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

Wednesday 5th March: Ash Wednesday Mass

Friday 28th March: Mass and Reconciliation after.

Reflection

Eileen O’Connor is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most inspiring religious figures, celebrated for her unwavering faith, remarkable resilience, and dedication to serving the underprivileged. Despite enduring significant physical suffering throughout her life, Eileen’s legacy of compassion and commitment to the sick and marginalised continues to influence many today.

In 1913, alongside Father Edward McGrath, Eileen co-founded Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor, an organisation dedicated to providing free nursing care and support to the sick and destitute in their homes. At a time when there were limited healthcare services for the underprivileged, Eileen’s mission was revolutionary. Her vision was to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society received dignified and compassionate care, regardless of their social or economic status.

Despite her own physical suffering, Eileen became a source of strength and encouragement for the nurses who joined her mission. She guided them with wisdom and unwavering faith, fostering a spirit of selfless service that remains at the heart of the organisation to this day.

Eileen O’Connor passed away on January 10, 1921, at just 28 years old. However, her legacy lives on through Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor, which continues to provide essential healthcare services to those in need. Her extraordinary faith, resilience, and commitment to helping the less fortunate have led many to advocate for her canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognise Eileen O’Connor’s contributions formally. In 2018, the Archdiocese of Sydney announced the official cause for her beatification, the first step toward sainthood. Her life serves as a powerful example of how faith and perseverance can transform adversity into a mission of love and service.

Prayer

Loving God,

We give thanks for the life of Eileen O’Connor,

whose faith and compassion shone brightly in service to the sick and poor.

May her example inspire us to love selflessly

and trust in Your divine plan.

Through her intercession, grant us strength in times of suffering

and a heart open to serving others with humility and kindness.

If it is Your will, may she be recognised as a saint,

so her light may continue to guide us.

Amen.

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.

Join Us for a Twilight Retreat on Wednesday, March 5th

We are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, March 5th, our school staff will be participating in a Twilight Retreat led by the Spirituality Team from Armidale Catholic Schools. The retreat will begin at 3:15 PM and run for 90 minutes, providing an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth.

We warmly invite parents and parishioners to join us for this special session. It is a wonderful chance to come together as a community and engage in a meaningful experience of faith and connection.

If you would like to attend, please contact the school office to register your interest. We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you!

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.