Twentysecond Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

23rd August 2026 | Bulletin Notices

Position Vacant - World Youth Day Project Officer

The Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) is seeking a World Youth Day Project Officer who will ensure the success of the pilgrimage from planning and preparation through to operation, debrief and evaluation, helping ensure the pilgrimage is purposeful, well governed, financially responsible, safe, inclusive and grounded in Catholic mission.

This role will work collaboratively with the DOSCEL Office and school leaders, Staff of Sion House and external stakeholders to support a pilgrimage experience aligned with the World Youth Day 2027 theme: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). More information, visit https://www.doscel.catholic.edu.au/positions-vacant/

Social Justice Statement: Living the Gospel in Times of Social Division

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

School Art Competition 2026

Primary and secondary students are invited to take part in Catholic Earthcare’s Annual Art Competition, exploring the theme of 'Living Water'.

Art supply vouchers will be awarded as prizes.
Bishop's Award (primary and secondary):
1st $300  |  2nd $200  |  3rd $100
People's Choice Award: $300 (primary and secondary)

Sunday of the Collection

FATHER'S DAY APPEAL FOR THE PRIESTS' WELFARE FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE OF SALE: Today the Special Collection is for the Priests' Welfare Foundation and the proceeds will go towards the support of the sick and retired clergy (including priests from overseas and deacons wives) of our Diocese.  By clicking on https://www.cdsale.org.au/priestswelfarefoundation it will make it easy for you to make a donation. All donations of $2.00 and over are tax deductible and a receipt for tax deduction purposes will be automatically sent, if an email address is provided. Donations may also be made through your local Parish.

Sunday Before the Collection

FATHER'S DAY APPEAL FOR THE PRIESTS' WELFARE FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE OF SALE

This fund supports the priests and deacons of our Diocese in times of sickness or retirement.  At present the Foundation is supporting nine priests and three deacons and their wives in retirement and is responsible for the other clergy (including priests from overseas) and deacons’ wives in time of sickness.  The budgeted expenditure of the Foundation for the next year will be over $200,000. This includes wages for Kelly, our clergy care nurse (two days per week).

Online donations can now be made at https://www.cdsale.org.au/priestswelfarefoundation and the foundation is most appreciative of your support and any donation you can afford.  All donations of $2.00 and over are tax deductible and a receipt for tax deduction purposes will be automatically sent, if an email address is provided.  Donations may also be made through your local Parish.

Holy Hours for Vocations – Catholic Diocese of Sale

“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):

  • Saturday, 5 September | St Mary’s Church, Cowes

    • 10:00 AM: Holy Hour

More dates across the diocese to follow. All are warmly welcome to join us in prayer!

Diocesan Pilgrimage: Jubilee of St Francis of Assisi

Celebrating the Eighth Centenary of the Death of St Francis of Assisi

Bishop Greg Bennet invites all parishioners across the Diocese of Sale to join in a special pilgrimage celebrating the Franciscan Jubilee Year.

This sacred journey is not about physical distance, but a journey of the heart. Together, we will travel to Benambra—nestled amidst the scenic Omeo High Plains—home to the only church in our diocese dedicated to St Francis of Assisi.

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 2nd

  • 6:00 PM – Transitus (St Mary’s, Bairnsdale)
    • A Transitus Service is a special prayer service celebrated on the vigil of the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. The word transitus is Latin for “passing over” or “transition.” It commemorates St Francis’ passage from earthly life into eternal life with God.

Saturday, October 3rd

  • 8:30 AM – Morning Prayer (St Mary’s, Bairnsdale)
  • 12:00 PM – Jubilee Mass (St Francis of Assisi, Benambra)
    • Solemn Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg and the Clergy of the Diocese.
    • Blessing of Pets (St Francis of Assisi, Benambra) - All creatures great and small (restrained) are welcome to receive a special blessing following Mass!
    • Shared Lunch & Sausage Sizzle (Benambra Footyclub) - Fellowship and food for all! Please bring a plate to share.
  • 3:00 PM – Conclusion (Immaculate Conception, Omeo)
    Our pilgrimage draws to a close as we gather at Omeo Parish for final prayers and departure.

Location Information

  • St Mary’s: Corner of Pyke St & Main St, Bairnsdale
  • St Francis of Assisi: MacFarlane Rd, Benambra
  • Immaculate Conception: 79 Day St, Omeo

All are warmly welcome to be part of this unforgettable diocesan pilgrimage. Please organise own accomodation and transportation. 

For more information visit: cdsale.org.au/year-of-saint-francis-of-assisi

Click here for full poster

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

Pope's prayer intention for September 2026: For the care of water

Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

The Ritual and The Reason: Exploring The Parts of The Mass

Every ritual in the Mass has a purpose. Join us to explore what we do and why we do it—from the Sign of the Cross to the Final Blessing—so we can listen, respond, and be transformed by God’s presence.

Choose a Session:

  • Narre Warren (Our Lady Help Of Christians): Saturday, 10th Oct 2026 | 10:00am – 3:00pm
  • Traralgon (St Michael’s): Saturday, 17th Oct 2026 | 10:00am – 3:00pm

Register Today:

Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Gathering 2026

You’re invited to the Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Gathering 2026, a two-day national online event bringing together Catholics from across Australia to Listen, Reflect and Act in care for our common home.

Join us on 3–4 September 2026 for two inspiring days of learning, connection and action.

Be inspired by keynote speakers from leading voices across the Church, engage in practical workshops to support your actions, and explore how faith, ecology and justice can come together in your community.

Whether you're from a parish, school, diocese, ministry or religious community, or are just getting started on your own earthcare journey, this gathering is for you!

Register now and be part of a growing movement for hope-filled action: www.caritas.org.au/soc-gathering

The Catholic Earthcare Season of Creation Gathering is an endorsed Caritas Australia initiative, with the support of the Bishops' Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service and in partnership with @Catholic Religious Australia.

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 & Joan Robertson
  • 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 | 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.

Breaking Open the first Encyclical of Pope Leo XIV- Magnifica Humanitas (Online Presentation)

Join Br Tony Clark FMS for an online reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, addressing the protection of the human person in the age of AI. This will be held on 10th September 2026 from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm. To register, email newsonline@sale.catholic.org.au.

A Day with the Spirit – Saturday, 12th September 2026

Join the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (Sale Diocese) at St Mary's Church & Parish Hall, Bairnsdale, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary. The day includes Rosary (9:30 am), Mass (10:00 am), followed by Praise, Worship, and Teaching with Fr Joseph Abutu, Fr Mark Hughes, and Fr Francis Otobo. Please bring a plate of finger food to share. For inquiries, contact Leo and Maureen at St Mary's Parish on 5152 2942.

Multicultural Day: United in Faith

Celebrate Culture, Heritage, and Unity!

Join us at St Mary’s Cathedral as our parish family comes together to honor our diverse community.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, 13th September 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM
  • Location: St Mary’s Cathedral

Highlights

  • Performances: Traditional songs and dances.
  • Food: Delicious dishes from around the world.
  • Fun: Community fellowship for all ages.

All Are Welcome! Bring family and friends to celebrate with us.

Upcoming Conference: Liturgy Under the Southern Cross

The Australian Academy of Liturgy invites you to their National Conference from September 28–30, 2026, at Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney. Explore worship, culture, faith, and spirituality in our Australian and regional context.

To register, visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1591194.

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