Mass of Unity – Weekend of 26th and 27th May 2012
We welcome the parishioners from St Richards Church.
The Masses next weekend will celebrate our churches coming together as one parish community.
We will be celebrating this within the spirit of Pentecost and invite all parishioners attending these Masses to bring a plate of food to share over a cup of tea/coffee.

Children’s Liturgy
Children’s Liturgy will be commencing next weekend, 27th May at the 11.00am Mass. This fulfilling ministry, to impart to our children the word of God, is recruiting new volunteers for our Sunday morning Masses. With our Masses moving to 9.00am and 11.00am, our aim will be to be able to offer Children’s Liturgy at both our morning Masses. The volunteers would be on a roster basis according to your availability. Please prayerfully consider your involvement in this important ministry and contact Deirdre Fennessy at the Parish Office – 9723 4275, with your interest.

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria
Recently, several members of the community (both SPJE and St Richard’s) have expressed interest in the work of the Society. However they are unable to attend our meetings which take place on alternate Wednesdays, after the 9.15 mass. This has led our conference to reassess our operations.
To facilitate this interest we will hold an Information Night – June 6th in SVDP Room – 7.00pm. A light supper will be provided.
If you are interested, please ring Bill McConville 9726 6363, Leo Allison 9739 6669 or Tony Warren 9726 8363.

LETTER RECEIVED FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
Dear Fr Joseph, Please put this in the Bulletin:
“the Archbishop has been following closely the assessment made on St Richard’s Church and has approved the decision to close the church. He is aware that this is not an easy matter, but the financial and health and safety concerns have made this decision essential. His prayers and wishes are with us all at this time”
+Denis J. Hart
Archbishop of Melbourne

It is a challenging time for many as we journey towards a one Church parish.
Please keep everyone in our parish in your prayers particularly during this next period of time.

It was announced last Tuesday that the last Sunday Mass at St Richard’s will be on 20th May.
From 26th / 27th May weekend Masses will be celebrated at SPJE Church at the following times:
6.00 pm Saturday
9.00 am Sunday
11.00 am Sunday
(NOTE: 11.00am IS A CHANGE OF TIME)

There are a number of areas for action to assist in this process. If you are willing to play an active role in either liturgy preparation; transport arrangements; capturing the Story of our Parish; or just generally offering constructive ideas and suggestions, please add your name and phone number to the lists in the SPJE Church foyer or contact the Parish Office on 9723 4275.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the women who play mothering roles in our community.

Flower Workshop
The parish will be running a free flower workshop to anyone who may be interested in learning how to arrange flowers for the church or home. The workshop will be held on Sat. 19th May commencing at 10am – 12pm – SPJE Church Foyer. If you have any flowers or greenery from your gardenplease bring them on the day.
Please call Adriana on 9723 4275 to advise if you will be attending. All Welcome !

Wanted Second Hand Clothes, Hand Bags & Shoes
If you are having a spring/Winter clean out and wish to donate it to the Christmas Parish Fair we are in need of clothes for our stall. This stall is one of our biggest fundraisers for the fair. Drop off for clothes will be out the front of St Richards Primary school Hall every Wednesday Morning until the fair arrives. If you cannot make it on those dates you are more than welcome to leave it inside the Hall. If you should require any further information please contact:
Rebecca Cannon on 0418 599 249 or Correna Beard on 0439 491 618

SPJE PARISH HALL FOR HIRE
The parish hall is available for hire to all in our parish and local community.
Tables & Chairs available at no additional fee and Large kitchen facilities.
Large area can cater for 21st birthdays, Engagements, Anniversaries, Baptisms, Dance Groups, etc.
For more information on cost and availability, please contact our Hall Manager, Leveda Allison on 9739 6669.

Flower Workshop
The parish will be running a free flower workshop to anyone who may be interested in learning how to arrange flowers for the church or home.
The workshop will be held on Sat. 19th May commencing at 10am – 12pm – SPJE Church Foyer.
If you have any flowers or greenery from your garden please bring them on the day.
Please call Adriana on 9723 4275 to advise if you will be attending.

Beginning this week, our Grade 4 & Catechist Children will be making their First Eucharists. Please keep them in your prayers

THANK YOU
A huge thanks to Maddie Willingham who painted our Paschal Candles for SPJE & St Richard’s Churches with our Easter theme Jesus is the Sign of God’s Steadfast Love. Go and have a closer look at her creativity!

Catholics Returning Home Program
Beginning 30 April, 7:30pm – 9pm for 6 consecutive weeks
Run by St Jude’s Scoresby but open to people from any parish, this program is aimed at providing inactive Catholics with an opportunity to return to their practice of the Faith through attending the sessions which are non-threatening and compassionate. The program is a “first step” towards returning to the Church and does not attempt to provide an “all answers” approach.
Those aware of inactive Catholics who are seeking to return to the Church are encouraged to mention the program to them.
Where: Parish Community Centre, St Jude’s Parish Scoresby, George Street, Scoresby.
Contact: Colin Maslen on 9763 4862 during daytime only.

Music at St Margaret’s
Welcome to our second musical afternoon for 2012.
ON Sunday 6th May at 2.30 pm
WITH * Alice Woodberry – Vocalist – * James Holloway – Trumpet * Hymn Singing * Afternoon Tea
AT St Margaret’s Uniting Church -
Hull Road, Mooroolbark. Entry: Gold Coin donation Enquiries 9735 2779

What world are we passing onto future generations?
Join the groundswell of global citizens waking up to the unique role we each have to play in creating a future that is worth passing onto our children and grandchildren.
How? By participating in Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium
When? 11am to 3.30pm Saturday 12th May 2012
Where? Glen Park Community Centre, Bayswater
How much? $30 / $15 Concession (lunch included)
RSVP / inquiries: Contact Jane on 0416 279 811 or janefmb7@gmail.com

THANK YOU
Many thanks to those who contributed to the Easter Offerings.
Fr Joseph Lu Xin

SPJE CHURCH CLEANING
We wish to thank those who clean our church.
We require new volunteers to help out with this ministry, if you are able to assist, please contact Adriana on 9723 4275 or email the parish at mooroolbark@cam.org.au

Dinner at the Well – Friday 25th May 2012
“Ecuador – a journey into eco-spirituality”
Jane and Neil have recently returned from a journey to Ecuador where they spent time with a number of indigenous communities.
At our next Dinner at the Well conversation, they will share some of their journey and how it has deepened their understanding of spirituality particularly as it relates to our call to be stewards of planet Earth.

CHRISTMAS FAIR 2012
Would you like to be part of St Peter Julian’s (including St. Richard’s) Parish Christmas Fair 2012?
First meeting will be held on Tuesday, 24th April at 7.30 pm in SPJE School (Parish Meeting Room 1.)

Happy Easter Everyone

We pray this weekend for our RCIA Candidates as they are received into our Church community at the Easter Vigil.

Thank You
A huge thank you to all those who had some part to play in our holy week ceremonies.
Blessings on you and your families.
From SPJE & St Richards Parish.

THE WAY – April 25 2012
“Wherever your journey takes you, make sure you find your way to The Way” – Fr Richard Leonard
Umbrella Entertainment is proud to announce the national cinema release of The Way (rated PG), an inspirational journey film starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Deborah Kara Unger, and James Nesbitt, and directed by Emilio Estevez.
Special sneak preview screenings will be conducted on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April at participating cinemas! Please check your local listings.

SPJE Playgroup
Come and join us in the hall on Wednesday mornings from 9-11am in the Hall, Term 2 starts back on the 18th of April.
Let the children create, play, make friends and have fun while you have a chat and a coffee.
Bring morning tea and a drink for the children and tea, coffee and food provided for the adults.
Contact Jessica on 0402 446 977 for further details.

RCIA Candidates
We pray this weekend for our RCIA Candidates who are on retreat this Sunday as they approach their final stages of preparation to be received into our Church community at Easter.

MOOROOLBARK PARISH EASTER RETREAT
“The Emmaus Journey Retreat”
Our Easter Retreat is being held on Sat 21st April & 22nd April.
If you are interested in joining us please contact Deirdre Fennessy 9723 4275.
Retreat Director: Fr Michael Hardie SVD
Venue: Pallotti College, Millgrove
All welcome!
Please fill in a Registration form from either of the Church foyers and return with payment to the Parish Office by 5th April. End of this Week

The 16th Annual PASSION PLAY
Palm Sunday – Sunday 1 April, 1:30pm
Good Friday – Friday 8 April, 10am
Two performances only of the annual Passion Play.
Where: Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster
Melway Ref 33H9
Cost: FREE
www.passionplay.info