Religion and Parish News
A Prayer for Fathers
God of Abraham, Moses and Aaron;
of Zachary, father of John the Baptist,
of Joseph, foster-father of Jesus,
listen to our prayer:
Bless all who ‘father’ and protect new life in any way,
these ‘fathers’ who teach and guide, who encourage and lead.
Invite them to the table of your eternal feast,
these ‘fathers’ who work hard to provide for the life that has been entrusted to them.
Embrace them warmly in the intimacy of your love,
these ‘fathers’ who lift up with strength those who are helpless and dependent.
Bless them today with all good things:
with health, with laughter, with joy and with love, with pride in their ‘children’ and with the support of many friends.
May all ‘fathers’ who have protected and guided the life of others be themselves held securely one day in your strong embrace, there, for all eternity, to rejoice with their families and friends.
We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ.
Amen
Booking in for Mass
Last weekend, a number of parishioners had to be turned away from the Church due to the church being at its capacity, according to the current COVID-19 restrictions. It is imperative that you book-in to whichever Mass you hope to attend by ringing the Presbytery Office Secretary on (02) 6742 0200 between 8:30am-12:30pm Monday-Friday. If your plans change, and you can no longer attend that particular Mass, you must contact the office and notify the secretary so your seats can be reallocated and to avoid people being turned away when there are empty seats inside.
Friday evening Mass (5:30pm) is another available option, as is a second Sunday Mass (time is yet to be determined). Thank you for your understanding with this matter.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
It’s been wonderful to see so many children and their families attending Mass each weekend in preparation for making the Sacrament of First Reconciliation later this term. Remember, candidates in this Sacramental Program must attend Mass at least twice in the lead-up to the Sacrament being celebrated on Thursday 17th September. Families must book-in in advance by calling the Presbytery Office Secretary on (02) 6742 0200.
Sacrament of First Eucharist
The lessons for First Eucharist have already commenced in Year 3, but the Sacramental program formally gets underway with the Enrolment Period commencing with this weekend’s Masses, and goes through until the Sacrament will be celebrated on October 17th/18th. Parents wishing to attend Mass are reminded to book in by ringing the Presbytery Office Secretary on (02) 6742 0200. Candidates for the Sacrament of First Eucharist are required to attend Mass on at least 3 occasions throughout the Enrolment Period. Information Packs for this Sacramental Program will be coming home later this week.
Upcoming Sacraments
- Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Year 2) - Thursday 17th September
- Sacrament of First Holy Communion (Year 3) - 17/18th October
- Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 6) - 14th/15th November
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Pope Francis declared yesterday, September 1st, as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, an important day on the Catholic calendar. More information about this day can be found by following this link.
News from the Parish
Masses are being held in accordance with Government regulations, until further notice. There is a limit of 50 people at any one Mass. If you wish to attend Mass, please register with the Parish Office on (02) 67420200 between 8:30am-12:30pm weekdays. Entrance to the Church is by the front door (weekend Masses) or the side door (weekday Masses).
Mass times are as follows:
Saturdays
4:00 pm Sacred Heart Church, Boggabri
6: 00 pm St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
Sundays
8:30 am St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
***PLEASE NOTE*** Another Mass will be added to Sunday, with the time yet to be announced. We will advise you of the time when it’s announced.
11:00 am St Therese’s Church, Mullaley (1st & 3rd Sunday of the month)
11:00 am Mary Immaculate Church, Tambar Springs (2nd & 4th Sunday of the month)
Weekdays
9:15 am Tuesdays (No Mass Tues 28th July), Wednesdays, Thursdays St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
11:00 am + 5:30 pm Fridays St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah (two Masses on Fridays until further notice; both fulfill weekend obligation for those unable to attend weekend Mass)