A PRAYER FOR OUR EARTH

By Pope Francis, from the encyclical Laudato Si
All Powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the
smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters,
harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten
of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and
not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we
journey toward your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen

Dear Family of God,

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for making our Family Day such a wonderful and memorable success.

As your Priest, I am deeply grateful for the remarkable effort, generosity, and passion shown by our parish community. Every contribution, whether of time, talent, resources, food, finances, or practical assistance, played an important part in making the day possible. I sincerely thank everyone who worked behind the scenes as well as those who served and supported us on the day.

I am especially grateful to the organizing team and to all those who gave generously of their material contributions. Your generosity enabled us to provide a joyful and welcoming celebration for everyone.

To all who attended, thank you for coming and being part of our Family Day. Your presence, participation, music, dances, smiles, laughter, and fellowship brought the celebration to life. It was a great joy to see families, friends, young and old, coming together as one parish family.

Days like this remind us that our parish is not simply a place where we worship, but a community where we support one another, share our gifts, and grow together in faith and friendship.

May God bless each one of you and your families abundantly for your generosity and support. Thank you for making our Family Day such a beautiful expression of our parish family.

With prayer and heartfelt gratitude, Fr Confidence

PARISH SUPPORT CENTRE

Will be closed on Tuesday, September 29 due to unforeseen circumstances. Apologies for any inconvenience.

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

MONTHLY PRAYER MINISTRY

Next 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.

L.A.M.P COLLECTION

$1,808.90 was donated, thank you for your generosity in supporting the youth.

YOUTH NEWS

Archangel Meetings: October 4 meeting after 10.30am Mass, in the Parish Support Centre.

JUNIOR YOUTH: We are excited to offer a Junior Group 13–17-year-olds!!! First meeting Friday October 23 at 6.30pm. Parents must stay for this meeting, as we need forms filled in etc.

We ask that our young parishioners come with ideas on what they would like their meetings to be. Hope to see you all there. Please spread the word!!!!

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.

SUGGESTION FOR OUR PARISH?

from Fr Tony:

Is there a need for us to provide an opportunity for parishioners to socialise and meet regularly during the day?

Small group to meet from 12 noon to 2.00pm on a weekly basis. Not that you need to turn up every week, but there is merit in keeping up the continuity.

Some suggestions for meetings:
There might be opportunity to enjoy lunch together (warm up a quiche or prepare and share sandwiches).
Discussions on such issues as AI and maybe crafts and hobbies, and perhaps even religion. (Have an expert in on topics of interest to the group).
There is a TV screen available – watching a documentary on SBS on demand or Netflix. Some of these are well worth watching.
There could also be the possibility of occasionally going on a bus trip. Outings such as the Tulip Farm, Rhododendron Show, or a trip to Bendigo etc.
The main aim would be for the group members to stay connected and get out of the house for a while. This could be a support group for those who are either isolated or would like a company on regular basis, particularly for older parishioners or retirees. Sign up sheet in the foyer.

DIOCESAN WOMEN’S EVENT

Navigating the Unseen – Women Leading with Resilience. 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 and faith. Oct 14, 7.00pm at St Patrick’s, Pakenham. Book at trybooking.com/DOZKU by Oct 4. See flyer.

MIGRANT AND REFUGEE SUNDAY

112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees – Sunday, 27 September 2026 The theme for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees is “Even Just One of These Children.” To help celebrate this special day, the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO), an agency of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, has developed online resources including liturgies for primary and secondary schools, homily notes, prayers of intercession, stories, and interviews. Resources available at: acmro.catholic.org.au/wdmr/2026

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.

BEYOND THE WEDDING THRESHOLD

A Survey for Catholics in the First Decade of Marriage. The Australian Catholic Bishops are funding a study into the experience of married Catholics. The results will help inform the development of pastoral responses and resources. If you married in the last 10 years and at least one spouse is Catholic, please provide valuable insights to their work by completing this short survey about your marriage? Answers are anonymous and confidential. thepmrc.org/survey

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.

AGEING & AWAKENING - LIFE’S SURPRISING GIFTS

Will be held at St Patrick’s Pakenham weekly from October 13-27, 10.00am-12.30pm. Growing old is a unique experience, one we share with many others in society today. It is a time of life that both challenges and benefits us, a time that invites us to grow personally as we manage changes such as retirement, having more time and fewer demands, and experiencing physical and psychological limits. Three two-hour sessions invite participants in their 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to explore the many aspects of growing older in today’s Australia. Cost $10.00 per session. Register at 5941 7315 or parishoffice@stpatrickspakenham.com.au For more information, see flyer.

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. Begins on Friday, October 2, 6pm at St Mary’s, Bairnsdale, and concludes on Saturday, October 3, 3pm at Immaculate Conception, Omeo. All are warmly welcomed.

18TH ANNUAL MARCH FOR THE BABIES

On Saturday, October 10 at 1.00pm at Treasury Gardens. Please call Gerardine 0425 751 297 for more details, flyers in the foyer.

SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT

Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division In the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has released its latest Social Justice Statement, Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division. 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, access resources, and watch the launch recording, visit: tinyurl.com/yc3m9d2v

SEASON OF CREATION

The symbol pictures water flowing from the Temple of God - at first a tiny stream which grows deeper and deeper and as it does so it brings life to dead areas and restores fertility to damaged or barren ecosystems.

Through living water comes healing, but in order to receive new life we too must step into the water and also become part of God’s river of life, taking part in the healing of creation. If we choose to step into the true living water, we can contribute to a more just and life-giving world for the entire human family as well as for non-human creation.

‘...and everything will live where the river goes.’