Parish Concert for Timor-Leste students
How blessed are we to have incredibly talented musicians in our parish willing to donate their time and musical gifts to support those in need. In addition, how thankful we are for all the parishioners who came to support this wonderful cause. Seventy parishioners and family members of musicians came last Sunday to raise money for our two parish-sponsored educational scholarships for disadvantaged youth in the remote region of Lospalos in Timor-Leste. We were overwhelmed to find that, unexpectedly, through this one event we had raised the entire amount for a year. Thank you to all who came, who donated money, who brought items for afternoon tea, who set-up, who packed up and who provided lifts to those who needed it.
We welcomed Br Michael Lynch, Salesian who talked about their work in Timor-Leste, crucial to rebuilding this nation. We also were privileged to have some people from Timor-Leste join us, expressing their gratitude for our assistance. As Pope Francis said last week in Mongolia, “Even though a community might be small, this love can be a powerful witness. ‘God loves littleness, and through it he loves to accomplish great things”. And that we did!
The Musicians
The organisers
Afternoon Tea
Katia Mestrovic
Musicians Jeferson and Marcelle
National Child Protection Week 4-9 September
Child Protection Week is a national campaign held each year to raise awareness of child-abuse prevention in our communities. In 2023, the overarching message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Where we start matters'.
The Community Jigsaw - a framework for strong, supportive, child-inclusive communities.
The idea to use a Community Jigsaw during National Child Protection Week came from a 9-year-old girl who pointed out that “A community is like a puzzle, you need to have all the bits to make it work.”
Parish Safeguarding Weekend
2 / 3 September 2023
Each year around Child Protection Week and Safeguarding Sunday, our parish celebrates its Safeguarding Weekend.
Our Parish has always taken the safeguarding of our children, young people and vulnerable adults extremely seriously and to be more than just administrative compliance. We live out the call to be a haven for all and ask you all to join with us to make some practical commitments to this.
At all masses this weekend Fr John will ask all volunteers to read the synopsis of our Parish Code of Conduct and to sign the Declaration (last page). The Code clearly specifies the intention and practice that each and everyone of us needs to take to care for and protect all in our community. A full copy of the Parish Code of Conduct and other important resources are available on the Keeping our Community Safe page on our website.
We join together to honour the call to protect those most vulnerable and commit ourselves as a loving faith community through this humble dedication.
Social Justice Sunday
About Social Justice Sunday and the Bishops Social Justice Statement.
With a tradition stretching back to 1940, the Australian Bishops Conference contributes to the development of local Catholic Social Teaching by releasing a major social justice statement each year in the lead up to Social Justice Sunday, which this year falls on Sunday 27 August. These statements encourage the Catholic community to reflect and act on the social, economic and ecological aspects of the Church’s mission.
The title of the Social Justice Statement 2023-24 is Listen, Learn, Love: A new engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It includes experiences and views shared by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) and calls for the Church – and society more widely – to listen to, engage and address the pain of First Nations Peoples in new ways, in order to bring an end to centuries of injustice.
The Bishop’s Social Justice Statement discusses the upcoming referendum regarding Indigenous Constitutional recognition through a Voice to Parliament as an important moment for Australia as we listen to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters on this important decision. The Statement encourages Catholics and wider Australia to seek out and carefully consider information about the proposal, with special reference to the hopes and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Get in touch to find out more about prayer services at Catholic Parish of Sacred Heart and St Columba.
Parish Movie Night
The movie night was very well attended. We filled all but 1 or 2 seats - about 54 tickets. Everyone mingled and caught up in our private foyer before the film. Armed with refreshments and snacks we settled in to our private cinema to watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Thanks to all who generously donated tickets to allow others who might not have been able to come, assisted with giving people lifts to the cinema and to Adrian for his amazing spreadsheets and organisational skills which helped us to ensure the night was a success.
Get in touch to find out more about prayer services at Catholic Parish of Sacred Heart and St Columba.
Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday (ATSIS)
A New Life in Christ: Uniting as One People on ATSI Sunday. Each year, Catholics from all corners of Australia gather on ATSI Sunday to celebrate the unique gifts and contributions of Australia’s First Peoples.
This year’s theme, “A New Life in Christ” reflects the hope and promise of a brighter future, rooted in unity and shared commitment to positive change. As we commemorate this special day in our Liturgical Calendar, we are invited to listen to the voices of our Indigenous brethren and walk alongside them on a journey towards progress. ATSI Sunday symbolises our unity as one people in Christ.
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Feast of Sacred Heart
On Friday we celebrated Sacred Heart Day at Sacred Heart Church with the theme “Hearts That Hear The Voices of the Voiceless”. A wonderful local music group, ‘Beaut Fun Ukes’ started the celebration and were fantastic. Hang Vo, CEO spoke about the importance of hearing of all voices and being true to your own voice. Bern, Isabella, Rosie and Scarlett from St Columba primary school read out a wonderful acrostic poem reflecting on what ‘Sacred Heart’ means to the school. Santi, a lifestyle worker at Sacred Heart Aged Care Community read out some wonderful comments from the residents, including the one from David “the priest is good, he has empathy, he says good prayers … that’s why he’s the priest”. Here here David. The final powerful presentation was from Yu, a participant of Sacred Heart Mission and one of our parishioners. Yu spoke of the significant difficulties in her life that saw he come to SHM and of the wonderful welcome and support she has received. “They are my family”, she said. Thank you very much to everyone involved, with special thanks to Karen Englebretsen
Feast of St Columba
We held a special 105th birthday celebration on Friday 9 June, the Feast of St Columba. Our school community joined us for a lovely mass to celebrate 105 years of St Columba Primary School. Our school families were asked to bring along a flower and these were then arranged into a magnificent birthday bouquet. Thank you very much to Saskia for organising this. We were delighted to welcome a special guest, SHM CEO Hang Vo, who spoke to the children about ‘Hope’ - the 2023 school theme. Hang was presented with a book, one of many that had been donated by school families for the residents of Sacred Heart Community.
After mass, celebrations continued at school with cake and a special treat, a ‘Gaga Pit’. For everyone, including us, who didn’t know what that was - it’s a bit like dodge ball, and the children had a ‘ball’.
Honouring our Volunteers.
Our volunteers are vital, vibrant and valued.
At masses on 27/28 May we honoured and celebrated our volunteers.
A Prayer for our Volunteers
Loving God,
We give thanks for the Spirit of care blowing gently
through the hearts of our volunteers,
as they contribute their time, their gifts,
their skills and their friendship
across the vast array of ministries in our Parish.
Through their generous hearts, we are able to
create and maintain a safe and inclusive place of belonging
that welcomes, enables, befriends, and accompanies those in need.
We honour their life-giving service with our
gratitude and respect.
We ask your blessing upon them as they continue
to witness through the compassionate heart of
your Son, Jesus.
Amen.
Confirmation 2023
On Thursday evening 1 June, Bishop Tony Ireland and Fr John Petrulis celebrated Confirmation for 27 of our school and parish children. It was a beautiful service and we give thanks to all involved.
Soup-a-Sweet
Our Dine with Heart fundraiser
On Sunday 28 May, our social committee hosted a wonderful Dine with Heart and Parish fundraiser. There was a lovely atmosphere and people were happy to mingle and perhaps sit with people they did not know, which is the whole point from the social aspect. After a 3 years hiatus because of COVID, people were openly happy about finally being able to come to a community event such as this in the hall. Thank you very much to our organising committee for all their hard work and for all those who made the soups. It was wonderful to have so many people contribute desserts also and their helping hands when needed.
A total of $1150 was raised which is a terrific effort.
Thanks one and all, without you, it would not have been such a successful event!
Honouring our Volunteers.
Our volunteers are vital, vibrant and valued.
At masses on 27/28 May we honoured and celebrated our volunteers.
A Prayer for our Volunteers
Loving God,
We give thanks for the Spirit of care blowing gently
through the hearts of our volunteers,
as they contribute their time, their gifts,
their skills and their friendship
across the vast array of ministries in our Parish.
Through their generous hearts, we are able to
create and maintain a safe and inclusive place of belonging
that welcomes, enables, befriends, and accompanies those in need.
We honour their life-giving service with our
gratitude and respect.
We ask your blessing upon them as they continue
to witness through the compassionate heart of
your Son, Jesus.
Amen.
Literacy Open Morning at St Columba Primary School
On Friday 26 May, St Columba held a Literacy Open Morning. Parents and grandparents joined the children in their classrooms.
Annie, a delightful new student, laughed at knowing more about spelling than her mum.
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend and to the students and staff.
Celebrating Mother's Day at St Columba Primary School
A very special day in our school calendar.
Mothers and special friends were treated to a beautiful breakfast hosted by one of the wonderful school families. We were all then treated to a brilliant assembly filled with beautiful, poignant and funny messages from the children, a beautiful blessing and two wonderful singing / dancing performances, one organised for the Gr 1-6s by our Performing Arts teacher, Steph, who attended on her day off with her gorgeous baby Rosie.
Thank you everyone involved.
A Blessing for our Mothers
May your heart be filled with boundless love and unwavering strength,
As you navigate the beautiful journey of motherhood.
May you find comfort and support in the community of mothers and women around you,
Sharing stories, laughter and tears knowing you are never alone.
May your days be filled with joyous moments and treasured memories,
As you nurture and guide your children, shaping their lives with love and care.
May you find balance amongst the chaos, embracing both
the challenges and triumphs.
And may you always trust in your intuition.
May you find time for self care, honoring the woman within the mother,
Knowing that your wellbeing is the foundation on which
your family thrives.
May you be a source of inspiration and empowerment,
Teaching your children kindness, compassion and the
courage to chase their dreams.
May your resilience shine through in the hard times
And may you be appreciated, celebrated and loved.
Today and always may you be blessed,
For the immeasurable impact you have on the world,
through the love you give.
Amen
Easter Triduum 2023
Holy Thursday at Sacred Heart Church this year was an intimate and solemn celebration of Christ's last supper. It was wonderful that we were able to once again return to the symbolic ritual of the washing of the feet. It is the first time we have been able to practise this beautiful action of service since the pandemic. Lovely that Christine thought to provide individual towels so we could do this in a Covid safe way. The washing of the feet is a very real reminder of Jesus's humanity and his humility before his disciples who he was entrusting with carrying on his ministry well after he was gone. We also returned to our tradition of turning down the lights of the church at the end of mass and lighting candles. We processed down the main aisle following Fr John carrying Jesus's body, symbolically represented in the bread which he placed on the cross. During the singing of Bless the Lord, Ubi Caritas and O Christe Domine Jesu, we brought our candles to the cross and stayed for the watch. This moving reflection is reminiscent of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane.
Indeed, it was a wonderful evocation of the beginning of the Triduum - the major feast days which lead up to the celebration of Easter. As always, I was thankful to be present for the very devotional way in which our parish remembers Jesus's last evening with his disciples.
Antonietta (Toni Vatta)
Holy Thursday
Friendship Fair at St Columba Primary School
On Thursday 6 April, St Columba held their Friendship Fair. It is one of the most popular events of the year. Each class organised or made something to sell to the other students. Think cupcakes, books, lemonade, a lucky dip, fun games or getting your hair sprayed in a bright colour. All of the money raised goes towards Caritas Australia. Congratulations to our wonderful children and the hardworking staff. We wish them all a safe and peaceful Easter and school holidays.
St Columba Primary School Marqt
Every year on the Sunday before the Easter holiday we organise a market & fair especially for children, age 0-12Y.
Last Sunday 2 April, 600 people joined in the fun! The sun was shining and our school community put on a wonderful event.
Activities for the children (young and old) included:
Children's Flea Market, by and for children
The free Easter Egg hunt and special guest, the Easter Bunny
Becky Bubble - she made giant bubbles and taught the children how to make their own.
Congratulations to the organising committee, to all the volunteers and a special thank you to Bendigo Elwood Community Bank who sponsored the Marqt.
Free Easter Egg hunt with special guest, The Easter Bunny
Becky Bubble
Parish Ten Pin Bowling
On Sunday 26th March, twelve of our parishioners headed down to Zone Bowling in Moorabbin for a fun afternoon of ten pin bowling. Whilst we had a few seasoned players (not looking at you, Dom and Lina), some were complete novices and then some of us had only played a handful of times or were a bit on the, shall we say, "rusty" side. Nonetheless, we didn't shame ourselves. In fact all of us improved our scores by the second game. We had a lot of laughs. All in all, it was a very enjoyable afternoon.
This was the first activity of the year organised by the Parish Social Committee. We have more events planned for the year if you were unable to come to bowling and we would love to see you come along. Our next event is on Sunday the 28th May at 12.30pm. It will be our Dine with Heart luncheon . This is our annual fundraiser in support of both The Sacred Heart Mission and our parish. More details to come. In the meantime, please save the date!
Antonietta (Toni) Vatta on behalf of the Parish Social Committee.
Bowling Team 1
Bowling Team 2
Bowling Team 3
Bowling Toni
David bowling
Cathie in action
Harmony Week at St Columba Primary School
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.
It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Harmony Day.
The children celebrated Harmony Day on 21 March 2023 by wearing orange or clothing from their culture. They also bought in food from their different backgrounds and celebrated with delicious morning tea.
Morning tea from around the globe
Special guest, Bishop Tony Ireland
St Columba Church gets a Spring clean in Autumn
Thank you to Mahtab, Lou and our Brazilian Crew, comprising Jeferson, Lucas, Mizela, Cesar and Carla for the three hours they spent giving St Columba Church a deep clean last Saturday. We searched and eliminated dust from the top of the statutes to the skirting boards and everywhere in-between. We sneezed, laughed and sang along to hymns (Brazilians always insist on music!) and by 6.00 p.m. everyone had washed up, ready for Mass. Not content to sit back on his laurels, Jeferson gave the Lenten presentation on what quenches his thirst for faith, in-between playing the piano! Mahtab, Mizela, Carla and Cesar also took on some Mass ministry roles. Rumour has it that after Mass, the Brazilians went on to an ‘after party’, at which a lot of wine was consumed!
Thank you to all who have been speaking at the Masses, we will have a little round up of their presentations when all are done.
Parish Retreat
18 February 2023
How wonderful it was to gather once again as a community for a parish retreat on Saturday 18 February. This is something we have not been able to do since the Covid pandemic hit us with a mighty thud in 2020. Some 26 people from the parish came to St Joseph’s Conference Centre in Port Melbourne to participate and what a heart-warming experience! Fr John welcomed us with his usual warmth and fervour for what was to be a restorative day. He noted that in some ways calling it a “retreat” was a misnomer as really it was a way for us to come together, to share our gifts, our thoughts and our ideas communally rather than in an individual, introspective way. Indeed, that was certainly the spirit of the day. Jane Sims led the Welcome to Country. Sisters Karen and Emily soon had us singing along to “This is the Day” accompanied by their valiant efforts on the guitar. It set the tone for the spirit of thankfulness that we felt for the blessing of being able to share this day. In prayer, we called on the Holy Spirit to renew us, to “help us to relish what is right” and “always rejoice in the Lord’s consolation.”
Excerpt of a Reflection by Antoinetta (Toni) Vatta. You can read the full reflection here.
Listening
Our resident harpist, Katia.
Beginning of School Year Mass 10 February 2023
Our beautiful school community gathered together to celebrate the beginning of the 2023 school year and to warmly welcome the new children and staff who have joined St Columba this year, especially the wonderful new Preps.
The Grade 6 children were presented with their leadership badges and the staff were commissioned with a special prayer.
Entrance procession with representatives of each class.
Fr John welcomes the school community
Grade Six children being presented with leadership roles and badges
Memorial Mass
11 February 2023
Friends of parishioners, Cynthia Joseph and Noreen Dempsey, and former Pastoral Associate Maria George gathered to attend a memorial Mass for them at Sacred Heart Church. The memorial was at the instigation of Cynthia’s mother, Rose who has been a regular visitor to the parish from Malaysia over several years, where many parishioners welcomed and befriended her during those times.
A ‘pot luck’ lunch followed the memorial, and was a chance to share food from around the world and share memories about three amazing women.
Remembering Cynthia, Noreen and Maria
Pot luck lunch
Toni, Jim, Denis and Rose
Gathering for lunch
Celebrating the Profession of Final Vows
Sr Karen Englebretsen cp
On Thursday night, 2 February, members of our Parish were privileged to bear witness to Sr Karen’s Professional of Final Vows.
Karen is a Sister of the Cross and Passion and has become a valued part of our Parish, along with Sr Brigid and Sr Emily.
Sr Therese, the congregation leader from Ireland, was able to be present, along with friends of Karen and parishioners from Endeavour Hills and Holy Cross Templestowe.
The mass and profession was deeply moving and included moving tributes from Karen’s New Zealand family and friends and her USA friends. Karen’s Aunt made and sent a Korowai especially for her. A Korwai is a traditional woven Maori cloak. The name Korowai is symbolic of leadership, and includes the obligation to care for the people and environment.
We invite you to view the beautifully presented booklet made by the Sisters for Karen’s professions (available at the back of church). It includes a copy of the congregations Ecological Stations of the Cross - Listening to the Cry of the Earth and Poor, which was written by Sr Brigid and illustrated by Sr Karen.
Congratulations Karen and thank you to you and your Sisters for all you are and do for our Parish.
Rite of Profession with Sr Karen and Sr Therese
Karen with her Cross and Korowai
Srs Emily, Brigid and Therese renewing their promise
End of School Year for St Columba Primary
The children at our wonderful ‘little school with a big heart’ finished up for 2022 on Friday. We celebrated the year and the Gr 6 graduation at a special mass on Thursday evening.
We also were able to thank and farewell long term staff, Ange Saliba and Julie Watson and a number of long term families.
We encourage you to have a look at the recent St Columba newsletter for a glimpse into some of the amazing events and people at our school.
https://newsletters.naavi.com/i/pN3v0d5/issue-12/page/cover
Wishing our school community and all the teachers and students in our Parish a safe and relaxing holiday break. See you in 2023!
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers
The Parish – Mission team’s sound planning for the Mission’s 40th Anniversary bore good fruit last Sunday with a beautiful liturgy celebrated in prayer, music and good speeches. Guests from the Board; Hostel residents, Mission people, school representative and parishioners came together to pay homage to the four decades of heart, faithful service and care of our most vulnerable people.
Fr John was joined by Fr Terry Kean, Fr Mal Crawford and Fr Barry Moran to celebrate the mass. It was also a time to say thank you and farewell to outgoing CEO Cathy Humphrey and to warmly welcome incoming CEO Hang Vo.
Volunteers packing hampers
Wonderful Vinnies volunteers
Celebrating SHM's 40th Anniversary
The Parish – Mission team’s sound planning for the Mission’s 40th Anniversary bore good fruit last Sunday with a beautiful liturgy celebrated in prayer, music and good speeches. Guests from the Board; Hostel residents, Mission people, school representative and parishioners came together to pay homage to the four decades of heart, faithful service and care of our most vulnerable people.
Fr John was joined by Fr Terry Kean, Fr Mal Crawford and Fr Barry Moran to celebrate the mass. It was also a time to say thank you and farewell to outgoing CEO Cathy Humphrey and to warmly welcome incoming CEO Hang Vo.
Fr John Petrulis, Fr Terry Kean, Fr Mal Crawford, Fr Barry Moran
Chain of hearts
Outgoing CEO, Cathy Humphrey, hadning over the 'heart' baton to incoming CEO Hang Vo
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence - ACRATH Campaign
Join ACRATH, Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans, and the international community for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The United Nations 16 days of activism begins on 25th November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the anniversary of the brutal assassination of Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa Mirabal, three activists in the Dominican Republic in 1960. It ends on 10th December – Human Rights Day, the day on which the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence - ACRATH Campaign
Join ACRATH, Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans, and the international community for 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. The United Nations 16 days of activism begins on 25th November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the anniversary of the brutal assassination of Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa Mirabal, three activists in the Dominican Republic in 1960. It ends on 10th December – Human Rights Day, the day on which the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Remembrance Assembly at St Columba Primary School
Staff and children honoured all those who have served and lost their lives to protect us.
Anti-Poverty Week 2022
Anti-Poverty Week supports the Australian community to have an increased understanding of poverty and to take action collectively to end it. We are a diverse network of individuals and organisations who share this purpose. Since 2002, we have been active each year in the week around the 17th of October, the United Nations Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Our key message is: Poverty exists. Poverty hurts us all. We can all do something about it. It is one of hope, not despair. In 2022, Anti-Poverty Week will be held from the the 16th to 22nd of October.
World Homeless Day: 10 October 2022
The concept of 'World Homeless Day' emerged from online discussions between people working to respond to homelessness from various parts of the world. The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to the needs of people who experience homelessness locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides - to end homelessness through improved policy and funding.
Our Sacred Heart Mission has a range of housing program aimed at addressing homelessness and they can always use our support either as volunteers, as an ally or in a financial capacity. If this interests you, visit their website for more information: www.sacredheartmission.org
Season of Creation
The burning bush is the Symbol for the Season of Creation for 2022 and we have constructed our own in both our churches.
Burning Bush at St Columba
Season of Creation Theme
Burning Bush at Sacred Heart
Social Justice Sunday
28 August 2022
Social Justice Statement 2022–2023:
Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse
Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated on 28 August 2022, and I write regarding the Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement 2022-23, Respect: Confronting violence and abuse, and how you can access it.
Access the Social Justice Statement and accompanying resources here.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
August 4, 2022
'My Dreaming, My Future'
“Every child is born into a story. That story comes from their family's history and ancestral connections. The Dreaming. That child must then shape that story into their own. Through created opportunities, whilst finding their place within family, community, and in society. Their Future.” SNAICC staff member
“My dreaming, my future is circular and endless, interconnected in the hearts and souls of my ancestors. My story and songlines are me, it is ancestors, my country and all that I belong to, and the future of my children and their children until eternity.” SNAICC staff member
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are born into stories of their family, culture, and Country. They carry with them the songlines of their ancestors and culture, passed down by generations. Their Dreaming is part of our history, while their futures are their own to shape.
This Children’s Day, we are asking our children what Dreaming means to them, learning how they interpret this in their lives and identity, and hearing what their aspirations are for the future.
Preparation Masses for Sacrament of Eucharist
16 / 17 July 2022
At masses last weekend, children preparing for First Eucharist placed 'Hearts of Thanks' on the altar and received a blessing from Fr John and the community
Feast of St Columba
9 June 2022
On Friday morning, we celebrated the Feast of St Columba with a special mass. Our school community joined us at 9am Mass and provided a wonderful, joyous celebration of our school namesake. Thank you to everyone involved and to the parishioners and parents who joined us.
Confirmation
9 June 2022
Bishop Tony Ireland celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with 25 Parish children on Thursday night. It was a beautiful celebration. Thank you to Fr John, Christine, Danielle, Conor, Daniella and the children and their families for all their hard work and dedication.
Pentecost Sunday
5 June 2022
This weekend we celebrate Pentecost Sunday - the birth of the church and movement of the Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit does not bring a different teaching, but renders alive the teaching of Jesus, so that the passage of time may neither erase nor diminish it.
ANZAC Day celebration in Elwood
April 25 2022
All Australians owe a debt of gratitude to our service men and women.
Here in Elwood we recognise their contribution in ever growing numbers through the support for commemorative events on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. These events help define the story of what it is to be Australian in our multicultural and diverse community in a way we can all participate in.
Monday 25 April at 9am. Elwood Foreshore (at the Elwood Sailing Club)
Supported by Friends of the Elwood RSL.
Easter Triduum
April 14 - April 16 2022
HOLY THURSDAY 14 APRIL
Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7.00pm St Columba Church
GOOD FRIDAY 15 APRIL
Ecumenical Service, 9.30am Holy Trinity Anglican Church
175 Chapel Street, Balaclava
and
The Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, 3.00pm Sacred Heart Church
EASTER VIGIL 16 APRIL
7.00pm St Columba Church
Please meet at 6.45pm in the Parish House car park for the lighting ceremony
EASTER SUNDAY 17 APRIL
9.00am St Columba Church
11.00am Sacred Heart Church
National Child Protection Week
5 - 11 September 2021
Theme: Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.
To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.
Keeping our Community Safe: Safeguarding Weekend
1 / 2 May 2021
As part of our commitment to safeguarding in our Parish, we will hold our yearly Safeguarding Weekend on Saturday 1 / Sunday 2 May.
One tangible way that we will ask you to show your commitment to supporting all those who are vulnerable in our parish is by signing the Parish Safeguarding Code of Conduct. This was developed by the Archdiocese’s Professional Standards Unit and has been adopted and signed by our Parish Leadership and Development Team.
3rd Anniversary of Fr Ernie Smith's death
28 March 2021
We celebrated the third anniversary of Fr Ernie Smith, the inspiration behind and co-founder of Sacred Heart Mission at 11am Mass on Sunday 28 March.
Please see visit these links for a tribute from Kate Cleaves (Wilson) and the text of a reflection that Vin Corbett gave at mass.
National Carers Week: Recognising Care Given in Love.
11th October 2020
National Carers’ Week runs from Sunday, 11 October to Saturday 17 October.
We offer in thanksgiving the following prayer for the compassion and dedication of all the workers and volunteers from our Sacred Heart Mission, our parish pastoral team and our parish families who in providing care to others bear witness to God’s Spirit of love.
You have granted me life and favour, and your care has preserved my spirit (Job 10:12).
Prayer for Carers
Holy Spirit, pour out your gifts and fruits
on all those who provide care for others.
Grant them time and rest to rejuvenate,
courage and fortitude to face the day to day challenges
and wisdom and trust to know when to ask for help.
Blessed Trinity, inspire and awaken us to be a Church community
that is actively seeking to provide assistance and support to people
who care for our brothers and sisters,
who are witnesses of your gifts to our world. Amen.
[Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 2007]
Staying connected during the Coronavirus epidemic
March 20th 2020
As Masses and other public gatherings get cancelled, social distancing and panic buying happens around our community, many people are living with fear and uncertainty. Some in our community need support more than ever. Here are some resources on how you can access support and information and also how you can offer support and volunteer at this time.
Be the change you want to see in the world
February 7th 2020
This is the theme for our St Columba Primary School for 2020. The children, staff and families celebrated the beginning of the school year with a beautiful mass this morning.
Fr John's homily focused on the Paschal candle a