There is a story of a philosopher and teacher who ended a long lecture before a large number
of young University students by asking, "Are there any questions?"

Among the young people in the lecture hall was a young man who asked,

The philosopher looked at the young man for a long time and then took a small round mirror from his wallet.
He then responded:

"When I was small boy during the war, we lived in a remote village. We were very poor. One day I found a piece of broken mirror from a wrecked German motorcycle. I scratched this piece of mirror on a stone until it was round and then I played with it as if it were a toy. I became fascinated by the fact that I could reflect light into dark places where the sun would never shine into deep holes, crevices and dark closets. As I grew up, I kept the mirror and as I became a man, I grew to understand that the mirror was a metaphor for what I might do with my life. I came to understand that I am not the light or the source of light. However, even though I am not the source of light

I am a fragment of a mirror, I have no idea of the whole design and shape of the rest of the mirror, Nevertheless, with the piece I have, I can reflect light. I can reflect light into the dark places of this world. I can reflect light into the dark, heavy places in the hearts of men and women. When I reflect light into the hearts of others, I can help change some things in some people. When this happens perhaps others may see and do the same. They may reflect light themselves.

Then he took the small mirror, holding it carefully, he caught the bright rays of daylight streaming through the window and reflected the rays right into the eyes and face of the young man seated in front of him.

God constantly challenges us to shine our mirror. Do we hear his call or do we let darkness reign?

Some time ago I mentioned during Mass that St Kieran's Church is one of the busiest that I have ever been appointed to. In reflecting on this, the nature of our Church and on my role as Parish priest, it brought to mind a homily by the great Origen, an early Christian scholar, who said:

"In this building of the church there must be an altar. From this I conclude that whichever of you ‘living stones’ are ready for this and prepared to give up time to pray, to offer entreaties to God day and night and to offer up sacrifices of supplication, such people I say are stones out of which Jesus builds his altar.

Study now what praise is offered to these same stones of the altar. ‘Moses the lawgiver,’ he said, ‘ordered that an altar be built out of hewn stones, untouched by the chisel.’ Who now are these unhewn stones? Perhaps these unhewn, unviolated stones could be the holy apostles, all making together one altar by reason of their harmony and concord. For so it is reported of them that, as all prayed together with one accord and opened their mouths, they said, ‘You, Lord who knows the hearts of all men.’

These men therefore who were able to pray with one mind, with one voice, with one voice in the spirit, are perhaps worthy of being employed to build together one altar upon which Jesus may offer sacrifice to the Father. However, let us too try to take care that we may all with one mind say the same things, having the sentiments, doing nothing in strife nor through vain glory, but remaining with one feeling, one sentiment, in the one hope that we too can be made fitting stones for the altar."

The months of May and June have been particularly busy and there have been many examples of
‘Living Stones at work’ in the Parish. These include.,

• The annual festival of Maria Annunziata.
• 10 Baptisms and 10 Requiem Masses which I have officiated at.
• 4 Baptism and 3 Requiem Masses that have been officiated by other priests.
• 34 Year 4 students have made their First Holy Communion.
• 38 Year 3 students have celebrated their first Reconciliation
• 12 Special Ministers were commissioned on the Feast of Corpus Christi.
• Special Masses for the School Community to celebrate Mother's Day, Ascension Day
  and First Holy Communion.
• Two beautiful Golden wedding Anniversary Celebrations.
• A successful Dedication Sunday on 10 June.

Most of these events are recorded on the Parish Web Site which has recently been updated.

It includes many colourful photos.

RELATIONSHIPS

Dialogue is the life blood of a relationship. But the obstacles to dialogue are many,

alas, those that surmount them are few.

Much is accomplished if , in the first place, we talk less and listen more...

• …and refrain from deciding ahead of time what the other's talking about
      and what the other wants
• …and not respond to what we assume the other said
• …nor assume that we know what the other is talking about
• …nor put our own meaning into the other's words
• …but frequently, alas, we don't even hear what the other is saying

LISTENING

Perfect Listening is listening not so much to others as to oneself.

The perfect listener hears you even when you say nothing!

At St Kieran's we are fortunate to have the asset of a fine Parish Centre. The renovation of the building from a church to Parish Centre began in 1986. The building was officially blessed and opened by Bishop R. Healy on October 16 1988. The conversion was completed at a cost of $210,000.

Since then, the Centre has been used regularly by a variety of groups within the Parish such as the St Kieran's Community Playgroup. The Legion of Mary, St Vincent De Paul Society, Parish Council and Ladies' Bingo. It has also been used for a variety of social functions that include Parish luncheons and dinners, birthday parties, school dances, christening celebrations, weddings and even as an Electoral Centre. The Centre has been well managed by Carmel Poole for the last two years and we thank her for keeping the Centre in good condition. If you are looking for a venue for your next social function please contact Cannel on 9444 4083.

As part of the ongoing maintenance, recent improvements to the Centre have included new fire extinguishers, repairs to the cooking facilities and a new non-slip floor in the entrance foyer. It is anticipated that in the near future, the kitchen area will receive a much needed new coat of paint.

For many years the Italian Community has been an integral and important part of our Parish at Osborne Park. In the past, a strong worshipping community gave impetus to the Maria Annunziata Society which is still active today, encouraging devotion to Mary Our Mother. The recent festival which included a Mass followed by a procession was a success and drew approximately 300 parishioners, families, friends and people from adjacent parishes.

It has been pleasing to note that since the arrival of Father Michael to the parish, attendance at the Sunday Italian Mass has seen some growth with approximately 120 people regularly. attending. The Italian choir is well represented with talent who are up to date with modem hymns and the latest songs from Italy. The choir is also blessed with the wonderful musical talent of organist Anna Maria Agnello.

Raffle tickets in support of the Archbishop's Pregnancy Assistance can now be purchased from Angela Spina. Tickets will also be on sale during morning tea in the Parish Hall on Sunday 1st July. First prize is an around the world trip for two which includes a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady, of Guadalupe, in Mexico City, including $500 spending money OR the cash equivalent of $9870.

A special ‘Mothers Prayers’ Mass will be held on Tuesday 26^th June at 10.00am for all mothers and Grandmothers who wish to pray for their children. Fathers are also welcome. Mass will be held at Saints John & Paul Church, Cnr Pinetree Gully Rd and Wainright Close, Willeton. Enquires: contact Barbara Locke 9444 2656.

‘Mothers Prayer’ group continues to meet every Tuesday at 9.15am during the school term at the Servite Chapel. All are welcome to attend.

Over the last twelve months the sound system in the church has been plagued by a number of problems. In essence the system was old and antiquated and beyond economic repair. In recent months, it became clear that it was necessary to update and improve the system. During the last two weeks, some major improvements have been made and a new sound system is presently being installed.

Parishioners with news items about events or activities within the Parish are encouraged to submit them to me for publication. Sam Di Nucci: 9444 2742