Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

12th July 2026 | 

 

Sea Sunday – July 12: Remembering the 'Invisible' Seafarers

This Sunday is Sea Sunday, 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 (under the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service) supports these workers by providing spiritual and material aid and advocating for their human dignity.

Read Cardinal Michael Czerny's official message in the Media Release at cdsale.org.au/news

 

Society of St Pius X

In recent days, we have learned about the consecration of four bishops in the Society of St Pius X (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. Further information about this matter can be found via: Pastoral Letter and  Frequently Asked Questions

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. May the Lord grant healing, peace, and unity to His Church.

Venezuela Emergency Appeal

On 24 June 2026, Venezuela was struck by two major earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, impacting the nation's central and northern regions. Our partner, Caritas Venezuela, has begun mobilising relief efforts, including the delivery of vital support such as water, food, sanitation and shelter. Funds raised through the appeal will support Caritas Venezuela’s emergency response, delivered in partnership with local communities and the Church. Please visit our website: https://www.caritas.org.au/venezuela

Pope's prayer intention for July 2026: For respect for human life

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

Pray with the Pope : For respect for human life
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord of life,
You created us in love and called us to live in fullness.
Each person is a sacred gift that reflects your face,
from the first instant of existence to the final breath of their journey on earth.
Today we ask for the grace to recognize and protect the unique and unrepeatable value of every human being.
May we learn to welcome life unconditionally, to tenderly care for fragility, to accompany each stage with respect, and to bravely defend those who have no voice.
Forgive us, Lord, when we fall into indifference or the culture of discard, when we fail to see in others a being worthy of love.
Give us a new heart, always ready to choose life, and generous hands that protect it through concrete actions.
Make your Church a living witness of the Gospel of life, an open home where every life is celebrated, where no one feels unwanted, and where dignity is always honored and protected.
Lord Jesus,
may we love life as You love it: with tenderness, fidelity, and self-giving.
May we proclaim, in words and actions, that every human life is worth the total gift of ourselves.
Amen.

Mary MacKillop: A Saint of Our Time

Did you know? Mary MacKillop is Australia’s very first canonised saint! Her life was dedicated to breaking down barriers, providing education to the poor, and standing up for the vulnerable. Her legacy continues to inspire people all over the world to make a real, meaningful difference today.

Want to learn how we can draw inspiration from her fearless life to tackle modern challenges? Join us online for an inspiring evening!

  • Presenter: Sr Rita Malavasi RSJ
  • Date: Thursday, 6th August 2026
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Venue: Online

Registration: Scan the QR code on the flyer or use the details below:

New Papal Encyclical: Magnifica humanitas

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:

www.cdsale.org.au/news/

The video to be played at Mass

Youtube link: Click Here

To download it: Click here

CDF Catholic Connect

Economic Outlook: Navigating Change with Confidence and Purpose

Rising costs, workforce pressures and global uncertainty are placing growing demands on leaders across the Catholic and for-purpose sectors. How do we respond with confidence, resilience and a clear sense of purpose?

Join Catholic Development Fund (CDF) for an afternoon of forward-looking discussion, featuring leading economist Ivan Colhoun alongside panellists, Professor Elizabeth Labone (CEO, VCEA), Martin Teulan (Executive Director, AMPJP) and John McClusky (CEO, CDF).

Wednesday 29 July 2026
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Greg Craven Centre, Australian Catholic University (ACU), Melbourne

Register at: cdsale.org.au/events/cdf-catholic-connect

St Vincent Pallotti Scholarship Trust: Applications Open

The 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 (such as promoting faith enhancement, social justice, and pastoral care).

Union of Catholic Apostolate

"Called by Christ to be his Apostles"

If you are looking to strengthen your skills and serve your community, you are encouraged to apply.

  • Closing Date: Friday 31 July 2026
  • Information & Application Forms: Please visit uacpallottines.au

Census Participation: National Census (Tuesday 11 August 2026)

The national Census is an important opportunity for everyone in Australia to be counted and represented. The information collected helps governments and community organisations - including churches - plan for services, infrastructure, and support in our local areas.

We encourage all members of the Sale diocese to take part in the Census and include your religious affiliation. Your response helps ensure that our faith communities are recognised and supported in future planning.

When: Tuesday 11 August, 2026

How: Complete your Census online or via the paper form delivered to your home

Privacy: All responses are confidential and protected by law. For more information or assistance, please visit www.census.abs.gov.au.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter: Enrichment Day for Couples

All across the Diocese of Sale are invited to a special enrichment day hosted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Catholic ministry dedicated to enhancing couple communication and rekindling marital passion.

Based on Gary Chapman's The 5 Love Languages, this practical and humorous day helps couples understand how to fill each other's "emotional love tank". It will be presented by Deb and Paul Cochran (married 37 years).

  • When: Saturday, 15 August 2026 | 9am–5pm
  • Where: St Eugene's Retreat Centre, 45 John Field Drive, Newborough
  • Cost: $60 per couple (includes lunch, morning/afternoon tea)

Bookings & Enquiries:

Mothers Who Pray Gather 1 Mothers Who Pray Gather 2

Mothers Who Pray for Their Children - Formation Gathering

The Mothers Who Pray for Their Children movement warmly invites you to their upcoming Formation Gathering, to be held on Sunday, 16 August 2026 at St Michael the Archangel Parish, Traralgon.

The theme for this year's gathering is "Eucharist: God's Gift, Encounter with Christ", inspired by our formation book Eucharist: Gift of God, Place of Encounter. The day will include prayer, formation talks, fellowship, and Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet.

This gathering is open to mothers, grandmothers, and all those interested in growing deeper in their faith and understanding of the Eucharist.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
  • Time: 8:30 am – 3:45 pm
  • Venue: St Michael the Archangel Parish, Traralgon
  • Registration: Available via TryBooking (QR code on attached flyer)

Walking the Way: Explore The RCIA Journey

Clergy, RCIA Coordinators, RCIA teams, and interested parishioners are warmly invited to an upcoming workshop that aims to deepen your understanding and share experiences of the RCIA journey.

  • Presenters: Dr. Alice Youlden (Education Officer - Catholic Identity and Religious Education, Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd.) & Joan Robertson (Diocese of Sale RCIA Coordinator)
  • Date: Saturday, 5th September 2026
  • Time: 9:30 AM arrival for a 10:00 AM start (Concludes at 2:00 PM)
  • Venue: The Marian Room (St. Joseph's Church, Warragul. Enter car park from Bowen Street)

Inverloch Catholic Women's League Reflection Day

The Inverloch Catholic Women's League warmly invites you to a spiritual Reflection Day. Come along for a day of prayer, community, and deeper insight.

  • Theme: A Woman in the Church
  • Presenter: Fr Martin Dixon
  • When: Monday, 7th September 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Where: Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Scarborough Street, Inverloch
  • Catering: BYO Shared Lunch

Enquiries: Please contact Mary Nadler on 0493 452 038 for further details.

All are welcome to join us as we reflect on being Called to Love, Called to Serve, and Called to Build the Kingdom.

Season of Creation: Care for Our Common Home

Join us online 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.

  • Presenter: Fr Jeff Kleynjans (Parish Priest at St Patrick’s, Pakenham)
  • Date: Wednesday, 16th September 2026
  • Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Venue: Online
  • Registration: tinyurl.com/4tx834yp