From the desk of Father Geoff
VIDEO HOMILIES
Visit my Youtube channel to view all my homilies and talks: https://www.youtube.com/user/GeoffreyPlant2066
Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/hNUofW1p9tk
Homily for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/Mk7LXPHDeH4
Homily for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/83Q0gSuwSwY
Homily for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/HKCHaGxI_TU
Homily for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/tZT936NCB6I
Homily for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/fgd7z7pqA5s
Homily for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/vmn8njCdGvU
Homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A: https://youtu.be/IcA0NttuEPQ
Homily for the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: https://youtu.be/oC955mi0QSs
Homily for the feast of the Most Holy Trinity: https://youtu.be/6zunvkfW84w
Homily for the feast of Pentecost, Year A: https://youtu.be/Wf8Gy8Se2Pg
Homily for the feast of the Ascension, Year A: https://youtu.be/fW37T8vWuRs
Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter, Year A: https://youtu.be/AqKVgLwx6pw
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Year A: https://youtu.be/Ym21SRbuQjA
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easte, Year Ar: https://youtu.be/IYUwYUXIBU8
Homily for the Baptism of the Lord, Year A: https://youtu.be/GKAHhmV68n0
Homily for the feast of the Epiphany:, Year A https://youtu.be/GkS9OwH2ijA
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, Year A: https://youtu.be/y1N1H3iN1ME
Homily for Christmas Day: https://youtu.be/MCwJeo5HAQQ
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Year A: https://youtu.be/rFeetdyM9j8
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year A: https://youtu.be/DHSZs6zJ6v4
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A: https://youtu.be/P4xp5Bl2xY8
Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Year A: https://youtu.be/fRvDmUAD_wM
Homily for the feast of Christ the King, Year C: https://youtu.be/84O-GYGwTT0
Homily for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/2d-yTr3z698
Homily for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/eayvwE76Mt0
Homily for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/6UH7RKGSuHA
Homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/eLFEwqs2JjA
Homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/PSaELvsz7h8
Homily for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/vvasJ-h9_TU
Homily for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/D5jncYDiXdM
Homily for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/FnwCXENmY-U
Homily for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/GtXowk7TrIA
Homily for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/tX-PWubOHzA
Homily for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/tlwnIzjDfLg
Homily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/NdFScmfbPLY
Homily for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/c-qRb_vneaI
Homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/uayv-RIqZs4
Homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/8C3qPA1lNms
Homily for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/tjyVkMY0pus
Homily for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/-oBsAVBtmXI
Homily for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/9n-vACD3bGU
Homily for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/7tIma-A5rHQ
Homily for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/0Z8RqVSb-Iw
Homily for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/e8g00Fs08qU
Homily for the Body and Blood of Christ, Year C: https://youtu.be/u9rR23ZOMP8
Homily for the feast of the Most Holy Trinity: https://youtu.be/IfMrnyKxAEs
Homily for the feast of Pentecost: https://youtu.be/5XjxcuQs_CU
Homily for the Ascension of the Lord: https://youtu.be/GCwuV4aikQA
Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter: https://youtu.be/_t4nOsugteA
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter: https://youtu.be/LFiIS3b1WSY
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter: https://youtu.be/pfGjQF45bxI
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter: https://youtu.be/f-2ou9ZKLWQ
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter: https://youtu.be/eT7147VmPwQ
Homily for Easter Sunday: https://youtu.be/ZcsJ5F7-wcE
Homily for Good Friday: https://youtu.be/43N4MebI7cE
Homily for Holy Thursday: https://youtu.be/eGzMbWM2Rsw
Homily for Palm Sunday: https://youtu.be/80P40_FLpJg
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent, Year C: https://youtu.be/QRwreJWuk_E
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year C: https://youtu.be/O7fRJSUXmp0
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, Year C: https://youtu.be/GdYsjSjdpQQ
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year C: https://youtu.be/fdtD68GYtzc
Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent, Year C: https://youtu.be/1M4X3UMuWCQ
Homily for the 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/jCyiyy28CXI
Homily for the 7th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/xj3QcggPT54
Homily for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/OB0L2Y7rqdM
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/Ywj6BT59X6I
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/m8U5OgpgFZ8
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/_mEVhjgRPVU
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C: https://youtu.be/rBQFmFDfa6Y
Homily for the Baptism of the Lord: https://youtu.be/jAbAh57XGBY
Homily for the Feast of the Epiphany: https://youtu.be/BdffOB_ZcaA
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family: https://youtu.be/yMFf9LBBkUU
Homily for Christmas: https://youtu.be/AfR1ALu5Ycc
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Year C: https://youtu.be/xysZv3RKZ2E
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C: https://youtu.be/FLRGH_CSpBQ
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C: https://youtu.be/44-z9tMrkHQ
Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Year C: https://youtu.be/vnVANxH66R0
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 33, Year B: https://youtu.be/kWsdbFNFjiw
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 32, Year B: https://youtu.be/GG1g9H6v1kM
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 31, Year B: https://youtu.be/CapTRz-8lzE
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 30, Year B: https://youtu.be/0h8_kiG2MpM
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 29, Year B: https://youtu.be/Iyiva78uQXM
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 28, Year B: https://youtu.be/ZGzoMhLun7M
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 27, Year B: https://youtu.be/YEBtiRBHaNI
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 26, Year B: https://youtu.be/w3__T8Beplw
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 25, Year B: https://youtu.be/psmva9bVf_c
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 24, Year B: https://youtu.be/X8XkPosXRQg
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 23, Year B: https://youtu.be/7kX3oLFFU0Q
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 22, Year B: https://youtu.be/MmK6S5IcWY8
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 21, Year B: https://youtu.be/478e8fPVPdc
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 20, Year B: https://youtu.be/bOGWarbeOAw
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 19, Year B: https://youtu.be/_iM7ilntbUI
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 18, Year B: https://youtu.be/muobSKr0xqg
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 17, Year B: https://youtu.be/90iuJH7y6kU
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 16, Year B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Zcxj76nGg
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 15, Year B: https://youtu.be/ARuuGAbEPqE
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 14, Year B: https://youtu.be/AHTVX8lW-7s
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 13, Year B: https://youtu.be/gi3isHJQqJk
Homily for the Birth of St John the Baptist, Year B: https://youtu.be/lh6rGhzo6L0
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 11, Year B: https://youtu.be/2ff298sWc78
Homily for Ordinary Time, Week 10, Year B: https://youtu.be/4rGyZHWJyOI
Homily for the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, Year B: https://youtu.be/vA9xvgCukJE
Homily for the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, Year B: https://youtu.be/B5NoHJVw4M8
Homily for the Feast of Pentecost, Year B: https://youtu.be/VKBP2e1obb8
Homily for the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Year B: https://youtu.be/fTIv3qyFAXY
Homily for the 6th Sunday of Easter, Year B: https://youtu.be/y823x66m-VU
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B: https://youtu.be/-1_A-0Xm4e0
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Easter, Year B: https://youtu.be/96Mkhy5KFXc
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year B: https://youtu.be/QSpLuds7Ca4
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year B: https://youtu.be/Tvo0hgp5oUo
Homily for Easter Sunday, Year B: https://youtu.be/r1eoXOAxQ4w
Homily for Passion (Palm) Sunday, Year B: https://youtu.be/4EoSQj7Vtr4
Homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent, Year B: https://youtu.be/LxcDcKobB0o
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year B: https://youtu.be/bssQIRorz_M
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, Year B: https://youtu.be/Z2Unk2HKPuE
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year B: https://youtu.be/wvj1FjMLitY
Homily for the 1st Sunday of Lent, Year B: https://youtu.be/iWrJ0sEVCZY
Homily for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: https://youtu.be/DygwhoOOrtc
Homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: https://youtu.be/yMRCXhxoGxE
Homily for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: https://youtu.be/_SbuCLgos5M
Homily for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: https://youtu.be/-79JHny8dbA
Homily for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: https://youtu.be/KbGfSitfFkM
Homily for the Feast of the Epiphany, Year B: https://youtu.be/wEZgWSIRAK0
Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family, Year B: https://youtu.be/Rbrw_dMpFoI
A Christmas Reflection: Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25?: https://youtu.be/9XjxtdwRjN8
Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Year B: https://youtu.be/XZws5JhB3nY
Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B: https://youtu.be/IKnprYVqCvg
Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B: https://youtu.be/-L7VSgDKSiQ
Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent, Year B: https://youtu.be/zG1sn6j7j84
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE
I’m currently working on a series of introductory talks on the Bible. They are designed for people who are unfamiliar with the Bible, or for those who would like a refresher course.
Talk 1 asks the basic question, “Why do we need a sacred text like the Bible?” To watch Talk 1, click here: http://bit.ly/1AwZDfM
Talk 2 looks at the importance of story. Each of us has a story, and our story consists of all the people, places and events that make us the unique individual that we are. To lose our story is to lose our identity. To watch Talk 2, click here: http://youtu.be/6Ze7OkLmgdA
The Christian Bible is made up of the Old and New Testaments. Talk 3 takes a look at the Old Testament. What’s in the Old Testament, and what kind of literature are we dealing with? To watch Talk 3, click here: http://youtu.be/_rnkohhp94k
Talks 4 and 5 look at the New Testament. What’s in the New Testament, and who finally decided which books would be included in the New Testament? To watch Talk 4, click here: http://youtu.be/Rg41oHGrOhM To watch Talk 5, click here: http://youtu.be/5kA0oXYmYA8
Talk 6 look at the historical background of the biblical story. There is no text without context, so what is the historical context of the biblical story. Click here to watch Talk 6: http://youtu.be/Btt0P7axkNs
Talk 7 offers an overview of the four gospels. What is a gospel and why were the gospels written? What's in the gospels? Click here to watch Talk 7: https://youtu.be/hUKRCLiXgAU
NEW TESTAMENT WORDS
TALK 1: I'm currently working on a series of talks that looks at key New Testament words as we find them in the Greek New Testament. When we read the New Testament in English we are reading it in translation. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the popular or common form of the Greek language spoken from around 300 BC until about 300 AD. The Italians have a saying, Traduttore Traditore - the translator is a traitor. There’s nothing sinister implied in that saying; it cleverly highlights the difficult task confronting any translator. How do you express in English the full dynamism of a text written in another language, in this case the Koine Greek? Each talk in this series will look at key New Testament word in the Greek New Testament and try to see how it was used and understood in its original first century context. Click here to watch Talk 1:http://youtu.be/i5e9tuRiREI
TALK 2: The Greek Alphabet. Since each talk in this series focuses on a key word from the Greek New Testament, it would be helpful to learn the Greek alphabet. This talk offers a basic introduction to the Greek alphabet, as it would have been pronounced in koine Greek. Click here to watch Talk 2: http://youtu.be/mup7vQv4YLM
TALK 3: New Testament Words: Ἰησοῦς (Iesous-Jesus). The name Ἰησοῦς (Iesous) is a Greek translation of the Hebrew name Yehoshua. Our pronunciation, Jesus, comes to us from the Greek via the Latin, Iesus. Click here to watch Talk 3: http://youtu.be/c0XpsgcuJ9E
TALK 4: New Testament Words: Χριστός (Christos - Christ). What does the word Christ mean, and what does it mean to call Jesus the Christ? Click here to watch Talk 4: http://youtu.be/ZccVrWlfhWU
TALK 5: New Testament Words: Ἀρχηγὸς (Archegos). A title given to Jesus, but found only four times in the New Testament. Click here to watch Talk 5: http://youtu.be/9PZgedon6ik
TALK 6: New Testament Words: Tέκτων (tektōn). In Mark’s gospel we learn that Jesus was a tektōn, a word that most bibles translate as carpenter. What did it mean to be a tektōn in first century Palestine? Click here to watch Talk 6: http://youtu.be/YxFzvg9amks
TALK 7: New Testament Words: Mετάνοια (metanoia). Metanoia is usually translated as “repentance”, but what does that mean? Click here to watch Talk 7: http://youtu.be/CbW47nvJ4bQ
TALK 8: New Testament Words: Παράκλητος (paraklētos). Jesus is called a Paraklētos as is the Holy Spirit. We don’t have an exact equivalent in English, which is why some translations use the word Paraclete. What does the word mean, and what is it saying about Jesus and the Holy Spirit? Click here to watch Talk 8: http://youtu.be/wmq_YaNjxu0
TALK 9: New Testament Words: εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion). Our English word Gospel is a translation of the Greek εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion) which means “good news”. Click here to watch Talk 9: http://youtu.be/iU7VKCj7iZo
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This talk is an introduction to Christian meditation. Because we’re constantly thinking about one thing or another, our mind is often likened to a tree full of noisy, playful monkeys. This form of meditation, using a prayer word or mantra, seeks to still the mind and rest in silence in the presence of God. Click here if you’d like to learn more about Christian meditation: http://bit.ly/1rEmC3I
WHO IS THE POPE?
When Pope Benedict resigned I prepared this talk about the election of a pope. Who is the pope, how is he elected, and by whom? If you’d like to learn more, click here: http://bit.ly/1qKv83u
Walking the Camino from Leon to Santiago de Compostela
A number of parishioners joined me in 2014 to walk the Camino from Leon to Santiago de Compostela. Click here to view a photographic meditation of our pilgrimage: http://youtu.be/dgKS79tsH1Q
A Photographic meditation on Gethsemani Abbey
In 2011 I made a two weeks' retreat at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky, USA. Gethsemani was the Cistercian abbey where Thomas Merton lived, and this year is the 100th anniversary of his birth. Clink on the link to view my meditation on Gethsemani, including my visit to Thomas Merton's hermitage in the grounds of the monastery. The background music comes from the Benedictine monks of Santo Domingo de Silos. Here's the link: http://youtu.be/PyWeMwafPwA
From Atheist to Catholic
I’d like you to meet Jennifer Fulwiler. Jennifer grew up an atheist and was received into the Catholic Church in 2007, along with her husband. She tells the story of of her conversion in her book Something Other than God. (You can buy it through Fishpond - $28.92, postage free). Hear something of her story at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ9vGKfZJCE (Note: the audio is a little soft). Another link to a lecture in which she also tells her story can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_Ab6l0q784 In these talks Jennifer talks about her personal journey from atheism to Christianity, and more specifically, to Catholicism. You can also check out her website: http://jenniferfulwiler.com/
WORTH WATCHING!
Fr James Martin SJ has an interesting series on the saints entitled "Who cares about the saints?" Each episode is a brief (about 10 minutes) overview of the life of a saint, such as St Francis of Assisi, or St Ignatius. But Fr Martin also profiles the lives of other people who are not yet saints, such as Thomas Merton and Dorothy Day. So, have a look:
Our Lady: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJgiK9PTtwg
St Joseph: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm1rUs39XWY
Pope Saint John XXIII: http://bit.ly/1tuFnsJ
St Francis of Assisi: http://bit.ly/1lUMFqY
Dorothy Day: http://bit.ly/1uk4HnR
Thomas Merton: http://bit.ly/1iTR8Yw
Mother Teresa: http://bit.ly/1uHZy7n
St Peter: http://bit.ly/1wfCtdh
St Joan of Arc: http://bit.ly/1qfZb5w
St Bernadette: http://bit.ly/1tJjVnI
St Ignatius: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZLuk_X8u0
THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS
Anglican Scripture scholar and bishop, N.T. (Tom) Wright presents an excellent program on the resurrection of Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqc7--CaCpM
SPIRITUALITY AND THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE: ONE SIZE DOESN'T FIT ALL
A talk by Fr ronald Rolheiser OMI. http://bit.ly/1tJjVUw
Latest News
Parent Information Sessions for Confirmation
Confirmation will be celebrated at St Michael's, Lane Cove, over six weekday evenings - September 10, 11,15, 16, 17 and 18 - commencing at 7 pm.
The parent information session is now available on line. If your child attends St Michael’s Primary School, please click here: https://youtu.be/c-Lqn_g6lWc
If your child attends a State or Private school, please click here: https://youtu.be/UjtqMbCRacQ
Enrolments are on-line and commence on August 10. Given the present conditions, attendance at each of the ceremonies is restricted to 100 people. That means that the candidate may be accompanied by a sponsor and two family members.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher’s Pastoral Letter 2 July 2020
Please find the Archbishop’s most recent pastoral letter following further relaxation of restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mass at St Michael's Lane Cove
From July 24 the number of people who can attend Mass will be 100 people for each Mass.
Under normal circumstances more than 100 people usually attend each of the Masses celebrated at St Michael's, so for the time being we will continue to ask parishioners to continue booking beforehand. You will be able to make bookings through the parish office (9427 2034, or if the parish office is unattended, contact Fr Geoffrey on his mobile (0407 297 042).
Masses at Greenwich Chapel
Weekday Masses: 8.30 am. From Monday, June 1, it will no longer be necessary to make a booking to attend weekday Masses.
Sunday: Masses at 8 am and 9.30 am.
To attend Sunday Mass you MUST BOOK BEFOREHAND by contacting Bishop Peter. His mobile number is: 0408 245 739. Please do not turn up for Mass without first having made a booking.
Mass at St Ignatius College Chapel
The College campus is currently in lockdown, so it is not possible to have the regular Sunday morning Mass at Riverview for the time being. We'll keep you posted via the website once we are able to resume Masses at Riverview.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher’s COVID-19 Update as at 30 March 2020
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has responded to new government restrictions on gatherings with his third Pastoral Letter.
Watch Mass live, links on Archdiocese of Sydney website
Catholic Weekly now available online at this link
Diary Cancellations
Sunday Children's Liturgy has been cancelled until further notice.
The Parish morning tea scheduled for 29th March and the Palm Sunday morning tea and activities have been cancelled.
Child Protection
NSW Government legislation requires people working with Children to obtain a Working With Children Check. The Archdiocese has recently extended this requirement to include parishioners who are readers at Mass, Ministers of the Eucharist, Ministers to the Sick, Wardens, Senior Servers, Sacristans, Choir members, Musicians and singers.
Volunteers who require a WWC are also required to complete and sign a volunteer registration and code of conduct form. An online training course comprising 2x20 minute sessions also needs to be undertaken - an email will be sent out in the next few weeks.
If you are involved in any of these ministries - at St Michaels, Riverview or Greenwich - and do not yet have your WWC check, please go to the Parish website for further information.
A copy of the Archdiocese Fact Sheet, Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions on the Working with Children Check is on the Parish Noticeboard.
Parish 2020 Survey Report
The results of the Parish 2020 survey are complete and can be viewed on the link below. Our response rate was commendable and we thank those who took the time to complete the survey, your valuable input will help shape the planning process of our parish.
To recap, this survey was part of the Pastoral Plan for our Archdiocese. People were asked to participate and provide their input on their parish experience, parish priorities and ways to grow and strengthen our community.
The formal Parish 2020 process will continue to address archdiocesan wide issues with deanery based focus groups commencing in the near future. In the meantime, equipped with the data from our Parish survey, our team will be working to introduce new ways to improve pastoral care and strengthen our ministry.
We hope you will take the time to review our results.
http://www.lanecoveparish.org.au/images/Lane-Cove-Survey-Profile.pdf
Pope Francis' Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
That’s a bit of a mouthful, but Pope Francis has just released this document, titled in Latin Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), on marriage and the family. Amoris Laetitia gathers together the contributions of the two Synods on the family convoked by Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015, and draws on a long history of Church teaching. Click here to read Pope Francis' Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on Love in the Family: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia.html
Social Justice Update - Teresa House Homeless Shelter
We now have over sixty people who have volunteered, which will guarantee the success of opening Teresa House on a Thursday night. Current numbers indicate that any volunteers will only need to commit to once every three months for either the dinner or the night shift, which is fantastic. If you wish to find out more you can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as it is not too late to get involved.
Archbishop's Pastoral Letter for the Consecrated Life
Copies of Archbishop Fisher’s pastoral letter for the Year of Consecrated Life are available in the foyer of the church. Alternatively, you can watch the Archbishop deliver his message on Youtube. Click here: https://youtu.be/O-yDId_Wsy4
Social Justice Statement
The Australian Catholic Bishops annual Social Justice Statement for 2015-16 is For Those Who’ve Come Across the Seas: Justice for refugees an asylum seekers. For those interested you can access the statement and information on actions we can take at http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au/publications/social-justice-statements#SJS2015
Pope Francis' Encyclical on the Environment
Pope Francis has just released an Encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si’. The name of this encyclical comes from its opening words, “Laudato si’ mi’ Signore” (Praise be to you, my Lord). In the words of this beautiful canticle, St Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home (planet Earth) is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.” Pope Francis makes the point that “this sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.” To read Pope Francis' Encyclical on the Environment (Laudato Si'), click here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS
All parishioners who have a parish ministry that involves working with children must obtain a Working with Children Check number. At St Michael’s this means: Catechists, those helping with children’s liturgy, and senior servers. People who do not have a WWW check number will not be able to work with children. Because you work on a volunteer basis, there is no charge. Paid employees must pay an $80 fee.
Step 1: This is an online process. The website that you must go to is: www.newcheck.kids.nsw.gov.au
Step 2: Once you have accessed the website, click on “Start Here”. You go to the “For individuals” section (not “For employers”), and click on “Apply”. That will open up the online application form which will ask you for your personal details. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete the form. The information you give on this form must match your “proof of identity” document (e.g. your driver’s licence). In the section, “purpose for the check”, make sure you click “volunteer”.
Step 3: You will receive an application receipt number, beginning with APP.
Step 4: You must then go to a Motor Registry Office with your APP number and proof of identity (e.g. a NSW driver’s licence).
Step 5: The parish must then verify that you have received a Working With Children Check Number. Your check will be valid for five years.
If you have any questions, please contact the parish office.
Weekend Mass Times
St Michael's Church, Lane Cove
Vigil (Saturday) - 6pm
Sunday - 9:30am & 6pm
Mary Help of Christians Chapel, Greenwich
Sunday - 8am
Saint Ignatius' Chapel, Riverview
Sunday - 7:30am
© St Michael’s Parish Lane Cove