Dear brothers and sisters,

Word of God for the day: Romans 16:26

“It must be broadcast to pagans everywhere to bring them to the obedience of faith.”

Q&A: Did Pope Francis change Church teaching on sexuality on Tuesday?

No.  Last Tuesday Pope Francis approved a Declaration on the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings.  This was reported a lot in the news, and in social media, as Pope Francis changing Church teaching and now saying priests can bless same-sex unions.  This is not true.  If you read the actual document, it just says the following:

• God loves us, and is always seeking the salvation of everyone.  We must do the same.

• Jesus warns us that any sexual act outside the marriage of a man and a woman contradicts this love and salvation, is gravely immoral, and cannot be blessed.  This includes ‘same-sex unions’ which “cannot  be compared in any way to a marriage.” (no.30)

• The declaration explains that asking for a blessing means asking God to make something or someone holy.  This means that asking a priest for a blessing is also a form of prayer, of recognising that I need  God’s help, that I need God to help me be more mature, more faithful to what Jesus asks, to be healed by him, and to be able to love more like God loves. (no.31) 

• The final point the declaration makes is that if it happens that a priest is asked for a blessing by two people, whether they be unmarried, divorced and remarried, or in a same-sex relationship, the priest may bless these people, if he thinks it will help the salvation of their souls, as long as as:

a. the priest is not trying to bless or legitimise an irregular or same-sex union (no.31, 38, 40)

b. it will not bring into doubt what Jesus teaches about sexuality and marriage

c. it will not shock or scandalise people that he does this

d. it is not done in the liturgy, or in a habitual way (no.39)

In other words, it is just the Church trying to do everything she possibly can to help everyone, while at the same time preaching the same helpful, beautiful and life-giving gospel to all.

Roof

Our main roof is nearly finished! Just the cross, and above the sanctuary remains to be done.  It will be completed, and the scaffolding taken down, in January.

Adoration after daily mass will continue

Given the unexpected demand of adoration after daily mass during Advent, it will now become a permanent part of our daily program in the parish, from 7:15 to 8:45am every day from Tuesday to Friday.  Many of our school students and parents have been popping in to present their day to Jesus for 2 minutes or 20 minutes.  There are mums and nannas who come with their small children to pray.  And there are other parishioners who stay the whole hour and a half after mass.  Come to adoration, and experience how this daily dose of God and his goodness consoles yourself, warms your heart, brings you joy and gives you peace!

Yours in Our Lord,

J+