Religion and Parish News
PRAYER
At the end of this school year we give thanks to God:
For all the teaching and learning that has taken place in our school, both in and out of the classroom,
For the talents and gifts that have been shared and the challenges that have been faced;
For the burdens that have been lifted and the hurts that have been healed;
For the respect and care that has been given. We give thanks for the friendships that have just begun and for those that have grown.
For the faith that has been lived in our daily struggles,
For the hope that has lifted our hearts on the dark days
And for the love that has kept us going.
We give thanks for the community that we are, and we ask you Lord -Bless our students.
May your Spirit inspire them with confidence and calmness.
Bless our families as we take our holidays.
May our time together leave us with memories to cherish. Pour out your love on us,
that we may return renewed and refreshed to continue our journey together.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Farewell Fr John
Today, we hosted a farewell assembly for Fr John. All St Xavier's classes put together an item ranging from poetry to reflective videos and presented these items to Fr John. After 8 years of service as the Parish Priest for St Joseph's Parish, Gunnedah, Fr John is retiring from that role and is moving back to his hometown of Tamworth. Fr John isn't retiring from the clergy altogether; he will fulfil the role of Relief Priest, providing priests in the parishes around Tamworth the opportunity to have a break every now and then whilst still being able to keep their Parish open.
We wish Father John all the very best in this new stage of life. He will be dearly missed by the St Xavier's students, staff and families. Thank you, Fr John.
2020 St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
We only have a few days left of the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. The Vinnies volunteers have asked for donations of festive food to donate to the less-fortunate this year; non-perishable products like puddings, long-life custards, chips, nuts, crackers, chocolates, candies, tinned fruit/vegetables, shortbread biscuits, etc. Any donations you can provide will be very much appreciated. The volunteers will be here on Monday morning to collect all our donations. A heartfelt thank you to those who have already donated to this wonderful cause.
End of Year Mass - Feast of St Francis Xavier
Last week, St Xavier’s celebrated Mass with Fr John for his last ever End of Year Mass for St Xavier’s. Despite not being able to open our doors to our St Xavier’s families, it was a beautiful Mass and Fr John spoke very fondly of how well the students participated in the Mass and how much he is going to miss being a part of our school life. Fr John is retiring from his role as Parish Priest at the end of the year, before moving back to Tamworth and doing some relief work for some of the parishes there.
Booking-In for Mass
COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, requiring us to continue booking-in for any Mass you wish to attend. You can register your attendance by ringing the Presbytery Office Secretary on (02) 6742 0200 between 8:30am-12:30pm Monday-Friday. If your plans change, and you can no longer attend that particular Mass, you must contact the office and notify the secretary so your seats can be reallocated to avoid people being turned away when there are empty seats inside.
Upcoming RE Dates
- Year 3 attending Parish Mass - Thursday 10th December 9:15am
- Yr 6 Farewell Mass - Thursday 10th December 5:30pm at SXG Hall
News from the Parish
Parish Bulletin for the week starting 6th December.
Masses are being held in accordance with Government regulations, until further notice. If you wish to attend Mass, please register with the Parish Office on (02) 67420200 between 8:30am-12:30pm weekdays. The Main Entrance door is the only door open to the Church.
Mass times are as follows:
Saturdays
4pm Sacred heart Church, Boggabri
6pm St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
Sundays
8:30am St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
11am St Therese’s Church, Mullaley (1st & 3rd Sunday of the month)
11am Mary Immaculate Church, Tambar Springs (2nd & 4th Sunday of the month)
Weekdays
9:15am Tuesdays (No Mass Tues 28th July), Wednesdays, Thursdays St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
11am + 5:30pm Fridays St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah (two Masses on Fridays until further notice; both fulfill weekend obligation for those unable to attend weekend Mass)