18th October 2026 | Bulletin Notices
As our October journey with the Shine a Light initiative continues, we keep our focus firmly on nurturing safety, dignity, and genuine care throughout our community. You can learn more at: www.cdsale.org.au/sal
This week, our theme invites us to "Shine on the World Like Bright Stars," echoing this Sunday’s Gospel acclamation. The gospel reminds us to give to God what belongs to God, Christ calls us to honour the divine image stamped upon every human being. When we reflect God’s love through integrity, empathy, and positive action, our lives shine like beacons of hope—showing what it truly means to uplift, protect, and respect one another.
For resources visit: https://www.cdsale.org.au/salwr
This week, you are invited to partner with Catholic Mission and the Church in Malawi as we support families rebuilding after devastating floods and help children access education close to home.
Through projects like St Peter’s Nyamikuta Primary School, the Church is creating a place where children can learn, be nourished, and grow with dignity, regardless of their background or beliefs.
As we celebrate 100 years of World Mission Day, we are reminded by Pope Leo XIV that we are ‘One in Christ, United in Mission’.
catholicmission.org.au/united to make a difference today.
Link to Bishop Greg's video message : Google Drive Link Youtube link
Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
OCTOBER: For mental health ministry
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of life,
You know the innermost depths of our hearts—
the light and shadows within us,
the silent wounds that sometimes no one sees.
Today we bring before you our brothers and sisters
who struggle with challenges to their mental health,
who suffer in solitude with anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness.
You call them by name, with tenderness,
and in You they find dignity and hope.
Forgive us for the times we have looked the other way,
feeding the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.
May your Church be an open house,
a safe space where everyone has a place—
a community that accompanies and never excludes,
that listens without judging and draws near without fear.
We pray to you, Lord, for those who care:
professionals, family members, volunteers—
men and women who, with patience and love,
build bridges of understanding and comfort.
Give them strength and compassion to sustain others.
Send your Spirit upon us,
that we may learn to welcome and integrate care for mental health
into the life and ministry of our communities and of the whole Church,
and thus become a living sign of your mercy,
which never abandons and always restores.
Amen.
More than 200 pilgrims from across Gippsland and beyond recently gathered in Benambra to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. Commencing with a vigil service at St Mary’s in Bairnsdale, the pilgrimage continued into the High Country to St Francis of Assisi Church—the only church in the Diocese of Sale dedicated to the saint. Celebrations included an animal blessing by Bishop Greg Bennet, the presentation of a first-class relic, and a special Pilgrimage Mass honouring St Francis’s call to peace, simplicity, and care for creation. To read the full story and view photos from the day, visit: tinyurl.com/yc3k7hym
Join the Catholic Parish of Yarram in celebrating 175 years of Catholic life across Gippsland. Bishop Greg Bennet will join Fr Darren Howie and diocesan clergy to celebrate a special Anniversary Mass at 11:00 am on Sunday, 15 November 2026 at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Commercial Road, Yarram.
Following Mass, all are welcome in the St Mary MacKillop Hall for light refreshments, a brief local history talk, an exhibition of historical memorabilia, and school tours.
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suebenc57@gmail.com with any dietary requirements.“A prayer today… A shepherd tomorrow…”
Come and spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life across our diocese.
Upcoming Dates (2026):
More dates across the diocese to follow. All are warmly welcome to join us in prayer!
Join Catholic Theological College (University of Divinity) for the annual Knox Public Lecture, presented by the Most Reverend Patrick O'Regan DD, Archbishop of Adelaide.
Archbishop O'Regan, a delegate to both assemblies of the global Synod on Synodality (2023–2024) and leader of the 2026 Synod of the Archdiocese of Adelaide, will explore synodality from both international and local perspectives. The evening will also feature a conversation with Bishop Martin Ashe and Ms Cathy Jenkins.
Bookings & Enquiries:
Register online at ctc.edu.au/news-and-events/knox-public-lecture or call +61 3 9412 3333.
The Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) Children’s Choir invites parish and Catholic school children’s choirs across the Diocese of Sale to an evening of music, faith, and celebration.
Sound equipment (PA and up to eight microphones) will be provided. Performance allocations and arrival details will follow once group numbers are finalised.
To register your Expression of Interest and find complete event details, please visit the diocesan website: tinyurl.com/28946dzu
We hope this will be a joyful opportunity for our young singers to come together in faith, celebrate the gift of music, and encourage one another through song. We look forward to hearing from interested parishes and schools across the Diocese.
Kind regards,
Martina & Clyde
All youth and young adults aged 13 to 30 are warmly invited to the upcoming LAMP Youth Festival, themed "Faith in Action: Change Starts with You." Join us for a full day of games, dance, food, Adoration, Reconciliation, and Mass.
In the lead-up to Social Justice Sunday, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has released its latest Social Justice Statement, Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division. The bishops call on all faithful to help foster a more cohesive and peaceful Australia by cultivating a "culture of encounter"—choosing forgiveness over enmity, hospitality over isolation, and active listening across differences.
To read the full statement, access resources, and watch the launch recording, visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc3m9d2v
The Australian Catholic Bishops are funding a study into the experience of married Catholics.
The results will help inform the development of pastoral responses and resources.
If you married in the last 10 years and at least one spouse is Catholic, they'd love to hear from you.
Can you provide valuable insights to their work by completing this short survey about your marriage?
All your answers are anonymous and confidential, and you can contact the researchers directly if you have any questions.
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