24 December 2023
4th Sunday of Advent
Sunday’s Readings
1st Reading – 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
2nd Reading – Romans 16:25-27
Gospel Reading – Luke 1:26-38
Responsorial Psalm: “For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.”
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: Cardinal Thomas Williams (22/12), Fr Tom O’Connor SM (Wellington), Fr Jock McLaughlan (18/12), Paul Gerretzen (5/12), Zelma Farnsworth (27/11), Mary Farrell (20/11), Fr Paul Shannhan SM.(19/11)
Mass Intentions/Anniversaries
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, May Young and Judith Wall
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
The 2024 Columban Calendars – If you have not gotten yours already, the calendars will be available to purchase Sunday after the 7:30am and 9:30am Mass times. They are $12.00 each and EFPOS is available.
Cathedral and Parish Office Holiday Hours
The Parish Office will be closed from midday Friday, 22 December 2023, and will reopen on Tuesday, 23 January 2024.
In January 2024, the Cathedral will be open for Masses and prayer times only.
The Cathedral will reopen on Tuesday, 23 January 2024, and will be open daily Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.
The next Newsletter/Website post will be for Sunday, 28 January 2024.
Praying the Sunday Gospel has concluded for the year but will resume on Friday, 2 February 2024 in the Parish Lounge at 11am. All Welcome.
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. Drawing will take place on Sunday, 31 December.
St Vincent de Paul Society – Thank you all for your generosity over the past year and we wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas.
St Vinnie’s Op Shop – Is currently closed and will reopen on 16 January 2024. Looking forward to seeing you.
Links:
Viewpoint: Viewpoint
Weekly Themes: Latest
More Links: Mass Times and Pastoral Outreach
To sign up for our online newsletter – visit: http://eepurl.com/ibNznj
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.