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UPDATED ARCHDIOCESAN COVID PROTOCOLS:  Face masks are optional.

Remember the Sermon on the Mount scene in Monty Python’s 1979 comedy ‘Life of Brian’?  When Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers”, a man some distance away claims he said, “Blessed are the cheesemakers.” A woman in a condescending voice asks, “What’s so special about the cheesemakers?” A bystander explains: “Well, obviously it’s not meant to be taken literally; it refers to any manufacturers of dairy products.”  Very funny.  Yet many a serious word is said in jest.  Perhaps we have had selective hearing since? The Sermon on the Mount in today’s Gospel is addressed to us, the disciples of Jesus.  The Beatitudes summarise a way of life that is necessary if, like Jesus, we are to engage with the needs of a burdened humanity.  However, in the ‘enlightened’ eyes of the world, they would seem to disadvantage you.  Why give up, give over, endure, accept, support and persevere to end up a loser, surely?   Yes, the Beatitudes “all cohere around the core idea of living in a non-competitive, non-grasping way.  To be poor in spirit (as well as being actually poor); to be gentle and unselfish, rather than be on the make; to be prepared to weep alongside the unfortunate rather than avoid them; to work for justice and peace; to exercise mercy and be single-minded in pursuit of the good (‘pure in heart’) to be ready to endure persecution and calumny for the sake of the gospel: all these things make one vulnerable here and now, entailing much loss.  But then we have to note the second clause in each beatitude, stating the reason for the ‘blessedness’ in each case.  All those passives: ‘shall be comforted’, ‘shall be satisfied’, ‘shall have mercy shown to them’, and so forth, indicate, in biblical parlance, the action of God” (Brendan Byrne).  It is in this understanding, founded in trust or faith in God, that those who follow the way of Jesus are to be ‘congratulated’ for they are indeed ‘blessed’, knowing a deep peace the world cannot give.  Beatitude people are winners, not losers.

Fr John

CLAIM THE DATES 2023

In anticipation of your diaries filling up with appointments for the coming year, please note the following dates for the Sacraments of Initiation in 2023:

Term 1 - First Reconciliation        • Parent Information Night - Tuesday, 7 February 2023, 6pm via Zoom

                                                       • Sacramental Celebration - Thursday, 30 March 2023, 6pm

Term 2 – Confirmation                  • Parent Information Night - Tuesday, 2 May 2023, 6pm via Zoom

                                                       • Sacramental Celebration - Monday and Tuesday, 19 and 20 June 2023, 6pm

Term 3 - First Eucharist                • Parent Information Night - Tuesday, 25 July 2023, 6pm via Zoom

                                                       • Sacramental Celebration - Saturday-Sunday, 9-10 September 2023

(Note:  These dates may be changed as the Sacramental Program is finalised in 2023.)  In the meantime please claim these dates in your diary now.  Thank you in anticipation.  Meanwhile, if you have any enquiries regarding these Sacraments please contact the Parish Office.