Parish Groups

Filipino Mass

Mass in Tagalog is held on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 12 noon.

Play Groups

Play groups are run on week mornings in excellent surroundings in the school. Phone Mrs. Michelle Pietromartire (9436 4858) for information.

Youth

LIFE TEEN (aged 13 to 19) meets for mass at 5 pm and after mass (until 7:30 pm) for the Life night. Visit the parish LIFE TEEN site

Young Adults Group (aged 18 to 35) meets 7:30 pm on the first Tuesday of the month.

YCA (Young Catholic Adults)

Meets fortnightly Mondays (not Tuesdays). Contact Youth Worker.

Parish Cells of Evangelisation

Cells are small groups of people who come once a week for prayer, songs of praise, relection on scripture, prayers of intercession and thanks. Then a cuppa and chat.

Passionist Family Group Movement

Giving support, friendship and caring to families with social events. Contact Alfons & Helen Glatzel 9404
2050

Word of Life Prayer Group

Meets every Thursday in the Chapel. Starts with praise and worship followed by teaching, meditation and healing prayer. Contact Carmel 9436 4224.

Maltese Mass

4th Saturday each month 5.30p.m. in the Church.

Italian social Group

Meets Tuesdays 12.30 pm - 3.00 pm in the parish hall.

The St. Francis Window Explained

This unique window was inspired by the Canticle of Brother Sun, written by St. Francis in 1225. "Praised be Thou, my Lord, with all Thy creatures, especially for Sir Brother Sun."The window is itself a call to praise God, the Lord of creation. In twelve scenes it illustrates Francis' own journey to the glory of his King.

The twelve scenes from the life of St. Francis read from right to left

1. Francis, "King of the Feasts". Francis, born in Assisi in 1182, grew up to enjoy the good life with the young men of Assisi. He earned the name "King of the Feasts" for the way he showed them how to have a good time.
2. The Embrace of The Leper Seals His Conversion. Francis was already rethinking his life when he heard a voice telling him: "What you used to hate shall be to you joy and sweetness". He had hated nothing more than the sight of a leper. His embrace of a leper sealed his conversion from worldliness.
3. "Rebuild My Church". Francis prayed: "Speak Lord your servant is listening". From the crucifix in the crumbling Church of San Damiano, a voice said: "Francis, rebuild my church for it is nearly falling down." With joy Francis gave first his money then his life to rebuilding this and other churches.
4. "I Have One Father In Heaven". In April 1207 Francis stunned Assisi when in front of his father and the bishop, he stripped himself of all his clothes and declared he now had only one Father who was in Heaven. He literally left everything, took up his cross and followed Jesus.
5. "I am the Herald of the Great King". This became his motto and proclamation first to the people of Assisi and then to the world. Those who had first laughed at him became to take the words of this poor little man to heart. Having been converted himself, he toiled to convert others.
6. My Sister Birds. Francis' love of God's creation is famous. He preached to the birds: " My sister birds, you owe God much gratitude and ought everywhere and always praise him". He saw God's presence among his creatures. All creation led him to praise God.
7. The Submission of St. Clare. St. Clare followed the example of Francis and embraced poverty. In the tiny Church of the Portiuncula she exchanged her fine clothes for a rough robe like he wore and wooden sandals. Francis cut off her hair and she promised obedience to him as her superior.
8. Pope Innocent III Blesses Francis. In 1210 Francis went to Rome to obtain the Pope's blessing. Pope Innocent stunned the cardinals: "This is the pious and holy man by whom the Church of God will be restored." He embraced Francis and blessed him: "Go with God and announce salvation for all."
9. A Missionary of Peace to the Moslems. Francis went to Damietta in Egypt in 1220 where the Christian Crusaders were locked in battle with the Moslems. He did not hesitate to make his way to the Moslem Sultan of Egypt to preach his King, Jesus Christ. He won the respect of the Sultan who recognised his peaceful spirit.
10. Francis Dramatises the Christmas Story in a Living Crib. At Greccio in 1223 Francis put together a living Christmas crib with a real baby and living animals. At the Christmas Mass Francis served as deacon, for Francis never was a priest. He preached the most moving sermon on his King, the Child of Bethlehem.
11. Francis Shares the Wounds of Christ. In a moment of intense prayer focusing on the sufferings of Christ an angelic seraphim bearing the wounds of a crucified man was seen by him. After the vision Francis now bore the wounds of his King on his hands, feet and side. He was the first to bear what is known as the stigmata.
12. Francis Embraces "Sister Death". Surrounded by his disciples in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli he proclaimed: "Praise to you, Lord, for our sister death whom none can escape. My soul is at peace. I am prepared to meet her." As he breathed his last on 4th October, 1226, a flock of larks flew over forming a cross. His journey to heavenly glory was complete.

This window is the work of the Melbourne artist Christopher John. His other works in this church are the circular Cross Window high above the altar, the windows in both the Holy Family Shrine, and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The Cross Window responds to the call in the church architectural brief for “ an expression of Christ in glory”. This
window highlights the victory we have in the Cross of Christ.

Family Assistance

Families in need

The Church runs a network of agancies to help those with particular need (e.g. The Catholic Family Welfare Bureau for marriage and family counselling, the St. Vincent de Paul Society for financial assistance). We have an active St. Vincent de Paul group in our parish. We are part of the Inter-Church care group called L.I.N.C (Love in the Name of Christ). For further information, contact the parish house.

Sacraments

Baptism

Spiritual Preparation is to begin as soon as possible, preferably before the baby's birth. Preparation night is held on the 1st Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Church Fellowship area.
Baptisms are celebrated on every Sunday at 12 noon of each month except for the 2nd Sunday due to the monthly Tagalog (Filippino) Mass.
Please ensure you book your child's baptism date first by contacting the Parish Office on 9407 3190.
Once you have attended the Baptism Preparation Programme you are officially confirmed for the date of baptism you have chosen. You are also asked to attend the 10.30 am mass on the 2nd Sunday of the month before your child is to be baptised so you could receive a candle and a stole for your child's baptism.

Marriages

By appointment. Please contact one of the priests at least 3 months in advance.

Sacrament of Reconcilliation

Saturday after 9:15 am Mass until 11 am and after 7:30 pm Mass on Wednesdays.

Parish Programmes

Welcome to Non-Church Goers

Catholics who have been non-church going are invited to join us for worship and participate in Parish life.

Religious Induction for State School Children

Held on Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm during the school term. For information on parish classes, ring the Parish house.

Interested in learning more about the Catholic faith?

Information and group sessions are held regulary for the welcoming of those wishing to become Catholics (call the Parish house for more information). We invite you to consider doing the Alpha programme.

Alpha Programme

Alpha is a ten week introduction or refresher course on the meaning of following Jesus Christ today. Alpha is run in the afternoons and evenings. Call the Parish house for more information.

Primary School

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School

Conducted by the Parish.
Principal: Mr Dane Malone
Telephone: 9407 3100
Web: www.sfmillpark.catholic.edu.au

Prayer

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Every Saturday after 9:15 am Mass concluding with Benediction at 11 am.

Prayer Vigil

Held on the 1st Friday of the Month, commencing with Mass at 7:30 pm. Rosary, Benediction and prayers. This is followd by Mass at midnight.

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Mass is held every Wednesday at 7:30 pm followed by Adoration and Novena prayers.

Blessing of Homes

By appointment. Please contact one of the priests or the Parish Office.

Worship Times

Mass Times

Sat: 6:30pm
Sun: 9:00am, 10:30am, 5:00pm

Weekday Mass

Mon - Sat: 9.15am

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Wed: 7.30pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Wed: After Novena Sat: 9:45-11:00am or by appointment.

Eucharistic Adoration

Wed: 8:00pm, Sat: 9:45-11am concluding with Benediction.

Note: This information is also available on the right of the front page