Prayer

Loving God, you gift us with mothers who give us life and love. They show us a glimpse of what you are like and the unconditional, tender love you have for us. As we honour all Mothers, we pray that you bless and keep these precious women close to your mothering heart. 

Month of May - Mary

The month of May has been dedicated by the Church as a time of devotion to Mary, who is honoured as the first disciple, Mother of God and Mother of the Church. Mary is recognized as the one who listened and responded to the call of God.  

Christians see Mary as a human being, who willingly allowed grace to work in her. St. Luke tells us that from the moment that Mary was told that she was chosen to be the Mother of God, she expressed her natural feeling: “Mary was deeply troubled by the angel’s message…” and “Mary pondered those things in her heart”. All mothers ponder things about their children. 

Mary, like us, had to strive to understand the mystery of the revelation made to her with regard to her Son, Jesus. She had to make her personal journey of faith as we now make ours. St. Bernard called her “Stella Maris” the “Star of the Sea” our guide and our assurance, as we journey on the stormy tossed waves of our lives. 

Mary, we ask you to obtain for us the strength to lead a life offered to God in thanksgiving and praise. Be present with us at all times. Guide us safely into the presence of your Son, Jesus, so that we may, with you and all the Saints, share His life, happiness and love. Amen. 

Sacrament of Confirmation 

Children in the Parish Sacramental Program are participating in a Confirmation Retreat Day at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton on Friday 31st May.  Information for parents is available on the Parish Moodle site.  This is a day where the whole focus is on the children’s spiritual formation in preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The retreat will be an opportunity for prayer, reflection, learning and fun!  If you have any questions please contact Mrs Powell at school or Dr Anne Millard at the Parish Office. 

Children from our St Joseph’s community and the wider St Benedict’s Newcastle Parish will be confirmed by Bishop Bill at the Sacred Heart Cathedral at 7pm on Tuesday 4th June and Wednesday 5th June.  Thankyou to the parents, teachers and the Sacramental team, particularly Dr Anne Millard, for all their hard work and effort in preparing the children for this Sacrament.  

‘Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.’ 

Term 2 Class Mass Dates  

Each class joins with the parish community once a term in the celebration of Mass.  These Masses are held of a Friday and begin at 10:15am  in our St Joseph’s Church.  Below is a list of dates when each class is attending  in Term  2.  Parents and grandparents are invited to join their children in prayer at this time.  

Cursillo 

Cursillo is a renewal movement within the Catholic Church.  The Cursillo movement operates in three stages, Precursillo, the Cursillo Weekend and Postcursillo. The Weekend is a 3 day course on the Catholic concept of Christian living today. It is an experience in group living, geared to discussing questions based on a series of talks which are given during the weekend. 

* What are your ideals? 

* What do you want to be? 

* How do you live the Christian way of life? 

* How do you set your priorities right - Your family? Your work? 

* How are you bringing Christ to the world? 

The aim of the weekend is to give the opportunity to men and women, both lay and religious, to take time off for reflection on what is fundamental in Christian living. The CURSILLO opens with a short Retreat which is a preparation for the three days of talks and discussions about living the life of grace and spreading it in one's own particular environment. 

Here in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese a Cursillo Weekend is taking place over the long weekend in June (7-10th June) at Pt Wolstoncroft Sport & Recreation Centre. If you are interested and would like further information, please see Mrs Powell at school.

Palms Morning Tea

All families are invited to the Palms Australia fundraising morning tea to be held after Mass at St Joseph’s on Sunday 30th June. Many Year 4 students from St Joseph’s and Holy Family will be attending mass at St Joseph’s Church for their First Holy Communion. The morning tea in the parish center will be an opportunity for the parish to welcome the families after Mass, play a few games and chat together, and raise money for Palms Australia. Families are welcome to bring a plate to share.  

Thank you to Cheree Flanagan for the organisation with this fundraiser. 

Palms Australia  is an international aid and development agency that sends skilled volunteers to share their skills with communities around the world. Palms Australia has placed  volunteers with communities and organisations in  Africa, Asia, the  Pacific, South America and in  Indigenous communities in Australia. Palms Australia supports  community development by sending volunteers at the request of the receiving communities, to work alongside local people and receive an equivalent living wage.

Coming Up

St Joseph’s will be celebrating the Feast of Pentecost with a liturgy at morning assembly on Tuesday, 11th June.  Parents and grandparents are warmly invited to join us for the special occasion. 

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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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