|
 |
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
23rd September 2018
Readings
This Sunday:
Wis 2:12,17-20 : Psalm 54 : James 3:16-4:3 : Mark 9:30-37
Next Sunday:
Num. 11:25-29 : Psalm 19B : James 5:1-6 : Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48
This week in the parish....
| Sun 23 | 5.00pm | Pizza evening for all Altar Servers, Hall |
| Mon 24 | 12.30pm | Serving Spoons community lunch, Hall |
| | 7.30pm | Meditation, St John’s |
| Tues 25 | 10.15am | Parish ladies coffee group, Hall |
| | 7.00pm | Prayer Group, ph. Barbara, 424 1130 for venue |
| | 7.30pm | RCIA enquiry evening, St John’s chapel |
| Wed 26 | 9.00am | Rosary Prayers, St John’s |
| | 9.45am | Mainly Music, Hall |
| | 1.00pm | Indoor Bowls, Hall |
| | 5.30pm | Meditation, St Francis |
| | 7.15pm | Prayer Group, Hall |
| Thurs 27 | 4.00pm | Meditation, St John’s |
| Fri 28 | 9.00am | Rosary prayers, St Francis |
|
|
|
Reflection
In today’s gospel reading Jesus begins to give his whole attention to preparing his disciples for the final rejection that awaits him in Jerusalem – a rejection God will transform into a victory over all evil in the Saviour’s Paschal Mystery. The first reading, from the Book of Wisdom vividly anticipates what lies ahead for Jesus. In fact, it is describing the selfishness and foolishness good people have to contend with in every age. The existence of real and pervasive evil presents a challenge to Christian faith. The freedom and responsibility that are the hallmarks of our human dignity will often be abused and obstruct the purposes of God. How is God to make creation a final masterpiece, by turning all things to good in the end?
There is something truly prophetic in the reading from Wisdom, because it echoes the Songs in the Book of Isaiah concerning God’s Servant: ‘the punishment reconciling us fell on him, and we have been healed by his bruises’ (Is 53:5). These Songs were quoted by Jesus in the synagogue in Nazareth (Lk 4:18-19). No doubt they were of great importance to him as his mission unfolded. God’s designs have been patiently prepared. Evil is a problem for all of us: we have to contend with disruptive forces – within ourselves, in our dealings with others, in the wide world in which we live. Like the disciples Jesus is instructing, we are still learning how to cope. Those whom Jesus wants to be the bearers of the Good News of God’s ways are still lost in their self-centred ambitions. It is a situation that is so typical of our human experience. It leads Jesus to give the disciples a lesson that is at once radical and simple: ‘Anyone who wants to be first must become last of all and servant of all’. Perhaps we have here another echo of the Servant Songs that have been mentioned – Jesus himself will be our example in the living out of this truth. Great teacher that he is, Jesus goes on to give the disciples an object lesson - receive those who have nothing to give you in return, like this child I am embracing, he tells them, and you will be true disciples of mine and dear to my Father.
Fr. John Thornhill sm (edited)
|
Sacramental Programme:
Volunteers urgently needed for the following roles:
- Programme Coordinator
- Catechists for the children and a catechists’ leader
- Catechists for the parents and a catechists’ leader
Please give this some prayerful consideration and contact Claire Buckley, (09) 420 4045, if you are willing to assist.
|
Serving Spoons - ‘Feed the Need’:
Our next free community lunch will be held in the parish hall on Monday 24 September at 12.30pm. If you, or anyone you know could benefit from a hearty meal and some friendly company please come along. Thank you to Love Soup, all our volunteer helpers and those who have donated food or funds.
|
Pope Francis.
Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason.
|
We continue to pray ...
For all the sick in our community. We pray for the recently deceased including Patrick Hackett and John O’Sullivan.
We pray too for those whose anniversaries occur at this time.
|
Ministers’ Rosters ...
For the 5.30pm and 10.15am Masses are in the foyer for collection.
|
Pizza evening for all altar servers ...
In the parish hall at 5pm today, Sunday 23 Sept.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
|
Congratulations to ...
Leo Wakelin who was baptised last weekend.
|
Helpers needed for the All Souls Mass, 2 November, 9.30am:
We need a number of volunteers to help with various tasks for the All Souls Mass.
A list of these tasks is on a clipboard in the foyer. Please add your name to it if you are willing to help.
|
Sacramental Programme:
Registration forms for the 2018/19 programme are in the church foyers and at the Stella Maris School office.
Children need to be baptised Catholic and aged 8 years by 31 October 2018.
The programme runs from October 2018 to June 2019 - dates still to be finalised. The cost of the programme is $60, which includes course material, a personalised candle and professional photograph of your child during the ceremony. If you wish to enrol your child please complete the enrolment form and return with payment and a copy of your child’s baptism certificate to the parish office no later than Friday 19 October 2018.
For further information please contact Claire Buckley, (09) 420 4045 or email: cmbuckley76@gmail.com
|
New Parishioners’ Lunch:
The Care and Share team are hosting a lunch for new parishioners on Sunday 7 October, 11.30am in the parish hall. Invitations have been mailed to those who have registered in the past year.
For catering purposes it is important that you RSVP by Monday 1 October latest.
If you have not received your invitation please contact the parish office. If you have not yet registered kindly complete a parish roll form which you will find on the table in the foyer.
|
Trivial Pursuit Evening:
The Care & Share team are organising this event again this year for 7pm Saturday 14 October in the St. Johns’s Church Hall. Tickets will be issued at the door at $5 each and these will also be used for numerous prize draws throughout the evening. There will be 10 tables with 10 persons per table so book a table for your team or come on your own and join an existing team.
Glassware, chips, crackers, tea and coffee will be provided but otherwise bring your own food and drinks. Prizes for the best 3 teams will be awarded at the end of the evening and a silent auction will also be included. The main aim of this function is to enliven the social side of our parish and all surplus funds raised will be go to the church food bank.
Please note, this is a very popular event and reservations beforehand are essential as all seats last year were booked out within 2 weeks.
For all reservation enquiries, please call Ken at 427-9106.
|
Heartfelt thanks to all ...
Who prayed, called, and supported us at this sad time of losing John.
Special thanks to Murray, Theresa, and the catering team. May you all be richly blessed. Chris O'Sullivan and family.
|
Men of Prayer of the Hibiscus Coast Churches ...
Meet on Monday 1 October, 7pm at Orewa Community Church, Amorino Drive, Red Beach.
Prayer, praise & worship and shared meal to conclude.
Contact Peter, 021 646682
|
 Headlines from the latest
issue of NZ Catholic:
- NZ bishops write letter of support to Pope.
- Changing pew dwellers into missionary disciples.
- Candles set Auckland church statue on fire.
- St Peter’s College wins national 1st XV title.
www.nzcatholic.org.nzNZ Catholic Newspaper - $4.00
Get yours at the back of the church
|
The Transitus of St Francis, 3 October:
We are celebrating the Transitus of St Francis with a special ceremony on Wednesday 3 October at 7pm in St John’s Church.
All parishioners are welcome.
Feast of St Francis, 4 October:
We welcome the parish community to celebrate Holy Mass, with our Secular Franciscan Fraternity, at 9.30am Mass in St John’s Church, followed by morning tea in the foyer.
|
R.C.I.A.:
Are you or a friend thinking of becoming a Catholic?
Adults entering the Catholic Church or just thinking about it, follow a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA. You are welcome to join in the next enquiry session to be held this Tuesday evening at St John’s Church, Orewa at 7.30pm.
If you have any questions, please contact Iutita Rusk, (09) 427 9010 or 021 829927.
|
Social Justice Group:
Anyone who is interested in Social Justice is invited to a meeting in St John’s Hall, Orewa on Thursday 27 September at 7.30pm.
There will be some follow up from social justice week and discussion of possible directions our parish can take to further promote social justice.
|
Sacristans:
Would you be interested in joining our St Francis team of Sacristans.
We have two teams, one for the 9.30am Friday Mass and another for the 8.30am Sunday Mass.
Training and support happily provided.
If you would like to discuss this further please phone Anne Murphy on 027 6629744.
|
Parish Ladies Coffee Group:
Join us for coffee, a chat and a few games of bingo on Tuesday 25 August, 10.15am in the parish hall. Newcomers are most welcome.
Entry donation - $3. Go into the draw for a prize!
Contact Christina, 426 7108.
|
On Sale after Mass today:
Columban calendars - $12
Daily Mass calendars - $3 and
Latest edition of the NZ Catholic - $4.
|
Hibiscus Coast Parish Pastoral Care
The Sacrament of Anointing:
The Catholic Church offers the sacrament of Anointing to its members who are seriously sick or frail, undergoing surgery or approaching death. Please don’t hesitate to request anointing for yourself or a family member at these times.
Please contact Fr John, (09) 426 5599 Ext 2.
If Fr John is unavailable please contact Deacon Murray, (09) 424 7465, or Deacon Greg, 027 603 5132.
Hospital Visits and Chaplaincy:
If you or any of your family are a patient at North Shore Hospital or other hospital and wish us to know,
please contact Deacon Murray, (09) 424 7465 or
021 994 703.
If you would like a visit from a hospital chaplain please let the staff know or phone (09) 358 0825 Ext 1019.
Care and Share:
A caring network in the parish catering to the requirements of the sick, lonely and people in need.
Contact Truus Tinsel - 426 9548.
Ministry to the Sick & Infirm:
Those who are sick or infirm, and who wish to receive Holy Communion in their home or place of residence,
please contact our Communion to the Sick coordinator, Deacon Greg Murphy, 02. 6035132 or annegreg@xtra.co.nz
Home Visits:
Fr Peter Gray, a retired priest of Auckland diocese, living in the parish, enjoys visiting parishioners in their homes.
If you would like a visit from him, phone (09) 428 5376.
Prayer Chain:
Please phone any of the members listed on the noticeboard in the foyer, if you require prayers for a special intention.
|
TELEPHONE PRAYER CHAIN
Is anyone sick?
Call upon the church community to pray for you (James5:14).
Please telephone any of the parishioners listed below.
We would love to pray for your intentions in our daily prayers.
Norma McGrath (Coordinator); 424-8460
Maureen Nancarrow; 426 7921
Ursula Taylor; 426 7970
Janet Dimbleby; 427 5850
Kerry Johnson; 424 2854
Raewyn Taylor; 424 1414
Judy Gooding; 424 1008
|
|
|
|
 |
|
MERCY SPRITUALITY CENTRE: 
