STEPPING INTO SPRING - Parish of Laverton
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STEPPING INTO SPRING
Dear Friends,
As they say, “spring has sprung.” We find ourselves still under lockdown and restrictions imposed, unable to
gather as a community and celebrate the Sacraments, but we are continually being called to be a people of
hope.
As we enter this season of new life, I would like to share a reflection, the latest in parish news and news of
interest from the Archdiocese and our Local Community.
Reflection
Recently I was part of an online reflection day with the Staff from Emmanuel College and I would like to share
some of that with you. In preparing this reflection, I felt a sense of hope return and that there is light at the end of
this pandemic.
The reflection was titled: 2020 a Season of HOPE not despair.
I based my reflection on three phrases from the Book of Ecclesiastes: A time to be born, a time to build up and a
time to laugh.
The Book of Ecclesiastes invites us to see life as a mosaic made up of small pieces of human experiences
common to us all, but lived uniquely by each one of us. The book of Ecclesiastes calls us to understand the
mystery of life with its ups and downs.
A TIME TO BE BORN
Ecclesiastes reminds us what happens here and now is my responsibility, what happens tomorrow is my legacy.
All of us have had our lives challenged by Covid 19, both personally and professionally.
This pandemic has had an impact on how I have lived my life as a priest, having lost that daily contact with my
community, which is essential to who I am as a priest. I could sit and wallow in that fact or have the courage to
see who I am in new light. I needed to allow that spark for life to be reborn in me.
I asked the staff to reflect on these four questions. You might take some time to do the same.
1. What do I live for?
2. How has this time changed how I live?
3. What has been positive in those changes?
4. How might you make those positive changes a part of your life once we are free of the impact this
pandemic has had on your daily life?
Holy Trinity catholic parish is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children, young people and vulnerable adults
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A TIME TO BUILD UP
When we see children playing with Lego, building a tower, often one of the children knocks it down. There may
be some tears, but soon they are forgotten and a new tower is being built, often bigger and better than before.
A time to build up is a statement we might consider at this time when we see so much being dismantled around
us. Like a coin that has two sides so does building, there is the pulling down, but there is also the rebuilding.
The questions on everyone’s lips during this time.
1. When will these restrictions end?
2. When will a vaccine be found?
3. When will I be able to travel and see my family interstate or overseas?
4. When will I be able to go back to work?
They are all valid questions.
Time changes nothing, people do. The Berlin wall did not just fall down, people dismantled it so as to build
something new. What we want for tomorrow we have to begin today. That is what building up is all about.
I asked the staff to reflect on the following questions: You might like to do the same.
1. In this time of change, have you discovered some things that you are prepared to let go of, to rebuild a
renewed life?
2. What and who can help us rebuild confidence, joy and hope in the lives of our families and community?
A TIME TO LAUGH
To everything, there is a season and sometimes it is a season for laughter. Laughter is healthy when we are able
to laugh at ourselves. Laughter liberates and uplifts. When laughter comes into life, nothing is impossible;
nothing is too difficult, nothing can defeat us.
I would like to quote from Joan Chittister:
“laughter is the atrium to wisdom.
To the one who laughs, life is good, the world is good, and goodness is the ground on which we walk.
Finally, laughter enables us to live in a highly structured world without falling prey to the manacles of the
mind that blind our eyes and cement the heart.”
I asked the staff to reflect on the following questions: You might like to do the same.
1. What usually makes you laugh?
2. What has made you laugh during this lockdown?
3. What prevents you from laughing?
4. How can you overcome those things that prevent you from laughing?
2020 has not been a good year for the community of the world, the community of our families and our parish
community. In the midst of this we are called to be a people of hope, we are called to reflect on how we will
rebuild our lives, a rebuilding with hope.
I concluded the reflection with the following video clip. It is worth a look. https://youtu.be/kbJcQYVtZMo.
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Parish News
Sue Sherman
It was with sadness that we said farewell to Sue Sherman our Parish Manage. Sue died on Tuesday 18th August
after a short battle with cancer. Sue has worked in the Parish office for well over 20 years and coordinated many
Parish activities including: Baptisms, the Parish Thanksgiving program, Sunday masses, and of course, the day
to day running of the Parish. Sue and her family have lived in Altona Meadows and have been a part of our
Parish for over 30 years and was always a friendly and welcoming face to all. Sue will be remembered for her
kindness, and generosity of her time and talents
I have been eternally grateful for Sue’s support, guidance and motherly advice. Two of Sue’s reminders to me
were: “are you having your day off” and” have you have had your flu shot.” I will certainly miss her presence and
expertise in the parish office. May she rest in peace
St Martin de Porres
Work continues on the refurbishment of St Martin’s Church. The new toilets are now finished. See pictures
below.
Work is almost complete on replacing the roof. Often when you begin work of this kind you find things hidden or
left behind. We did not find any money but rather a hand drill left in the cavity of the roof. The builder has also
discovered power cables running over the timber beams with the old roof resting on them and some termite
damage. Work has been done to rectify these issues. I thank the Finance Committee for their support in this
much needed maintenance and all also Steve Ristevski from Australian Building & Property for overseeing the
work.
If anyone would like to make a contribution towards the new roof please either contact Fr John or drop your
donation off at the Parish Office. The next stage of the refurbishment will be survey work for new drainage and
the resurfacing of the small carpark.
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During the month of October, parishioners would normally gather at Queen of Peace Church to pray the rosary.
Current restrictions prevent us from gathering. To keep this tradition alive I invite you to pray the rosary at 7pm
each night, so that collectively across the parish we are united in prayer. If you are unable to pray at that time
choose another time during the day to pray the Rosary.
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Canonization of
St Mary Mac Killop
October 17th 2020 marks the 10th Anniversary of the canonization of St Mary Mac Killop. This is a historical
moment in the life of our Church here in Australia; this anniversary invites us to Take fresh Courage.
I invite us on 17th October to stop and give thanks for the faith and courage of St Mary Mac Killop by pausing to
pray the following prayer.
Mary MacKillop join us
in our gratitude on this
10th anniversary of your canonisation.
Be with us
in this time of crisis in our world as we gather fresh courage around us for working in God’s healing mission.
Keep us participating
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as a people of the gospel engaging with our neighbours for the good of all and serving with Christ in our common
home.
Holy Spirit strengthen us. Amen
Some words from Sister Monica Cavanagh rsj to reflect upon
There are moments in the life of a nation that shape its history and its future. Mary Mac Killop’s canonization is
such a moment. Never before in its history has one of its citizens been honoured as a saint of the universal
Church.
Mary’s canonization challenges people to see in every human person the potential of life. It challenges one to
find the sacred in the secular, to believe that opening one’s heart to the spiritual dimension of life can lead one
into the fullness of one’s humanity. It challenges one to rediscover the message of the gospel in the heart of the
Church. It challenges one to respect the dignity of all, regardless of race, colour or creed. It challenges one to be
ever attentive to the movements of God’s spirit in the world of our times. It is timely reminder to all Australian’s
that genuine goodness holds the potential to allow others to experience the compassionate face of God.
St Mary of the Cross Pray for us
Rosary Beads to celebrate this important occasion in the life of our Church.
In celebration, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) Australia is proud to have commissioned a commemorative set
of Rosary Beads. All proceeds from the sale of these beads will directly support needy religious sisters around
the world who - like Mary Mac Killop - continue to take care of all people in so many ways. Commemorative Saint
Mary Mac Killop Rosary Beads are designed and handmade in Italy by the Ghirelli family who have been
producing stunning rosaries for over thirty years, including the official rosaries for the last three Popes. This set
features Mary Mac Killop as the central medal with her name and canonisation date on the reverse side. The Our
Father medals are specially designed showing Our Lady, St Joseph, the Sacred Heart and Mary Mac Killop’s
words ‘Trust in God’. The crucifix is intricate, emphasising the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The commemorative
rosary beads will be available from the parish office, call in or phone to reserve your set of rosary beads at a cost
of $30.00.
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In the coming weeks the next set of Stewardship Envelopes will be posted
to you. If you do not receive them, please contact the Parish Office. I thank you for your ongoing and generous
support during these times that can be challenging financially for you and your family.
Due to the unique restrictions currently in place, and understanding the circumstances and ensuing difficulties
many of our Parishioners are themselves experiencing, on behalf of our St Vincent de Paul Society Conference I
would like to advise that our “Adopt a Family” with a Christmas Hamper will be going ahead later this year.
We understand that many in our parish are doing it extremely tough.
In past years, we have relied on the ongoing generosity of our students and parishioners to sponsor a family
Christmas Hamper. Circumstances are very different this year for everyone, especially those who call on St
Vincent de Paul for assistance.
This year, because we are not at all sure, when we be able to return to any kind of normalcy, it is proposed that
we distributed the family hamper envelopes in each of our five schools during term four. You will still be able to
select the family size you would like to support if you are able to. Hampers should then be returned to the same
school. Dates for these activities are still to be determined; however we will advise specific dates via Fr John’s
Sunday recording as well as notification from each school.
The families, who receive these hampers, are in real need and all have children, for whom Christmas would be
very dismal without your individual commitment to provide the Christmas goodies. I cannot think of a more
rewarding image than knowing in your own mind that you helped these children to have a real Christmas
celebration enjoying all the little extra’s that their families can’t possibly buy for themselves.
This advance notice is to assure you that despite the difficulties, we are still supporting families in our parish and
after such a difficult year for many of our students, believe it is most important to let them know that they have
not been forgotten.
Please stay tuned for announcement details via Fr John’s video masses, as and when we can work around
whatever restrictions remain in place.
This early notice is intended to accommodate a more considered and suitable collection of items for the hampers
over as long a period as possible. Thank you so much for planning to adopt a family this year in such uniquely
difficult trying times, your generosity will surely have many beneficial blessings showered upon you and your
family. A small quantity of envelopes will be available via the parish office for those who do not have children at
one of our schools.
Yours in Faith
Angie Boyd
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFERENCE
The celebration of the Sacraments
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Baptism: it is still unclear when we will be able to resume the celebration of Baptisms. For those parents who
have had their child’s baptism postponed due to COVID 19 Franca our Baptism Coordinator will be in contact
once we know we can resume celebrating Baptisms to book in a suitable date.
Reconciliation: once our Grade 3 children return to school the Principals in each of our schools and Fr John will
discern if time allows all our schools to celebrate this sacrament. If the celebration is not possible, Reconciliation
will be celebrated in 2021 along with First Eucharist and Confirmation.
Safeguarding young children and vulnerable adults
It is important that every parishioner is up to date with the latest in regards Parish and Archdiocesan policies and
procedures regarding keeping young children and vulnerable adults safe. Please check our parish webpage for
policies and updates.
From our School Communities
Religious Education at Lumen Christi during Remote Learning in Term 3
During Term 3 at Lumen Christi, the teachers have continued to deliver the intended curriculum in Religious
Education. They have provided many creative and engaging opportunities for their students and families to
continue to develop, strengthen and nurture their faith. PREP- The students have been learning about different
Bible Stories. These included, Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath and Jesus in the temple. After learning about each
story, the students were asked to retell these in a variety of ways which included, roll play, puppet shows and
comic strips.
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SPOONSVILLE
People around the world are turning spoons into people and characters to live in Spoonville. Children decorate
spoons and start their own spoon village – called Spoonville, or add them to an existing one in a location people
can see on their daily walks. It started in England and is now in Melbourne, Australia! The idea is to help children
and even adults in the community stay positive during lockdown by seeing Spoonville's populations grow.
To celebrate our school’s feast day, the Queenship of Mary we created our own Spoonsville village. Children
created spoons into images of Mary and placed them in front of our statue of Mary. Children who are onsite are
excited to make the spoons and show their parents. Children who are home are most welcome to make their own
Mary spoons and place them in our Mary Spoonville Garden while out walking.
Environmental Scientists - Project inspired for action (PIFA): Children chose an action you are passionate
about that will benefit the wellbeing of our planet! Key Understanding for Discovery: Every action has a cause
and effect. Below are two examples of the children’s reflections on this topic.
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Do not get in the way of judgement, because you are you and you adjust it,
For the bullies coming, pushing you down, just because your skin is brown.
You stand up for someone else, but you stand down because of yourself,
But you have your main courage inside there, so go to bullies and face them with dare.
Don’t have any friends, don’t worry, time never ends,
Be patient, be patient, you are never ancient.
You are unique from all the people in the world, remember face bullies, don’t get curled,
Stand up for one, stand up for two, remember, you are you!
By Harshita Yr 6 - Stella Maris
In term 4, we have continued to plan, meet, and participate in professional learning online, and present our
teaching by remote and flexible learning. Our participation in prayer times, the presentations of Religious
Education sessions and the celebration of liturgies has been challenging but we have been able to provide
engaging activities and experiences for our school community.
Beginning in Term 3, our overarching concept for Religious Education was “Church and Community”. We
explored the Catholic Church as a community made up of people from many cultures and groups, just as our
school community recognises many faiths and many cultures. Our students responded to and showed an
understanding of the Gospel message of Jesus, through which we learn of God’s love for His People, and how
we should live and grow together as people of faith, hope and love.
Through our RE topics, during the second half of the term, the students learnt about “Forgiveness and Healing”.
One of the scripture stories they explored was the parable of “The Forgiving Father / Prodigal Son” (Luke15: 11-
24). The story, told by Jesus, tells of God’s mercy and forgiveness
.
On the Friday, prior to Father’s Day, we celebrated a Prayer Liturgy acknowledging all our fathers, grandfathers
and special male friends in our lives. Although we are not able to meet and pray together, we composed a liturgy
and photo display and invited our students, families, and Fr. John to contribute and help us with the celebration.
Families were able to view the recorded presentation on our School Community site. We thank Fr John for
remotely blessing all the fathers, grandfathers and special male friends during our liturgy.
Dear Parishioners
As we reflect on our experiences during the pandemic, everyone has a number of stories of hardship, frustration
and sometimes a little anger at being locked down, unable to move about the community as we once did, or indeed
not being able to celebrate mass with our fellow parishioners. A very difficult time indeed!
Schools have also been in very difficult and trying circumstances too during most of 2020. Term one was cut short
by a week as the onset of COVID-19 started to wreak havoc in our community.. We found ourselves working
remotely during the second term, which started well with teachers and students keen to have a go at learning from
home; it was a little bit of a novelty. Schools were closed, teachers worked from home, students worked from home
and meetings were held online. A very 21st century approach!
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During the later stages of term two we were able to bring our junior students back to school - it was lovely to see
them again after having them in remote learning for about six weeks. Our senior students came back about three
weeks later and had face-to-face school for the last three weeks of the term.
Third term saw ten weeks of remote learning Most of our students have not been back at school since the end of
June! By the time they return in term four, they will have been away for a total of 15 weeks!
Teachers choose the profession they are in because they love working with children and seeing them progress
through their primary school years until they reach grade six and head off to secondary school for the next big
stage in their lives. Having empty classrooms and no teachers about the school just isn’t an appealing way to run
a community enterprise. Teachers at SMOC have been very active in providing all students with their normal
Reading, Writing and Mathematics lessons as well as Art, Music, Japanese and Physical Education. Teachers and
Learning Support officers are also conducting reading groups and social groups with children and our Wellbeing
Leader continues to work with children who are finding it difficult to be away from school and their friends.
The COVID-19 shutdown has brought to life the creativity in many people. Transferring face-to-face lessons into
digital online lessons is quite difficult but our teachers have come to the fore, putting their technology skills to use
and preparing their lessons for a remote audience.
We began term three with a ‘Trick Shot” Challenge, where all children had to film themselves doing a trick shot. To
kick this challenge off, the staff put together a video of trick shots so the students had a good idea of what they
had to do.
Later in term three, we launched the SMOC Great Lego challenge for the junior school. A challenge where students
had to build a Lego creation based on the theme “Our Wonderful World”. There were many fantastic creations that
were submitted during this challenge. The senior students get their opportunity in term four.
We look forward to our junior students returning to school in week two of term four. We anticipate the middle and
senior students will return some time after that. Early in term four our middle and senior students will be taking part
in a virtual camp during. Virtual camping has to replace live school camps during 2020.
Term four will also see our school celebrate the tenth anniversary of the canonisation of Mary MacKillop. Mary was
canonised in Rome in October 2020 and we hope to have all of our students back at school to celebrate her tenth
anniversary.
As I reflect on our terms of remote learning, I often wonder what Mary would have made of students working from
home with their parents as their tutors, and their teachers working with them from their own homes. I wonder if this
is a small glimpse of education in the future!
Leon Colla
The “Wall of Crosses” collected from around the world
10 | P a g eArchdiocesan News
Changes in the Governance of our Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne
From the beginning of 2021 governance, arrangements for schools owned by the Archdiocese and its parishes
will change. A new company - called Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) will take responsibility
for governing and operating the schools. The Archbishop will be the head of the new company
The leadership and involvement of the parish priest and priests formally associated with secondary colleges
established by parishes is and remains fundamental. It is critical to ensure the school is faithful to its Catholic life
and identity. Catholic schooling is a key ministry of the parish and the parish priest retains responsibility for the
processes of evangelisation and faith education, which are undertaken in his parish.
The new governance arrangements need to be in place by 1 January 2021 to meet Victorian Government
legislative obligations. These include a requirement for organisations providing services to children to be
appropriately insured and incorporated. The changes also fulfil the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
(ACBC) acceptance of Recommendation 16.6 from the Royal Commission for parish priests not to be the
employer for principals and teachers in Catholic schools.
The new governance arrangements seek to ensure Archdiocesan schools continue to deliver outstanding
educational outcomes and remain places to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his
transforming love and truth.
The Duties and Responsibilities of Parish Priests
Catholic education remains of foremost and fundamental importance to the life of the parish.
From 1 January 2021, parish priests will continue to have a significant role in relation to Catholic schools
governed by MACS. This is particularly important in relation to:
• Faith education, sacramental life and pastoral care;
• Parish’s good name and key school appointments; and
• Ongoing custodianship of school land and buildings.
A key role for the parish priest and priests formally associated with secondary colleges established by parishes,
is to support the school in its distinctive Catholic identity, spirituality and life.
11 | P a g eA Letter from Archbishop Peter A Comensoli
16 September 2020
To the People and Clergy of the Archdiocese of Melbourne
Dear friends in Christ,
As we now welcome the beginnings of easing in COVID-19 Restrictions in Victoria, I would like to take this
opportunity to write to you, the Clergy and people of our Archdiocese. It is great news that regional Victoria will,
from tonight, move into the Third Step of the Roadmap to reopening, which includes our parishes located outside
the metropolitan zone. However, we have a long way to go.
The deprivation in sacramental life has been a profound loss for our people. As well as all the other sufferings of
the Pandemic, the sense of estrangement from the Eucharist has been a particular struggle for Catholics. The
Mass is our primary means of gathering together in faith; it is the source and summit of our Christian life, and its
life-giving nourishment and healing is dearly missed.
In the midst of this loss, I am grateful to our Priests and Deacons for continuing to serve the faithful, for sharing a
sacramental ministry even under strict conditions, and for being alongside our people and their loved ones in
times of death and grief. Thank you for your faithfulness.
All of us are anxious to open church doors, but I want to emphasise our need to be creative in the ways we do
so, especially with the thousands of children who have been waiting for Sacraments of Initiation. Countless
Catholic families are awaiting Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation for their children.
Adults, too, have longed to be received into the life of the Church. We shall be exploring possibilities such as
outdoor liturgies in parish and school settings to facilitate these crucial events of grace and welcome.
Throughout the pandemic, I have been advocating directly with the Government, reminding authorities
continually of our respectful compliance with each stage of restrictions, and seeking a fair consideration in what
is permitted. The Catholic community throughout the pandemic hasbeen constructive and positive. We have, and
continue to act in a mature way, caring for the safety and vulnerability of Victorians facing great risk.
Thankfully the signs of driving down COVID numbers are looking good at this moment and Catholics join other
people of faith in giving thanks for this outcome and working to ensure the steps ahead do not take us backward.
Now, it is essential that the Government does not treat faith communities as an afterthought to the opening up of
other sectors. Our churches are locations for communities of care and essential service, and must be treated
fairly and reasonably.
Practically speaking, I have been in discussion with the Premier to thank him for overturning the restriction on
spiritual ministry to the sick and the dying, and have assured him that the Catholic Church is able to manage
restrictions (including good hygiene, face coverings, social distancing and density requirements). If pubs and
restaurants can open, then places of worship should be open under similar conditions and numbers.
If case numbers track well, I expect we will see larger outdoor gatherings in regional Victoria become possible
over the next few weeks, and proportionate opportunities for gathering in metropolitan Melbourne. I am hopeful
that this may occur sometime in October, which would be a deeply welcomed improvement on the current
Roadmap indications. If we can open our churches, even for outdoor gatherings, then we should open them.
12 | P a g eThe Deputy Premier and the Multicultural Affairs Minister are conducting discussions this month through the
Multifaith Leaders Forum. The Archdiocese will be contributing to these meetings. In addition I will continue to
engage with the Premier and Ministers directly on the Church’s need for opening doors, carefully and safely.
Be assured of my ongoing closeness in prayer and concern. I have heard your cry, and I am working to bring
your voice to the authorities. The Lord has promised he will be with us always; let us place our hope in Him.
With every grace and blessing, I remain,
Yours sincerely in Christ Jesus,
Most Rev Peter A Comensoli
Archbishop of Melbourne
Local News
Joseph’s Corner
Non-profit organisation, Joseph’s Corner, provides free counselling and support for families and friends of those
living with alcohol and drug challenges. During the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID 19), sessions are run by
phone or FaceTime, online via Zoom or WhatsApp. The organisation also holds free online courses for dealing
with anxiety from COVID-19, stress relief and improving self-esteem. For information about upcoming courses or
for support, please visit www.josephscorner.org.au or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Merrijig
In these challenging times, Council is here to support the entire community. Hobson Bay Community Has Heart
mobilises community initiatives, expertise and goodwill through outreach and promotion. It is a community led
recovery program that will provide volunteer opportunities for members to connect and contribute to COVID 19
relief for people in need.
As part of this initiative, Community Connector has been developed. At no cost, this service provided one to one
assistance to link people who are isolated or need additional support with local networks and agencies that can
help with practical needs and social activities. Trained Council Staff can help connect you with services who can
help with:
Food hampers, pet food
Medications, nappies
Access to cleaning supplies and masks
Counselling, mental health and domestic violence support
Aged care, family services, library services
Social activities, employment and training information
COVID-19 information in your own language
If you would like some help, we would love to hear from you. Connect with us via phone on 1300 179 944 or visit
www.hobsonbay.vic.gov.au/HobsonBayCommunityhasheart
13 | P a g eA Final message from Fr John
Thank you for reading this latest newsletter. Along with Joseph’s Corner and the Council support previously,
mention please do not hesitate to contact us here at the parish office 9396 6877 if you are in need of any
support.
As I write this newsletter, we await the news from the Premier about the easing of restrictions. This second
lockdown has been more of a challenge than the first. I certainly have struggled this time. Even though we have
not been able to gather physically I am conscious that our parish community that continues to gather as domestic
churches linked together by our faith. Our webpage has the latest news and daily reflections.
As a parish community, we continue to hold each other in our prayers, mindful of those parishioners who are sick
and in hospital, and those who have died.
I am looking forward to when we can finally gather, as a community in prayer and fellowship, until that time, keep
safe, keep well, be people of prayer and know that I think of you and pray for you each morning. I conclude with
a contemporary version of the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a prayer we can pray during the month of
October.
Blessings
Fr John
A Modern Litany to Mary
Mary, wellspring of peace, be our guide.
Model of strength, be our guide.
Model of gentleness, be our guide.
Model of trust, be our guide.
Model of courage, be our guide.
Model of patience, be our guide.
Model of risk, be our guide.
Model of openness, be our guide.
Model of perseverance, be our guide.
Seeker of God's will, lead us to life.
Witness to Christ's resurrection, lead us to life.
Woman of mercy, empower us.
Woman of faith, empower us.
Woman of contemplation, empower us.
Woman of vision, empower us.
Woman of wisdom and understanding, empower us.
Woman of grace and truth, empower us.
Women, pregnant with hope, empower us.
Woman, centred in God, empower us.
Mary, Queen of Peace, we entrust our lives to you. Shelter us from war, hatred, oppression. Teach us to live in
peace. Inspire us to act justly, to revere all God has made. Root peace firmly in our hearts and in the world.
Amen.
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