Newsletter — Twenty-Third Sunday of the Year B-8th September 2024
Education Sunday
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‘Looking up to heaven, Jesus sighed; and he said to him, ‘Ephphatha’, that is, ‘Be opened.’(Mc 7)
The man, deaf and who had a speech impediment is met by Jesus. Jesus opens the mans’s ears and mouth. What a change in his life ! And the first voice he hears is Jesus’s voice. The first words he speaks are addressed to Jesus. The healing performed by Jesus is also meant to be a spiritual sign for us.
“Be opened.” Jesus opens this man to the mystery of encounter. The man hears and responds. What about us ? Are we ready to let ourselves be recreated by Jesus, to hear his word and respond with a personal act of faith and of thanksgiving ? Let us allow Jesus to take us aside where he can touch us
and speak to us.
Where is this place and time away from the crowd where Jesus speaks to my heart ? Maybe could we renew our decision to take a moment for that each day.
Congratulations to br Yakob for his Deacon’s ordination !
Br Yakob has been ordained a deacon this Saturday 7th September. This is really a gift to our Parish and to the Brothers of St John. We give thanks to God and we thank Brother Yakob for his commitment.
What’s a Deacon ?
Deacons have been part of the church since its earliest days. They are ordained ministers, along with bishops and priests, and are called to serve the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. Deacons have a number of responsibilities, including:
- Assisting the bishop and priests at liturgy
- Proclaiming the Gospel at Mass
- Preaching the homily at Mass
- Assisting at the altar
- Officiating at funeral and burial services
- With the permission of the Bishop or the Priest, celebrate marriages.
- Distributing Holy Communion at Mass
- Deacons can also bless objects. And they can Bless people in the absence of a priest.
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