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 2 Mass Dates
Friday 8th May: Mass and Blessed Exposition at 11.30am
Friday 12th June: Mass (Feast of the Sacred Heart) at 11.30am
Friday 3rd July: Mass (Feast of St Thomas) at 11.30am
Reflection
As we enter the final days of Lent, our school community is preparing for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
Tomorrow evening, we will mark Holy Thursday by remembering the events associated with the Last Supper. This commemorates the time when Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples and established the Eucharist. It is also the day we remember Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, which set an example of humility and service for us all to follow.
Good Friday will follow in two days' time. On this day, we pause to reflect on Jesus' crucifixion and death. It is a solemn day of fasting and prayer across the global Church. Many parishes observe this day by walking the Stations of the Cross and participating in the Veneration of the Cross.
Finally, this upcoming Sunday, the Church will celebrate Easter. This is the central event of the Christian faith, where we recognise Jesus' resurrection. Easter celebrations typically include the lighting of the Paschal candle and the renewal of baptismal promises, bringing a message of hope and new life to the community.
Prayer
Loving God,
As we journey through these sacred days,
guide our hearts and minds.
Teach us to serve others with humility,
as Jesus did at the Last Supper.
Help us to reflect deeply on the sacrifice of Good Friday,
And fill our school community with the joyous hope and new life of Easter Sunday.
Amen
First Reconciliation
Congratulations to Alfie, Angus, Campbell, Freddie, Harry K, Heidi, Jack, and Freddie, who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time after Mass last Friday.
This sacrament is a significant step in the students' faith journey, offering them the opportunity to reflect and experience God’s forgiveness and peace. The students approached the sacrament with respect and reverence.
We keep these students in our prayers as they continue their spiritual development this year. Thank you to the parents, teachers, and our parish priest for their guidance in preparing the students for this milestone.
Project Compassion Boxes
We are encouraged during Lent to give greater attention to those who might be in need. One way we are able to do this is by supporting Project Compassion over the forty days of Lent by making monetary contributions (big or small) to these boxes.
Please return your Project Compassion Boxes to school during the first week of next term.
Chrism Mass at the Cathedral in Armidale yesterday
Yesterday, Mr Hyatt accompanied Josie, Rebee, Flo, and Hugh to Sts Mary and Joseph Cathedral in Armidale to represent St Patrick's Primary at the annual Chrism Mass.
The Chrism Mass is a significant liturgy in the Catholic calendar. During this service, the Bishop blesses the holy oils that will be used in sacraments—such as Baptism, Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick—across the diocese for the coming year.
It is a great opportunity to gather with representatives from other schools and parishes.
Josie, Rebee, Flo, and Hugh were strong ambassadors for St Patrick's. They participated in the Mass reverently and demonstrated good manners and respect throughout the trip.
We are proud of these four students for taking on this leadership role and representing our school community!
Sacrament Dates for 2026
2026 First Eucharist: Date has been set for our Catholic students in Year 3 and 4 for Sunday 7th June 2026.
Catherine McAuley
Catherine’s spirituality was centred on the mercy of God…prayer in action…action in prayer.