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

ST MICHAEL the ARCHANGEL FEAST DAY

Everyone is warmly invited to join us for a special celebration in honour of our Patron Saint, St Michael. After 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 and community. Come along to this special day and get to know your fellow parishioners.

THE L.A.M.P

‘FAITH IN ACTION’ CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU......

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

All young parishioners from 13 to 30 years old are invited to a Fun and Faith filled day.

QR code for sign-up coming shortly. 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)

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

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. No special skills are required, just a willing heart and a desire to serve. If you are called to help others, feel at home in our church community, please email Tina at associate@stmichaelsparish.org.au

YOUTH NEWS

Archangel Meetings: August 30, outing - details to be advised.

World Youth Day 2027: Parishioners from age 16 (1.1.2027) - 35 year-olds are invited to express their interest to attend the next WYD in South Korea (approx. dates July 30 to August 8). Please contact the Parish Support Centre if interested.

RCIA DIOCESAN DAY

Clergy, RCIA Coordinators, RCIA teams and parishioners are warmly invited to an upcoming workshop that aims to deepen your understanding of the RCIA journey. At St Joseph's Church, Warragul on Saturday September 5 at 9.30am-2.00pm Presented by Dr Alice Youlden & Joan Robertson. See flyer.

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 September 16 at 7.00pm-8.00pm. Register: 5614 5163 or QR Code or Season of Creation website See flyer.

POPE'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

POSITION VACANT

At St Agatha’s Parish, Cranbourne, gardening and property support. This role is to provide gardening and general maintenance work for the Parish grounds and properties. The position is part-time, 2 days a week 8.30am to 4.00pm. Applications are to be addressed to the Parish Priest and emailed to parishoffice@stagathas.org.au by Monday August 31. Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume.

For a copy of the job description please contact the parish office via email or directly on 03 95996 1985.

FIXED TERM WORLD YOUTH DAY PROJECT OFFICER

The Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) is seeking a World Youth Day Project Officer who will ensure the success of the pilgrimage from planning and preparation, helping ensure the pilgrimage is purposeful, well governed, financially responsible, safe, inclusive and grounded in Catholic mission. The Project Officer assists in providing project coordination, administrative, logistical, communication, stakeholder liaison, formation, risk and finance support for the Diocese of Sale World Youth Day 2027 pilgrimage. This position will commence at FTE 0.4 from Oct 2026 and full-time (FTE 1.00) from Jan 2027 through to Sept 2027. For further information regarding this opportunity or to submit your application please contact the Human Resources team via talent@doscel.catholic.edu.au Applications close Monday August 31 at 2.00pm

DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE

Jubilee of St Francis of Assisi. For info: cdsale.org.au/year-of-saint-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. 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)
A Transitus Service is a special prayer service celebrated on the vigil of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. The word transitus is Latin for “passing over”, It commemorates St Francis’ passage from earthly life into eternal life.

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 (restrained) are welcome to receive a blessing. 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. All are warmly welcomed.

SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT – CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE

Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division in the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday. The bishops call on all faithful to help foster a more cohesive and peaceful Australia by cultivating a "culture of encounter" - choosing forgiveness over enmity, hospitality over isolation, and active listening across differences. To read the full statement click here

SCHOOL CORNER

SCHOOL ART COMPETITION 2026 Primary and secondary students are invited to take part in Catholic Earthcare’s Annual Art Competition, exploring the theme of 'Living Water'. Bishop's Award (primary and secondary Art supply vouchers will be awarded as prizes.). For more information click here

St Michael’s Catholic Primary School: strong>Students have recently supported the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Families were very generous in providing non-perishable food items for the SVDP Society. Students then had a PJ day at school to end the appeal, raising awareness of homelessness and the work of the SVDP Society. Students in Grade 4 are celebrating their First Reconciliation this week and next week. Many thanks to Fr Confidence, parish staff, parents and school staff for all their preparation and support of this sacrament. The whole school is currently preparing for our biennial concert at Robert Blackwood Hall at the end of the term. The school is alive with music, dancing, acting, costume preparation and excitement.

St Francis Xavier College Pilgrimage to St Mary’s Cathedral Sale. Tuesday August 11. This year’s for our Catholic Identity Staff Retreat, we undertook a pilgrimage to St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale. We explored the beautiful Cathedral under the guidance of Bishop Greg Bennet. We heard stories from staff about their connection to, or experience of, this wonderful sacred place. We learned new information about St Mary's Cathedral and our Diocese: The first stained glass window on the sanctuary is St Francis Xavier.
The Cathedral has gone through three phases of significant growth.
St Michael’s Berwick became part of the Sale Diocese in 1959.

Many staff were moved by the beauty and the history of the Cathedral, and the welcome and insights given to us by Bishop Greg. Mass was a wonderful celebration, made more so by the Staff choir. We filled the Cathedral with people and song!
It was a pilgrimage that drew us closer to Christ, and one we will now always remember - an experience of joy and nourishment for our souls.
We are grateful to Bishop Greg and the parishioners of St Mary's who looked after us so well through our day.