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.

INTRODUCING ST MICHAEL’S YOUTH GROUP - ‘Archangel Youth’

18-35-year-olds. Youth Mass will be celebrated on July 5 at 10.30am. Our young parishioners will come together to learn, grow, and support one another. Through fellowship, community service, leadership activities, and fun events, they will strive to build strong friendships while making a positive impact at St Michael’s. Please keep them in your prayers.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUNDAY

Is celebrated on the first Sunday of July across Australia. It marks the beginning of NAIDOC Week and provides a dedicated time for the whole community to come together, honouring the rich cultural heritage, spirituality, and ongoing contributions of Australia’s First Nations peoples.

ONE PEOPLE, ONE LAND PRAYER
Adapted from the song by Monica Brown

God, this land is an ancient land and bears a vast and rugged face.
Its spirits deep, haunting and free, it calls to you, it calls to me.
We find your soul within its depths and make of it our homeland true.
There is a people, an ancient people,
whose spirits rest deep in this land.
Their dreamtime myth, story and faith, make this land a sacred place.
They seek of all a true embrace, that reconciles all that we are.
From distant shores many have come
to find their home in this great southern land.
A place where the spirit yearns and seeks to unite us all.
This is our land and we are its people.
A nation free to realise its dream
It is a dream that's for all who dwell in this land.
We pray we can live as one people, one people in one land.
We ask this in your name.
Amen

GOOD NEWS

Notices required by 10.00am, Thursday. Thank you.

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.

MONTHLY PRAYER MINISTRY

This Sunday from 8.30am until 9.00am Mass in the adoration area. Prayer is gentle, private and confidential. Just come, no booking needed, we would love to pray for you.

PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION

Collection will be taken up next weekend. Your generous offerings directly support the Holy Father’s apostolic and charitable ministry, providing vital assistance to those suffering from war, poverty, and natural disasters around the world.

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.

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.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION GROUP

Will meet on Tuesday, July 7, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at St Michael’s Parish Support Centre. Centring Prayer, a practice similar to but distinct from our usual Christian Meditation, will be introduced. All are welcome.

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 needed. If you can help, please contact the Parish Support Centre. Thank you.

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.

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.

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. If you are looking to strengthen your skills and serve your community, you are encouraged to apply. Closes 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, witness and enduring legacy in the very places where they lived and served. September 18 - October 2. Limited Seats. Bookings 8839 6615 or pilgrimage@magiholidays.com.au See Flyer.

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, witness and enduring legacy in the very places where they lived and served. September 18 - October 2. Limited Seats. Bookings 8839 6615 or pilgrimage@magiholidays.com.au See Flyer.

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.

SEAFARERS SUNDAY:

On July 12 is a time to remember the world's mariners who endure extreme isolation, dangerous seas, and intense loneliness to transport the goods we rely on daily. National Director Fr Tony Cox SSC reminds us that because they work far from land, seafarers are often "invisible" and forgotten. Stella Maris Australia supports these workers by providing spiritual and material aid and advocating for their human dignity.

REFLECTION – by Nick Brodie

As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, wealth is increasingly ‘concentrated in fewer hands, widening inequalities.’ The result of this is stark. Entire regions ‘lack the essential equipment needed to save millions of human lives,’ he points out. This is an intolerable burden which Christians are called to face with honesty and charity.

As the Pope points out, a Christian response to social inequality includes supporting ‘tax systems that lighten the burden on the weakest and ask for more from those with greater resources.’ Through such mechanisms we can alleviate many woes.

This duty is not something we can postpone until we have a surplus with which to act generously. Rather, as the Pope explains, we are called to recognise that ‘justice concerns every phase of economic activity, from resource acquisition to financing, and from production to consumption.’

Therefore, we have a responsibility to seek transparency and accountability in our economic systems. We are called to foster ‘inclusion and access’. As the Pope says succinctly, ‘every choice has moral consequences.’ Christ calls us to see him as the lifter of burdens, certainly, but he also calls us to become uplifters too.