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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love: where there is injury, pardon: where there is doubt, faith: where there is despair, hope: where there is darkness, light: and where there is sadness, joy:
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console: to be understood, as to understand, to be loved as to love: for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born Prayer of St Francis
The ‘action’ sections in the diary are to encourage and inspire you to plan your Christian action. Don’t forget to check with your Priest before undertaking any parish based activities.
Make a friend Be a friend Bring that friend to Jesus
1st – 5th January Naming and Circumcision Study Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed, so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.” Luke 2.34-35a Action Plan new study programs for the year Plan your years calendar marking all important dates and events Pray for Remembering ‘Eliza Hassal’, CMS Missionary in the Middle East d1917 (2nd) pray for the Christians of the middle East and all who live their Christian lives in difficult circumstances Renewed listening for the call of God in our lives
6th – 12th January Epiphany Study Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and we have come to pay him homage.” Matthew 2.1b-2 Action Send letters of encouragement for the new year to members of your parish ministry teams Check if neighbours need assistance during holiday times Pray for Wisdom in the church’s decision making Wisdom in the Cursillo Movement’s decision making 13th - 19th January Baptism of Our Lord – First Sunday after Epiphany Study Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3.21-22 Action Check if the parishes Baptism program needs any support Contact any God children Pray for Secretariat Orientation Day on 19th Remembering the ‘Confession of Peter’, (18th) pray for all who are burdened down by sin For all Christian counselors in their work
20th - 26th January Second Sunday after Epiphany Study The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1.29 Action Attend an Australia day event Plan to attend a multicultural event Can you assist with Sunday School preparations? Pray for Remembering ‘Agnes’, child martyr of Rome d.304 (21st) pray for all children who have died for their faith Renewed sense of community in Australia Racial harmony in our communities
27th January – 2nd February Third Sunday after Epiphany Study Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4.23 Action Check if the children's programs in your parish need any support Send a card/message to any children you know for a good year at school ‘World Wetlands Environment Day’, (2nd) go with a group to visit nearby Wetlands and hold a prayer time Pray for Remembering ‘Thomas Aquinas’ theologian d.1274 (28th) pray for all Theological institutions and their teachers. Pray for the theological students in our Diocese All institutions of learning 3rd - 9th February Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Study Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5.9 Action Begin Lent by attending an Ash Wednesday service Organize to attend Lenten Bible studies Is there some way you can be involved in action for peace? Pray for Commissioning of W38, M38 Cursillo Remembering ‘Anskar’, d.865 (4th) missionary Bishop to Sweden and patron saint of Denmark pray for the Christians of Scandinavia Pray for all those who work for world peace
10th - 16th February First Sunday in Lent Study But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4.4 Action Seek someone to attend Bible Study with you Is there a way to support the church’s missionary agencies? It’s ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ week’. Be awake to acts of kindness you can perform Pray for Bible translators throughout the world Remembering ‘Cyril d.1869 and Methodius’, d.1885 missionaries to the Slavs Pray for all who keep the faith under difficult circumstances.
17th – 23rd February Second Sunday in Lent Study Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3.5-6 Action Men are you able to attend Beer Bibles and Football? It’s ‘Organ Donor Awareness’ week. Are you on the register? Contact someone who has recently had a child Baptised Pray for Remembering ‘William Grant Broughton’, first Bishop of Australia d.1853 (20th) pray for our Bishops, and our Diocese Being open to the working of the Spirit 24th February – 1st March Third Sunday in Lent Study For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor. John 4.37-38 Action Seek out elderly neighbors that might need assistance Research the religious Communities in Australia Invite someone to the Mothering Sunday Service next week Pray for Remembering ‘David’, d.601 (1st) Bishop of Minevia and Patron Saint of Wales pray for the ministry of the church in Wales All those who live the Monastic life The mission of your parish
2nd – 8th March Fourth Sunday in Lent Study The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing. Psalm 23.1 Action How can you support the Samaritans Foundation? Contribute to the food stocks of your parish pantry for the needy Consider the necessity of some of your own spending
Pray for Remembering ‘John of God’, d.1550 (8th)and his work among the poor pray for all who work among the poor The Samaritans foundation The Two Bishop’s Trust
9th - 15th March Fifth Sunday in Lent Study Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11.25-26a Action Contact someone who has had a recent bereavement Is there some way you can support the bereavement ministry of your church? Can you help make Palm crosses ready for next week? Invite someone to attend the Palm Sunday service Pray for Beer Bibles and Football Weekend Those who have died recently 16th – 22nd March Passion / Palm Sunday Study Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2.5 Action Distribute some palm crosses to some friends, especially children and explain their significance Attend church daily this week Attend the ‘Oils Eucharist’ in your area Pray for Our minds to be attuned to the ‘mind of Christ’ Observance of a Holy Easter Christians in the Holy Land
23rd – 29th March Easter Day Study See yourselves therefore as dead to sin: And alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Hymn to the Risen Christ Action Invite a friend to the Easter services See if the family or neighbors need help with their children during the school holidays Do elderly neighbors need support with shopping, doctors visits etc? Pray for The peace of Jerusalem Safety during the holidays That parents may have a responsible attitude in carrying out their parental duties
30th March – 5th April Second Sunday of Easter Study Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “ Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me , so I send you.” John 20.20b-21 Action Attend Lady Day at the Cathedral (1st) Prepare a meal and take it to a new mother 1st April is ‘National Smile Day’—Join in Pray for Remembering the ‘Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary’, (1st) pray for all pregnant women For all of those women unable to have children 6th - 12th April Third Sunday of Easter Study Therefore prepare your minds for action, discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 1 Peter 1.13 Action Plant a tree Give a tree to someone to plant It’s ‘Seniors Week’ –prepare an activity for seniors in your community Offer to transport an elderly person to an appointment Pray for Servant Community Day (12th) Those studying for the Bishop’s Certificate and the Bishop’s Diploma Remembering ‘Georgiana Molloy,’ d.1843 (8th) pioneer church leader and botanist from WA pray for all who care for our environment
13th – 19th April Fourth Sunday of Easter Study I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go our and find pasture. John 10.9 Action Consider any candidates for the Women’s or Men’s Cursillo’s Make a surprise morning tea for the Sunday School Contribute to the ‘baby bundles’ for the needy at the hospitals Pray for Those who have lost their way in their Christian journey Peace in the hearts of those who seek revenge
20th - 26th April Fifth Sunday of Easter Study “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14.1 Action Attend and Anzac Day service Write a message of support for the Bishop 26th April is ‘World Healing’ Day. Can you support the healing ministry of your parish? Pray for Remembering ‘Anselm’, d.1109 Archbishop of Canterbury (21st) pray for Archbishop Rowan and peace in the Anglican communion The work of our defense forces Our bishops and clergy All of those suffering as a result of wars 27th April – 3rd May Sixth Sunday of Easter Study “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever. John 14.15-16 Action This week is a week of prayer for Christian unity—write some prayers you can share in your Group Reunion Research the work of the Christian church in another country and share it with a friend ‘Fair Trade Fortnight’ begins 3rd May—Does your church sell Fair Trade products? Look for Fair Trade products in your supermarket Pray for Christian unity Unity in your parish and our Diocese The work of Diocesan Council A fair distribution of the world’s resources
4th - 10th May Seventh Sunday of Easter Study Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I come from you; and they have believed that you sent me. John 17.7-8 Action Support the Samaritans winter appeal Help prepare the church for Pentecost next Sunday 5th May begins ‘National Mothering’ week—find a way to support a local mother Contact any parents/grandparents/ children/grandchildren you haven’t seen for a while Pray for Remembering ‘Julian of Norwich’, holy woman and mystic d.1417 (8th) pray for those whose writings inspire us on our Christian journey Those who are terminally ill 11th – 17th May Pentecost Study As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive. John 7.38b-39a Action Prepare Palanca for W38 Wear red to church and explain to a friend why you are wearing red It’s ‘National Volunteer’ week—organize an event to thank volunteers Pray for Commissioning of W39 and M39 teams Living waters of the spirit to flow through our church and our Cursillo movement Remembering ‘Matthias’ , apostle and martyr (14th) pray for all new members of Cursillo executive
18th – 24th May Trinity Sunday Study The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13.13 Action Contact three people this week that need encouragement Invite someone to attend the Eucharist with you Pray for Remembering ‘Thanksgiving For Holy Communion’ (22nd) pray for a renewed understanding of the sacraments Pray for all ordained clergy in their sacramental role
25th – 31st May Second Sunday after Pentecost Study For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8.14 Action Attend Mananita or Clausura for W38 Prepare Palanca for M38 Invite a group of people from different denominations to a BBQ Pray for W38 Cursillo Weekend ‘Week of Prayer for Reconciliation’ begins May 27th, pray for increased understanding and unity in the Christian churches Our relations with our neighbouring churches 1st – 7th June Third Sunday after Pentecost Study “Not everyone who says to me , ‘Lord Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 7.21 Action Research ways to support the ministries of the church in Africa Support the work of the Samaritans with the Sudanese community Invite members of the Sudanese community to visit your parish Pray for Remembering the ‘Martyrs of Uganda’, d.1886 (3rd) pray for work of the church in Africa The African refugees who have settled in Australia The Sudanese congregation in our Diocese
8th - 14th June Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Study “‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” Matthew 9.13b Action Attend Mananita or Clausura for M38 Write a letter of encouragement to someone you feel has wronged you 12th is ‘World Day Against Child Labour’—Can you be involved in action against child labour? Pray for Men’s 38 Cursillo Weekend Remembering ‘Columba of Iona’, d.597 (9th) give thanks for the heritage of the Celtic church and pray for the church in Scotland and Ireland For the continued work of the community at Iona Children who are forced to work and those who seek to rescue them
157h – 21st June Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Study Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9.37-38 Action Help organize a social outreach night in your parish Plant some bulbs to bloom in the spring with a child and talk about growth and God’s creation with them 21st June is ‘World Music’ day. Organise for a group to sing at Nursing Home etc. Pray for Ourselves to hear the call of God in our lives The mission of our Local church 22nd –28th June Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Study Those who find their life will lose it , and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10.39 Action Talk to a new parent about Baptism and the meaning of Baptism Support the Baptism support program of your parish 27th June is ‘Red Nose Day’, offer support to the mother of a new baby Pray for Remembering the ‘Birth of John the Baptist’ (24th) pray for all new babies and their parents The newly Baptised Those who are suffering the loss of a child
29th June - 5th July Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Study And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward. Matthew 10.42 Action Check if you have any neighbours in need Take a hot meal to a ‘shut in’ person Contribute to the parishes Pantry for the needy Pray for Remembering ‘The Coming of The Light’, the first missionaries to the Torres Strait—1871 (1st) Pray for the work of the Church in the Torres Strait. Pray for all missionaries who face danger in their missionary work The social outreach work of your parish and the Samaritans The relief work of the United Nations
6th - 12th July Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Study “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11.28 Action Attend a ‘NAIDOC’ week activity Research a way to support Aboriginal ministries in the diocese Invite an aboriginal group to talk at a church function Pray for The Reconciliation process Give thanks for what we have learned from the aboriginal people about caring for the environment 13th – 19th July Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Study But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields. Matthew 13.23a Action Take a family fishing or to the aquarium and talk about the diversity of God’s marine creation and our need to conserve it Have a fish BBQ for friends and explain about the first disciples being Fishermen It’s ‘World Youth Day’ (15th). Organise an event for the youth in your area Pray for Welcome Day for W38 and M38 (19th) Remembering ‘Sea Sunday’, (13th) pray for all who gain their livelihood from the sea Conservation of our marine environment The young people in tour community
20th - 26th July Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Study Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matthew 13.43a Action visit a person who lives on their own or invite them to a meal Is there some way you can help the parish secretary? Establish or support your city/country parish link Pray for Remembering ‘Mary Magdalene’, (22nd) pray for all women who work in a support role to influential people The faithful men and women who have been an example to us in our Christian journey
27th July – 2nd August Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Study The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matthew 13.44 Action In your Group Reunion or Bible Study group try writing some spiritual reflections Plan to attend a retreat and ask someone to go with you It’s ‘National Tree’ Day (27th) , help a child plant a tree Pray for Remembering ‘Ignatius of Loyola’, d.1556 (31st) pray for all who encourage our spiritual development All who devote their life to living an enclosed life of prayer The care of our environment 3rd - 9th August Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Study I call upon you O God, for you will surely answer: incline your ear to me, and hear my words. Psalm 17.6 Action Is there some way to support MU in your parish or the Diocese? Visit a family in need taking a meal or cake for them Pray for Women Celebration our Faith Weekend Remembering ‘Mary Sumner’, founder of MU d.1921 (9th) pray for the work of MU throughout the world Families who are struggling under difficult circumstances
10th - 16th August Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Study For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. Romans 10.12 Action Visit a Jewish Museum or research the holocaust to gain a greater understanding of the Jewish perspective Visit or write to someone who lost a loved one during a war Its ‘National Science’ week. Research some of the ethical issues facing the church in the light of scientific research Pray for Remembering the ‘20th Century Martyrs’, especially Maxamilian Kolbe d.1941 pray for Jewish and Christian relationships All those who suffer in wars Scientists in their work
17th – 23rd August Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Study If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches are also holy. Romans 11.16 Action Prepare palanca for W39 Is there some way to support the SRE Teachers in the schools? Pray for Remembering ‘Bernard of Clairvaux’, abbot and teacher d.1153 (20th) pray for all teachers of the Christian faith That God’s love may inspire us to do things that we never thought ourselves capable of doing |
