Parish News
Did you know that the Website title, ‘St Bernard’s Parish Belmont’, at the top of the screen is our Home page/main menu button!
Clicking on the title when you are on any page takes you back to our home page!
Go to our Home page to view our
PARISH CALENDAR.
Have you found our new page ‘OUR CHURCH’? It’s located under the heading ABOUT US!
Each week we will endeavour to add interesting facts about our church. Why not take a look!
Special Notice: The Parish Office will be closed from the 24th Dec to the 7th Jan.
St Bernard’s Container Deposit Scheme
St Bernard’s has been registered as a charity with the Container Deposit Scheme.
Containers that come under the scheme are : Most aluminium, glass, plastic and liquid paperboard (carton) drink containers between 150mL and 3 litres are eligible.
You can keep the lids on, we recycle them too.
BUT NOT WINE BOTTLES.
To help identify the appropriate containers, look for the 10c mark on the drink container label. It is often located near the barcode.
To return containers:-
• Parishioners can either download the App and search the Charities in the App for St Bernard’s and make that as the preferred method of payment (the funds will be deposited directly to St Bernard’s parish Account)
St Bernard’s comes under Victoria’s Deposit scheme West and the App is CDS Vic West.
Parishioners can then take the containers themselves to one of the deposit sites and process them -
OR
• they can store the containers at their home and let the Parish Office know when they have a full bag e.g. in a large rubbish bag or tub etc.
They can either phone or email the office to advise or to arrange for a collection at the end of each month.
Advent Week 4 Reflection
Read more Advent week 4
Mannya Dec 2024
This is the latest Multi-Purpose Hall update with a message from Fr Emma.
Dear Friends
Hope you are well.
This is to appreciate your contributions to the parish hall construction.
The doors and windows are now fixed.
May God bless you
Fr. Emma
Advent Week 3 Reflection
Read more Advent 3
Advent Week 2 Reflection
Read more select Advent week 2
Advent Week 1 Reflection
To read more click Week 1 Advent
RCIA
Rite of Christian Initiation of Catholics - RCIA
We have 7 candidates / catechumens in our parish making their journey to become Catholics. As part of their formal journey they will undertake their Rite of Acceptance and Welcome at Mass at St. Bernard’s on 1 December. Please keep them in your prayers and make them feel welcome when you see them about.
ADVENT PREPARATION
1. Watch video Advent in 2 Minutes (NEW!)
2. Prayer said together
Dear God, please allow us to embrace Advent in the right way – as a way to prepare for your arrival.
May everything I do, everything I send, every party I attend, every meal I share remind me to prepare space in my heart for you. Amen.
3. Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new year and is a season of waiting and preparation. In fact, the season of Advent focuses on Christ’s threefold coming—past, present and future.
We await and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas.
We hope and give thanks for Christ’s presence in us and in the Word and sacraments.
We look to the future, waiting for Christ to come again.
In the coming four weeks, we prepare with mounting expectation for the coming of Christ in a spirit of waiting, conversion and hope.
4. Make an Advent wreath How to make your own Advent Wreath - including Blessing Ceremony.docx
5. Caritas, the Catholic Church’s international aid and development agency, invites us to journey through the 4 weeks of Advent, reflecting on the Scripture readings and sharing in the stories of our brothers and sisters around the world. Each week of Advent, themes of hope, peace, joy and love will be explored.
Each week we are invited to
- Pause and pray
- Light an Advent candle
- Read Scripture
- Reflect as in See, Judge, Act and Pray. Advent 2024 - Parish
Remembrance Mass
As a way of honouring our loved ones, St Bernard’s Parish respectfully invites you to a Mass of Remembrance, to celebrate the life of those who have died and we remember.
The Mass will be held in St Bernard’s Church
(74 Fryers Road Belmont) on
Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm.
During the Mass you will be invited to participate in a candle lighting ritual in honour of your loved one.
WELCOME!
This weekend, parishioners enjoyed wine and cheese, as well as morning tea after Sunday masses to welcome Fr. Tho to St. Bernard’s Parish. They had the chance to talk with Fr. Tho and connect with one another. Let us warmly include Fr. Tho in our parish family as we move forward together with the Holy Spirit's guidance. We pray that the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen you in serving our parish.
Invitation to Welcome Fr Tho
Dear Parishioners,
An invitation is extended to all parishioners to welcome Fr Tho to St Bernard’s parish next weekend 16th/17th November following each Mass.
A wine and cheese gathering will be held following Saturday 6:00pm Mass while a morning tea will be held after both the 9:00am and 10:30am Mass on Sunday. You are welcome to bring a small plate to share if you are able.
Kind Regards
Parish Leadership Team
Two new Bishops appointed!
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
Pope Francis has this evening appointed two new auxiliary bishops for the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.
They are the Reverend Father Thinh Nguyen and Reverend Father Rene Ramirez RCJ.
READ the media release:
https://mediablog.catholic.org.au/pope-francis-appoints.../
Bishop-elect Ramirez, who hails from Gapan, Philippines, has been a priest since June 1998. His first assignment as priest was as the vocation director for the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus in the Philippines.
Bishop-elect Thinh was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and came to Australia as a teenager. He entered Corpus Christi College Regional Seminary Carlton in 1999 and was ordained for the priesthood by Archbishop Denis Hart on 16 September 2006 in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne.
Let us all rejoice in prayer for the new bishops-elect. Congratulations!
Welcome Fr Tho Tran
Welcome to the Parish of St Bernard of Clairvaux
It is with much joy that this week, we welcome our new Parish Priest, Fr Tho Tran.
We encourage parishioners to reach out and introduce themselves to get to know Fr Tho over the upcoming weeks. Let us extend our wonderful sense of hospitality and warmly welcome and support him, as he embarks on this new chapter of his priestly ministry with us.
Welcome, Fr Tho ~ we look forward to the journey ahead and the relationships that will form.
From Fr Tho:
My name is Tho Tran, currently I am serving in the communities of Brunswick and Moreland Catholic Mission: St Joseph- West Brunswick, St Fidelis-Moreland, St Ambrose-Brunswick, and Our Lady Help of Christian-East Brunswick. Before this current appointment, I served as an assistant priest a few years in the difference Parishes for Archdiocese of Melbourne, such as Holy Trinity Parish, Laverton, Altona and Point Cook and St Mary of the Assumption Parish, Keilor Downs.
I come from Vietnam and was born in a catholic traditional family, and I desired to become a priest during I was studying in Hanoi University. After a several years of discernment, I decided to join Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Hanoi, Vietnam. A few years later, I was asked by Archbishop Joseph Ngo Quang Kiet for undertaking further priestly formation in Melbourne. I arrived in Melbourne since 2008 and have made this beautiful city as my second home.
This is a great opportunity to be with you. I am looking forward to being a part of St Bernard’s community life, to pray together and to walk with you through a journey of faith.
May God bless you all.
Fr Tho Tran
Pope Francis has released a new encyclical titled, DILEXIT NOS‘, The Sacred Heart of Jesus’.
Read about it on our Sharing Faith page!
Farewell Fr Sang
Everyone is welcome to attend a morning tea next
Sunday 3rd Nov. following the 9.00am Mass,
in the church Café area, to farewell Fr Sang.
We wish Fr Sang every blessing in his new Parish.
NOVEMBER - MONTH OF REMEMBRANCE
All Saints Day: Mass Friday 1st November at 12 noon
All Souls Day: Mass Saturday 2nd November at 9:30am followed by a pilgrimage to the Highton cemetery.
Memorial Prayer space: Please bring a photo of your loved ones to add to the space and be remembered in prayer during the month of November.
Remembrance Mass: will be held on Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm.
Communion to the Sick Ministry
This Parish Renewal has been an opportunity to reflect on our own faith journey and how we can continue to be Christ like in the world today. Ministering to our community is one way in which we can bring Jesus’ word to others.
Our Communion Round reaches out to those who are unable to come to Mass and share in the Eucharist as a church community, thus we would like to invite you to join the team of volunteer Eucharistic ministers. This is a rewarding ministry that engages people and allows them to continue to be a part of the St Bernard’s community and invites relationships to form.
If you feel that this is a ministry that you could assist with, we invite you to sign up and be a part of this team. Formation will take place so that you will feel comfortable in knowing the process of the liturgy.
The ministry involves going to people’s homes and/or aged care facilities. All ministers will go out in pairs, so you would not be alone. Once you are there, a short prayer service is celebrated together before the distribution of communion.
Currently, the team gathers on a Friday to complete this ministry, however, if you would like to give an indication of your availability, we are aiming to work on a system that would provide this ministry on an alternate day.
Please consider signing up to this extraordinary ministry below.
or email stbernardleadership@gmail.com
Contact will be made with you and further details will be provided soon.
With kindness,
Liturgy Team
RCIA MINISTRY
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at St. Bernard’s Parish
There is an interest in people wanting to become Catholics! This year we have eight inquirers undertaking their RCIA journey commencing in September until Easter.
Inquirers come to us for a variety of reasons. Primarily they want to find God and the Catholic church in their lives. A main reason is that they see St. Bernard’s offering a welcoming community.
If we can offer that vision - and then deliver on it - we will always be a better parish.
So, what do we need to continue this successful program at St. Bernard’s Parish?
• Leaders. We would welcome additional leaders and presenters to the RCIA sessions.
We have ready-made resources and sessions so we can help out any new leaders.
• Guest presenters. In the past we have had guest presenters, and this has worked very well.
• Godparents /sponsors. We are on the lookout for godparents / sponsors to walk with the catechumens / candidates.
• Prayers - please pray for us and the inquirers.
Consider offering your gift of service to this program.
Please leave your name and details below and we will be in contact:
In gratitude,
Outreach & Engagement in Faith Pillar
URGENT NOTICE
Communion Services which were to have been held this Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October have been cancelled.
We found a water leakage late Saturday and the problem is much bigger than first thought; it will take the plumbers some time to carry out the repairs and of course during this time the water supply to the church has had to be turned off.
Due to Health & Safety Regulations we have no option but to completely close the church during this time.
The Church Café will be closed until further notice but we will keep you updated with progress.
With many blessings
Parish Team
A HEALING MASS inclusive of the Sacrament of Anointing,
will be celebrated on Sunday October 20 at 10.30am to coincide with the Feast of St Luke (Oct 18th), Patron Saint of Physicians.
This sacrament is available to anyone attending and who would like to be anointed.
If you have a family member or know of someone who may not usually be able to attend mass, but would like to be anointed, why not organise to bring them along with you.
WOW! WOW! WOW!
The Parish Renewal was truly an inspiring event that left a lasting impression on all who attended. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for Fr. Richard Leonard SJ's engaging and uplifting presentation, which sparked meaningful conversations.
A heartfelt thanks goes out to Noreen and all those who dedicated their time and effort to organize this fantastic gathering.
As we take a moment to reflect on the Pope’s Prayer intention for this month of October, let’s strive to put our faith into action in practical ways. We genuinely need your involvement! Please consider joining us in various Parish activities, whether it's through attending social events or volunteering your time and talents. In the coming weeks, we will focus on highlighting specific areas where support is needed most. Take some time to contemplate how you can lend a helping hand and also inform others who might be interested in contributing.
Pope Francis Prayer Intention - October 2024
For a shared mission– Let us pray that the Church continues to sustain a synodal lifestyle in every way, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, communion and mission shared by priests, religious and laity.
Pope Francis’ message emphasises his invitation to each and every Christian “to walk together, taking the path of synodality,” explaining that “we are co-responsible in mission, we participate and we live in the communion of the Church.”
Regardless of one’s vocation, career or work in life, Pope Francis underlines that the mission is the same, namely that of “witnessing with one’s own life”, and “everyone contributing what they know how to do best”.
The Pope suggests that, in this way, “we work together in this co-responsibility”.In the video, Pope Francis clarifies that priests “are not the bosses of the laity, but their pastors” and stresses how Jesus calls upon us all to complement one another.
With this spirit, he calls on all baptised people in the Church at all levels to remember how the Church is their home, and therefore, reminding them of their responsibility to take care of it.
Pope Francis concludes by praying, “Let us pray that the Church continues to sustain a synodal lifestyle in every way, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, communion and mission shared by priests, religious and laity.”
Edited Cathnews
Event: TWO Day Parish Renewal
With Fr Richard Leonard sj.
Purpose: An opportunity for spiritual growth and to activate faith-based service within our parish communities and beyond.
Location: St. Bernard's Church, 74 Fryers Road, Belmont.
Dates: Friday October 11 & Saturday October 12, 2024
Free event, donation appreciated.
Bookings for Friday: https://www.trybooking.com/cuppe
Bookings for Saturday: https://www.trybooking.com/cupud
Sign up lists will also be available in the Church Foyer.
Fr Richard Leonard is a Jesuit priest. He has degrees in arts and education, as well as a Master’s degree in theology. He directs the Australian Catholic Office for Film & Broadcasting, is an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University; and a Visiting Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He has lectured on faith and culture all over the world. He has been published widely and is regular columnist with The London Tablet. He is the author of ten books, among the titles are his latest book, Why God? Stories to inspire faith has just been released.
Session Details
Friday 11th October
Friday 2.00-3.30 pm
“Going out to the world: We need all the help we can get”
One of the richest things Catholics take to the world is our tradition. Some people think Catholic Tradition is a static bloc of doctrines that must be imparted to our young. By looking at Mary, the Mother of Jesus we will see how our tradition is rich and responsive to the needs of today.
Friday 7.00-8.15 pm
“Nine steps to making better choices for my life”
On the strongest elements within the Catholic tradition is the process of discerning the promptings of God in my daily life. How can we practically apply the best of our Christian spirituality to the choices we make at home, work and the wider community?
Saturday 12th October
10.00-12.00 Saturday
“Where the Hell is God? Holding to Faith through the Tough Times.”
Our faith in God is easier when everything is going well. But what about the times in our lives when it is challenged, undermined and threatened by the things that happens to us, or those we love? This critical session will help out words around how we can hold to a God who walks with us in the “valley of tears”?
2.00pm – 3.30pm Saturday
“What are we doing on earth for Christ’s Sake?”
Going out to the world is not for the faint-hearted. These days many people think we are nuts for believing in the Father, Son and Spirit. How we hold and proclaim a sensible and joyous religious faith, and confidently impart it to our friends and neighbours, even in the face of serious, secular opposition?
Thank You!
We had a truly fantastic day celebrating the significant milestones in Fr. Sang’s journey. A wonderful and reverent Mass was led by six dedicated priests, accompanied by lovely music from the combined choir, which added a joyful atmosphere to the occasion, as well as beautiful artwork that adorned the space. Many family members and friends attended from various locations, including Geelong, Melbourne, and beyond, with special guests such as Fr. Sang’s uncle traveling from Sydney and his brother making the trip all the way from Vietnam. We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Sang on his momentous 10th anniversary of priesthood and his upcoming 40th birthday milestone. Following the Mass, approximately 400 attendees gathered to enjoy a delightful variety of delicious food. Starters were generously provided by Fr. Sang’s friends, the main dishes were created by Capri Catering, and a selection of sweets was contributed from both Capri and parishioners. A special thanks is extended to Noreen and the entire organizing committee for their diligent hard work in making this event a success. We deeply appreciate everyone's generous support and participation. Photos from the day were taken by Joseph Caruana and will be available for viewing soon.
Celebration of Sang 15/9
We welcome contributions of finger food style sweet treats like a slice, brownie, small cakes etc. to be served with tea & coffee after the main buffet.
If you are able to contribute on this occasion, please fill out the form in the foyer after mass this Sunday 8/9, to let us know what you can bring.
On Sunday 15/9 if you could leave these sweet treats in the church cafe, they can be taken to the hall for lunch.
Thank you for your generosity.
A Celebration of
SANG
St Bernard's Parish Community warmly invites you to join us to celebrate our beloved Father Sang's 10 years of Priestly Ordination, 40th Birthday, and Parish Priest Farewell. The day will begin with a concelebrated Mass at 10.30 am at St. Bernard's Church, followed by lunch, BYO drinks.
The St Bernard's Parish Community warmly invites you to join us to celebrate our beloved Father Sang's 10 years of Priestly Ordination, 40th Birthday, and Parish Priest Farewell. The day will begin with a con-celebrated Mass at 10.30 am at St. Bernard's Church, followed by lunch.
If for some reason, after booking your ticket, you are not able to attend, please cancel your ticket in your Trybooking confirmation email, so catering numbers will be accurate.
Date
Sunday 15 September 2024 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM (UTC+10)
RSVP FOR LUNCH
Registration required by Sept 5, 2024. Please include dietary requirements.
Location
Clairvaux Hall
45 Reynolds Road, Belmont Vic 3216
Book Now
https://www.trybooking.com/CUPXM
Happy Father's Day! On this special occasion, we extend our warmest wishes to all fathers and individuals who embody the essence of fatherhood. May the love and respect bestowed upon them by their children bring them abundant blessings, as we fervently hold them in our prayers. We celebrate their unique role in shaping lives and providing parental care with profound gratitude and admiration.
Season of Creation
This year Father’s Day also marks the beginning of the recognition of the Season of Creation.
“Future generations will never forgive us if we miss the opportunity to protect our common home. We have inherited a garden; we must not leave a desert for our children.”
SEASON OF CREATION:
The 1st of September signals the beginning of the Season of Creation. It is a time for everyone to pray and act for all that has been created.
It continues for the whole of September. If you’d like some ideas have a look at these calendars for inspiration! The calendar is beautifully illustrated with simple suggestions on how we can all create peace and justice. There is also a link to an action placemat for children. Select the buttons to download!
Mohammed’s Good News!
As St Bernard’s parishioners would be aware, for the last twelve years, Mohammad Rahman has been denied refugee status. The reason: because a government interpreter misunderstood Mohammad’s account of his escape from Afghanistan. Many people, especially in this Parish, supported Mohammad in his struggle to be accepted as a refugee. Mohammad made the decision to become a member of our community through the RCIA program. During the years that followed, Mohammad was greatly helped by the warm welcome he received from parishioners, and every week, the Parish community prayed for him.
In June of this year, the Government at last reviewed Mohammad’s case and agreed that he is a genuine refugee who fled for his life from Afghanistan. And so, he has now been issued with a permanent refugee visa and an Australian passport. This enabled him to gain permission from the Home Affairs Department to travel to Malaysia and, after twelve painful years, to spend some time not only with his wife but also with his twelve-year-old son whom he had only met through social media.
Back in 2012, under difficult circumstances, Mohammad was forced to leave his pregnant wife behind in Pakistan in order to make the perilous journey to Australia. During the long struggle to have his case heard by the Australian Government, Mohammad had no visa which would allow him to travel to Malaysia where his wife had now moved for safety; nor could his family come to Australia. Mohammad’s great hope has always been that eventually he will be able to bring his wife and son to Australia under a Family Reunion Scheme. And so, we continue to pray for Mohammad and his family that they will eventually be together here in Australia.
Happy St Bernard’s Day!
St Bernard’s Day was celebrated by an enthusiastic and lively crowd who shared their amazing and diverse food creations. There was a delightful variety of dishes from a large number of countries, all shared with joy as we came together as a close-knit community to honor the feast of our beloved patron saint. Parishioners had a wonderful time engaging in conversations and catching up with one another, fostering connections and friendships. In addition, wonderful entertainment was provided by some of our talented musicians, which led to some fun and spirited dancing! A special thanks must go to the organising group who dedicated a great deal of effort and time to produce such a memorable and special occasion for us all to enjoy together. Thank you and well done to everyone who attended and contributed to making the day a success.
Exciting News!
We are pleased to launch our inaugural 2024 Parish Pastoral Action Plan for your information.
This plan outlines the Parish Vision, Mission, Leadership Team structure and the Purpose and Activities of the three pillars. The Pillars are independent areas of focus which support each other as a whole.
We welcome your feedback/comments regarding this Pastoral Action Plan, email us at stbernardleadership@gmail.com.
You will find the Parish Leadership Team profiles on our website https://stbernards.org.au/parish-staff
St Bernard’s Day Celebration
To celebrate the Feast of St Bernard’s, you are invited to our
International Luncheon on Sunday 25th August
in the Big Space after the 10.30am mass.
If you are able to bring along a sample of your cuisine, please list on the forms located in the church foyer or use the QR code, the type of food you are able to bring.
Please bring along a list of ingredients to alert anyone with allergies.
Mannya information:
Kevin Shannon has provided a video of the work of a group of doctors in Mannya. You can view the video and read more about their work, on our Mannya page. Just go to the top of this page and you’ll find it under ‘About Us’.
Sunday September 15th
A celebration of Fr. Sang's 10th Anniversary of his Priestly Ordination,
his 40th birthday and
Parish Priest farewell at the 10.30 am Mass
followed by lunch.
More information later.
World day of prayer for the elderly and Grandparents!
Today we remembered in prayer all the elderly and grandparents. We are grateful for the wisdom, kindness and generosity with which they give to others.
Clergy Appointments!
It is with a blend of emotions that we receive the news of Fr Sang's appointment as Parish Priest for the recently combined parish of Our Lady of Pentecost in Camberwell. This parish holds significance for Fr Sang as it is where he served before his tenure in Belmont. His official commencement date at his new parish is set for the 6th of November, enabling us to cherish shared memories and celebrate his upcoming milestones prior to his departure.
photo: June 2018
Fr Tho Van Tran from the Brunswick and Moreland Parish, has been appointed our new Parish Priest while Fr Linh Pham from the same parish has been appointed to Queenscliff.
Fr Sang has written a brief letter on his appointment:
Dear Parishioners,
Not long prior to taking leave, I was approached by the Vicar General who invited me to take up a new appointment to be the Parish Priest for the parishes of Camberwell, Balwyn, Deepdene, Surrey Hills and Wattle Park. It is sad to leave as I have thoroughly felt at home here amongst you all in the parish of St Bernard’s. The past 6 years have allowed me to learn and grow in my ministry, but more importantly, I have gotten to know you all so well and the relationships formed, not only with the parish community but also with our school community, and this will stay with me forever. I have been privileged to share in your significant milestones; memories that I will always honor and cherish.
This new appointment is also very exciting as it reminds me of Jesus, when in Mark’s Gospel after he had preached to the people in Galilee, he said to his disciples ‘to go to the next place and continue to share the Good News of the Gospel.’ So, it will be exciting to get to know more people in the amalgamated parish of Our Lady of Pentecost; to share life and faith and bring the human loving touch of Jesus to all people that I will be encountering.
I am pleased to announce that the incoming Parish Priest will be Fr Tho Tran. He is currently the 'co-parish priest' with Fr Linh Pham at the Parishes of Brunswick, West Brunswick, East Brunswick and Moreland. Fr Tho was ordained in 2018 by Archbishop Dennis Hart for the Archdiocese of Melbourne and is a very fine young man and priest.
Fr Tho and I have had brief conversations about the changes that will take place and he is very excited to be joining our parish.
It is unfortunate that I am unable to tell you this in person, however, there will be many opportunities over the upcoming months to discuss and to celebrate the many things we have achieved together. We will also have time to plan for the transition upon my return as I will be with you until November 6 which is when the new appointments will take effect.
God’s Blessings
Sang Ho
St Bernard’s Administration Officer
St Bernard’s is looking for a new Administration Officer in the Parish team. We will begin advertising to fill this position in the next week. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in this role and joining the Parish team we will be advertising soon on the Parish & Archdiocese websites.
Welcome Fr Ian Waters!
This weekend we welcomed Fr Ian Waters who has come to celebrate Mass with us over the next few weeks whilst Fr Sang is away. Fr Ian was Sang’s lecturer in Canon Law at the seminary.
We also thank Anthony our Parish Altar Server for assisting Fr Ian.
Fr Sang Ho will be on annual leave from the 18th June to 18th July.
Fr Ian Waters will be celebrating all weekend masses at the usual times while Fr Sang is away.
Communion services will be held on Wednesdays at 9.30am and on Fridays at 12noon.
We wish Fr Sang a wonderful and relaxing time with his family in Vietnam and look forward to his return.
Pope’s Prayer intention for June.
Universal intention – For those fleeing their own countries
Let us pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in their host countries.
What Peace looks like!
This drawing is by Anja Rozen, a 13 year old primary school student in Slovenia. She was chosen from 600,000 children around the world to create a piece of art to show what peace looks like. She is the winner of the international Plakat Miru competition.
“My drawing represents the land that binds us and unites us.” Humans are woven together. If someone gives up, others fall. We are all connected to our planet and to each other, but unfortunately, we are little aware of it. We are woven together. Other people weave alongside me my own story; and I weave theirs," said the young designer
- Courtesy: Fatima Anfig
Thank You Luncheon!
What an enjoyable event it was, with fantastic food, wonderful company, and an opportunity to dance! Our dedicated Church Volunteers truly relished every moment. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Fr. Sang, the Parish staff, and our talented chefs for organizing a special thank you lunch to show appreciation for the volunteers' hard work and commitment.
National Reconciliation Week
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
World Children’s Day!
In Rome this year, on 25–26 May, Pope Francis has instituted the Church’s first ever World Children’s Day.
Children’s ministries are an essential yet sometimes overlooked part of the Church’s mission. Whether they are programs held within Sunday Mass (like Children’s Liturgy of the Word, children’s choirs, Little Sprouts and Godly Play) or programs held at other times (like Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, parish-based youth groups and Sacramental preparation classes), these ministries provide education, connection and ways to enter into the life of the parish.
Children’s ministries are wonderful and important, but they are a means to an end. For all my strategies and theologising, I don’t have the power to bestow faith on these children. That’s not my job. I am but walking beside them at the beginning of their faith life. All I can do is guide them to the altar and try not to get in the way as they meet Jesus. The rest is his job. And perhaps if I am humble enough, I might learn something too.
https://melbournecatholic.org/news/suffer-the-little-children
21 May 2024
WRITTEN BY Kate Moriarty
Thank you!
National Volunteer Week - 20 - 26 May 2024: 'Something for Everyone'
We thank all our amazing Volunteers who give so generously of their time and their skills. All the many Parishioners who help out in the Church, around the grounds, in the Office, within our community groups, those involved in fundraising and the many unseen heroes! We hope all enjoy today’s Parish ‘Thank You’ luncheon.
We especially want to recognise our compassionate St Vincent de Paul volunteers who are celebrating their organisation’s 170 years of service.
‘Volunteering is vital for community wellbeing and is personally rewarding’, said St Vincent de Paul Society National President, Mark Gaetani, ‘and in National Volunteer Week, as throughout the year, I honour the efforts of the Society’s 45,000 members and volunteers around Australia.
‘Our conference members provide assistance to thousands of families and individuals in need, while our shop volunteers are essential for the running of our much-loved Vinnies op shops.
‘Our volunteers range in age from their teens to their eighties. Many are retired and have every right to take it easy, but they still put in countless hours helping others in a variety of ways.
Ideas to Inspire Laudato Si’ Week May 19-26 2024 Theme: Seeds of Hope
Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’ has challenged all people to do more to care for the environment on which we all depend for life. Together, as seeds of hope, we can cultivate a world where harmony between humanity and nature is a tangible reality. ‘There are no lasting changes without cultural changes … and there are no cultural changes without personal changes’ (LD 70).
Read more about Laudato Si’ Week on our Parish Laudato Si’ page by clicking the Main menu button above to take you to our Home page!
Click on the link below to find ideas to inspire you this week!
https://jesuit.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Laudato-Si-week-2024-Bulletin-Notices-v3.pdf
Thank You
To MARGARET and PETER WILLS for all their work throughout the year in collecting and sorting items for the annual Book Fair. Thank you to the many people who assisted on the day or behind the scenes, your help is much appreciated. It was a great success.
Congratulations!
Many of our Parish and school children received the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time over the weekend. We continue to pray for them and the remaining children who will receive the Eucharist next weekend.
Invitation to Volunteers
Are you on any rosters for the parish?
Do you help in ways unseen and unsung in the church or grounds?
You are invited to a THANK YOU luncheon on Sunday 26th May in the Big Space at 11.45am.
RSVP by Friday 10th May (essential for catering).
Please indicate special dietary requirements. Phone the Parish Office on 5243 2739 or email belmont@cam.org.au
Masses for First Eucharist Children
The masses for all of our children who will receive the Eucharist for the first time this year of 2024 will be:
Friday 3rd May at 12noon, Sat 4th May at 6pm, Sun 5th May at 10.30, Fri 10th May at 12noon and Sat 11th May at 6pm.
We pray for these children:- May God bless you, May God keep you, May God’s goodness shine on you, May we see God’s face in everything you do. Amen.
As there will be around 25 children receiving First Eucharist at each of the above masses, parishioners may consider going to another mass at St Bernard’s, that will not have First Eucharist children and their families so that everyone is accommodated comfortably in the Church.
ANZAC Day 25th April
Lord God, we honour those who have sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom and prosperity of this great nation.
We thank you for the courage of those who gave their lives that we might live.
We thank you for the patience and steadfastness of those who, having survived the conflict of war, have carried their scars back to Australia, but have continued to serve their country despite their suffering.
We thank you for the medical personnel who have cared for them, in wartime and in peace, and brought them as much comfort and healing as is possible.
We thank you for the opportunity to remember them as we do at this time each year, making us aware of the value of unselfishness, bravery and sacrifice.
As we honour them and pray for them, we ask that we may be true to the example that they have given, so that we may be ambassadors of freedom and courage to those around us, that we might serve others in the same way they have given themselves for us.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, your Son, who sacrificed Himself for us and for all people. Amen.
St Bernard’s Church Annual BOOK FAIR - Sun 5th May
Clairvaux School Hall, Reynolds Rd. Belmont 8am to 2pm
Come along & browse through a huge selection of second-hand books - fiction, non-fiction & children’s - all at bargain prices.
Jigsaw puzzles, board games, DVDs & CDs & Scrumptious Scone Stall.
Something for everyone.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations!
Here is an activity for children. Please click on the title to download a copy.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Happy Easter and thank you to all who contributed to the celebrations throughout Holy Week and Easter. Thank you to Fr Sang on his 5th anniversary of celebrating as our Parish Priest (and Administrator) here in Belmont!
Easter at St Bernard’s
The Liturgy team would like to thank everyone who contributed to and participated in any way in our Sacred Triduum ceremonies (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil). Our biggest thanks go to Fr Sang who led us gently and prayerfully through them all and provided much for us to reflect on in his homilies. Another special word of thanks goes to Marina Dias for all her work in contacting participants, preparing Power Points and running sheets, and making sure everything that was needed was available.
We were very blessed to have the assistance of the visiting Redemptorist seminarians, Siven, Minh and Hans, whose presence added a different dimension of prayerfulness to the ceremonies.
At the Easter Vigil we welcomed Adam and Meredith into our Catholic faith and the community of St Bernard’s following their journey of preparation through the RCIA process. We pray that their faith will deepen grow as they continue to learn about the mysteries of faith that have been handed on to us.
Last, but by no means least, a big "thank you" to all who attended. Your presence helped to build our worshipping community at this time, enabling each of us to enter into the spirit and prayerfulness of each occasion fully, consciously and actively (cf Vatican 11 Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #14).
May the blessings and joy of Easter remain alive in each of us.
Throughout Holy Week and Easter, Fr Sang has been accompanied by 3 Seminarians studying in the Redemptorist order in Kew. They were able to stay with Fr Sang and enjoyed the opportunity to share many experiences. While they were assisting Fr Sang they also gained valuable and insightful direction from him. We pray for their continued progress in the seminary and may they be blessed by their experience with us during Easter.
Pictured (L-R) Siven, Angel (Altar Server), Fr Sang, Minh, Hans
St Bernard's Holy Week Reflection 2024 Palm Sunday
Hans, Sivens, and I arrived at St. Bernard’s Parish in Belmont on Palm Vigil Sunday, 2024, to a warm welcome from Fr. Sang Ho. We saw Sang already at work in the parish, decorating the palm tree in the front foyer in preparation for the Mass. He showed us the presbytery, where we would be staying for a week. Palm Sunday was a Sunday of joy, and the parishioners looked happy with palms in their hands as they processed from the foyer to the church: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The King who sat on the colt on Palm Sunday was the same King who was on the Cross of Calvary.
Tenebrae & The Stations of the Cross
Something that I experienced differently at St Bernard’s parish was the Tenebrae service and the reflection on Stations of the Cross in a contemporary context. The contrasting images of the darkness of the world and the light of Christ of Tenebrae reminded me of John’s Gospel: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12) Contemporary reflections on the Station of the Cross enabled the people of God to reflect on their relationship with Jesus and encouraged everyone to take part in making a better world—a world of justice, peace, consolation, and hope.
Happy Easter 2024 Back to the presbytery. Sang was the master chef in the house. He did most of the cooking, and we did the washing up. Hans and Sivens prepared a healthy Indonesian dish that left a lasting impression on Sang. No doubt, the fish menu was the most preferred, and Sang decided to take on the challenge of having fruit for his dessert. Thank you, Fr. Sang, for your hospitality, and thank you to everyone we met at St. Bernard’s Parish. We very much enjoyed our stay and remembered St. Bernard’s parishes in our prayers.
Holy Week
In Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday, 24 March, Catholics participate in ancient religious practices, some of which are detailed below.
Palms, processions and the passion
On Palm Sunday, the Catholic Church recalls Jesus’ messianic entrance into Jerusalem before his crucifixion. As Jesus rode into the city on a small donkey, the Jews gathered around him, throwing cloaks and palm branches on the road and exclaiming praises as he passed by. At Palm Sunday Mass, palm branches are blessed and the faithful process into church.
The Lord’s Supper
On Holy Thursday, the Catholic Church celebrates a special Mass of the Lord’s Supper - that commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper. On the night before Jesus Christ was crucified, he changed the bread and wine into his own Body and Blood, and he commanded the apostles – and their successors- to act in his stead and re-present this sacrifice. So, at every Mass, by the way of transubstantiation, the bread and wine offered by the priest becomes Christ’s Body and Blood again.
Washing feet
Just as Christ did for his 12 apostles at the Last Supper and as he commanded them to do likewise, during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the priest, who represents Christ, ceremoniously washes the feet of 12 people in the congregation. At the Holy Thursday liturgy in the Vatican, even the Pope performs the foot washing.
Going with Jesus to Gethsemane
After the Last Supper and before he was arrested and condemned to death, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, accompanied by two of the disciples. So, after the Holy Thursday Mass, the remaining sacred hosts are carried out of the sanctuary to an Altar of Repose, and the people go with the Eucharistic Christ in a procession. People stay for a time, adoring the wondrous sacrament that Jesus instituted that day more than 2,000 years ago.
A vacant church
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper is finished, the church, now without the Eucharist, is truly empty. So, the tabernacle light- which is always lit and signifying Christ’s presence – is extinguished, and the tabernacle door is left open, exposing the vacant interior. The altar is stripped bare of its linens and candles, holy water is removed from the church’s fonts and the sacraments are not celebrated until the Easter Vigil. Like the first Christians bereft of Jesus and mourning the two days after the crucifixion, the church stands unadorned until the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday night. With the resurrection of Jesus, the church’s joy is restored.
Stations of the Cross
The Stations for the Cross devotion is centred on the Passion of Christ. This recalls the way of Jesus’ suffering and death. By praying the Stations of the Cross, a person makes a spiritual pilgrimage to the principal scenes of the salvific Passion of the Lord.
Embrace the Cross
On Good Friday, the church gathers for the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, which includes a reading of a Gospel account of the Passion, Holy Communion (consecrated at Mass on Thursday night) and veneration of the Cross.
Edited extracts Kairos March 2013
An Ecological Approach to Holy Week - read more on our Laudato Si’ page.
Just click our title at the top to return to our Home page, where you’ll find it.
- click to read more on our Faith page.
The liturgies of the Triduum form a seamless whole. They all celebrate one and the same great mystery of faith: the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2 April 2023
Real Deal Action Forum
Adequate housing is essential for human survival with DIGNITY, with the current housing crisis a huge social justice issue in Geelong. St. Bernard's Parish has joined this alliance to advocate for solutions. Over 200 people turned up for this Action Forum at the Geelong West Town Hall to learn about solutions to the housing crisis in Geelong, including 9 parishioners from St. Bernard's Parish. More information on our Laudato Si’ page.
You can show your support by signing this petition to the City of Greater Geelong to build public and community housing https://bswhn.org.au/public-community-housing-petition
Have you wondered why we have been listening to different Gospel readings over the last few weeks?
In recent weeks, we have heard Fr Sang refer to the Scrutinies celebrated by our catechumens and candidates. These are part of a series of rites belonging to the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) of Adults) that are celebrated during the season of Lent on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays. Read More
RCIA is the pathway for adults to become Catholics. Since August last year, our candidates Adam and Meredith have been taking their journey with Fr Sang and the St. Bernard's RCIA leaders' group.
The RCIA leaders are excited to welcome Adam and Meredith as they enter our Catholic community at the Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass. They have completed their formal preparations and are ready to receive their Sacraments of Initiation at St. Bernard's this coming weekend.
This is a special time for our Parish so please keep supporting them and praying for them on their journey of Catholic faith.
RCIA Team
Happy St Patrick’s Day!
Throughout 10.30am Mass, St Bernard’s Parish were treated to beautiful music sung by our Women’s Choir, all wearing a touch of green. They are truly wonderful!
Welcome!
Angel is a new parishioner from the Philippines, staying with family here in Belmont. Angel is serving our community as an Altar Server. Thank you!
Real Deal Community Forum March 14, 2024
We are excited to invite you to the Real Deal Community Action Forum hosted by Real Deal Geelong, a coalition of community organisations dedicated to addressing the pressing issues in our community with solutions which will make a difference. By joining us, you'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, hear from key stakeholders and decision -makers and contribute to positive change in our community. You can read more about this Real Deal Community Action on our Parish Laudato Si’ Action page. Please scroll to the top of the page and select our Title/Home page.
When: Thursday March 14 Location: Geelong West Town Hall,
153 Pakington Street, Geelong West.
Time: 6.45pm for 7pm sharp start. Supper served from 8.30pm
Mill Market Stall
Can you help St Bernard’s market stall with items from deceased estates or house clearances? Our market stall is doing very well at the Mill Market and is always looking for more stock. We take all sorts of crazy items from china, ornaments, records, books, vintage magazines, clocks, board games, vases and anything else you think would be of interest. Mill Market donations & Book Fair items can be dropped off Saturdays between 9am and 10am at the Clairvaux School Hall. Please call the Parish Office (5243 2739) to discuss further. Thank you for your support.
RCIA Update!
RCIA is the pathway for adults to become Catholics. Since August last year, our candidates Adam and Meredith have been going through their journey with Fr Sang and the St. Bernard’s RCIA leaders’ group. This includes prayer, faith education sessions and reflection time. It enables them to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus and sharing God’s great love.
On Ash Wednesday they were presented to our Parish community, and we confirmed they were ready to continue their journey. That presentation was in preparation for Adam and Meredith undertaking the Rite of Election and Welcoming at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. They did that on Sunday 18 February 2024 with members from 60 other parishes.
Please pray for Adam and Meredith as they move through their final stage of preparation to become Catholics at Easter.
Carbon Fast for Lent
Lent is a time of repentance and fasting, of turning away from all that is counter to God’s will and purposes for his world and all who live in it. This year, we invite you to focus your Lenten ‘acts of love and sacrifice’ on our contribution to climate change, and those most impacted by it.
Please download a copy by clicking the link or pick up a copy in Church!
Ash Wednesday at St Bernard’s
Parishioners came together on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent. A time of repentance, as Pope Francis reminds us, that “Let’s us return to God with all our heart!”
Try some of these fasting ideas to help !
The St Bernard’s Outreach & Engagement in Faith Team invites you to participate in a program
that will allow faith to be put into practice and to believe in the extraordinary HOPE that the Gospel bears.
LENTEN REFLECTIONS
Purpose: To find a few minutes each day to sit, reflect and trust God to lead us forward. The 6 week program includes scripture readings, silent reflection, faith sharing (if completed with a group), and prayer (also includes Holy Week). The program comes from the Archdiocese of Brisbane and invites us to put our faith into practice, to believe in the extraordinary HOPE that the Gospel bears.
You are invited to participate in this program in one or both of the following ways.
· A weekly meeting in the church, led by a member of our team, using the Lenten resource, “A Resurrected Life.”
· A daily self-directed reflection, using the Lenten resource, “A Resurrected Life.”
If this invitation appeals to you, could you please contact the Parish Office on 5243 2739 or email belmont@cam.org.au
· Leave your name and contact details
· Indicate your preferred way of engaging in this program – self-directed or joining a group in the morning or evening (the sessions will be held on the day that suits the most participants).
Ash Wednesday is very early this year – February 14 – so please register your interest by
Sunday February 11th.
Once we have gathered this information, we will inform you of details of how the program will proceed.
The Resource Booklet will be available from the Parish Office at a cost of $5.
Year of Prayer in preparation for JUBILEE Year in 2025.
Did you know that Pope Francis declared this year 2024, beginning on the 23rd January, Word of God Sunday, a year of Prayer! The 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope begins on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and concludes on January 6, 2026.
The Year of Prayer is about preparing the groundwork for the 2025 Holy Year, so it can spiritually enrich the life of the Church and be a sign of hope for the world. It is a time to get back to basics: to discover how to pray and how to educate people in prayer “so that prayer can be effective and fruitful”.
Read about the Year of Prayer and the Jubilee Year of Hope, on our Church News page!
Australia Day Celebration!
A wonderful sense of community was felt today as a number of parishioners, families and friends came together to celebrate Mass and then a shared lunch on Australia Day.
Fr Sang's heartfelt homily was thought provoking and mindful. We were able to reflect on the Beatitudes and on the importance of a change of heart, if we are to move forward as a nation. A wonderful afternoon full of warmth and friendship ensued
Thank you to those who assisted in the preparation of the day and tending to the BBQ and also a big thank you to parishioners who brought along something to share. A huge thank you to those who attended to make the day so special
Diamond Jubilee!
Congratulations to an amazing group of Sisters of Mercy who today celebrated the 60th Anniversary of their first profession 👏
We give thanks to God for their faithful service and commitment and the love they have shared with all those they encounter 💖
May God bless them always 🙏
Special Masses:
25th January - Thursday Mass will be at 12 noon (not 9.30am)
The Mass is to celebrate the 60th anniversary of first profession of a group of Sisters of Mercy-Diamond Jubilee. All are welcome to join and help celebrate this special occasion.
26th January - Australia Day BBQ. After midday mass on 26th January, parishioners are invited to an Australia Day BBQ. If you are able to volunteer as a BBQ cook, please contact the parish office. BBQ Sausages, bread and sauce will be provided or if you wish bring some meat for the BBQ or a plate of food to share. Hope to see you there.
Blessings
The Vatican’s doctrinal office issued a declaration on 18 December addressing “the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples.” ’The first thing to note is that the document is a “declaration” — the most important level of document issued by the Vatican’s doctrine department. To get a sense of how rare it is, consider that the last such declaration was the text Dominus Iesus in the year 2000.
The new text’s title, Fiducia supplicans, comes from its incipit, or opening: “The supplicating trust of the faithful People of God receives the gift of blessing that flows from the Heart of Christ through his Church.”
The Meaning of the Various Blessings — the declaration’s longest — the text reflects on the meaning of blessings, which it describes as being “among the most widespread and evolving sacramentals.” It considers blessings from a liturgical, biblical, and “theological-pastoral” perspective. The text concludes by stressing the importance of offering blessings, so that “every brother and every sister will be able to feel that, in the Church, they are always pilgrims, always beggars, always loved, and, despite everything, always blessed.”
Read more on our Sharing Faith Page!
Popes Prayer Intentions for 2024
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer) is an international movement that is more than 170 years old. Each month, the Pope puts forward a prayer intention and asks Catholics around the world to join him in prayer. These intentions cover all sorts of areas of life, encouraging faith, renewing hope, and calling us to loving service. The Pope’s intentions for 2024 are available on our ‘Church News’ page.
O Antiphons
Did you know that these prayers are said each day in the 8 days before Christmas, beginning on the 17th December?
Each begins with a Latin name for Jesus beginning with O! Read more on our Faith page!
Parish Bulletin
The Archdiocese is is installing a new computer system which requires us to change the way we do things. We will stop using ‘Mailchimp’ from now on. If you would like to continue to receive our St Bernard’s Parish Bulletin by email you will need to subscribe using the button above. This is a FREE subscription. Click the Button above and follow the simple prompts. The information you provide will not be provided to any third party.
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Welcome!
Are you new to the Parish?
Are you a Parishioner and would like to know more about our Parish?
Would you like to get to know others in our Parish?
Our Parish Leadership Team (PLT) are here to help!
On the FIRST WEEKEND of the month a member of the PLT will be available after mass in the foyer, to answer any questions you may have or just to be available for a chat. Maybe you have some new ideas. Let us know!