Our Faith - Religion - Prayer 

 St Patrick's Church Walcha 

For Baptism or Marriage enquiries phone Monsignor Ted Wilkes 67784070.

Monsignor Ted Wilkes would like to invite parishioners to Sunday Mass 10am.

Term 3 Mass Dates

*Thursday 15th August: Mass (Feast of the Assumption) at 11.30am

*Friday 6th September: Mass at 11.30am

*Friday 20th September: Mass and Blessed Exposition at 11.30am

Reflection

Yesterday, people around the world celebrated the feast day of St. Thomas. This day holds great significance for many Christians and is marked with various traditions and celebrations. St. Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, and his life and teachings continue to inspire and influence millions of people.

St. Thomas is best known for his initial skepticism regarding the resurrection of Jesus. According to the New Testament, when the other disciples told Thomas that they had seen Jesus alive, he expressed disbelief, stating that he would only believe if he could see and touch the wounds of Jesus. A week later, Jesus appeared before the disciples, including Thomas, and invited him to touch his wounds. Overwhelmed with emotion and conviction, Thomas proclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" This moment of realization earned him the title of "Doubting Thomas," but it also exemplifies the importance of doubt and questioning in the process of faith and belief.

One of the most intriguing aspects of St. Thomas's legacy is the geographical spread of his influence. He is especially revered in India, where tradition holds that he traveled and preached the gospel, ultimately being martyred in Chennai. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, one of the major Christian denominations in India, traces its origin to the evangelisation efforts attributed to St. Thomas. The impact of his teachings and missionary work can still be felt in various parts of India, where his feast day is a time of great festivity and religious observance.

Prayer

Lord God,

we thank you for sending apostles

to the whole world.

We welcome those who bring good news.

We pray for them and listen to their teaching.

Call on us, one day, to become apostles too.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen. 

Sacrament Dates for 2024

2024 First Reconciliation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 2 and 3 for Friday 1st November 2024.

Catherine McAuley

Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.