St Francis' has become the 'spiritual home' for a vast number of international
college and university students, as well as for those with permanent
residence and who are now working in Melbourne.
With Melbourne and RMIT Universities in easy walking distance of St
Francis', and many students living in the immediate neighbourhood
of the church, the 5.30pm Sunday evening Eucharist has become most
popular for international students. Here, there are many opportunities
for students to become involved in the life of the church, to share
in social events, to find good spiritual accompaniment and friendship.
There exists a strong link between St Francis' Church and the Catholic
Chaplaincy at each of the Universities in Melbourne (Melbourne, RMIT,
LaTrobe, Monash, Swinburne, Victoria). Special liturgies mark the
opening and then the closing of the academic year. Throughout the
year, on the third Sunday of each month at 5.30pm, the students' liturgy
group together with the students' choir and musicians, prepare and
lead the Eucharist. The liturgy reflects the multi-cultural and multi-national
congregation who gather at that time.
Each Christmas Day, the Blessed Sacrament Community at St Francis'
hosts a lunch for international students so that they might be able
to come together and celebrate this special day. Opportunities are
also provided for students to join Bible study groups and there is
an Education in Faith programme for young adults interested in developing
their Catholic Faith. This programme is part of St Francis' outreach
also to those who wish to be baptised and join the community of the
Catholic Church.
For further details, please contact:
enquiries@stfrancismelbourne.org
