Our Faith - Religion - Prayer
St Patrick's Church Walcha
For Baptism or Marriage enquiries phone Fr Anthony Koppman 67772129.
Fr Anthony would like to invite parishioners to Sunday Mass 10am.
Term 2 Mass Dates
Friday 13th June: Mass at 9.15am
Friday 27th June: Mass at 9.15am
A Big Week For Catholics Both Local and Worldwide!
Last week marked a historic and spiritually uplifting moment for Catholics both in the Armidale Diocese and across the globe, as two significant leadership milestones were celebrated.
Last Thursday evening, the Catholic community in the Diocese of Armidale gathered in great anticipation and joy for the ordination of Bishop Peter Murphy, the new shepherd chosen to lead the faithful in the region. The ordination Mass, held at Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral in Armidale, was attended by clergy, religious, and laypeople from across the diocese and beyond. The ceremony, steeped in tradition and reverence, was presided over by Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, with bishops from around Australia participating.
On Friday morning it was announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been elected the 267th Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. This historic election marks the first time an American citizen has ascended to the papacy, signaling a potentially significant shift in the direction of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Prevost, a missionary with extensive experience in Latin America, particularly in Peru, brings a unique perspective to the role. His background in missionary work and his recent position as the head of the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops are seen as crucial factors in his election.
The new Pope’s background in Latin America is expected to have a significant influence on his approach to global issues, particularly those concerning social justice and poverty. His emphasis on building bridges suggests a desire to foster greater dialogue between different faiths and cultures.
Together, these two milestones represent a powerful moment of grace for the Catholic faithful—both in the close-knit parishes of the New England region and across continents. The ordination of Bishop Murphy and the installation of Pope Leo XIV serve as reminders of the Church’s enduring mission and the Holy Spirit’s guidance through all generations.
Reflection
Tuesday, marked the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima, a significant occasion for the Church worldwide. This day called to mind the profound events that unfolded in 1917 in Fatima, Portugal, where the Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children: Lúcia Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto.
These apparitions, which continued monthly until October 13th, carried messages of prayer, penance, and peace for a world grappling with the turmoil of World War I. Our Lady of Fatima urged the children to pray the Rosary daily for the conversion of sinners and for peace in the world. She also entrusted them with three secrets, the interpretations of which have resonated deeply within the Church and throughout history.
The Feast Day serves as a poignant reminder of Mary's maternal care and her persistent call for humanity to turn towards God. It encourages us to reflect on the core messages of Fatima: the power of prayer, particularly the Rosary; the importance of repentance and making amends for our sins; and the hope for peace through faith and devotion.
The Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima invites individual reflection. We can take this opportunity to consider Mary's role in our faith, to deepen our commitment to prayer, and to strive for peace in our own lives and communities.
As we remember the events of Fatima and the enduring messages conveyed, may we be inspired by the faith of the young visionaries and the loving guidance of the Virgin Mary.
Prayer
O God, source of all holiness and guidance,
we lift our hearts in prayer on this Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima.
We thank you for the example of faith and devotion
she showed to the children at Fatima.
We ask for her intercession as we pray for the Church.
Bless our new bishop,
grant him wisdom and strength in his ministry.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
First Eucharist
Six students will participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion for the first time on Sunday, June 22nd, at St Patrick's Church. As these students embark on their journey of understanding and appreciating the teachings and sacrifice of Jesus Christ through this sacrament, our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Sacrament Dates for 2025
2025 First Reconciliation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 2 and 3 for Friday 24th October 2025.
2025 First Eucharist: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Year 3 for Sunday 22nd June 2025.
2025 Confirmation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 5 and 6 for Sunday 21st September 2025.
Catherine McAuley
Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.