Our Faith - Religion - Prayer

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 1 Mass Dates

Friday 28th March: Mass and Reconciliation after.

Reflection

Tomorrow, we celebrate Harmony Day, a special occasion dedicated to promoting inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic backgrounds. Observed on March 21st, Harmony Day coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, reinforcing the message that "Everyone Belongs."

Australia is home to people from diverse cultures, and Harmony Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of different communities to our society. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, understanding, and unity.

The official colour of Harmony Day is orange, symbolising meaningful conversations, mutual respect, and the encouragement of social connections. Many schools, workplaces, and communities across the country will mark the day with special events, cultural performances, and activities that highlight the richness of our multicultural nation

At St Patrick’s, we encourage all students to reflect on the values of respect and inclusion, celebrating the unique backgrounds and traditions that make our school community so special. Let’s take this opportunity to embrace diversity and show kindness to one another—not just on Harmony Day, but every day.

Prayer

On this Harmony Day, we pray for unity and understanding among all people. Help us to see the beauty in our differences and to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make our world so unique.

Let us embrace kindness and respect, and build bridges of friendship and compassion. Guide us to listen with open hearts and to speak with words of peace. May we work together to create a world where everyone feels valued, included, and safe.

Help us to remember that we are all part of one human family, and that love and harmony are the foundations of a just and peaceful world.

Amen.

New Parish Appointment

Exciting news filled St. Patrick's Church this past Sunday as an announcement was made that Father Anthony Koppman will be joining our community as our new priest! The congregation warmly received the news, looking forward to the arrival of Father Anthony and the spiritual guidance he will bring.

Father Anthony Koppman will soon be commencing his new role, bringing his pastoral experience and dedication to our parish. We are eager to welcome him into our community and work alongside him in the coming months and years.

We would also like to acknowledge Monsignor Wilkes, who will continue to lead the parish of St. Joseph's at Uralla. We are grateful for his ongoing commitment and leadership.

We extend our warmest welcome to Father Anthony Koppman and look forward to working with him very soon.

Celebration of the Jubilee Mass at St Mary's and St Joseph's Cathedral, Armidale this upcoming Wednesday

This Wednesday, our School and Sports Captains, accompanied by Mr. Hyatt, will proudly represent St Patrick’s Primary School at a special Jubilee Year Mass. This significant celebration will bring together schools and parishes from across the diocese to acknowledge the Jubilee Year, a time of renewal, faith, and unity within the Church.

As part of the Mass, our representatives will have the honour of viewing a miniature model of the cathedral, along with reliquaries that will be making their way to various parishes throughout the diocese later this year. These sacred items hold deep historical and spiritual significance, reminding us of the rich traditions and faith that unite our Catholic community.

Mass and Reconciliation on Friday 28th March at St Patrick's Catholic Church

On Friday, 28th March, the students and staff of St Patrick’s Primary School will come together to celebrate Mass for the final time this term. This will also be a special occasion as it marks the first Mass with our new parish priest, Fr. Anthony. The celebration will commence at 9:15 am in the school, and we warmly invite all parents and members of our school community to join us in prayer and reflection.

Following the Mass, some of our students who are eligible will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, deepening their spiritual journey as we continue through the season of Lent.

We look forward to sharing this special celebration with our school community and hope to see many of you there.

Project Compassion

The beginning of Lent marks the launch of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion support Caritas Australia, the Catholic agency for international aid and development, in working alongside communities worldwide to combat poverty, hunger, oppression, and injustice.

During this Lenten season, we are encouraged to express our compassion through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, supporting those in need through Project Compassion. On Tuesday, each student received a Project Compassion box to collect donations, helping to make a difference for future generations!

Irene's story, Democratic Republic of Congo (Project Compassion)

During this period of Lent, let us reflect upon the ways in which we can guarantee our efforts are directed towards benefiting the well-being of all future generations across the globe.

Together, we can make a difference now, and For All Future Generations.

We continue our annual Lenten Project Compassion journey by learning about Irene who lives in the Democratic Republic Of Congo.

In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where hardship often overshadows hope, the story of Irene shines brightly. A 25-year-old single mother, Irene's life has been marked by adversity, from the loss of her father in conflict to the challenges of raising two children in extreme poverty. However, through the support of Caritas Australia's Project Compassion, Irene has transformed her circumstances, becoming a symbol of resilience and empowerment.

Irene's journey is a testament to the power of opportunity. Faced with limited education and job prospects, she found herself trapped in a cycle of poverty. But Project Compassion, through its partnership with Caritas Kongolo, offered her a lifeline. By participating in the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program, Irene gained invaluable skills that would change her life.

The program provided Irene with training in sewing, equipping her with the means to generate income. She also received agricultural training, enabling her to grow food and provide for her family's basic needs. The provision of sewing machines and materials was instrumental in allowing her to put her new skills into practice.

The impact of this support has been profound. Irene is now able to support her children's education, offering them a brighter future. Beyond her own success, she has also become a mentor, sharing her skills with other young women in her community. This ripple effect of empowerment demonstrates the true value of Project Compassion's work.

Watch her story and see how her life has changed, thanks to people like you.

Walk for Lent - QR code to donate to St Patrick's Primary School Fundraiser.

As we approach the final week of term, our school community will unite in a meaningful act of solidarity by participating in the Project Compassion walk. This Lenten fundraiser, organized by Caritas Australia, aims to raise awareness and funds to support vulnerable communities around the world.

Project Compassion focuses on empowering individuals and communities to overcome poverty, injustice, and inequality. Through education, health initiatives, and sustainable development programs, Caritas Australia provides vital support to those facing hardship. Our walk will be a symbolic journey, reflecting the steps taken by those we are supporting to build a better future.

We understand that this time of year can be financially demanding for many families, especially with our P&F Easter Egg raffle also taking place. However, we believe that even a small contribution can make a significant difference. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of those in need, helping to provide access to essential resources and opportunities.

We invite all students and staff to join us in this meaningful walk during the final week of term. To make a donation, please scan the QR code below. Your support is deeply appreciated.

Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope

The Jubilee 2025 is a special year of celebration in the Catholic Church, proclaimed by Pope Francis, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." It is a time for renewal, spiritual reflection, and growth in faith.

What is the Jubilee 2025?

A Jubilee Year is a sacred tradition in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years, offering special graces, forgiveness, and opportunities for spiritual growth. It is a time of pilgrimage, prayer, and reconciliation. Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the next Jubilee Year, inviting the faithful to focus on hope, unity, and renewal.

Pilgrims of Hope

The theme, "Pilgrims of Hope," encourages people to embark on a journey of faith, trust in God’s promises, and actively spread hope in their communities. The theme emphasises:

Spiritual renewal – Strengthening faith through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of mercy.
Unity and solidarity – Bringing people together in hope, regardless of differences.
Commitment to justice and peace – Encouraging action to help those in need.

Key Events and Activities

Pilgrimages to Rome and Holy Sites – Millions of Catholics will travel to Rome to participate in special events, including Masses and prayers led by the Pope.
Holy Doors Opening – The opening of Holy Doors in major basilicas symbolizes entry into God’s grace.
Acts of Mercy and Service – Encouraging individuals and communities to serve those in need as an expression of faith.

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.