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

THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

Is for adults who would like to become full members of the Catholic Church. This usually occurs at the Easter Vigil, a ceremony which is a highlight of the Church calendar. If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a Catholic, come along to one of our Inquiry Nights, Wednesday July 8 or July 22 at 7.30pm at the Parish Support Centre. Inquiries: 9707 4072 or 9707 1355.

LEGION OF MARY

Is a lay apostolic association within the Catholic Church, founded in Ireland and dedicated to prayer, spiritual growth, and service to others through the guidance of Our Lady. There will be an opportunity to learn more about the mission and works of the Legion, and to consider becoming part of this meaningful ministry. Legion members will be available to answer questions and speak with anyone interested in joining after the weekend Masses on June 27 & 28. We warmly invite you to learn more about the Legion’s work within our parish community.

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

SR MARY JENKINS CSB

Condolences on the passing of Sr Mary who was a member of the Brigidine Sisters. She was a big part of the St Michael’s Parish and St Francis Xavier community from 1989 until 2002. Our library, housed at the Parish Support Centre, is named in her honour. RIP.

Funeral Details:
Vigil: Sunday June 21 at 5.00pm at Tobin Brothers, 1382 High Street, Malvern.
Requiem Mass: Monday June 22 at 11.00am at St. Joseph’s Church, Buckingham
Street, Springvale, which will be livestreamed.

7.30AM MORNING MASS

Will be offered on Wednesdays until July 8.

CUPPA AFTER MASS

After 10.30am mass in the St Michael’s School Stadium. All are welcome.

SVDP WINTER APPEAL

The St Michael’s SVDP Conference wishes to thank all parishioners for their ongoing support, the amount of $3,471.60 was donated. If you still wish to donate, go to vinnies.org.au or call 13 18 12.

SCHOOL GROUND PARKING

Please remove your vehicle from the School Grounds after 10.30am Mass quickly, as the gates will be locked at 12.00pm. The school lets us use their car park during Mass times, however for security and safety of the school grounds we need to lock the gates after Mass. Thank you.

ST MICHAEL’S YOUTH GROUP – ‘Archangel Youth’

18-35-year-olds. For the month of June: June 7, The Youth will meet at St Patrick’s Cathedral for a Corpus Christi Procession at 2.00pm. Third Sunday June 21, 6.00pm Mass followed by a movie night in the Parish Support Centre. Anyone over 18 who wishes to join is most welcome. Other age youth groups will follow at a later stage.

READERS & PIETY ROSTERS

Will be prepared shortly. If you would like to join either ministry or your availability has changed, contact Geraldine at the Parish Support Centre. Thank you.

COLLECTORS

Diocesan Safeguarding procedures require us to collate names and details for all our volunteers, including regular collectors during Mass. Please write your name and details on the form in the sacristy. Thank you.

ALTAR SERVERS TRAINING

Every second Saturday 3.30pm - 5.00pm and every third Monday 4.30pm - 6.00pm of the month. Upcoming dates, June 13 and 22, July 11 and 20. Thank you to all that help with this ministry.

ROSTERS

For all Ministries are on display in the foyer. Please check them regularly, and if you are unable to assist on your allocated date, it is your responsibility to swap with someone else.

DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN - CONSULTATION PROCESS 2026

Thank you to all parishioners who have collected the forms, please return as soon as possible by placing them in the box in the foyer or returning them to the Parish Support Centre. Forms are available on the website or use the QR code.

POPE'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JUNE

That sports be an instrument of peace, encounter and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.

NEW PAPAL ENCYCLICAL

Pope Leo XIV has released his historic first encyclical, ‘Magnifica humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.’ Our bishops have warmly welcomed this crucial message. Everyone is highly encouraged to read their full response and explore the encyclical's teachings by visiting the Catholic Diocese of Sale website: cdsale.org.au/news/

YOUNG MEN OF GOD MOVEMENT

Men aged 18 and above are invited to a “Power” Men’s Conference from July 17-19 in Belgrave Heights. It offers a valuable opportunity for men to gather with others who are navigating similar challenges and life journeys. Registration by July 5 at: ymgmovement.org.au or QR Code

WINTER WARMER

Sisters of Mercy invite you to Apollo Bay at the Star of the Sea accommodation. Special deal mid-May to late-August. Pay for 3 nights and receive the 4th free! Now $225.00pp and a one-off linen charge of only $15.00pp. Enjoy our beautiful coastal town with fewer crowds, rolling seas and a cosy place to stay. Information - staroftheseaapollobay.org.au email, apollobay@mcauleyministries.org.au or 0428 051 910>

WORLD REFUGEE DAY

Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates World Refugee Day (WRD). Designated by the United Nations, WRD honours refugees who have been forced to flee their homes and promotes solidarity with them in pursuit of a “world where refugees are welcomed.”

Pope Leo XIV invites us to unite in prayer and action to respond to the urgent challenges faced by displaced people amid war, climate crises, and economic inequality. He urges us to renew our commitment to peace, dignity and shared responsibility. For more information go to: acmro.catholic.org.au/wrd

Sacred Spirit, Living God:
Our legacy is born of your first embrace.
Each member of our human family is an
inseparable part of you, and your tender care
compels us to embrace our blessed connectedness.
Empower our actions on behalf of justice;
may they be informed by your compassion and grace.
Love Incarnate, like those who have gone before,
inspire us to nurture your kingdom.
May we boldly stand at the crossroads,
seeking those who have been outcast.
May we proudly carry your legacy of love so that all may flourish. Amen.

REFLECTION: Nick Brodie

‘The Church,’ Pope Leo explains, ‘journeys through this earthly history always looking towards her final destination, which is the heavenly homeland.’ This is the measure of who we are and what we do as Christians.

Sometimes we can become ‘too focused on what is immediately visible’, the Pope says, worrying about how the Church looks rather than what it does. At such times, the Pope intimates, we need reminding that the Church exists as ‘God’s people journeying through history, which has the Kingdom of God as the purpose of all her action.’

The Church, the Pope explains, ‘lives in history in the service of the coming of the Kingdom of God in the world.’ This means that the Church is called to be ‘the sign and instrument of that fullness of life and peace promoted by God.’ We walk through time as ‘guardian of a hope that enlightens the path’, the Pope says. We are ‘invested with the mission of speaking clearly to reject everything that mortifies life and prevents its development.’

Therefore, we must always ‘take a position in favour of the poor, the exploited, the victims of violence and war, and all those who suffer in body and in spirit,’ the Pope declares. The Church, he reminds us, ‘does not proclaim herself.’ Rather, ‘everything within her must point to salvation in Christ.’