Religion and Parish News
Prayer
Blessed are you, loving Father, Ruler of the universe: You have given us Your Son as Your Leader, and have made us temples of Your Holy Spirit. Fill our family with Your light and peace. Have mercy on all who suffer, and bring us to everlasting joy with You. Father, we bless Your Name for ever and ever.
Amen.
Upcoming Sacraments
Sacrament of First Reconciliation (Year 2) - Thursday 17th September
If your child is in Years 3-6 and has missed the Sacrament of First Reconciliation for some reason, and you would like them to participate in this Sacramental Program next term, please contact Mal Frend as soon as possible at mfrend@arm.catholic.edu.au to discuss your options.
- Sacrament of First Holy Communion (Year 3) - 17/18th October
- Sacrament of Confirmation (Year 6) - 14th/15th November
Marriage and Family Week
Throughout Week 2, students will be engaging in lessons relating to Marriage and Family Week. This is an annual directive of Bishop Michael Kennedy, and Religious Education lessons during Week 2 will focus on the family being the first source of education for children.
With regard to the family and passing on the faith, the Second Vatican Council teaches us, “In what might be regarded as the domestic Church, the parents, by word and example, are the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children.” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, para 11).
Three decades later, the Catechism devoted a small section (paras 1655-1658) to “The
Domestic Church”. It reminds us that:
● from the beginning, families were vital to the existence and continuation of the Church
(Acts 18,8 and 16,31) (para 1655)
● “believing families are of primary importance as centres of living, radiant faith” (para
1656)
● that in the family we learn the essentials of Christian life to which we are called by our
baptism; “...the reception of the sacraments, prayer and thanksgiving, the witness of a
holy life, self-denial and active charity.” (para 1657)
In another section on “The Duties of Parents” (paras 2221-2231) the Catechism tells us:
● “Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children (para 2223)
● “The home is the natural environment for initiating a human being into solidarity and
communal responsibilities” (para 2224)
● Parents are responsible for being the first to share with their children the good news of
Jesus Christ, membership and beliefs of the Church, the importance of prayer and the
example of living a Christian life (para 2225, 2226)
The family is the basic unit of society and of the Church. It is within the family that each person’s religious sensitivities are first called to life. Love, trust, wonder, reassurance, belonging, gratitude, a growing sense of responsibility and commitment – all of these set the foundations for experiencing God and growing in relationship with God and others.
We are all born into a family that has its own story. Members of a family belong to each other and are connected to each other in a special way. Understandings about ‘family’ can be related to the Catholic belief that all are part of God’s family, also connected to each other in a special way. As members of God’s family we all share in the continuing story of the people of God.
Marriage and Family Week will be celebrated in our Parish at Saturday evening Mass (6pm) and Sunday morning Mass (8:30pm). Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, people wishing to attend one of these Mass times must first book in by ringing the Presbytery on (02)6742 0200.
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
4pm Sacred heart Church, Boggabri
6pm St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
Sundays
8:30am St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
11am St Therese’s Church, Mullaley (1st & 3rd Sunday of the month)
11am Mary Immaculate Church, Tambar Springs (2nd & 4th Sunday of the month)
Weekdays
9:15am Tuesdays (No Mass Tues 28th July), Wednesdays, Thursdays St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah
11am + 5:30pm Fridays St Joseph’s Church, Gunnedah (two Masses on Fridays until further notice; both fulfill weekend obligation for those unable to attend weekend Mass)