OUR 2025 PARISH RENEWAL PROGRAM

Link to our Parish Renewal Program brochure: https://www.flipsnack.com/parishfirst/werribee_ebook/full-view.html

REMINDER WEEKEND – SAT 5 & SUN 6 JULY 2025

 THANK YOU for your response to our Parish Commitment Weekend – the final weekend of our Parish Renewal Program. A special THANK YOU to all the parishioners who have already returned their completed pledge commitments and Groups & Ministries responses – either at Mass last week or by return to the Parish Office. Your support is very much appreciated!

If you have not yet done so, additional pledge cards will be available at all Masses this weekend, or you can download the card from the Program brochure and to the Parish Office. Please do so no later than next Wednesday 9 July.

Stephen Littleton, our Program Coordinator, will be following up by SMS, email and phone to confirm intentions from parishioners who have not yet responded – so to minimise that follow-up please ensure you complete and return your commitments this weekend.

Please note that your new pledges will take effect on Sunday 3 August. Confirmation letters, and where appropriate, new sets of envelopes, will be available at all Masses on the weekend of Sunday 27 July.

We thank you once again for your generous response.

“It is not enough to say we are Christians.

We must live the faith,

not only with our words, but with our actions.”



COMMITMENT WEEKEND – SAT 28 & SUN 29 JUNE 2025

Welcome to the final week of our Parish Renewal Program – the Parish Commitment Weekend.

Last week we considered our engagement in parish life. How our involvement in parish ministries is central to building parish community – and central to actively living our faith through service to others. This week we turn our attention to parish finances. 

WE ASK FOR YOUR PLEDGED FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT THE PARISH

What is the current state of our pledged Stewardship income?

·        Stewardship pledges from parishioiners is the major source of parish income and needs a significant increase if we are to meet the priorities outlined in the Program brochure and discussed during the Renewal Program – especially the significant loans for the construction of our new Church of Our Lady of the Southern Cross

·        It can be done – but we need the support of EVERY parish family. Can we count on you?

What does my Stewardship pledge pay for?

·        Supporting our parish mission, pastoral care, and outreach programs

·        The operating costs of the parish – professional parish staff, insurance, utilities etc.

·        The planned update to our beautiful, historic St Andrew’s Church

·        The long-awaited construction of our new Our Lady of the Southern Cross Church

How much should I pledge?

·        Only you can answer this question. But an important reflection is “How do I use my discretionary income?” What is left after paying the essentials of life? How we do is a strong indicator of our priorities in life. We simply ask that your support is a meaningful one in your own individual circumstances

·        We unashamedly ask those with the greatest capacity to contribute the most – with special thanks for those on restricted incomes whose continued support is very much appreciated

How do I pledge?

·        Use the hard copy Commitment card at all Masses this weekend – Sat 28 & Sun 29 June

·        Use the Commitment form from the Program brochure – or download from our website

·        Return your pledge at Mass this weekend – or to the Parish Office by Wed 2 July

THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION

Q: Why do you think it is important to support our parish financially through our Stewardship Program?

“Our parish cannot operate without our strong, regular financial support – to fund our parish mission - our pastoral and outreach initiatives and our professional parish staff. It is especially important at this time as we plan for the construction of our new Church of Our Lady of the Southern Cross, and the much-needed updates to our historic St Andrew’s Church.”

”Our commitment to a regular Stewardship pledge is not an expense or an impost. It is OUR INVESTMENT in our great parish. It is an offering of thanks – and a clear expression that we are committed to the parish – that it means something to us.”

POPE FRANCIS SAID

“The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel.”

ENGAGEMENT WEEKEND – SAT 21 & SUN 22 JUNE 2025 

Welcome to the Engagement Weekend of our Renewal Program! 

This week celebrates our commitment to being a Mission driven parish – helping all celebrate God’s presence and expressing our faith through outreach, service, and justice. We all have a role to play – indeed we have a responsibility to use our gifts and talents for the benefits of others. So please be involved in one of our parish Ministries – either for the first time or in a continuing role. Copies of the Ministries flyer are available here and will be distributed at all Masses. We will hear from our Program Coordinator, Stephen Littleton at all Masses this weekend on the vital role you can play, as well as providing important information ahead of our Commitment Weekend. 

THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION: 

Q: Why is it important to be actively engaged in parish Ministries? 

“It is so important for the mission of our parish! When we engage, our faith becomes stronger, we help others, and we keep our community strong and vibrant. Engagement is faith in action!” 

“To give back for all we have received – and by our example, encourage others to do the same. It is being community!” 

POPE FRANCIS SAID 

“It is not enough to say we are Christians. We must live the faith, not only with our words, but with our actions.” 

LAUNCH OF OUR PARISH RENEWAL PROGRAM | 15 Jun 2025

The weekend of 15 Jun 2025 is the launch of our Parish Renewal Program. Over the next three weeks we will reflect on what it means to be part of our wonderful parish community. As individuals and as a community, we will “review and renew” our role in parish life. You will hear from speakers at Mass, receive weekly updates via email with materials uploaded to our parish website and socials. Let’s all get involved and make it a great celebration!

THOUGHTS FROM OUR PROGRAM LEADERSHIP TEAM

Q: Why is celebrating our faith as a parish community important to you?

“Celebrating as a faith community enables me to become one in heart and mind with others at Mass. We listen to the words of Scripture, celebrate Eucharist and together, renewed and revitalised, go out to live and share our faith.”

“Showing my children how to follow Jesus is important to me – how to come together at Mass as part of our faith community on a regular basis.”

POPE FRANCIS SAID:

“The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel” Evangelii Gaudium 114