The gospel of Matthew is keen to cast Jesus in the role of the ‘new Moses’. Moses was revered in Jewish history not only as the one who led the people out of Egypt, but even more importantly as the one who received the Ten Commandments from God. The first five books of the Bible, known to Jews as the Torah, or the Law, were accredited to Moses for a very long time. So Moses was seen as the one who received the Commandments from God and who also wrote down the Law of the people, the Torah. He was the Law-Giver for the Jewish people. When the gospel of Matthew portrays Jesus as the new Moses it emphasises the way in which Jesus sought to bring the Law of Moses to fulfilment and bring about a new understanding and appreciation of both the Law and God. Jesus introduced a new way of perceiving God; as a God of compassion and mercy, rather than the jealous, vengeful God that is often expressed in the Old Testament.
The Sermon on the Mount that begins with the Beatitudes comes out of this historical context. Jesus is trying to present a new interpretation of the right way to be in relationship with God; one that is not dominated by rules and regulations. The text is so familiar to us today that it is almost bland. However, at the time it must have been incredibly confronting. The attitudes and states of being that Jesus blesses were not the characteristics that were valued in the society of his time. Poverty, gentleness and mourning were not considered strong, desirable qualities. So, the picture Jesus paints of how to be in right relationship with God and others was confronting the standards and expectations of the time.
Resource used: Reflection, by Greg Sunter
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved……….forever!
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OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART PARISH
As we transition to the new parish, please be aware of administrative changes taking place.
We thank you for your patience, support and understanding during this time.
We Welcome
Fr Chris McPhee msc
and
Fr Thoi Nguyen msc
who will be in our Parish for the next few weeks
OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART PARISH
Finance Update
All parishioners on Planned Giving using Direct Debit and Credit Card will need to complete new forms.
These forms have been emailed out to all parishioners and also available in both Church foyers.
Please return all forms to the parish office, do not email.
Forms can also be left in the locked letter box outside the parish office doors.
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OLSH PARISH MINISTRY DAY
All volunteers in parish ministries are invited to the
OLSH Parish formation day
Sunday 1 February
St John the Apostle Parish Centre
2:00pm – 5:30pm
Facilitated by Fr. Chris McPhee msc
OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART PARISH - Key Register
As part of our administrative requirements for the new parish,
we require an updated Key Register for both Mass Centres.
Any parishioner who has a key to access either Church,______________________________________________________________
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish
2026 SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Registration is now open
via the QKR APP:
Discover: St John the Apostle Catholic Parish
Sacramental Programs
Contact the parish office if you have any questions: belconnenwest@cg.org.au
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Penance Formation Session for parents
17 February 2026
The Presentation of the Lord Mass
Blessing of the Candles
Bring your candles to be blessed
Monday 2 February
St John the Apostle Church
9:30am Mass
Lenten Retreat: Meeting Christ in Our Deepest Need
You are invited to a 3‑session Lenten retreat, Meeting Christ in Our Deepest Need: A Lenten Journey, facilitated by Greg Sunter. Greg is an experienced facilitator with a strong background in small-group ministry. Holding Master’s degrees in Theology and Education, he helps people engage deeply with Scripture, grow in prayer, and connect faith with daily life. He is well known for his parish newsletter gospel reflections, which explain Scripture in its historical and cultural context and relate it to contemporary lived experience.
More about Greg: https://www.wholehearted.com.au/about/
Greg will reflect on this year’s Lenten Gospels and there are time for personal reflection and optional sharing. Everyone is welcome no prior study needed and no pressure to speak.
Time:
Friday 27th February 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm;
Saturday 28th February 10 am -11 am;
Sunday 1st March 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Place: 25 Blackham St, HOLT ACT 2615
Cost: $20 for all 3 sessions
Register: belconnenwest@cg.org.au
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OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART PARISH
Archbishop Prowse along with
MSC Provincial Fr. Stephen Hackett,
will be celebrating Masses to bless our new parish.
14 February 2026
5:00pm St John the Apostle, Kippax
15 February 2026
9:00am St Thomas Aquinas, Charnwood
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION
Enrolling: 1st and 8th February
Before and after the 10:00am in the foyer also available in the parish centre.
Classes will commence on Sunday 15 February at 9:15am
OLSH Choir
In preparation for the Easter ceremonies, we are looking for choir members who would be available to sing.
Please contact the parish office at: belconnenwest@cg.org.au
PARISH LADIES LUNCH
will be held on TUESDAY 17 FEBRUARY 12 noon at Southern Cross Club Jamison.
Text or email Pauline HallyBurton or Gerri Bleeser by no later than SUNDAY 15 FEB if you are able to attend.
Pauline HallyBurton - 0429 064 168, paulinehb@bigpond.com
Gerri Bleeser - 0418407565, gdbleeser@gmail.com
Bookings essential
Ash Wednesday
18 February
St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
Mass 9:30am
St John the Apostle Catholic Church
Mass 6:00pm