CHILD SAFETY WEEK SEPTEMBER 6 – 12

"Every Conversation Matters, Shifting Conversation to Action."

At St Michael’s Parish, we foster the wellbeing and safety of all children and adults at risk. We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abuse. All our parishioners have the right to feel safe and welcome at St Michael’s Parish.

Please contact the Safeguarding Officer on 9707 1355 with any concerns or secretary@stmichaelsparish.org.au

ST MICHAEL the ARCHANGEL FEAST DAY

Everyone is warmly invited to join us for a special family celebration.

The whole parAfter 10.30am Mass on September 20 in the St Michael’s School Stadium.

The whole parish family is invited to come together in fellowship, friendship, community and fun!!

Come along to this special day and get to know your fellow parishioners. See poster.

Father's Day

Heavenly Father,
you entrusted your Son Jesus,v the child of Mary,
to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.
Bless all Fathers and Father figures
as they care for their families.
Give them strength, wisdom,
tenderness and patience;
support them in the work they have to do,
protecting those who look up to them,
as we look to you for love and salvation. Amen

We honour all our Fathers and Father figures, here with us and departed and wish them all God’s blessings.

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

NEW ALTAR SERVERS

Are always welcome! Servers are needed for Saturday 6.00pm and Sunday 9.00am and 6.00pm Masses. Monthly training offered. Any questions please contact Tara associate@stmichaelsparish.org.au

MONTHLY PRAYER MINISTRY

This Sunday from 10.00am until 10.30am Mass in the adoration area. Prayer is gentle, private and confidential. Just come, no booking needed, we would love to pray for you.

FATHER'S DAY APPEAL FOR THE PRIESTS' WELFARE FOUNDATION

The collection will be taken up this weekend with proceeds going towards the support of the sick and retired clergy of our Diocese. All donations of $2.00 and over are tax deductible and a receipt for tax deduction purposes will be automatically sent if an email address is provided. To donate click here

NEPAL COLLECTION

Will be taken up next weekend.

THE CHRISTIAN MEDITATION SESSION

This Tuesday September 8 from 7.30pm-8.30pm at St Michael's Parish Support Centre. All are welcome.

THE WELCOME GROUP MINISTRY

Helps create a warm, caring environment where parishioners and visitors feel seen, and connected within our parish community. Volunteers are needed at all Masses, especially the 6.00pm Sunday Mass. Please email Tina at associate@stmichaelsparish.org.au

YOUTH NEWS

Archangel Meetings: September 18, 6.30pm, Games and Pizza night at the Parish Support Centre.

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2027: Are you 16 (01.01.2027) - 35 year-old? Would you like to attend WYD in South Korea (approx. dates July 30 to August 8, 2027). Please contact the Parish Support Centre if interested.

THE L.A.M.P YOUTH EVENT

At St Michael’s School Stadium, Saturday, November 21, 11am - 4pm, followed by Mass, celebrated by Bishop Greg and concelebrated by Fr Confidence.

All young parishioners from 13 to 30 years old are invited to a Fun and Faith filled day. For sign up scan QR code.

Following in footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, we ask that you bring 2 or more non-perishable goods, that will be donated to John Mc Foundation (started by our own St Michael’s parishioner to help our community).

CONGRATULATIONS

To Gordon Hughes, who has been recently honoured by the St Vincent de Paul Society for 60 years of service, helping the most vulnerable in our community. Well done Gordon, great achievement!!

POPE'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER

Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

MISSAL & HYMNAL

Found recently, contact the Parish Support Centre.

SEASON OF CREATION: CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME

To better understand what Pope Francis calls “integral ecology,” and to explore how, as people of faith, we are called to care for the Earth in practical ways, as both a spiritual and ethical responsibility. Join Fr Jeff Kleynjans online on Wednesday Sept 16 at 7.00pm-8.00pm. Register: 5614 5163 or QR Code or cdsale.org.au/events/season-of-creation-care-for-our-common-home See flyer.

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE

Jubilee of St Francis of Assisi. Bishop Greg Bennet invites all parishioners across the Diocese of Sale to join in a special pilgrimage celebrating the Franciscan Jubilee Year. This sacred journey is not about physical distance, but a journey of the heart. Together, we will travel to Benambra—nestled amidst the scenic Omeo High Plains, home to the only church in our diocese dedicated to St Francis of Assisi.

Friday, October 2, 6.00pm – Transitus (St Mary’s, Bairnsdale)
Saturday, October 3, 8.30am – Morning Prayer (St Mary’s, Bairnsdale) 12.00pm– Jubilee Mass (St Francis of Assisi, Benambra) Solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg and the Clergy of the Diocese. Blessing of Pets (St Francis of Assisi, Benambra) - All creatures great and small (restrained) are welcome to receive a special blessing following Mass.

Shared Lunch & Sausage Sizzle (Benambra Footyclub) - Fellowship and food for all! Please bring a plate to share. 3.00pm – Conclusion (Immaculate Conception, Omeo). Our pilgrimage draws to a close as we gather at Omeo Parish for final prayers and departure. To help the host parish at Benambra, (which is a small parish with about 10 parishioners) plan the sausage sizzle, if you are planning to attend register via the link: https://www.cdsale.org.au/year-of-saint-francis-of-assisi The link provides full details about the pilgrimage schedule, route maps, sign-up forms, and future updates. See flyer.

DIOCESAN WOMEN’S EVENT

Navigating the Unseen – Women Leading with Resilience. Women from across the Diocese are invited to gather for an evening dinner and talk celebrating the strength, resilience, and expanding horizons of women in the mission of the Catholic Church.

Guest speaker Dr. Kim Daniels-Director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University and member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication-will share insights on leadership, faith, and renewal. Wednesday, October 14, 7.00pm at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Pakenham. $30.00 per person (includes dinner & soft drinks). Bookings are essential by October 4. Book at trybooking.com/DOZKU See flyer.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND

The weekend is based on Catholic values and couples of all faiths are very welcome. November 6-8, St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South. Friday 7.00pm – Sunday 4.30pm. Info/Bookings: 0409 183 676 or Website: wwme.org.au

CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

October 12 - 27. Engaging Your Faith is a series of short online presentations. For more information: ctc.edu.au/engaging-your-faith

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND

The weekend is based on Catholic values and couples of all faiths are very welcome. November 6-8, St Paul's Retreat Centre, Wantirna South. Friday 7.00pm – Sunday 4.30pm. Info/Bookings: 0409 183 676 or Website: wwme.org.au

SAFEGUARDING PRAYER

Gracious God,
Hear our voices as we pray for your care and protection.
Strengthen and guide us as we strive to make our Catholic communities a safe place for all.
We especially ask that the children and vulnerable adults you entrust to our care are protected.
Give us the wisdom and courage to listen with open hearts,
see with open eyes and speak out to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe,
loved, respected, and cared for.
May we also pray for those who have been harmed.
Give them the courage to seek the truth and to heal.
Lord, you call us to walk with integrity in the service of others.
May we all strive to understand our collective responsibility
to work together to safeguard our Catholic communities.
Guide us as we build a community that fosters everyone to flourish and be safe.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord, Amen.