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 1 Mass Dates

Friday 28th March: Mass and Reconciliation after.

Reflection

This coming Monday, March 17th, our school will be awash in green as we celebrate the feast day of our patron saint, St Patrick! It's a day of joy, community, and reflection, a chance to honour the man who brought Christianity to Ireland and whose legacy continues to inspire us.

But who was St Patrick? Beyond the shamrocks and celebrations, his life story is one of remarkable resilience and unwavering faith.

Patrick was not Irish by birth. He was born in Roman Britain, likely in the late 4th century, to a wealthy family. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and forced into slavery, working as a shepherd for six long years. During this period of hardship, Patrick turned to prayer, deepening his connection with God.

After a vision, he escaped captivity and returned to his family. However, another vision soon called him back to Ireland. He dedicated himself to religious studies and was ordained a priest, eventually returning to the land where he had been enslaved, this time as a missionary.

Patrick's mission was challenging. He faced resistance from pagan druids and local chieftains. Yet, he persevered, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches and monasteries across Ireland. He used the shamrock, a three-leaf clover, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity, a symbol that has become synonymous with both St Patrick and Ireland itself.

His impact was profound. He is credited with converting vast numbers of Irish people to Christianity and laying the foundation for the flourishing of Irish monasticism, which would later play a crucial role in preserving Western learning during the Dark Ages.

St Patrick's Day is more than just a day for parades and green attire. It's an opportunity to reflect on the values that St Patrick embodied:

Resilience: Overcoming adversity and finding strength in faith.
Courage: Facing challenges with determination and conviction.
Service: Dedicating one's life to helping others.
Forgiveness: Returning to the land of his captors with a message of peace.

Prayer

Dear St Patrick,

faithful servant of God,

We thank you for your courage and devotion,

for bringing the light of faith to Ireland.

Guide us, as you guided the Irish,

to live lives of love, service, and forgiveness.

Help us to find strength in our own challenges,

and to share the message of hope with those around us.

Amen.

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations – Monday, 17th March

On Monday, 17th March, we will be celebrating the Feast of St Patrick, the patron saint of our school. Staff and students will come together for a special liturgy at 11:30 am in the Year 3-4 classroom, and we warmly invite families to join us for this special occasion.

To add to the celebrations, students are encouraged to dress in green for the day!

Our Mini Vinnies team has been busy organising a variety of fun activities to mark our school’s Feast Day. Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation, as all funds raised will go towards Project Compassion.

Here’s what’s planned for the day:

🍀 St Patrick’s Feast Day Liturgy – 11:30 am in the Year 3-4 classroom

🍀 Green-themed food platter available at recess and lunch

🍀 Colouring competitions for all year levels

🍀 Coin Trail Shamrock – bring any spare coins to create a shamrock under the COLA

🍀 Find the Leprechaun competition and many more fun activities!

All proceeds will support Project Compassion, and further details will be sent home early next week. A huge thank you to our Mini Vinnies members for their hard work in planning these fantastic celebrations. We look forward to a fun-filled day in honour of St Patrick!

Project Compassion

The beginning of Lent marks the launch of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion support Caritas Australia, the Catholic agency for international aid and development, in working alongside communities worldwide to combat poverty, hunger, oppression, and injustice.

During this Lenten season, we are encouraged to express our compassion through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, supporting those in need through Project Compassion. On Tuesday, each student received a Project Compassion box to collect donations, helping to make a difference for future generations!

Lam's story, Vietnam (Project Compassion)

During this period of Lent, let us reflect upon the ways in which we can guarantee our efforts are directed towards benefiting the well-being of all future generations across the globe.

Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.

We begin our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about Lam who lives in Vietnam.

Lam, a resilient and determined young man from Vietnam, has faced many challenges due to his disability. Growing up in a rural community, he struggled to access education and employment opportunities. However, with the support of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, Lam was able to receive vocational training, empowering him with new skills to build a better future.

Through Caritas-supported programs, Lam gained independence and now runs his own small business, contributing to his community and supporting his family. His story highlights the importance of compassion, generosity, and opportunity in transforming lives.

By supporting Project Compassion, we can help individuals like Lam overcome barriers and achieve their dreams. Every donation makes a difference!

Watch his story and see how his life has changed, thanks to people like you.

Walk for Lent - QR code to donate to St Patrick's Primary School Fundraiser.

As we approach the final week of term, our school community will unite in a meaningful act of solidarity by participating in the Project Compassion walk. This Lenten fundraiser, organized by Caritas Australia, aims to raise awareness and funds to support vulnerable communities around the world.

Project Compassion focuses on empowering individuals and communities to overcome poverty, injustice, and inequality. Through education, health initiatives, and sustainable development programs, Caritas Australia provides vital support to those facing hardship. Our walk will be a symbolic journey, reflecting the steps taken by those we are supporting to build a better future.

We understand that this time of year can be financially demanding for many families, especially with our P&F Easter Egg raffle also taking place. However, we believe that even a small contribution can make a significant difference. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of those in need, helping to provide access to essential resources and opportunities.

We invite all students and staff to join us in this meaningful walk during the final week of term. To make a donation, please scan the QR code below. Your support is deeply appreciated.

Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope

The Jubilee 2025 is a special year of celebration in the Catholic Church, proclaimed by Pope Francis, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." It is a time for renewal, spiritual reflection, and growth in faith.

What is the Jubilee 2025?

A Jubilee Year is a sacred tradition in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years, offering special graces, forgiveness, and opportunities for spiritual growth. It is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, and reconciliation. Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the next Jubilee Year, inviting the faithful to focus on hope, unity, and renewal.

Pilgrims of Hope

The theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," encourages people to embark on a journey of faith, trust in God’s promises, and actively spread hope in their communities. The theme emphasises:

Spiritual renewal – Strengthening faith through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of mercy.
Unity and solidarity – Bringing people together in hope, regardless of differences.
Commitment to justice and peace – Encouraging action to help those in need.

Key Events and Activities

Pilgrimages to Rome and Holy Sites – Millions of Catholics will travel to Rome to participate in special events, including Masses and prayers led by the Pope.
Holy Doors Opening – The opening of Holy Doors in major basilicas symbolizes entry into God’s grace.
Acts of Mercy and Service – Encouraging individuals and communities to serve those in need as an expression of faith.

Sacrament Dates for 2025

2025 First Reconciliation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 2 and 3 for Friday 24th October 2025.

2025 First Eucharist: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Year 3 for Sunday 22nd June 2025.

2025 Confirmation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 5 and 6 for Sunday 21st September 2025.

Catherine McAuley

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