WORLD DAY FOR GRANDPARENTS AND THE ELDERLY

Instituted by Pope Francis in 2021. It is celebrated on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, July 26, and honours the parents of Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. They are celebrated as a model of Christian marriage and family.

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.

Theme for 2026: “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15) Loving God, please fill the hearts of our Grandparents and elderly with peace and joy, and reward them abundantly for the blessings they bring to their families and all of us here at St Michael’s.

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.

THE L.A.M.P YOUTH EVENT

All young parishioners from Year 7 and above, please keep November 21 free!!! St Michael‘s Archangel Youth Leaders are working hard on the program and it will be a day with Praise, Worship, Games, Activities, Food and Fun!! More details to follow.

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.

ST MICHAEL’S YOUTH GROUP - ‘Archangel Youth'

There will be a ‘Youth Mass’ on August 2 at 10.30am followed by a BBQ to raise funds for our L.A.M.P. Youth Event later in the year. We are encouraging all young parishioners to attend and help with running this Mass.

CONGRATULATIONS

It is with great joy that we would like to acknowledge that one of our parishioners, Rose Josephine Chong, was Professed into the Order of Secular Franciscans (ofs) over the weekend. It is a very special occasion as the Pope has declared this The Year of St Francis of Assisi, and the Franciscan order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209. They are dedicated to the ideals of poverty, charity, and simplicity, living out the Gospel while serving the poor, the marginalized, and all of creation.

HEATING IN THE CHURCH

Has been repaired so hopefully it will keep us warm.

PLEASE DO NOTtouch the control or adjust the temperature. Thank you.

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. No special skills are required, just a willing heart and a desire to serve. If you are called to help others feel at home in our church community, please email Tina at associate@stmichaelsparish.org.au

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS

Available in the foyer for collection.

CATHOLICCARE APPEAL

Will be taken up next weekend. CatholicCare is the Church’s mission in action - empowering communities and building strength and resilience, to enable everyone to reach their full potential and live life to the full. Your generosity will help provide caring and compassionate support for struggling individuals and families in our community.

READERS ROSTER AND PIETY STALL ROSTERS

Were emailed this week. Rosters are available in the foyer for those without an email address.

CHILDRENS’ LITURGY

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

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.

‘MAKE HASTE’ YOUTH EVENT

Jesus Youth is running a teens program "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Saturday August 8, 10.00am-4.30pm at Christ Our Holy Redeemer Parish, Oakleigh. $12 (Lunch included) Registrations are essential to assist with catering and event planning. Click here to View Form

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 Saturday 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."

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

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 details See flyer.

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER FOR GRANDPARENTS

Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary,
the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne.
Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them!
They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Support them!
As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith,
guardian of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions.
Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,
that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience.
Lord Jesus, help families and society to value the presence and roles of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed in all the years of life which you give them.
Mary, Mother of all the living, keep grandparents constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage, and by your prayers,
grant that all families may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,
where you await all humanity for the great embrace of life without end. Amen!

I will never forget you – Isaiah 49:15