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.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

During Lent - After Mass on Tuesdays morning, approximately 10.15am, and on Friday evenings at 7.15pm. All are welcome!

PROJECT COMPASSION

Lam is 27 years old from a small village in rural Vietnam who faced significant challenges due to his short stature. Through the I-SHINE program Lam completed a six-month course developing his graphic design skills. He now runs a successful freelance graphic design business from home, serving clients worldwide and earning a steady income.

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes, envelopes or visiting caritas.org.au/project-compassion

EASTER MASS

LENTEN RECONCILIATION: Thursday April 10 at 7.30pm.
EASTER TRIDIUM - ALL IN THE CHURCH EXCEPT GOOD FRIDAY PASSION
HOLY THURSDAY: Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7.30pm
GOOD FRIDAY: Stations of the Cross: 10.00am
(St Michael’s School Stadium) Passion Service: 3.00pm
HOLY SATURDAY: Easter Vigil: 7.30pm
EASTER SUNDAY MASSES: 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am, 6.00pm

THE SCRUTINIES

The Scrutinies are three special rites that help prepare the Elect, those participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), to enter the Catholic Church. They take place during the period of RCIA formation known as Purification and Enlightenment, near the end of their formation.

The season of Lent involves a more intense period of examination and preparation for the Elect, and hopefully for those of us already living the Catholic faith. Though they are meant for the RCIA Elect, the Scrutinies can help all Catholics seeking to live a life of continuous conversion. The Scrutinies are associated with three specific Gospel stories on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent. Jesus encountering the Samaritan woman at the well, where He offers Himself as the Living Water, Jesus healing the man born blind, where He gives Himself as Light of the World, and Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, where He reveals Himself as the Resurrection and the Life. Please keep Jacqui, Natasha, Adam, Michael, Regan and Avi in your prayers over the coming weeks.

VOLUNTEERS

Any youth or young adults who would like to be involved with the Stations of the Cross please contact the Parish Support Centre.

HELP NEEDED

To prepare St Michael’s Stadium for Good Friday on Wednesday April 23 at 5.00pm. Please contact the Parish Support Centre if you can help.

CRYING ROOM

Please remember that this room is for parents with unsettled children. We ask that you keep the room free. Parents, please also be aware that many of our parishioners are older and concerns have been expressed that they may fall over small children running around the church as they may not see them.

ST MICHAELS TEAM

Parish donors can join the St Michael’s Berwick Parish Team via the Teams tab at lifeblood.com.au or in the app.

HONOURING CARMEL MCKENNA OAM

The new road bridge in Beaconsfield will be named McKenna Drive in memory of the late Carmel McKenna OAM, whose dedication to our community was unmatched. After community consultation, McKenna Drive was chosen from over 300 submissions as the name, reflecting the love and respect for Carmel’s legacy. Carmel and her husband Desmond were instrumental in establishing SFXC in 1978. What a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.

ROSARY BEADS

Found at Bunnings Narre Warren, appearing to be well loved. Contact Steve 0447 490 699.

CDF COMMUNITY FUND

Save with CDF Community Fund – it’s in everyone’s best interest. By opening a savings account or Term Investment, not only will you receive a competitive financial return, your savings will also help build parishes, classrooms, hospital wings, aged care homes and social service facilities. With competitive interest rates available across a range of savings accounts, including 5.10% p.a.* on a 6-month Term Investment, it’s a way to save while doing good.

To find out more click here or speak to us on 1800 134 135.

THE POPE’S MARCH PRAYER INTENTION

That families in crisis might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.

HANDCRAFTED OLIVEWOOD ITEMS

Will be available to purchase on March 22 & 23. These items are hand crafted in Bethlehem by Catholic families. Any purchase will help support the Catholic community in the Holy Land to improve their livelihood and support maintaining the Holy sites.

WALK WITH MARY

Join the Combined Societies of Mary and Archbishop Peter A Comensoli for a special Mass, street procession and entrustment to Our Lady. Come and honour Our Lady on this special Sunday held in memory of her Annunciation. All welcome! Event Date: Sunday 23 March 2025 2.00pm–3.30pm Venue: St Patrick's Cathedral. All enquiries: email csmary.org@tpg.com.au or call (03) 9509 2207.

RECONCILIATION AND HEALING

Fr. Michael Willemsen and Rony George invite you to join a conversation on healing the wounds of the soul—the wounds of sin and division. This online session will explore Reconciliation and Healing, touching on topics such as unforgiveness, repentance, and the transformative power of sacramental reconciliation. Date: Tuesday March 25 at 7.00pm. All welcome to join this conversation. For more details or to register: tinyurl.com/ya6mzxwh or email pastoral@sale.catholic.org.au"

FAMILY ENRICHMENT AUSTRALIA

Is a non-governmental, independent, and non-profit federation, whose primary mission is to support families through training. It is part of The International Federation for Family Development (IFFD) which has General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council. A series of discussions for those with children aged 4-8 will be held at Harkaway Hills College. See flyer. https://fea.org.au/

LENTEN RETREAT

For children and teens (ages 5 - 15), Saturday March 29, Sunday March 30, 9.00am-3.30pm at Holy Family Church, 100 Power Road, Doveton. To enrol or more information go to divinekids.com.au

LENTEN WALKING PILGRIMAGE

St. Mary’s Church Dandenong car park to Divine Mercy Shrine Keysborough on March 29, leaving at 7.00am. Arrival to celebrate 10.30am Mass.

JUBILEE OF VOLUNTEERS

Is an opportunity to thank, affirm and encourage the many lay people who generously serve through volunteering. The celebration will be held at St Brendan’s Parish, Lakes Entrance on March 29 at 5.00pm. Thanksgiving Mass honouring volunteers, stories sharing experiences followed by a Smorgasbord dinner. This Jubilee celebration is an opportunity to give thanks for the dedication of volunteers and reflect on the importance of service in the Church. For Christians, volunteer work is not merely an expression of good will. It is based on a personal experience of Christ. He was the first to serve humanity, he freely gave his life for the good of all. RSVP by March 24, stbrendan@bigpond.com

THE JUBILEE OF THE WORLD OF VOLUNTEERING

Jubilee of the Sick and Healthcare Workers. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, St John the Baptist parish, Koo Wee Rup invites you to for a special Healing Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg, where we will offer prayers for the sick members of our parish communities and their families on Sunday April 6, at 11.00am. This Mass will be a moment of grace and healing, where we will pray for those who are ill and acknowledge the dedication of healthcare workers who serve with compassion and care. We encourage all healthcare workers to attend in their uniforms as a sign of their vocation and the institutions they represent. We invite parishioners to send the names of sick individuals they wish to be prayed for during the Mass. Please send names to Fr. Avinash George at avinash.george@cdsale.org.au. Let us come together as a faith community to pray for healing, strength, and God’s abundant blessings in this Jubilee Year of Hope.