Opiate of the Theologians

The full Christmas programme for the Newman Parish - including the Festival of Christmas - is now available online.

Suggestions for prayer & penance: as the situation within the Church deteriorates, there have been various calls for prayer and penance, in reparation for the many open offenses against God, and in petition for the Church’s liberation from present afflictions. Particularly suitable days for prayer and penance would be 13th December (50th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Pope Francis), and the Ember Days of Advent (18th, 20th, & 21st December).

Sung Dawn Mass for the Expectancy of Our Lady – Tuesday, 17th December, at 6.30 am: as usual, this Mass will be offered for the protection of unborn children, and for expectant mothers.

Miraculous Medal: miraculous medals will be blessed and distributed after each Mass today.

Circle of the Immaculate Heart: the ladies’ prayer group will meet at Maryvale this Saturday (14th December), from 11 am.

St John Henry’s Book Room: Christmas cards, Calendars and Missals are now in stock. The Book Room is open after the 8 am & 10.30 am Masses on Sunday. Purchases may now be made by credit card.

Sunday Mass collection arrangements: help is needed on Sundays with collections at Sunday Masses. A few parishioners are regularly taking collections on Sundays, but at present there is no organised roster or system. This means not only that the work falls on the same few each week, but also there are no arrangements to supply where one of the regular collectors is unable to attend his usual Mass. Expressions of interest are therefore invited from parishioners willing to join a porters’ roster and to commit to being available on nominated dates. Duties are not onerous but care and reliability are essential. Instructions will be given to those without prior experience. If you are willing to assist please contact Peter Janssen either by emailing gerontius137@me.com or by calling 0414 963 282.

Planned giving envelopes for 2020 are now available for collection. Please pick up your set in the vestibule after Sunday Mass. Alternatively, we can assist you to arrange planned giving by electronic banking. Please approach the person in charge of the Envelopes after Mass, or contact the Secretary by email, for assistance.

Help needed: a Parish family based in Vermont South seeks help with housework and child minding (1 year old), for approximately half a day a week (Friday mornings would be ideal); fair wage offered. Please contact Agnieszka on 0406 376 543 to discuss.

Altar Service: all male Catholics who have made their First Holy Communion are eligible and welcome to serve at the Altar. Those under 18 require parental permission. Those aged 18 and over must provide a current Working with Children Card. We are currently seeking and training new servers. Generally, training is available at 11 am Saturdays, and 9 am Sundays, but other times can also be arranged. Anyone wishing to join the serving team is invited to contact Fr Tattersall or any of the senior servers.