15 September 2024
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday’s Readings
1st Reading –Isaiah 50.5-9
2nd Reading –James 2.14-18
Gospel Reading – Mark 8.27-35
Responsorial Psalm – “I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.”
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:
Lynne Keogh (6/9), Vincent (Vinnie) William Carroll (1/9), Bishop Denis Browne (1/9), Maurice Dolan (31/8), Elisa Nuñez(Philippines), Teresita Sta. Ana,(Philippines), Anna Feldberg (24/8), Noeline Creighton (22/8), Fr Denis O’Hagan S.M. 14/08, Brian Tiejens, Peter Kelly (Auck.), Brian Brosnahan (3/8), Fr Jim Nicholas (Chch), Jacob Vijoy (Fr. Vijoy’s father-India, 1/8)
Mass Intentions/Anniversaries:
Siemyin Rattanachatree, Cheryle & Megan Hunter (17/8), Raymond Paul Walduogel (31/10), Frank O’Brien (23/7), Colin Brown (29/7), Paula Brown (18/8)
We Pray For those in our community who need our prayers:
Martin Wall, Ann Toomey, Peter Waldron, Patricia Lowe, Janet Anderson, 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, Gye Beehre, Peter Angland, Chloe Young and May Young.
WHAT’S ON
Hospitality of Cathedral – 1st Friday after the 12.05 pm Mass, we offer hospitality. Please bring some food to share.
Palmerston North Young Adult Ministry – During the term(s), Mass at Massey is happening on Wednesdays at 12:05, the Centre (opposite the bus stop). All Welcome.
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) starting at 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 Parish Office Meeting Room at 11.00 am. This is a time for quiet contemplation and reflection on the Gospel.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament of the Cathedral is on Monday-Friday, 7.30am to 9am and Friday, 6pm to 7pm.
Our Lady of Lourdes Mass Time Vigil is 5.30 pm Sunday, 9.30 am Wednesday-Friday, 10am Friday Rosary, 9.30 am Reconciliation after Mass & Exposition.
The Right Answer
(Mark 8: 27 – 35)
Jesus and his disciples headed out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. As they walked, he asked, “Who do the people say I am?” “Some say ‘John the Baptiser,’” they said. “Others say ‘Elijah’. Still others say ‘one of the prophets.’” He then asked, “And you – what are you saying about me? Who am I?” Peter gave the answer: “You are the Christ, the Messiah.” (Mark 8: 27 – 29)
We’re attempted to applaud when Peter gives the right answer. The other disciples fumble around, giving Jesus the daily buzz about what people are saying about him. But when Jesus asks them what they personally think, only Peter has an answer. It’s enough to make you want to cheer.
Especially because Peter is so often the gospel bungler, the guy who speaks first, thinks afterwards. He’s the guy, not unlike ourselves, who defends Jesus with a sword one minute, denies him with a word the next. And unfortunately, the same holds true in this instance as well. Even as we’re tempted to clap, Peter is already shooting himself in the foot. He knew the right answer, but he can’t follow through on it. He knows Jesus is the Christ, but he still doesn’t want him to get hurt.
And, the truth is, Peter doesn’t want to get hurt either. If he accepts the teaching about the Son of Man being murdered, then he’s got to wonder when they’ll be coming after him. So Jesus calls him the Devil, which must have cut deep. And then advises that they too prepare to lose their lives is they’re going to be his followers. Peter got the answer right, the first time. He, like the rest of us, just needs to work on the follow-through.
Who do you say Jesus is?
PRAY
Teach us your names, O God, spoken acts of mercy and justice and grace. May we learn your names, O Jesus, by trusting who you are for us and for all. May we recognise your names, Holy Spirit, in the renewing of our lives and communities. Amen.
Ponder
Do a little faith experiment. Trust God in every circumstance for one day. When things go awry, turn to God not to your usual saviour. Find out how deep the waters of your faith go.
KID’S CORNER
If a brother or sister has nothing and one of you says, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? (James 2: 15 – 16)
It’s important to take part in the Mass and worship the Lord. But Jesus also calls us to act on our faith. We can bring groceries to church for the food pantry. We can put our own money in the collection basket for people left homeless by disasters, earthquakes and wars. We can also keep our eyes open for people in need all around us. Is there someone who seems lonely at school? Does a friend need someone to listen to them? In all these ways, we show our love for God and each other.
God living among us, help me take action for the good of others today. Amen.
12 September 2024
Dear Members of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
I want to update you on progress since the two consultation meetings we had last month to discern a way forward for the Lady of Lourdes community. The two meetings were well attended and those who wanted to speak at that time were given that opportunity. Others in the community have written to me directly. I thank everyone who was able to attend the meetings or take part in some other way with this first round of consultation.
Several themes came out of the dialogue we had. Firstly, a strong and unanimous view that parishioners are proud of their community of faith and want it to continue as a Catholic place of worship. Secondly, recognising how few priests we have, there was support for establishing more structures for lay leadership. Thirdly there was an acceptance that the current mass timetable is serving the parish well but an understanding that having the same mass time as the Cathedral parish on the Sunday morning is untenable. Finally, there was a desire to make good use of the parish presbytery now that it is vacant.
Again, I thank you all for these good and reasonable conclusions. I would like to respond with the following.
It is my thinking, as I expressed at our meetings, that the family of faith at Our Lady of Lourdes should be encouraged and fostered by maintaining a regular mass timetable there and providing for the reception of the sacraments in this community. There is no intention from me to close down the church or restrict the provision of mass. I think that it is possible for this community to be served by a collaborative relationship between our priests and the already functioning and new lay leadership structures.
My current thinking is to bring our parishes and communities of Foxton, Shannon, Rongotea, Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Cathedral together as one. This would mean a single mass timetable and the sharing of administrative resources. My hope is that this will allow us to serve our communities with the small number of priests that will soon be our reality. Before any decisions are made, I wish to speak with each of these faith communities so to hear the wisdom of parishioners as to how we may move forward in an anointed and effective way. My intention is to speak with each community before the end of this year.
Upon my return from Rome, we will plot our way forward via a series of community meetings. The status quo will be in place until the end of the year. I will keep you posted as to further developments as we move forward from here.
Yours faithfully in Christ
NEWS & INFORMATION
Pope Francis’ message for 2024: Search under Prayer for Creation at www.vatican.va
Sister Helena Fouhy CSB (Brigidine): Congratulations and blessings to Sister Helena Fouhy CSB on celebrating 80 years of religious profession. A tremendous milestone of faithful service! We look forward to Sister Helena celebrating her 101st birthday in November. (There was a typo of the name in the last newsletter notice, our apologies for the wrong spelling.)
Youth
- Senior Youth Group is back on Thursdays at St Peters College Wherein Term 3!! Contact Justin ugonehigano@gmail.com
- Massey Mass and Meal resumes on Wednesdays. Contact Massey Chaplain Nick nwilson@pndiocese.org.nz
- UCOL Chaplain is Lynette van Hutten. Please contact her on lynette.chaplain@gmail.com
- Young Church is going to The Send! See thesend.org.nz, which is about activating your missional call! Email Nick
- Young Church is going to Festival One, NZ’s biggest Christian music festival! Email Nick
- The Chaplain at St. Peters is Emma Whitson! Email her on whitsone@stpeterspn.school.nz
- Young Catholic Leader 2024 is a servant leadership programme for year 12 students returning to school for Year 13. Dates are 16-20 December 2024. Email Nick.
Interfaith
Interfaith relations is an important aspect of our Catholic life and work. The Palmerston North Interfaith Group works together to foster friendship between people of other faiths, working towards social cohesion and whakawhānaungatanga in our space. Since Vatican II, Interfaith Dialogue has such an importance that it has its own designated Vatican Dicastery. We are running visits to various sacred spaces in our area. All are welcome to come along and visit these spaces. If you are interested in finding out more about Interfaith collaboration, friendship and work here in Palmy, please talk to Julie Randall or Nick Wilson.
Youth Group – Senior Youth Group: There are two more senior youth groups this term. 12 and 19 September from 5:30pm @ St. Peter’s College Whare. Dinner provided.This youth group is from Year 9 and older. All are welcome. Email Justin for more information! ugonehigano@gmail.com
The Send: Activate your Missional Call! We are going to The Send! The send is a national animation of the Great Commissioning from Matthew 28. Feeling sluggy with living your discipleship – then The Send is for you!! Expressions of interest to Nick. Tickets are limited. More at www.thesend.org.nz
Calling all young musicians!: Festival One is New Zealand’s biggest and premier Christian Music festival. See some international and local acts on the stages of this festival! Powerful Christian witness! We are taking two vans of young people in late Jan 2025. Year 9-13. Expressions of interest to Nick!
Lifeteen Aotearoa Summercamp 2025: We are taking people to this awesome camp in mid Jan 2025! Only 270 places nationwide. Year 9-13. So, if you want in, get an expression of interest to Nick ASAP!
Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North: Applications are now open for the next funding round. Applications close 30 Sept 2024. The aim of the Catholic Charities Allocation Committee is to assist with funding Catholic and community organisations who are working in areas identified as priorities by The Tindall Foundation as aligned with diocesan goals. We are charged, by the Diocese of Palmerston North, with the support of groups committed to social, pastoral, charitable and educational needs in our diocesan region. Applications are judged on the basis of need, resource availability and the fulfilment of set criteria. Drawing from its funding base, the Catholic Charities Allocation Committee allocates resources based on criteria as outlined on the criteria information page. Send applications to: The Secretary Catholic Charities Allocation Committee PO Box 5279 Terrace End PN 4414 or contact phone 06 3547180 Ext 842 Website: www.pndioce.org.nz.
Monsignor Dave, Jennie, and Stuart Poskitt are giving a talk about the Sacrament and Vocation of Marriage, theologically and practically. The location is the Cathedral foyer, from 10am-12pm on Saturday 21 September. For young adults and anyone interested in the parish community. A light lunch will be provided. For more information or questions, please email pycmanagementteam@gmail.com.
St. Mary’s Parish Fund Raiser Concert & Meal: Saturday, 5 October. Tickets are on sale before and after mass on Sunday, cash or internet banking payment. Tickets can also be purchased through the Parish Office, 69 Ruahine Street or online ticket, here’s the link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VNVSGTP . Adult $25, Child (10 and under) $15, child under 5 is free.
The Rosary will be prayed at the Cathedral at 3pm on Friday 13 September, and again on Sunday 13 October to commemorate the Apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima. For further information contact Ian Sutherland Ph 06-3567555.
Renaissance Singers Concert: ‘Sing & Swing’ with the Chris Dann Trio of Chris Dann on piano, Berndt Reiss on bass, and Ralph Simms drums. Saturday 21 September, 3pm Pathways at St Andrews, Church St, Palmerston North, featuring the Bob Chillcott A Little Jazz Mass, and some time honoured jazz standards of the mid-twentieth century, collated by Musical Director Christine Archer Lockwood. Choir soloists will step forward into the spotlight for some of the jazz items. Tickets available from choir members or at door: $25, Concession $20, 12 & under free. Delayed streamed video recording $15 – email to order – pnrenaissancesingers@gmail.com
St. James’ Catholic School Quiz Night, Saturday 28 September 6pm to late: St James’ Catholic School 304 Albert St. $25pp. teams of 6-8, drinks for sale, cash & EFTPOS available, raffles, auctions, spot prizes, prize for best-dressed team. All proceeds go towards a playground upgrade. Register your team at https://forms.gle/gSVXXBimUDH7htme6.
Save the date” for the 2024 New Zealand Catholic Medical Association retreat Retreat Date: 15 & 16th November Location: Home of Compassion Wellington Details and registration: This link https://www.newzealandcatholicmedical.co.nz/2024-retreat-wellington Accommodation: On site with limited spaces (use booking ref BGRP- 21024) Schedule for event: List on the event page.
Divine Renovation Open House ‘Save the Date’ 22 & 23 November 2024:‘ Save the Date’ to the Divine Renovation Open House, being hosted by the Catholic Parish of New Plymouth. An ‘Open House’ is about building up your parish and your surrounding community and reigniting your passion for mission.
St Vincent de Paul: Their food store is short of jams, marmite and noodles. Thank you for all your generous donations.
St Vinnie’s Op Shop: They are continuing the need for permanent volunteers (3-hour shifts) on the shop counter. They also need beds, winter bedding, men’s shoes in good condition as well as clothing for all ages – thank you for your donations. For more information on volunteer work and requests for need Ph 06 357 6779.
ATTENTION: THIS CONCERT HAS BEEN MOVED ON 28 SEPTEMBER 2024.
Fill the World with Love | Music for the Soul and Spirit | Saturday 28 September, 7pm at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Come along and experience an evening of music and song, featuring Kathi Craig Mnzm and Voices of Inspiration, Entry by Koha.
Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer School | 3 – 12 Jan 2025 Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer School is back again this summer with ten days of world-class lectures, uplifting prayer and authentic community! Registrations are NOW OPEN: we sell out fast so be in quick! Visit heartsaflame.org.nz to register or find out more: Open day on 16 August or contact office@hatopaora.school.nz
Free Parenting Courses: The Triple P Positive Parenting Programme at ACROSS has the following scheduled free 2-hour parenting courses coming up in Term 3 that parents/caregivers may be interested in: ‘Fears’(Helping parents support their children to overcome fears) Thursday 22nd August at 7pm. (In-person Venue: ACROSS office 294a Church St, Palmerston North)Friday 6th September 12:15pm (via Zoom)‘Cooperating with Instructions’(Teaching our children to listen and follow instructions and managing difficult behaviours)Friday 16th August at 12:00pm (via Zoom)Tuesday 20th August at 9:30am (in-person Venue: ACROSS office 294a Church St, Palmerston North) Thursday 19th September at 9:30am or 7pm (via Zoom) ‘Hassel-free Mealtimes’ (Supporting our children with learning good mealtime habits) Thursday 22nd August at 9:30am or 12:15pm (in-person Venue: ACROSS office 294a Church St, Palmerston North)Friday 23rd August at 9:30am (via Zoom) Friday 13th September at 9:30am or 12:15pm (either in-person or Zoom)‘Positive Parenting’(A general introduction to Positive Parenting strategies parents can choose from) Thursday 15th September at 12:15pm (in-person Venue: ACROSS office 294a Church St, Palmerston North)‘Bedtimes Routines’ Supporting our children to develop healthy, independent sleep patterns) Thursday 29th August at 9:30am or 12:30pm (via Zoom or in-person) Friday 27th September at 12:15pm (via Zoom)‘Toilet Training’(Supporting our children with toilet training) Thursday 5th September – 9:30am or 12:15am – (either Zoom or in-person) ‘Screentime’. Friday 23/8/24 at 12:15pm (In-person Venue: ACROSS office 294a Church St, Palmerston North) ‘Expressing Feelings without Aggression’ (Fighting & Aggression)(Helps caregivers teach children to interact positively and manage aggressive behaviours)Tuesday 27th August at 9:30am or 12:15pm (either Zoom or in-person).
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.
Tui Motu – $7.00
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