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
*Friday 22nd March: Mass and Reconciliation after at 11.30am
*Friday 5th April: Mass at 11.30am
Reflection
International Women's Day, which falls tomorrow, celebrates the accomplishments of women globally and emphasises the importance of creating more opportunities for them.
As tomorrow is International Women's Day, one of the greatest women of the church is celebrated today. Who is this woman do you ask? It is St. Perpetua and she is known for her unwavering faith and courage in the face of adversity. Her story serves as an inspiration for people of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us of the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit.
St. Perpetua was born in the early 3rd century in Carthage, a city located in present-day Tunisia. She was a noblewoman and a young mother, known for her intelligence and strong character. Despite belonging to a wealthy and influential family, she chose to renounce her pagan beliefs and convert to Christianity, a decision that would have profound consequences for her life.
St. Perpetua's unwavering faith was put to the ultimate test when she was imprisoned and subjected to various forms of torture. Along with her companions, she endured beatings, starvation, and even the threat of wild beasts in the arena. Throughout her ordeal, she remained resolute, finding solace and strength in her faith.
It is said that even in the face of imminent death, St. Perpetua remained calm and composed. Her final moments were a testament to her unwavering faith and her belief in the eternal life that awaited her. She was martyred on March 7, 203, alongside her companions, who had become known as the Martyrs of Carthage.
As we celebrate St. Perpetua's feast day, let us reflect on her life and the lessons it teaches us. Let us strive to emulate her unwavering faith, her courage in the face of adversity, and her commitment to what she believed in. May her example inspire us to stay true to our own beliefs and to face the challenges of life with the same unwavering spirit that she did.
Prayer
Merciful God,
as your loving children,
we are eager to do what is right.
Send your Holy Spirit to live with us
and fill us with your light.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St Patrick's Day
On Monday the 18th March we will be celebrating the Feast of St Patrick. The staff and students will be celebrating a liturgy in the library at 11.30am. You are definitely welcome to come and join us.
Also, the children are invited to come to school dressed in green clothing.
Our Mini Vinnies team are going to be organising a range of activities for the 18th of March to celebrate the school Feast Day. Remember to wear green to school on that day and make a gold coin donation, as the money will go towards Project Compassion. At 11.30am, there will be a St Patrick's Feast Day Liturgy in the library. During recess and lunch, students will have the option to choose from a 'green theme' food platter. Additionally, there will be colouring competitions for all classes and a Coin Trail in the shape of a shamrock under the COLA. Any spare coins will be greatly appreciated! Don't forget to participate in the "Find the Leprechaun" competition and many more exciting activities.
All proceeds will be going to Project Compassion and more information will be sent home early next week. A big thank you goes out to our Mini Vinnies members for organising all of the activities.
Project Compassion
Throughout the Lenten season, it is important for us to contemplate how we can ensure that our actions are focused on promoting the welfare of all upcoming generations worldwide
Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.
We continue our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by focusing on Memory who grew up in the Mwanza district in southern Malawi, with her parents and four siblings. Her parents are subsistence farmers who depend on their crops for survival.
As the eldest child in her family, Memory faced many challenges in her daily life. She had to support her family with domestic chores such as farming, carrying water, cooking and cleaning, alongside her education efforts.
After being identified by local leaders in her village as a capable candidate for a vocational skills course, Memory was referred to a technical college near the city of Blantyre with support from CADECOM, Caritas Australia’s local partner in Malawi. Through the A+ program, CADECOM supported Memory with the provision of logistical support like tuition and boarding fees with funding from Caritas Australia.
Memory decided to pursue vocational training in carpentry to prove to her community that women are capable of working in a male-dominated industry.
Memory’s dream is to open her own carpentry workshop in her village and help provide carpentry services to households in her community. As the only female carpenter in her village, she is also a role model and trailblazer for other young women who want to pursue a career in a male-dominated industry.
“In the future, I want to build a house for my parents because the one they are using now is in a bad condition. I also want to own my own workshop so I can help the community and employ others in the community,” Memory said.
Watch her story and see how her life has changed, thanks to people like you.
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.
2024 First Eucharist: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Year 3 for Sunday 2nd June 2024.
Catherine McAuley
Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.