Claiming the date 15^th March

On 15^th March we will hold an early celebration to honour our Patron Saint, St Patrick’s. The actual feast day is Monday 17^th March. On Saturday we will hold in a Family Mass and everyone is invited.

When: 15^th March                     

Where: St Patrick’s Church

Time: 6 pm

*** Following Mass there will be a free sausage sizzle.

So, save the date and gather your green clothes. More information to follow.

Prayer for Pope Francis

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has been hospitalised and is gravely ill. People from all over the world have been asked to pray for him. The St Patrick’s community are keeping Pope Francis in our prayers. We ask that you could pray with your family for the intention of a positive recovery for Pope Francis.

Heavenly Father,

We lift up Pope Francis to You in prayer. Grant him strength, healing, and peace during this time of illness. Guide the hands of the medical team caring for him, and bless their efforts to restore his health. May he find comfort in Your presence and continue his mission to lead and serve the Church.

Through Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

Jubilee Year of Hope Logo

Throughout the year you will see this Logo promoting the Jubilee Year. The Logo is eye catching in its design and simplicity. The meaning of each of the symbols is explained here for you.

Opening School Mass

Last Friday we celebrated a very special Opening School Mass, where we commissioned our Leaders for 2025 and welcomed our new Kindergarten children. The Church was filled with parents, grandparents and family friends to take in this special event. Father Joe expressed his gratitude to the St Patrick’s community for their wonderful participation in the Mass. Father said, it makes him so happy when he celebrates our school Masses because the children are so reverently engaged, and their singing is incredible. Well done everyone!

Lent

Next week we begin the Church’s season of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for a period of 40 days. Lent is a time of preparation and reflection, when Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus's resurrection at the feast of Easter, which comes at the very end of Lent.

During Lent, many people decide to give something up that they love - perhaps chocolate, sweets or even using social media.

Others might decide to take up something, like helping out more with chores at home or making an effort to do nice things for their family and friends.

Prayer has an important focus during Lent. We take time to talk to God in prayer and make a special effort to try to attend Mass.

We also try to give some money to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We do this through our contribution to Project Compassion. The money that we can spare can make a huge difference to the lives of the less fortunate.

Project Compassion Boxes will be sent home next week for your donations and can be returned after Easter.

** Leading up to Ash Wednesday we will hold two very significant events.

• On Monday 3rd of March we will burn the palms from last year’s Palm Sunday to make the ashes that Father will place on our foreheads, in the Sign of the Cross.
• On Tuesday 4th March we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday by eating pancakes. This tradition goes back to when people would use up their excessive foods in readiness for Lent when people would do without sweet treats. Pancakes will be cooked by the teachers and served before school.

ASH WEDNESDAY  5th March MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED IN OUR CHURCH AT 12 NOON.

Year 5/6 will be leading us in this Mass. Everyone is welcome.

Kate Howe

REC