Weekly Bulletin

Witness with  Courage

“Your endurance will win you your lives.” (Luke 21:19)

When we read this passage from Luke’s Gospel, we hear Jesus speaking about the destruction of the Temple, wars, earthquakes, famine, and persecution. It’s dramatic and unsettling. But to understand its purpose, we must remember that Luke was writing decades after Jesus’ death, at a time when many of these predicted events had already occurred. The Temple had been destroyed, early Christians were being persecuted, and the fledgling communities were feeling the pressure of uncertainty and fear.

Luke’s intention, then, is not to provide a historical transcript of Jesus’ words, but to offer hope and reassurance to his community. The gospel is written not as biography but as proclamation. The evangelist is showing his readers that Jesus understood their suffering, and more than that, that their suffering had meaning. Jesus "predicts" these events not to frighten, but to reassure. The message to the early Church — and to us — is clear: Hold on. Stay faithful. Do not be afraid. God is still at work in the midst of chaos.

Jesus does not promise ease or escape. He speaks of betrayal, hardship, and opposition — even from one’s own family. But he also promises presence: “I myself will give you words and a wisdom…” (v. 15). The trials his followers face will not be the end of the story, and not even a hair of their head will be lost — not in the ultimate sense. Their endurance will lead them into life.

This message remains relevant today. When we feel overwhelmed by the “earthquakes” and “wars” of our own time — be they personal, communal, or global — Luke reminds us that we are part of a bigger story. Faithfulness does not mean being spared from difficulty; it means trusting that God is with us through it. The gospel was written to help people keep going — and it does.

In times of turmoil, we are called to witness with courage, to trust that Christ speaks within and through us, and to remain steadfast in love.

Based on: – Comfort, by Greg Sunterby Greg Sunter

 May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved……….forever!  
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Nobody surely has known the very Reverend Fr. Chevalier more intimately or loved him more than I have. None of us can appreciate more than I the good he accomplished, since by the merciful designs of Providence, I was closely associated with him for forty-two years. However, my intention has not been to sing the praises of our beloved and venerated Father. His works will do that a thousand times more eloquently than my feeble pen.
I have always admired his love for the Heart of Jesus to whom he consecrated his life; his undaunted enthusiasm in working for the glory of this divine Heart; his dedication for souls; his zeal for the house of God; his constancy and courage in time of trial (and God knows how much he had to suffer); his charity; his capacity to forget offences. This latter quality made me often say: if you want a favour from Father Chevalier, offend him and you are sure to get it.

Fr. Piperon msc - Issoudun 2 April 1899

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Devotion to the heart of Christ reappears in the spiritual journey of many saints, all quite different from each other; in everyone of them, the devotion takes on new hues. Saint Vincent de Paul, for example, used to say that what God desires is the heart: “God asks primarily for our heart – our heart – and that is what counts. How is it that a man who has no wealth will have greater merit than someone who has great possessions that he gives up? Because the one who has nothing does it with greater love; and that is what God especially wants….”

Pope Francis. Dilexit Nos: He Loved us, #148

On the Human and Divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ

PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE

Planned Giving

Firstly, thank you to everyone who contributes financially to our parishes. It is simply not possible for a parish to operate without it.

For those who don't know, we now have a combined Parish Finance Council. We have been working through all of the parish accounts and processes for both churches and the best way to bring them together.

Our priority has been, what this means for you.

There will likely be new bank account details and some minor changes to the way we all contribute financially. We are hoping to keep things as simple as possible and plan on letting you all know as soon as practically possible.

Please continue as normal until any changes are communicated. 

Stay tuned or reach out if you have any questions.

God bless
Josh Osborne-Goldsbrough 
Chair - Combined Parish Finance Council

2026 Sacramental Program

Information Evening for Parents

18 November 2025 – 6:30pm – 7:30pm
St John the Apostle Catholic Church

Register to attend the information evening for parents for the Sacraments of Penance [Reconciliation], First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Key information will be provided on the process for registering your child/children for the Sacraments in 2026, Formation Evening for parents Information and key dates for the Sacraments in 2026

For students in Years 3-6 for the Sacraments of Penance and First Holy Communion and Year 6 for the Sacrament of Confirmation

RETREAT

Date:           29/30 November
Theme:       Listening with a Hopeful Heart

Presenter:   Fr Khoi Nguyen msc

Cost:           Free – our Christmas gift to you

Registration: kippax@cg.org.au 
RSVP: 25 November 2025


Time & Place:  STA Charnwood: 2.00 pm on Saturday finishing at 5:30pm with a break before the 6:00pm mass.

REPEATED

Time & Place: SJA Kippax: 2:00pm on Sunday finishing at 5:30pm with a break before the 6:00pm mass.

Please bring a journal or notebook

Khoi Nguyen is a priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), a scholar in the field of disability, and a person living with vision impairment. He is currently pursuing a PhD, researching the intersection of Vision Impairment Spirituality and MSC Heart Spirituality. With a strong background as an MSC formator, spiritual director/ accompanier, and professional supervisor, he has also been on the staff team at the Heart of Life Pastoral Formation and Spirituality Centre (Croydon), where he lectures and facilitates various workshops and reflection events. He has also authored several books on everyday spirituality.

Thanksgiving Mass
All ministers are invited to mark the end of the liturgical year.

Friday 28 November - 6.15pm for Mass at

St John the Apostle Church, Kippax,

followed by supper.

Please bring a plate … a main dish or dessert

National Catholic Safeguarding Standards

Standard 10: 

Policies and procedures support the safety of children and adults. Some Key Competencies

The entity:

Develops and reviews safeguarding policies and procedures
Makes policies and procedures accessible
Implements policies and procedures

 

The Annual Remembrance Mass
Saturday 15^th November 10:00 am

At this mass, we will pray especially for all those whose funerals or burials we celebrated here in the past year, but all are welcome to join us and pray for all their beloved dead.
Morning tea will be held in the foyer after mass.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

The 2025 Christmas Appeal will begin on 29 and 30 November. You can help with donations of food for hampers, gifts for children, money, and hamper delivery. Thanks for your generous support.

Please join us on Sunday 23 Nov after the 10.00 am mass for the LAST Parish Morning Tea of the year.

Let’s make it an event to remember. Please bring a plate to share. Helpers especially welcome!

Parish morning teas will be commencing again in February 2026.

twilight tucka’ n’ telly

Young Adult [18-25] Gathering

November 16^th 7pm    and

December 14^th 7pm

St Thomas Aquinas Parish Centre

Bernadette: 0419 562 553

By remembering your faith community in your Will, you contribute to the spiritual legacy that has enriched your life. Your bequest ensures the continuation of the traditions, teachings, and support that have shaped your journey.

Maria Wegener, Jamie Gruber, Kathleen Randall, Gary Marsh, Fransien Ashauer, Nell Clarke, Matthew Biggs, Joey Griffiths, Marie Corr, Nelson Canas, Irene Collbourne, Constianus Slusser, Patricia McGee, Honorio Arranz, Dorothy Lenihan, Mary-Ellen Roots, Krissy Thomas, Peter Hayes, Phyllis McAllister, Herbert Gallagher, John Welfare, John Patterson, Allan Cockroft, Winifred O’Neill, John Burns, John Costelloe, Susan Sutch, Darren O’Brien, Lelsie Lincoln, Conelly Andrae