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 2 Mass Dates
Friday 13th June: Mass at 9.15am
Friday 27th June: Mass at 9.15am
Celebrating the Jubilee: A Week of Faith and Discovery at School
This week, our school community has been richly blessed to take part in the Diocese’s Jubilee celebrations, marking a time of deep spiritual reflection and renewal. As part of the diocesan pilgrimage, a specially designed Mini Cathedral—a beautiful, transportable representation of our diocesan cathedral—was brought to the school, along with the mini cathedra (the bishop’s chair, symbolising his teaching authority) and a treasured collection of relics from various saints and blessed.
Teachers incorporated this unique experience into their Religious Education lessons, helping students understand the meaning and significance of relics, the role of the bishop, and the spiritual richness of our Catholic tradition. For many, it was a time of wonder, inspiration, and renewed appreciation for the living faith that surrounds us.
We are grateful to the Diocese for making this pilgrimage possible and for allowing our school to share in the Jubilee in such a meaningful way.
Reflection
As we move toward the end of the third week of the Easter season, we continue to celebrate this joyful and hope-filled time in the Church’s year. Easter is not just a single day, but a season lasting 50 days—from Easter Sunday to Pentecost—allowing us time to reflect more deeply on the meaning of the Resurrection.
Throughout these weeks, we’ve been reminded in prayer, liturgy, and classroom reflection of the joy the disciples felt when they encountered the risen Jesus. His appearances after the Resurrection brought messages of peace, courage, and faith—messages that are just as relevant to us today.
This season invites us to live with renewed purpose: to treat others with kindness, to show forgiveness, and to spread joy in our words and actions. As we continue our Easter journey, we are encouraged to carry that light and hope into our learning, our friendships, and our wider community.
Let us make the most of the weeks ahead, using this special season to grow in faith and to be a source of Easter joy to those around us.
Prayer
God of new life,
We praise you with Easter joy
because Christ is our Redeemer.
Send life to us now,
as you did on the day of our baptism,
and renew us in the gift of your Spirit.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Election for the New Pope has commenced!
The papal conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis commenced yesterday. This solemn gathering saw 135 cardinal electors from around the world convene in the Sistine Chapel to begin the process of selecting the 267th pope of the Catholic Church.
The day began with the "Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff" celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica. Following the Mass, the cardinal electors processed into the Sistine Chapel, where they took an oath of secrecy before the doors were sealed, marking the start of the conclave.
This conclave is notable for its diversity, with 108 of the 135 eligible cardinal electors having been appointed by Pope Francis, reflecting his emphasis on global representation within the Church . The election process requires a two-thirds majority to elect the new pope, with up to four ballots cast each day until a consensus is reached.
Hopefully, soon we will have a new pope to lead the worldwide Church!
Ordination of Bishop Murphy tonight!
The Catholic faithful of the Armidale Diocese are preparing for a significant occasion this evening with the scheduled ordination of Bishop Murphy. This solemn ceremony will mark the formal installation of the diocese's new episcopal leader, an event anticipated with prayerful hope for the spiritual guidance and future direction he will provide.
The ordination of a bishop within the Catholic Church is a venerable and deeply symbolic rite. Through this ancient tradition, a priest is elevated to the fullness of the priesthood, receiving the apostolic mandate to shepherd the local Church. The ceremony itself is replete with sacred rituals, scriptural readings, and prayers that underscore the profound responsibilities and divine trust inherent in the office of bishop.
The arrival of a new bishop represents a moment of hope and renewed commitment for the entire diocesan family. The ordination of Bishop Murphy signifies a promising new era for the Catholic community, imbued with the potential for spiritual growth, dedicated service, and a deeper communion in faith.
First Eucharist
Information was sent home to the families of all eligible First Eucharist candidates in Year 3 recently. 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.
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.