St Xavier's Newsletter

Religion and Parish News

PRAYER

This prayer celebrates the link between our Catholic faith and our Aboriginal spirituality by exploring an Indigenous version of Psalm 23, written by Reverend Ron Williams. Psalm 23 helps to remind us that God is with us always as He shepherds us towards a future of justice, reconciliation and hope.

 

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack for nothing.
My big fella boss up in the sky is like the father emu. He will always look after me.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He takes me to green grass, and leads me to where the water holes are full and fresh all the time.
He guides me along the right path for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
He leads me away from the thick scrub and helps me keep safe from the hunters, dingoes and eagles. At night when I’m very lonely and sad, I will not be afraid, for my Father covers me with His feathers like a father emu. His spear and shield will always protect me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
My big fella boss always gives me a good feed in the middle of my enemies. In hot times he makes me sit down in a cool shade and rest.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
He gives me plenty of love and care all of my life through. Then I will live with my big fella boss like a father emu, that cares for his chickens in good country full of peace and safety, Forevermore and evermore.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Candidates in the Confirmation Program are only days away from receiving the Sacrament this weekend. Last week, these students attended Reconciliation in the Chapel and will participate in a Retreat Day this Friday as part of their final preparations. The Retreat Day will consist of prayerful reflection, rehearsal of rituals and responses to be used during the Rite of Confirmation and completing artworks to adorn the internal walls of the Chapel.

All Confirmation Masses will be held in the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chapel, Gunnedah this weekend. Each candidate, in accompaniment with their sponsor and one parent, are reminded to arrive at the Chapel at least 15 minutes prior to the start of their designated Mass in order to sign-in, collect and affix their lapel pin and find their seat. 

Upcoming RE Dates

  • Year 5 attending Parish Mass - Thursday 19th November 9:15am
  • Year 4 attending Parish Mass - Thursday 26th November 9:15am
  • Feast of St Francis Xavier & End of Year Mass - Thursday 3rd December (students & staff only)
  • Year 3 attending Parish Mass - Thursday 10th November 9:15am
  • Yr 6 Farewell Mass - Thursday 10th December 5:30pm at SXG Hall

News from the Parish

Masses are being held in accordance with Government regulations, until further notice. If you wish to attend Mass, please register with the Parish Office on (02) 67420200 between 8:30am-12:30pm weekdays. The Main Entrance door is the only door open to the Church.

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)