St. Ambrose, Concord West

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Dear Brothers, Sisters and Children

The 2023 World Youth Day will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, beginning on Tuesday, August 1, and concluding on Sunday, August 6.  A significant number of young men and women from the Archdiocese of Sydney are already on their way to Lisbon. Jesus chose twelve apostles and the youngest of them was John who is traditionally known as the beloved disciple of Christ. I believe that this young apostle of Jesus who was docile to His Master is a great model for our young and men and women. The great Italian painter Leonardo da Vinci places St. John right next to Jesus in his painting of the Lord’s Supper.His docility is very much highlighted in his leaning onto Jesus’ heart in this masterpiece.

My wish and prayer for all the youth in the world specially in our parish is that they may take a brave step to come close to Jesus like the Apostle John. Let us not forget the fact that we can participate in the same profound experience of John, the apostle, at the last supper through our devout participation in the Holy Eucharist. I kindly request all our parents to lead their young daughters and sons to the Holy Eucharist every Sunday where they can lean onto the Sacred Heart of Jesus and find necessary guidance and direction for their lives.

Please pray for those young people in Lisbon this year with Pope Francis that they may return to their parishes as activated disciples of Christ. I will be praying for all young people of our parish in a special manner during the Sunday Masses on 5/6 of August. I also invite them and their families to partake in our parish Family Lunch at our primary school Hall on Sunday, the 6^th commencing at twelve noon.

I will be praying for you and please continue to pray for me and Fr. Jonathan, our part-time assistant.

Fr. Chaminda Wanigasena
Parish Administrator

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THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION – Tues 15th August

Masses: 9am – School Mass

Masses: 12 noon & 7.30pm for parishioners

On November 1, 1950, Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. Thus, he solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven, definitively forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the Apostles.

Watch this video clip to deepen your understanding of the Assumption of Mary into heaven.

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Welcome to Alpha!

COME JOIN THE CONVERSATION AROUND LIFE, FAITH AND MEANING AND

LET THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDE YOU!

ALPHA is a series of group conversations, which provide the opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment. It is a place to connect with people, over a simple meal, video and conversation, where you are free choosing to share openly or listen quietly.

Everyone is welcome, no matter your background or beliefs:

DINNER + VIDEO + CHAT

Beginning on Tuesday, 22 August at St Ambrose School Hall.

To register your interest in joining us, fill out a registration form found on the ALPHA display at the back of the church or email here.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 22nd August!

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CWL – Visit to the Jewish Museum, Sydney

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Your Commitment to Parish Planned Giving

Reminder to support your Parish!

What is Planned Giving?

It is your opportunity to commit to the donation of funds at regular intervals. These donations are the primary source of income for the Parish. Planned giving allows the Parish to budget and plan for specific projects. For example: Faith formations, sacramental programs, events, ministries, publications, parish upkeep, repairs and maintenance and staff expenses.

Our parish exists to evangelise, support and serve the community. Funds are required for this work. Like anything else, this amount increases annually. Forms are available to download here or in hardcopy in the Church. Please complete and return to the Parish Office or put it in the gold boxes in the Church.

COLLECTION PLATES – PURPOSE AND USE OF YOUR DONATIONS

1^ST COLLECTION – Pastoral Revenue Collection. This collection is used to pay for our priest’s living expenses, stipends, council rates and utilities such as electricity and water. This money belongs to the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Parish is not able to use these funds.

2^ND COLLECTION – CHURCH COLLECTION including Tap & Go and B-Point Giving belongs to the Parish and is used for the day to day running and upkeep of the parish.  This includes Church/Presbytery insurances, employee wages, repairs and maintenance, church cleaning, liturgical items, flowers, printing, hospitality and special projects. Proceeds are banked into our Church Account.

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Divine Mercy Devotion

Next celebration: Sunday 13th August, 2023

Come let’s celebrate! Everyone is welcome. Enquiries – Please call Annie 0414652479 or Email.

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If you or anyone you know within our Parish is experiencing distress or anxiety, Fr Chaminda is available to have a chat (parish office 9743 1023, please leave a message if unattended, clearly stating your name and contact number).

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