5 Doon Avenue, Syndal 3150 Ph: 9802 8538 Fax: 9886 1144 www.cam.org.au/syndal

WORDS FROM ST VINCENT PALLOTTI

Whether sick or healthy, we can all

contribute through constant pray-

er so that among all Catholics the

holy faith will be renewed and love

rekindled and that both are spread

over the whole world. This could

be done even more effectively by

people who offer up their suffer-

ings than by those who moan in

their tribulations……

READINGS THIS WEEK (YEAR A)

1st Reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 Resp Psalm: Ps 66:2-3, 5-6, 8

2nd Reading: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

RESPONSE TO THE PSALM O God, let all the nations

praise you! GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus preached the Good News of the kingdom, and healed all

who were sick. Alleluia!

COMMUNION ANTIPHON With the Lord there is mercy; in him is plentiful redemption.

READINGS NEXT WEEK 1st Reading: Isaiah 22:19-23 Resp Psalm: Ps 137:1-3, 6, 8

2nd Reading: Romans 11:33-36 Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

ST CHRISTOPHER’S PARISH, SYNDAL IN THE CARE OF THE PALLOTTINES

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - YEAR A 16 AUGUST 2020

St Christopher ’s is a Missionary Parish of Intentional Disciples,

passionate about being Christ to all, through our witness of God ’s love in action.

Parish Priest Fr Ralph Besterwitch SAC frralph1@gmail.com

Assistant Priest Fr Siby John SAC frsibyjohn@gmail.com

Parish Secretary Debbie Barber secretary@syndalcatholic.org.au

Youth Ministers Melissa Kwok Cassie Forester elevateyouthminister@gmail.com

Parish Council Chair Mary Tan

Council Secretary Kenneth Dassanaike Kathleen Cleary ST CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL Ph: 9803 0011 / 9803 0211 Fax: 9803 0504 www.scsyndal.catholic.edu.au

School Principal: Shane Davoren

Secretary: Jenny Bamber

LIVESTREAM MASS SUNDAYS 10.30 am & WEDNESDAYS 9.15am

Link available on our website www.cam.org.au/syndal DIAL-IN PARTICIPATION

for Sunday 10.30am Mass Dial 7018 2005 and enter meeting ID 839 7546 5759

Welcome to St Christopher’s Today, once again we listen to the encounter be-tween Jesus and the Canaanite woman. In the tra-dition preserved for us in the Scriptures, Jesus is presented to us as a formidable debater; but in this instance the Canaanite woman comfortably wins the debating point. Jesus praises the woman for her faith. But what was her faith? What did she believe about Jesus? One would love to know her subsequent history. Did this act of Jesus mark a turning point in her life? We do not know. That aside, this pagan woman in a real way gives us a lesson on prayer. She shows great persistence; she did not allow the disciples’ irritation or Jesus’ offhand remark to put her off. She knew what she wanted and she trusted that Jesus could help. Do we have the faith to trust God with all our hearts that His purpose will be fulfilled in our lives? I pray that my faith may have something of her clarity and persistence. In this life, we face hardships that can weaken our faith. Sometimes, despite our fervent prayer, eve-rything seems to get worse rather than better. De-feat is staring us right in the face. While many dis-heartening situations can send our face down to the ground, we can always go to the Scriptures and let God talk to us. In quiet moments of interior si-

lence, we often hear God’s voice, and feel his reassuring presence. So be STRONG; our God walks with us.

TRAVEL PERMITS

You must carry your signed travel permit!

Additional instructions have been received from the Archdiocese so permits have been amended. Please make sure you have the

amended permits.

PARISH NOTICES

Prayers of the Faithful

Paula Eales

Reader Philomena Joseph

Musician Christy Fernando &

Maria Pinto

Videographer Justin Tan

ROSTER - Mass 10.30am Sun 23 Aug

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTION

for August

The Maritime World We pray for all those who

work and live from the sea,

among them sailors, fishermen and their families.

PARISH OFFICE

The Parish Office will be closed for the duration of the Stay at Home restrictions. Debbie will be working from home so if you need to get in contact please send an email to secretary@syndalcatholic.org.au.

RCIA 2020

We will commence the new session Thursday, 10 Sept at 7.30pm

If you know someone who may be interested in participating please contact : Fr Siby on 0451 665 344 / frsibyjohn@gmail.com or Johannes Aulia on 0419 390 861

d r e n T h o u s a n d s o f V i d e o s , A u d i o s & e B o o k s f o r A d u l t s , Y o u t h & C h i l -

Register on

syndal.formed.org

Pick Up the LATEST FLYER (JANUARY -MARCH) from the Narthex

We celebrate The Feast of The

Assumption of The Blessed Virgin

Mary on Sat 15 Aug 9:15am via ZOOM.

To join Mass click HERE

or dial in: +61 3 7018 2005

Meeting ID: 858 0300 8707 Passcode: 911763

Like Mary, may we follow her

example in reflecting your holiness Lord,

and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

PARISH ZOOM EVENT

Our first Parish Zoom Event “Thankfulness in Solitude” was held on Friday 7th August and saw

almost 90 parishioners attending. The organising team was very encouraged by the response.

Catherine Drake, a parishioner, shared an

inspiring personal story about her battle with infertility and her perseverance in attaining her

goals and the trust she placed in God. The small group sharing that followed allowed partici-

pants to catchup with one another and to share their own stories. Then Dr. Janice Tang gave

a highly informative and interesting presentation on how we can deal with Covid 19 and the mental issues that could

arise from isolation and lockdown.

We hope to have more of you join us at our next Parish Zoom event.

A pdf file containing information and links from Janice’s presentation can be downloaded from this link: https://www.emhprac.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/COVID-19-Factsheet.pdf

BUILDING FUND

We are making some progress with our fund raising effort, for the

Facilities Upgrade. So far we have raised $51,950. We would like to encourage others who are yet to

make a donation , to do so keeping in mind the costs of this upgrade.

Our goal is to raise $350,000 and so we need all your support.

Remember what the scripture says…God loves a cheerful giver.

(2Cor 7-8)

$350.000

$51,950

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HE

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EW

S

VIRTUAL INFORMATION EVENING

Monday 24 August 6pm, 7pm or 8pm

Limited spaces, so book now! at www.emmaus.vic.edu.au

CARITAS AUSTALIA

In response to the recent explosion in Beirut, Caritas has committed to provide an crucial financial support as part of its already established Middle East Regional Appeal . If you are interested in donating to this program in Lebanon, please call 1800 024 413 or donate via https://www.caritas.org.au/learn/emergency-response/middle-east-emergency-appeal.

ONLINE PARISH PAYMENT PORTAL (CDFPay): Access via CDFpay for St Christopher ’s Parish.

BANK TRANSFER: BSB 083 347 Acct 452957874 St Christopher ’s Parish.

CASH DONATIONS: Please drop off respective envelopes at the parish through the slot at the front door of the parish office.

STEWARDSHIP Thank You

WE ARE VERY APPRECIATIVE OF ALL THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT GIVEN TO

ST CHRISTOPHER ’S DURING THESE EXTRAORDINARY TIMES.

Recently Deceased ….. Solita Chavarria 12 Aug (Aunt of Jon Chavarria) and Margaret Ferguson 12 Aug (long standing parishioner) Anniversaries ….. Les Donohoe; Joseph McInerney; Stella Mildred Gabriel; Sr Margaret Atkins; Stella Gabriel; Paul Donohue; John Moesbergen; Mary Dowd; Theresia Sumanty; Aline De Chaumont; Chen Yuk Lan; Eileen Barnes; Naomi Duff; Rex Shelley; Br. Bob Bradley SAC

In Loving Memory, we pray for our Loved Ones.

TELEPHONE PRAYER CHAIN Available 24 hours a day. All requests & enquiries

kept confidential.

Call: Flo 9803 1717 Marilyn 9887 9139

SYNDAL COMMUNITY HELPERS For confidential care & support in emergencies & in times of need.

Call: Pauline 9802 9743

ST VINCENT DE PAUL Organises home visitations to provide

welfare support to needy families.

Call: 1800 305 330

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WEEKLY EVENTS DATE & TIME ACCESS

R o s a r y M o n d a y - F r i d a y 1 p m

Via ZOOM: click HERE or dial in: +61 3 7018 2005 Meeting ID: 810 1950 1999 Password: 604952

E v e n i n g R o s a r y

Monday—Friday 7:30pm Via Phone 03 9028 0260 access code 247785#

M a s s T u e s d a y s 9 : 1 5 a m

Via ZOOM: click HERE or dial in: +61 3 7018 2005 Meeting ID: 829 4681 1562 Passcode: 244924

Livestream Mass W e d n e s d a y s 9 : 1 5 a m To join click HERE

Adoration Fridays 10:00—11:00am Via ZOOM: click HERE

Sunday School via ZOOM

S u n d a y s 9 : 3 0 - 1 0 : 2 5 a m Link provided on registration

Livestream Mass S u n d a y s 1 0 : 3 0 a m

To join click HERE or dial in: +61 3 7018 2005 Meeting ID: 839 7546 5759