17 December 2023
3rd Sunday of Advent
Sunday’s Readings
1st Reading – Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
2nd Reading – I Thessalonians 5:16-24
Gospel Reading – John 1:6-8, 19-28
Responsorial Psalm: “My soul rejoices in my God.”
Eucharistic Acclamation – “Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.”
We Pray For Our deceased
RIP: Paul Gerretzen (5/12), Zelma Farnsworth (27/11), Mary Farrell (20/11), Fr Paul Shannhan SM.(19/11)
Mass Intentions/Anniversaries
Easteron and Bailley Families, Reg Keogh (A18/10), Raymond Waldvogel (A30/10), John Anthony O’Brien (A4/11), Tony Murphy (A20/11), Dan O’Donoghue (A25/11), Mark Richards (25/12)
We pray for those in our community who need our prayers:
His Excellency Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, Rod and Mary Bennett, Betty Donaldson, Sr Helena Fouhy, Dianne Jordan, Sonya Jordan, Angela Marlow, Michael and Mary O’Connor, Maurice Takarangi, Willow TePaki and Judith Wall
Praying the Sunday Gospel is held every Friday in the Cathedral Lounge at 11.00 am. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Please note that due to the scaffolding and roof repairs, there will be no hospitality today, after Mass.
Christmas & New Year Mass Times – The schedule will be available hard copy in the foyer of the Cathedral and Our Lady of Lourdes. Additionally, it is published on the Cathedral website Christmas Timetable 2023 and sent out to all parishioners that receive the newsletter.
Special Collection – Many thanks to parishioners who, in the past, have contributed to the Christmas Dues/Offering Special Collection. The money collected becomes a part of the Clergy Trust Fund to support the priests of the Diocese. This Special Collection’s giving envelopes specifically marked ‘Christmas Offering,’ will be available on Christmas Day in the foyer. Alternatively, you can pay direct credit. Note your name as payee and ‘Christmas Offering’ as reference. Your support and help is always appreciated!
Clergy Shifts – Bishop John would like to announce the Clergy shifts for 2024: Fr Vui Hoang – Assistant Priest, The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit; Fr Trung Nguyen – Assistant Priest, The Catholic Parish of New Plymouth; Fr Vijay Dungdung – Assistant Priest, The Catholic Parish of Hastings; Fr Nathaniel Brazil – Parish Priest, Immaculate Conception, Stratford; Fr Marcus Francis – Parish Priest, The Catholic Parish of Hastings; Fr Alan Roberts – Wellington
Christmas Message from Fr Joe Grayland – “Dear Everyone, I am writing from Tubingen, Germany, where I am lecturing in liturgical theology. Here Advent is marked by snow and colder weather, but luckily very little rain. The Christmas markets are in full stride and a great venue for friends and families to meet. I hope you all have a great Advent and Christmas and, in the New Year, many blessings. Yours, Joe Grayland”
St Mary’s Parish Fundraiser Raffle – BIG prizes – 1st prize: $1000 Cash; 2nd prize: $250 Countdown gift card…Tickets $5 each or 10 tickets for $50. For your chance to win there are tickets available at your nearest parish office. Drawing will take place on Sunday, 31 December.
Mark your Calendars:
Daily Exposition for Advent – The Most Blessed Sacrament will be available to pray and spend some quiet time with throughout Advent. Come join us at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit anytime between the hours of 7 – 9am, Monday through Friday.
Wednesday Evening Rosary – Each Wednesday evening at 5pm, you are invited to attend and pray the Rosary. For further information, contact Ian Sutherland 06- 356-7555.
Nativity Play 2023 – The Nativity play will take place: Christmas Eve Vigil Mass, OLOL, 6pm – If your child(ren) are interested in being a part of the OLOL Nativity play, please contact Donna Brown pastoral@pncathedral.org.nz. Christmas Day, Cathedral, 9:30am – If your child(ren) are interested in being a part of the Cathedral Nativity play, please come to our practices after the 9:30am Masses on Sunday, 17 December and 24 December. Please contact Donna at the email address above if you require further information.
Worship in the Square – Sunday, 17 December at 2pm in the Square, PN. Everyone is welcome. Event organized by a young adult collective from a couple of different churches.
All Saints’ Parish and Choir Traditional Nine Lessons and Carols – Sunday, 17 December at 7:45pm at the Cathedral. There will be the well-known and loved carols as well as other lesser-known carols sung by All Saints’ extended choir. The format for the service is based on that developed by Kings College Choir, Cambridge, UK. Choir Director is Jenny Hornblow (Boyack) and pipe organ/piano accompanist is Alison Stewart.
Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship Meeting – Tuesday, December 19 at 7pm, St Mary’s Church foyer, PN. A “Christmas Gathering” with Christmas carols, Nativity reflection, prayer and praise. Light supper to finish. For more information contact John Hammond, 027 688 7750.
Memorial Mass for Reg Keogh – Wednesday, 20 December at 12:05pm, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
St Vincent de Paul Society – Thank you all for your generous donations over the past year. We wish you and yours a Happy Christmas and a relaxing holiday.
St Vinnie’s Op Shop – We will be closed from 16 December until 16 January 2024.
Tokelauan Community – “We would like to thank the Parish for giving us the opportunity to participate in Mass celebrations each month. We wish you a very Blessed Christmas and Festive Season. We will return on the last Sunday of February 2024.”
Emmaus Christian Internship and Professional Development – At Cornerstone Christian School (L Block), February 2024. Programs offered – Adult Learning and Professional Development – Thursday mornings, non-accredited; Year 14 (Gap Year) – Thursday mornings, non-accredited; Year 13 option: Thursday mornings, up to 18 Lvl -3 credits available. Check out the Emmaus Intership “Foundations” Programme at www.emmaus.net.nz
For Sale in CHS and OLOL
NZ Catholic – $4.00
Tui Moi – $7.00 Find these magazines in the gathering area at CHS and OLOL (by the TV). Please place your money in the slot provided. Thank you.
The 2024 Daily Mass Calendar, $5.00 and the 2024 Columban Calendar, $12.00 are available in the Parish Office.
Links:
Viewpoint: Viewpoint
Weekly Themes: Latest
More Links: Mass Times and Pastoral Outreach
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