Plenary Council 2020:
The Plenary Council 2020 has moved into its next phase of preparation with the announcement of the National Themes for Discernment that emerged from a historic process of listening to the voices of more than 222,000 people.
Over several days of listening to what the people of God said the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council and its Executive Committee, joined by the Facilitation Team, considered what people were longing for. Six National Themes for Discernment emerged.
The six National Themes for Discernment invite people to reflect, to pray and to consider how God is calling the People of God to be a Christ-centred Church in Australia that is:
- Missionary and Evangelising
- Inclusive, Participatory and Synodal
- Prayerful and Eucharistic
- Humble, Healing and Merciful
- A Joyful, Hope-Filled and Servant Community
- Open to conversion, Renewal and Reform.
The emergence of the National Themes is an important moment in our journey towards the Plenary Council. It is an expression of the sense of the faith from the faithful and, from this, we can proceed in our discernment of what the Spirit is saying to us in Australia. Part of that progression will take place in late June 2019, when the Australian bishops gather for a retreat prior to their "Ad Limina Apostolorum" visit in Rome.
The Bishops will reflect carefully on the National Themes for Discernment and share our reflections and conclusions with the Plenary Council’s Facilitation Team and Executive Committee, based on our own prayerful discernment and pastoral experience. These reflections and conclusions will be supplemented by a period of several months, beginning in August 2019, when people across the country will again be asked to engage locally with the Plenary Council process. The fruits of what is discerned during this time will shape the agenda for the first session of Plenary Council in October 2020.
More information on the National Themes for Discernment can be found on the re-launched Plenary Council website: www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au
Holy Mass:
Holy Mass is the miracle of God’s physical presence to us and is a true testament of Jesus' love for us and His desire for each of us to have a personal relationship with Him. This Truly wonderful gift is celebrated at 9:15am Tuesday to Friday alternating at St. Thomas the Apostle or Sacred Heart Churches and each day at St. Mary's Church.
The Saturday Vigil Mass is celebrated weekly at St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Mary's Churches as well as on the first & third Saturday of each month only at St. Peter's Church Hurstbridge. Sunday Mass is celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle, Sacred Heart and St. Mary's churches. Wherever you decide to celebrate Mass with us you will be warmly welcomed by all our Parishioners and Clergy and made to feel at home.
For information on commencement times of all Masses please click here.
For those unable to physically attend Mass but still wish to celebrate this gift the 1:00 p.m Mass from St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne is streamed live daily (Mon - Fri) and is then available as a recording on demand until one hour prior to the next 1.00 p.m Mass. On Sundays, the 11:00am Mass is streamed live and is also available as a recording on demand.
To Live Stream Mass or to watch an earlier recording please click here.
Reconciliation:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of Catholic Church. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in His abundant love and mercy, established this Sacrament of Healing so that we as fallible human beings can obtain forgiveness and be reconciled to the Father and the Church. This precious gift from Christ “washes us clean,” and renews us in Him. Take a step in faith, you may be surprised about how free and loved you feel afterwards.
St Thomas the Apostle: Each Saturday from 9:30am to 10:00am
Sacred Heart: Each Friday from 9:45am to 10:15am, immediately after morning Mass.
St. Mary's: Each Saturday at 9:00am and 5:45pm.
Available at other times by appointment.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament:
If you are in need of a little "me time" and want an opportunity to meditate and contemplate with Our Lord the Eucharistic Chapel at St. Thomas is available for you at all times. If you would like to gain access to the Chapel please feel fee to see the Priest after Mass or contact our Parish Office.
Baptism:
Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God and are made members of the Church and sharers in its mission. Baptisms are available on the 4th Sunday of each Month commencing at 12:00pm sharp. You will first meet with the friendly Baptismal Preparation Group who will welcome you into the Parish and explain all aspects of the Sacrament. This meeting is held on either the 1st or 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Church at 7:00pm sharp. The Right of Welcome occurs at Mass on either the Saturday or Sunday immediately following the Preparation Meeting where all the Baptism families will be warmly welcomed into our Parish Community.
To make a booking please feel free to click here and download an application form or alternatively you are welcome to contact the Parish Office during normal Parish hours or send our Parish Secretaries an email at: greensboroughnorth@cam.org,au
Family Catechetics Program for Children:
St. Thomas' provides a Family Catechetics Program for children who are unable attend a Catholic Primary School. This is a four year Sacrament Program commencing with Reconciliation for Grade 2 children and older, followed by First Eucharist with Confirmation, the gift of the Spirit, during the final two years. The program sessions are held each Thursday in the St. Thomas Parish House. Your child will be made to feel most welcome and will be instructed by a qualified primary school teacher. The children will also celebrate their sacraments each year with the children of St. Thomas Primary School were possible.
Please be assured that all our teachers meet the Archdiocese’s Child Safety requirements and hold a current and valid Working with Children Check. For any additional information regarding next year’s sessions please feel free to call our Parish Office or Email: cagbn@vic.chariot.net.au
For information and Enrollment forms for 2019 program please click here
The Way Prayer Group:
The Way Prayer Group is a spiritual movement within our Parish that emphasizes the availability of the power and the many gifts of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer, and the need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ in order to live life to the fullest.
The group meets every Thursday evening in the Gathering Space of St. Thomas the Apostle commencing 7:30pm and all are most welcome to come along.
Weddings:
Marriage between two Christians is a living sign of God's love and has a deep value, both as a human relationship and as a sacrament. Because of this, the whole Church views marriage as an active element in its mission of showing God's love to the world. We would suggest if you wish to celebrate your wedding at St. Thomas that you book at least six months in advance of your planned date.
Please contact your priest or our Parish Office before agreeing to a commercial 'package' that includes Chapel & Reception or email us at: greensboroughnorth@cam.org.au
Funerals:
We understand that the death of a family member is a very emotional and distressing time for all family members. At St Thomas our Parish staff is here to assist you, including the preparation of everything needed for the funeral liturgy. Also, if you are looking for someone to chat to our Funeral Ministry Team is available to lend an ear during your time of need. Ask your funeral director to contact the Parish office. Out of office hours, the Parish Priest will take the call.
Wedding Anniversaries:
The Parish will be glad to acknowledge your anniversary during Mass. Please contact Parish Office to make arrangements.
The Partnered Parishes of:
St. Thomas the Apostle Greensborough North,
Sacred Heart Diamond Creek,
St. Mary's Greensborough
are members of the Diamond Valley Deanery
