The day emphasised the importance of ‘stillness’ in our lives. God calls us to be silent and still. In this quiet expectance, with humility of spirit and honesty of soul, we need to discover, to be silent, to be still, to be responsive to God.

Achieving stillness seems beyond us and this leaves us with a certain dilemma, we need stillness to find God, but we need God’s help to find stillness.

This day allowed us to be still, reflect and respond to Scriptures and listen to all that is around us.

Each Staff member found the day rewarding and enjoyed time to embrace silence.

Sacrament of Confirmation

This week 22 children from our Parish begin their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Candidates and their Parents made a Commitment Pledge at Mass on Saturday night to fully participate in their preparation for this Sacrament.

The Confirmation Candidates are: Lilly Cotterill, Harry Crowe, Locky Eccleston, Oliver Gailey, Sophie Graham, Eliza Hargreaves, Charlie Hindmarsh, Ellie McDonnell, Jessica McDonnell, Juliet Pearce, Gracie Peterson, Jack Peterson, James Reardon, Tahlira Rose, Hugh Ryan, Akacia Winchester, Jezanna Winchester, Cooper Bartlett, Evie Jones, Joel Sharman and Jimmy Smith.

We pray for these children as they continue their faith journey. Confirmation will be celebrated on Saturday 14^th August with Archbishop Christopher Prowse officiating.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

Winter is definitely here! The season of winter can be a difficult and stressful time for families.

Last year, Vinnies Conference members provided over $2 million in emergency assistance including food vouchers and parcels to people in need.

Help us make a difference to people in need in our local community this winter. Support the Vinnies Winter Appeal and help bring safety and security to people struggling to make ends meet.

Vinnies need -

* Jumpers     * Blankets     * Scarfs     * Socks     * Beanies   * Gloves

On Friday 23^rd July, St Patrick’s would like to support the St Vincent de Paul Society in the Winter Appeal.

• The children will come out of uniform and wear a scarf and beanie to emphasis the comfort we have in comparison to those in need.
• A gold coin donation would be appreciated.
• On this day families are encouraged to donate suitable winter clothing, jumpers, jackets, scarfs, hats, gloves, socks, blankets etc.
• We will celebrate Mass on this day, taking our items with us and placing these into the St Vinnies blue bin as we go to the Church.

With more than 3 million Australians living in poverty, including over 700,000 children, your support of the Vinnies Winter Appeal will provide more than immediate help, it will provide something much more valuable – the opportunity of a better life.

Help us make a difference to people in our local community.

Kate Howe

REC