NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC:  Some headlines from the Dec 3– 17 issue of NZ Catholic:    Rugby stars about to kick off married life….. Number of Christchurch parishes to halve….. Women force Facebook to start backing down….. Faith a major part of new MP’s identity….  On sale now

VIGIL MASS MUSIC:  The Vigil Mass practise is cancelled for next week.  The next practise is on Sunday 18 Dec at 9.30am.  Anyone who is interested in singing in the choir for our Christmas Vigil Mass are welcome to come to this practise.

READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK:  For those who wish to view the readings for next week before coming to Mass.    

2 Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16.
Romans 16: 25-27.
Luke 1: 26-38.

THE PHILOMENA:  Contributions for the Christmas edition of the Philomena are now welcome.  Please send articles, photos, reports, comments etc to the Editor, Diane Kawana by Dec 11.  Ph 753 4956 or email dkawana@xtra.co.nz     Thank you.

GIFTING SUNDAY:  Today is Gifting Sunday.  Please bring up your gift with the Offertory.  Thank you.

CHRISTMAS MASSES:
St Philomena’s:   

Dec 24th, Vigil Mass.  Carols at 7.30pm with Mass at 8pm

St Joseph’s:   

Dec 24th, Midnight Mass.  Carols at 11.30pm with Mass at 12am
Dec 25th,  Mass at 8.30am and 10am.  

CHRISTMAS CARDS:  Christmas Cards for sale. $2 per pack of 5 cards.

SOCIAL AFTERNOON:  St Vincent De Paul Conference is hosting a social afternoon for elderly parishioners on Tuesday 13th December at 1.30 p.m at the hall of Our Lady Help of Christians Fitzroy.  Entertainment from the  pupils of St John Bosco & St Pius Schools.  Come and enjoy the talents of our children.  We look forward to seeing you.

Any queries or you need transport please phone Margaret 753 4544
 
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE:  Enquiries are invited for a Holy Land pilgrimage in September 2012, led by Pat McCarthy, former editor of NZ Catholic, and with Bishop Colin Campbell of Dunedin as chaplain.  The 16-day pilgrimage will visit the holy places in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and around the Sea of Galilee. For a free brochure, ring Pat on (09) 480-4463 or email him on contact@seetheholyland.net.  You can also see the holy places on Pat’s website, www.seetheholyland.net

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY FOOD DRIVE:  On behalf of the St Vincent De Paul Society Conference I wish to convey our sincere appreciation for the very generous bags of groceries given towards our food drive last Sunday. Your support will truly help those in need. Christmas Blessings to all, God Bless, Margaret Roylance, President
 
CHURCH CLEANING:  Are you able to give a hand to do a little extra cleaning in the church in preparation for Christmas?  There is a cleaning bee on Thurs 22nd Dec at 5.30pm.  With a few extra hands it won’t take very long.  Any time given will be very much appreciated.

HOLIDAY WORK REQUIRED:  Responsible, reliable sixteen year old student available for babysitting, day or evening, throughout December and January. Also available for pet minding, housework or general chores over this period. Please phone Susannah (06)7532471 anytime.

BISHOPS’ STATEMENT ON EUTHANASIA:  Often we only hear one side of the debate around euthanasia, which omits or downplays the risks it presents to society. Our bishops have released a statement titled “The Dangers of Euthanasia”, which outlines many of these risks. It is available online at www.catholic.org.nz under ‘Bishops’ statements’.

WEL-COM:  The headlines from the latest edition which is available now;  The quest for a home for women who are homeless…..A Vatican analysis of the global financial crisis…

More on the homosexuality debate…..As well as scriptural, spiritual and liturgical inspiration…..A crossword on Parihaka…..Parish activities and Christmas/New Year Mass times.  Something for everyone and you have two months to read it.

COLUMBAN CALENDARS:  for 2012 are now available at $8ea.  For this 90th edition, Claire Renkin (an art historian) has prepared an explanation of each work featured in the calendar.  For more information on this please see the website columban.org.au

KIMI ORA COMMUNITY OF FAITH & LIGHT NEED A SECRETARY:  Faith & Light is a Community of Intellectually disabled people, their families & friends who meet monthly for a time of  sharing, prayer and celebration.  We have need of a Secretary who would be able to attend our monthly gatherings as well as our Core Team meetings to record our Minutes and some correspondence.   Computer knowledge would definitely be an advantage. It is an opportunity of joining a supportive team, a wonderful group of “Heart People” and a way of following Christ in this Church Ministry.  For further information, please contact Moira Butler – phone 754-4600

PARISH PASTORAL CO-ORDINATOR:  St Patrick’s Parish, Palmerston North is looking to appoint a Parish Pastoral Co-ordinator.  A Job description is available from Fr Peter Fahy, Private Bag 11012 or by email at
pjf@stpats.org.nz or phone 06 357 2891

POMPALLIER HOKIANGA TRUST:  Bishop Pompallier’s first Mass in New Zealand was held in January 1838 at Totara Point.  You are invited to the
annual commemoration Mass on Sunday 8 January 2012 at 11am and also to Motuti where the Bishop’s remains have been interred in St Mary’s Church.  The church is open all day.  See the noticeboard for more details.

PILGRIMAGE TO IRELAND:  Join Bishop Denis Browne on a pilgrimage to Ireland and the International Eucharistic Congress June 2012.  See your
parish noticeboard for details or contact: Patricia Parsons at info@mirpilgrimages.co.nz ph 0274 219 064 or Bishop’s Secretary Colleen Graham at colleeng@cdh.org.nz ph: (07) 856 6989.

HEARTS AFLAME: is an organization of lay people dedicated to serving the Catholic Church in NZ and passionate about living and sharing the truth and fullness of the Catholic faith.  For information about the courses they have to offer see the notice board or www.heartsaflame.org.nz

PARACHUTE 2012:  Christian Music Festival at Mystery Creek 27-30 January 2012.  Registrations close 24 December. Cost $144 + $4 courier fee.
Individuals can register with the “Naki Group”.  Interested? Contact Clare –Ph 06-7546759 or email  yctaranaki@gmail.com

Filed under: Notices • Parish

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