Welcome to St Michael's Parish.
Here you will find details about the Parish by using the menu along the top of the page - our Churches, Mass times, services and ministries, history and contacts.
Click here to download the latest parish bulletins.
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You can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To find out what is happening in St Michael's Parish make sure you check out our events page.
You might also like to visit the Diocese of Wollongong Website.
The Parish Pastoral Council is developing a new website for our Parish, which will make it easier to connect with us.
THIS WEEK
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time A, Year A
"Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will."
Feastdays:
Tuesday 21st January 2020 - St Agnes
Friday 24th January 2020 - St Francis de Sales
Saturday 25th January 2020 - Conversion of St Paul
On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in the Sistine Chapel, and baptised 32 children.
In his homily, immediately before the Baptism ceremony, Pope Francis said: "Baptizing a child is an act of justice because in Baptism we give him or her a treasure, we give them a pledge: the Holy Spirit". He said it is important to baptize children, "so that they grow up with the power of the Holy Spirit"
Peace and God Bless
As we enter this New Year we all share the anxiety, and sorrow of the region, the State, and the Nation at the massive destruction caused by the bushfires. The loss of life is especially heart-breaking; also the agonising loss of stock, homes and property. We continue to hold all affected in our prayers and Masses. The parish will be happy to support and promote recommended appeals for victims of the disaster as we receive greater clarity on appropriate action in the days and weeks ahead.
As an expression of appreciation and gratitude, for the support and generosity of so many parishioners throughout the past year, and especially at Christmas time, a Triduum of Masses have been offered for your intentions and needs.
Bushfire and the Aftermath:
CatholicCare Wollongong is working in collaboration with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s nationwide response and strategy to the bushfire crisis. We are also part of the DOW interagency alliance with Bishop Brian’s office and CEO of W’Gong to assist bushfire-affected communities in our diocese through our parishes and schools."
To talk to a CatholicCare trauma counsellor over the phone or book a face-to-face meeting, phone 4254 9395 (lines are open Mon - Fri ; 9am – 5pm) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parishes across the country will take up a special collection at Masses on the Australia Day weekend, (next weekend January 25th-26th) with all funds to be donated to Vinnies’ bushfire appeal.
You can access the Bishops’ Statement and resources on: https://catholic.org.au/bushfires.
Some extracts from the Letter by the Australian Bishops: Catholic Church plans national response to bushfire crisis.
"……The bishops are aware of the huge amount being done around the nation, led by governments and first responders. Many local faith communities, including Catholic parishes and organisations, and inter-religious coalitions, are also making a big contribution. While the bishops typically respond to challenges at a parish or diocesan level, the scale of this crisis requires a national response from the whole Church to complement and coordinate what is happening locally……
Our experts on the ground – from agencies like St Vincent De Paul, and CatholicCare, in parishes and other Catholic communities, including Catholic hospitals and aged care providers – know this will be a long-term process to help people and whole towns rebuild. With broad and deep roots across the nation, the Church stands ready to walk alongside people throughout their journey of recovery.
You can access the Bishops’ Statement and resources on: https://catholic.org.au/bushfires
A pilgrimage of prayer supported by Catholic Missions.
The relics of St Thérèse of Lisieux, one of the most popular saints of modern times, will visit Australia next year on a four-month pilgrimage with those of her parents, saints Louis and Zelie Martin who were canonised in 2009. Within the itinerary for the Wollongong Diocese, we are delighted that according to the suggested timetable, St Michael’s will be included for the afternoon of Monday March 23rd. In the words of Fr Brian Lucas (Cath. Missions) : " the togetherness of the family is an important feature of the pilgrimage. I think the connection between the relics of St Thérèse and [those] of her parents gives us an opportunity to consider the importance of relationships and family life."
People with Coeliac are advised there is a suitable Communion Host available for them in our churches. The host is placed in a pyx on the altar for consecration and is kept separate from regular hosts in the ciborium at the time of distribution. All you need to do is tell Father before Mass and he will see that your host is available for you to receive. If you would like more information, please contact Patricia Bourke 0433 509 636.
Prayer for rain
Eternal God,
In wisdom and love you created our earth to sustain us and give us life.
We turn to you now in faith, hope and love, asking you to look with favour on our drought-stricken land,
on our starving animals, on our failing crops.
Strengthen, sustain and give new heart to our farmers and to all who are affected by drought; be with
those who support them.
In your loving providence, send abundant rain and restore our parched earth.
Father of all compassion, hear our prayer through Jesus Christ your Son, in whom the promise of new
life has dawned, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord the giver of life: Renew your
faithful people; Renew the face of the earth.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Mary, help of Christians – Pray for us.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – Pray for us.
Click here to download the Parish Pastoral Newsletter
Click here to download the PlannedGivingDirectDebitForm
Samaritan Group Reminder - The Nowra community offers emergency meals to people in times of special need. Let us know if you are aware of someone who might need this short-term care. New volunteers also welcome. Sue or Bev 44212260 or Bernadette 0402136691.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church - call for choir members. If you have an interest in singing and would like to assist at the 9.30am Mass on Sundays, please have a word after Mass or ring Deirdre on 44437825.