THE PARISH OF BAULKHAM HILLS

St Michael'S Church

Our Lady of Lourdes

MASS LINK ON YOUTUBE
MASS LINK ON FACEBOOK

Restoration of the Old St. Michael’s Church
& Reconsecration to the Chapel of Our Lady of Ephesus
Learn More & Support

CURRENT BULLETIN
Update of Old Church Restoration
Everyday prayer

  God offers Salvation to All

The first reading of this Sunday includes Isaiah 56:1 and 6-7 offering a powerful prophetic call to justice, radical inclusion, and faithfulness, reminding the community that God’s salvation is near and that His house of worship is open to all people, transcending ethnic or social boundaries. The Second Vatican Council taught that salvation through Christ remains possible for non-Catholics and non-Christians who seek God with a sincere heart and follow their conscience through no fault of their own, while maintaining that the Catholic Church is still uniquely tied to the fullness of God’s plan. The Council’s Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions (also called Nostra Aetate) acknowledges rays of truth and goodness in other world religions, rejecting nothing that is true and holy in them. Pope Leo XIV sees the dialogue with other religions as an essential “way of life” and a sacred journey of the heart rooted in mutual respect, human dignity, and shared conviction. Interreligious dialogue actively rejects violence, discrimination, and persecution while affirming the equal dignity of every person.

To promote peaceful coexistence and respectful dialogue amongst religions, our parish is pleased to host the Noah’s Pudding event on Sunday, 30th August 2026 after the 10am Mass at St. Michael’s. Noah’s Pudding is associated with Affinity Intercultural Foundation (AIF), a non-profit and non-government Muslim organisation with a mission to build and sustain enduring friendships and cultural exchanges between people of all backgrounds through quality dialogue, sincerity and service. After the Mass, a morning tea will be offered by AIF. This is a good opportunity to meeting and to chatting with other cultures and religions.

This Sunday, the Indonesian community is celebrating their Independence Day (Hari Kemerdekaan or Tujuhbelasan) on August 17th. It marks the historic day in 1945 when Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesia’s freedom after centuries of colonial rule. We congratulate our Indonesian parishioners on this historic day. To mark this important day, the Indonesian community invites us to embark on a savory journey with succulent, charcoal-grilled chicken satay cooked on site. Tender marinated meat meets rich, smoky peanut (please be mindful of the peanut if you have allergy) sauce and sweet soy glaze. Additional to the chicken skewers, various delicious sweets can also be purchased on the day. The lunch box costs 10 AUD. All proceeds go to support the renovation of the old historic church. We thank our Indonesian parishioners for their generosity and faith.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend

Fr Joe

Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

Online Registration starts 15 August and ends 29 August

Eligibility:  Children who have received the Sacrament of Penance and must be 8 years & 6 months old before the celebration.

Catechists for Children liturgy on Sunday needed

Do you love working with children and sharing your faith? Our parish family needs your unique gifts to help our youngest members grow closer to God.It is a beautiful way to help children realize that God’s Word is alive, exciting, and meant just for them.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and big-hearted volunteers to join our Children’s Liturgy of the Word team as catechists and assistants.

Please contact the Parish office for more details

We would like to thank the below parishioners for their kind donations .
Pauline Corea $1000 for the Gala Dinner Dance
David and Christine Ison for their generous donation $3000 to the restoration of the Old Church.
W & K for their generous donation of $2500 to the restoration of the Old Church

Launch of Fr Joe’s new book

Download PDF Ad

In his first address after his election as successor of Saint Peter on May 8, 2025, Pope Leo XIV proudly declared that he was a son of Augustine. As such, he strongly draws on the spirituality of the Augustinian order’s founder, Augustine of Hippo. Not only does his papal coat of arms bear the symbols of the Augustinian order, but in his first address from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo XIV quoted Augustine: “With you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.”

The Augustinian Order values ​​community life which can only succeed if the tension between individuality and unity is resolved through mutual listening in loving humility. Therefore, the threefold values ​​of listening, humility, and unity characterize the Rule of Saint Augustine. These would also define the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.

Father Joseph Lam’s book explores these threefold values ​​in the works of Augustine. Thus, he helps us to better understand the spirituality of Pope Leo XIV.

The book will be published in March 2026. The price is: 35 AUD

For pre-order, please email: admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au

Father Joseph Lam is a former Professor at the Pontifical Patristic Institute AUGUSTINIANUM in Rome and at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) in Sydney. He specializes in Augustine of Hippo, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), and systematic theology.


Question

I am confused about the difference between the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and “last rites.”

When the sick comes toward the end, what rites should I ask our pastor for — and when?

Context

 Before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, Anointing of the Sick and the “Last Rites” were often done together.

The reforms after Vatican II went to great lengths to separate the rites associated with sickness and death and to distinguish the

anointing of the sick from the rites to be used at the time of death.

This sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is no longer seen as the primary rite associated with dying, but a dying person should be anointed if he or she has not been anointed earlier.

The rites properly described as “Last Rites” today are the celebration of Viaticum, the Commendation of the Dying and the Prayers for the Dead. The Anointing of the Sick is part of the Last Rites, which generally refers to the combination of Confession, Anointing of the Sick, and the reception of the Holy Eucharist (Viaticum).

Anointing of the Sick: any time during a person’s illness (e.g. before surgery or treatment or when a person is facing a serious illness or old age)

When someone is close to death (and has been anointed already), they should receive holy Communion for the last time (though this may be repeated if the person lingers in illness).

Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass: 27 October  

The annual Diocese of Parramatta Wedding Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday 27 October at 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Bishop Vincent will celebrate Solemn Mass, followed by a light lunch at the Cathedral Hall. All couples celebrating a significant wedding anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Vincent. Please register your name, years of marriage and numbers attending by visiting parracatholic.org/weddingmass or phone 0488 000 211 by 20 October. Family and friends are welcome.

MASS LINK

This week’s live stream Mass link for the 20th Sunday in ordinary Time on 15 August 2026, at 6pm from OLOL – https://youtube.com/live/3DXa8QRzGrE

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THE DECEASED

Please also remember those for whom prayers have been requested, especially for:

Recently deceased:

  • Michael McMillan,
  • Guiliana Molina
  • Sister Rosemary Crumlin RSM,
  • Bruce McLeay

Anniversaries:

  • Stanley Crasto,
  • Devassy Pallippatt ,
  • Evelyn Julia Fernandes,
  • Moss Tanous,
  • Helen Rose,
  • Jesus Viana,
  • Michael McKenna,
  • Joan Evelyn Wright,
  • Paul Boguradzki

Sick: Anna Rajik, Jack Merhi, Franco family, Christine Booth, Darrell Marescia, Hugo Ansted, Margaret Murray, Antoinette Draybi, Adam Tanous, Archie Figueira, Coral Hall, Francis O’Rourke, Gerry Dunne, Manel Perera, Jacinta Hollins, Lynne Harris, Andrew Wenham, Mila Ranoso, May Yap, Benett Perera, Sumithira Joseph, Mary Leong, Bill Rowan, Debra Price, Tony Biddle, Connie Rivas, Arlo Langton, Marie Bolton, Baby Carter McGhie, Joey & Noah, Harry & Pam Williams, Bridgette & Gabriella Boldt, and all who are ill.

Visit parishshare.com.au to Post & Find Services in your parish

SUPPORT DONATIONS

We really appreciate your continued support.  To assist with the proper recording for the second collection, please include your envelope number if you have one.

For EFT to the First Collection – supporting the Priests of Parramatta  Diocese

  • BSB 067 950
  • Account No 000004265
  • Account Name Diocesan Clergy
  • Reference 6001 your name

For EFT to the Second (envelope and loose) Collection – for support of the Parish of Baulkham Hills
to pay for staff wages, insurances, utilities, maintenance and upgrades of buildings and offices..

  • BSB 067 950
  • Account No 000000214
  • Account Name St Michael’s Baulkham Hills
  • Reference Envelope Number or Your Name

For EFT to the St Michael’s Special Account

If you wish to pay by credit card, please use this link https://www.bpoint.com.au/pay/stmichaelsparishbaulkhamhills

PAY BY CREDIT CARD
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