Parish of Baulkham Hills
St Michael’s and Our Lady of Lourdes
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul – 30th June 2025
Baulkham Hills parish is committed to being a community of safeguarding with zero-tolerance to abuse of any form.
For details on safeguarding, please visit the diocesan safeguarding website: https://parracatholic.org/safeguarding
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Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The devotion to the Sacred Heart seems to have fallen out of fashion today. In the age of privacy protection, no one will want to reveal what constitutes her/his innermost self. One would do anything to protect one’s private sphere and information.
It is different with God. He wants to reveal himself. He wants to keep nothing to himself.
Very early on, the Heart of Jesus was interpreted as a symbol of his humanity and as an expression of his special love for people. In the Gospel of John, it is said that after the crucifixion of Jesus, a soldier pierced his side with a spear “and immediately blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34). During the early Church period, various authors interpreted saw in this Johannine passage a close connection between Christ and the Church: They interpreted Christ’s open side as the door of salvation, from which the sacraments flow for the Church; they understood the blood as a symbol of the Eucharist, and the water as a sign of baptism. In the Middle Ages, devotion to the Sacred Heart became increasingly popular: especially in mystical movements, there was widespread invocation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On May 25, 1899, Pope Leo XIII published the encyclical “Annum sacrum,” in which he announced his intention to consecrate the whole world to the Heart of Jesus. The intended consecration of humanity was finally accomplished in the Holy Year 1900. And Pope Francis wrote in his homily for the Feast of the Sacred Heart: “The meaning of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which we celebrate today, is to discover ever more deeply the humble fidelity and goodness of Christ’s love, a revelation of the Father’s mercy, and to allow ourselves to be drawn into it.”
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is often associated with peace, as it symbolizes the love and mercy of Christ, considered a source of inner and outer peace. The pierced Heart of Jesus evokes Christ’s devotion and sacrifice, which can lead to a sense of redemption and peace. In the Bible, peace is described as a gift from God and a state of the heart that transcends the understanding of the world.
The pierced heart of Jesus encourages us to reflect on our own behavior toward our fellow human beings. Is our life permeated by love? Can we treat others lovingly, or do prejudices and resentments prevent such behavior? On the Feast of the Sacred Heart, we may also bring failed love before God, entrusting to him where love has remained unfulfilled.
But no one can live this love without going through the school of the Heart of Jesus. Only by contemplating Christ’s heart will we succeed in freeing our hearts from hatred and indifference, and only then will we respond in a Christian way to the suffering and pain of others.
Let us pray that the Heart of Jesus also brings peace to all those who are affected by hatred, violence and war.
Have a wonderful weekend Fr Joe
Replacing of the Carpet at St Michael’s
The current carpet at St Michael’s is more then 45 years old. Since then, we have done our best to maintain, to repair and to stretch it as much as we could. As with many goods, the carpet has limited life span. We now need to replace it for health and safety reasons.
We have obtained 4 quotes ranging from 120 – 84 K. We have accepted the quote by Accent Carpet from Kellyville at the discounting cost of 78k. Because of our financial situation, we will pay for it in installments.
The production of the tiles can take up to 3 months and the fitting work may require up to 2 weeks.
We have chosen carpet tiles since they are easier to maintain. Tiles can also be replaced locally if they are worn out. Concerning the colors, there are limited options. There are diocesan liturgical regulations dictating our choice. Hence, it comes down to 2 options: red and green. The carpet tiles are placed on the table at the main entrance for you to inspect. If you wish to submit your comments on the color, please do so via email to the parish office by Friday, 4 July 2025.
We wish to thank our parishioners for their donations towards the maintenance of the church’s building
We acknowledge the receipt of the following donations:
- Anonymous (1000 AUD)
- Anonymous (500 AUD)
The total amount will be transferred to a special account for the maintenance of the church’s building.
God bless and thank you
Fr Joe
LIVE STREAMING AND MASS LINK
This week’s live stream Mass link for The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on Saturday 21 June at 6pm from OLOL https://youtube.com/live/zajJwtIHaWs
SUPPORT DONATIONS
We really appreciate your continued support.
Please follow the donation details provided on official website:
The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
Entrance Antiphon
These are the ones who, living in the flesh, planted the Church with their blood; they drank the chalice of the Lord and became the friends of God .
First Reading Acts 12:1-11
King Herod started persecuting certain members of the Church. He beheaded James the brother of John, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews he decided to arrest Peter as well. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread, and he put Peter in prison, assigning four squads of four soldiers each to guard him in turns. Herod meant to try Peter in public after the end of Passover week. All the time Peter was under guard the Church prayed to God for him unremittingly.
On the night before Herod was to try him, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, fastened with double chains, while guards kept watch at the main entrance to the prison. Then suddenly the angel of the Lord stood there, and the cell was filled with light. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him. ‘Get up!’ he said ‘Hurry!’ – and the chains fell from his hands. The angel then said, ‘Put on your belt and sandals.’ After he had done this, the angel next said, ‘Wrap your cloak round you and follow me.’ Peter followed him, but had no idea that what the angel did was all happening in reality; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed through two guard posts one after the other, and reached the iron gate leading to the city. This opened of its own accord; they went through it and had walked the whole length of one street when suddenly the angel left him. It was only then that Peter came to himself. ‘Now I know it is all true,’ he said. ‘The Lord really did send his angel and has saved me from Herod and from all that the Jewish people were so certain would happen to me.’
Responsorial Psalm
- The Lord set me free from all my
- I will bless the Lord at all times his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its The humble shall hear the be glad. (R.)
- Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and he answered me; from all my terrors he set me (R.)
- Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be This poor man called; the the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress. (R.)
- The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, to rescue them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He is happy who seeks refuge in him. (R.)
Second Reading 2 Tim 4:6-8, 17-18
My life is already being poured away as a libation, and the time has come for me to be gone. I have fought the good fight to the end; I have run the race to the finish; I have kept the faith; all there is to come now is the crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that Day; and not only to me but to all those who have longed for his Appearing.
The Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the whole message might be proclaimed for all the pagans to hear; and so I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from all evil attempts on me, and bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia!
You are Peter, the rock on which I will build my Church; the gates of hell will not hold out against it. Alleluia!
Gospel Mt 16:13-19
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others
Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said, ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’
Communion Antiphon
Peter said to Jesus: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus replied: You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church..
Next Sunday: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Is 66:10-14; Gal 6:14-18; Lk 10:1-12, 17-20
First Friday Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration will take place at
St Michael’s Church every first Friday of the month from 7:30 to 8:30pm. All are welcome! The next event is on Friday 4 July
Anointing of the seriously sick
Will take place on Friday 4 July
during the 9.15am Mass at St Michael’s
and the 9.30am Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes
First Friday Morning Tea at St Michael’s! 
Morning tea will be in the Downey Room after morning Mass on Friday 4 July.
All are welcome!
Congratulations to
- Skye Millett
- Liam Morell
who were baptised at St. Michael’s Church last week
We pray that their faith may be an important and integral part of their life.
Our Week
Thursday 3 July
Feast – Saint Thomas
OLOL News
St Vincent de Paul 2025 Winter Appeal will be conducting over two weekends of 28/29 June and 5/6 July. Please scan the QR code on the poster on the notice board to donate directly to Our Lady of Lourdes Conference. Thank you.
CWL hosting a July Festive lunch on 2nd July at Toongabbie Sports Club. Details: Lyn 0412 689 261
Parish survey: Please help us to plan for the future
Can I ask that you fill out the parish survey please?
It is very important and will assist the PPC and PFC for the planning of the future of our parish.
You can find the survey on our parish website for your convenient. There are also paper copies of the survey in the church or scan the QR quote.
Thank you for your assistance.
Fr Joe
You’re invited to ALPHA
ALPHA is an 11-week program where each week we come together on a Wednesday evening to explore a topic tied to the core beliefs of our Faith. It is not a bible study nor an unpacking of the catechesis. We share a meal, (provided each week by our fabulous catering team), watch a video and have a chat about the things you bring to the table. In other words, we discuss the things that you have been curious about and answer questions you have about our faith. ALPHA is a very enjoyable experience that simply brings people together to explore, connect, share, and enhance our Faith.
So if you are interested, our next ALPHA will begin on Wednesday, 30th July 2025 at 7.00pm. It will be held in the school hall at St. Michael’s Primary School, 3-5 Chapel Lane,
Baulkham Hills.
To register please scan the QR Code below and complete our online registration form, or click this link: https://www.parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au/alpha/
We hope to see you there.
PARISH OF BAULKHAM HILLS
The Sacrament of Penance
Parents will be invited to register their children for Reconciliation from Saturday 21 June to Saturday 05 July using the GOOGLE FORM. Children must be 7.5 years before the celebration. The weekly sessions will be held in St Michael’s Church.
It is compulsory to attend one of the two Parent Information
Evenings to be held at St Michael’s Church:
7.30pm Monday 28th July OR Tuesday 29 July. Session times will be available at the parent information evening.
The actual celebrations of the Sacrament of Reconciliation are planned for during the week of 25 – 28 August. Dates and times to be advised.
Key dates: Registration week online 21 June – 05 July. Due to technical problems the Registration link will be available on Monday 23 June.
Click to Registration Page
Please also remember those for whom prayers have been requested, especially for:
Recently deceased: Anthony Mascarenhas, Robin Canty, Jim Barrett
Anniversaries: Salvatore Maresca, Bob Daley, Marion Platek, Angelo Odello, Josefina Uvero, Eleuterio Uvero, Kiram Mala Magdalena Larra, Julian Causon Alegre
Sick: Mary Howard, Sumithira Joseph, May Yap, Lucy Ward, Mary Leong, Jose, Julie Zuvela, Bill Rowan, Jeanette Uvero, Jo Khong, Peter Maguire, Valentina Diaz Mendoza,
Natasha Leitao, Judy Poon, Felix Melinz, Arlene D’Cruz, Jacqui Sneesby, Mary Burns, Rebecca Grech, Cathy Vella, Monera Obeid, Margaret White, Tony Biddle, Debra Price, Connie Rivas, Joey & Noah, Greg Hopwood, Garry Eldersley, Marie Bolton, Greg Brown, Mimi Yeung, Katherine Izzo, Nicholas Tadros, Judy Taylor, Kong Su Chong, Frank Jacobs, Jane Gibson, Jamal Kairouz, Cynthia Gomes, Jacinta Hollins, Florgina Henry, Deba Beani, Baby Carter McGhie, Joel Uvero, Maria Roche, Richard Miranda, Mabel Yabsley, Melba Oki, Violet Nehme, Joseph MacDermid, Catherine Hemmings, Benett Perera, Bridgette & Gabriella Boldt, Khyla Meighan, Young William Merhi, Lisa Middleton, Charlie Howell,
Rev Dr. Richard Waugh QSM, Rod Johnson, Brian Roche, Frankie Fernandez, Evan Garcia, Leonie Turner,
Peter Campbell, Pablo Herrara, Philippa Ford, Carmel Willis, Harry & Pam Williams, Julie Bracks, Lavinia Costello,
Anne Torina Wayman, Warren Moses, Matthew Burke, Edward Beani, Roumanos Nehme, Jenny Francis and all who are ill.
PARISH STAFF
Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Lam
Assistant Priests: Fr Thomas Bui
Assistant Deacon: Deacon Roque Dias
The Parish of Baulkham Hills (02) 9639 0598
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Office Administrator Monica O’Callaghan
Assistant Secretary Betty Cheung
ST MICHAEL’S
1 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153
OUR LADY OF LOURDES
1 Canyon Rd, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153
PO Box 702, Baulkham Hills 1755
Email: admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au
Website: www.parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au
CURRENT LITURGY SCHEDULE
ST MICHAEL’S WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil: 5.30pm
Sunday: 8.00am, 10.00am and 6.00pm
Mon – Fri: 9.15am Sat: 9.00am
ROSARY: Mon – Fri 8.50am, Sat 8.45am
ADORATION OF BLESSED EUCHARIST
Tuesday 9.45am – 10.45am
RECONCILIATION
Saturday 9.30am – 10.30am, 4.45 – 5.15pm
OUR LADY OF LOURDES WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am
Wed – Fri: 9.30am
ADORATION OF BLESSED EUCHARIST
Friday 8.50am prior to 9.30am Mass
RECONCILIATION
Saturday 5.00 – 5.30pm
Use Coupon Code “parishofbh2153” to support Parish of Baulkham Hills
