St.St. SimonSimon thethe ApostleApostle ParishParish 22 TaylorsTaylors Lane,Lane, RowvilleRowville 31783178

OfficeOffice Hours: Hours: Monday Tuesday to Fridayto Friday 10.00am 10.00- 3.00pm- 4.00pm  (03)(03) 97649764 40584058

 [email protected]@stsimonsparish.com.au  www.stsimonsparish.com.auwww.stsimonsparish.com.au

Parish Personnel February 14, 2021 - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time PARISH PRIEST: Fr Kevin Dillon The Anzac Day March in Mobile: 0421 777 360 has been called Email: [email protected] off again as a result PASTORAL ASSOCIATE: of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs Abbie Ferdinands (Mon, Wed, Fri) with other traditional commemorations to be scaled BUSINESS & OFFICE MANAGER: back once more. Mr Peter Evans (Mon - Thu) Today, RSL Chief SAFETY OFFICER: Mrs Julie Ashman (Mon, Wed, Fri) Executive Jamie Twidale told 3AW due to current CHILD SAFEGUARDING: restrictions it would be too hard Ms Delisa Gonsalves (by appointment) to see the tradition go ahead. It was 2010, more than forty years since he SECRETARY: “With COVID the way it is, had returned from his tour of duty in Vietnam. Not once Mrs Felicia Ahumada (Mon - Wed, Fri) and the restrictions, and the had he marched in the Anzac Day March, or even ST. SIMON’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: difficulty in organising such watched it on TV. He couldn’t. But somehow, with a mix Mr Tom Wursthorn: 9755 4222 a large public event, we just of God’s grace and his own courage, he went - alone didn't feel it was in the public's and unknown to his family - to the Dawn Service, NAZARETH COLLEGE PRINCIPAL: best interest," he said. "We un- standing in silence at the back of the crowd. Two years Mr Sam Cosentino: 9795 8100 derstand that a lot of veterans later, he marched down Swanston St., with both humility will be very disappointed, and pride, knowing he had served his country well. Now, NORMAL MASS TIMES: “The March” meant everything to him. Sunday: 7.30am, 9.00am & 11.00am and commemorations will still happen, we will still be having Monday: 10.00am His story is typical of so many of those courageous men Tuesday - Friday: 9.15am a dawn service. and women who have served in our name, preserving Saturday: 9.15am, 6.00pm "They'll just be a little bit for us the quality of life we so readily take for granted. (See page 2 for full details) And “The March” is not just a parade - it is a very public more modest than in previous years. People will still be and essential tribute, which reminds scarred service WEEKEND ONLINE MASS TIMES: personnel of their worth, that their sacrifice is genuinely Sunday: live from Saturday 6.00pm allowed at the Shrine.” appreciated by the rest of us. OTHER ONLINE MASS TIMES: A caller to Neil Mitchell's Mon to Friday: Live from 10.00am program said he was unhappy But this year, there will be no March, again. with April 25 with the decision. "They can still ten weeks away. Last year the March / April COVID shutdown was immense, and few people questioned the MASS ON RADIO: have these Black Lives Matter Mass from St. Simon’s is broadcast wisdom of the Commonwealth Government cancelling the on 89.9 FM The Light at 7am Sundays marches … this year there will March five weeks out. But this year it’s ten weeks out, we be no march in the CBD have nearly 12 months experience in dealing with WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE PREP: and the dawn service will be contact tracing etc., community awareness and Contact Parish Office a closed inner-sanctum co-operation are higher than ever - but the decision to

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: activity," he said. Comparisons cancel is reported to be from the RSL. have been drawn between the Available as necessary by private Yet the Collingwood v Essendon Anzac Day match is still arrangement with Fr Kevin Anzac Day parade and the Anzac Day AFL game set to go scheduled for 3.20pm. The RSL may have an explanation (0421 777 360) for this extraordinary incongruity, but veterans, their ahead at the MCG. PARISH COUNCIL: families and the public deserve to know what that [email protected] Meanwhile the Moomba explanation is. Something more convincing than Festival is looking likely “Difficulty in organising a large public event” is surely Currently due to COVID Restrictions to proceed as it did last year, needed. with COVID-safe plans in place PARISH HALL HIRE: But ... what if the AFL invited veterans - just genuine NOT FOR HIRE. We still think we can proceed veterans only for this year - to assemble outside the MCG with the festival in new and PARISH CENTRE FACILITIES HIRE: at, say, 1.30pm, to march into the MCG around 2.30pm, creative ways that will capture and to stand on the “hallowed turf” for the Anzac NOT FOR HIRE. the hearts of Melburnians – just Commemoration. as Moomba has done since ST VINCENT DE PAUL HELPLINE: 1955. In that way, the “large public event” would already be in 1800 305 330 “”, Thur. Feb. 10 place, and Melbourne-based veterans would have the March they both need and deserve. ST SIMONS PARISH PARISH OFFICE

There can be no Masses in the Church Normal Office Hours: Mon - Fri 10.00am - 4.00pm until the Victorian Government removes For urgent queries or messages, call: the current lockdown. Closed until at least Fr Kevin Dillon on 0421 777 360 and you will be Thursday 18th February 2021. contacted as soon as possible. Pre-registration via “Flocknote” for weekend Mass May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy Attendance is ESSENTIAL through the Parish Website. …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….………… You may book up to 5 people per sign-up. BAPTISMS 2021 Mass sign-up links and latest arrangements: The Parish Website www.stsimonsparish.com.au lists www.stsimonsparish.com.au all of the 2021 Baptism dates and additional information. …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……… All enquiries regarding Baptism may be directed to Mrs MASS (IN THE CHURCH) Abbie Ferdinands (Baptism Co-ordinator) on 9764 4058 or [email protected] Mon 15: NO MASS …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………………. Tue 16: NO MASS PARISH DIARY Ash Wed 17: NO MASS Mon Feb: 15: Youth Connect Group (via Zoom)

Wed Feb 17: Liturgy Meeting (via Zoom) Thu 18: 9.15am (School) 7.00pm (Ash Fri Vigil) …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….………… Ash Fri 19: 9.15am 11.00am ( School) 7.00pm TO JOIN A LENTEN GROUP

Email: [email protected] Sat 20: 9.15am 6.00pm (Vigil Mass) …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….………… Sun 21: 7.30am 9.00am 11.00am STATIONS OF THE CROSS …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……… Fridays at 7.30pm (if allowed) ASH WEDNESDAY (Wed. Feb. 17) is a day …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….………… of Fast (one main meal, two smaller meals, applicable VOLUNTEERS to those under 70 years) and Abstinence (from meat). CovidSafe Team Members: We require parishioners There will be Mass, if allowed, including the Blessing to be rostered as Welcomers, QR Assistants and for Sanitisation before and after weekend Masses. and Distribution of Ashes, at St. Simon’s on Thursday February 18 at 7.00pm (Vigil), Friday February 19 Gardening Group: We are seeking parishioners at 9.15am, 11.00am and 7.00pm interested in joining the Gardening Team.

…………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……… Readers and Commentators: If you would like to join NO MASSES UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE our teams, you will be rostered on, or called upon as an Normally for a WEEKDAY Mass there is no need to book emergency. ahead. However, each attendee must register their name and their contact phone number immediately upon To express your interest please leave your name entering the Church Foyer. and contact details at the Help Desk or contact the Parish Office: [email protected] Normally for WEEKEND Masses, booking will still be …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….………… ESSENTIAL so that our parish continues, for the good RECONCILIATION will be available in the of all, to observe the COVID regulations respectfully. (see Reconciliation Room at 9.45am on Saturdays or by website for details) Check-in is also required before Mass. private request to Fr. Kevin. Please follow social distancing directions. NOT ON the 13 February. …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……… Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled Mass time to avoid queues and delays to the start of Mass. HAPPY BIRTHDAY James Fong, Hans Felsinger, Marie Failla, Katica Borovic, Thank you for your support. Paris Collins, Cabel Archer, Caitlin Beyrooti, …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………..……… Nathan Fernando, Mary Pereira, Clem Hill, Reham Diaz, ONLINE MASSES Mathew Abraham, Tishan Lokuge, William Abeyanayake, St Simons Parish has started livestreaming weekday Isabel Amoranto, Jarryd Sheehan, Christopher Nicolas. Masses in 2021. …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….………… This week: Tue, Wed, Thu and Fri Masses will be available MAY THEY REST IN PEACE live on our YouTube Channel from 9.15am and the link will RISEN IN THE LORD be posted on our website close to 10.00am to watch on demand. Recent Death: John Wright, Agnes Ciciolallo, Sunday Mass will continue to be available online from 6pm Alexander Ciccolalo. on Saturday. …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….………………….………… Website: www.stsimonsparish.com.au Anniversary of Death: Frank Shelton, On YouTube: St Simon the Apostle Parish, Rowville Jeanette D’Rozario, For earlier Masses, click “Previous Mass Videos” Margaret Ruthford. CANCER COUNCIL SLOGAN OF THE WEEK Knox Relay for Life 2021 “You are never too old to set another goal or to Saturday 13 March, 12pm - 10pm (To be confirmed) dream a new dream.” …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………..… Knox Park Athletics Track, Bunjil Way, Knoxfield. AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION St Simon’s Parish is hoping to organise a team to take (ASRE) PROGRAM 2021 part, needing at least one team member on track throughout the event. Do you have or do you know anyone who has Primary School aged children at a non-Catholic school? While the main focus this year is on a celebration of the value of research into cures for cancer St Simon’s Parish is offering children the opportunity to and commemoration for people who have died from participate in our Religious Education Program. We are cancer, we would like to raise some funds towards this providing classes from Grade 1 to Grade 6. important cause. Our Sacramental Program is taught by committed If you want to walk, raise funds or help in any way please teachers who, with parent support, will prepare the contact Gisella Koroknai: 0403 454 002 children to receive the Sacraments. or the Parish Office: [email protected] …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………… Please fill out the registration form available in the Church foyer and on St. Simon’s Parish website. GOSPEL REFLECTION/ PRAYER GROUP Weekly on Mondays at 7.30pm Please return completed forms to the Parish Office Via Zoom or contact Rosetta: 0408 884 867 …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….…………………..…… We use a guided reflection to meditate on the Sunday Gospel as ST SIMON’S VIRTUAL MOVIE CLUB well as share our own insights to Thursday, February 18 at 7.00pm enrich our understanding and allow Movie: CRACKERJACK God's Word to touch our lives. To join email: [email protected] “Crackerjack” is a simple but

…………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………… feelgood movie where the good guys are very good and the bad ROSARY GROUP guys are very bad and the central Wednesdays at 11.00am character is tempted by both We gather together to pray the Rosary sides ... and intercede to Our Lady for all our We meet via Zoom at 7pm, watch intentions. Hopefully our next meeting the movie on SBS On Demand will be on the 24th Feb. at 7.30pm, then regroup for another Zoom meeting (with a cuppa etc.) at 9.20pm and have a chat about the To join email: [email protected] movie (or anything else, for that matter!). …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………… This arrangement can continue irrespective ST SIMONS YOUTH of restrictions. Hopefully we can use our own cinema soon. Youth Lenten Group We would love to have new people involved to build Mon 15th Feb, 7.00pm - 8.30pm. We are excited our sense of parish community, so if you would like be to welcome youth over 18 years to join us virtually as we involved next Thursday, contact Fr Kevin: explore faith in a positive space. [email protected]

…………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………… Please contact us if you are interested in our 6 consecutive Monday evenings of Lenten preparation. CAN YOU HELP ME WRITE A BOOK? In 2019, some wonderful parishioners read through nearly Contact us: [email protected] 40 years worth of bulletin “front pages”, to select the …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………… “best” with a view to possible publication. Due to a variety Youth Choir of issues last year, I have had not been able to put in the Welcome to all singers and musicians! time required for the final assembly of their work. I would If you are interested in sharing your be most grateful if “someone”, with skills in Publisher, talents to serve the community together might assist in bringing this project to completion. Most of with other youth, we would love for you to the hard work has been done, and there is no deadline to get in touch. meet. If you can help, can you give me a call or email me. Fr. Kevin: 0421 777 360 | [email protected]. Eliza: 0428 065 448 …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………… …………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….……………………… WORLD DAY OF PRAYER ACCOMODATION REQUIRED/ HELP AVAILABLE This year the World Day of Prayer service will be held Senior lady with good references is seeking at the Rowville Uniting Church, Fulham Rd, Rowville, on accommodation in Rowville area. She is willing to assist Friday, 5th March at 7.30pm. The featured country is in a private home in personal care and practical help Vanuatu. If you have any artefacts or memorabilia from if required. Contact St. Simon’s Parish Office for more Vanuatu that you would be willing to lend to this event, information: 9764 4058. please contact Jeanette on 0466 261 632 February 14, 2021 - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

First reading Gospel Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46 Mark 1:40-45 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘If a swelling A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: or scab or shiny spot appears on a man’s skin, ‘If you want to’ he said ‘you can cure me.’ Feeling a case of leprosy of the skin is to be suspected. sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and The man must be taken to Aaron, the priest, touched him. ‘Of course I want to!’ he said. ‘Be or to one of the priests who are his sons. cured!’ And the leprosy left him at once and he ‘The man is leprous: he is unclean. The priest was cured. Jesus immediately sent him away must declare him unclean; he is suffering from and sternly ordered him, ‘Mind you say nothing leprosy of the head. A man infected with leprosy to anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest, must wear his clothing torn and his hair and make the offering for your healing prescribed disordered; he must shield his upper lip and cry, by Moses as evidence of your recovery.’ The “Unclean, unclean.” As long as the disease lasts man went away, but then started talking about he must be unclean; and therefore he must live it freely and telling the story everywhere, so that apart: he must live outside the camp.’ Jesus could no longer go openly into any town, but had to stay outside in places where nobody lived. Even so, people from all around would come to him. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 31(32):1-2,5,11

Second reading Next Week’s Readings: 1st Sunday of Lent 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 Gen 9:8-15; 1 Pet3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15 Whatever you eat, whatever you drink, whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God. Never do anything offensive to anyone – to Jews or Greeks or to the Church of God; just as I try to be helpful to everyone at all times, not anxious for my own advantage but for the advantage of everybody else, so that they may be saved. Take me for your model, as I take Christ.

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