Synod of Sydney 2026

Seeking participants for the regional consultation for the Synod of Sydney 2026. His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher is encouraging participants from parishes throughout Sydney to register for a Regional Consultation in preparation for the Sydney of Sydney next year.

The next consultation will be held at St Mary's Cathedral on Tuesday 14th October from 6-9pm. Registration can be done online at trybooking.com/davze . I encourage parishoners to participate in this event. Any queries may be directed to Father John at the parish office admin@stmarthas.org.au .

First Holy Communion

May God bless the children coming forward this Sunday to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. On this special day, we congratulate you on taking this big step in your faith journey and we hope that you experience the joy of God's presence in your lives always.

Thank you to Linda Praum, our Sacramental Coordinator and her team of helpers for preparing the children. A variety of First Holy Communion gifts are available from the Church Piety Stall.

2026 God's Word Daily Reflections Bible Diaries

Pre-orders are now being taken. Limited stock will be available so reserve your copy now. These Bible Diaries are designed to help you keep the Word of God close to your heart in your daily life. A companion on the journey to pray, share, grow in God's love and be nourished by the Word of God make these an ideal Christmas gift. Please write your name and contact details on a payment envelope in the Church foyer. $20 each (RRP $21.95). Cash payments only.

In This Jubilee Year of Hope

Come and hear a word of Hope. You are invited to a series of talks to help reawaken Faith and Hope.

“…a hope which will not let us down, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (RM 5:5)

“…reawaken in us, pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of Heaven.” (Jubilee Prayer)

Sundays and Thursdays at 7.00pm in the Parish hall (the old Church). Child minding provided. Enquiries: Domenico 0419 536 536.

Dominican Sisters Meditation Group

Parishioners are invited to come to the Meditation Group in the Dominican Convent off Jersey Road Strathfield (behind Santa Sabina College). The group meets on Tuesday mornings at 10. 30am for half an hour. All are welcome. Please contact Sr Philomena on 9744 9560.

Marriage Week

Build healthy communication with one another. Communication is a foundational part of life, whether in relationships, business or play.

There are many forms or parts to communication:

· The word spoken or written

· Listening or reading

· Understanding

· Body language, including eye contact and touch

· And on occasions patience and keeping silent

Holy scripture is sufficient for us to lead lives that glorify God, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

and see also Psalms 9:7-14. Scripture is our rock where we can ﬁnd inspiration, hope, and faith at any stage of life, in good times and bad. Remembering “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40

Within scripture there are many verses relating to how we should communicate to others in our lives – marriages, families, other relationships whether work or friends. Within marriage these verses show the way for healthy, open hearted communication between husband and wife. We are shown the power of words with God speaking out creation and then in Proverbs 18:21.

For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12 (NLT)

Season of Creation ~ Laudato Si’ 2025

1st September – 4th October

THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION

Welcome to this year’s Season of Creation where communities come together for this special season of ecumenical solidarity. Each year from September 1 to October 4, the Christian family unites for this worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our common home. It is a special season where we celebrate God as Creator and acknowledge Creation as the divine continuing act that summons us as collaborators to love and care for the gift of all that is created. As followers of Christ from around the globe, we share a common call to care for creation. We are co-creatures and part of all that God has made. Our well-being is interwoven with the well-being of the Earth. We rejoice in this opportunity to safeguard our common home and all beings who share it. This year, the theme for the season is “Peace with Creation”. Let us join in praise and celebrate the gifts and wonders that God bestows on us. Resources are available in the Church Foyer.

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. 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/

Cookie's Life

Cookie - St Martha's Wellbeing Dog