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 4 Mass Dates
Friday 28th November: Mass at 11.30am
Friday 12th December: End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass at 12.00pm
Reflection
This past Tuesday, October 28th, the Church celebrated the Feast Day of two of Christ’s Apostles: Sts. Simon and Jude (Thaddeus).
While they may be among the lesser-known of the Twelve Apostles, their dedication and missionary work were foundational to the early Church. They are traditionally celebrated together because it is believed they travelled and preached the Gospel as companions, likely in Persia, and ultimately suffered martyrdom together.
St. Simon is often referred to as "the Zealot," a name suggesting his passionate commitment to the Jewish Law before following Christ. He is traditionally the patron saint of sawmen and tanners.
While St. Jude is the author of a short epistle (letter) included in the New Testament. Most famously, he is known as the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes (or desperate situations). This title grew out of the belief that because his name was similar to Judas Iscariot (the betrayer), people often avoided invoking him. Yet, in times of extreme need, those who turned to him found powerful intercession, leading to his unique patronage.
As we honour these two faithful Apostles, the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude reminds us of the power of working together for a greater mission. Just as they partnered to spread the Good News, let us look for opportunities within our school community to collaborate and support one another as we live out our faith each day.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
we thank you for the witness of your Apostles,
Saints Simon and Jude.
May their passion for sharing the Gospel
inspire us to be zealous in our faith.
We especially ask St. Jude,
Patron of Hopeless Causes,
to intercede for us
and grant us hope and perseverance
when faced with life’s challenges.
Help us to work together,
just as they did,
to build up our community in love.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
OCTOBER - World Mission Month
Focus on Mission- Zambia
This year, Catholic Mission's annual Socktober campaign is shining a spotlight on the challenges and potential of Zambia, specifically focusing on empowering communities—especially women—to overcome food insecurity and secure a brighter future for their children.
The popular nationwide school initiative, which uses the unifying power of soccer and the iconic 'sockball' to engage students in global mission, is raising awareness and vital funds for projects aimed at establishing long-term sustainability in the Diocese of Mpika.
The region of Mpika in Zambia is currently grappling with the severe effects of prolonged drought, crop failures, and an ongoing economic crisis. For many farming families, particularly mothers, this has resulted in an impossible choice: sell the meager maize harvest to cover immediate daily necessities, or keep it to feed their children and go without other basic needs. The cycle of poverty is relentless, and the lack of a stable food supply threatens children's health and ability to attend school.
In response to this critical situation, Catholic Mission, in partnership with the local Church in Mpika, has launched the Maize Mill Project. This initiative is dedicated to creating a sustainable source of food and income by empowering women with the skills and resources to grow, harvest, and mill their own maize.
Catholic Mission's 2025 campaign is an invitation to be a "Missionary of Hope," transforming a simple game of soccer into a powerful gesture of global solidarity with the people of Zambia.
Our Mini Vinnies students are currently planning some fun activities to enjoy during Mission Month,
Crazy Hair and Sock Day - tomorrow, Friday 31st October - GOLD COIN Donation
Duct Tape the Staff Member Day!- tomorrow,Friday 31st October- $1 per strip of duct tape!
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.