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Mount Carmel Church

Fifth Sunday of  Lent

21 March 2021 - Year B
Reflection

Occasionally I have heard people referred to as ‘glass half empty’ or ‘glass half full’ in relation to how they see things in life positively or negatively.  In the first reading of this Fifth Sunday of Lent it is fair to say that Jeremiah is both.  Usually it was Jeremiah who spent so much of his time warning of imminent disaster that his very name was synonymous with prophesying doom; why, we even have a word in the English language ‘jeremiad’ named after him – a person who laments. However, he is also a prophet of hope as he announces in this reading God’s promise of a new covenant, a covenant that will not be written in books or tablets of stone, but deep into our hearts…. ‘Then I will be their God, and they shall be my people…..they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest.’
My reading of this is that God doesn’t want a law and order model in this new covenant, not like the previous covenant that was broken by those who God led out of exile in Egypt, but rather a deep relational model. So, how good is this, that our God loves us so much and wants to be in such a deep relationship with each of us?  

The new covenant is written in favour of us; it speaks to me of the connection that God wants of us through prayer which, of course is the Lenten theme of this community.  Through prayer, we have the opportunity to praise God, make requests, to listen, to openly discuss, and simply be.  Simple, isn’t it?  Well, for me, not really, but I continue to try!
 
Jeremiah closes out this reading with such hope for us.  I have often heard it said ‘I can forgive but will never forget’. In contrast, Jeremiah tells us that the Lord has said: ‘I will forgive your sin and never call it to mind’.  Oh God, how can I be like that?
 
Jeremiah’s reading is then quickly followed up with one of the most beautiful psalms ‘Create a clean heart in me, O God’, firstly repenting and seeking mercy through God’s kindness and compassion, and secondly requesting God to give me again the joy and sustenance that I may be a model to others.
 
The readings this weekend are all about dying to self in order to be the new covenant.  The Gospel also reflects this. Jesus uses the example of how a grain of wheat has to die, to give up its life – it must die before it can yield a rich harvest.  Jesus knew that he had to give up his life in order for the harvest to be plentiful.  As we prepare to celebrate the saving events of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are asked, we are called, we are challenged to be like the grain of wheat and die to ourselves.

 
Chris Harkin, Parishioner
Sunday Readings:  Jer 31:31-34; Heb 5:7-9;  Jn 12:20-33.
Br Matthew’s Ordination

Br Matthew Tonini O.Carm will be Ordained a Priest in Melbourne, on Saturday 17th April at 6pm (Melbourne Time). 

We look forward to his return to the Coorparoo community when he will celebrate his first Mass here at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish on Saturday 8th May at the 6pm Vigil Mass and Sunday 9th May at 8:30am and 5:30pm. 

We ask the community to join us to be part of Br Matthew’s first Mass.



Mass Cancellation

There will be no 9am Mass on Monday 29 March.
Whilst much has changed in the past 12 months, the finance committee had indicated previously that Planned Giving Envelopes would be phased out in 2021.
 
As of July 2021, there will be no Planned Giving envelopes distributed. The original concerns were always the safety and
security of our community. Covid has added another major issue. We need to remove the multiple handling of these envelopes.
 
We ask that if you are currently donating to Mt Carmel via envelope, that you contact the Parish office by phone or email and we can assist you to swap over to a Planned Giving program via direct debit. We will do all possible to help with this change as your support is greatly appreciated and needed.
 
Thank you
 
Father Martinho Da Costa - Parish Priest
Brian Egan - Chair, Parish Finance Council
Parish Giving - Direct Debit Request Form
We remember for Yvonne Cassidy, recently deceased. May the risen Christ bring her to new life and give comfort to her loved ones.
Congratulations to those children who attended the Rite of Enrolment this past weekend.
We ask the community to please keep these children and our RCIA Candidate Ashley in your prayers.

For more information regarding the Sacraments at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish please visit the parish website: https://www.mtcarmelcoorparoo.org.au/sacraments.html or contact the parish office on 3397 1587 or mtcarmel@bne.catholic.net.au
St Stephen's Guides and Welcomers
Do you enjoy meeting people and love our Cathedral? Do you want to learn more about our Cathedral's art and its rich history and share your knowledge with visitors?  
If this ministry appeals to you, please contact the Cathedral on 3324 3030 or deveryc@bne.catholic.net.au by Monday 12 April 2021.
Project Compassion 2021 is a practical way during Lent to support the compassionate work of Caritas Australia.
You can donate pick up a project compassion box or envelopes at the church, or you can also DONATE by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or calling 1800 024 413.
check in for Masses
On arrival at Masses PLEASE check in with QR code or sign in sheet.  Please maintain 1.5m distance in seats and during communion.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe.

Weekend Masses: Saturday 6:00pm, Sunday 8:30am & 5:30pm
Weekday Masses: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am
Rosary Group: Monday after the 9am Mass
Liturgy of the Word and Communion: Tuesday 9:00am
Sacrament of Penance: Saturday 4:30pm-5:00pm
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