Weekly Bulletin

Blessed Are Those Who Believe

The story of Thomas is one many of us can relate to. He wanted proof—something tangible to hold onto before he could fully believe in the risen Jesus. His doubt was not defiance, but an honest longing for certainty. When Jesus appears and invites Thomas to touch his wounds, Thomas responds with a profound declaration of faith: “My Lord and my God!”

But then comes Jesus’ words that echo through the centuries: “You believe because you can see me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” (John 20:29) This is a message not just for the early Christians, but for all of us today. We have not physically seen Jesus, yet we are invited to trust in his presence and his promises.

Faith is not always easy. Like Thomas, we may wrestle with questions, doubts, and uncertainties. We may long for a clear sign of God’s presence, especially in times of hardship or suffering. Yet Jesus reassures us that belief is not about having all the answers—it is about trusting in the unseen, holding onto hope even when we do not fully understand.

We experience Christ’s presence in many ways: in the kindness of others, in moments of unexpected grace, in the deep peace that comes through prayer. Sometimes faith is not about certainty but about the willingness to remain open—to keep searching, questioning, and trusting that God is at work in our lives.

Jesus’ blessing on “those who have not seen and yet believe” is not a rebuke of Thomas but an encouragement for us. It reminds us that our faith, even when imperfect, is seen and valued by God. It assures us that belief is not about having all the evidence but about being open to encounter Christ in new and unexpected ways.

As we reflect on this passage, let us find encouragement in Jesus’ words. Let us embrace both our faith and our doubts, knowing that Christ meets us where we are. And may we, like Thomas, come to recognize him as “My Lord and my God” in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives.

Based on: Have you thought? – Does he mean us?, by Greg Sunter

 May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved……….forever!  
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Friendship with God

Our heart has not only the need to love; it experiences also the need to be loved. Where shall we turn to find a true friend into whose heart we can pour what is overflowing in ours? To whom can we confide our most intimate secrets?

Jesus Christ has a keen desire to be our friend, so let us turn him, making him our friend. How precious his friendship is! We can count on his fidelity; he will never fail us, not even when we are in the midst of trials. God is a sincere friend.

Jesus Christ makes not exceptions of persons. No matter what our talents, not matter where we may be or what may have happened to us, his friendship will always be genuine. His Heart will always be open to receive us, to lavish his love upon us.

Jules Chevalier msc 
Meditations 1, p. 414ƒ., Issoudun 1891.

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Fulfilment is found in Love

Whenever a person thinks, questions and reflects on his or her true identity, strives to understand the deeper questions of life and to seek God, or experiences the thrill of catching a glimpse of truth, it leads to the realisation that our fulfilment as human beings is found in love. In loving, we sense that we come to know the purpose and goal of our existence in this world. Everything comes together in a state of coherence and harmony. It follows that, in contemplating the meaning of our lives, perhaps the most decisive question we can ask is, “Do I have a heart?”

Pope Francis. Dilexit Nos: He Loved us, #23
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PARISH OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Frs. Tru and Chung will be attending a gathering at Douglas Park from
Monday 5 to Friday 9 May.
There will be a liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion at 9:30am for the week in both parishes.

St John the Apostle Kippax 
Monday, Tuesday and Friday

St Thomas Aquinas Charnwood 
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

 

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Formation Evening for parents

Monday 28 April

7:00pm – 8:30pm

St John the Apostle Parish Centre

 kippax@cg.org.au

 

 

FUNERAL NOTICE

Michael Fallon

Memorial Mass at St John the Apostle Parish

Monday 28 April 9:30am

 

Funeral Details
Monday 28^th April at 9:30am Our Lady of the Rosary Parish,Kensington

Graveside Service 1:00pm MSC Cemetery, St Mary’s Towers, Douglas Park

The funeral will be live-streamed
https://www.caktusproductions.com.au/frmichaelfallonmsc

Easter Triduum

Thank you to all those parishioners who were involved in the planning, preparation and participation in the Easter Triduum this year.

We are blessed with the gifts and talents of each and every parishioner which continually nurtures our parish community.

PPC CHAIR EMAIL ISSUE

 

Thursday Night before 1st Friday 
1 May
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament 
Gethsemane Thursday  7:30 – 8:30pm

Could you not stay awake with me one hour. 
Matt 26:40

 

MASS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS  
1st Friday of every month ■ 9:30am  
Sacred Heart Mass Intention
2 May
The heart is the centre of our being, and the seat of our emotions and love.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus symbolizes his great love for humanity. Jesus initiated this devotion out of his great love for us.

St John the Apostle Primary School is open for enrolments for all age groups especially Kindergarten for 2026. 

Tours available

Thursday 8 May - 2.00 pm & 5.00pm 
Thursday 15 May - 2.00 pm & 5.00pm

Please call the Front Office on 6258 3592 to make or an appointment with the Principal, Jo Reed.

YCS BELCONNEN - 11 May

After Sunday Mass

From 7:00pm – 9:00pm
St John the Apostle Parish Centre

Year groups 7 – 12 are welcome

Join us for games, praise, prayer, food and social justice

LIBRARY NEWS

This month our display is on the Season of Lent: A guide to the Passion, and Through Lent with Luke.

Vacancies at Supported Independent Homes

At Marymead CatholicCare, there are currently vacancies in two of our residential Supported Independent Living homes within the NDIS CHOICES Program, supporting and empowering people with disabilities, including: a modern home in Kambah for supported independent living, sharing with two friendly, mature individuals; and Dorothy Sales Cottages in Hughes specifically designed for individuals with acquired brain injury. Contact our CHOICES and Aged Care number at 6163 7647. rohan.kulkarni@mccg.org.au

MenAlive Recharge

When: Saturday 24 May (2.00pm to 5.30pm) followed by rosary,

Mass and a shared meal

Where: Mary Help of Christians Parish, South Woden, 115 Hodgson Cres, Pearce

Cost: Nothing. Let’s come together, renew our faith, and encourage one another to respond to the great need.

Contact Mat at 0438446489 or Fr Emil at 0414 523 036.

50th Reunion - Class of 1975
A reunion will be held on the weekend of 18 October 2025 for students from Catholic Girls High School Braddon and Daramalan College, who finished Year 12 in 1975 (including those from that group who finished before Year 12).

Several activities are planned over the weekend, with the main event on Saturday evening 18th.
To RSVP, please use one of the event channels:

Email: CGHS.Dara1975@gmail.com or

Facebook: Daramalan College Alumni group;
Merici College Alumni group; or
Dara - Braddon 1975 group

 

By remembering your faith community in your Will, you contribute to the spiritual legacy that has enriched your life. Your bequest ensures the continuation of the traditions, teachings, and support that have shaped your journey.