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.
St Patrick's Church Christmas Mass
*Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day) at 8.00am.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent: Awaiting the Light
As the year 2025 draws to a close, we arrive at the Fourth and Final Sunday of the Advent Season, and this last week marks a crucial pivot, intensifying our focus from patient waiting to imminent celebration. Having lit the candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy, our attention now turns to the final, radiant theme: Love.
On this Sunday, the fourth (and often purple) candle is lit, symbolising the Love of God made manifest in the world through the coming of Jesus Christ, and this love is the profound reason for the entire season. It reminds us that the anticipation of Advent culminates not just in a historical event, but in the ultimate gift of divine love being born among us.
The liturgy for the Fourth Sunday of Advent traditionally centers on the Gospel account of the Annunciation found in Luke 1:26–38, and this reading brings us directly to Mary, the mother of Jesus, highlighting her indispensable role in the story of salvation.
The angel Gabriel visits Mary and announces that she will conceive and bear the Son of the Most High, and her quiet, yet profound, response—"Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word" (fiat)—is the ultimate model of faith and willingness. Mary’s fiat beautifully encapsulates the spirit of this final week, as her obedient and loving acceptance made the Incarnation possible; she moved from a state of waiting to one of active participation, mirroring the shift we experience as we move from Advent contemplation to Christmas joy.
Unlike the preceding weeks, which often spoke of future comings and past preparations, the Fourth Sunday grounds us firmly in the present reality of Christmas Eve approaching. The liturgical color often remains purple (or blue) for penitence and preparation, but the mood is one of expectant excitement. The wreath, now fully illuminated with four candles glowing, transforms from a symbol of preparation into a beacon, signaling that the darkness is receding and the promised Light of the World is almost here.
As a community, this last week encourages us to complete our physical preparations—the final wrapping, the last decorations—but more importantly, to finalise our spiritual readiness.
This is a time to reflect on how God’s love has been present in our lives throughout the year, to practice generosity by emulating the divine gift-giving through reaching out to those in need, practicing charity, and offering forgiveness, and finally, to deepen our awe by re-reading the Nativity story with fresh eyes, allowing ourselves to be moved by the humility and wonder of God becoming man.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent reminds us that we are not merely counting down days, but participating in a deeply loving and transformative mystery, as the long wait is nearly over and the celebration of Love is about to begin!
Prayer
Gracious God,
as we light the final candle of Love,
we thank you for the imminent arrival of Jesus,
the true Gift of Christmas.
We pray for the faith of Mary,
that we may be ready to welcome your Son
with open hearts and willing spirits.
Fill us with your divine Love this week,
enabling us to serve and forgive others,
so that our lives may be a true sanctuary for Christ
as Christmas Day dawns.
Amen
Christmas Blessings
May your homes be filled with joy during the holiday season, and may your hearts be filled with love and your lives filled with laughter.
End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass
We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended the Year 6 Graduation and End-of-Year Mass last Friday, a truly special occasion celebrated with Monsignor Ted. The ceremony provided a beautiful, prayerful conclusion to their primary school journey.
On behalf of the school staff, Mr Hyatt extends his most profound thanks to every member of the St Patrick's Learning Community who contributed to making this Mass so meaningful.
A sincere thank you must also go to the many parents, grandparents, and other supporters who filled the church. Your decision to share this sacred time with us speaks volumes about the value you place on faith, community, and the milestones in your children's lives. Your constant, unwavering support is the bedrock upon which our students build their success.
We will announce the date of our 2026 Opening Mass of the Year early in 2026.