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

Reflection

Though our school term has resumed, the profound significance of Easter, which we celebrated just under a fortnight ago, continues to resonate deeply within our faith community. This most sacred time in the liturgical year, culminating on Easter Sunday, remains a cornerstone of our Christian identity.

We recently journeyed through the solemn remembrance of Christ's Passion on Good Friday, followed by the hopeful anticipation of Holy Saturday. Then, with hearts filled with joy, we proclaimed the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This central mystery of our faith, celebrated just under two weeks prior, affirms the ultimate victory of life over death and offers us the enduring promise of salvation.

The liturgical celebrations, the sharing of the Eucharist, and the communal prayers during the Easter Triduum and Easter Sunday drew us closer to the heart of our beliefs. We reflected on the immense love and sacrifice of Jesus, and rejoiced in His triumph over sin and death, a victory that offers hope and new life to all believers.

As we continue through the Easter season, the joy and spiritual renewal experienced just under a fortnight ago serve as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love and the transformative power of the Resurrection. May the light of the Risen Christ continue to guide us, inspire our actions, and deepen our faith throughout this term and beyond. The grace and hope of Easter remain with us, strengthening our journey in faith.

Prayer

Risen Lord Jesus,

We thank you for the glorious victory over death,

for the light you brought into the world on Easter morning.

Fill our hearts with the joy of your resurrection,

the hope of new life,

and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Help us to live in the light of your triumph,

sharing your love and grace with all we encounter.

Amen.

Farewell Pope Francis

As many of our school community are aware that Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He died at 7:35 a.m. local time in his residence at the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, following complications from a stroke and heart failure.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope. Elected on March 13, 2013, he served as pope for just over 12 years, becoming known for his humility, advocacy for the marginalised, and efforts to modernise the Church.

Pope Francis's funeral took place last Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by clergy from around the world.

Following the funeral Mass, Pope Francis was buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, in accordance with his wishes for a modest ceremony.

With the passing of Pope Francis, the process to elect his successor will commence. The College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave after a nine-day mourning period, known as the "novemdiales." The conclave is expected to begin on May 7.

During the conclave, the cardinal electors will be sequestered within the Vatican and will vote in secrecy until a new pope is elected. A two-thirds majority is required for election. Once a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling the election to the world.

Now that the Church has bid farewell to Pope Francis, the faithful around the world reflect on his legacy and await the election of a new spiritual leader.

Project Compassion Boxes

We are encouraged during Lent to give greater attention to those who might be in need. One way we are able to do this is by supporting Project Compassion over the forty days of Lent by making monetary contributions (big or small) to these boxes.

Please return your Project Compassion Boxes to school by tomorrow afternoon.

First Eucharist

Information will home to the families of all eligible First Eucharist candidates in Year 3 in the very near future. The information in this document outlines all aspects associated with this program, which will commence soon. If you have any questions/queries regarding the Sacrament of First Eucharist, please feel free to contact Mr Hyatt.

Jubilee and Mini Cathedral Pilgrimage in St Patrick's Parish next week!

This year marks a special time of Jubilee, a period of reflection, renewal, and celebration within the Catholic Church. St. Patrick's Parish is incredibly fortunate to be included in the diocesan pilgrimage of significant religious artifacts, as we will be welcoming the mini cathedral and relics from this upcoming Tuesday, 6th May.

This visit is a unique opportunity for our parish community to connect with the rich history and traditions of our faith. The mini cathedral, a beautifully crafted representation of the larger cathedral, serves as a powerful symbol of our spiritual home. The cathedra, the bishop's chair, represents the authority and pastoral care of our diocese. The relic, a sacred object connected to a saint, provides a tangible link to the lives of those who have gone before us in faith.

The presence of these significant items in our parish will offer a special time for prayer, reflection, and communal celebration. We encourage all parishioners to take advantage of this rare occasion to deepen their understanding of our Catholic heritage and to participate in the various services and events that will be organised during the visit.

The arrival of the mini cathedral, cathedra, and relic is a testament to the strong connection between our parish and the wider diocese. We are grateful for this opportunity to experience the Jubilee Year in such a profound and meaningful way. We look forward to welcoming these sacred objects and sharing this special time together as a community.

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.

Mini Vinnies

Mini Vinnies Executive Team

Principal for the Day Raffle