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 22nd March: Mass and Reconciliation after at 11.30am
*Friday 5th April: Mass at 11.30am
Reflection
Normally we celebrate St Patrick's Day on the 17th March, but due to that this year this date will fall on a Sunday during the season of Lent, St Patrick's Day will now be celebrated on Monday 18th March instead. This day holds great significance for our school, as well as for the church and numerous communities globally, particularly those with Irish ancestry. However, it may come as a surprise to learn that despite being widely associated with Ireland, Saint Patrick himself was actually of British origin.
Patrick was born in Scotland in the year 347 AD. At the age of approximately fourteen, he was taken captive and transported to Ireland. During that period, the inhabitants of Ireland were unaware of Jesus. Unlike having a sole ruler, Ireland was governed by multiple Celtic chieftains, each overseeing a small territory and constantly striving to expand their domains through coercion. Consequently, due to the prevailing instability, there was a limited influx of individuals from England to Ireland.
Patrick, being enslaved, was compelled to tend to sheep. Throughout his period of captivity, Patrick frequently engaged in prayer. It is worth noting that the inhabitants of Ireland during that era did not adhere to the Christian faith. Patrick, however, familiarised himself with their customs and convictions. At the age of twenty, he managed to liberate himself from slavery and make his way back home. Nevertheless, his heart remained steadfastly committed to the people of Ireland, as he harbored a deep desire to impart the teachings of Christianity to them.
Patrick commenced his studies for the priesthood and ultimately attained the status of a bishop. Subsequently, the Pope dispatched him to Ireland to serve as a missionary. In Ireland, Patrick forged friendships with numerous influential figures within the community. Due to the trust bestowed upon him by the people, a significant number of individuals embraced Christianity under his guidance. Patrick's endeavours encompassed the construction of more than three hundred churches across Ireland, alongside the baptism of thousands of individuals.
Patrick extended invitations to other priests and leaders of the church to accompany him on his mission in Ireland. He dedicated a significant portion of his life, a span of forty years, to spreading the teachings of Christianity, composing religious texts, and providing spiritual guidance to the Irish population.
Numerous tales surround the renowned figure of Saint Patrick. Among them, one particular legend recounts his utilisation of a shamrock, a native Irish plant, to elucidate the concept of the Holy Trinity. Just as the shamrock possesses three distinct leaves on a single stem, so too does the Godhead consist of three separate Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This association has led to the shamrock becoming the enduring emblem of Ireland.
Prayer
I rise today
through God's strength to pilot me,
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guide me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me.
I thank God through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St Patrick's Day
On Monday the 18th March we will be celebrating the Feast of St Patrick. The staff and students will be celebrating a liturgy in the library at 11.30am. You are definitely welcome to come and join us.
Also, the children are invited to come to school dressed in green clothing.
Our Mini Vinnies team are going to be organising a range of activities for the 18th of March to celebrate the school Feast Day. Remember to wear green to school on that day and make a gold coin donation, as the money will go towards Project Compassion. At 11.30am, there will be a St Patrick's Feast Day Liturgy in the library. During recess and lunch, students will have the option to choose from a 'green theme' food platter. Additionally, there will be colouring competitions for all classes. The missing golf ball will be returning and don't forget to participate in the "Find the Leprechaun" competition and many more exciting activities.
All proceeds will be going to Project Compassion. A big thank you goes out to our Mini Vinnies members for organising all of the activities.
MASS AND RECONCILIATION FRIDAY 22ND MARCH!
All of the students and staff will be celebrating Mass on Friday 22nd March commencing at 11.30 am in St Patrick's Catholic Church. When the Mass has concluded, all the students who are eligible will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Everyone is invited to join us for this special occasion.
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.
2024 First Eucharist: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Year 3 for Sunday 2nd June 2024.
Catherine McAuley
Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.