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 4 Mass Dates

Friday 1st November: Mass and First Reconciliation for eligible candidates at 11.30 am

Friday 15th November: Mass at 11.30am

Friday 13th December: End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass at 11.30am

Reflection

Tomorrow marks the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist, a significant day in the Christian liturgical calendar. Celebrated annually on October 18, this feast honours St. Luke, one of the four evangelists and the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

St. Luke’s contributions go beyond his role as a Gospel writer. He is also known for being a physician, which is why he is recognised as the patron saint of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. His work as a healer mirrors the healing nature of Jesus’ mission, which Luke so vividly describes in his writings. His Gospel emphasises Jesus’ acts of mercy, healing, and inclusion, showcasing stories such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the encounters with the lepers and the blind. These accounts highlight Christ’s boundless compassion and offer profound reflections on charity, kindness, and the importance of caring for those in need.

Though little is known about St. Luke’s personal life, tradition holds that he was a companion of St. Paul, accompanying him on many of his missionary journeys, as evidenced by the “we” passages in the Acts of the Apostles. His writing, therefore, is not only historical but also deeply personal, offering an intimate view of the early Christian Church and its spread throughout the Mediterranean world.

In addition to his association with the medical profession, St. Luke is also the patron saint of artists. According to tradition, he was an accomplished painter and is believed to have created some of the earliest Christian icons, including a famous portrait of the Virgin Mary. While these stories remain part of Christian lore, they reflect Luke’s deep commitment to depicting the truth and beauty of the Gospel message.

Prayer 

Divine Wisdom,

you led Saint Luke

and other women and men,

to put into the holy Bible

words that would bring us closer to you.

Help us to understand the Bible

better and better each day.

Let your word, like good seed,

take root in our hearts

and bear fruit in our lives.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

First Reconciliation 

We extend our prayers to the six students currently engaged in the intermediate stages of their preparation to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. These students will continue attending preparation lessons every Monday as part of their Religious Education curriculum. They are scheduled to receive their First Reconciliation following the Mass on Friday, November 1st. Everyone is invited to join us for this special celebration.

OCTOBER - World Mission Month

Focus on Mission- Mongolia

This year we invite you to discover one of the smallest Catholic communities in the world, the Church of Mongolia, and the missionaries creating pathways of hope and equality.

Located between Russia and China, Mongolia is known for its harsh weather, often dropping to -40 degrees Celsius in winter, creating tough conditions for its people.

Rich in culture and tradition, Mongolia is a country of diversity and religiosity. From only 14 Mongolian Catholics recognised in 1995, the community has grown to 1500 Catholics in 2022.

As the missionaries work toward building a stronger economy and society, there is a critical need for people in vulnerable situations to access social services.

Finding its space in the Mongolian landscape, the Catholic Church has become an essential social services provider, bringing hope to many thanks to the dedication of the missionaries on the ground. This year, we amplify their voices around the world.

Our Mini Vinnies students are currently planning some fun activities to enjoy during Mission Month, 

Mini Vinnies Book Sale ($1 per book)- Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November 

Crazy Hair and  Sock Day - Thursday 31st October - GOLD COIN Donation

Duct Tape the Staff Member Day!- Thursday 31st October- $1 per strip of duct tape!

Sacrament Dates for 2024

2024 First Reconciliation: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Years 2 and 3 for Friday 1st November 2024.

Catherine McAuley

Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.