Newsletter 4 - Term 1 - Week 9 - 25th March 2022

Website: www.stgtraralgon.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mrs. Michelle Charlton

Email: principal@stgtraralgon.catholic.edu.au

Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Next week we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation in our Parish on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6pm. Mrs Phillips has been meeting with our candidates on a regular basis to assist & support families in the children's understanding and preparation. 

During this Lenten season it is timely to reflect on Forgiveness in our own lives. Whilst we know that God is always waiting for us, ready to forgive, are we ready to do the same in our own lives? 

Do we hold onto hurt and allow it to consume us? Forgiveness is actually a liberating mindset. It may be that the person who has hurt us may not know or even care about our pain, but our decision to hold that hurt can take the joy from our lives. In some ways, forgiveness is a selfish (in a good way) decision as it frees us to live our best lives.

Make time to unite with Pope Francis in prayer

Catholics around the world are being encouraged to join their prayers with those of Pope Francis on March 25 when he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The act of consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary, the Mother of Christ, trusting in the power of her intercession. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.

“Acting as the Universal Pastor of the Church, Pope Francis will renew the consecration urged at Fatima more than 100 years ago,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said. “The bishops of Australia are united with the Holy Father as he leads the faithful around the world in this act of consecration and we invite all people to join us in praying for peace in Ukraine.”

Pope Francis will perform the act of consecration in Rome at 5pm, which will be the middle of the night in Australia.

“We urge people to spend part of their day on March 25 in prayer – attending Mass, praying with family or friends, in silent prayer at a local parish or chapel or in whatever way you can,” Archbishop Coleridge said.

Archbishop Coleridge said the feast of the Annunciation, when the Church celebrates Mary’s “yes” to the call of God, is a good day for the consecration, a day when the world says “yes” to the call of peace.

“Next Friday we stop and turn to Jesus the Prince of Peace, who tells us that peace is possible in a world so badly wounded by war in Ukraine and elsewhere,” he said.

“Thousands have died, millions have fled and millions more are living in fear. We raise our hearts, our minds and our voices to God for an end to this horrific violence and destruction.”

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently issued a prayer for peace in Ukraine.