Religion and Parish News

Prayer

Lord, let everything I do in the coming Holy Week be inspired by You.

Help me to remember that nothing is important in my life unless it glorifies You in some way. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of my life.

Help me to enter fully into your Passion through my Lenten promises and always be reminded that You went to the desert, the garden and the cross for me.

Amen

Holy Week: A Special Time to Remember Jesus

Holy Week is the most sacred week of the year in the Catholic Church. It begins on Palm Sunday and leads up to Easter Sunday, helping us remember Jesus' last days on earth, his suffering, death, and resurrection—the heart of our faith. During this time, we join in special prayers, Masses, and processions to walk with Jesus step by step. Here's a simple day-by-day outline for families.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

• Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey, welcomed by crowds waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!"
• At church: We receive blessed palms, process together, and hear the Gospel of Jesus' Passion (his suffering and death).
• Family tip: Wave palms at home and talk about cheering for Jesus like the crowds did.

Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

• These quiet days focus on Jesus teaching in Jerusalem and preparing for his Passion. They have special importance—no other feasts take their place.
• Spy Wednesday remembers Judas agreeing to betray Jesus.
• At church: Daily Masses with readings about Jesus' final days.
• Family tip: Read Bible stories about Jesus' love and forgiveness.

Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday)

• Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper celebrates Jesus washing the disciples' feet and giving us the Eucharist (Holy Communion) at the Last Supper.
• The altar is stripped bare afterward, showing Jesus' loneliness.
• Family tip: Wash each other's feet gently to learn about serving others.

Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord

• No Mass, but a special service remembering Jesus' crucifixion and death on the cross.
• We venerate (honor) the cross and receive Holy Communion from earlier hosts.
• A day of fasting and quiet prayer—no meat for those old enough.
• Family tip: Pray the Stations of the Cross as a family, imagining Jesus' journey.

Holy Saturday

• A day of waiting and silence, remembering Jesus in the tomb.
• Evening: The Easter Vigil begins the joy of resurrection with fire, baptisms, and the first Easter Mass.
• Family tip: Prepare your Easter baskets and bless your home.

Easter Sunday

The great celebration of Jesus rising from the dead! Holy Week ends with evening prayer.

• Joyful Masses with "Alleluia!" and the renewal of baptism promises.
• Family tip: Hunt for Easter eggs symbolizing new life and share a special meal.

Holy Week invites us to pray more, go to church, and grow closer to Jesus. Encourage your children to draw pictures of each day or join school Holy Week activities.

Sacrament of Confirmation 

The Year 6 students were joined with children from Boggabri and the Parish to participate in a Retreat Day as part of their final preparation for Confirmation. Bishop Murphy met with the students to talk about the Sacrament of Confirmation. On Saturday morning, candidates will be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

Please keep our Confirmation candidates in your prayers. 

Diocesan Art Competition

2026 St Xavier’s School and St Joseph’s Parish Gunnedah Sacramental Program

First Eucharist     

Sunday 28th June, 8:30am, St Joseph’s Church

Parent Night Thursday 28th May, 5:30pm, at St Joseph’s Church

Rite of Enrolment Saturday 30th May (6pm) OR Sunday 31st May (8:30am), at St Joseph’s Church Gunnedah

Retreat Day Thursday 25th June, St Xavier’s Primary School (Week 10, Term 2)

- Rite 2 Reconciliation 11.40am St Joseph’s Church, BBQ lunch shortly after 12:30pm.

Altar Serving:

Commissioning Mass - Sunday 9th August (Gunnedah)

Parent Information and Session 1 - Thursday 23rd July - 5:30pm, at St Joseph’s Church

Session 2 - Thursday 30th July - 5:30pm, at St Joseph’s Church

Session 3 - Thursday 6 August - 5:30pm, at St Joseph’s Church

First Reconciliation

Tuesday 22nd September, 6pm, St Joseph’s Church (Week 10, Term 3) 

Parent Night Thursday 27th August, 5:30pm, at St Joseph’s Church (Week 6, Term 3)

Rite of Enrolment Saturday 29th August (6pm) OR Sunday 30th August (8:30pm), at St Joseph’s Church Gunnedah

Retreat Day Tuesday 22nd September, St Xavier’s Primary School (Week 10, Term 3)

Church Bulletin