Gospel Reflection 2017
Fr  Peter Hoang - Sunday 25A
In the original context of Matthew’s Gospel – the workers in the vineyard, hired at various hours of the day as day labourers – must have brought to mind the situation of Jews confronted with Jesus. Persecuted for centuries in the observance of a law full of strict ritual obligations, they were now challenged with the claim that Gentiles were welcome into God’s covenant of salvation on much easier terms.      >Cont

Why be envious because I am generous ?

 [Updated Sept 22]

"The Advent Heart"
A two-part Advent preparation series is being held—the first on 10th October and the second on 17th October, both at the Cardinal Knox Centre in East Melbourne, from 7pm to 9pm, with a light supper available from 6.30pm. The topics are : “An intro-duction to the Gospel of Mark” and “Exploring the Advent readings in Year B”. The keynote speaker for both evenings will be our own Fr Frank Moloney. Register online at www.trybooking.com/RNLL (bookings close 3rd October). Cost : $25 for both sessions and $15 for one session.

Spirituality in the Pub
You are all invited to our next session of Spirituality at the Pub. Fr Peter will be presenting 'Theology of Sacrament' on Thursday, September 28th, 6:30 pm at the Clifton Hill Brewpub. All are welcome to join us for dinner and conversation. In order to make bookings, email collclift@hotmail.com or call the office.

Social Justice Sunday
Social Justice Sunday is celebrated today. There have been great benefits in the economic growth Australia has achieved over recent decades. However, not all Australians have shared adequately in this prosperity and particular groups are excluded from the mainstream. We are all called to play our part in building an inclusive economy founded on true solidarity with those who are most vulnerable.
The Australian Catholic Bishops call for an economy that is founded on justice and offers dignity and inclusion to every person.

Snippets from Within
Igniting passion, celebrating diversity
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a geo-political and economic organisation which comprises of ten countries located in the re-gion of Southeast Asia. This year, ASEAN is celebrat-ing its 50th Anniversary and aims to enhance rela-tionships amongst the communities from the South-east Asian nations, by gathering both athletes and non-athletes from across all states in Australia.
There are eight different sports being played be-tween 22nd and 24th September and our Brothers Jack, Tristan, Lourenco, Abilio, Michael and Daniel will be participating in Futsal (indoor soccer) at Monash University. We wish them well and hope they bring home the trophy !!

Redefining Marriage
The Church is quite clear in its stance on what is marriage ... Marriage is a permanent, exclusive union of husband and wife, a union between one man and one woman that is in every aspect a comprehensive relationship.
We at the OLSC welcome everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. This, too, is consistent with Church teaching.
To learn more about marriage and what it means to our Catholic beliefs, please pick up a brochure entitled “Redefining Marriage” at the back of St John’s Church or ask the priest at Mass at St Joseph’s.

Earn & Learn Stickers
Both our schools are participating in Woolworths “earn & learn” promotion. Please shop at Woolies, collect the little round stickers and just put them in with the weekend’s collection. The office will do the rest and distribute them to the appropriate school, depending which direction they come from.

Yarra Street Pastors
On the notice board at the back of St John’s Church and somewhere in St Joseph’s Presbytery (ask Fr Peter or Fr Phil), is a copy of an email received from Nat Cutter who is the administrator for the Yarra Street Pastors.
This is a small multidenominational group of volunteers who head out on the streets of Richmond and Fitzroy every Saturday night to provide material and emotional support to everyone out and about in key party and entertainment areas.