JUBILEE YEAR of ST FRANCIS PRAYER

Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us before the Lord.

You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano, teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall.

You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries.

In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ. Amen

SHINE A LIGHT

This week’s theme, "Love Your Neighbour," comes from the heart of the Gospel, where Jesus teaches that love of God and love of neighbour are inseparable. Loving our neighbour as ourselves begins in the warmth of our own homes and parish community. When we choose patience, listen with empathy, and uphold the dignity of those around us, we put love into real practice and create spaces where everyone feels secure, valued, and cherished. Shine a Light Liturgy on October 30 at 7.00pm. Please wear white.

SHINE A LIGHT

Throughout October, our parish joins with Shine a Light to raise awareness and stand in solidarity against Domestic and Family Violence. In this first week, our reflection focuses on "Nurturing Good Fruit," inspired by this Sunday’s Gospel. Just as a well-tended vineyard yields a rich harvest, we are each invited to cultivate kindness, mutual support, and dignity within our homes and parish family. When we nurture one another with patience and care, we build a community where everyone can truly thrive. You can learn more at: cdsale.org.au/sal

ANOINTING MASS

October 27 at 10.30am. This Mass is offered for all those in need of any healing of the body or mind. Followed by light refreshments in the Parish Support Centre. If you would like to attend call 9707 1355 or email associate@stmichaelsparish.org.au

Dear Parishioners,

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Fr Hilarion Fernando OSB to our parish for his three-month holiday, he came on Wednesday October 21 and will be helping us until the end of the year. During his stay, Fr Hilarion has kindly offered to celebrate Holy Mass on Mondays, providing an additional opportunity for our parish community to come together in prayer and worship.

Let us extend a warm welcome to Fr Hilarion and keep him in our prayers, wishing him a peaceful, refreshing, and blessed stay among us. With prayerful best wishes,
Fr Confidence

PARISH SUPPORT CENTRE

Will be closed on Monday November 2 and Tuesday November 3.

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

As we conclude our First Holy Communion Masses this weekend please continue to pray for our young people. May this day be their step towards a life-long love of the Eucharist. Thank you to everyone who assisted, with special thanks to our Sacramental coordinator, Diana Bernal, who did a tremendous job.

BLESSING

For those preparing for and undertaking upcoming exams, this weekend October 24 and 25.

ALL SOULS DAY

Mass will be at 9.30am and 7.00pm. Blessing of the Graves at Berwick and Harkaway Cemetery will be after 9.30am Mass. Legion of Mary will lead a Walking Rosary through Berwick Cemetery.

YOUTH NEWS

ARCHANGEL MEETING: November 1, details to be advised.

JUNIOR YOUTH: We are excited to offer a Junior Group 13–17-year-olds!!! Thank you to those who attended the meeting, updates to come.

THE L.A.M.P YOUTH EVENT

At St Michael’s School Stadium, Saturday, November 21, 11.00am-4.00pm, followed by Mass, celebrated by Bishop Greg and concelebrated by Fr Confidence. For sign up scan QR code. See Poster in the Foyer. L.A.M.P Volunteer Sign-Up Sheets to help on the day are in the foyer.

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2027

Gathering around the theme "Take Courage! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33), young people from across the diocese are invited to be part of this unforgettable pilgrimage of faith, fellowship, and community with millions of Catholic youth from across the globe. 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 see flyer or contact the Parish Support Centre if interested.

PARISH SOCIAL GROUP

Thank you to everyone who attended and enjoyed our recent get-together. Meetings will now be held on the first Monday of each month. Next meeting November 2, 12.00pm-2.00pm. Newcomers welcome.

VOICES IN CELEBRATION

Concert will be held November 29 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm in the church. This concert will raise much-needed funds for our new sound system, so put it in your diary today. Tickets will go on sale next week!

RAFFLE

Please contact the Parish Support Centre if you can help us out with donations for a raffle to support our sound system.

VACUUMING ROSTER

Will be prepared shortly to begin in December. If you would like to join this ministry or your availability has changed, please let Geraldine know at the Parish Support Centre. Thank you.

POPE'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER

Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL MANGO FUNDRAISER

Is on again this year. Orders to the school, can be placed over the phone, by Monday October 26, cost $35.00 per tray. See flyer.

MISSION SUNDAY

$1,914.35 was donated, thank you for your generous support of the Church in Malawi and the communities it serves. Because of your kindness, children will have greater access to education, nourishment, and the opportunity to build a hopeful future. Please keep this impactful work in your prayers. If you chose to become a Mission Partner with a monthly gift - thank you for your ongoing commitment.
To learn more about the work of Catholic Mission catholicmission.org.au/united or 1800 257 296

WALK WITH MOTHER MARY

St Patrick’s Pakenham, October 31 beginning with 9.30am Mass. See flyer.

HOLY HOURS FOR VOCATIONS

“A prayer today... A shepherd tomorrow...”

Come and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life across our diocese. Sunday, October 11, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Foster. Holy Hour 10.00am-11.00am followed by Mass at 11.00am. Saturday October 31, St Patrick’s Church, Pakenham. Mass & Holy Hour Commencing at 9.30am. All are warmly welcome to join us in prayer.

RISEN LORD COMMUNITY RETREATS

‘Breakthrough” November 18 – 21 see flyer in foyer. All are welcome.

SCHOOL CORNER

Celebrating 30 Years of St Catherine’s Through Song!

On Thursday 8 October, our students enjoyed a very special day as we welcomed Drew Lane from Butterfly House Music to St Catherine’s to celebrate our school’s 30th anniversary.

Drew worked with students across all year levels in engaging music workshops, sharing his passion for music and helping bring our whole school celebration to life. A highlight of the day was the launch of our new school song, Our Faith Is Our Strength, proudly performed by our very own school choir.

Our new song captures the faith, sense of belonging and shared values that make St Catherine’s such a special community. It reflects our journey over the past 30 years and our commitment to living out our faith each day. Check it out: youtube.com/watch?v=ztiCg-MMgYo

We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone celebration such a memorable occasion for our school community.

Celebrating the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
Congratulations to the year 4 students who celebrated their Sacrament of Reconciliation last term and to those who celebrated their First Holy Communion last weekend. Over the coming weekends, we look forward to celebrating with our students and their families as they continue to receive the Sacrament First Holy Communion. These are significant milestones in our students’ faith journeys, deepening their relationship with Jesus and strengthening their connection to our Catholic faith.

We extend our sincere thanks to St Francis Xavier College for their ongoing support and partnership in nurturing our students’ faith and helping form them as young people who live out the teachings of Jesus. We keep all students preparing to receive this sacrament, along with their families, in our prayers. May these special occasions be filled with joy and help our students continue to grow in faith and experience God’s love in their lives.