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.
Term 1 Mass Dates
Wednesday 18th February: Ash Wednesday and Opening School Year Mass at 11.30am
Tuesday 17th March: Mass (Feast of St Patrick) at 11.30am
Friday 27th March: Mass and First Reconciliation after at 11.30am
Reflection
Today, February 5th, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Agatha, one of the most revered martyrs of the early Church. While she lived in Sicily during the third century—a time and place very different from our own—her story carries a timeless message of resilience and strength that resonates deeply with our school community today.
Agatha was a young noblewoman who made a promise to dedicate her life solely to God. When a powerful governor tried to force her to marry him and renounce her faith, she refused. Despite facing imprisonment and immense suffering, she never wavered in her values. She famously said, "My mind is firmly settled and grounded in Christ."
For all of us at St Patrick's Primary, St. Agatha is a powerful role model of integrity. In a world of social media influencers, peer pressure, and the constant drive to "fit in," Agatha reminds us of the importance of knowing who we are and what we stand for. She teaches us that true strength isn't about physical power, but about the quiet courage to say "no" when something goes against our conscience.
Whether it is standing up for a friend who is being teased, admitting to a mistake, or simply holding onto hope during a difficult week, we can all draw inspiration from St. Agatha’s steadfast heart.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you for the example of St. Agatha,
who showed incredible courage
and strong faith even when things were difficult.
Grant our students the strength
to stand up for what is right,
the bravery to be kind
when others are not,
and the trust to know
You are always with them.
St. Agatha, pray for us.
Beginning of School Year Mass - Wednesday 18th February at 11.30am
We warmly invite you to join us for our first K-6 School Mass of 2026! We will gather at St Patrick’s Church on February 18th at 11:30 am to celebrate the start of the new school year as well as Ash Wednesday (first day of the new church season of Lent). During this service, Monsignor Ted will bless the badges of our newly appointed School Captains, House Captains, and School Leaders as they are officially commissioned into their roles. We look forward to seeing you there for this significant.
Sacrament Dates for 2026
2026 First Reconciliation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 2, 3 and Year 4 for Friday 27th March 2026.
2026 First Eucharist: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Year 3 and 4 for Sunday 7th June 2026.
Catherine McAuley
Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.