Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Year A

29th March 2026 | Bulletin Notices

invitation to Annual Chrism Mass

You are invited to attend the annual Chrism Mass on Tuesday, 31st March 2026. This ancient and symbolically rich liturgy manifests the unity of the priests of the Diocese with Bishop Greg as they renew their priestly promises.

During the liturgy, Bishop Greg will bless the three Holy Oils (the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Holy Chrism) which will be used in the celebration of the sacraments throughout the Diocese for the year. The Chrism Mass is a great way to come to a deeper appreciation of the sacramental life of the Church.

Details: 11.00am Tuesday, 31st March 2026

Venue: St Mary’s Cathedral

Address: 47 Foster St, Sale, 3850

Lenten Pastoral Guidelines

Bishop Greg Bennet has issued the pastoral and liturgical guidelines for the Lenten season. These provide important direction for our prayer, fasting, and communal life as we journey toward Easter.

The full document is now available to read on the Diocesan website:

Lenten Message from Bishop Greg Bennet

As we enter the season of Lent, Bishop Greg Bennet invites the faithful of the Diocese to reflect on our journey of renewal and spiritual growth.

His Lenten message, offering guidance and encouragement for this holy season, is now available for all parishioners to read online at cdsale.org.au/news/lenten-message-2026

Available online at: cdsale.org.au/news/lenten-message-2026

Project Compassion 2026

As Project Compassion 2026 comes to a close, we thank you for your generous support throughout Lent. This year, we shared the stories of four inspiring people whose lives are being uplifted through your compassion.

Your support is helping them overcome challenges and build stronger futures. There is still time to donate! Together, we can continue nurturing hope and empowering communities facing poverty and injustice.

Please donate today.
You can support Project Compassion 2026 through the donation boxes, envelopes or by scanning the QR code.
Or online at: www.projectcompassion.org.au/donate
Or by calling: 1800 024 413

Caritas Australia Lebanon Emergency Appeal

Lebanon is facing one of its most severe humanitarian crises in years, as a sudden surge in violence and mass evacuation orders force families to flee with nothing. Within 24 hours, Caritas Lebanon reported 667,831 newly displaced people seeking safety.

Despite the volatile environment, Caritas Lebanon teams are operating across seven governorates, delivering food, essential items, healthcare, psychosocial support, water and hygiene assistance, and protection services. Let us stand in solidarity with our partners in Lebanon.

Learn more or make a donation today at: www.caritas.org.au/lebanon

New Report: Listening to the Cry of the Poor

The Bishops Commission has welcomed a new report, To Hear the Cry of the Poor and the Earth, highlighting fresh ways for our Church to listen and respond to those in need. We are invited to reflect on how we can better encounter the vulnerable and prioritize the voices of the marginalized in our community.

Read the full story and recommendations here: www.cdsale.org.au/news/report-highlights-new-ways-to-listen-to-poor

Mass for You at Home Comes to the Pilbara

The long-running Mass for You at Home recently filmed special episodes in the Diocese of Geraldton, bringing the liturgy of the Pilbara to screens across Australia. This initiative highlights the unique beauty of regional faith communities and ensures that those who are isolated can remain spiritually connected. We invite you to watch these upcoming broadcasts and celebrate our shared faith.

Read more about this journey here: www.cdsale.org.au/news/mass-for-you-at-home-comes-to-the-pilbara

Diocesan Mission Council – March Meeting Report

The Diocesan Mission Council held its first meeting for 2026 on Saturday 14 March at St Michael’s Parish Centre, Traralgon. Bishop Greg opened the gathering with prayer and reflection on the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, inviting members into a time of quiet contemplation and shared responses.

  • The arrival of Frs. Joy and Fr Edward
  • Several parish priest appointments and changes in January
  • The 130th anniversary celebration at Buchan Parish and the blessing of the peace dove at St Joseph’s School, Orbost
  • More than 100 catechumens and candidates celebrating the RCIA Rite of Election at the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent
  • The launch of Project Compassion on Ash Wednesday with school leaders
  • Ongoing vocations promotion led by Fr Stanly and Fr Brendan
  • The strong parish engagement in developing Parish Pastoral Plans aligned with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework

Members also received an update from the Diocesan Pastoral Life and Mission Team on the wide range of events planned for 2026 to support those involved in pastoral ministry across the Diocese.

The Council will meet again on Tuesday 19 May.

For priests in crisis

Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

DIVINE MERCY FEAST DAY CELEBRATION – 12TH April 2026

A combined Divine Mercy Feast celebration with St. Agatha’s Parish Divine Mercy and all nearby Parishes in the Diocese of Sale.

1.00pm Confession / Short Talk on "Abandoning Self-will to His Holy Will"

1.30pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

2.30pm Procession of the Image

3.00pm Divine Mercy Feast Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg followed by Refreshments in the Parish Centre

Location: Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, 496 Princes Hwy, NARRE WARREN VIC 3805

For more information, please contact Twina 0402 077 576.

Ageing and Awakening: Life's Surprising Gifts

Growing old is a unique experience, one we share with many others in society today. It is a time of life that both challenges and benefits us, a time that invites us to grow personally.

Where: St. Patrick’s Parish, Pakenham

When: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, Tuesdays 14th, 21st and 28th April 2026

Register: Phone Parish Centre 59417315; or Email parishoffce@stpatrickspakenham.com.au

Holy Hours for Vocations – Diocese of Sale

  • Apr 26th: Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren (4:45 – 5:45 PM)