Reflections on Faith 

First Holy Communion

Last Sunday, 7th September, St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish celebrated 1st Holy Communion. The Eucharist is one of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) of the Catholic Church.  During this Mass, Theodore Clifton and Lucy Newberry took the next step in their journey of faith and Initiation in the Catholic community as they made their First Holy Communion and received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time as part of the gathered faith community at Mass. 

During this Mass, Theodore and Lucy brought the eucharistic gifts forward in the Offertory Procession and very reverently received Holy Communion.  It was a privilege to witness these two students from St. Joseph’s School take the next step in their life of faith.  We pray that they may always feel the closeness and loving presence of God in their lives as they did on their First Communion Day.  At the end of Mass the First Communicants were presented with a certificate and a gift from Fr. Thaddeus and the Parish community. 

Thank you to the parents and staff who supported them in their preparation for this Sacrament and the staff and parish members who assisted with the morning tea.  

Two New Saints

On Sunday 7 September 2025, the Catholic Church celebrated the canonisation of two young lay people - Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati - the first 2 saints to be canonised by Pope Leo XIV

Carlo Acutis:

Carlo Acutis was born in 1991 and loved computers, video games, and football, but most of all he loved Jesus in the Eucharist. He used his computer skills to create a website that shared Eucharistic miracles with the world. St. Carlo used social media to spread the Good News of Jesus to other young people - he has been called ‘God’s Influence.  Even though he died at only 15 years old, Carlo’s joy and deep faith continue to inspire young people everywhere. He is classed as the first millennial Saint.  The following are quotes attributed to St. Carlo Acutis in his writings: "All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies" reminding us that God created each human person as unique with a task or ‘vocation’ that only they can achieve.  We shouldn’t settle to be imitations of others - we are called to be uniquely ourselves. 

“Sadness is looking at ourselves, happiness is looking towards God". 

Pier Giorgio Frassati 

Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in 1901 in Italy. He was known for his love of mountain climbing, practical jokes, and spending time with friends. At the same time, he devoted his life to serving the poor and sick, often giving away his money, food, and time to help others. He died at just 24 years old, remembered for his joyful faith and generosity. 

 “There is no need to pay attention to gossip, much less get ill by giving in to those who perhaps have never known what truth is”

Both Carlo and Pier Giorgio remind us that holiness is not only for priests and nuns or for people who live long ago. Holiness is possible here and now, at any age, and it begins with loving God and serving others.

Prayer to St. Carlo and Pier Giorgio Frassati,

Loving God,

We thank You for the lives of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. They remind us that young people can be saints too - by using our gifts to serve others, by living with joy, and by putting You first in our lives. Help us to follow their example, to love You more each day, and to bring Your light to the world. Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.