Church News 1 December 2024

1 December 2024

1st Sunday of Advent (Sundays Year C Weekdays Year 1)

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Sunday’s Readings
1^st Reading –Jeremiah 33.14-16
2^nd Reading –1 Thessalonians 3.12-4.2
Gospel Reading –   Luke 21.25-28, 34-36
Responsorial Psalm – “To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.”

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: 

Melville Webb (11/27), Maureen McArdle (21/11), Anne Beckett (7/11), Julie McDonald (5/11), Martin Wall( 31/10), David Marriott (29/10), Peter Waldron (20/10), Gerard Fouhy, Terence Brosnahan (6/10, Taupo), Sister Mary Emmanuel (Eileen Frances Brosnahan), Timothy Hood (4/10, Adelaide), Louraine Nilsson, Josefina Serrano (Philippines), Sister Kathleen Fitzsimmons RSM (CHCH)

Mass Intentions/Anniversaries: 

Vanessa Bishop (02/12), Darren Wright (30/11), John O’Brien (4/11), Dan O’Donoghue (25/11), Bob Bowe (25/10), Ivan Snook (19/10), Margaret Carde (19/10), Alfredo Abayon Sr.(13/10, Philippines), Rosie Frost (26/9), Bert Frost (5/10), Shona Gilligan (11/9), Siemyin Rattanachatree, Raymond Paul Walduogel (31/10)

We Pray For those in our community who need our prayers:

Bishop Owen Dolan, Harvey Gunn, Belinda Blackler, Nicky Burmeister, Ann Toomey, Patricia Lowe, Janet Anderson, Maurice McDonald, Mikulas Oros, Rod and Mary Bennett, Betty Donaldson, Sr Helena Fouhy, Dianne Jordan, Angela Marlow, Michael and Mary O’Connor, Maurice Takarangi, Gye Beehre, Peter Angland, Chloe Young and May Young

WHAT’S ON

• Monday 2 December: we pray for the Happy Repose of the Soul of Maureen McArdle and her family. Requiem Mass commencing at 12 noon in place of Service of the Word that day.

There will be prayer teams offering prayer after each Cathedral Mass during Advent on Sundays.  They will remain in the church after the liturgy and will be wearing name badges so you can identify them easily.  Please feel free to remain in the Cathedral after the Mass if you wish to receive prayer from the team.

• The Annual Sick & Retired Priests Special Collection | Sunday 1 December 2024: The Clergy Trust Fund provides for the well-being and care of priests in the Diocese. This includes stipends, food, travel home for ‘overseas priests’, retreats and all costs relating to healthcare. The Clergy Trust Fund is struggling to meet growing medical costs. Hence, your giving to this special collection is most appreciated, especially by our elderly priests who then benefit from your generosity. Your support is a great way of showing your gratitude to your priests. Many thanks and blessings to all who contribute to this special collection. Every contribution helps.
• Wednesday Evening Rosary – Wednesday evenings at 5 pm, 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 9:30 am 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 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, 7.30 am to 9 am and Friday, 6 pm to 7 pm.
• Anointing Masses: Our Lady of Lourdes Wednesday, 4 December at 10 am followed by hospitality.
• Our Lady of Lourdes Mass Times: Saturday Vigil 5.30 pm Sunday 9.30 am Wednesday-Friday 10 am Friday Rosary, 9.30 am Reconciliation after Mass & Exposition until 12 pm.
• Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Mass Times: Sunday 7.30 am, 9.30 am and 6pm, Tuesday – Friday 12.05 pm, Tuesday 5.30 pm and Saturday 9 am. Reconciliation before Mass on Friday and after Mass on Friday and after Mass on Saturday.
• Youth: The final Junior Youth Group for 2024 is on 3 The venue is St. Patrick’s Hall behind the Cathedral 4-5:30 pm. Contact remains the same Justin Lino – ugonehigano@gmail.com
• Unity Singers – present ‘Christmas Carols – 2024’: 7 pm in the Cathedral, Monday 2 December and Tuesday 3 December: A donation or item of non-perishable food for the St Vincent de Paul Foodbank would be very much appreciated. B:  Food/donations can also be left at the Cathedral Parish office or the St Vincent de Paul shop at 252 Rangitikei Street.

Promises, Promises

(Luke 21: 25 – 28, 34 – 36)

When we read end-of-the-world passages in Scripture, we usually focus on destruction unleashed on the unsuspecting world. “Apocalypse now” sounds  really scary – and it’s supposed to. But not to us believers. Be not afraid is one of the most oft-repeated pieces of advice in the New Testament. If you’re with Jesus, there’s nothing to fear, even when the boat is rocking in a violent storm.

Some may die of fright when disaster strikes, whether it’s apocalyptic or a mere crisis of modern living. We all know people who die a thousand deaths when the bank account is overdrawn. Fearful living is not faithful living. For believers there’s no disaster large enough to be bigger than God’s sovereignty. And though at first glance it seems strange to begin Advent and the new church year on such a note, on further examination it is the perfect place to start. We know we’re not really waiting the coming of the Christ child but rather the coming of Christ the King (remember, last Sunday?) Redemption is at hand. We have nothing to fear.

What awakens your fear? How does your faith address this fear?

Pray

Prayer after lighting the Advent candle can be used each week during Advent.
Ask people to repeat each line.

God,
you gave us Jesus
and the story of Jesus is for the whole world.
May we light this candle
and may the flame remind us of Jesus
who brings hope to everyone.
Amen.

Ponder

Revive an old promise that’s been broken. Make peace with a friend or family member. Treat yourself as a holy vessel. Renew your promises to God in prayer and faithfulness. “Whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man”.

Kid’s Corner

Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths … (Psalm 25: 4)

When we’re faced with a difficult choice, it would be easier if there were big arrow signs reading: GOD’S WAY. But God’s way can’t be found on a map. They are found in God’s Word, in Jesus and through the Holy Spirit working in our hearts. How do we tune in? Prayer. Spend quiet time with God each day, and you will come to know what God wants for you and from you.

God living among us, guide me during this Advent journey. Amen.

UPDATE ON CATHEDRAL R&M – Work has commenced on our Rose Window in Christchurch as shown in the photos above.  Further investigation is currently being carried out on the concrete surround for the window which, when removing the panels, was identified as being in poor condition.  Therefore the scaffolding will be in place for a longer period of time than we thought.  You will also note the work being carried out at the front of the Cathedral on water proofing the Nave’s roof which includes another area with scaffolding.   Please be mindful of these areas, the equipment and safety notices as you move around the Cathedral.  Thank you for your continued patience.