17 March 2024
5th Sunday of Lent
Sunday’s Readings
1st Reading – Jeremiah 31:31-34
2nd Reading – Hebrews 5:7-9
Gospel Reading – John 12:20-33
Responsorial Psalm – “Create a clean heart in me, O God.”
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: Elizabeth Hurley (8/3), Stuart Warrington, Charlie McCormack (17/2), Glenys Prosser (14/2), Fr Laurie Whiting (SM) (12/2), Sr John Bosco RSJ (27/1) and Thomas (Tom) Butson (18/1)
Mass Intentions/Anniversaries:
Karen Wendy Quin (7/3), Vivian Simcock (6/3), Fr Dominic Heslin (3/3), Terence Leamy (29/2), Barney O’Connor (25/2), Therese Matson (15/2) and Letitia Wapp (6/2)
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:
Almsgiving Considerations:
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!
Caritas Lent Appeal – Each year, Caritas Aotearoa NZ runs the Bishops’ Lent Appeal to support the Caritas mission, as a Catholic agency for justice, peace and development. Caritas is the means by which we help our brothers and sisters in vulnerable communities across the Pacific and beyond. Over the last couple of years there has been a drop in giving to Caritas, putting pressure on their ability to fund programmes that serve those most in need. We ask, during this time of preparation and almsgiving, you make a special gift to the Bishops’ Lent Appeal 2024 online at http://www.caritas.org.nz or use one of the envelopes available in the foyer. This act will mean so much to those that Caritas helps.
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 you can donate via direct credit (BNZ 02-0630-0288037-18) with your name as payee and ‘Holy Places’ as the reference.
Easter Sunday Dues Special Collection, 31 March 2024 – Many thanks to parishioners who in the past have contributed to the Easter Dues/Offerings Special Collection. The collection is used by the Clergy Trust Fund to support the priests in various costs pertaining to their ministries and personal lives. The Clergy Trust Fund is responsible for every aspect of our priests’ well-being. The priests have always expressed their gratitude for the people’s financial support and the care that they receive. Specially marked envelopes are in the foyer or, alternatively, please donate by direct credit (BNZ 02-0630-0288037-18) including your name as payee and ‘Dues’ as reference.
Prayer, Reflection and Preparation:
Rite II Citywide Reconciliation – Tuesday, 19 March at 7pm, Cathedral.
Caritas Lenten Reflection Programme – the next session is Tuesday, 19 March 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, 21 March from 7pm to 9pm. If you would like more information please email Julie Randall at – music@pncathedral.org.nz
Chrism Mass Invitation – We celebrate the 2024 Chrism Mass at 12:05pm, Tuesday, 26 March in the Cathedral. We encourage everyone who can attend to join us and look forward to celebrating with you all!
Good Friday Pilgrimage 2024 – Remembering Jesus Christ dying for us All. Join Christians from many different churches in Palmy and walk the journey of the cross this Easter. Everyone welcome. There will be six stops for brief reflection. You can join the walk anywhere along the route. The pilgrimage begins at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (197 Broadway), 12’noon; followed by The Salvation Army church (431 Church St); Pathways at St Andrew’s (388 Church St); centre of The Square/Te Marae o Hine;
Central Baptist (190 Church St); then ending at Gateways (174 Church St), approximately 3pm. Drinks and hot cross buns will be provided at the end. Organized on behalf of Palmerston North Christian Leaders Assoc (PNCLA). For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/events/799427135437768
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
NEWS & 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
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.
Sacred Heart, Rongotea – has Mass every Sunday at 9am.
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 are still accepting any donations of food, toiletries and/or toys for our new family in the parish, who recently arrived in NZ. The parents are seeking employment but until they have a steady income, they are having difficulties getting enough food for themselves and their two children (a boy, 4 years old, and a girl, 18 months old). Please, if you can assist, drop off any donations or money to purchase food at the Parish Office. Please help this family feel a warm welcome to our parish community by donating.
St Vinnie’s Op Shop – Needs Winter clothing, please – jackets, woollen jerseys and warm clothes of all kinds. No more summer clothes at this time. Thank you. For any help you may need, phone 06 357 6779.
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/
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
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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