10 March 2024
4th Sunday of Lent
Sunday’s Readings
1st Reading – 2 Chronicles 36:14-17a, 19-23++
2nd Reading – Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel Reading – John 3:14-21
Responsorial Psalm – “Let my tongued be silenced, if I ever forget you!”
Eucharistic Acclamation –“Save us, Savior of the World, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.”
We Pray For Our recently departed RIP: Stuart Warrington, Charlie McCormack (17/2), Glenys Prosser (14/2), Fr Laurie Whiting (SM) (12/2), Sr John Bosco RSJ (27/1), Thomas (Tom) Butson (18/1) and Mary Burton (14/1)
Mass Intentions/Anniversaries:
Terence Leamy (29/2), Barney O’Connor (25/2), Therese Matson (15/2) , Letitia Wapp (6/2), Fr Dominic Heslin (3/3), Vivian Simcock (6/3) and Karen Wendy Quin (7/3)
We Pray For those in our community who need our prayers:
His Excellency Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, Belinda Blackler, Patricia Lowe, Maurice McDonald, Mikulas Oros, Rod and Mary Bennett, Betty Donaldson, Sr Helena Fouhy, Dianne Jordan, Sonya Jordan, Angela Marlow, Michael and Mary O’Connor, Maurice Takarangi, Willow TePaki, May Young and Judith Wall
OF SPECIAL INTEREST THIS LENTEN SEASON:
Saint Vincent De Paul (SVDP) Appeal (Lenten Reflection) – During this time of Lent, we would like to help build up the stock in the cupboard of SVDP Society so they have plenty of items to distribute to the needy. On Sunday, 17 March, please bring something to Mass with you from your pantry and place it in the collection bins in the foyer. It could be a tin of fish, a box of cereal, a packet of biscuits or something special for Easter. This is a simple way for us to share what we have with those who are in need – Let’s give Vinnies a BIG boost for Easter parcels. Thank you in advance!
Good Friday Collection, 29 March 2024 – The Holy Father’s Good Friday Collection is a small gesture of solidarity for the Christian communities that still walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Our New Zealand collection is given for the upkeep of the Shrine Church in Cana, Galilee, and Twenty University scholarships to Bethlehem University. In 1342 the Apostolic See confirmed the Franciscans as the legitimate guardians of the Holy Land. Funds gathered by each country is forwarded to the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Please give generously to this collection in support of our brothers and sisters living in the land our Lord ministered. Many thanks for your anticipated generosity again this year, it is very much appreciated. There are specially marked envelopes in the foyer or alternatively please pay direct credit (BNZ 02-0630-0288037-18) with your name as payee and ‘Holy Places’ as the reference.
Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament – Cathedral – Monday – Friday 7:30am – 9am and OLOL – Friday, after 10am Mass until 12noon.
Morning Prayer – held at the Cathedral Tuesday to Friday 8:30am – 8:45am
Stations of the Cross – Friday evenings 6-7pm at the Cathedral
Please pray for our RCIA candidates and catechumenates as they prepare to become Catholic at this year’s Easter Vigil: Reuben Anderson, Steven Bachler, Stacey McKenzie, Barbara Morgan, Jacob Quintas and Ben Schmidt.
Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme – the next session is Tuesday, March 12 at 7pm, Cathedral Lounge. All are welcome! Please come along and join our group and make the most of this Lenten Season. The theme this year is, “The Time is Now! Ko Tenei tonu te Wai!” If you are unable to attend the Lenten groups and in lieu of the usual book distribution, you can access the material online for individual/family reflection: https://www.caritas.org.nz/lent-resources
Holy Week Choir – A warm invitation is extended to anyone who would like to sing in the choir for the liturgies during Holy Week. Choir practices will be in the Cathedral on Thursday March 14 & 21 from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like more information please email Julie Randall at – music@pncathedral.org.nz
Rite II Citywide Reconciliation – Tuesday, March 19 at 7pm, Cathedral.
Chrism Mass Invitation – We celebrate the 2024 Chrism Mass at 12:05pm, Tuesday, 26 March in the Cathedral. We encourage everyone to attend and look forward to celebrating with you all!
Good Friday Pilgrimage 2024 – Friday, March 29 starting at 12’noon at the Cathedral. Join Christians from many different churches in PN and walk the journey of the cross on Good Friday this coming Easter. The pilgrimage will walk through the city, making five stops along the route for brief times of reflection and prayer. The walk will finish at Gateways CF, Church St, at around 2.30pm, with hot cross buns and a drink. You can join the walk at any point during the pilgrimage. All are welcome to come together as Jesus’ church, witnessing to the wondrous grace of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. A more detailed itinerary with information will be available closer to the day. This Pilgrimage is being organized on behalf of the Palmerston North Christian Leaders Association (PNCLA).
News and Information
Ministries at the Cathedral – Presently we are refreshing all the ministries at the Cathedral, beginning with the Liturgical ministries. If you would like to become involved in any ministry, especially a Liturgical ministry (Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Reader, Mass Coordinator, etc.), please register online at https://kotahiano.infoodle.com/f/CHSVolunteerSignUp or contact the Parish Office this week. Workshops will be held to update everyone on new procedures. Be sure not to miss this opportunity to become more involved in our community!
Information Update – All parishioners are requested to ensure that their mailing address and/or email are current or updated with the Parish Office. This will ensure that all donation/tax receipts will be sent to the correct location/email address. If you need to update any of your information please use this link and complete the action online: https://kotahiano.infoodle.com/f/InformationUpdate
Note: The annual wash of the Cathedral exterior (with crane) commences Wednesday, March 13 at 7am.
Cathedral Open Hours – Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 1pm.
Wednesday Evening Rosary – Wednesday evenings at 5pm, you are invited to pray the Rosary. For further information, contact Ian Sutherland 06- 356-7555.
Shining Stars (Pre-School Music Group) – Thursday mornings (during school terms) from 9:30am in the Cathedral Lounge. Come along for music fun, followed by morning tea and play.
Praying the Sunday Gospel is held every Friday in the Cathedral Lounge at 11.00 am. This is a time for quiet contemplation and reflection on the Gospel.
Diocesan Library – Will be manned again on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10:30am – 11:45am. Come and have a look at all the books available for your enjoyment and inspiration. Please visit the Library and access it and check in through the Parish Office.
St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Society, Request for Assistance: We have a new family in the parish who have quite recently arrived in New Zealand. Until the parents find some work, they are finding it very difficult to provide enough food for themselves and their two children, a boy (4 years of age) and a girl (18 months old). SVDP Society is asking for assisting with donations of food/toiletries for this family, please. If you can assist, please drop any donations (or money to purchase food) into the Parish Office. Also any toys that the children could play with. Thank you all, in anticipation of your generosity!
St Vinnie’s Op Shop – Is in need of a set of bunk beds to assist a grandparent who is caring for grandchildren. We, also, need furniture and books of all kinds – time to clean out the bookshelves! Please phone the shop, 06 357 6779 for any help you may need.
Te Kahu o te Ora: A Consistent Ethic of Life – The landmark new Catholic bishops’ teaching document has been reprinted and is available for $3 each. To order a copy or copies, send an email with your name, the name of your parish school or organization (as appropriate), your postal address and the number of copies that you require to communications@nzcbc.org.nz with “Te Kahu o te Ora” in the subject line. You will be invoiced with your delivered order. NZCBC President and Bishop of Auckland Stephen Lowe says the bishops want every Catholic to read Te Kahu o te Ora, “We are confident that reflecting on the document will foster hope-filled conversations that will lead to attitudinal change and positive action towards a better world in which all life is consistently treasured and protected.” Read more about the document and look at electronic copies of it here:https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/tekahu/
Fr David Dowling appointed Rector of Holy Cross Seminary – Father David Dowling has been appointed as the new rector of Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland. Fr David is at present the Human Formator at Holy Cross. He will take over the role in April from the present Interim Rector, Bishop Emeritus Colin Campbell. Fr David is a priest of the Archdiocese of Wellington whose priestly journey began when he entered Holy Cross in 2001 after a career as a Customs officer. Fr David is committed as Rector to following the example of Pope Francis in cultivating the joy of the Gospel with a sense of being part of God’s people: “I am inspired and encouraged by the teaching of Pope Francis, who sees priestly formation as service, not simply as the transmission of a body of teachings, but also the art of concentrating on others, bringing out all their beauty and all the good that they carry within.” Further information: https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/rector/
Mark your calendars:
Blokes Morning Tea – Tuesday, March 12 at 10am, the Manawatu Golf Club (Centennial Drive).
Ladies Movie Afternoon – Tuesday, March 12 beginning at 1:30pm in the Cathedral Lounge. This month’s movie is “Dare to be Wild” – the true story of an Irish woman named Mary Reynolds who entered the Chelsea Flower Show with her wild-flower garden.
Marist Sports St Patrick’s Day Celebration – Sunday, March 17 beginning at 12’noon, Marist Sports Club (19 Pascal St, PN). Join Marist Sports as they present their top 5 Club Awards. If you would like to attend, please RSVP by March 13 via email admin@maristsports.co.nz; phone 021 422 455 or visit their website at http://www.maristsports.co.nz
Palmy Young Catholics (PYC) Fundraiser at Libre (Mexican Restaurant, George Street) – Wednesday, March 13 at 7:30pm. Call and book your table for some good food, a game and support the PYC. The fundraiser part of the evening is a game of “Loteria”, the Mexican game of Bingo. While participants enjoy their meal, bingo cards will be available for purchase, $10 ea. The proceeds from the bingo cards purchased go directly to the PYC, so please consider purchasing multiple cards! There will be prizes, provided by Libre, for the Bingo winners. It is a Win-Win event – you have Wednesday dinner sorted and could win a prize! Visit Libre website to book your table: https://www.libre.co.nz/book-a-table
Palmerston North Youth Ministry
Youth Groups – Have started, but it is not too late to join, please contact Tausilia: tmcclutchie@pndiocese.org.nz
Set Free Youth Festival – Hamilton April 22-24. If keen, get your EOI to Nick: nwilson@pndiocese.org.nz
Palmerston North Young Adult Ministry
Mass at Massey is happening on Wednesdays at 12:05, the Centre (opposite the bus stop). All Welcome.
Heaven Come Young Adult Festival – 25-27 April in Hamilton. If you are interested, contact Nick: nwilson@pndiocese.org.nz
“Christus Vivit” – This year marks 5 years since Pope Francis released Christus Vivit, his document written to young people. Have you read it? Palmy Young Catholics start examining this document beginning Sunday, March 3. Contact Finbar for more information: C 022 186 5504
Baptist Student Hostel, Palmerston North – Needs a Part-time Permanent Cook to start immediately. The Baptist Student Hostel is run by live-in Hostel Managers and governed by a board of trustees. It has been operating in Palmerston North since 1972 and houses up to 33 students. If you are interested in using your skills in ministry to Tertiary students, visit www.bsh.nz.
Crossroads Early Childhood Centre, Centre Leader – If you are looking for the time and space to build genuine, authentic relationships with children, whanau and staff in a faith-based Early Childhood Centre that puts people first – then this role could be for you. See the TradeMe ad for more details https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/education/early-childhood/manawatu-whanganui/palmerston-north/full-time/listing/4565885462?bof=raAGQhwo
For Sale – Items available to purchase are located in the Cathedral foyer and/or OLOL foyer (by the TV). Please place your money in the slot provided. Thank you.
NZ Catholic – $4.00 Latest edition headlines – New Zealand Catholic Church faces engagement and giving challenges, survey shows; Wellington priest appointed seminary rector; PN Bishop argues for Catholic thought in the square today
Tui Motu – $7.00
The 2024 Daily Bible Diary – $20.00 Daily readings, prayers, short reflections, Saints of the day and short quotes.
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