Our Faith - Religious Education

Term 2 Class Mass Dates in the Cathedral & Class Reconciliation

Around the Classrooms

As we continue to celebrate the Easter season in the Catholic Church, white cloths adorning our prayer tables. This is a symbolic gesture that reflects the joy and triumph of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Easter is not just one day—it is a 50-day season that stretches from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. During this time, the Church is filled with the light and hope of the Risen Christ. White is the liturgical colour of Easter, representing purity, joy, and the glory of the Resurrection. By placing white cloths on our prayer tables, we visually express this sacred season in our classrooms and homes.

The white cloth serves as a reminder that Jesus is alive and with us. It calls us to live as Easter people—filled with faith, hope, and love. In our school community, we continue to pray together, reflect on the Gospel stories of the risen Jesus, and look for ways to share His light with others through acts of kindness and compassion.

New Pope

We are delighted to welcome Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Catholic Church. Elected as the 267th successor of St Peter, Pope Leo XIV brings a spirit of humility, wisdom, and a deep love for the global Church. His vision of hope, service, and unity inspires faith communities around the world, and we look forward to the renewal his leadership will bring. As he begins this sacred mission, we keep him in our prayers.

Easter Blessings and Reflections

We hope your Easter break was a time of rest, renewal, and connection with loved ones. As we continue to journey through the Easter season, we are reminded of the hope and joy that the resurrection of Jesus brings to our lives and our world.

As a Catholic community, we also pause in this sacred season to honour the life and passing of Pope Francis. His leadership was marked by deep compassion, humility, and a tireless commitment to justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. His message of love in action has left a lasting legacy that will continue to guide and inspire us.

Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, we honour the incredible role of mothers and all women who nurture, guide, and inspire us. In the Catholic tradition, we look to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of maternal love and devotion.

Let us take a moment to give thanks through prayer and reflection, showing appreciation for the women who shape our faith and enrich our lives with their care and sacrifice.

To all mothers — thank you for your love, strength, and generosity. 

May God bless you this Mother’s Day with joy, peace, and the love of family.

May - A month of devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a central figure in the Catholic faith. When the angel Gabriel told her she would become the mother of God’s Son, she responded with faith: “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary stayed faithful throughout Jesus’ life, and she is honoured for her trust in God and care for others.

The Month of May and Mary Traditionally, the month of May is dedicated to devotion to Mary, and it is an important part of Catholic identity. Many Popes have promoted this beautiful tradition, encouraging the faithful to pray the Rosary, place flowers before her statue, and reflect on her life. As our spiritual mother, Mary is an example of saying a committed “yes” to God. Her life reminds us to trust God, even when we don’t have all the answers.

🙏 Prayer to Mary, Mother of Jesus

Mary, our gentle Mother,

You said "yes" to God with love and trust.

Help us to listen to God's call in our own lives.

Guide us to live with kindness,

courage, and faith.

Pray for us and protect our school community.

Amen.

Confirmation Dates for 2025

For Catholic Students in Year 6 Parent Enrolment Evening

Confirmation Enrolment Evening Wednesday 19th March  at 6pm, Cathedral

Lesson 1     Sunday - 30th March 9am Cathedral

Lesson 2     Sunday  - 6th April  9am Cathedral

(School Holidays)

Lesson 3     Sunday -  4th May  9am Cathedral

Lesson 4     Sunday - 11th May  9am Cathedral

Lesson 5    Sunday - 18th May  9am Cathedral

Lesson 6   Sunday - 25th May  9am Cathedral

Lesson 7    Practice  -Sunday 1 June  9am Cathedral

Pentecost Sunday  - 10am Mass 8 June

Year of Jubilee

2025 is a Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church.

A Jubilee Year is traditionally proclaimed by the Universal Church every 25 years. It is a particular year set aside to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, to repent of their sins and forgive the sins of others, and to renew a focus on spiritual life.

The theme is Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Francis has invited Catholics to renew our hope and discover a vision that can "restore access to the fruits of the earth to everyone". We are also invited to rediscover a spirituality of God's creation in which we understand ourselves as "pilgrims on the earth" rather than masters of the world.

You will see this logo often this year...

The logo symbolises unity and fraternity among all of humanity, with four stylised figures from different corners of the earth embracing each other. The leading figure holds a cross, representing faith and hope. The rough waves beneath the figures symbolise life's challenges, emphasising the need for hope in difficult times. The elongated lower part of the cross forms an anchor, a well-known symbol of hope. This image depicts the pilgrimage as a communal journey towards the cross, which reaches out dynamically to offer presence and hope. 

Jubilee 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope   (Youtube)

The Jubilee Prayer

To pray and download the Prayer for the 2025 Jubilee, click here. Copies of the Jubilee Prayer are available in Braille. Please contact the Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministry for a copy: specialneedsministry@adw.org or 301-853-4560.

The Jubilee Logo

To learn about the meaning of the logo for the 2025 Jubilee, click here.

Official Hymn for Jubilee

Click here to listen to the hymn.

CATHEDRAL PARISH OF SAINT MARY & JOSEPH ARMIDALE 

Administrator Father Damien Locke

armidaleparish@armidale.catholic.org.au

phone 67722218 

Mass Times

Saturday Vigil Mass 6 pm

Sunday 8 am, 10 am & 5:30 pm 

Diocesan Prayer Card