This year at Sts Peter and Paul, we are all called to ‘Let Your Light Shine”

Assumption

In reading the scriptures, we note that Mary perseveres in faith throughout her life. She gathers with the apostles for prayer even after her son’s ascension (see Acts 1:14). Thus, the New Testament presents a clear portrait of Mary as the first and preeminent disciple of Christ, who hears the word of God and keeps it in her heart.

Since one of the blessings promised to all faithful disciples is victory over death, it is fitting that Mary, who is the first and model disciple of Christ, would be the first to receive this blessing. Catholics thus believe that the privilege of resurrection promised to all faithful Christians was given first to Mary and in a totally unique way.

While the rest of us hope to have our bodies raised to glory at the end of time, Mary experienced the resurrection and glorification of her body at the moment her earthly life ended. Thus, her assumption—which flows from her unique participation in Christ’s victory as the mother of the Saviour and as the first and most faithful of Christ’s followers—anticipates to some degree our own share in the fullness of that victory if we persevere as followers of Christ. (Edward Sri, Franciscan Spirit Media)

On Monday next week, we will gather in the Hall to celebrate Mass in honour of the Assumption of Our Lady. Many thanks to Year 5 and 1W who will be contributing to the Mass and enhancing our Liturgy with a beautiful Song, ‘Mary our Mother’.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

Who is eligible?

Children in Year 4 or above who celebrated their First Reconciliation may be enrolled in the Parish’s Family-Based Sacramental Program for First Eucharist. 

The enrolment form and associated fee must be received ASAP. Enrolment can be done online using Qkr! App

To enrol online:

Access or download the Qkr! app. 

Tap on ‘North Woden Transfiguration Parish’

Tap Sacrament of First Eucharist (second option)

Complete the form and make your online payment.

The requested offering per family is $40. This helps to defray the cost of a workbook, commemorative certificate, memorial gift and administrative costs.  If you have difficulty meeting the offering, please contact Fr John for a confidential discussion.

Hosting a Family Group

The program is dependent on the generosity of some parents to host or to co-host a family group. A ‘Host Nomination’ form is enclosed for your consideration. The role of a host is not difficult, with session notes provided. 

All hosts must have, or have applied for, a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card.  There is no cost involved in applying for a WWVP card for volunteers.  Further information as to how to apply for a WWVP card is found on the ‘Host Nomination’ form. 

What does the program involve?

The program includes:

• Four family group meetings for parents and children following the Introduction Night.
• Presentation Mass. Each family to attend one of the following:  Saturday 27 August 6pm or Sunday 28 August 9.30am at Holy Trinity Church, Curtin.

This is the link to the homegroups sheet. Please add your child to a group once you have registered. If there is no group that suits your family, please consider hosting a group.

Celebration of First Eucharist

You will need to nominate a weekend Mass (Sat. 6pm, Sun. 9.30am or Sun. 5.30pm) on the weekend of 17-18 September for the celebration.  There will be a limited number of seats available for candidates, their families and guests, mindful of the need to accommodate other parishioners at each of these Masses.

Please click here to nominate your child for a Mass.

What next?

If you would like your child to celebrate First Eucharist this year, you must register via the Qkr! App ASAP.  Meanwhile, enquiries can be directed to the Parish Office (6281 3999 / wodennorth@cg.org.au ).

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C

Gospel Reflection

This week’s gospel passage carries with it the expectation of the late 1st Century as the early Christians awaited the triumphant return of the Christ (sometimes called the Second Coming or the Parousia). This is a familiar theme through the gospels and, in fact, across the gospels we can see that the communities were beginning to face the realisation that the promised return was taking longer than they had expected. In the gospel of Mark, it is clear that the community expects the Parousia at any moment, while by the time of the writing of the gospel of Luke, 10 or 15 years later, we can see that the language has taken on an aspect of uncertainty about the timing – it could be sooner or it could be later (‘It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third…’).

What began to emerge was an attitude that if we don’t know when the Parousia will come, then we need to live ‘in anticipation’ of it. We need to live as if the Parousia were imminent. So, rather than waiting for the kingdom of God to be delivered, we must live our lives in such a way as to bring about the kingdom; to draw the kingdom into the present. Jesus often spoke of the kingdom as both near and not yet. If we all live the values of the kingdom, by our very actions we bring the kingdom into being. This gives an incredible significance to the way we choose to live our lives. If we ‘invest’ in the kingdom by living out the values of the kingdom and living in expectation of the Parousia, then that ‘investment’ is its own reward.

(Reflection by Greg Sunter)

Have a blessed week,

Stephanie Burns

Religious Education Coordinator