Gospel Reflection 2019
 Easter Yr C

A message from Fr Martin ...
This weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday and reflect on Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem. The people waved palms to welcome him and laid their clothes on the road for Jesus as he rode in. This event also marks the beginning of Holy Week and the great events which resembles the emotional roller coaster of Joy at the last supper, the sadness of the crucifixion and the ultimate freedom of the Resurrection.
As a parish, let us find time during this coming week to stop and reflect on how this Easter story affects our lives. How does the meal at the Last Supper, the sharing of the body and blood of Christ, transform our lives to be like him? Does Christ’s crucifixion and death encourage us to appreciate the gift of life given to us by God? Finally, is the Resurrection the begin-ning of a new life, in relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
The Church is not only made up of bluestone and windows, but of people. We as Church come to-gether to share our faith, our experiences and to bond as a community. Wishing you all the best during Holy Week and a happy and Holy Easter.
Fr. Martin. PP

The women disciples were faithful followers of Jesus who had probably served Jesus in many ways during his journeys. Luke tells us that they remained present with Jesus on his way to the crucifixion site and witnessed his death. They came to the tomb that morning expecting to serve Jesus once again by anointing his body. Instead, they were sent to minister in a different way, as messengers to Peter and the apostles.

Yet the apostles do not believe the women. Luke reports that the women's story seemed like nonsense. It is odd that Peter goes to the tomb at all. Perhaps Peter knew these women well enough to give their story credence. Perhaps he remembered something that Jesus had said that led him to hope that the women's story was more than nonsense. Without explaining why, Luke tells us that Peter goes to the tomb to investigate the women's story. He looks into the tomb, sees the burial cloths alone, and then goes home amazed.

Archbishop Comensoli’s Easter message
Christ is alive; and he wants us to be alive. The Risen Lord, who will never abandon his people, is offering us the strength to set out on a new path with him. As shattered and as wounded as our local Church can seem, the Risen Lord, in his gloriously wounded body, is inviting us to share in his life and to walk with him.

   [Updated April 19]

Easter Vigil
Every year after the Easter Vigil liturgy, St John's holds a celebration in the hall. It seems a perfect, joyous way to complete the Triduum. All are welcome to this event in Aikenhead Hall. Please bring a plate or drink to share, if you are able. God bless you and your family and friends during this special time.

Fr Martin to be Installed
Put this date in your diaries now !!
Fr Martin Tanti is to be formally installed as Parish Priest on Sunday, May 12th at St Joseph’s Church in Collingwood.

Sacraments at St Joey's
The Church welcomed four students from our St Joseph’s Primary School who received the Sacrament of Baptism this past month. They are: Georgina and Kingsley Thong and Georgina Ngoc Diep.
Jaime Marshall, Penelope Jeffery and Ethan Russell.
The Church also welcomed nine students from our who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation last week. They are:
Georgina Diep Akeesa Karunarathne
Michael Dual Dau Akeung
Sawhid Mathot Adhieu Manyang
Penelope Jeffery Steffi and Joseph Tran
We wish them well in their continuing journey of faith. Thank you to their teachers for their preparatory work with the kids.

Message from Pope Francis for Lent 2019