Yesterday, all students in our school participated in a Way of the Cross prayer service. As mentioned last week, these are representations of the path Jesus took on his way to being crucified. We remembered that Jesus gave up his life so that we could be free from sin and live together in his love. The fourteen representations in the Way of the Cross end with Jesus being laid in the tomb. However, it is the hope of the Resurrection which accompanies us throughout the Way of the Cross, so we included a fifteenth station depicting Easter morning.

As this was a prayer service, each part of the Way of the Cross was accompanied by a prayer, to help us understand the virtues of Jesus, and to know that we too can model the virtues of Jesus in our own lives.

Below is one of the readings, a reflection, and the prayer. 

Station Five: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

We remember how Jesus needed someone to help him carry his cross. The Roman soldiers told Simon to help Jesus carry his cross.

Let us remember that when we help someone, we are like Simon, who helped Jesus.

Prayer:

Jesus, we praise you, we thank you, we love you.

You gave up your life to save us.

 Amen.

Our Way of the Cross prayer service was meaningful and left all students thinking about what Jesus had experienced and ways that we can be more like Jesus in our lives today.

This year, St Joseph’s Parish will be offering the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation to eligible candidates. To be eligible to prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy communion, candidates must be in Year 4 or above. To be eligible to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, candidates must be in Year 5 or above and must have already received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

The meeting dates for the Reconciliation and First Holy Communion candidates are as follows.

• 17^th May – Preparation Meeting
• 24^th May – Preparation Meeting
• 28^th May – First Reconciliation Mass
• 31^st May – Preparation Meeting
• 7^th June – Preparation Meeting
• 11^th June – First Holy Communion Mass

The preparation for the Confirmation candidates will take place in Terms 3 and 4. Specific information regarding meeting/ mass dates will be provided towards the end of Term 2.

If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren please contact me at the school on 6343 1514 or via email: danielle.mcfarlane@cg.catholic.edu.au

Furthermore, if you know of anyone else interested in further information, who may not have access to this newsletter or the Parish bulletin, please encourage them to contact me also.

Family Easter Prayer

Loving God,

Thank you for the gift of the Easter Season.

Grant us the willingness to spend time this season in prayer with each other so we too can come to understand more of the Easter Story.

Thank you for the gift of each of us, and for the hope you have given to each member of our family.

Amen

Parish News

Sunday 8 am Mass

St Joseph’s Church, Grenfell

Please note that a Mass will be held on the second and fourth Sundays each month. There is a Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion, not a Mass, on the first and third Sundays of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend!

The Parish would love to welcome more children to be involved in Mass on weekends. There are many opportunities for involvement, including doing the readings. If your child can participate in any way, please let me know.

If you wish to visit St Joseph’s Church, it is open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm and following Mass on Sundays.

Holy Week and Easter Celebrations

A schedule of these celebrations for St Joseph’s Church Grenfell and the wider Young Mission can be found below.

MAUNDY THURSDAY:

Thur. 6h April -            6.00pm – Young

GOOD FRIDAY:

Fri. 7th April -              10.00am - Young - “Walking” Stations of the Cross at Young  Arboretum Park commencing at the Yass Street bridge (for Young and Grenfell)

VENERATION OF THE CROSS:

Fri. 7th April -              3:00pm - Young
                                  3.00pm - Grenfell (remember to bring a flower or native leaves to put near the cross when your times comes to venerate at the Altar)

EASTER VIGIL:

Sat. 8th April -             6.00pm - Mass at Young

EASTER SUNDAY:

Sun. 9th April -            8.00am - Mass at Grenfell

                                  10.00am - Mass at Young

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter and holiday break. I trust you will find time to recognise the solemnity of Easter and reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and commitment that the Easter story brings us. Also, importantly, the joy and celebration of life that the resurrection reminds us of. Enjoy the break with family and friends.

Yours in Faith,

Danielle McFarlane

Religious Education Coordinator