phone: 0407 816 197 Email: nataliaspeirs12@gmail.com

www.melodymusicschool.com.au

Law: family law, divorces,

wills and estates, commercial

law, employment,

immigration

Conveyancing:

buying and selling property.

We are mobile and can come to you

www.powalawyers.com.au

0452 615 780

Life-Changing, Difference-Making, Financial Services

Experienced Mortgage Brokers redirecting 20% of our revenue to help end homelessness.

- Commercial Loans

- Residential Loans

- Investment Loans

Call Hillary Van Estrop on (03) 8761 9024 or 0404 065 396.

www.together.finance

hillz@togetherfs.com.au

Life-Changing, Difference-Making, Financial Services

Experienced Mortgage Brokers redirecting 20% of our revenue to help end homelessness.

- Commercial Loans

- Residential Loans

- Investment Loans

Call Hillary Van Estrop on (03) 8761 9024 or 0404 065 396.

www.together.finance

hillz@togetherfs.com.au

Next Week’s Readings: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 58:7-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Matthew 5:13-16

http://www.powalawyers.com.auhttp://www.together.financemailto:hillz@togetherfs.com.auhttp://www.together.financemailto:hillz@togetherfs.com.au