Parish Bulletin
PARISH NEWS
Love IS all there is!!
Mahatma Ghandi said, “If more Christians were like your Christ, there would be more Christians.” 2000 years after Christ, only 30% of the world’s population are Christians (over half of those are Catholics). Considering the astounding “Good News” we should be spreading and Jesus’ instruction to “baptise all nations in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit”, not overly impressive.
Do others see us as Christ-like disciples? Jesus tells us that it is “by this love you have for one another that everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:31-35). “All that matters is love, a love that is expressed most purely when we sacrifice ourselves for the well-being of others. When we love in this way, we show that we are disciples of Jesus who laid down his life for us”. (St Paul’s Sunday Missal). Do we love like Him? Otherwise, we’ll never spread the Good News.
Can others see in us a love, not merely of the “worthy” or those who love us, but the love Jesus showed for the least (even haters)? Love for young people off the rails, street people and addicts, homeless, rough sleepers, sufferers of domestic violence, trafficked humans, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, prisoners, dysfunctional families, those grieving at loss and dislocation, many indigenous people, disabled and ill brothers and sisters.
All humanity, especially the poor, ragged and disadvantaged are precious to Jesus, as well as the misguided, ignorant, and plain sinful. He loves them all and calls us to do no less. Catholics today enjoy infinite opportunity for self-sacrificing love and plenty of ways for “sleeves rolled up” engagement.
Others should witness Jesus’ disciples faithfully self-sacrificing in our daily lives when we work with one or two of the many Catholic social service organisations. Don’t just think about it – do it!
Deacon Mark Kelly
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION PROCESS 2025
Dear Parents,
Confirmation is the sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives us the increased ability to practice our Catholic faith in every aspect of our lives and to witness to Christ in every situation.
An invitation is extended to Grade 6 families who wish to have their child continue their journey of initiation into the life of the Catholic Church, through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
This sacrament is offered to Grade 6 children who are baptised Catholic and have celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is such a special time for our Confirmation Candidates as they become full members of the Catholic Church.
Please know we will keep you all in our prayers as you take this next very important step in your child’s life.
If you wish to accept this invitation, please put these important dates in your diary.
PARENT INFORMATION EVENING: (for Parents only)
When: Thursday 19th June 7.00pm
Where: Marian Room, St. Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Guest Seaker: Rev Dr Elio Capra SDB.
**It is important that you attend this meeting as we will outline the process for Confirmation.
COMMITMENT MASS
Families need to attend one of the following
Masses to be enrolled in the program:
St Joseph’s Church, Warragul
Saturday 21st June, 7:00pm
Sunday 22nd June, 9:00am
St Ita’s Church, Drouin
Sunday 22nd June, 10:30am
Sunday 29th June, 10:30am
PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOP
Families are invited to attend this workshop.
Thursday, 31st July 7pm – 8pm
Marian Room, St. Joseph’s Church, Warragul
RETREAT DAY
AT Marish Sion College, Warragul
Friday, 8th August, 10.00 – 2.30
The candidates will participate in a rehearsal of the ceremony
2ND RITE OF RECONCILIATION
Thursday, 7th August, 7:00pm St Ita’s Church Drouin
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Friday, 15th August, 7:00pm Marist-Sion College Hall.
Celebrant: Bishop Greg Bennet
If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Liz Schellekens: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au or St. Joseph’s Parish Office: 56231642
The Sacrament Team is looking forward to working with you and your child in this next very important step in their faith journey.
Kindest regards, Liz Schellekens
Sacrament Key Dates
Communion Masses will be held on the weekends of 31st May/1st June and 7th/8th June
Sacrament of Confirmation: Parent Information Meeting Thursday 19th June, 7 pm Marian Room St. Joseph’s Church Warragul
Confirmation Mass with the Bishop Friday 15th August, St. Ita’s Church, Drouin, 7 pm
Other dates will be provided closer to the time.
For more information, contact Liz at the Parish Office 5623 1642 or email warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
