the - st. annes

What’s InsIDENotes from fr. BeNNeth

AroUND the PArIsh

PArIsh GALLerY

WhY ChrIstmAs hAmPers

A sPIrItUAL JoUrNeY

2018 sACrAmeNt reCIPIeNts

THEHoly Family

THE MAGAZINE OF ST ANNE’S PARISH : SEAFORd, FRANkSTON NORTH, CARRuM dOwNS, SkyE ANd SANdHuRST

ISSUE 01 - 2018

St. Anne’s ParishA thriving and growing community

THE HOLY FAMILY MAGAZINE2

AROUND THE PARISH

Notes from fr. BeNNeth As 2018 draws to a close, we can spend some time reflecting on all that has taken place and all that we have achieved as a faith community of St. Anne’s Seaford Parish.

This year began with the departure of our able Parish Priest: Fr John (we thank him for his sacrifice and contribution towards the growth of our parish) and my arrival in January. I was welcomed and accepted and I felt at home as I journeyed the year with you all.

A CLoser LooK At the PArIsh CommUNItYAs we journeyed, we have marked with prayer and gratitude, the passing of some of our parishioners this past year and this too is an important aspect of our task in bringing the love and mercy of God into people’s lives and commending their lives to the Lord. We have also welcomed new families and others into our parish, through the Sacraments of Initiation.

Our celebration of the Church ceremonies and seasons has also enriched us and equipped us to carry on in our mission to our neighbours and friends around us.

As I look back this past year, I can most certainly say with joy that I have been truly

blessed to be with kind, loving, generous and wonderful people like you. The staff and many volunteers are just absolutely gracious with their times and talents. Our enthusiastic children from our schools brings life to our parish.

I hope that in some way or the other I have helped you to come to know and experience the love of Jesus for you, as you have done for me. I pray that each one of us will in the coming years, flourish under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and continue in various capacities to bring the love and mercy of Jesus to all in our community, under the powerful patronage of St Anne.

As we look forward to the coming year with joy and expectations, we pray for the grace to carry on and cope with whatever challenge the Lord will place before as a parish. The birth of this, our parish magazine is an avenue of bringing our memories and stories together.

Thanks to Annette White, Javie D’Souza, other contributors and all those who made this magazine a possibility. Once again thank you all from the heart.

And I wish you and your families the inner Joy of Emmanuel - God is with us.

st. ANNe’s PArIsh PrAYerWe the people of Seaford parish strive to be followers of Jesus by being a welcoming inclusive and supportive community in which the talents of all can grow and in which we live out our faith through word, sacrament and action. May the holy family St. Anne and St. Joachim inspire and intercede for us that we may be followers of Jesus. Amen.

edItor's NoteHello everybody,

My name is Angel Cuerpo and I am the editor of this years parish magazine. Ever since moving to the Frankston area when I was in primary school I have attended St. Anne's Parish for mass. I have even completed my sacrement of Confirmation at St. Anne's Parish.

Since entering university studying under a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Media and Communication Studies I felt that I should give back to St. Anne's Parish. As a result, I decided to volunteer as the editor for the magazine.

st. ANNe’s PArIshParish Priest: Fr Benneth Osuagwu

Parish secretary: Mrs Annette White

Parish office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am -3pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm and Saturdays 10am-12pm

Closed Monday and Wednesday

Phone: (03) 9785 2580

mobile: 0403 718 624 (emergency contact only)

email: [email protected]

Please visit the Parish website at www.stannes.com.au

editorial team: Angel Cuerpo, Annette White, Javie D’Souza

Graphic design: Javie D’Souza

THEHoly Family

AROUND THE PARISH

THE HOLY FAMILY MAGAZINE 3

the LeGIoN of mArY (Lom).The Legion of Mary is an association of dedicated Catholics serving under Mary, our Mother and Queen. It is the largest organisation of lay people involved in apostolic works in the Catholic Church founded by Frank Duff in Ireland in 1932.

The object of the Legion is the sanctification of its members by prayer and active apostolic work in union with Mary and the Holy Spirit. Members meet weekly around an altar of Our Lady to pray the Rosary and Legion prayers, plan and discuss good works. All works must be approved by our Parish Priest. Meetings are held 5pm Fridays at the parish meeting room and you are welcome to come and have a look.Some examples of work are• Visitingthesickandlonely• Teachingcatechismtochildren

and adults• Hospitalandnursinghome

visitation – transporting sick and elderly to Mass

by Allan Sleddon

oUr LoGo IN 2011In 2011, our resident graphic design artist, Brett Hicks from OzEye, designed a new, and current logo, for our parish which depicts the Holy Family—St. Anne & St. Joachim.The logo signifies that although geographically we come from several suburbs—Seaford, Frankston North, Carrum Downs, Skye and Sandhurst—as a parish we come together in prayer each weekend to form our very own holy family—our parish family.

hIstorICAL tImeLINe

1960

1962

1963

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1973

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1981

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1987

1992

2007

2009

2011

2012

st. Anne’s hall• Commenced 3rd March

holy family hall • Opening/Blessing15th December

st. Anne’s Presbytery• Built

st. Anne’s school• Commenced

st. Anne’s school• Extensions

st. Anne’s school• Extensions new wingst Anne’s Church• Council approval to buildst. Joachim’s school• Land bought

st. Anne’s Church• 1st Mass held on Easter

Sunday 11th AprilOpening/Blessing 25th July

st Anne’s Church• Consecration Ceremony –

our new Altar and Lectern 19th September

st. Anne’s Church• Officially recognised as a

building of distinction on the National Register of Historic Buildings January

st Anne’s Church• New Parish Centre

Built and opened

st. Anne’s hall• Opening/Blessing

28th October

st. Anne’s Parish• Established

• Introduction of Mass in English

holy family hall • Extension completed

st. Anne’s school• Opened with

grades 2&3 (60 students) 6th February

holy family• House Built

st. Anne’s Church• Commenced 21st May

st. Joachim’s school• Built and opened

st. Anne’s Church • Refurbishment

1st September

New Parish logo• Designed by Brett

Hicks, December

st. ANNe’s PArIsh PrIests

Fr Ronald Merrick 1964-1972

Fr Dennis White 1973-1976

Fr Des Magennis 1977-1984

Fr Peter Conroy 1985-1994

Fr Joseph O’Shea 1995-2004

Fr Alan Fox 2005

Fr John Madden 2006-2017

Fr Benneth Osuagwu 2018 onwards

ChILdreN’s LItUrGYWe are delighted to have begun Children’s Liturgy sessions each Sunday during the 10am mass. Children are invited to join an educator, in our designated area off the foyer, during the Liturgy of the Word. It gives the children the opportunity to listen to the message in the Scriptures using language that they understand. Children explore the message and reflect on how they can live this out in their everyday lives.

We have 2 long serving parishioners and 2 staff from our primary school who rotate through a monthly roster to provide this great experience for our children. All children are welcome to join the Children’s Liturgy when attending the 10am mass.

Annabelle Brown, Zeeta Andrew and Rikki Winduss


AROUND THE PARISH

LAdY of VeLANKANNI festIVALThe Indian Catholic Community in our parish startedourLadyofVelankannifestivalthis year with the guidance of our parish priest Fr. Benneth. From the 29th of August to the 7th of September, we started with the rosary and novena prayer every night and were blessed to have a holy mass led by Fr. Benneth. During the nine days of novena, we encouraged our children to participate in saying the rosary and to sing hymns.

On the final day of the novena, we had a chariotprocessionofourLadyofVelankanniaround the parish which was then followed by dinner to celebrate our Lady of Good Health. We’d like to thank Fr. Benneth for his time and leading us during the novena. Next year we’d like to invite all our parishioner to join and celebrate the festival and receive blessings from Our Lady of Good Health. Yours in Christ

John

st. Anne’s BingoFor over 20 years, weekly bingo sessions at the Carrum Gardens Bingo Centre have generated much more than a valued source of revenue for St. Anne’s Parish. From humble beginnings at Holy Family Church in the Pines, the commitment of many parish volunteers and bingo patrons has contributed to the ongoing and convivial Monday night event.

The success and longevity of St. Anne’s bingo can be accredited, in part, to the tireless fundraising efforts of the late Marion Meahan. Due to health concerns Marion eventually retired from supervising the weekly bingo sessions but continued to work behind the scenes in an administrative capacity. Marion’s offsider, and now successor, Lindy Syrett has volunteered for the parish since her now grown son was a young student at St. Joachim’s primary school. Lindy continues to provide a friendly face and exemplary service to all who patronise St. Anne’s bingo.

She is well supported on Monday nights by two very capable and dedicated ladies, TraceyandNicole.CompetentadministrativesupportisnowprovidedbyVickiAbbatangelo, whose contribution is also recognised and much appreciated. Integral to any bingo session is a confident bingo caller. Whilst bingo may have ventured into the technological era, the familiar and human voice of Lesley Kennedy has called out every number from “Kelly’s Eye Number 1” to “Top of the Shop 90” most Monday nights for over 20 years on behalf of St. Anne’s. The continuance of St. Anne’s bingo also relies on the security and support of the Bingo Centre itself. St. Anne’s has progressively developed and maintained a secure and amiable relationship with management.

The Centre provides patrons with all the necessary amenities to guarantee a safe and comfortable night out with friends and/or family. A canteen facility serves up delicious hot and cold foods at reasonable prices, with hot jam donuts being a long-standing favourite! Most importantly, St Anne’s acknowledges and thanks all patrons whose attendance over the years has contributed to the continuance of it’s bingo sessions.

Whilst patronage may have waned since its heyday, there remains many stalwart supporters who have played bingo almost every Monday night for over 20 years and continue to attend rain, hail or shine! There appears to be a slight resurgence in bingo with many new faces in attendance. St Anne’s warmly invites and welcomes all newcomers.

St. ANNE’S BINgO SESSIONS ARE HELD EvERy MONDAy NIgHt, EyES DOwN At 7.00 PM (FINISH tIME 9.45 PM) At tHE CARRuM gARDENS BINgO CENtRE, 554-556 FrAnkSTOn DANDENONg ROAD, CARRuM DOwNS.

frANKstoN fILIPINo seNIors sUPPort GroUP INC.The FFSSG group was established in August 2011 with 70 members at the start. We meet every second Wednesday of the month between 11am - 3pm in the Holy Family Church Hall with the kind permission of our St. Anne’s parish priest Father Benneth.

Frankston Filipino Sensiors Support Group Inc (FFSSG) strengthens the local community by providing support and a range of health activities to seniors and other socially, emotionally, physically and financially disadvantaged members of the community through outings, dances, and other recreational activities - lunches, public performances, line dancing, Zumba etc. The group enhances overall health and well being, a sense of pride within the Filipino community and an increase in social inclusion and self-esteem. The group visits the frail and elderly citizens in our community and entertains them with our cultural dances and songs.

Come and visit this fun-loving group and learn a bit of our culture at the same time. Call grace - 0409 192 390 for more info

AROUND THE PARISH


seaford housing Action Coalition (shAC)

The Seaford Housing Action Coalition (SHAC) originated in 2014 from six ‘social justice committee’ gatherings held at St Anne’s. Using the Joseph Cardijn (YCW) ‘See Judge Act’ method, we noticed what was happening in our neighbourhood, including the sudden onset of rooming houses in Frankston, and people sleeping on the beach. Everyone we spoke with who had been sleeping in cars had been assaulted or robbed. After being joined by the Seaford Community Committee, the MtElizaStVincentdePaulSociety,andresidents of the Seaford Beach Cabin Park, we adopted the name SHAC.

We have spent much time attending meetings and inviting speakers to teach us about the daunting issue of homelessness. Most of our work has been advocacy: asking election candidates their position on housing, and preparing submissions to government and council inquiries.

A highlight was organising the public meeting at the Seaford Community Centre that saved the homes of 120 people at the Seaford Beach Cabin Park. We also stepped into the breach left by the closure of Frankston CityLife Church, taking over a weekly meals program for 12 months. While most of our advocacy has been specifically targeted, some has emanated from our own observations, notably “Sleepless in Seaford” (2017), which is still being considered by Councils and professional agencies.

Frankston Council has recently invited us to present our ideas for crisis housing on surplus government land in Overton Road.

We are now working up a proposal on the cabin park model.

In June Melbourne Catholic featured a story on SHAC: wwwmelbournecatholic.org.au/ MC/2018/mc-201807/6/ . We have also been invited by Catholic Social ServicesVictoriatopresentatits‘APlaceto Call Home Parish Forum’ at Elwood on 24th October.

We have learnt many things. Firstly, that ‘hanging-in there’ – faithfully attending meetings even when nothing much seems to be happening – seems to engender trust and eventually credibility in the wider community. Secondly, meeting people who are homeless has helped us understand Pope Francis’ call to engage real people before taking on abstract notions of justice. And thirdly, it has been a privilege and education to work for the common good with non-Catholic people of good heart andcommitment,asenvisagedbyVatican2.

Most of all, it has been enriching to have tried to respond to Jesus’ question: ‘And who is my neighbour?’ We hope in the future to involve more parishioners in ‘hands-on’ projects, such as supporting tenants of the Overton Road cabin park if that project gets off the ground.

David Moloney

seAford PArIsh

YoUth GroUPSince starting in July 2017, the Seaford Parish Youth Group (SPYG) has been bringing students together across schools and year levels within the Seaford Parish community. Providing opportunities for those in Grades 4-8 to make new friends, have fun and be active in a safe and friendly environment.

We gather every second Saturday, from 4:15pm -5:45pm at the St. Anne’s School Hall, for group activities, challenges and games. We have done a range of special sessions, from Mother’s and Father’s day cooking and craft, to Christmas and Easter bonanzas and even an ongoing End of Term Movie Night.

Both John Paul College graduates of 2016, we are a small group of dedicated, energetic and friendly young adults, who are eager to positively influence the youth of our parish and community. For more details and any questions, please visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/ seafordyouth.

Rachel and Lauren Gibbs


3

PARISH GALLERy

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10PARISH GALLERy

1. Easter Night vigil 2. Parishioner Alice Feeney celebrates her

98th birthday3. the Altar for good Friday service4. Blessing of teachers by Father Benneth5. Father Benneth with Father Raffaele Rossi 6. Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations7. Commitment Mass for the children going

to receive their sacraments

8. Father with the RCIA candidates9. Our Lady of Fatima at St. Anne’s Church10. First Holy Communication mass11. Confirmation mass12. Our Lady gate of Heaven Presidium

- St. Anne’s Junior Legion13. Saint Anne’s Choir14. tim Staples - talk at St Anne’s Church

15. Parishioners with Father Benneth and Bishop Peter Elliott

16. Holy Family Church - North Frankston mass attendants

17. Father Benneth with Father John at a parishioners 25th wedding anniversary celebration

18. golden Jubilee Mass - Fr Des Magennis who built St. Anne’s Church, Bishop Elliott and Father Benneth

the YeAr IN PICtUres

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AROUND THE PARISH

Tim and I arrived at the next house on our listofStAnne’sVinniesChristmastoydeliveries, and walked up the driveway, toy in hand. I knocked on the door and a little boy, about 3 years of age, ran up and said “Hi Mister”. I asked if mummy was home, just as a lady with four other children came to the door. We introduced ourselves and immediately apologised for only having one toy while clearly needing and promising to deliver four more. The lady came out side and whispered, “Thank you for the toys but would you have any food as I can’t feed my kids over Christmas”

God works in strange ways! Just before we began our toy deliveries, Carol rang me to say that a lady had made up two large Christmas hampers and would I pick them up and give them to someone. Yes! We had just picked them up and had the hampers on the back seat of my car when we visited the lady with the four children.

“Hey! Kids can you come and help me get a big box of goodies from the car?” I said to the lady and children in front of me, which they did. While the lady burst into tears and gave us a huge hug of thanks. I simply said: “Tim we need to do this every year”

So for the past 7 years or so, as a sub-committeeofSt.Anne’sVinnies,withthesupport of St. Joachim’s school grocery

drive, where each child/family at the school brings an item for the hampers. St. Anne’s school lapathon, which has been a great success.PlusVinniesprovidinga$30Woolies Essential cards for fresh food items, parishioners, local businesses (esp Bunnings) and Frankston Council Community Grants, a small committee have, through our Christmas in July raffle (generously supported by parishioners – thank you), sausage sizzles at Bunnings Carrum Downs, raisedapprox.$3,000peryeartochaseupgrocery specials at the supermarkets to buy/sort/pack and deliver over 150 twin bag hampers each year to local families. If you have contacts with supermarkets, whole food outlets, wish to donate (receipt supplied), we would welcome your support.

Thank you so much to my wonderful, understanding, hard working committee friends.

xoxoxo

For more information please contact: Peter Vyverberg Mob: 0432 120 704 Email: [email protected]

fILIPINo CommUNItY IN st. ANNe’s PArIsh seAfordThe year 1992 saw the humble beginnings of the monthly Filipino mass at the Holy Family Church (Frankston North) and the yearly May Flower Offerings to our Lady, theVirginMarywhichwecall“FloresdeMayo”. Monthly mass is celebrated by a Filipino priest - the chaplain of the Filipino CommunityofMelbourne,Victoria.

The small group of 20 people in 1992 has now grown to 100 plus. The community hosts and celebrates many different activities - the Adoration of the Infant Jesus (Santo Nino), Feast of Divine Mercy, Couples for Christ, Prayer and Life Workshop, Public Rosary etc. Every December Panuluyan is celebrated which is a re-enactment of Jesus’ birth and is staged before the mass. The community also supports the maintenance of the Holy Family church with services like mowing of the lawn, fencing, fixing toilets, painting the building etc.

To date we are a very active and supportive community in St. Anne’s Parish.

by Ana Templin

fAmILY rosArY GroUPA few families started a Rosary Group in August this year. Every Friday they gather in one of the houses to pray the Rosary together. We thank Fr. Benneth for starting this group and joining us for the prayer

by Anabelle Brown

Why Christmas Hampers?

By PEtER vyvERBERg

For the past 7 years or so, as a sub-committee of St. Anne’s each child/family at the school brings an item for the hampers which has been a great success.

AROUND THE PARISH


Being Parish Secretary

In 2009 I completed the RCIA program with a group of lovely ladies and received all my Sacraments including being baptised. I finally felt a sense of belonging here at St. Anne’s Parish by becoming Catholic, along with a group of friends who still now look out for and support each other. As part of completing our Sacraments we were asked to contribute back to the Parish by taking on a Ministry, and at that time I began helping to prepare church decorations with Rosie VyverbergandherteamwheneverIcould.By assisting during the especially busy times of Easter and Christmas I had a chance to observe many parishioners also serving in various ways to make our Church look its best for these special Masses. It deepened my faith to be able to reflect on the importance and uniqueness of each liturgical season and how we represent this in our Parish through the colours, the decorations and the music to enhance the Word of God.

I have been now working at the Parish part-time since 2016, firstly administrating and liaising with the Parish Project sub-committees, then on the Child Safety Standards and other administration as needed, before serving as Parish Secretary. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the contribution of Carol Fleming for her past work as Parish Manager and for

training me in what is a varied and sometimes a quite demanding and complex role. Her best advice was that there was only so much she would be able to teach me, and the rest I would only learn by doing. How true that has been. My role here as Parish Secretary varies from day to day and, over time, I am truly humbled by the stories that you share with us whether it is exciting news such as trips away or about your children and grandchildren’s achievements. And then there are the days where families are in need or loved ones have been called home to God.

Some days all we can do is be there to listen.

There have been so many features introduced to our Parish during 2018. The beautiful tree at the front of the Church which was planted a long time ago is a symbol of strength and promise of new life and growth each spring. The Parish “seeds” being sown now by Fr. Benneth through new liturgical groups, choirs, committees and social

groups will also, with time, bring forth more benefits for our Parish. We are blessed to have Fr. Benneth who is a modest, generous and visionary person working for the benefit of us all here in our Parish.

By ANNEttE wHItE

My role here as Parish Secretary varies from day to day and, over time, I am truly humbled by the stories that you share with us.

BRIEF ItINERARy dAY 1—wed 20/2—Meet at Melbourne International AirportdAY 2—thu 21/2—Arrive Amman

dAY 3—Fri 22/2—visit PetradAY 4—Sat 23/2—visit Jordan—Israel

dAY 5—Sun 24/2—Sea of galileedAY 6—Mon 25/2—galilee

dAY 7—tue 26/2—Mt. Carmel / Coastal Plain / Bethlehem

dAY 8—wed 27/2—BethlehemdAY 9—thu 28/2—BethlehemdAY 10—Fri 1/3—Dead SeadAY 11—Sat 2/3—JerusalemdAY 12—Sun 3/3—JerusalemdAY 13—Mon 4/3—Jordan—DeparturedAY 14—tues 5/3—Arrive Melbourne

JOURNEY OF FAITH TO THE HOLY LANDwItH FR. BENNEtH 20tH FEBRuARy—5tH MARCH 2019Join me on a journey of faith to Jerusalem walking the same path Jesus did 2,000 years ago.

CheCK the fLYer for more INformAtIoN (COPIES ARE IN tHE FOyER).

A dePosIt of $500 Is reqUIred ANd PAYmeNts CAN

Be mAde oN A moNthLY BAsIs.

Contact shereen on 9547 7598 or 0421 114 724 or Allan 9792 4444.


AROUND THE PARISH

fAther BeNNeth osUAGwU

Mass of InstallationFather Benneth Osuagwu was installed as our new Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Parish in Seaford at a special Installation Mass held on Saturday 16th June 2018. Archbishop Denis J Hart DD, the Archbishop of Melbourne celebrated the Mass for our parish.

In attendance as con-celebrants were also Rev. Fr. Giang Tran and Fr. Neil Fryer, with Archbishop Raffaele Rossi acting as our Organist for the evening.

After the ceremony we continued our celebrations of this special evening by sharing a magnificent supper provided by our parishioners.

st. ANNe’s PArIsh fINANCe CommIttee

st. ANNe’s PArIsh ProJeCts CommIttee

Amanda walkerA mother of three young children, Amanda is a long time dedicated parishioner of St Anne’s. A CPA with over 15 years experience in the Funds Management industry, she is very pleased to be a member of the Parish Finance committee.

Jeff BrownA member of our parish since 1998. Jeff & Annabelle were married at St. Anne’s Parish. He has been running his own business for 15 years and is happy to be on the Parish Finance committee.

Brian quirkBrian and Val moved to St. Anne’s Parish approximately 16 years ago. Because of his previous experience as a Manager/Accountant he was pleased to accept Father Benneth’s invitation to join the Parish Finance committee.

Julie swansonPart of the Seaford Parish since 1972, Julie has volunteered in the disability sector and worked in the areas of administration and bookkeeping performing these tasks at St. Anne’s and St. Joachim’s Schools.

Peter VyerbergMarried to Rosie for 41yrs and enjoying 4 children, Peter has been part of St. Anne’s Parish for nearly 30 years. All 4 of his children attended St Anne’s School. He has worked as a teacher, trainer & business partner.

tracey ParkerTracey Parker, a long time parishioner and parent of children at St. Joachim’s School, is a member of our committee who will be liaising with us and the local council.

robert fernandesOver the last 13 years. Robert has supported the Parish by assisting on Funding & Finance Committees, Thanksgiving campaigns, Fundraising activities and Parish events. He also ran the Parish Men’s Club for a number of years.

25 Peninsula Boulevard, Seaford, VIC 3198. Tel. No. (03) 9786 8188. email: [email protected]. Mobile No. 0411 982 448

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tHE HOLy FAMILy MAgAZINE 11

I have never had to search for, or find God; I have always felt his presence in my life. This may have been because my mother is Catholic and brought me up with the sacraments and regular church attendance when I was young. Although our family wasn’t a strict Catholic one (my father is Anglican), my mother constantly reminded us of Catholic traditions such as reciting the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, The Rosary, taking us to church at Easter and Christmas, as well as several Sundays during the year, and also recognising some of the patron saints. My mother would tell us St Christopher is the patron Saint of Travel, St Francis the Patron Saint of animals and St Anthony the patron Saint

My Spiritual JourneyBy BREtt HICkS

I have never been evangelical, as I think everyone has to find their own way in this world, yet it hasn’t stopped me from living a life by example.

It Is my profound joy In the gratItude of god’s presence In my lIfe that drIves me to be a devout catholIc today.

of lost objects etc. Recognition of the Saints and the channeling of the Holy Spirit actually helped me to pray, especially in the case of St Anthony (who I have as my confirmation name). I experienced on many occasions, when I have prayed to St Anthony to help me recover a lost item of importance to me, I would find that lost item. In turn that would assist me in praying more. I was continually calling on God, Jesus and Mary to help me in my daily life; to help me be happy, to keep my friends and family healthy and safe, to give me the ability to be successful in my tasks and most of all, to say Thank You.

It is my profound joy in the gratitude of God’s presence in my life that drives me to

be a devout Catholic today. I wasn’t always a committed Catholic, though I never strayed far from God’s path, it was later in my life that I vowed to be a catholic worthy of God’s grace. Having completed high school, University, establishing a successful career, finding and marrying my soul mate, Leanne, and generally feeling good about my life I felt I could no longer taking any of this for granted. That is what drove me back then to devote myself to Christianity and that is what drives me now: extreme gratitude.

I have never been evangelical, as I think everyone has to find their own way in this world, yet it hasn’t stopped me from living a life by example. My wife and I have raised our children, Shayla and Braydan, Catholic and they have been blessed through the sacraments. We always say grace before dinner in a practice of gratitude and prayer. We give to good causes and perform regular good deeds to assist those in our community. We also attend mass on a regular basis and contribute to the well-being of our church.

We thank God, Jesus, Mary, the Saints, Angels and Apostles for all the good they have done for us and everyone else. Our spirits are rich in kindness and hope because of their presence in our life. Being Catholic for me in particular was never about finding God, because he is with each and every one of us all the time, but being thankful with all our heart and soul for the grace and goodness that has been provided to us through the Holy Spirit. It is the source of all our happiness and joy.

Thank you.

REFLECTION

CHURCH MINISTRIES

BANKING When we retired from the Carrum Newsagency in 2004, I left a lifetime of business. My family was brought up in the Pakenham Hotel, which was built in 1918 by our great grand parents. After I married the local “Bank Teller” and worked in the hotel. Two children later moved to the Walwa Hotel, a beautiful spot betwen Albury and Corryong on the Murray River. Next was the East Preston Newsagency.

Two more children later, we finally moved to Carrum. The house in Seaford ‘over the road’ from the beach was with its own tennis court won us over. 28 years later, it was time to give it away. An inspired Carol suggested I do the banking. What a great job. I felt I could do it and have enjoyed it ever since. It’s simple enough, a half day every week, a report of all the different payments, bag it up ready for the bank (throw in a bit of a tidy up of the candles) and I’m done. And no you can’t have this job IT’S MINE!

Margaret Batey

ALtAr serVING One of the great privileges I have been able to participate in over the past seven years is being an Altar Server at Saint Anne’s Parish. I first wanted to become an Altar Server after seeing my brother serve before me. As soon as I completed my First Holy Eucharist, I signed my name up straight away, and it has been on of the best decisions I have made.

Serving at Saint Anne’s has given me the opportunity to become involved in the Parish in a way that would otherwise not have been available to me. It has brought me closer, and connected me more to other parishioners, other Altar Servers, and most importantly, my faith. It is an opportunity that I would strongly recommend all children of the Parish to become more involved in.

Ruairi Doherty

BeING A sACrIstAN As a child, I was blessed with religious parents, who encouraged me to live my religion every day and in all that I did. Receiving our sacraments and going to mass regularly became part of our lives. They prayed with us every day, taught us to say the rosary and to thank God for all our blessings. They also encouraged us to participate in mass such as singing in the choir and alter serving.

Now, as an adult I still look for ways to be involved with the church and to serve God and as a parent, to set an example for my children. So, I was happy when my son wanted to be an Altar server. I could not have asked for better role models for him than Lauren and Rachel. Every week they served with such reverence and commitment. Sunday morning mass became the start to our week and as a Sacristan, I try to help towards the setting-up of Holy Mass.

I can honestly say, no matter what little job I can do, I feel truly blessed and honoured to be allowed to do it for such a warm and welcoming Parish.

Shane Reeve

Commenced on the 1st July 2008 operating out of the St Anne’s Primary School Hall, we have expanded our services to offer before, after and vacation care and we also cater for other Schools with the Seaford area operating our own bus service between Schools.

Our business has been built on the following philosophies in regards to the children in our care:• Webelievechildrenshouldbesupervisedina

welcomingandsafeenvironment.• Webelievechildrenofallagesshouldbegiventhe

sameopportunities.• Webelieveweshouldcaterforthechild’sindividual

age,stage,interestandneeds.

• Webelieveinprovidinganenvironmentthatextendscreativityandprovideschallengesforallagesisimportanttochildren.

• Webelievetheenvironmentshouldbewarm,positiveandgivethechildrenasenseofsecurity.

• Webelievethatchildrenshouldbeofferedavarietyofhealthyandnutritiousfoodoptions.

POBox8730CarrumDownsVIC3201|Telephone:0418329569

gREAt CARE, HEALtHy FOOD, BESt FuN

Feelfreetocontactmeon0418329569withany

queriesMoira Fernandez

Director

CHuRCH FINANCES

*as at 30th June 2018

eNd of fINANCIAL YeAr doNAtIoNs 2017-2018*

Dear Parishioners

As you are aware, we are planning for our Parish Project. We will provide further information regarding this to all our parishioners soon.

I would like to thank you for your ongoing financial support. This enables our parish to be able to pay for bills such as building maintenance, interest on loans, wages, Thanksgiving envelopes, heating, sacramental hosts and wine, emergencies, insurance, and church decorations such as flower and candles. Your financial support assists us greatly to be able to pay for these recurring costs.

Atpresentourloansstandat$198,993.484—ourrepaymentsare$79,680.00peryear,plustheinterestontheseataround$4,725.00annually.Theseoriginalloanswere$400,000fortheParishCentreand$288,251.00forthepurchaseofthePresbytery.Ourinsurancecurrentlycosts$14,584.00peryear.OurfinancialcontributiontotheArchdioceseis$16,990.00asper last calendar year.

Once again, I thank you for your contributions and your active support of our parish. I am grateful to see so many people and families continue to celebrate Mass together here at St. Anne’s. We are a thriving and spiritual community.

Yours sincerely,

Fr. Benneth Osuagwu - Parish Priest

Contact:Jeffery Brown

Ph: (03) 9791 4355 | Fax: (03) 9791 1381Email: [email protected]

18 - 20 Claredale Rd, Dandenong VIC 3175

AlphaPowder Coating

Alpha Powder Coating is known for its quality, services, reliability and quick turn around.

We deal with the building industry Commercial building, sheet metal, furniture, fencing, shop

fitting and many more.


SCHOOLS

St. Joachim’sCARRuM DOwNS | PrINCIPAL: PAuL DwyER

St. Joachim’s Catholic Parish Primary School opened in 1987 in the suburb of Carrum Downs, and is a vital part of St. Anne’s Parish in Seaford. It is a school that continues to flourish and its school population is approximately 310 students.

At St. Joachim’s Catholic Parish Primary School we recognise that we are living witnesses of God’s love. We strive to make

Jesus’ vision and mission central in our lives and encourage all within our school and parish community to live a spirit-filled life.

At St. Joachim’s we place a high priority on the excellent teaching of Literacy, Numeracy, and Religious Education, complemented by specialist classes in visual arts, performing arts, physical education and Italian. With a strong focus on student well being, St. Joachim’s School strives to develop every student to their full potential.

We are an extremely well-resourced school with a variety of large outdoor play areas, as well as a large indoor hall/gymnasium, library, computer lab, vegetable gardens and a beautiful chapel. We have interactive white boards in each classroom, as well as a 1 to 1 Chromebook program for Grades 3 to 6 students, and PC’s and iPads which are used throughout our great school to enhance and extend student learning. Come and see why our students and families love our school and why our school embodies our school motto of “Love and Unity.”

st. JoAChIm’s sChooL25 Broderick Road, Carrum Downs, 3201.

Phone: 9785 2633 Email: [email protected] website: www.saseaford.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mr. Paul Dwyer


SCHOOLS

St. Anne’sSEAFORD | PrINCIPAL: ROD SHAw

St. Anne’s has an excellent reputation as a provider of education in the Seaford area. At the centre of our school, and evident in all our interactions, is our Catholic faith. We have a focus on teaching Catholic scripture and reflect on how we can take the example Jesus provided to fully interact in the context of a contemporary world.

The school has developed, and continues to enhance, strong parish and community

connections. St Anne’s is a school where there is an expectation of engaged student learning. We provide for this through continual development and review of the teaching and learning programs offered which address the specific needs of all students.

St. Anne’s is a school where we provide contemporary approaches to learning so each and every one of our students can flourish. At St. Anne’s we have a very well connected community which enhances the learning environment for our students. Learning is viewed as a partnership between home and school with parents acknowledged as the first educators of their children. We implement well being programs that teach resilience and support the development of social skills.

The aim of our school is to prepare the next generation of community leaders who reminisce about the wonderful opportunities and joy they found in their time at St. Anne’s.

st. ANNe’s sChooL86-94 Austin Rd, Seaford vIC 3198.

Phone: 9786 4736 Email: [email protected] website: www.saseaford.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mr. rod Shaw

SACRAMENTS


“Whoever drinks the water that I give him, will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring which will provide him with life-giving water and give him eternal life.”

-JOHN 4: 1.4

the sACrAmeNt of

BaptismtoUChed BY GrACeBaptism is the first sacrament in the catholic faith, it has an importance that cannot be under-estimated - Jesus himself said ; go and be baptised every one of you and spread the gospel.

When we are presented at the font to receive the living waters and are anointed with the oils a most profound and significant change has happened to us - giving us new life in Christ because we are cleansed from original sin and become children of God.

Baptism is known as the journey because it initiates our start to the new life we have in Christ. On our journey we start equipped with all we need because we nave received God’s Spirit and been made partakers of the Spirit life and he has bestowed his grace on us.

BAPTISMS – 2018• Jovan Matheo Angel• Jude Oliver Macdonald• Charlie Aeley Cruz• Peityn Damman• Holly Jean Frost• Holly Stillman• Eloise Rose Crowle• georgia Mary woff• Emily kaia Mayhew• tyler Peter graham

Jones• Cora Jean Mckay• Jesse rodney Foster• Maggie Bullock• Spencer Luke kelly• tiana Louise

krishnamoorthy• keean Dominick Santos• Parker Christian Francis

Brown• Evie May Clough• Willow Jean Mowbray• Blair nadene rowles• Oliver Frank Johnson• Michaela Anne gardner• Olivia Marjorie Hicks• Teagan Alena Shaw• Dawson Smith• Louis Benjamin Mingot• James Duy vo• Nicholas Duy vo• Bridget Florence Taylor

• Austin nash• Fox Nash• Jake Robert Sullivan• Jasmine Mila Cardinale• Jaden Azhrielle Doria• Eve Marshall• Briana Mccormack• raith Preston• kayleigh Bridget rogan• Scarlett Imogen Alward• Sophia Isabelle Alward• Coco Mae Anthony• Samuel Michael Doran• Olivia Rose Hendry• Darcy James Smith• yuvingstan Arulraj• Davie Horler• Flynn keen

OLDER CHILDREN BAPTISMS

• Daniel Awakyr• Edward Burke• Lily Hannah Damman• Anthony Jack Pierson• Sally Anne Pierson

ADULT BAPTISMS

• Christie Anne Brown• Justin Dru Waldron

SACRAMENTS


Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.”

- JOHN 6:35

the sACrAmeNt of

The EucharistAs we prepared to receive the Eucharist for the first time, we had a lot of work to do so that we understood the importance of this Sacrament of Initiation. We made bread, read scripture, attended Masses and became familiar with different sacred objects and spaces within the church. It was when we created posters of introduction to the parishioners of St Martin’s and made signs for our reserved pews, that the excitement really began to grow.

We became familiar with the readings for our Masses and our assigned jobs and our parents bought beautiful outfits to make sure we looked as special as we felt. Receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus is a privilege open to anyone who wants to share in the mystery of Jesus’ sacrifice of love.

The word, “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving” in Greek so every time we receive the consecrated bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Christ, we thank God for giving His life for us. We are also grateful as we remember our priests, our teachers and of course, our families and friends who celebrate with us each time we receive Jesus in the Eucharist.

by Caitlyn, Andrew & Raphaella

FIRST EUCHARIST – 2018• Benjamin Ary• Isaac Ary• Joseph Bondarenko• Daniel Budge• Edward (ted) Delaney • grace Leitch• Lily Mealor• raphaella romer• nicholas Shanahan• Tessa Symonds• Joshua Talamelli• Abbey Tomlinson• Amy Winduss• Hayley winduss• James Bolt• Benjamin Carra• Marco Chaucer• Axel Cole• Eve Cutajar-Leo• Jack Famularo• Thomas Fraser

• Angel gallego• Danielle ganuelas• Leonie gregson• Celeste grimme• Pippa grimme• Oskar Le Huray• waihanea Makiri• Andrew Mille• Daniel O’Leary• Hannah Parker• Tara Perera• Maks Radosevic• Benjamin Ramsay • Caitlyn reeve• Estelle Roberts• Jacob Santos• Chanel Melchiorre• Ezekiel ukon

SACRAMENTS


the sACrAmeNt of

ConfirmationConfirmation is a sacrament of Initiation. When we received this sacrament from Bishop Curtin, various gifts within us were confirmed by the Holy Spirit. We took another step, a more adult one, towards becoming more involved in the Church. We accepted an invitation from God to recognize that the Holy Spirit wants to work within us and so we wore red sashes to show we are candidates ready to accept that duty.

At Baptism, our parents and godparents spoke on our behalf but now as more active members of the Church, we took responsibility for renewing our Baptismal Promises. As the day of our Confirmation drew nearer, we prepared thoroughly in order to understand the importance of this sacrament. We reflected, read scripture, attended Masses, researched the lives of saints we aspired to be more like, learnt about signs and symbols and visited nursing homes. It was important for us to spend time using the God-given gifts we already possess to work with others in the community. This helped us realise that our gifts are not to be buried but strengthened within us and used to help us reach out to others.

by Holly, Alex, Roma

“Prayer is the best armour we have, it is the key which opens the heart of God.”

- St. PADRE PIO

CONFIRMATIONS – 2018• Bradley Albano• Diana Bianca Albano• roma Alessio• Stephanie Arcaro• Olivia Arcaro• Johnnanton Arulraj• Emmanuel Awakyr• kai Baldwin• Xavier Bright• Zali Chapman• Angelina Chaucer• Brayden Cleland• Melanie Cochrane• Layla Cutajar-Leo• Janis D’Souza• Jack Fraser• Isabella gabriel• Jude katsianis• Chloe Paisley• yasmin Papadopoulos• Chantalle Paylado• Tanaya Perera• Blake Pick

• tayla Pick• guido Riquelme-garcia• Timena robati• Ezekiel Robati• raphaella römer• Alexander Rogers• Harry Sasikumar• Molly Schreenan• Jack Swannie• Elli Symonds• Alicia Taranto• Heath tenner• Duncan van Drie• Scott van Drie• Jemma weeks• Holly white • Bethany Whitehead• Chloe Winduss

ADULTS

• Millicent Merrifield• nicole newport-ryan

SACRAMENTS


oUr ‘ChrIstmAs CAKe LAdY’ In August 2018, we lost our much loved Judy Wardale to cancer. Our “Christmas Cake Lady” delighted us with her delectable cakes for her adopted village of Gokunte for whom she fundraised. It was indeed the only weekend of the year when everyone arrived early for Mass to ensure they didn’t miss out on a cake. May God always bless you Judy for the difference that you made to so many, not only in Gokunte, but also here in our parish for your friendship, your words of wisdom and the example that you set for us all with your truly charitable work.

by Bailey White

Wedding AnniversariesCongratulations to the following couples who were blessed during August and presented with certificates from the Life, Marriage & Family Office from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

• Joseph & Matilda Benedict• Ashley & Maryann Denetto• Jeff & Marilyn Harvey• terry & gabrielle Hore• Martin & novelle Morris

• val & Brian Quirk• rohan & Melonie

Rajaratnam• Allan & rosemary Sleddon

Funerals 2018• Anna Dervar• Maureen Farrell• Andrew Zadawzki• graham Francis Loadsman• John Lewis• Marie Honor Pierce• trevor Hales

• Felice Chaim• Barry Michael Fargher• Len Armistead• Terrance Joseph Mitchell• Judy Wallis• vivienne Higgs• Sally Jackson

the sACrAmeNt of

Reconciliation To receive reconciliation means to be forgiven for what you have done. When you give your forgiveness to others or they forgive you, you feel much better about yourself It may take a long time to admit that you have made a mistake and even longer to get the strength to say this to God. God wants us to say we’re sorry so we can acknowledge we’re not perfect. Why would this be important to God? It’s important because as our creator, He wants us to know that He is always by our side, no matter how often we make the wrong choices.

While preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation, we learnt the parable of The Forgiving Father. This taught us that regardless of the mistakes we make, God will still forgive us. He does this because He wants us to know that He will never leave us so even when we go to see the priest for Reconciliation, He already knows what we’ve done but is proud of us for admit-ting it and trying to improve. It’s as if God has a Resolution Book. He knows we are flawed and yet He loves us even though we are imperfect. When we receive forgiveness from the priest, together, we can go to God’s Resolution Book and find the answer to fix the problems we have created.

by Ezekiel, Georgia & Charlee

RECONCILIATIONS – 2018• Orlando Alessio• Chris rua Antony• Fina Antony• Chelsea gaile Aranas• Anthony Armstrong• Nevington Arulraj• Isabella Baguley• Samuel Balk• tahlia Beacroft• Aiden Breen• Marley Callaghan• gemma Cruise• georgia Diaz• Edel Dowling• Alexander Dowling• kenzi Lee Hepburn• Ruby Hewitt• Ava June keleher• vincenzo Lo Piccolo

• Charlie Lynch• Sydney Magdziarz• kassandra May Maher• Charlee Marks• Sarah McHugh• Charlie Mifsud• nyachoop Muot• Harley O’toole• Olivia Papadopoulos• Teresa klein Parrocho• Mason rust• Lily Ryan• Owen Sparks• Sahra thomas-Hoffman• Jayden Timmons• Rafael trias• Chelsea vriesen• thomas weeks

THEHoly Family

PArIsh offICe hoUrs tuesday and thursday 9am -3pm | Friday 9am-4.30pm and Saturdays 10am-12pm

Closed Monday and Wednesday

Phone: (03) 9785 2580 | mobile: 0403 718 624 (emergency contact only)email: [email protected]

Please visit the Parish website at www.stannes.com.au

THE MAGAZINE OF ST ANNE’S PARISH : SEAFORd, FRANkSTON NORTH, CARRuM dOwNS, SkyE ANd SANdHuRST

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