Catholic Identity
PRAYER
Last Sunday was the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time. The readings at Mass reminded us that true fulfillment comes from building a strong relationship with God and not in the amount of material possessions we have. This message about the importance of our relationship with God will be continued next Sunday. The readings at Mass will emphasise the need for us to be ready to meet God in person. We are encouraged to do this through prayer and acts of service.
The image above titled the ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ was painted by Gerard Van Honthorst in the 1600s. St Luke’s Gospel recalls an angel of the Lord appearing to the shepherds and telling them not to be afraid, there was good news. The Savior, who is Christ the Lord, had been born.
Through the birth of Jesus, a New Covenant has been established with us where our relationship with God is based on grace and faith. With this in mind, families might like to pray together the short prayer below:
Eternal God,
Your love for us is endless
Your compassion inexhaustible
Look kindly upon us
As we submit ourselves
To your Holy Will
Let your mercy be on us always
As we place our trust in you
Amen.
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
Feast of the Assumption
The Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady every year on the 15th August, when according to our faith, Mary the mother of Jesus, was assumed body and soul into heaven. Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. Along with Christmas Day, the Feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation. This means Catholics are ‘obliged’ to attend Mass. St Andrew’s Parish will have Mass in the church at Werribee on this day of Holy Day of Obligation. Please check the Parish Bulletin for full details.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION INFORMATION
The celebration of our 2025 Sacrament of Confirmation will take place later in Term 3. You may wish to mark the date on your family calendar:
Sacrament of Confirmation
Friday 29th August
7:00pm @ St Andrew’s Church Werribee
COMMUNITY MASSES 2025
Our next Community Mass will be here in the St Andrew’s Church on Saturday 23rd August. Our Year 6 students are invited to attend this Mass with their families. During the Mass those students preparing to celebrate their Confirmation will be presented to the Parish and will then distribute cards asking for Prayers. If your child would like to read a Prayer of the Faithful or be part of the Offertory Procession, please contact the school office to let Mrs Milkovic know.
Below is a list of the remaining Community Mass dates for the year, we look forward to seeing many of our families at these celebrations:
Saturday 23rd August
Saturday 25th October
Saturday 22nd November
PARISH TAKE HOME SHEET
To view the parish take home sheet please select the link below: