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

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.

Bishop Greg then reported on key developments across the Diocese during the early months of the year. Highlights included:

• 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 final part of the meeting focused on beginning the development of a Diocesan Mission Council Pastoral Plan. This plan will outline strategic actions to address key pastoral needs and priorities for the whole Diocese.

The Council will meet again on Tuesday 19 May.

Formation Session: The Liturgical Year

Explore the rhythms of the Liturgical Seasons of the Church with Dr. Alice Youlden, Education Officer for Catholic Identity (DOSCEL). This session provides a basic understanding of the cyclic nature of the Liturgical calendar; how it unfolds the mystery of Christ and guides communal worship.

Event Details

• Speaker: Dr. Alice Youlden (DOSCEL)
• Date: 24th March
• Time: 3:45 – 4:45 pm
• Location: online

Registration
To attend, please email: pastoral@sale.catholic.org.au

Project Compassion 2026

Since October 2023, Caritas Jerusalem staff in Gaza have endured displacement, personal loss, and danger alongside the communities they serve. Despite unimaginable challenges, they remain committed to providing lifesaving support, standing in solidarity with families enduring this conflict.

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

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:

• Website: cdsale.org.au/news

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

Vocations Invitation: Come and See

Are you discerning a call to ministry? The Catholic Diocese of Sale invites you to an afternoon of storytelling and fellowship. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet others on a similar journey and hear firsthand accounts from priests about their lives and their unique calls to ministry.

• Date: Sunday, 15th March 2026
• Time: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
• Location: St Agatha’s Parish Hall
• Address: 129-131 Sladen Street, Cranbourne, 3977

Lenten Charismatic Retreat

"Return to Me with All Your Heart" – Joel 2:12

• Date: Thursday, 26th March
• Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
• Leader: Fr Francis Otobo (Dean of St Mary’s Cathedral)
• Program: Rosary, Praise & Worship, Holy Mass, Lenten Reflection, and Adoration.

Holy Hours for Vocations – Diocese of Sale

• Mar 28th: St Agatha’s, Cranbourne (4:30 – 5:30 PM)
• Apr 26th: Our Lady Help of Christians, Narre Warren (4:45 – 5:45 PM)

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 parishoffice@stpatrickspakenham.com.au