Retreat

Last week I was fortunate to attend the REC at Galong. The theme of the Retreat was ‘Mercy – The Key to Christian Leadership.’

The Retreat was held at St Clements Monastery, a special place. It feels like when you drive through the gates you enter ‘a quiet place, a place of simplicity.’ There is very little phone reception, no television, just a beautiful space surrounded by nature.

Over the duration of the Retreat there were moments of silence, stillness and simplicity and reflection.

The theme of ‘Mercy’ was explored through Scripture and art. The seven characteristics of ‘Mercy’ – patience, helping anyone around you who is hurting, giving others a second chance, doing good to those who hurt you, being kind to those who hurt you, building bridges, valuing relationships were explored. The Scripture of Matthew’s Gospel was central to our discussions.

⁴² For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³ I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

⁴⁴ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

⁴⁵ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

We reflected on the Scriptures and what we are called to do in our everyday life.

Some quotes from Mother Theresa of Calcutta:

“Go out into the world today and love the people you meet.”

“Do you want to do something beautiful for God? There is a person that needs you. This is your choice.”

Prayers for Mrs Flanagan’s Dad

We continue to keep John Lloyd in our prayers and pray that he will recover from his serious health scare. We ask God to be with John and his family during this very stressful time. God grant him a full recovery.

Prayers for Mrs Hughes

Please keep Mrs Hughes in your prayers as she continues to recover from her recent operation. Mrs Hughes requires some extra time to heal. We do miss her and hope that she will be feeling 100% soon.

Altar Servers

Thank you to our wonderful Altar Servers for their positive contribution to our Parish through this ministry. Your efforts are always appreciated.

Please check the Altar Serving Roster to see when you are next rostered on.

Remember if you can not make your allocated date, it is your responsibility to find a replacement.

No Mass this Friday

There will be no Mass celebrated in St Patrick’s Church this Friday 22^nd September, as Father Joe has a funeral in Tumut.

Grandparent’s Day

SAVE THE DATE: Friday 20^th October 10:30 am

Next term St Patrick’s will celebrate our wonderful Grandparents and adopted Grandparents with morning tea and Mass. Please mark this date on your calendar and come along and see what our children are doing in their classrooms. More information provided next term.

October is Mission Month

In 2023, students and their families across Australia will team up to support families in Timor-Leste facing health and wellness challenges.

The projects on the ground help sustain and enrich the lives of vulnerable children by providing vital medicines and health support. 

St Patrick’s will again support Catholic Mission in raising awareness and funds for those in the world that need our assistance.

Start collecting some coins in preparation for our Term 4 activities. Stay tuned!    

Sacrament of Eucharist

Next term we will begin our preparation for First Holy Communion. If you have a child preparing for the Sacrament could you please register via the Parish website or see me for a Registration Form.

Eucharist - Term Four

Week 3

Lesson 1 - Tuesday 24^th October 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm (NB may change)

Lesson 2 - Saturday 28^thOctober 4:45 pm – 5:50 pm - 6 pm for 

                  Commitment Mass

Week 4

Lesson 3 - Tuesday 31^st October 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm 

Lesson 4 - Saturday 4^th November 4:45 pm – 5:50 pm - 6 pm Mass

Week 5

Lesson 5 - Tuesday 7^th November 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Lesson 6 - Wednesday 8^th November Preparation Day 9:15 am – 3:00 pm

Sacrament of First Holy Communion - Saturday 11^th November – 6pm Mass (Week 5)

Confirmation Wrap Up

Just a reminder if any outstanding Confirmation payments could be finalised by the end of term if possible. If you are unsure if you have paid or not, Sue the parish Secretary has provided me with a list.

Holidays

After a very busy Term 3, I hope everyone will enjoy a well earned break and some quiet and relaxing family time over the holidays.

Kate Howe

REC