PARISH PRAYER

St Michael the Archangel,
patron of our parish, be with us as we strive
to be faithful to our Baptismal call,
to love God and our neighbours.
Spread your protective wings over us
and our entire parish.
Protect us from fear, lies and everything
that prevents us from experiencing
God’s love for us in all its fullness.
Help us to always choose what is
good, right, and true and nurture within us
the courage, love, and respect
we need to face our fears
and to protect all of God’s creation. Amen.

THE PASSING OF POPE

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis walked in the footsteps of Jesus, extending compassion and dignity to the poor, the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, the sick, those in prison, and all who were marginalised. His deep empathy and commitment to social justice inspired people of all faiths and backgrounds. In the final week of his life, Pope Francis visited a prison in Rome, an act that reflected his lifelong ministry to those on the margins.

Bishop Greg wrote: ‘.…….. And so, Pope Francis now enters the promise of eternal life in this, the Year of Hope. Welcomed, we pray, by the God who inspired his first breath and who accompanied his last. We will miss him as our spiritual father, our bridge of unity, and our leader of faith. We entrust him to the mercy of the Father. We give thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis who has shown us how to be pilgrims of hope. We offer our prayers for him, confident that the loving arms of his merciful God are opened for him: ‘welcome, good and faithful servant.’

Copies of the Bishop’s letter are available in the foyer. We pray that as the Cardinals gather in Rome to choose a new Pope they will be guided by the Holy

A MESSAGE FROM FR PAUL

To my faithful parishioners of St Michael’s, Berwick, it has been a blessing serving as your Parish Administrator, so with great delight I have the wonderful fortune of telling you that I have been granted permission to continue doing so till the end of the year. I have witnessed tremendous growth in this parish and with more certainty of my position I will be able to bring in more initiatives such as starting a youth group and will take much pleasure in collaborating with you. I look forward to this ongoing journey to building the Kingdom of God in our community and working with you in our mission as God’s people. May the Spirit of Christ’s Resurrection be with you this Easter Season and the joy of Christ fill your hearts. Yours in Christ, Father Paul Zaher.

PARISH BARBEQUE

On Sunday May 4 after 10.30am Mass to commemorate the consecration of our church on April 29, 1984. This Parish event will be organized by St Michael’s Men’s Group. Anyone wishing to join the Men’s Group contact Parish Support Centre.

REINTRODUCING THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

As of Holy Thursday, the Sale Diocese will distribute the Blood (not wine) from the chalice. Offering both the Body and Blood of Christ will continue thereon at all weekend Masses. Please note that in regard to child safety it will be the parents’ responsibility to prevent their children from receiving the Precious Blood if that is their decision. Furthermore, we would like to remind you that it is also the parents’ responsibility to ensure the children who haven’t yet received their First Communion, from taking the Body and Blood of Christ. The general norm for someone who is not receiving the Blessed Sacrament is to indicate this to the minister by placing their arms crossed with hands on opposite shoulders.

TRINITY FAMILIES’ COLLECTION

Will be taken up next weekend.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER and VACUUMING ROSTERS

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

THE POPE’S APRIL PRAYER INTENTION

Let us pray that the technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crisis of our times.

MARCH BLOOD BANK DONATION

Pope Francis wrote that “Signs of hope should also be shown to the sick, at home or in hospital.” St Michael’s did this by making three donations during March bringing the annual total to 5. Through its blood donation team, St Michael’s has given life to up 15 sick people and Hope to an estimated 75 people this year. Here we can see how small, simple actions build up to provide great amounts of hope.

STAY UPDATED ON DIOCESAN EVENTS

By visiting the Diocesan Events Page. Itis a great resource to find details on upcoming celebrations, gatherings, and important dates. Visit: cdsale.org.au/events

ST AGATHA'S JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Welcomes all to join with them if you are celebrating your 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary this year on Saturday 31st May at 11.00am Mass for a special blessing. Please contact the parish office with your details on 03 5996 1985 or email parishoffice@stagathas.org.au The Parish is hosting quite a few events during May, see flyer.

YEAR OF JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Jubilee of Workers on May 25 at St Mary’s Cowes.
Jubilee of Families & Grandparents on May 31 at St Agatha’s Cranbourne.
Jubilee of Lay Ministers and Leaders: All Lay Ministers and Leaders, in the Diocese of Sale, are invited by the
communities of St John’s, Trafalgar, and St Jarlath’s, Yarragon, to St John’s on Sunday June 15 from 2.30pm. ‘Cuppa and conversation to follow’. Further details for all celebrations to come.

MARIAN MOVEMENT FOR PRIESTS, RELIGIOUS AND LAY MEMBERS RETREAT

Will be held at the St Clement’s (Redemptorist) Retreat Centre at Galong NSW from August 18-22. The retreat is open to all Priests, Religious and Lay Members. Further information see flyer.

CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Engaging Your Faith online presentations from $25.00 per session. Further information and to register: Click Here

JOURNEYING WITH MARY

May is the month of Mary who has a special place in the hearts of the faithful. It is therefore fitting that we pay special attention to her and to her role in the history of salvation. Join others from around the diocese in a special ‘Zoom’ gathering, on May 7, as we celebrate Mary’s significance through Art, Music, Song, Private Reflection, Scripture and Prayer. Led by Jane Mitchell and Mike Hansen. To register go to: Click here

THE ART OF THE ASK

Overcome the fear of inviting and step out with bold faith by learning practical strategies that make invitation second nature. Join Michael Harvey, founder of Back to Church Sunday, for a powerful online event, on May 8, that will equip you to break through fear and embrace a culture of invitation. Drawing from decades of experience, Michael will challenge us to rethink evangelization and rediscover the simple, transformational act of inviting. Register click here

TO HELP CATHOLICS CELEBRATE THE JUBILEE YEAR

A website has been launched by the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry. Click Here

REFLECTION – Greg Sunter

Historical Context – My Lord and my God

By the time the Gospel of John was written, in the last decade of the 1st Century, there were already diverse beliefs about Jesus. As is recorded in the gospels, there were those who regarded Jesus as one of the prophets of Israel; others recognised him as the promised Messiah; others still had come to believe in Jesus the Christ as the incarnation of God. That is certainly the theology expressed in the Gospel of John. Perhaps as a means to further his community’s theology and correct other ideas, the gospel writer has Thomas declare, ‘My Lord and my God!

Have you thought? – Does he mean us?

When Thomas made his declaration of faith, Jesus said, ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy (or Blessed) are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ (v29) Because this gospel was written 60 years or so after the time of Jesus, there were indeed many who believed but had not ever seen him. The blessing is on all those who believe without the benefit of a physical encounter of Jesus. Whilst the gospel was written as an acknowledgement of those at the end of the 1st Century, it is also a blessing and encouragement for believers of today!