Our first prayer celebration will look a little different this year as we are unable to have a mass in the church. Due to the current COVID restrictions, we will hold the Opening Prayer Celebration outside and only staff and students will be able to attend. However, we do know that parents, grandparents and friends love to see the special moments that occur in this start to the new school year celebration, such as the pinning on of badges and adding stars to the star banner, so we will be filming these ‘proud parent moments’ and you will be able to share them with your children in the comfort of your own homes. This will also be an advantage to those of you who would not have been able to attend due to work commitments. This prayer celebration will be held on Wednesday the 23^rd of February.

Change in mass times for Grenfell

Please be aware that mass times for St Joseph’s Church in Grenfell have changed. Beginning Sunday, the 6^th of February, mass time made a permanent change to 8 am. Also, the first and third Sundays will be Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion, not masses, as Father Jiss needs to serve the 3 parishes that make up the Young Mission without another priest to help him. Masses will continue on the  2^nd and 4^th Sundays each month at the new time of 8 am.

This week I have chosen a prayer for those in aged care, their loved ones and their carers. Covid has had a huge impact on their physical health and mental wellbeing. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to battle with the effects of the lingering pandemic.

Gracious God and loving Father,
We praise you that our times are in your hands.

Father though we are locked down, cut off and isolated from one another,
You have drawn near to us in in your Son, the Lord Jesus, who comes to bring us forgiveness and new life.
You are close to the broken hearted.
You come to us by your Spirit who lives in us, to help us in our prayers, and to bring forth in us the fruit that pleases you.

Hear our prayers for those who are sick and aged and for those who care for them:
Bring healing, strength and protection.
Hear our prayers for those who grieve:
Bring the comfort and hope of the gospel.
Hear our prayers for the anxious, the fearful, and the lonely:
Bring the assurance of your love and presence.

Hear our prayers for those under pressure, feeling stressed or overwhelmed:
Bring your peace that transcends understanding.

Loving God, would you help us reach out to one another, in loving care and with the gospel of hope.
Provide for all people in their need, make us generous, and give us strength and hope through these trying times.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

Peace and blessings,

Religious Education Coordinator