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
Yesterday marked the commencement of the Lenten season, which holds a significant place among the various seasons observed in our church. Lent, in many respects, garners the most attention and familiarity from individuals. Spanning forty days, it commences on the First Sunday of Lent and concludes on Holy Thursday. The initial four days, starting from Ash Wednesday until the First Sunday of Lent, serve as an introductory phase, beckoning individuals to actively engage in the spirit of this sacred season.
Lent is a solemn period during which the Church readies itself to commemorate the profound Easter enigma. It is not merely a period for engaging in specific activities and reciting prayers for the sake of mere action. If our Lenten observances fail to enhance our comprehension of God's teachings and inspire us to live in accordance with those teachings more selflessly, then they serve no purpose. Therefore, alongside our loved ones, we utilise this time to reflect upon the significance of the gospel in our lives and assess how faithfully we are adhering to God's commandment of love and the commitments we made during our baptism.
Prayer
Merciful God,
you are called us forth from the dust of the earth;
you claimed us for Christ
in the waters of baptism.
Look upon us as we enter these Forty Days
bearing the mark of ashes.
Bless us on our journey
through the desert of Lent
to the font of rebirth.
May our fasting be hunger for justice;
our alms, a making of peace,
our prayer, the chant of humble
and grateful hearts.
All that we do and pray is in the name of Jesus,
for in your cross, you proclaim your love
now and forever.
Amen.
Project Compassion
The commencement of Lent signifies the initiation of the yearly Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Contributions made to Project Compassion enable Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to collaborate with communities worldwide in order to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression, and injustice. During this Lenten period, we are motivated to actively demonstrate our compassion through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving by extending our support to Project Compassion. On Tuesday, every student was provided with a Project Compassion box to contribute their donations. For all future generations!
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.