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.
St Patrick's Church Christmas Mass
*Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) at 8.00am.
Term 4 Mass Dates
Tomorrow, Friday 12th December: End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass at 12.00pm
Rejoicing in Hope: Approaching the Third Week of Advent
As the year draws to a close, our Church season is quickly moving forward. We are now preparing to celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, a special day often known as Gaudete Sunday.
The term Gaudete means "rejoice," and this Sunday marks a shift in our anticipation. The liturgical colour changes from the deep purple of solemn waiting to a lighter rose colour. This brief moment of pink reminds us that the Lord’s arrival is very near, and we pause to rejoice in the hope of Christmas. We are called to reflect on how far we have come in our preparation and to find joy in the imminent celebration of Christ's birth.
Tomorrow Friday, December 12th, is a particularly significant day for our diocese, bringing two important celebrations:
1. Dedication Anniversary of St Mary and St Joseph's Cathedral (1919)
We mark the solemn anniversary of the dedication of St Mary and St Joseph's Cathedral in Armidale in 1919. This day allows us to pause and reflect on the history and spiritual heart of our diocese. The Cathedral is not just a building; it is a dedicated, sacred space where the faithful have gathered for over a century to receive the sacraments, celebrate Mass, and unite as a community of faith. This anniversary is a powerful reminder of the deep roots of Catholicism in the Armidale region.
2. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Also on December 12th, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This feast commemorates the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego, an indigenous peasant, in Mexico City in 1531.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is widely venerated as the Patroness of the Americas. Her image, miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego's cloak (tilma), is a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and protection, and a reminder that Mary always comes close to those who feel marginalised or vulnerable.
As we embrace these special days this week—rejoicing in the Third Sunday of Advent and honouring our Cathedral's history alongside Our Lady of Guadalupe—may our hearts be filled with renewed purpose and joy as we await the great Feast of the Nativity.
Prayer
Loving God,
The pink candle reminds us
that Christmas joy is close.
We thank you for the hope
you give us.
Help us to rejoice in our hearts today
and share your light with
everyone we meet.
Keep us watching
and waiting for the wonderful gift of Jesus.
Amen
End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass -Tomorrow, Friday 12th December at 12.00pm
Tomorrow, all staff and students will gather to celebrate our End of Year Mass and Year 6 Graduation at St Patrick's Catholic Church at 12.00pm. We warmly invite everyone to join us for this special occasion.