Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

16th August 2026 | Bulletin Notices

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.

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

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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 August 2026: AUGUST: For evangelization in the city

For evangelization in the city. Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd,
You walk through our streets and squares,
enter tall buildings and humble neighborhoods,
and silently accompany millions
who seek meaning amid noise and haste.

You know, Lord, the heart of the city:
its lights and shadows, its noise and loneliness.
We know that cities are called to be places of freedom and opportunity,
but they can also become spaces of anonymity and isolation.
That’s why today we ask You for a renewed gaze,
able to discover in urban life
fertile ground for proclaiming your Gospel.

Give us a creative and deep faith,
that doesn’t remain in words,
but becomes flesh through simple and loving gestures.
Make us a Church that goes forth,
able to reach out to the peripheries,
to console those who are lonely,
and to sow fraternity and connection instead of giving in to indifference.

Lord, may our urban communities
be open and welcoming homes,
places where hope is shared,
where no one feels invisible,
and where the joy of your Gospel shines
in the hidden lives of so many brothers and sisters.
Make us your witnesses in the city,
bold and creative missionaries,
who proclaim your Love with their lives—
a Love capable of overcoming haste, noise, and anonymity.

Amen.

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:

Special Presentation: Sacrosanctum Concilium (Vatican II)

All are warmly invited to a special presentation on Vatican II’s Teaching on the Sacred Liturgy, focusing on Sacrosanctum Concilium.

We are delighted to welcome Rev. Dr. Max Vodola, who will be leading this insightful session exploring the depth and beauty of the Church's liturgical teachings.

  • When: Saturday, 15 August 2026
  • Program: 5:00pm Holy Mass | 6:00pm Presentation by Fr. Max Vodola
  • Where: Marian Room, St Joseph's Church, Warragul
  • Hospitality: Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.
  • Registration: Phone 03 5623 1642 | Email: Warragul@cdsale.org.au

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.

  • Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
  • Time: 8:30 am – 3:45 pm
  • Venue: St Michael the Archangel Parish, Traralgon
  • Registration: Available via TryBooking

Janette Gray RSM Dinner & Lecture 2026: Boldness, Courage, and Truth

You are invited to the annual Janette Gray RSM Dinner & Lecture on Friday, 21 August 2026, at 6:30 PM, featuring Dr Mary Kate Holman. Available both in-person at Pilgrim Theological College (Parkville, VIC) and online. Dr Holman will speak on reclaiming the Spirit’s gift of parrhesia—bold, courageous truth-telling—for our modern age.

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.

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