Prayer

Reflection on Feast of St Benedict Mass 

At the end of last term, on Friday 5th July, St Joseph’s and Holy Family gathered as a parish community at Sacred Heart Cathedral to celebrate the Feast of St Benedict. Thank you to the students K-6 who all reverently participated in the Mass, it was a great day of community celebration.  We ended the term with a delicious slice of cake and would like to pass on our thanks to Kristen Rock for her amazing cake decorating skills. We thank Fr Peter and Holy Family for a great day celebrating our Catholic school communities in the St Benedict’s Parish. 

The day was such a success and a lovely way for the two schools to come together, that a second parish community celebration and Mass has been planned for the end of the year. Stay tuned for more information and a date (TBA). 

Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop 

Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Saint, was passionate about bringing education to the young from all sectors of society - wealthy, poor, migrants and indigenous.  She believed in the importance of educating the young from all walks of life to use their gifts to build a better future for themselves and society. Mary believed in living the message of the Gospel. To be the face of Christ to those in need. This is reflected in our school motto, ‘Live the Truth’. 

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop lived by the adage ‘Never see a need without trying to do something about it.’ Our St Joseph’s school community works hard at following this motto by being aware of the needs of people both within and beyond the school community, supporting people through prayer, friendship and acts of kindness and generosity.  

On Thursday 8th August at 9:15am in St Joseph’s Church, we will gather as a community to celebrate the life and teaching of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop in our liturgy. We thank Fr Peter Street and Year 1, in advance, for leading us in our liturgy.  

Feast of the Assumption, Holy Day of Obligation 

On Thursday 15th August at 9:00am in St Joseph’s Church, we will gather as a community to celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We celebrate Mary’s passing from this world, united as body and soul, into the glory of God. We remember that Mary was especially chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Mary was a holy and prayerful woman who showed great trust and love for God. Thank you, in advance to Fr Peter for celebrating the Mass for us. 

What is a Holy Day of Obligation? 

On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2185). 

Historically derived, holy days of obligation were special occasions on which Catholics, over the age of reason, were obliged to attend Mass. They were also encouraged to refrain from any work or involvement with commerce which would interfere with their participation in divine worship. 

The number of holy days of obligation has changed greatly over time, cognisant of social change and the need for employment to support the family. For example, in 1642, Pope Urban VIII greatly decreased the number to 36 from the much larger set which had been observed since the Middle Ages. Such a change enabled Catholics, many of whom were labourers in the fields, to more easily meet their obligations. 

In Australia (since 2001), the Catholic faithful should observe as holy days of obligation: 

• Christmas Day (December 25 – the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ) 
• The Assumption (August 15 – the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary) 
• All Sundays of the year 

Reference:

Term 3 Class Mass Timetable 

Parents and family are warmly invited to join Parish Mass each Friday at 10:15am. The timetable below indicates when each grade will attend Parish Mass this term.

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Newcastle Inner City Catholic Community - Weekend Mass times  

Sacred Heart Cathedral – Vigil Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 9:30am and 5:00pm 

St Joseph’s, The Junction – Sunday 9:00am 

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Tighes Hill – Sunday 8:00am 

St Mary’s, Newcastle – Sunday 7:30am 

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