PARISH PRAYER

St Michael the Archangel,
patron of our parish, be with us as we strive
to be faithful to our Baptismal call,
to love God and our neighbours.
Spread your protective wings over us
and our entire parish.
Protect us from fear, lies and everything
that prevents us from experiencing
God’s love for us in all its fullness.
Help us to always choose what is
good, right, and true and nurture within us
the courage, love, and respect
we need to face our fears
and to protect all of God’s creation. Amen.

Safeguarding

Our Motto and Vision is ‘Sharing God’s Love’. We are determined to share this love among all people. As Catholics it is our duty to care, love and nurture everyone.

At St Michael’s we foster the wellbeing and safety of all children and adults at risk. Since we take the safety of our young and vulnerable parishioners seriously, we have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abuse. All our parishioners have the right to feel safe and welcomed at St Michael’s Parish. Any concerns, please contact the Safeguarding Officer on 9707 1355 or secretary@stmichaelsparish.org.au

SHINE A LIGHT

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that the greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbour as ourselves. Domestic violence violates this commandment by harming those we are called to love and protect.

For the next 2 weeks, parishes across the Diocese of Sale will unite in Shining a Light on Domestic Violence, praying for its end. Let us stand together to create a safer, more compassionate community.

Special Liturgy will be held on November 15 at 7.30pm. All welcome. Leaflets are available in the foyer.

EXPLORING THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

An online session led by Fr Francis Otobo. This session is designed to prepare us for the upcoming Year C - 2025.

DATE: November 7, 3.45pm to 4.45 pm. BOOKINGS

PARISH SUPPORT CENTRE

Will be closed on November 4 & 5.

MASS PARTS

Will be sung, except at 7.30am mass, so please wait. Thank you.

WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

Thank you $1,135.20 was donated.

PIETY

God’s Word, Columban Calendar, ‘The Light’ Advent Daily Reflection. All books are available at the Parish Support Centre or Piety Stall.

PARISH CHRISTMAS CAROLS

On Dec 14 in the stadium after 6.00pm Mass. Any individuals or groups that would like to join contact Peggy on 9707 4072.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL THANKSGIVING MASS

At St Michael’s on Tuesday November 12 at 7.00pm, for deceased past members and volunteers in the Berwick Region. Family and friends most welcome. A light supper will be served after Mass.

Please note this will be the Parish Mass for the day, no 9.30am Mass.

‘CUPPA’ AFTER 9.00AM MASS

On Sunday November 10 will celebrate the 170th Anniversary of the St Vincent De Paul Society. All welcome.

‘CUPPA’ AFTER 10.30AM MASS

On Sunday November 10 to celebrate Fr Paul’s milestone birthday. All welcome.

MILITARY ORDINARIATE COLLECTION

Will be taken up next weekend.

JUNIOR CHOIR MEMBERS

If there are any Primary or early Secondary age children who would like to join a small group to sing 2 Christmas songs at the Narre Warren North Carols by Candlelight, Sat Dec 14, please contact Angela on 0418 357 224. There will be a rehearsal Nov 10 after the 10.30am mass.

MANGO FUNDRAISER

St Michael’s School is offering us the opportunity to join in with their order. Order forms available in the foyer. Closes November 6.

HOUSEKEEPING

Noise Level: Please remember that we are in a Sacred Space and respect other parishioners and keep your chatter to a minimum during and after mass.

Parking: We have had more complaints from our neighbours, please obey the street signs and DO NOT park over driveways. You will be booked.

Leaving before end of mass: It is very disruptive as well as disrespectful to leave mass before the final blessing. Please refrain from coming late and leaving early.

Equipment: Please DO NOT touch the heaters or sound system, as often after they have been tampered with we need to call technicians to fix them, at a cost to the church, as we are unable to correct them. They are set at appropriate levels for our church.

Doors: Please leave the doors closed as the wind causes leaves in the foyer and the heater/cooling system does not function at its full capacity.

DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Permanent part-time role at 2.5 days per week based in Sion House, Warragul. As the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, you will contribute to the development and improvement of the safeguarding procedures and policies in relation to the Diocese and its parishes.

Further information and a copy of the position description can be obtained by contacting Mary Winters on maryw@sale.catholic.org.au or 5622 6600. Applications close on November 8 at 4.00pm.

POPES PRAYER INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER

For Parents Who Have Lost a Child. “Let us pray that all parents mourning the death of a child find support in the community and receive heart’s peace from the consoling Spirit.”

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

Is for married couples, it focuses on deeper communication skills and growing intimacy in our spousal relationships. November 16-17 in Trafalgar.

MAGI PILGRIMAGES

Is offering a 16-day Pilgrimage of Hope, next year April 22 to May 7. This pilgrimage features Fatima, Valladolid, Lourdes, Nice, Turin, Padua, Assisi, Rotondo, and Rome for an all-inclusive early bird price of $8990 plus tips. The fare includes Return Economy Airfares, Local Transfers, Premium Hotels, all breakfast and dinners, Catholic priest and English speaking professional guides. For enquiries & bookings, call 03 8839 6615 or 1300 721 561 or email pilgrimage@magiholidays.com.au

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GOOD SAMARITAN STUDY, ACCOMPANIMENT AND MENTORING PROGRAM FOR CATHOLIC WOMEN

Which is an initiative of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Core components include financial assistance for women undertaking tertiary studies, spiritual direction and mentoring. The SAM Program offers financial assistance to a maximum of $8000 per year for women undertaking tertiary studies at a recognised theological institution. The grant can be spent on tuition or other expenses associated with the completion of the qualification. For more information and application please visit

YARRA THEOLOGICAL UNION INFORMATION SESSION

Online information session to study in 2025. November 13, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Register here Information: 9890 3771

DIOCESE OF SALE – LIVING LITURGY

Evangelisation: A biblical theological reflection for all Catholics - a statement of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation. More Infor Evangelise: a growing online video library of Australian evangelisation resources. Becoming Catholic: For those wanting to learn more about the Catholic faith . becoming.catholic.au/s/ Discovering God and what it means to be Catholic: A resource for enquirers of the Catholic faith. A 30-day prayer journey of encountering God. N.B. those who are not Catholic and are enquiring about our faith can order free copies of both Discovering God and Discovering Prayer via www.becoming.catholic.au Discovering Prayer book can be purchased from the Parish Support Centre for $5.00.

REFLECTION – Lisa-Marie Calderone-Stewart

Jesus tells us that loving God completely, loving our neighbours, and loving ourselves are our highest commandments.

How are all the other commandments based on these?

Is it ever all right (not sinful) to do something wrong, if no one will ever know about it and no one will ever be hurt by it? How does committing a sin—even a secret sin that is never caught—hurt you?

Every time you make a selfish decision, you teach yourself to be selfish. Every time you lie, you teach yourself to be dishonest. Every time you make a considerate decision, you teach yourself to be caring. Every time you make a moral choice, you teach yourself to have integrity. Every time you do the right thing, you feel more confident, you like yourself more, and you respect yourself more.

If everyone understood these concepts, how would it change the world?

Is it possible to know and understand these concepts, but to ignore them? What kind of decision would it be to ignore them? Why would someone do that?

Do you respect yourself?

Jesus and this scribe seem to like each other. They affirm each other’s words. It’s hard to tell who’s the teacher and who’s the learner.