Weekly Bulletin

"Today you will be with Me in Paradise"

In the midst of humiliation, violence, and the jeering of the crowd, Jesus remains steadfast in compassion. As he hangs on the cross—mocked by soldiers, scoffed at by leaders, and even taunted by a fellow condemned man—Jesus still offers mercy. It is in this desolate and brutal moment that a remarkable exchange takes place: a conversation between Jesus and one of the criminals crucified beside him.

This criminal, often called the “good thief,” makes a humble and heartfelt plea: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” It is a simple act of trust, uttered from a place of powerlessness. There is no demand, no justification, no pretense. Only a request—an act of faith in who Jesus is, even in his apparent defeat.

Jesus responds with astonishing immediacy: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Not someday, not after a process of purification or waiting, but today.

This moment of salvation is not delayed or conditional. It is given fully, freely, and instantly. The kingdom that Jesus proclaimed throughout his ministry—one of healing, inclusion, and boundless mercy—is not postponed to a distant future. It is made present even here, at the place of execution, on the margins of society and life itself.This promise to the criminal is a powerful expression of Jesus’ consistent pattern of welcoming the outsider: tax collectors, sinners, the sick, the forgotten. His ministry was marked by a refusal to let conventional boundaries define who is worthy of love. Now, at the moment of his own death, Jesus affirms that even at the final hour, no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

This passage reminds us that the Kingdom of God is not just about moral perfection or religious status—it is about trust, humility, and the openness to receive mercy. And it is about God’s unwavering desire to include, to embrace, and to save.

Based on: – Gospel Focus - A kingdom of inclusion, by Greg Sunterby Greg Sunter

 May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved……….forever!  
_________________________________________

Our undertaking might appear foolhardy, but we have signs of God’s blessing. And in so far as the arm of God remains with us confidence is a duty.

Our beginning goes back to the day itself of the definition of the Immaculate Conception. That date must make us consider our Society as one of the graces the Queen of Jesus’ Heart poured out on humanity in return for the triumph conferred on her.
At first two priests formed the community. Their chapel was a barn. Despite great trials, the Society has finally become established. Our prayer is that the divine Heart of Jesus will guard and protect us always. May he give us as one of his favours a great fidelity in seeking only what can bring him glory!

Jules Chevalier msc

Les Missionnaires du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus, Bourges, Pigelet 1866.

___________

Mission, as a radiation of the love of the heart of Christ, requires missionaries who are themselves in love and who, enthralled by Christ, feel bound to share this love that has changed their lives. They are impatient when time is wasted discussing secondary questions or concentrating on truths and rules, because their greatest concern is to share what they have experienced. They want others to perceive the goodness and beauty of the Beloved through their efforts, however inadequate they may be. Is that not the case with any lover?

Pope Francis. Dilexit Nos: He Loved us, #209

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

Positions Vacant –

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish,

West Belconnen, Parish Officer x 3

On 1 January 2026 the parishes of St Thomas Aquinas, Charnwood and St John the Apostle, Kippax will combine to form the new parish of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, West Belconnen. Three positions are available for persons interested in applying to become part of the Parish Team, working from the Parish Office in Kippax. All roles are permanent part time:

*Parish Officer - 24 hours per week

*Parish Officer - 18 hours per week

*Parish Officer - 6 hours per week Employment will commence in January 2026. Employment conditions are subject to the Clerks Award. For a copy of the Duty Statement/s please email Kippax Parish Office kippax@cg.org.au  or Charnwood Parish Office charnwood@cg.org.au  Applications addressing the Selection Criteria and current CV to be sent to the Parish Priest, Fr Tru Nguyen MSC tru.nguyen@cg.org.au  by CoB 5 Dec 2025. Essential Requirements for Parish Officer roles in West Belconnen Parish:

• Experience with database packages & Microsoft Suite

• Strong communication and liaison skills

• Strong organisational skills

• Ability to work on your own, as part of a team, and take direction • Understand and administer areas of church and regulatory compliance

(eg. Parish sacrament registers, Working With Vulnerable People, WHS, child protection, copyright)

• Understanding and respect for the Catholic Church and its teaching • Current experience in an office environment.

NOVENA PRAYER Staring 30 November End on Monday 8 December

Praying for Unity of the new parish of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart West Belconnen

Farewell to Fr Chung and Marian
As we look toward the new year, we prepare to farewell both Fr Chung and Marian.
Fr Chung has been appointed Chaplain to Downlands College (MSC),
Toowoomba, beginning 1 January 2026.
With the upcoming reorganisation of roles in the parish office, Marian will also conclude her service at the end of 2025 and will not be returning in the new year.
We invite the parish community to gather in gratitude and prayer as we send them forth with our blessing.
Farewell Mass:
Friday, 19 December at 9:30am
Followed by morning tea.

There will be a leaving collection for Fr. Chung will be held at all Masses on the weekend of 13/14 December

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

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

This year’s Appeal will commence next weekend 29-30. The focus is on the Cycle of Poverty and Disadvantage and access to Vinnies when life changes. Your help is much appreciated. Children’s gift cards will be available on the Christmas tree after each Mass and food gift cards are available for hamper items. Financial donations can be made using cash and card. If you can help with hamper delivery on 20 December, leave your name on the sheet at the table. Final date for return of gifts in Sunday 14 December. Thank you. 

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

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