ST AGATHA'S PARISH

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November

For anyone who has lost a child

We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

Religious Education Classes 

 Wednesday during school terms, during school terms 4pm to 5pm in the Parish hall.  

Do you have children who attend
Government Schools Grades Prep-6 ?

Enrolments online please follow the link on the home page drop down menu.

If you have any questions please contact the parish office on 5996 1985. 

FAQS - 

Adoration Chapel: Please sign the Visitors Register as a Diocesan Policy

• Masses will continue to be livestreamed Monday to Saturday at 9.30am and Sunday at 9.00am

How can I continue to make my offering to the Church Stewardship & Presbytery collections?

For those who would like to continue their contributions to St Agatha's Parish or to make a donation, you can do so by Electronic Funds Transfer or Credit Card or we can set up a Direct Debit from your account  To download the form NAB Direct Debit & Credit Card Authority

Our banking details are:

FIRST COLLECTION OR DONATIONS

For Donations, Stewardship Giving please credit the

Church Account:
Account Name: St Agathas Parish
BSB: 083-879 Account No: 489181088
So we can identify your deposit please use one of the following references:

For Donations: Surname Donation
For Stewardship: Stewardship number and name i.e. Smith PG 723
Loose Collection: B Smith Church Coll

MASS OFFERINGS

Account Name: St Agathas Parish Mass Offerings

BSB: 083347  Account No: 259437826

Mass Offerings: Name of Offering & date of Mass i.e. Henry 4 May

(Mass Offerings can be booked by contacting the Parish Office at least one week prior)

SECOND COLLECTION

For donations to the Second Collection, which supports the Priests & Presbytery please credit the

Presbytery Account
Account Name: St Agathas Presbytery
BSB: 083-879 Account No: 367718393
Please put the following reference on your transfer - Surname Pres Coll

FOR INTERNATIONAL BANKING

BANK:  National Australia Bank

BANK ADDRESS:  245 Raymond Street, SALE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

SWIFT CODE:  NATAAU3303M

BSB (BANK, STATE, BRANCH):  083-879

ACCOUNT NUMBER:  48918 1088

BENEFICIARY NAME:  St Agatha’s Parish-Cranbourne

BENEFICIARY ADDRESS:  131 Sladen Street,

                                            CRANBOURNE, VICTORIA, 3977

                                            AUSTRALIA

We thank you in advance for supporting our parish community

Can I still offer a Mass? 

Masses can be offered for my intention or my loved ones.
At your request, a Mass can be offered for your intention. This can only be arranged by telephoning the parish office on 5996 1985 on Monday 1.00pm to 3.00pm or Tuesday to Friday between 8.30am – 3.00pm. Only Two Mass offerings taken per Mass, where possible we request you book at least one week in advance.
Please phone the parish office to book your Mass intention before paying with CDFpay online, Thank you.  

What is an Act of Spiritual Communion and how do I make one?

Catholics have long been encouraged to partake in the practice of “spiritual communion” when extraordinary situation or distance make it almost impossible to physically receive the Holy Communion, (for instance – being homebound). Simply put, it is coming before the Lord in prayer – expressing our deep desire to be united to Him despite the fact that we are unable to be united to Him in receiving the Eucharist. In making an Act of Spiritual Communion we ask the Lord to give us the graces that would come to us if we were able to receive Him sacramentally (Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity). Reciting the prayer written by St. Alphonsus Liguori below is simple and common way of making an Act of Spiritual Communion.

How do I prepare for Spiritual Communion?

It is a matter of consciousness, preparation and an interior disposition.
The heart of a Spiritual Communion is to rest there in that special moment of desire and openness, reception and gratitude. It is a moment to be with Jesus, as he is with me. There is no need for words in that moment. A soul says "Amen" at peace. Our hearts express their gratitude in quiet but deep emotion.
In this time of crisis, Jesus longs to be in communion with us as we are longing to be in communion with him.

The way we prepare to receive Spiritual Communion with Jesus is very similar to the way we prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. In times, we might participate in a Mass on TV or on line.
If we can't do any of those, we might want to read the readings of the day.
If we are unable to do either of those, we might just prepare ourselves in the ways we'd prepare for Communion at Mass. It begins with an act of contrition or sorrow for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment (a change of heart and resolve to not continue that behavior or habit). It then moves to a desire, which we can put into words, telling our Lord how much we desire to receive him into our heart. We can tell him about our need for him at this time and of our gratitide for his desire to be with us. Finally, we can simply say what we say at Mass, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed."

An Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Anointing (or Last Rites)

Yes, a priest will come to anoint the seriously ill in an emergency and dying.

Baptism Preparation Program

1st Sunday of the Month from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. Bookings through our Parish Website

Baptisms

Baptisms will be celebrated on Sunday at 12.30pm 

Bookings of up to seven families per session. The Parish offers live streaming for Baptisms if you would like to know more information please contact the parish office. 

First Reconciliation 2024

Parent Information & Workshop sessions Wednesday 7th February 7.00pm & Wednesday 15th February 7.00pm St Agatha's Church Parent/Child workshop Wednesday 6th  March at 5.00pm & 7.00pm or Thursday 7th March at 7.00pm.  [Parents need only attend one session]  Ceremonies Wednesday 13th & 14th March at 5.00pm & 7.00pm.

First Communion 2024

Parent Information & Workshop sessions Wednesday 17th July 7.00pm & Wednesday 24th July 7.00pm St Agatha's Church.  Parent/Child workshop Wednesday 7th August at 5.00pm & 7.00pm or Thursday 8th August at 7.00pm.  [Parents need only attend one session] First Communion Ceremonies Sunday 8th & 15th September at 2.00pm.

Confirmation Ceremonies 2024 

Parent Information & Workshop sessions Wednesday 24th April 7.00pm & Wednesday 1st May 7.00pm St Agatha's Church.  Parent/Child workshop Wednesday 8th May at 5.00pm & 7.00pm or Thursday 9th May at 7.00pm.  [Parents need only attend one session] Confirmation Ceremony Sunday 18th August 2024 St Agatha's Church.

Confession/Reconciliation

Friday & Saturday after the 9.30am Mass. 

Can I go to Confession over the phone?

It is not possible to go to confession over the phone. Real presence is necessary in person, either face to face or in a screened booth. Privacy is of key importance to the sacrament of reconciliation to preserve the seal of confession – electronic communications lack this level of privacy.

Can I get Holy Water? - 

Holy Water is available from the Church foyer.

Can I receive a Birthday blessing? 

Birthday blessing are available, during Mass or after Mass. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Office 03 5996 1985.
All contributions will be greatly appreciated and will help meet the needs of our Parish.

We will try to continually update this page with questions and answers as they arise.
Thank you.

The Diocese is committed to a policy of zero tolerance to all forms of abuse, and will deal with all reports fairly and appropriately.

What if I see something  pdf Click Here for Reporting Abuse Process (447 KB)

If you wish to speak to someone: 

Parish Priest or Child Safety Officers: John Kelly 03 5996 1985.

Diocesan Professional Standards Officer: 03 5614 5140.

If a person is in immediate danger of physical or sexual abuse: Call 000.

Diocese of Sale Safeguarding Policy   

Victorian 11 Safeguarding Standards

pdf VICTORIAN SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS (863 KB)

The principles aim to provide guidance as to behaviours and practices that are beyond reproach between young people and adults. 

The Code of Conduct is divided into three key areas:

The principles set out in this Code of Conduct are intended to support and underpin the pastoral care role of Parish Priests, religious brothers and sisters, pastoral associates, pastoral workers, employees, contractors, and the invaluable contribution of parishioners and other volunteers.

The principles aim to address perceptions of risk in interactions between children and adults and to provide guidance as to behaviours and practices that are beyond reproach. They are not intended to unnecessarily restrict the work of clergy, religious and lay people but to promote a transparent environment in which the dignity and safety of children is paramount.

To read or download the full Code of Conduct:  pdf Click Here (284 KB)

Creating a positive environment

The protection and promotion of children’s wellbeing is a shared responsibility of all adults. Adults who are involved in children’s activities within the Catholic Diocese of Sale or a Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Sale are responsible for creating a harmonious, safe and nurturing environment. Children must be included in the process. Children should be seen and heard. They should ‘feel’ safe as well as ‘be’ safe.

Complete the form below: 

 COMMITMENT STATEMENT

The Gospel of Christ invites us to cherish and affirm each person as a gift from God.

In keeping with this we in St. Agatha’s Parish undertake to do all in our power to create a caring, nurturing and safe environment for all, where the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is paramount. This is a central and fundamental responsibility of our parish and inherent in the teaching and mission of Jesus Christ, with love, justice and the sanctity of each human person at the heart of the Gospel.

At St. Agatha’s Parish we ensure a commitment to zero tolerance to all forms of abuse of a child or adult, and all allegations and safety concerns of any person will be treated very seriously. For this reason, we have developed the ‘Care Protection and Safety of Children and Adults at Risk’ policy and ‘Code of Conduct’ to outline the systems and mechanisms for raising awareness, preventing, reporting and responding to safety issues related to children and adults at risk in our parish so that we are a parish where all are not only safe, but feel safe.

YOUTH

We are blessed at St Agatha's parish to be filled with young members in our community. Children, teenagers and young adults are an integral part of our Parish and we warmly welcome their participation. 

The main goal of youth ministry is to help young people grow spiritually. This is done through activities like Bible studies and prayer sessions, which provide a strong foundation in faith. These activities help young people explore and deepen their relationship with their faith and helping them grow in their spiritual understanding.  

YOUTH GROUPS:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Invigorate Junior [Age 12-14], Invictus [18+] are the youth groups in our Parish. The youth groups provide and opportunity for young people to grow in their faith, whilst being surrounded by other like-minded people and having fun at the same time.

We cover different topics about the faith and unpack these topics through activities, games, testimonies and more!

Invigorate Junior [Age 12+]  meet on the 3rd Sunday of the month 12noon to 2.30pm after 10.45am Youth Mass.

Invictus [18+]  meet on the 1st Sunday of the month 12noon to 2.00pm after 10.45am Youth Mass.

If you would like to know more please contact Parish Office on 5996 1985.