New Policy for the Sacraments of Initiation in Parramatta Diocese
Written by Kevin Lee
Tuesday, 17 August 2010 06:17
Our new Bishop Anthony Fisher has promulgated a new Policy for the Diocese of Parramatta on Sacraments of Initiation and First Penance for Children who have been baptised.
While it is being formalised I thought I should advise you of some of the main points:
1. Children should be brought to Baptism soon after their birth (usually within weeks).
2. Only for a grave reason will a parish priest deny or postpone reception of any of the Sacraments of Initiation to a child whose parents seek that sacrament for their child.
First Scripture Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-10, 16-18
We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 23: 27-32
Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”
In light of today's Scripture readings, Fr. Bob's Prayer is:
Lord Jesus, you desire us to be pure, simple and faithful. Help us be people who spread your peace this day by the way we treat each person who comes into our lives. Help us to work hard for our reign, following the example of Paul, depending not on others, but expecting much from ourselves. When you look through us may we not be whitewashed tombs, who look beautiful on the outside but are dying within. Save us from our hypocrisy. Pour forth your Spirit of integrity. The tomb within us screams and haunts. Its emptiness grabs for more darkness. We pretend that we are not like our ancestors, even as we dutifully walk in their bloody footsteps. Continue to transform us from within, Gentle Jesus. Help us to look good where You see us - in the depths of our heart, spirit, attitude and mind. May we be as beautiful as You have made us, and not be whitewashed tombs of empty darkness and rotting bones of cynicism. Fill the vessel of our dysfunctional emptiness with the life of your Spirit. May we not be prisoners of our dark heritage, but rather enlivened and freed by the hopes and faith of our ancestors.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 02:38
St Charbel Maklouf
Written by Kevin Lee
Wednesday, 21 July 2010 10:23
1828 - 1898Canonised a Saint by Pope Paul VI October 9, 1977
He was born May 8, 1828 in the little village of Biqa-Kafra which is situated in the high mountains of northern Lebanon. His parents were poor and he was the last of five children. He was baptised with the name of "Joseph".
He was raised in a very devout family which fostered piety and love for God. He was a prayerful youth who from his early years learned to detach himself from worldly vanities. He enjoyed his solitude which he used to pray and think about God.
When he was twenty-three years old he decided to leave home to discover his religious vocation as a monk and hermit. The Lebanese Maronite Order was founded in Lebanon in 1695 and approved by Pope Clement XII in 1732.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 July 2010 03:00
Today's Feast - 24 August - Saint Bartholomew
Written by Kevin Lee
Friday, 23 July 2010 08:09
Feastday: August 24 St. Bartholomew, 1st. century, one of the 12 Apostles. All that is known of him with certainty is that he is mentioned in the synoptic gospels and Acts as one of the twelve apostles. His name, a patronymic, means "son of Tolomai" and scholars believe he is the same as Nathanael mentioned in John, who says he is from Cana and that Jesus called him an "Israelite...incapable of deceit." The Roman Martyrology says he preached in India and Greater Armenia, where he was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages. Tradition has the place as Abanopolis on the west coast of the Caspian Sea and that he also preached in Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. The Gospel of Bartholomew is apochryphal and was condemned in the decree of Pseudo-Gelasius. Feast Day August 24.
Last Updated on Monday, 23 August 2010 06:28
Good News Reflection
Written by Kevin Lee
Thursday, 08 July 2010 09:48
A businessman who needed millions of dollars to clinch an important deal went to church to pray for the money. By chance he knelt next to a man who was praying for $100 to pay an urgent debt. The businessman took out his wallet and pressed $100 into the other man’s hand. Overjoyed, the man got up and left the church. The businessman then closed his eyes and prayed, “And now, Lord, now that I have your undivided attention….”
This Sunday's Gospel records the event when our Lord first dictated to His disciples the template of all prayer: the one we know as "The Lord's Prayer" because He taught it to us. It is to be the pattern of all communal prayer. We pray as "us", as "we" and not "me" and "I". Jesus teaches us that our prayer should be moticated by a concern for the needs of others first.
Our new Bishop Anthony Fisher has promulgated a new Policy for the Diocese of Parramatta on Sacraments of Initiation and First Penance for Children who have been baptised. 
ope Paul VI October 9, 1977
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