Religion and Parish News
Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of Catholic schools. We ask you to bless all the families who are part of our St Xavier’s community.
Bless the parents, guardians, and grandparents who make sacrifices to provide a Catholic education for their children. Grant them wisdom, patience, and strength as they nurture their children in faith and love.
Bless our students, that they may grow in hope, knowledge, wisdom, and grace. Help them to use their gifts and talents to serve others and to be a light to the world.
Bless our teachers and staff, that they may continue to inspire and guide our students in the Catholic faith. Give them the courage to live out their vocation with joy and dedication.
May St Xavier’s be a place where faith is nurtured, hope is kindled, and love is shared. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Catholic Schools Week
This week, we celebrate Catholic Schools Week. Our schools are places where we journey together – students, teachers, families, and our parish community.
Just like people on a pilgrimage, we are all on a journey of faith. We learn, we grow, and we help each other along the way, guided by God’s love.
This year, we also think about the Jubilee Year 2025, a special time for Catholics around the world. It’s a time to remember God’s mercy and to renew our hope for the future. As pilgrims of hope, we look forward with trust and joy.
- This as part of the photos Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
First Holy Communion Retreat Day
First Holy Communion is a beautiful sacrament that brings us closer to Jesus and helps us grow in our faith. It is a day to be thankful and joyful as we welcome Jesus into our hearts.
Our Year 3 students and those who are preparing to make their First Holy Communion were joined by students from Sacred Heart Boggabri for a special Retreat Day. Students spent the morning together before going to St Joseph’s Church for the Rite of Reconciliation. Thankyou to Mrs Jaeger and Miss Hamparsum for organising such a special day and all of the parents who volunteered their time to help with either the BBQ or with reading at Mass on Sunday. We also thank Fr Antony and Fr Abmar for their support and help.
This Sunday we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord
The Ascension reminds us that even though we can't see Jesus, He is always with us, and it gives us hope for our future home in Heaven.
What is the Ascension of the Lord?
The Ascension of the Lord is a very important and joyful event in the Church! It happened 40 days after Jesus rose from the dead on Easter.
What Happened?
After Jesus spent 40 days appearing to his disciples after his Resurrection, He led them to the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. There, He lifted His hands, blessed them, and then He ascended into Heaven. The Bible says that as they watched, "he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight".
Why is it important?
- Jesus is with God in Heaven: The Ascension means that Jesus went to be with God the Father in Heaven. He now sits at the right hand of God.
- Heaven is Opened for Us: Through the Ascension, Jesus opened the gates of Heaven for all people. He gives us hope that one day we can be with Him in Heaven.
- Jesus Didn't Leave Us: Even though Jesus ascended to Heaven, He promised to always be with us He sent the Holy Spirit to help and guide us.
- A Reason for Joy: The disciples were filled with great joy after witnessing the Ascension because they knew Jesus was alive and that He had opened the way to eternal life.
How we can celebrate the Ascension?
- Go to Mass: The Ascension is such an important event that we celebrate it at Mass.
- Be Joyful: Just like the disciples, we should be joyful because Jesus is with God and has promised to be with us always.
- Spread the Good News: Jesus wants us to tell everyone about Him. We can do this by our words and actions.
Parish Bulletin
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