APRE News
….experiencing FAITH in the Mercy Tradition
Last week, we celebrated Catholic Education Week and as part of our celebrations of Communities of Faith, Hope & Love, we celebrated Mass together. Our theme of “Celebrating diversity through love” gave us the opportunity to celebrate our culturally diverse community and that we are all one community loved by God. Check out our social pages for all the photos.
Also, as part of our Catholic Education awards, we congratulate the following students who were recognized at our Mass for demonstrating Faith, Hope and Love to others in our school and the wider SSP community; Rose Stead, Estelle Harlen, Kahlia Kuhn, Alvina Farkarlun, Tia Ein Al Shaeba, Eli Schulze, Violet Osborne, Ewan Phillips, Penny Lucas, Allen Forkpah, Imogen Kelly, Archie Neumann, Charlotee Gibson, Indi Hobday, Haddie Hall, Amelia Menhinnitt, Molly Cryle and Sophie Grice. Well done and thank you!
As a staff, we came together on Friday for a day of professional day learning at St Mary’s College. Australian country music legend, Graeme Connors, was our guest speaker. As a catholic himself, Graeme shared his spiritual journey through music. My key takeaways from the day were:
- Love works (everywhere, every time)
- We need to be hope for each other, and
- Let’s ask questions to start dialogue with each other (not just talking but real, genuine listening).
This is our challenge in our homes, schools and work places. As people of faith, it is in the relationships we share with others where we can be hope for them, show them love and listen to them, that we experience the Holy Spirit and that, I believe, is living a purpose-filled life.
Pastoral Care – If you know someone who is in need in our community, please let us know how we can provide a practical helping hand to them. It could be as a simple as accessing warm uniforms, a phone call, arranging transport or providing networks of support. Thank you for assisting us to be able to reach out to those families. Give the office a call on 46 371 700 or email me on ann-maree.ward@twb.catholic.edu.au
St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish news
Calling Young Parishioners to Be Altar Servers
In the spirit of connecting generations, we invite our young parishioners to become altar servers. This role is very important in our Mass celebrations. It helps young people be active and conscious participants in the liturgy.
The Second Vatican Council calls for everyone to take part in the liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 14), and the Catechism of the Catholic Church says that serving at the altar is a key way to join in the Church's life (CCC 901).
Being an altar server is a wonderful way for young people to grow in their faith. They learn about the Mass, the Church, and the importance of service. It also helps them build a sense of responsibility and community. By serving at the altar, they can form a deeper connection with God and the Church.
Join Us as Altar Servers: We welcome all young children who want to be part of our parish life to become altar servers. This is a great way to grow in faith and service.
First gathering is on 3rd August at 2-4 pm in the St Patrick's Cathedral Parish Centre Conference Room
Second gathering is a tour and Practice Session on 11th August at 2-4 pm at St Patrick's Cathedral
This altar serving training for children, teens and youth will focus on teaching young individuals the spirituality and practice of being an altar server. Please come with a parent or caregiver to the information session. In the coming weeks we will announce the date intended for the Adults altar serving as well.
Support and Join Us! Let us work together to support our elderly and involve our youth in meaningful service. For more information or to sign up, please contact Fr Brian on 0488 147 734 or email him at brian@stpats.org.au. Join us in this wonderful ministry and help our Church family grow stronger. Together, we can ensure that our elderly feel loved and connected, and our young ones grow in their faith and service.
We remember in our prayers, Betty Howell (Bishop Ken’s Mother) who passed away last week. May she Rest in peace.
ROSIES TOOWOOMBA NEEDS YOUR HELP Rosies is now recruiting (adults and students aged 16 yrs and over) outreach volunteers to commence a new street outreach on Tuesday nights between 5.30pm and 9.30pm. If you have 4 hours to spare monthly or fortnightly and would like to help our friends on the street as an outreach volunteer, please visit https://rosies.org.au/charity/toowoomba/
For all queries, please email toowoomba@rosies.org.au or call 0499 111 730.
Date claimers:
Movie Premiere: Glorious Lives – Mary MacKillop – Wednesday 7th August 6.30pm – 9pm Strand Boutique Cinemas. From the award winning series “Glorious Lives,” Shalom World brings you the remarkable story of Australia’s first saint. She followed God’s path and championed love and forgiveness through every challenge. A saint who knew that love and education could transform lives. This movie-documentary starring diocesan local, Bethany Valente, as young Mary MacKillop, Archbishop Mark Coleridge as an interviewee and features 15+ young Toowoomba Catholics. Children 5-11yrs $15 each Adults $25 each – To book tickets go to www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1257002
School/Parish Mass: Sunday 18th August 9am St Patrick’s Cathedral. All welcome! Let me know if you can come!
Term 4 - Week 2 - Thursday 10th October - Whole school Mass & Grandparent's day
Enjoy a great week and thanks for reading.
Ann-Maree