MASSES: Weekends: Saturday: 9:00 am, 6:00 pm (vigil), Sunday: 9:00 am (Italian), 10:30 am Weekdays: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 8:30 am.

ADORATION: Every Friday 9am-4pm Please Note: Adoration will resume Friday 28 February NOT 6 March 2020.

BAPTISMS: Sundays at 11:30 am.

CONFESSIONS: Saturdays following the 9:00 am Mass & half an hour before every Mass by request.

COMMUNION TO SICK: Wed, Thurs & Fri (Lay Ministers) ** In addition to visitation to the sick by lay ministers, Fr Simon is happy to visit any sick or housebound parishioners upon request.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 1st Friday of every month, the next one being Friday 6 March 2020 LIVING GOSPEL PRAYER GROUP (LGPG): Wednesdays at 1:30 pm.

ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Wednesdays at 9:00 am.

Home visits

If you would like Fr Simon to come for a visit and a chat, please let the parish office know.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS: The parish office is attended by volunteer staff on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am to 5:00pm. You may contact the office at any time and leave a message when the office is unattended on 9470 2586 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.

Parish Bulletins Past and current Parish bulletins can be viewed online on the parish website:

www.straphaelswestpreston.org.au

Our Parish is committed to the

safety, wellbeing and dignity of all

children and vulnerable adults.

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

23 February 2020 (Year A)

My dear Brothers and Sisters,

Continuing His Sermon on the Mount discourse, Jesus urges His

followers to: “love your enemies and pray for those who

persecute you” Matthew [5:38-48]. Once again, Jesus is

encouraging us to go the extra mile in living out our faith in Him.

Is this easy? Well, some people find it easy to do it, but for most

of us it is very hard. Last week I presided at the funeral of a lady

who had been my parishioner in Belgrave Parish. After a happy

childhood in the East of Germany, when World War II broke out

she was drafted into the Luftwaffe and was captured by the

Russians who interred her in a prisoner of war camp in Russia,

holding her there for years after the war ended. I often visited

her at home, and whilst telling me about her life, not once did I

ever hear her speak a harsh word against those who had cruelly

mistreated her. Did she love them? I cannot say but I am certain

she had forgiven them and bore no malice in her heart. Hatred is

negative and consumes and destroys us. Love is positive and

energises us for a hopeful future. Let us do our best as Jesus

urges us, not just to “love our neighbour” but to go the extra

mile with those we encounter on our way through life.

The grade 6 children of our parish continue their preparation for

the Sacrament of Confirmation. Let us hold them in our prayers

that a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit and God’s grace and

blessing will be upon them.

This week it is Ash Wednesday. Let us prepare for our season of

Lent with great joy.

With every prayer for God’s

richest blessings to be upon

you and your families.

Fr Simon Grainger

Pax et Gratia

Parish Prayer: Generous God, We give our thanks to you for the gifts you have given to us – our life, our family and friends – time, talents and material possessions. Above all we are grateful for the Father's unconditional love, for Jesus Christ our Savior and for the Holy Spirit who nourishes us with every spiritual gift. All we have comes from you. May we remember this always and rejoice in your generosity. Sustain us on our Christian journey, so that we may constantly renew our relationship with you and all people of our parish community. Grant us the strength and courage to become better followers of Jesus: to be disciples and to live the Christian Way of Life. Amen St Raphael healer and guide protect us.

Prayers before and after Mass Guardian Angel Prayer and Prayer to St Michael

Fr Simon prays the Prayer to the Guardian Angel (Angel of God) as part of his personal preparation for each Mass. He also prays the Prayer to St Michael, which Pope Leo XIII requested be said, when he returns to the sacristy at the conclusion of each Mass. You might like to follow this practice privately yourself. These prayers are as follows: Angel of God (Prayer before Mass) Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Prayer to St. Michael (Prayer after Mass) Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. (Prayer cards can be found at the back of the church. Please take one)

Stewardship Reflection

“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44) Love your enemies, easier said than done, no doubt. But, remember, the foundation of stewardship is prayer. When we are in close communication with God, it opens our heart and it turns our attention away from “me” and moves it towards God and others. It allows us to have a little more empathy for “our enemy.” When we pray for others, even “our enemies,” maybe it softens their hearts as well.

THOUGHTS FROM POPE FRANCIS

Every one of us has something that has hardened within our

heart. The medicine to combat hardheartedness is memory:

recalling the blessings of the Lord. This keeps our heart open

and faithful.

† † † VOCATION VIEW: We read in Leviticus: “You must love your neighbour, as yourself!” Some are being called to love their neighbour as a priest or religious. Pray that many will answer the call to love.

ST RAPHAEL'S ADORATION ROSTER

Adoration resumes Friday 28 February 2020, (NOT 6 March)

9am to 4pm. At 9:15am, Deacon James will be giving a short

reflection. All welcome.

A new roster is being prepared. For those wishing to participate,

please write your name on the form in the foyer. Thank you.

Grace—Lenten Program 2020 Grace is a 76-page full colour book containing short daily

Saturday 6pm Mass

Eucharistic Ministers

Saturday 6pm Mass

Readers

15-Feb-20 Carol Hawkesford Oskar Harding

22-Feb-20 Felicity Hardy Paul Smith

29-Feb-20 Lucy Triulcio Kinga Harding

9am Italian Mass

Eucharistic Ministers

9am Italian Mass

Readers

16-Feb-20 Carmel Colosimo

Carmela Molinaro

Paola Di Palma

23-Feb-20 Felice Comito

Maria Bianchi-Rossi

Vince Colosimo

01-Mar-20 Bruna D'Alessandro

Carmela Molinaro

Anna Sisinni

10:30am Mass

Eucharistic Ministers

10:30am Mass

Readers

16-Feb-20 Bruna D'Alessandro

Nikki Daniele

Terri Crisafi

23-Feb-20 Jennifer Singam

Parker Maloney

Josephine Knight

01-Mar-20 Fatima Barros

Maria Gaggiano

Wendy Robertson

CHURCH CLEANING: Joe Vasile’s Team 4 LAWN MOWING: Team 3: 21 March

WE PRAY FOR:

Those who are Sick & Dying that they may find meaning in

their suffering.

We pray especially for:

Giuseppina, Cabrini, Paola, Dorothy, Peter, Sebastiana, Maria, Vincenza, Vittorio, Jean, Loraine, Kristian, Isabella, Pasquale, Wendy, Giuseppe, Paul, Tony, Mary, Carmel For all who have died, especially those we love:

RECENTLY DECEASED:

Concetta Carmela Sanciolo Fr Rodney (Rod) Fredrick Philip Pitts PE ANNIVERSARIES: Michele Gianetta (1st Anniv. Sun 23/2 at 9am) Antonio Forte (1st Anniv. Sun 23/2 at 9am & Sun 1/3 at 10:30am) Orizio Marchitto (1st Anniv.Tue 25/2 at 8:30am & Sat 29/2 at 6pm) Giuseppe Stramandinoli (1 Month Sat 29/2) Hella Becker (1 Month Sat 29/2) Liberato Follacchio ( 1st Anniv. Sun 1/3) Vincenza & Sebastiana Barone and Vincenzo & Grazia Lonigro (all Sun 1/3 at 9am)

…that they may share in the resurrection of Jesus.

LAST WEEKEND'S COLLECTION:

Thanksgiving: $719

Presbytery: $515

Many thanks to all our contributors

FEAST DAYS OF THE WEEK Wednesday 26th February 2020 - Ash Wednesday

† † †

Envelopes for requests for Masses to be offered for deceased loved ones Please find at the back of the Church, envelopes for your use when requesting a Mass to be offered for deceased/unwell family members. Envelopes may be placed in the collection baskets.

A REMINDER…The donation box for the decoration of our altar is at the rear of the church. Many thanks for those who contribute.

Stations of the Cross during Lent- Fridays at 7pm Stations of the Cross are observed in both English and Italian. (Booklets in both languages are provided) All are welcome.

PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME

CatholicCare Bushfire Recovery Appeal In partnership with the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sale, CatholicCare aims to reinstate Bushfire Community Recovery Service to help the children, youth and families of East Gippsland to rebuild their lives. This service will support families and communities for three years. Our parish will be accepting your donations this weekend for this project; to help to rebuild the communities – a strong and resilient community. Please give generously to bring hope and healing back to these devastated communities.

Project Compassion

Please take home a Project Compassion box and/or a set of donation envelopes and support Caritas Australia this Lenten season themed “Go Further Together”. Your generosity will assist some of the world’s most vulnerable communities to lift themselves out of poverty. When we Go Further Together in love and compassion, the whole world thrives. You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, or by phoning 1800 024 413 or visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion.

SENIORS LUNCH

The next seniors’ lunch will be on Thursday 12 March at 12:00

Mid-day at: Darebin RSL, 402 Bell St, Preston.

Please let us know if you will be attending the lunch by writing

your name on the form in the foyer.

Non seniors are also most welcome. Thank you.

Parish Pilgrimage - May 2020 Meeting: Saturday 22 February at 4:00pm

FR Simon would like to meet with all those who have booked to go on the Parish Pilgrimage this coming May. We will meet in the Church at 4:00pm on Saturday 22 February. Fr Simon will answer any questions you may have and will run through the revised itinerary for the pilgrimage. If you cannot attend this meeting please let Fr Simon know so that he can arrange another time to meet with you

† † †

Children’s activity pages

Please find in the foyer of the Church an activity box with activity pages and pencils for young children to use quietly during Mass. At the end of Mass children are invited to show Fr Simon their work in the Church foyer.

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PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME

ASH WEDNESDAY

This year Ash Wednesday will be on 26 February. Masses will be

held in St Raphael’s Church at 8:30am, 9:30am and 6:00pm

† † † The 4 Pillars of Lent: Prayer, Penance, Fasting & Almsgiving Lent is a period of 40 days in which we try to prepare well for the coming celebration of Easter. We can recognise throughout our lives that certain things are worth waiting for, and worth making sacrifices for. The penitential season of Lent reminds us of just that; it reminds us that we must persevere through the 40 days of penance and sacrifice in order to prepare ourselves for the joys of Easter. The Church encourages us to remember and practice four things: prayer, penance, fasting and almsgiving. PRAYER: Like we would do with any good friend, we strive to strengthen our relationship with God by spending more time with Him, by talking with Him and by learning more about Him. In order to do this, it is very helpful to ‘give something up’ and ‘take something up.’ For example, we may give up watching Netflix, and instead use the time to read about the saints or pray the Rosary. We might take up trying to get to Mass during the week, or spending family time reading the Bible together. PENANCE: As human beings, we have our own faults and failings. However, when we sin, we know that the love and mercy of God is freely given to those who are willing to accept it. Making time to attend Confession (the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance) is a good way to prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally during the Lenten season. FASTING: We deny ourselves food at certain times, helping us to focus on the solemn nature of the season as we think about the sufferings of Jesus Christ. This helps us to grow stronger in virtue as we live the Christian life. ALMSGIVING: Donating time or money towards helping others is a way in which we can be thankful for what we have and give to those in need. Giving money to a charity or spending time helping in your parish or at a soup kitchen are good ways to exercise kindness and generosity.

Lenten Fasting & Abstinence Obligations During Lent, denying ourselves by making little sacrifices is encouraged to help us grow closer to God. It is a very powerful way in which we express our love for God and ask His help for whatever we may need. Fasting Those aged 18-59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday [1) Abstaining from meat, 2) Eating two half-meals and one full meal for the day]. Abstinence Those aged 14+ are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays in Lent.* *Fasting and abstinence do not apply to those who are unwell.

† † † RISE: HOME AWAITS – Youth Festival 2020

Calling all young people! Have you ever had questions about your faith that needed to be answered? Well, this Catholic youth festival may be just what you’ve been looking for. RISE is a popular youth festival designed to inspire and encourage young Catholics. Packed with awesome guest speakers (Fr. Rob Galea, Justine Cumbo, Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli), live music, workshops and prayer sessions, this Melbourne-based festival is just the thing to set your faith on fire. When: Saturday 21st March 2020, 10am-6pm Where: Emmaus College – 503 Springvale Rd., Vermont South VIC Age: 3 Age Streams

▪ Yr 7 – 8 ▪ Yr 9 – 11 ▪ Young Adults (Yr 12 – Age 25)

Please contact Deacon James for registry information: james.baptist@cam.org.au Or visit the RISE website:www.risemelbourne.com

PLEASE TAKE THE BULLETIN HOME

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A warm welcome to new parishioners to St Raphael’s

Please let us know that you have joined our community and

if there is anything we can do for you.

Are you new to our Parish? ____

Need Thanksgiving envelopes? ____

Pease complete the details below and place in the collection

plate at Mass or send to the Parish office.

Name: ___________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________

Address: ___________________________________

To existing parishioners: if you would like to contribute on a regular basis using the envelopes, please complete the above. Thank you.

PENITENTIAL ACT I confess to almighty God

and to you, my brothers and sisters,

that I have greatly sinned,

in my thoughts and in my words,

in what I have done and in what I have

failed to do,

And, striking their breast, they say:

through my fault,

through my fault,

through my most grievous fault;

therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-

Virgin,

all the Angels and Saints,

and you, my brothers and sisters,

to pray for me to the Lord our God.

THE GLORIA

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you,

we bless you,

we adore you,

we glorify you,

we give you thanks for your great glory,

Lord God, heavenly King,

O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the

Father,

you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us;

you take away the sins of the world,

receive our prayer;

you are seated at the right hand of the

Father,

have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ,

with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

FIRST READING

Leviticus 19:1-2,17-18 The Lord spoke to Moses; he said: ‘Speak

to the whole community of the sons of

Israel and say to them:

‘“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am

holy.

‘“You must not bear hatred for your

brother in your heart. You must openly tell

him, your neighbour, of his offence; this

way you will not take a sin upon yourself.

You must not exact vengeance, nor must

you bear a grudge against the children of

your people. You must love your

neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.”’

The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 102(103):1-4,8,10,12-13

The Response is: The Lord is kind and merciful.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord

all my being, bless his holy name.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord

and never forget all his blessings.

The Lord is kind and merciful.

It is he who forgives all your guilt,

who heals every one of your ills,

who redeems your life from the grave,

who crowns you with love and

compassion.

The Lord is kind and merciful.

The Lord is compassion and love,

slow to anger and rich in mercy.

He does not treat us according to our sins

nor repay us according to our faults.

The Lord is kind and merciful.

As far as the east is from the west

so far does he remove our sins.

As a father has compassion on his sons,

the Lord has pity on those who fear him.

The Lord is kind and merciful.

SECOND READING

1 Corinthians 3:16-23 Didn’t you realise that you were God’s

temple and that the Spirit of God was

living among you? If anybody should

destroy the temple of God, God will

destroy him, because the temple of God is

sacred; and you are that temple.

Make no mistake about it: if any one of

you thinks of himself as wise, in the

ordinary sense of the word, then he must

learn to be a fool before he really can be

wise. Why? Because the wisdom of this

world is foolishness to God. As scripture

says: The Lord knows wise men’s

thoughts: he knows how useless they are;

or again: God is not convinced by the

arguments of the wise. So there is nothing

to boast about in anything human: Paul,

Apollos, Cephas, the world, life and death,

the present and the future, are all your

servants; but you belong to Christ and

Christ belongs to God.

The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God.

Please stand for the Gospel Acclamation.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

1 John 2:5

Alleluia, alleluia!

Whoever keeps the word of Christ,

grows perfect in the love of God.

Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have

learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and

tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer

the wicked man no resistance. On the

contrary, if anyone hits you on the right

cheek, offer him the other as well; if a

man takes you to law and would have your

tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

And if anyone orders you to go one mile,

go two miles with him. Give to anyone

who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow,

do not turn away.

‘You have learnt how it was said: You

must love your neighbour and hate your

enemy. But I say this to you: love your

enemies and pray for those who persecute

you; in this way you will be sons of your

Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to

rise on bad men as well as good, and his

rain to fall on honest and dishonest men

alike. For if you love those who love you,

what right have you to claim any credit?

Even the tax collectors do as much, do

they not? And if you save your greetings

for your brothers, are you doing anything

exceptional? Even the pagans do as much,

do they not? You must therefore be

perfect just as your heavenly Father is

perfect.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus

Christ.

PROFESSION OF FAITH APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God, / the Father almighty,

/ Creator of heaven and earth, / and in

Jesus Christ, his only Son, our lord, /

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

/ born of the Virgin Mary, / suffered

under Pontius Pilate, / was crucified,

died and was buried; / he descended

into hell; / on the third day he rose

again from the dead; / he ascended

into heaven, / and is seated at the right

hand of God the Father almighty; /

from there he will come to judge the

living and the dead. / I believe in the

Holy Spirit, / the holy catholic Church,

/ the communion of saints, / the

forgiveness of sins, / the resurrection

of the body, / and life everlasting.

Amen.

RESPONSE TO PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL: Lord, hear our prayer.

THE MEMORIAL

ACCLAMATION

Save us, Saviour of the world, for by

your Cross and Resurrection you have

set us free.