Religion and Parish News
Prayer
Saint Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ within me,
Christ below me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right hand,
Christ on my left hand,
Christ in my sleeping,
Christ in my waking,
Christ in the heart of all who think of me,
Christ in the mouth of all who speak of me,
Christ in every eye that looks at me,
Christ in every ear that listens to me.
March 17 is St. Patrick's Day! Wear green, find shamrocks, and pray his Breast-Plate: "Christ with me, Christ before me..."
Saint Patrick shows us: God turns trials into triumphs. Pray like him, trust like him, and share Jesus with everyone!
Saint Patrick
Saint Patrick is the Apostle of Ireland, a brave bishop who turned a land of pagans into a nation of Christians through his courage, prayers, and love for God. Born around 389 in Britain to Christian parents, he is Ireland's patron saint, celebrated on March 17.
From Slave to Saint
As a teenager, Patrick didn't pay much attention to God. At age 16, Irish raiders captured him and took him to Ireland as a slave. For six long years, he worked as a shepherd on the hills. Alone with sheep, he prayed up to 100 times a day—in rain, snow, and frost! This time made his love for God grow strong.
God spoke to him in dreams: escape! Patrick fled 200 miles to a ship, traveled across the sea, and eventually returned home.
God's Call Back to Ireland
Patrick studied in France and became a priest, then a bishop around 432. Sent to replace a missionary named Palladius, he returned to Ireland—not as a slave, but as God's messenger.
He faced dangers: druids (pagan wizards), wild chieftains, and attacks. But Patrick trusted God, saying: "I have cast myself into the hands of Almighty God."
Legend says Patrick used a shamrock (three leaves, one stem) to explain the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—one God.
He traveled Ireland, baptising thousands, building churches, and holding meetings for Church rule and founded schools of faith.
Saint Joseph: The Strong, Silent Dad of Jesus
Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and husband of Mary, was a humble carpenter who said "yes" to God's big plans without a word. He's the Patron of the Universal Church, families, workers, and a happy death—celebrated on March 19!
A Just Man Who Trusted God
Called a "just man" in the Bible, Joseph loved God's law and showed amazing virtues: faith in God's plan, prompt obedience, true piety, fortitude in trials, chaste love for Mary, and quiet strength as a dad.
When he learned Mary was pregnant with Jesus (by the Holy Spirit), Joseph wanted to protect her quietly. But an angel's dream said: Marry her! Joseph obeyed at once, showing chastity, fidelity, respect, and humility
Protecting the Holy Family
Joseph was a courageous migrant. Warned in dreams by angels, he fled with Mary and baby Jesus to Egypt to escape evil King Herod. Like many families today escaping danger, Joseph trusted God's care.
He worked hard as a carpenter, teaching Jesus his trade. The family was poor but faithful—offering just two birds at the Temple
Model for Everyone
Joseph's life teaches us: Listen to God, work hard, love your family silently. Popes call him a model for all Christians, especially dads and workers.
Fun Facts about St Joseph!
- No words in the Bible: Joseph never speaks, but his actions shout love!
- Dreamer: Angels spoke to him four times in dreams—super listener!
- Patron Power: Ask him for family help, good jobs, or peace at death (he died with Jesus and Mary nearby).
- Churches and schools worldwide are named after him - including our Church and Parish here in Gunnedah
Pray to St. Joseph who is a quiet hero showing God uses ordinary people for extraordinary things
"St. Joseph, pray for our families and help us be brave like you!"
Important Dates
2026 St Xavier’s School and St Joseph’s Parish Gunnedah Sacramental Program
Sacrament of Confirmation
Year 6 students who are Catholic and made the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Holy Communion are invited to take part in the Confirmation Sacramental Program.
Saturday 28th March, 9am, St Joseph’s Church Gunnedah
- Rite 2 Reconciliation Thursday, 26th March St Joseph’s Church at 6pm (Week 9, Term 1)
- Retreat Day Friday, 27th March, St Xavier’s Primary School (Week 9, Term 1) Confirmation Candidates to meet with Bishop Murphy and Fr Abmar and then lunch shortly after 12:30pm.
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, 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