Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

A Call to Honour Our Catechists – Past and Present

The Diocese is planning a special Jubilee event in Maffra to thank and recognise the dedicated catechists who have served in our parishes over the years.

To ensure we can invite everyone, we are compiling a diocesan-wide list. If you are a current or former catechist, we ask you to please contact the parish office. We also ask for your help in reaching out to friends or family members who have served in this ministry, encouraging them to get in touch.

A Pilgrimage of Hope: Join the Jubilee of Catechists

Parishioners are warmly invited to the "Jubilee of Catechists," a special two-day pilgrimage to the Heart of Gippsland. This spiritual journey is a wonderful opportunity for reflection and community.

This pilgrimage will take us to some of the most beautiful and historic churches in our diocese. Over the two days, we will visit St. Joseph's in Dargo, St. Michael's in Heyfield, St. Mary's in Maffra, St. Ita's in Newry, and St. Brigid's in Cowwarr. The schedule is filled with opportunities for spiritual nourishment, including Mass, Rosary, a special blessing of Catechists, Adoration and Benediction, and fellowship over shared meals.

All are welcome to participate in this unique event.

Jubilee of Marian Spirituality- The Blessed Virgin Mary: Queen of all creations

St. Patrick's Parish in Pakenham warmly invites all members of our diocesan family to a special Jubilee Mass of Marian Spirituality.

Join us on Saturday, 4th October, at 9:30 am as we gather for this joyful occasion. The celebration will begin with a Rosary Procession, followed by Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet.

We are also honoured to have the historic 1879 chalice from Tarraville, the very first parish in our diocese, present for this celebration, connecting us with the deep roots of our faith in this region.

Following the Mass, everyone is invited to an international lunch.

All are welcome.

Invitation to the Jubilee of Migrants

The Morwell and Lumen Christi Parishes warmly invite you to the Jubilee of Migrants celebration, in honour of the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.

Join us for a Solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet, honouring the richness of Migrants and Refugees in our community.

Date: Sunday, 5th October 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Sacred Heart Church, Morwell

Following the Mass, everyone is invited to a vibrant Multicultural Celebration. There will be food, dance, music, and performances showcasing the beauty of our diverse cultures.

All are welcome. Come, celebrate with us!

MAJOR REDEVELOPMENT OF OUR LADY OF SION CONVENT TO ENHANCE 21ST CENTURY LEARNING

We are excited to share a major announcement for the Diocese of Sale. The iconic Our Lady of Sion Convent and school campus site is set for a significant $40 million redevelopment, one of the largest education projects ever undertaken in the Diocese. To read the full joint statement from Bishop Greg Bennet and the Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten, please visit the official news announcement: https://tinyurl.com/y94vbfzw

Time to deepen solidarity with migrants and refugees

Australian Catholics are encouraged to reflect on stories of hope as they mark the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday, October 5.

The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office has produced a set of resources based on the theme for this year “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope”, which is aligned with the Jubilee of Migrants.

To read the media statement please visit : https://tinyurl.com/ydmckrf9

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention this month is “For our relationship with all of creation.” The video comes out within the context of the Season of Creation, an ecumenical period from September 1 to October 4 (the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi) that unites Christians from various denominations in prayer and action for the care of the earth.

Seventy-five years after the landmark pastoral letter, On Immigration, Australia’s Catholic bishops have issued a new letter titled Under the Southern Cross: A Journey of Faith and Unity. The Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry released the letter as a timely opportunity to reflect on Australians’ attitudes towards immigrants. You can read the media statement and a link to the full document at cdsale.org.au/news/reflecting-on-a-75-year-journey-of-faith-and-unity.

Caritas Australia – Season of Creation

The Season of Creation’s call for Peace with Creation aligns powerfully with the Turn Debt into Hope campaign, as communities burdened by debt are often those facing the worst environmental challenges.

This Season of Creation (1 September – 4 October), Caritas Australia is inviting parishes to stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities in need of sustainable development and ecological renewal by:

signing the Turn Debt into Hope petition – caritas.org.au/debt
committing to practical, everyday actions that promote ecological sustainability and care for creation by registering to become a Catholic Earthcare Household - caritas.org.au/catholic-earthcare/

Study Opportunities at the Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute

Are you interested in a specialized theological education focused on marriage and the family?

The Pontifical John Paul II Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences is now accepting applications for its 2025-2026 academic year. The institute offers advanced degrees for priests, religious, and laypeople who wish to serve families in today's world.

For more information on study programmes and the possibility of receiving scholarships, please contact us at our headquarters in Rome.

You can contact us:

- by writing to segpreside@istitutogp2.it - by calling 06.698.95.528 - by visiting our website www.istitutogp2.it

Mary, Mother of Hope

The Legion of Mary warmly invites all pilgrims of hope from the Diocese of Sale to a special event - Mary, Mother of Hope. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennet followed by Rosary & Adoration. Get commissioned as "Beacons of Hope" in this jubilee year. Don’t miss this beautiful celebration of faith, unity, and hope. Register at http://tinyurl.com/3hm89uvv or scan the QR Code

Stay Updated on Diocesan Events!

There are many exciting events happening across our Diocese! Stay informed and up to date by visiting the Diocesan Events Page. It’s a great resource to find details on upcoming celebrations, gatherings, and important dates. Visit: https://www.cdsale.org.au/events

Check in regularly so you don’t miss out!

Catholic Young Adults Group

Catholic young adults (18-35 year olds) are invited to join us in Warragul for an afternoon of faith and friendship. We'll be having afternoon tea, playing boardgames, and praying together. Join us at 3:00PM on Saturday, 20th September at St. Joseph's Church Warragul. Bring along something to share for afternoon tea, your rosary beads and your favourite boardgame if you have one. We love meeting new people at our events and hope to see some new faces there!

Signs of hope in social justice statement:

The experience of people living with the challenges of homelessness and mental ill-health has been highlighted in the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s 2025 Social Justice Statement. To read the statement visit cdsale.org/news

Teaching as an Opportunity for Encounter
A Day for Catechists and Sacrament Coordinators

Catechists and Sacrament Coordinators are invited to a special day of formation focused on helping young people grow in their faith through curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Two sessions available:

Tuesday 16 September
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
St Mary’s Chapter House, 47 Foster St, Sale
Saturday 20 September
10:00 am – 2:30 pm
St Patrick’s Parish Centre, 142 Princes Hwy, Pakenham
For more information and registration,visit: cdsale.org.au/events

2025 Australian Catholic Youth Festival – The ultimate Catholic youth experience!

ACYF is on again. It’s going to be bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever! Join thousands of young people from across the country for Australia’s largest gathering of Catholic youth!! WHERE? Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. WHEN? Sunday AFTERNOON, 30^th November to Tuesday EVENING, 2^nd December 2025. WHO? Anyone from Year 9 (in 2025) up to 25 years old. WHAT’S IN STORE? Powerful keynote speakers, live music & concerts, interactive workshops, games & creative zones, justice discussions & community vibes, prayer, Mass, and a buzzing expo. Whether you’re searching for meaning, a different community vibe, a new faith experience, or just an unforgettable experience – ACYF is your place to be! INTERESTED? contact your Parish Priest or Parish Office to register your interest.

The Australian Pastoral Musicians Network and the National Liturgical Council will present a joint national conference at the Hilton Hotel, Adelaide from 1 to 3 October 2025. The conference theme, Pilgrims of Hope: Transformed Through Sacrament & Song reflects and builds on the theme of the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Featured keynote speakers include leading US presenters, composer and theologian, Rev Dr Ricky Manalo CSP and liturgist, theologian and author, Rita Ferrone. They are joined by internationally acclaimed Australian speaker Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ.

Additionally, a vast array of over 50 workshops from expert liturgists, theologians, composers, educators and musicians are on offer, promising to provide valuable formation for everyone involved in parish liturgy, liturgical music and school liturgical life.

Full conference information and registration is available at https://pilgrimsofhope.com.au/.

A short promotional video which includes a special welcome from Archbishop Pat O’Regan can be found at https://youtu.be/HmvhHvSaO6w.

“In the Footsteps of Saint Mary MacKillop” is an official Pilgrimage lead and run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

In 2025 this national Pilgrimage, which journeys from Melbourne to Adelaide and on to Sydney, will take place from the 9^th – 20^th September.

Places are still available & further details can be obtained & bookings made by contacting Sr Annie Bond on 0406 195 861.

Please join Fr Brendan Hogan and friends as they set sail on the Aegean to Greece visiting the Biblical sites associated with St Paul and the early Church in April 2026.

A full fortnight of discovery, prayer & spirituality, friendship and fun await. Airfares, great accommodation, most meals and expert guides are included to ensure this Pilgrimage is an overwhelming success. Most places have already been filled with a limited number still remaining.

Please register via the link or contact Olive Tree Travel for more information: https://tinyurl.com/m9uy5stm

Click here for PDF

Yarra Theological Union

Study Theology at Yarra Theological Union (YTU) in Box Hill or online. We are a Catholic College of the University of Divinity offering Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses. Visit our website for more information and timetable. www.ytu.edu.au Classes start late July

Timetables and Units for Semester 2, 2025.

Please contact the Dean via email dean@ytu.edu.au and he will guide you through the process of enrolment and discuss any questions you may have,

Looking forward to welcoming you to YTU.

Click here for PDF

Bishops call for peace

The Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service has reiterated Pope Leo XIV’s call for peace in Gaza, urging immediate dialogue and access to humanitarian aid for those suffering. Read the full statement at: cdsale.org.au/news/bishops-call-for-peace
Or scan the QR code

Click here for PDF

2025 Diocesan Assembly Summary Report
Bishop Greg Bennet, and the Diocesan Mission Council, are pleased to share the 2025 Diocesan Assembly Summary Report with the people of the Diocese of Sale. This report outlines the key themes, insights, and recommendations that emerged from the two-day Assembly held at Federation University, Churchill, in February this year.

You can access the full report at:
https://www.cdsale.org.au/diocesan-assembly-1

Click here for PDF

A website to help Catholics celebrate the Jubilee year has been launched

by the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry. Please visit https://pilgrimsofhope.catholic.org.au/

Resources: Australian Catholics Archdiocese of Adelaide

Universal Prayers of Intercession for Sunday Mass

Unversal Prayers of Intercession for weekday Mass

Sale Confirmation guidelines 2025: Click Here

Prayers for Children Lost too Soon

National code of conduct key to improving integrity

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has unveiled a national code of conduct for people ministering in Catholic dioceses around Australia.

details regarding the media release and a link to the 32-page document, Integrity in Our Common Mission can be accessed on the diocesan website/news section at https://tinyurl.com/mr3cvtsu