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 in the Parish Centre. Inquiries: 9707 4072 or 9707 1355.

WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

Instituted by Pope Francis in 2021. It is celebrated next Sunday, on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

The celebration of this day provides an opportunity for the Church to draw close to the elderly; to celebrate their unique role in our families and communities; and to reach out to those who may feel lonely or forgotten. Pope Leo XIV has chosen the 2026 theme of - “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).

SAFEGUARDING

Everyone employed or volunteering at St Michael’s has a responsibility to understand the important and significant role he or she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of each person is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

This commitment is made in the spirit of Christ’s teachings and on behalf of the Bishop, clergy, staff and volunteers who serve in our parish.

It is an offence for an individual to engage in paid or volunteer work without a valid WWCC (Working with Children Check) and a signed Code of Conduct. Our Diocese has established a Diocesan Code of Conduct that every volunteer will need to sign. The document can be read on the Diocesan website at cdsale.org.au/safeguarding-resources or copies will be available on the table in the foyer. Due to the length of the document, we advise you to read it on the Diocesan website. There is a separate Declaration form that will need to be signed and these will also be available in the foyer. Please return the forms to the box provided by July 31. Thank you to all our volunteers that keep our church a great place to pray, grow, and belong. We are truly grateful for each one of you.

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

CUPPA AFTER MASS

Cancelled this Sunday.

ST MICHAEL’S YOUTH GROUP - ‘Archangel Youth'

There will be a regular ‘Youth Mass’ on the First Sunday of each month at 10.30am and we are encouraging all young parishioners to attend and help with running this mass.

Our ‘Archangel Youth’ (18-35-year-olds) will come together to learn, grow, and support one another. Through community service, fellowship, leadership activities, and fun events, they will strive to build strong friendships while making a positive impact at St Michael’s.

The Youth Group will also run fundraisers to help with the cost of L.A.M.P. events (Diocesan event), as well as World Youth Day in 2027.

It is a very exciting time for our Parish, not only for the ‘Archangel Youth’ but for the whole community. Please keep them in your prayers.

HEATING IN THE CHURCH

We are aware there is an issue with the heating and have arranged for it to be checked and serviced. Please do not adjust the settings or the temperature. Thank you for your patience.

PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION

$1,053.75 was donated, thank you.

SOCIETY OF ST PIUS X

The consecration of four bishops in the Society, that occurred without a mandate from the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV and against his earnest entreaty for the Society to retrace their steps. As a result, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith has exercised its authority and declared this to be a schismatic act. It means that the bishops who performed the consecrations and the four priests who were consecrated have been excommunicated. It also has implications for the members of the Society of St Pius X. Catholics are encouraged to remain in full communion with Pope Leo XIV and the wider Catholic Church. For some members of the community this means refraining from participating in Society of St Pius X ceremonies. Those who are affected by this situation or seeking guidance are encouraged to speak with their local parish priest. We keep Pope Leo XIV, those involved in the SSPX, and all who are experiencing confusion or distress at this time in our prayers.

Bishop’s Pastoral Letter is available in the foyer, as well as copies of some frequently asked questions.

SAFETRAC TRAINING

Is a requirement of the Diocese for all volunteers. Please check you emails (spam as well) to see if you have received the link to complete the training. All those who have an outstanding training will be contacted shortly. Please contact the Parish Support Centre with any queries.

CHILDRENS’ LITURGY

Extra volunteers are urgently needed. Please consider whether you are able to help and contact the Parish Support Centre. Thank you.

CHILDRENS’ LITURGY

Extra volunteers are needed. If you can help, please contact the Parish Support Centre. 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 July 11 and 20. Thank you to all that help with this ministry.

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.

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. Presented by Dr. Alice Youlden & Joan Robertson. At St. Joseph's Church, Warragul on Sat September 5 at 9.30am-2.00pm. See flyer.

POPE'S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JULY

"Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God."

ST VINCENT PALLOTTI SCHOLARSHIP TRUST

Is currently offering scholarships to enable lay people to further their understanding and skills in leadership/ministry or a specialised activity - promoting faith enhancement, social justice, and pastoral care. Apply by Friday July 31. Information & Application Forms: uacpallottines.au

MARY MACKILLOP - A SAINT OF OUR TIME

Explore St Mary MacKillop’s legacy and learn how to draw inspiration from her life to make a difference today. Venue: Online Thursday, August 6 7.00pm-8.00pm. Registration: cdsale.org.au/events or 5614 5163 or newsonline@sale.catholic.org.au

FOOTSTEPS OF ST CATHERINE OF SIENA & MEDJUGORJE PILGRIMAGE

A spiritually enriching pilgrimage to Italy, visiting Rome, Siena, Assisi, Lanciano, Rotondo, and Medjugorje, walking in the footsteps of the saints, and drawing inspiration from their lives. Sept 18 - Oct 2. Bookings 8839 6615 or pilgrimage@magiholidays.com.au

ST CARLO ACUTIS FIRST CLASS RELIC

Julu16 - July 28, 10.00am-3.00pm at Magnificat House, 456 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne. The First-Class Relic is available for veneration daily. See flyer.

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC BISHOP’S COFERENCE

Encourages Catholics to identify themselves in this year’s Census on August 11. The Census, conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), is a “comprehensive snapshot” that reveals the changing economic, social and cultural demographics of the nation. National Centre for Pastoral Research (NCPR) director Trudy Dantis said data from the religion question was crucial to helping Catholic parishes, schools, dioceses and organisations understand their communities and plan for ministry and mission. Questions about Catholics in the Census can be directed to the National Centre for Pastoral Research by emailing ncpr@catholic.org.au

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 - our common home - 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 at cdsale.org.au/events/season-of-creation-care-for-our-common-home QR or 5614 5163 See flyer.

REFLECTION – Nick Brodie

‘The Gospel’, Pope Leo says, ‘resounds where peoples meet.’ Exclusion is not Christ’s way – encounter is. The Gospel ‘falls silent,’ the Pope warns, ‘when each person makes him or herself an island, avoiding contact and cutting off exchange.’ We must never presume another person to be darnel, unworthy to be counted among us. Individuals and groups may exclude themselves from the Church, but we are not called to exclude them. ‘There is no love of God without love of neighbour,’ the Pope reminds us, ‘and there is no neighbour if I do not draw near.’ We are called to help the wayward and lost, not reject them.

This also applies at a societal level, regarding those with beliefs or cultures different from our own. ‘It is time’, the Pope states emphatically, ‘to recognise and affirm that religious affiliation must never become a reason for discrimination.’ The Pope implores us all to ‘give spiritual, cultural, legal, political and economic expression to the civilisation of love.’

We might not all be lawmakers, but we can take up this call. ‘The parish, in particular,’ the Pope added, ‘should be a community where, guided by the Gospel, we learn to welcome, accompany and integrate one another in a spirit of communion.’