International Eucharistic Congress 2028 theme announced…![]()
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Pope Leo XIV has chosen “This is My Body, Given for You” as the theme for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Sydney in 2028. Read more at
Theme announced for International Eucharistic Congress 2028 | The Catholic Weekly
catholicweekly.com.au
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP has announced “This is My Body, Given for You” has been chosen by the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV as the theme for the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) to be held...
Dear Friends,![]()
Today, with hearts full of gratitude, we joyfully celebrate the 13th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of our beloved Shepherd, Most Rev. Bishop Paul Bird, CSsR![]()
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We thank God for his faithful service, pastoral care and inspiring leadership in guiding our diocese with wisdom and compassion. May the Lord continue to bless our Bishop Paul abundantly and strengthen him in his mission to lead God’s people with love and faith.![]()
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Let us join together in prayer and thanksgiving for his life and ministry. ![]()
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Western Border Catholic Parish
This World Mission Sunday, let us answer Pope Leo XIV’s call to be missionaries of hope through our prayers and generosity.
Dear parishioners,![]()
St. Mary MacKillop Parish – Western Border warmly invites you to Synodal Parish Assembly on Sunday, 19th October at 12.00 noon at the Chevalier Centre, Monivae College, Hamilton.![]()
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Come, share your voice and be part of our journey of communion, participation and mission.![]()
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Lunch will be provided.![]()
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📞 RSVP by Tuesday, 15th October to the Parish Office – 5571 1611![]()
📧 Email: westernborder@ballarat.catholic.org.au![]()
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Let’s listen, discern, and celebrate our journey of synodality as one parish family! ![]()
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Western Border Catholic
Friends, today our Assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Cay Trinh, is celebrating his Birthday!![]()
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We thank God for the gift of his joyful spirit, kindness and dedicated service to our parish community.![]()
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Fr Cay, your gentle presence and smiling heart bring light and warmth to all of us at Hamilton Parish. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly with good health, peace and happiness in your priestly journey. ![]()
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Let us all remember Fr. Cay in our prayers today, asking God to strengthen and guide him always in his ministry.![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
Happy Birthday, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV! ![]()
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On this blessed day, we give thanks for your spiritual leadership, your endless compassion, and the light you shine on us all. May God grant you continued strength, wisdom, and peace as you guide our Church in faith and love.![]()
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Happy Birthday, Holy Father! ![]()
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Western Border Catholic Parish
Today at the Vatican, Pope Leo XVI will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis, the young witness of faith and love for the Eucharist. ![]()
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Here is a short video sharing the inspiring life story of Carlo, who showed us that holiness is possible even in our own time. May his example encourage us to live our daily lives with joy, simplicity, and love for Christ. ![]()
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#saintcarloacutis #holinessinourtime ![]()
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Western Border Catholic Parish
Antonia Salzano and Andrea Acutis, the parents of Blessed Carlo, stand prayerfully at the tomb of their son as they witness his journey towards sainthood…![]()
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This Sunday, the Catholic Church will officially declare Carlo Acutis a saint: a young man who inspired the world with his deep love for the Eucharist and his example of holiness in everyday life.![]()
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Western Border Catholic Parish
A joyful day of faith and celebration at St Mary’s Church, Hamilton. On Sunday, 31st of August 2025, nineteen of our parish children received their First Holy Communion….the precious Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Congratulations to each of them as they take this beautiful step in their journey with Christ. May God’s love and blessings guide them always. ![]()
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Here are a few moments from that special occasion (photos) which we are delighted to share with you.![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
Friends, this weekend we joyfully congratulate 19 of our parish children as they receive their First Holy Communion at St Mary’s Church. May this sacred milestone strengthen them in faith, hope and love as they continue to grow in Christ’s presence.![]()
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Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. ![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
🙏 Pope’s prayer profile![]()
We #PrayTogether with Pope Leo XIV 🙏 @pontifex![]()
To promote peace![]()
clicktopray.org/pope
Today we rejoice with the whole Church as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary….our Mother, taken body and soul into the glory of Heaven.![]()
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Her life of faith, humility and perfect love leads us closer to her Son, Jesus. May her intercession guide our hearts to live in hope and holiness until we too share in the fullness of God’s promise.![]()
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‘My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.’ (Luke 1:46-47)![]()
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Holy Mass time: 5.30 pm @ St. Mary’s Church - Hamilton![]()
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Western Border Catholic
Understanding the Sacred: A Guide to the Parts of the Catholic Holy Mass![]()
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In this video, we guide you through the different sections of the liturgy, from the Introductory Rites to the Concluding Rites, briefly explaining their purpose, prayers and significance. Whether you are new to the faith, returning after some time away or simply want to deepen your understanding, this guide will help you participate more fully and meaningfully in the Holy Mass.
Good News for the Church!![]()
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The Catholic family around the world continues to grow! According to the latest statistics, the number of Catholics has increased from 1.39 billion to 1.406 billion worldwide. 🙏❤️![]()
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The Church is alive and growing - Thanks be to God!![]()
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Let us continue to pray for unity, faith, and the mission of the Church across every nation.
Today we celebrate the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.... a woman of faith, courage and compassion. Her life reminds us to trust in God’s providence and to serve others with a generous heart. May her example inspire us to ‘never see a need without doing something about it.’ St Mary MacKillop, pray for us!![]()
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#MaryMacKillop #feastday #saintforallaustralians![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
During the Jubilee of Youth Vigil, Pope Leo XIV answered questions from young people in Spanish, English, and Italian on topics such as friendship, courage, and spirituality. ![]()
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Will from the US asked: ‘How can we truly encounter Jesus and be sure of His presence, even in trials and uncertainties?’ ![]()
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Watch the Holy Father’s heartfelt response. ![]()
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#JubileeOfYouth #encounterJesus![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
From Rome to our hearts... The Jubilee of Youth 2025 brought together over a million young Catholics from 146 countries, united in faith, joy and hope for peace. Pope Leo XIV urged us: "Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less." May we carry this fire of faith into our daily lives...![]()
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#JubileeOfYouth ![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
Service to the Tribals: Love in Action![]()
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Through your generous donations, our mission continues to reach the most remote corners of the forest where our tribal brothers and sisters live. ![]()
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Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Mr. Sethu and David, who courageously serve among the tribals, much needed support, car and hope are reaching those who need it most. ![]()
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A special thanks to Sr. Stella for her continued commitment and for sharing these powerful images of compassion at work. ![]()
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May God bless every hand that gives and every heart that serves.![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
Winter is here.....and so is the chance to give hope!![]()
Join us next weekend, Sat 26 & Sun 27 July, for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal 2025 ![]()
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- After all Masses at St. Mary MacKillop Parish – Hamilton![]()
- Leaving collection at the doors![]()
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Every small act of kindness brings warmth to someone in need.![]()
Give what you can — every little bit helps 😊![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish ![]()
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#vinnieswinterappeal #givehope #catholiccommunity #dogood
Today is the birthday of our diocesan shepherd, Bishop Paul Bird. Join us in extending heartfelt wishes of joy, blessings, and peace to him...
Bishop Paul's Visit to Rome – Jubilee of Hope 2025![]()
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In the final week of June, Bishop Paul Bird CSsR travelled to Rome for a special gathering of Redemptorist bishops from across the world, celebrating the Holy Year of Jubilee for Bishops. Joining bishops from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Canada, Zimbabwe and more, Bishop Paul represented Australia alongside Cardinal Mykola Bychok.![]()
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The week included visits to sacred places connected to St Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorists, including his tomb in Pagani and the site of his episcopal ordination in Rome. A highlight was the Jubilee Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, where bishops entered through the Holy Door and later received a personal message of peace and encouragement from Pope Leo. Bishop Paul was struck by the Pope’s gentle presence and recalled that both their mottos echo Jesus’ words: “Peace be with you.”![]()
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Bishop Paul also joined a beautiful evening procession honouring Our Lady of Perpetual Help, walking through the Roman streets with music and prayer. At key moments in his journey, he offered heartfelt prayers for all the people, families, and communities of the Diocese of Ballarat.![]()
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May this Jubilee of Hope continue to bring peace and renewal to us all.![]()
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This reflection is based on Bishop Paul's article published on the Diocese of Ballarat website. For the full article, visit: www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/bishop-paul-visits-rome/![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
Today’s altar server training was a joyful and faith-filled experience for our young children. The session was led by Seminarian Channa Thilakarathna, with the kind support of Retired Lawyer Mr. Bryan Roberts, who served as our Safeguarding Observer.![]()
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A heartfelt thank you to all the children who participated with great enthusiasm and dedication. It was beautiful to see their willingness to serve at the altar and grow in their love for the Church.![]()
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We look forward to holding another session soon for those who were unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances. ![]()
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Media Unit: Western Border Catholic Parish
Parish eBulletin - 06-07-25 - mailchi.mp/70f706b6b569/parish-ebulletin-06-07-25
Parish eBulletin - 29/06/25 - mailchi.mp/a0de0e9235c9/parish-ebulletin-290625
We warmly invite all children who are interested in becoming Altar servers to join the upcoming Altar Server Training Session on Saturday, 12th July 2025 at 10.30 AM at St Mary’s Church, Hamilton.![]()
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If your child is interested, please speak to Seminarian Channa Tilakarathna after Mass and provide your name to help us prepare accordingly.![]()
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Let us encourage our young ones to serve joyfully at the altar..![]()
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Western Border Catholic Parish
