Religion and Parish News
Prayer:
At the end of this school year we give thanks to God:
For all the teaching and learning that has taken place in our school, both in and out of the classroom,For the talents and gifts that have been shared and the challenges that have been faced;For the burdens that have been lifted and the hurts that have been healed;For the respect and care that has been given.
We give thanks for the friendships that have just begun and for those that have grown.For the faith that has been lived in our daily struggles,For the hope that has lifted our hearts on the dark daysAnd for the love that has kept us going.
We give thanks for the community that we are, and we ask you Lord -Bless our students may your Spirit inspire them with confidence and calmnessBless our families as we take our holidays, may our time together leave us with memories to cherish.
Pour out your love on us that we may return renewed and refreshed to continue our journey together.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Prayer for Peace in the Middle East:
Lord Jesus Christ,
The Holy Land is once again struck by violence, hatred, and death. Lord, look with mercy upon the land that was your earthly home.
Receive the deceased into your presence. Comfort those who mourn, are wounded, or forced to flee. Be close to all who are full of fear and despair.
You are our peace and the light of the nations, put an end to the spiral of terror and suffering in the Holy Land and in the whole Middle East.
Let peace and justice flourish at the holy sites. You are our refuge. Let the people be safe in your Love.
Have mercy on us and on our time.
Amen.
Whole School Mass / Feast of St Francis Xavier
On Tuesday last week, the St Xavier’s community gathered to give thanks for a wonderful year at school, whilst recognising the life and work of our school’s Patron Saint, St Francis Xavier (whose Feast Day was celebrated on Sunday 3rd of December).
It was a wonderful celebration, led by Fr Abmar, and included Infants students doing the readings during the Liturgy of the Word. Bobby and Chase Berry brought forward the Gifts during the Offertory with true reverence and our St Xavier’s Altar Servers - Benny, Hannah, Josh, Abbey and Rupert - all received a round of applause after Mass in recognition of their service to the Altar this year. Benny received special recognition as this was his final opportunity to serve during a St Xavier’s Mass.
Thank you to the families who were able to come and celebrate this Mass with us despite the minimal seating on offer. It certainly was very special to, once again, be in a position to gather in our Parish Church as one school. We extend our thanks to Fr Abmar for leading this Mass and for his ongoing support throughout the years, as well as the Sisters of Mercy in our Parish, Sr Christine, Sr Gabrielle and Sr Regina, who also support our school. Thank you.
Year 6 Farewell Mass
Last Thursday, the Year 6 students and their families gathered in St Joseph’s Church for a Thanksgiving Graduation Mass. The Church was absolutely packed to the rafters and included the House Captains and Prefects being heavily involved in the Liturgy of the Word. Fr Abmar was the celebrant for this Mass and helped distribute the certificates at the conclusion of Mass. Mrs Honner spoke after the certificate ceremony and remarked about her fondness of this Year 6 cohort, as well as expressing her gratitude towards Father for his ongoing support and willingness to be a part of our school community.
Catholic Mission Fundraising
After a dedicated fundraising effort, I am proud to announce that we reached our target of $700 for improving the lives of many residents of Timor Leste. I would like to extend a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who contributed funds towards this fundraising appeal. Thank you.
St Vincent de Paul
Donations of festive foods came into the Vinnies Baskets in each classroom thick and fast! We had been asking for donations of the following festive foods: packets of chips/nuts, bottles of soft drink, tinned hams, tinned fruit, chocolate-coated sultanas, shortbread biscuits, Christmas cakes/puddings. Thank you to the families who have donated goods to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. The Vinnies baskets were collected by two Vinnies volunteers, Mr John Stanley and Mr Vince Tydd, at Monday’s Assembly - both of whom showed immense gratitude towards the St Xavier’s community.
New Altar Servers in our Parish
A huge congratulations to Thomas and Sophie Martin, Chela Hennessy and Sophie Jacobs who were installed in the St Joseph’s Parish as Altar Servers. These four St Xavier’s students had engaged in some training sessions before last Saturday evening’s Mass where they were installed after Fr Abmar’s homily. Following this installation, they joined the other Altar Servers and served during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Fr Abmar presented them with certificates at the conclusion of the ceremony. Congratulations kids!
2024 Retreat at Immaculata Mission School
Married couples and children aged 13 and under are invited to the Immaculata Mission School from 7-10 January in Armidale. Guest speakers from the USA, Dan & Stephanie Burke, will give a retreat for married couples while children will have a special program full of faith, fun and activities. Dan & Stephanie have many years experience in giving retreats and strengthening couples in their love for each other and for God!
Cost (includes accommodation, food & all activities): $310 for adults, $200 for children aged 4-13, children 3 & under by donation
For more information and to register visit: http://www.immaculata.org.au/ims
News from the Parish
Here’s a link to the latest Parish Bulletin for Sunday 10th December.
Christmas Mass times:
- Christmas Eve Mass:
- 5pm, Sacred Heart Church, Boggabri
- 7pm, St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
- Christmas Day Mass:
- 8:30am, St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
- 10am, St Theresa’s Church, Mullaley
Altar Server Roster for the upcoming fortnight:
Saturday 9th December: Volunteer
Sunday 10th December: Volunteer