Weekly Bulletin

Luke presents one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, often called The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Yet, this title only tells half the story. The deeper irony of the passage is that it is not only the son who is prodigal—wastefully extravagant—but also the father, in a way that mirrors God’s abundant and limitless grace.

The younger son’s prodigality is obvious. He demands his inheritance prematurely, essentially wishing his father dead, and then squanders it on reckless living. His extravagance leaves him destitute, feeding pigs—a striking image of his spiritual and social degradation. However, when he reaches rock bottom, he comes to his senses and decides to return home, rehearsing an apology that acknowledges his unworthiness.

The father’s response, however, is even more shocking than the son’s initial wastefulness. Instead of rebuking or demanding repayment, the father runs to meet his son—a culturally undignified act for a man of his stature. He embraces him before a word of apology is spoken, robes him in dignity, and throws a lavish feast. This is prodigal love: a love that is reckless in its generosity, extravagant in its mercy, and boundless in its welcome.

The elder son, however, struggles with this abundance. He sees the father’s mercy as unjust, refusing to enter the feast. He has been dutiful, obedient, and hard-working—yet, in his resentment, he too is lost, though in a different way. His struggle reveals how difficult it can be to accept grace when we believe it must be earned.

At its heart, this parable is about God’s prodigality—His wastefully extravagant love that is given freely, not based on merit, but on His own overflowing compassion. Whether we see ourselves in the younger son, lost in sin and self-inflicted suffering, or in the elder son, resentful of grace given to others, the invitation is the same: to enter the feast of God’s mercy.

God’s love is never measured, never rationed, never earned. It is prodigal—lavish beyond reason. The question remains: will we accept it?

Based on: Have you thought? The Prodigal, by Greg Sunter

 May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved……….forever!  
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The return of the prodigal son

He has made up his mind: I shall arise and go… He does not put off his departure until tomorrow. He sets out right away at a fast pace. He hurries to throw himself into the arms of him whom he has saddened so much by his foolish flight; him whom he has offended grievously by his disorderly behaviour. He thinks only of one thing: to appeal to his mercy and to ask his pardon. His heart is broken in repentance, making him shed tears of sorrow. This is how I should feel! I have offended God who is my Father. In a moment of foolishness, I have distanced myself from him; I have saddened his Heart by straying. He is yearning for my return; he is waiting for me day and night; he makes the first move by his grace. I cannot resist any longer. So it is decided: I shall arise and go!..

Jules Chevalier msc 
Ignatian Retreat, p. 84. Issoudun 1904

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Love and the human heart do not always go together, since hatred, indifference and selfishness can also reign in our hearts. Yet we cannot attain our fulfilment as human beings unless we open our hearts to others; only through love do we become fully ourselves. The deepest part of us, created for love, will fulfil God’s plan only if we learn to love. And the heart is the symbol of that love.

The eternal Son of God, in his utter transcendence, chose to love each of us with a human heart. His human emotions became the sacrament of that infinite and endless love. We need to keep in mind that his divine love is inseparable from his human love.

Pope Francis, Dilexit Nos: He Loved Us, #59 & #60 

A Love that is Tangible 

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Parish Office Happenings

The parish office will be closed from

Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 March as the staff attend a Retreat

QUARTERLY APPEAL

There will be a leaving collection this weekend to assist the quarterly:

• insurance
• levy
• electricity expenses.

Our goal is to raise an additional $10,000.00 to meet these quarterly expenses.

Donations can be made in cash or EFT

St John the Apostle Parish

BSB:                 062 786
Account:           0001 3630

Reference:        Your Name

We thank you and appreciate your support

Call for Weekday Mass Lectors

We are currently compiling a roster for Lectors for our weekday Masses (Monday and Friday). If you are interested in serving as a regular lector for either of these Masses, please contact the parish office with your preferred day and week of the month.

Thank you for your willingness to serve!

Due to IT issues, James Nield [PPC Chair] is not currently able to access the PPC email. If you have tried to contact James recently regarding the SJA-STA Steering committee minutes or for any other reason, please forward your email to kippax@cg.org.au 

Time, Talent and Treasure forms are available in the foyer.  Brochures that describe each ministry are also available.

Please take the Time and Talent form home and prayerfully discern where God is calling you to serve.

Please return the form on Commitment Sunday 5 April

ADORATION DURING LENT

Thursdays 27 March and 3 & 10 April 
Contemplative Prayer with the Blessed Sacrament 
7:30pm – 8:30pm

Come for 15 or 30 minutes – whatever time you can spare – there is no requirement to stay for the whole hour

Lent Reconciliation
The 1^st Rite of reconciliation
will be available during Adoration 
7:30 – 8:30pm
Thursday 3 April

VINNIES BLUE TUBS

Many thanks to all those wonderful parishioners who really make a difference by purchasing 'One more thing' when doing their weekly shopping and putting it in the Vinnies' blue tubs in the front foyer. Your kindness means a lot to the people we serve. Perhaps during Lent some others might like to try a very practical way of almsgiving and helping the less fortunate in our local community. We are in special need of pasta and pasta sauces (available at ALDI for around $1 each), rice, canned goods, breakfast cereals & other non-perishable goods. Thank You.

Community morning tea will be held on Sunday March 30 after 10:00am mass in the Church Foyer. All welcome. Please bring a plate to share. If you want to help please contact Jenny McGee via the parish office

LIBRARY NEWS

This month our display is on the Season of Lent: A guide to the Passion, and Through Lent with Luke.

Journeying with the Spirit ● 22 March

Women's Day retreat

"Journeying with the Holy Spirit”

organised by Call to Connect catholic women's ministry and will be led by the MGL Sisters. Come along and enjoy a day of talks, prayer, discussion groups and more For all details go to https://events.humanitix.com/journeying-with-the-holy-spirit

 

St Thomas More Forum
Interacting with the Global Church
at the Synod
Wednesday 26 March 2025 
7.30PM - 9PM

St Thomas More Catholic Church
Keynote Speaker: Dr Trudy Dantis
Director, National Centre for Pastoral Research, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
National Coordinator, Synod of Bishops 2021-2024
Register Now: https://bit.ly/stmf-260325

MenAlive Recharge

When: Saturday 24 May (2.00pm to 5.30pm) followed by rosary,

Mass and a shared meal

Where: Mary Help of Christians Parish, South Woden, 115 Hodgson Cres, Pearce

Cost: Nothing. Let’s come together, renew our faith, and encourage one another to respond to the great need.

Contact Mat at 0438446489 or Fr Emil at 0414 523 036.

50th Reunion - Class of 1975
A reunion will be held on the weekend of 18 October 2025 for students from Catholic Girls High School Braddon and Daramalan College, who finished Year 12 in 1975 (including those from that group who finished before Year 12).

Several activities are planned over the weekend, with the main event on Saturday evening 18th.
To RSVP, please use one of the event channels:

Email: CGHS.Dara1975@gmail.com or

Facebook: Daramalan College Alumni group;
Merici College Alumni group; or
Dara - Braddon 1975 group

Canberra-Goulburn Cursillo Retreat

Fri 4 - Sun 6 April 2025
St Clements Retreat Centre, Galong

Deepen your faith life through an established program of talks, meditations and prayer. Renew your relationship with God and

share fellowship with other men and women.

Contact Michael at michaelderaadt@gmail.com

Info and registration https://bit.ly/cursillo2025

 

Thursday Night before 1st Friday 
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament 
Gethsemane Thursday 20 March 7:30 – 8:30pm

Could you not stay awake with me one hour. 
Matt 26:40

 

MASS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS  
1st Friday of every month ■ 9:30am  
Sacred Heart Mass Intention
4 April
The heart is the centre of our being, and the seat of our emotions and love.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus symbolizes his great love for humanity. Jesus initiated this devotion out of his great love for us.

 

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.