St Michael’s Parish

	St Michael, the Archangel, is the guardian and protector of the Catholic Church and of St Michael’s Catholic Parish Nowra, including the six mass centres. St Michael whose name means “one who is like to God” is known for his power, strength and courage, and determination to fight against all evil forces. The logo has the wings, shield and a sword, symbolically representing the roles and powers of St Michael. The shield itself contains the logos of the six mass centres that constitute the Nowra parish community.
	St Michael, the Archangel, is the guardian and protector of the Catholic Church and of St Michael’s Catholic Parish Nowra, including the six mass centres. St. Michael whose name means “one who is like to God” is known for his power, strength and courage, and determination to fight against all evil forces. The logo has the wings, shield and a sword, symbolically representing the roles and powers of St Michael. The shield itself contains the logos of the six mass centres that constitute the Nowra parish community
	Archangel, and his protective embrace of the parish community. The M shaped wing not only means ‘Michael’, but also indicate the hills of Shoalhaven, surrounding and embracing all inside the landscape. The wings stretched outward convey the boldness of grace and the missionary outreach of the parish. The wings also illustrate how we are continuously being embraced by God in all that we do.
	St Michael is often represented in art as wielding his sword behind his shield as depicted in the logo. St Michael’s sword, which is crowned with a cross, represents the power of God and of Jesus Christ against the fallen angels.

Mass Centres

	Our Lady of Help of Christians Culburra The Miraculous Medal and the cross as well as the twelve stars forming a crown (Rev. 12:1–2) on blue background symbolize Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians. The blue color also refers to the ocean waters of Culburra and the water of baptism.
	Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bomaderry Love has always been associated with the heart. The Sacred Heart of Jesus symbolizes the boundless and passionate love of God for mankind, revealed by the pierced heart of his Son who shed his blood for saving humanity. It is the symbol of the one who loved us to the end and a love that conquers sin and transcends death.
	St Joseph Catholic Church, Kangaroo Valley The lilies symbolize Saint Joseph the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose purity is represented by the chaste white lily. Three flowers are used to represent the Blessed Trinity. The carpenter’s square symbolizes Saint Joseph’s occupation. Also, a symbol of accuracy, integrity and truth.
	Holy Spirit Catholic Church Vincentia The tongue of fire and the dove symbolize the Holy Spirit who descended upon Jesus at Baptism and upon the disciples on Pentecost. The Messiah would baptise “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Mt 3:11-12). In the Bible fire is the symbol of God’s presence and represents the purifying work of the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies and strengthens the Christians through the sacraments.
	St Patrick Catholic Church Berry The shamrock is a symbol both the Holy Trinity and refers to St Patrick, who used the three leafed Shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity, (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit), to the Irish pagans in the 5th Century. The three leaves of the shamrock also represent faith, hope, and love.
	St Michael Catholic Church, Nowra The letter ‘M’  with a sword on sapphire blue background symbolises St Michael. It is placed at the bottom of the shield, as St Michael’s parish centre holds the all the church communities together and providing material, spiritual and pastoral support, yet acts in humility and service to the other Mass centres.