Drop us an email with any queries, feedback or ideas as to how we can better communicate with you!
secretary@parishofsouthyarra.org.au
LATEST!
COVID-19 UPDATE – RETURN TO STAGE THREE RESTRICTIONS.
On Archdiocesan advise with the return to Stage 3 restrictions we will again cease to conduct public Masses even for small numbers of the faithful. The Parish Council discussed the matter and Masses celebrated Sunday or weekdays will only be broadcast by Zoom without congregations for the coming weeks or until further notice.
FR TONY BANKS OSA – ZOOM PRESENTATION 15th JULY
Fr Tony Banks Assistant General of the Augustinians who is currently visiting the parish and assisting with Masses has kindly agreed to address parishioners by means of a Zoom Conference Wednesday July 15th at 7 pm on the topic “The Evolving Church”. Fr Tony brings a wealth of experience of the international Church and the Augustinian Order throughout the world.
PARISH SUNDAY MASSES
We continue to stream two Sunday masses, the Vigil Mass 6 pm (Sat) from St Joseph’s and Sunday 10.30 am again from St Joseph’s this coming weekend.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5109062166
WEEKDAY MASSES
We will again celebrate weekday Mass Tuesday to Friday at 10 am live streamed from the Priory. (There will be no public masses mid-week at St Thomas’ Church)
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR – TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIFT TO THE AUGUSTINIANS
The Augustinians rely on support from our parishes . If you can help please click here for ways to donate. Thank you!
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING JULY 8TH
Your Parish Council met during the week and discussed the following matters:
- Re-imposition of Stage 3 restrictions
- Planning for Ecumenical Service on the Transfiguration – August 6th
- Financial situation with receipt of JobKeeper and small grant money and audit
- Possible refurbishment of rented cottage beside St Thomas Church
- Report received on meeting of Parish Safeguarding Committee
- Outreach to isolated parishioners
FIRST RECONCILIATION
Some of our children celebrated their first Sacrament of Reconciliation last week. They now await their First Communion Day in the coming weeks.
THE FITZGERALD PROJECT
On the chance arrivals a couple of new parishioners and volunteers and during the lock-down of the Parish Office we have turned our attention to the Parish archives which go back to the 1880s. We have begun to digitalize our records, a project we have dubbed the “Fitzgerald Project” after the first priest assigned to the Parish of South Yarra in 1887.
You can use CDFpay for cashless donations to the parish or the Augustinians (Presbytery). Go to this link to contribute. Read more about CDFpay here. (You may still use direct debit or credit card options.) Send any questions to our secretary here.
FIRST COMMUNION DAY
Sadly, although preparations were complete, our children’s First Communion Day has been postponed until after the school holidays.
A sincere thank you to all who have been so generous towards the parish and the Augustinians these past few weeks despite the economic pain all have been experiencing. Always in our prayers. Keep others around you in your thoughts.
Our new Parish Facebook page is now live! Thanks to our pastoral assistant Stefphy for setting this up. Go to this link to check out the great site.
New : Watch Mass Live on Facebook
ST THOMAS’ CHURCH HISTORY
We have now mounted some historical notes about St Thomas’ at the entrance to the church for both visitors and parishioners alike. They were originally intended to be displayed for our participation in this year’s Open House Melbourne program in July which has since been cancelled as with many other events. We can be proud of both our church’s beauty and intriguing history.
We continue to stream Sunday Masses (Sat 6pm Sun 10.30am) and weekdays Wednesday and Friday at 10am.
Join our Zoom Meeting (all occasions)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5109062166
Meeting ID: 510 906 2166
Fr Matteo Cho OSA who has been appointed to South Yarra to also serve the Korean Catholic community at Mount Waverley has been unable to take up his assignment due to travel bans. He has however begun live streaming Mass from Korea last Sunday.
If you have not been receiving email updates and would like to do so please contact us through the “Contact Us” menu here.
Printed copies of the weekly Bulletin are also available at the churches and on this website. Easter Envelopes for donations to the clergy are also available.
OTHER LITURGICAL RESOURCES
For a Sunday home worship aid visit the Brisbane Archdiocesan site here
or Worship@Home here:
Other Resources for Praying at Home – from Cathnews
THE PARISH BULLETIN will continue to be uploaded on Fridays and viewable under the “Info & Events” Menu here.
CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC MASS LIVE STREAM
If you are unable to attend mass daily and weekly, the Archdiocese of Melbourne is giving you the opportunity to watch live stream a 1:00 pm mass (mon-fri) and the 11 am mass on Sunday.
Below is the link.
https://melbournecatholic.org.au/Mass
PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH
Prayer to St Joseph
from the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
St Joseph, You were receptive to God working in your life. Help us by your prayers at this time of trial.You kept Jesus and Mary under your watchful care:
may your prayers assist our local Church to respond to those in need.You taught the Christ Child your trade and prayers:
help us to follow his example of love.You were part of God’s plan for all humanity:
assist us to be vigilant and responsible this day.You spent your life in service:
may we be mindful of others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, caring for them in these difficult days.You trusted in the clear primacy of God over all history and every situation: help us to grow in faith and pray to the Father,Thy will be done. Amen
- Prayer resources available on the second page below.
LITURGICAL ROSTERS
Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, Liturgical Rosters on the website have been temporarily removed until further notice.
ALWAYS IN OUR HEART
Death of Father John Barry OSA 13 Feb 1933 to 25th December 2019 R.I.P. With sadness we convey the news of the passing of Fr John long time pastor and greatly respected and loved father figure to the parish. For a brief obituary (click here).
OUR PARISH CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH IS NOW AVAILABLE ! (Click here)
TAP POINT DONATION TERMINALS
FROM THE CDF UPDATE NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2019
‘Tap and Donate’ Trial a Success in South Yarra‘
‘Tap and Donate’ technology has been given the thumbs up by the Parish of South Yarra community, with an increasing number of parishioners opting to contribute via cashless donation points.
The Parish of South Yarra, comprising Saint Joseph’s Church and Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Church, was one of four Parishes that have been trialling the ‘Tap and Give’ system, offering a convenient and secure alternative for the growing number of parishioners who may not always carry cash.
“Paying for things by card is what people do in other places, and it is increasingly something they welcome at Church on the weekend or a fundraiser,” explains Parish Priest Father Brian Buckley OSA. “We appear to be heading in the direction of a cashless society and we need to provide this option.”
The ‘Tap and Give’ terminals work as a portable electronic payment system. The donation points are loaded with a set value, such as $5 or $10. Parishioners simply tap their card on the device to make an electronic donation.
The system has been embraced by the diverse Parish community, with the portable devices being used across other fundraisers aside from Masses such as youth group events, SJOS Outreach’s ‘sausage sizzle’ and our Parish BBQ.