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

Isaiah 9:  1-7.   
Titus 2:  11-14.     
Luke 2:  1-14.

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.

CARITAS CHRISTMAS UPDATE:  Copies available in the Church porch.

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

A MESSAGE FROM FR VIJAY: 

“A warm and blessed Christmas and prosperous new year 2012 to you all”

Year after year this season of Christmas brings double joy for all us.  At this joyful occasion of Christmas, let me share my joy with all of you.  As we work together to build up a new kingdom on earth, in my pastoral work in St Philomena’s and St PiusX school, I  hold you in my heart, my dear people.

With my few words, I cannot express my gratitude for your gifts of love, kindness, patience, acceptance and support in every aspect of my Mission, to spread the good news of Christ Jesus.

I sincerely  from the bottom of my heart thank you and I assure you of my prayers during my vacation, on my way home. Where ever I go you are there in my prayers .

As you all know that I am going back to India for my family visit and to celebrate my parents 50th  wedding Golden Jubilee  which is going to be  held on 2 January 2012 . My humble request is to keep us in your prayers for the success the gathering.

Christmas calls family  and friends together to share the  message of  the infant Jesus; peace, love and joy to  one another,  remembering too the suffering the lonely and the unloved .

Once again I wish you all Merry Christmas and happy New Year 2012.

Fr.  Vijay

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.

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

NZ CATHOLIC:  Headlines from the December 18-24 issue of NZ Catholic: Winners and finalists from NZ Catholic schools Christmas art competition….. Dunedin diocese has first ordination for four years….. Tough faith shows in Church’s martyrs….. Pakistan close to Catholic aid worker’s heart.  On sale now

QUALITY FURNITURE FOR SALE:  Lounge suite, beds, (queen, double and two single), table and chairs, cane furniture and sundry items. These quality goods have been kindly donated and all sale proceeds are for Saint Vincent de Paul. Contact Barbara 758-2436 for viewing.

THANK YOU:  Thank you very much to all the parishioners who have been involved in Ministries at our Liturgy’s during the year.  Also thank you to Robyn Fromont who produces our liturgy sheet every week.

This is our last newsletter for the year.
May you all have a blessed, safe and peaceful Christmas and blessings in the New Year

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.

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

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’.

 

Filed under: Notices • Parish

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!