Religion and Parish News
Prayer:
This fortnight’s prayer asks God to make us worthy recipients of Mary’s glory. On Monday 15th August, we recognise the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Almighty and everlasting God,
You have taken up body and soul
into the heavenly glory the Immaculate Virgin Mary,
Mother of Your Son: Grant, we beseech You,
that, ever intent upon heavenly things,
we may be worthy to be partakers of her glory.
Through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
Amen.
Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross - August 8th
On Tuesday next week, St Xavier’s and St Mary’s are gathering together in the St Xavier’s Hall to celebrate Mass for one of the Church’s most significant dates, and Holy Day of Obligation - the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This combined Mass will commence at 9:15am and will feature students from both schools undertaking various roles in the Mass.
In 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”
Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
2023 St Joseph’s Parish Sacramental Dates:
First Eucharist - 8:30am, Sunday 20th August, 2023 at St Joseph’s Church
Rite 2 Reconciliation - Friday 18th August, 11.45am at St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah (Week 5, Term 3). Children attending Dio Athletics in Tamworth on Friday 18th August will attend Reconciliation on Thursday 17th August during recess.
Retreat Day - Friday 18th August, St Xavier’s Primary School
First Reconciliation - 6pm, Tuesday 19th September, 2023 at St Joseph’s Church
Parent Night - Thursday 24th August, 6pm, at St Joseph’s Church (Week 6, Term 3). Notes are being distributed about this Information Session this week.
Rite of Enrolment - Saturday 26th August (6pm) OR Sunday 27th August (8:30pm), at St Joseph’s Church
Retreat Day - Tuesday 19th September, St Xavier’s Primary School (Week 10, Term 3)
2023 Sacrament of First Eucharist:
We are still looking for helpers to assist with operating the BBQ at our Retreat Day and readers for the First Eucharist Mass on Sunday 20th August. If you are available to lend a hand, please email mfrend@arm.catholic.edu.au to register your interest and to find out further information.
Class Mission Money
We would like to encourage your child to continue their wonderful almsgiving towards their class’ Mission Box. As you know, we have two major fundraising periods throughout the year - Lent (Project Compassion) and Mission Week (October). Outside of these periods, your child can still make donations to their class’ Mission Box, which are collected on a regular basis. If your child is unsure where their class’ Mission Box is, please encourage them to ask their teacher in order to show preferential option for the poor.
Altar Serving for St Joseph’s Parish
As we approach the First Eucharist Mass for another year, we’re now calling for any Catholic students who have made their Sacrament of First Eucharist and who would be interested in becoming an Altar Server for our Parish, to register their interest. This can be done by emailing Mal Frend at mfrend@arm.catholic.edu.au or leaving a message with the St Xavier’s admin staff on (02) 6742 1136.
Parish News
Altar Server Roster for August:
Saturday 12th August (6pm): Katie & Josh Spinks,
Sunday 13th August (8:30am): Hannah Redfern
Saturday 19th August (6pm): Katrina Martin
Sunday 20th August (8:30am) - FIRST EUCHARIST MASS: Rupert Frend
Saturday 26th August (6pm): Katie & Josh Spinks,
Sunday 27th August (8:30am): Hannah Redfern
To read about what’s happening in our parish, please visit this link to read the Parish Bulletin for the week starting Sunday 6th August.