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 at 10 am.

CHRISTMAS Mass Time

Christmas Program:

Christmas Eve (Saturday): Walcha 8.30pm 

The Third Sunday in Advent - REJOICE -11th Dec

This upcoming Sunday, we celebrate “Gaudete Sunday,” the Third Sunday of Advent. The Latin word Gaudete means “Rejoice!” On this day, we take a short hiatus from the mostly penitential, somber nature of Advent and rejoice in the nearness of the celebration of Christmas. To signal this, rose vestments may be worn by the celebrant, instead of the typical violet for Advent. One may also note that the third candle on the Advent wreath is rose coloured. Rose signifies joy. Thus, today’s second reading calls us to “rejoice always.” Christian joy goes beyond a mere emotion and, therefore, supersedes circumstances. The joy we have in Christ can remain regardless of what challenges we are facing in life. That is because we know God is in control of our circumstances. He is “faithful,” as Paul says. Therefore, we can “rejoice always” and “in all circumstances give thanks” because we have hope in God. Still, in order to experience the fullness of this joy, the Apostle Paul indicates that we must obey God. We must listen to the Spirit of God and “refrain from every kind of evil.” We are called to be “perfectly holy.” This is the true path to joy: sanctity. Following God’s will and allowing His grace to transform us leads to true happiness. Let us, therefore, seek Him, trust Him, and obey Him to find the deep joy that can only be found in God.

THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION-TODAY, 8th December

Today the church is celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. We celebrate our belief that Mary was full of God's grace from the first moment of her life. God gave Mary this honour because she would be invited to be the mother of the Saviour.

PRAYER 

Lord our God, you bring light and joy

to the darkness of this world.

Let us carry your light in our hearts this day.

Amen.

End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass -Tomorrow, Friday 9th December at 11.30am

Tomorrow, all of the staff and students will be celebrating our End of Year and Year 6 Graduation Mass at St Patrick's Catholic Church at 11.30 am.  Everyone is welcome to join us for this special event.

Catherine McAuley