News and Announcements

5th February, 2023

Septuagesima Sunday

What does Pope Francis Really Think about Homosexuality and Sin? By Gavin Ashenden – Courtesy of the Catholic Herald

Obsequies for His Eminence, George, Cardinal Pell: In gratitude for His Eminence’s role in the establishment of the community that has become the Newman Parish, and in recognition of his long-standing support for the traditional Mass and for those Catholics adhering to it, we will celebrate the following liturgies at St Aloysius’ Caulfield North, for the repose of his soul:
• Friday 10th February, at 7.00 pm – Vespers for the Dead
• Saturday 11th February, at 9.00 am - Matins for the Dead (Cristóbal de Morales)
• Saturday 11th February, at 11.30 am – Solemn Requiem Mass (Cristóbal de Morales)

Instruction on Holy Mass: Fr Tattersall will continue his class on participation at Mass, with particular reference to the use of a hand missal, next Sunday 12th February. The class is held from 9.30 am – 10.00 am in the school hall. All are welcome.

Blessing of items: with the growth of the Parish, there is a significant increase in requests for the blessing of rosaries, medals, statues and other items. We are very happy to meet these requests, but it is often difficult to do so “on the spot”, as usually the prescribed form of blessing is lengthy. Those who wish to have items blessed are asked to ensure they are in a bag or box with the owner’s name and ‘phone number. Please give your items to a porter or sacristan (in preference to the priests). Items left on a Sunday can be collected the following Sunday, or otherwise by special arrangement.

Resumption of Children’s Catechesis/Catechists needed: the children’s catechism classes will recommence (at St Aloysius’ school hall) on Sunday, 12th February, after Solemn Mass. There will be an induction meeting for parents on the previous Sunday. All interested parents with children aged 3-16 (including those who have previously attended) are asked to attend this meeting after Solemn Mass on 5th February. Registrations will be completed at the end of the induction. It is important that children receive a continuous catechesis, and not just attend sacramental preparation. We also need additional catechists to keep pace with our growing Parish, and are calling for volunteers for this important work. Suitable candidates will know the Faith and the traditional Mass well, ideally have some experience with teaching or catechesis (although this is not essential) and must possess a current Victorian Working with Children Card. Please contact the Secretary by email if you would like to volunteer.

Details of Adult catechesis for 2023 will be published soon.

Children’s First Chants: We are now selling copies of Ronan Reilly’s Children’s First Chants in St John Henry’s bookstore. The book is a practical self-teaching book enabling children (7+) to learn simple Chant for Holy Mass and various well-known prayers. It contains a battery-operated piano keyboard and instructions on how to read and play a selection of Gregorian melodies. Translations of the Latin prayers are included in the appendix.

Direct learning – Classical Curriculum: we are delighted to announce that an important new educational initiative has been launched in Australia: Via Classica. This will have on line interactive classes in Latin, Music, Literature, Writing & Rhetoric, and Mathematics. Some study guides are also available. This will be an important new resource for home schooling families in 2023 and beyond. We congratulate Liz Matheson and her collaborators on this important work. For further information, and registration for classes in 2023, go to viaclassica.com.

Newspaper Opportunity: A group of parishioners is looking to start a monthly paper for Catholic university students. The group is currently seeking editors, writers and graphic designers. Applications should be sent to quovadis.paper@gmail.com. Applicants should ideally be university students or recent graduates. Applications will close on the 27th of February.

Work Opportunity: Pakenham Appliances are looking to hire another administration assistant working in the Pakenham Showroom. Main duties include answering phones, responding to emails and accepting deliveries. Working hours are flexible, between 3-5 days a week or 24-38 hours. Contact Erin Van Strijp (admin@pakenhamappliances.com.au) to express interest with a cover letter and resume.

Staff Needed: The Doxa Community (a non-profit organisation) are looking to hire a male part-time barista for work from Friday to Sunday each week. Training will be provided. Please contact Beata (0435 294 817) for more information.

Sunday 1st Collection - Support for our priests

Sunday 2nd Collection - Support for the Parish and its works