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. 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).

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

ST TERESA OF CALCUTTA RELIC

Did you know that the parish possesses a first-grade relic of Mother Teresa, acquired and donated by a family in our parish? Roman and his Dad were doing some research about St Teresa of Calcutta and also learning about relics. They had a family trip to Italy planned and contacted the Missionaries of Charity in Rome about bringing back a relic to our parish which the Missionaries were happy to provide. The convent was at a beautiful church in Rome. However, Mother Teresa thought it was too extravagant for them so she has the chicken coops on the property renovated to be their bedrooms. Roman and his family got to see where Mother Teresa slept and shared in afternoon prayer with the nuns at the convent.

There was a special Mass when the relic arrived in Berwick with St Michael’s Primary as well as some Sisters from Melbourne’s Missionaries of Charity. This year we would like to honour St Teresa and this special relic. We will have the relic on display September 5, the Feast Day of St Teresa of Calcutta, at the 10.00am Mass. All are welcome.

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.

FATHER'S DAY APPEAL FOR THE PRIESTS' WELFARE FOUNDATION

Supports the priests and deacons of our Diocese in times of sickness or retirement. At present the Foundation is supporting nine priests and three deacons and their wives in retirement and other clergy and deacons’ wives in time of sickness. The budgeted expenditure of the Foundation for the next year will be over $200,000. The collection will be taken up next weekend.

MISSAL & HYMNAL

Found recently, contact the Parish Support Centre.

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

RCIA DIOCESAN DAY

Clergy, RCIA Coordinators, RCIA teams and parishioners are warmly invited to an upcoming workshop. At St Joseph's Church, Warragul on Saturday September 5 at 9.30am-2.00pm. See flyer.

YOUTH NEWS

Archangel Meetings: August 30, outing.
World Youth Day 2027: Parishioners from age 16 (01.01.2027) - 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.

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 click here for more 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

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. 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.

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. Click here to read the full statement

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.). Click here For more information

ST CATHERINE'S PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS:
It has been a busy and joyful fortnight at St Catherine's Primary School. Our Prep students proudly celebrated their 100 Days of School, marking an important milestone in their learning journey with a day of fun, creativity and celebration.

Our Grade 2 students enjoyed an exciting excursion to the zoo, while our Grade 5 students visited CERES Environmental Park in Brunswick, where they explored sustainability, creation and caring for our common home. As part of our 30th Anniversary celebrations, our school choir is delighted to be working with Drew Lane from Butterfly House Music to professionally record a contemporary version of our school hymn, Our Faith Is Our Strength. This special project will honour our rich history while celebrating the faith-filled community that continues to inspire and strengthen St Catherine's.

REFLECTION BY NICK BRODIE

In our own times, when the threat posed by climate change is becoming increasingly obvious, this passage asks us to look and act with openness to our sharing in God’s plan. There is no mandate here for doing nothing and letting catastrophe happen. Ours is not a religion of sanctified fatalism or pious denialism. Ours is a faith which demands that we face reality, however scary it sometimes seems. We are people of hope.

Like Peter before us, Jesus calls every one of us to follow him. We can do that by renouncing our selfishness and, like Peter eventually did, getting over our denialist habits.