MASSES: Weekends: Saturday: 9:00 am, 6:00 pm (vigil), Sunday: 9:00 am (Italian), 10:30 am Weekdays: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:30 am.

ADORATION: Every Friday 9am-4pm Please Note: Adoration will resume Friday 6 March 2020.

BAPTISMS: Sundays at 11:30 am.

CONFESSIONS: Saturdays following the 9:00 am Mass & half an hour before every Mass by request.

COMMUNION TO SICK: Wed, Thurs & Fri (Lay Ministers) ** In addition to visitation to the sick by lay ministers, Fr Simon is happy to visit any sick or housebound parishioners upon request.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 1st Friday of every month, the next one being Friday 6 March 2020 LIVING GOSPEL PRAYER GROUP (LGPG): Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.

ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Wednesdays at 9:00 am.

Home visits

If you would like Fr Simon to come for a visit and a chat, please let the parish office know.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: The parish office is attended by volunteer staff on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 5:00pm. You may contact the office at any time and leave a message when the office is unattended on 9470 2586 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Parish Bulletins Past and current Parish bulletins can be viewed online on the parish website:

www.straphaelswestpreston.org.au

Our Parish is committed to the

safety, wellbeing and dignity of all

children and vulnerable adults.

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

16 February 2020 (Year A)

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

“If your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees,

you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.”, Jesus tells His

disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel reading from St Matthew [5:17-37].

In the last two weeks we have spoken of Jesus as a light, and of

ourselves as faithful Christians being lights for the world. Being such

a light involves the living out of our faith in clear and practical ways.

This Sunday, as part of Jesus’ challenge to us, He calls us to go the

extra distance in order to demonstrate our faith in Him and its

practical effect in our lives. The scribes and Pharisees were obsessed

by external conformity with a multitude of little rules. But Jesus is

urging us to understand that the living out of our faith is far more than

that: it must go down to the deepest layers of our lives. That is very

demanding. To go to Mass every Sunday and to pray the Rosary every

day is a beautiful thing. But Jesus urges us beyond that, deeper than

that. For each of us it will involve searching our hearts and souls to

understand how we may do what Jesus asks. The important thing is to

try our best, being guided always by Jesus’ commandment of love,

love of God and love of neighbour.

Last Sunday sixth grade children of the parish made their commitment

to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. We look forward to

seeing these children at Mass in the weeks ahead. Bishop Terry Curtin

will administer the Sacrament on Saturday 21 March at 2:00pm and

4:00pm Masses. Please keep these children and their intentions in

your prayers.

This Saturday, 15 February, we have the joyful occasion of the

Nuptial Mass for the Marriage of Steven Simionato and Jessica

Hayward. We congratulate Steven and Jessica and pray for their

happiness.

On Saturday 22 February at 4:00pm I will meet with all the

parishioners going on our parish pilgrimage in May. May God’s

blessing be upon us in this endeavour.

With every prayer for God’s

richest blessings to be upon

you and your families.

Fr Simon Grainger

Pax et Gratia

Generous God, We give our thanks to you for the gifts you have given to us – our life, our family and friends – time, talents and material possessions. Above all we are grateful for the Father's unconditional love, for Jesus Christ our Savior and for the Holy Spirit who nourishes us with every spiritual gift. All we have comes from you. May we remember this always and rejoice in your generosity. Sustain us on our Christian journey, so that we may constantly renew our relationship with you and all people of our parish community. Grant us the strength and courage to become better followers of Jesus: to be disciples and to live the Christian Way of Life. Amen St Raphael healer and guide protect us.

Prayers before and after Mass

Guardian Angel Prayer and Prayer to St Michael

Fr Simon prays the Prayer to the Guardian Angel (Angel of

God) as part of his personal preparation for each Mass. He

also prays the Prayer to St Michael, which Pope Leo XIII

requested be said, when he returns to the sacristy at the

conclusion of each Mass. You might like to follow this

practice privately yourself. These prayers are as follows:

Angel of God (Prayer before Mass)

Angel of God, my guardian dear,

to whom God’s love commits me here,

ever this day (or night) be at my side,

to light, to guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael (Prayer after Mass)

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our

protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May

God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of

the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan

and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin

of souls. Amen. (Prayer cards can be found at the back of the church. Please take one)

Stewardship Reflection

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of

heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)

The scribes and Pharisees lived according to the letter of the law, and they used this to elevate themselves above the other people. Jesus is clear – it’s the love that you have in your heart that will get you to heaven. Simply following church rules out of obligation, not love, does not put you on the path to heaven. Attending Mass on Sunday and then gossiping about a fellow parishioner on the parking lot is an example of a modern day Pharisee.

THOUGHTS FROM POPE FRANCIS

Jesus Christ offers His mercy to those who endure distress

due to situations of frailty, suffering, and weakness. He

invites everyone to share in His life in order to experience

tender love.

† † † VOCATION VIEW:

God in his wisdom predestined our glory before the ages began. Some people he predestines to be priests or religious – might you be one of them? Listen to the call!

PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME

Saturday 6pm Mass

Eucharistic Ministers

Saturday 6pm Mass

Readers

15-Feb-20 Carol Hawkesford Oskar Harding

22-Feb-20 Felicity Hardy Paul Smith

29-Feb-20 Lucy Triulcio Kinga Harding

9am Italian Mass

Eucharistic Ministers

9am Italian Mass

Readers

16-Feb-20 Carmel Colosimo

Carmela Molinaro

Paola Di Palma

23-Feb-20 Felice Comito

Maria Bianchi-Rossi

Vince Colosimo

01-Mar-20 Bruna D'Alessandro

Carmela Molinaro

Anna Sisinni

10:30am Mass

Eucharistic Ministers

10:30am Mass

Readers

16-Feb-20 Bruna D'Alessandro

Nikki Daniele

Terri Crisafi

23-Feb-20 Jennifer Singam

Parker Maloney

Josephine Knight

01-Mar-20 Fatima Barros

Maria Gaggiano

Wendy Robertson

CHURCH CLEANING: Maria Lamberti’s Team 3 LAWN MOWING: Team 3: 21 March WE PRAY FOR:

Those who are Sick & Dying that they may find meaning in their

suffering.

We pray especially for:

Giuseppina, Cabrini, Paola, Dorothy, Peter, Sebastiana, Maria, Vincenza, Vittorio, Jean, Loraine, Kristian, Isabella, Pasquale, Wendy, Giuseppe, Paul, Tony, Mary, Carmel For all who have died, especially those we love:

RECENTLY DECEASED:

Concetta Carmela Sanciolo (Rosary Mon 17/2 at 7pm, Requiem Mass Tues 18/2 at 10:30am) ANNIVERSARIES: Josephine Ellias (Sat 15/2 at 6pm) Teodora Trovarelli (1month. Sun 16/2 at 10:30am) Vincenza Morabito (2nd Anniv. Sun 16/2 at 9:00am) Luciano Pighin (12th Anniv. Sun 16/2 at 10:30am) Giuseppe Trombi (2nd Anniv. Tues 18/2) Rosa Melfi (1 Month Thurs 20/2 at 7pm.)

…that they may share in the resurrection of Jesus.

LAST WEEKEND'S COLLECTION:

Thanksgiving: $1,009

Presbytery: $715

Many thanks to all our contributors

FEAST DAYS OF THE WEEK

Monday 17th February 2020

The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

Tuesday 18th February 2020

(Blessed Fra Angelico)

Friday 21st February 2020

St Peter Damian

Saturday 22nd February 2020

Chair of St Peter, Apostle

† † † Envelopes for requests for Masses to be offered for deceased loved ones Please find at the back of the Church, envelopes for your use when requesting a Mass to be offered for deceased/unwell family members. Envelopes may be placed in the collection baskets.

A REMINDER…The donation box for the decoration of our altar is at the rear of the church. Many thanks for those who contribute.

PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME

CatholicCare Bushfire Recovery Appeal The Bushfire Recovery Appeal 2020 is a partnership between CatholicCare, the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sale. In response to the devastating bushfires in East Gippsland, CatholicCare is establishing a Bushfire Community Recovery Service. This service will support families and communities for three years. This project will need compassionate support, so our parish will be accepting your donations next weekend. Please give generously to stand in solidarity with families and communities for the long term.

Wedding at St Raphael’s We congratulate

Steven Simionato and Jessica Hayward for their wedding here at St Raphael’s Church on

Saturday 15 February at 2:30pm

Parish Pilgrimage - May 2020

Meeting: Saturday 22 February at 4:00pm

FR Simon would like to meet with all those who have booked to go on the Parish Pilgrimage this coming May. We will meet in the Church at 4:00pm on Saturday 22 February. Fr Simon will answer any questions you may have and will run through the revised itinerary for the pilgrimage. If you cannot attend this meeting please let Fr Simon know so that he can arrange another time to meet with you

ASH WEDNESDAY This year Ash Wednesday will be on 26 February.

Masses will be held in St Raphael’s Church at 8:30am,

9:30am and 6:00pm

† † †

☺ ☺ SHARE A JOKE ☺ ☺

PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME

Deacon James Baptist

Our Parish is very blessed to have Deacon James Baptist come to do his final placement with us in our Parish in anticipation of his ordination to the priesthood later in 2020. James comes from a Sri Lankan background and grew up in Bentleigh. He is aged 28 and enjoys basketball, baseball and soccer. He will be assisting Fr Simon in all the sacramental activities of our parish and will be preaching Homilies at the English language Masses. If parishioners would like Deacon James to come for a home visit, for a chat, for a coffee or a meal they should contact the Parish office and leave your name and phone number. Deacon James will be very closely involved with our parish school in the preparation of grade 6 children for the sacrament of Confirmation through to the Confirmation Mass on Saturday 21 March 2020. He will assist Fr Simon with the Easter Liturgies in April and the Parish pilgrimage in May. Deacon James will be joining our Parish pilgrimage and will be accompanying back to Australia the group who are returning to Melbourne immediately from the Holy Land while Fr Simon goes on with a smaller group to Rome and Medugorje. Let us all join in giving Deacon James Baptist a very sincere and warm welcome to our beloved parish.

† † †

Northern Central Young Adult Group: "True North" Youth Group Launch Party ‘True North’ is a new initiative to unite young Catholics from the central north of

Melbourne. Join the youth of our parish and represent St. Raphael’s as we engage

with other young people at this fun launch! Food and drinks provided.

When: Sunday 16th February – 6.30pm-8pm

Where: St. Ambrose Community Centre –

259 Sydney Rd., Brunswick VIC 3056

Age: 18-35

Please contact Deacon James for more information:

james.baptist@cam.org.au

RISE: HOME AWAITS – Youth Festival 2020

Calling all young people! Have you ever had questions about your faith that needed to be answered? Well, this Catholic youth festival may be just what you’ve been looking for. RISE is a popular youth festival designed to inspire and encourage young Catholics. Packed with awesome guest speakers (Fr. Rob Galea, Justine Cumbo, Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli), live music, workshops and prayer sessions, this Melbourne-based festival is just the thing to set your faith on fire. When: Saturday 21st March 2020, 10am-6pm Where: Emmaus College – 503 Springvale Rd., Vermont South VIC 3133 Age: 3 Age Streams

▪ Yr 7 – 8 ▪ Yr 9 – 11 ▪ Young Adults (Yr 12 – Age 25)

Please contact Deacon James for registry information: james.baptist@cam.org.au Or visit the RISE website:www.risemelbourne.com

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND

Invest in your most precious asset......Your Marriage! Married couples, come and learn how to keep/rekindle the passion in your relationship and how to keep your love growing! The weekend is based around Catholic values but couples of all faiths are welcome.

Next weekend is on 17–19 April 2020 in Melbourne

Other weekends on 17-19 July and 13-15 November 2020

Starts 7pm on Friday. Ends 5pm Sunday. Accommodation and

all meals provided. Information/Bookings: Phone Mercy & James 0409 183 676 or Email: vicbookings@wwme.org.au Website: wwme.org.au

PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN

HOME

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A warm welcome to new parishioners to St Raphael’s

Please let us know that you have joined our community and

if there is anything we can do for you.

Are you new to our Parish? ____

Need Thanksgiving envelopes? ____

Pease complete the details below and place in the collection

plate at Mass or send to the Parish office.

Name: ___________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________

Address: ___________________________________

To existing parishioners: if you would like to contribute on a regular basis using the envelopes, please complete the above. Thank you.

PENITENTIAL ACT I confess to almighty God

and to you, my brothers and sisters,

that I have greatly sinned,

in my thoughts and in my words,

in what I have done and in what I have

failed to do,

And, striking their breast, they say:

through my fault,

through my fault,

through my most grievous fault;

therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-

Virgin,

all the Angels and Saints,

and you, my brothers and sisters,

to pray for me to the Lord our God.

THE GLORIA

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you,

we bless you,

we adore you,

we glorify you,

we give you thanks for your great glory,

Lord God, heavenly King,

O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the

Father,

you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us;

you take away the sins of the world,

receive our prayer;

you are seated at the right hand of the

Father,

have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

FIRST READING

Ecclesiasticus 15:16-21 If you wish, you can keep the

commandments,

to behave faithfully is within your power.

He has set fire and water before you;

put out your hand to whichever you prefer.

Man has life and death before him;

whichever a man likes better will be given

him.

For vast is the wisdom of the Lord;

he is almighty and all-seeing.

His eyes are on those who fear him,

he notes every action of man.

He never commanded anyone to be

godless,

he has given no one permission to sin.

The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 118(119):1-2, 4-5,17-18,33-34

The Response is: Happy are they who follow the law of the

Lord!

They are happy whose life is blameless,

who follow God’s law!

They are happy who do his will,

seeking him with all their hearts.

Happy are they who follow the law of the

Lord!

You have laid down your precepts

to be obeyed with care.

May my footsteps be firm

to obey your statutes.

Happy are they who follow the law of the

Lord!

Bless your servant and I shall live

and obey your word.

Open my eyes that I may see

the wonders of your law.

Happy are they who follow the law of the

Lord!

Teach me the demands of your statutes

and I will keep them to the end.

Train me to observe your law,

to keep it with my heart.

Happy are they who follow the law of the

Lord!

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 We have a wisdom to offer those who

have reached maturity: not a philosophy of

our age, it is true, still less of the masters

of our age, which are coming to their end.

The hidden wisdom of God which we

teach in our mysteries is the wisdom that

God predestined to be for our glory before

the ages began. It is a wisdom that none of

the masters of this age have ever known,

or they would not have crucified the Lord

of Glory; we teach what scripture calls:

the things that no eye has seen and no ear

has heard, things beyond the mind of man,

all that God has prepared for those who

love him.

These are the very things that God has

revealed to us through the Spirit, for the

Spirit reaches the depths of everything,

even the depths of God.

The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God.

Please stand for the Gospel Acclamation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

cf Matthew 11:25

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven

and earth;

you have revealed to little ones the

mysteries of the kingdom.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matthew 5:20-22, 27-28,33-34,37

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I tell you, if

your virtue goes no deeper than that of the

scribes and Pharisees, you will never get

into the kingdom of heaven.

‘You have learnt how it was said to our

ancestors: You must not kill; and if

anyone does kill he must answer for it

before the court. But I say this to you:

anyone who is angry with his brother will

answer for it before the court.

‘You have learnt how it was said: You

must not commit adultery. But I say this to

you: if a man looks at a woman lustfully,

he has already committed adultery with

her in his heart.

‘Again, you have learnt how it was said to

our ancestors: You must not break your

oath, but must fulfil your oaths to the

Lord. But I say this to you: do not swear at

all. All you need say is “Yes” if you mean

yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more

than this comes from the evil one.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus

Christ.

PROFESSION OF FAITH APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God, / the Father almighty,

/ Creator of heaven and earth, / and in

Jesus Christ, his only Son, our lord, /

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

/ born of the Virgin Mary, / suffered

under Pontius Pilate, / was crucified,

died and was buried; / he descended

into hell; / on the third day he rose

again from the dead; / he ascended

into heaven, / and is seated at the right

hand of God the Father almighty; /

from there he will come to judge the

living and the dead. / I believe in the

Holy Spirit, / the holy catholic Church,

/ the communion of saints, / the

forgiveness of sins, / the resurrection

of the body, / and life everlasting.

Amen.

RESPONSE TO PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL: Lord, hear our prayer.

THE MEMORIAL

ACCLAMATION

Save us, Saviour of the world, for by

your Cross and Resurrection you have

set us free.