St Philomena's Parish

Liturgy – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:48:29 +0000

WELCOME TO OUR LITURGY: I marvel at the extraordinary faith of the paralytic’s friends as they lowered him through the roof in front of Jesus. What was more important? The man’s spiritual health came first. Jesus forgave his sins. Then Jesus demonstrated his divine power by curing the paralytic. Jesus, Forgiver-Healer, is in our midst today. There was need for forgiveness and healing in Jesus time, just as much as it is needed in our time, for you and me.

First Reading:
Isaiah 43: 18 – 19, 21 – 22, 24 – 25

18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
21 the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.
22 “Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!
24 You have not bought me sweet cane with money, or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins, you have wearied me with your iniquities.
25 “I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

Second Reading:
2 Corinthians 1: 18 – 22

18 As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached among you, Silva’nus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No; but in him it is always Yes.
20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the glory of God.
21 But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us;
22 he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Gospel Reading:
Mark 2: 1 – 12

1 And when he returned to Caper’na-um after some days, it was reported that he was at home.
2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them.
3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay.
5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “My son, your sins are forgiven.”
6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,
7 “Why does this man speak thus? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question thus in your hearts?
9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, `Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, `Rise, take up your pallet and walk’?
10 But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” — he said to the paralytic –
11 “I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home.”
12 And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Notices – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:42:41 +0000

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

Isaiah 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24-25.
2 Corinthians 1: 18-22.
Mark 2: 1-12.

NEXT SUNDAY 26th FEBRUARY: There will be no Mass at St Philomena’s next Sunday the 26th February.

WAREHOUSE STOCKTAKE: Friday night is now full but we still need many more volunteers to help out with the Warehouse stocktake fundraiser on the other nights. The dates of the stocktake are nightly from 22nd to 26th of February and we need about 10 people on each of the first two nights and 40 people on each night after that. We start at 8pm and go all night (usually ‘til around 3am). All funds raised will go towards sending our youth to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro next year. Contact Colin Fromont fromont@infogen.net.nz or 757-9953 for more information or to put your name down.

ASH WEDNESDAY: On 22nd Feb at 7.30pm we will join with the Anglican and Catholic parishes of New Plymouth area at St Joseph’s Church for the Ecumenical celebration of the distribution of ashes.

ST PHILOMENA’S PICNIC: The parish BBQ picnic will be held on Sunday 4th March after Mass in the school grounds. Please bring your own salads, refreshments and seating. Sausages, Meat Patties, plates etc supplied. EVERYONE VERY WELCOME

ST PIUS X GALA: We’d love to see you all at our Gala Day from 12-3pm on Sunday 26th February. We guarantee there will lots of fun to be had! We are after BOOKS for our used book stall. If you have any books you no longer want and are happy to donate them to our Gala we would really appreciate it. You can drop them off to school anytime during the coming week. Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

CARITAS LENT APPEAL: During Lent, Caritas-the Catholic agency for justice, peace and development-invites you to participate in the Caritas Lent Appeal. It is a time to pray, fast and share with others who are not as fortunate as ourselves. Caritas is an official agency of the NZ Bishops Conference, established by the Bishops as a Catholic response to poverty and injustice in the world. Caritas addresses the causes of poverty, advocates against injustice and responds to disasters. The Caritas Lent Appeal begins next Sunday. Lenten packs are attached to your newsletter. There is an envelope for each week in Lent. If you prefer to make one total donation there are special envelopes available. Ask at the Parish Office.

NZ CATHOLIC: Headlines from the February 12-26 issue of NZ Catholic: Aaron’s football success a tribute to his Dad….. Jackie tells of the ache of singleness….. Faith guides engineer’s good works….. 1989 law sees bishop charged with inciting hatred….. The phenomenon and mystery of stigmata….. Judge ordained Deacon in Hamilton….. 10,000 celebrate the Child Jesus in Auckland…..On sale now

WALK BY FAITH: This new year you are invited to enhance your Spiritual Journey. Walk By Faith helps you know and understand yourself and your story. To reflect on your experience in relationship to others and God. To hear the Church’s story (Gospel), Celebrate it (Eucharist), and Respond (Service). Registrations close 28 February 2012

Registration forms and information are available from your parish or from the Diocesan Centre Ph: 06 354 1780, email tlogan@pndiocese.org.nz

PREPARATION FOR FIRST RECONCILIATION: This begins at St Joseph’s on Wed 29th Feb at 6.55pm and continues on the following Wed evenings; Mon 7, 14, 21, & 28 March. Celebration of the Sacrament will be on Fri 30 March. This is for children aged 7 years and older. Enrolment forms are available in the church porch and at St Pius X School.

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE: are holding a cakes, preserves and produce stall in the car park after 9am and 10.30am Masses at St Joseph’s on 26th February to raise funds for National Conference here in July.

FUNDING GRANTS: The Diocese, in conjunction with the Catholic Charities Foundation, the Tindall Foundation and Catholic Social Services seek applications for funding for qualifying grants to organisations within the Diocese. Application forms and criteria are available from the Diocesan Office, Private Bag 11012 Palmerston North attn Mrs W Silver, ph 06 3541780 ext 833, email wsilver@pndiocese.org.nz or www.pndiocese,org,nz The local contact is Fay Murcott, ph 7588150. Applications close 31 March 2012.

JOSEPHITE RETREAT CENTRE: Upcoming events:
February features; Tuesday 21, Shrove Tuesday, 9.15 – 10.30am Dust and Glory followed by pancakes. And Wednesday 22, Ash Wednesday Reflection 7-8.30pm
Not to be missed Symposium in March; Saturday 3 March, 9.30 – 4pm, koha.
Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream. What is your vision for our world? Are you ready to be moved, disturbed and inspired? Engage creatively with these questions at this one of a kind symposium. phone: 06 345 5047 ext 3
email:ssjoseph@xtra.co.nz Website: www.ssj.org.nz

JESUS4REAL 2012: Senior Camp for students Years 11-13, 11-15 April, Palm Grove Christian Camp, Paraparaumu. Early Bird Registration closes 14 March. Final Registrations 28 March. See the Flyer on the Church Noticeboard.

SET FREE 2012: “Set Free was the most amazing thing I have ever been to in my life!! It was so cool I met heaps of new people”
Set Free is a Catholic Youth Festival 30 March to 1 April 2012 – for Yrs 10-13.
Featuring international hip hop artist/musician/speaker/entertainer ‘Righteous B’. 250+ young people $125 registration Totara Springs, Matamata.
www.setfree.org.nz or email setfreecatholicyouth@gmail.com
Or contact Clare, ph 06-7546759 or email yctaranaki@gmail.com

VILLA AVAILABLE AT MISSION REST HOME: 1 Bedroom Villa, recently built is available for rent. It is situated in Mission Rest Home Grounds. Join us in our Chapel for daily mass and share in our entertainment & recreation
Contact Shelley or Petrina Ph 06 757 5520

PROJECT RACHEL: Do you know someone who is carrying grief and sorrow from past abortions? Share with them the good news of God’s love. Call
Project Rachel for a confidential referral to a Project Rachel Support person at 0800 737 733, or 0272737732. Confidentiality assured.

Liturgy – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (2012)

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:05:36 +0000

WELCOME TO OUR LITURGY: The leper asked Jesus: ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ The leper had no right in law to speak to anyone. He was banished outside the camp. But Jesus meets the demands of human need with great compassion. He stretched out his hand and touched him. To Jesus the leper was not unclean, just a desperate human being. Jesus said: “Be made clean.” The leper was healed. Jesus warned the man not to tell anyone what had happened. But the cured man told everyone. I am cleansed by Christ in Baptism. I with to spread his word faithfully.

First Reading:
Leviticus 13: 1-2, 44-46.

1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron,
2 “When a man has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a leprous disease on the skin of his body, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests,
44 he is a leprous man, he is unclean; the priest must pronounce him unclean; his disease is on his head.
45 “The leper who has the disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head hang loose, and he shall cover his upper lip and cry, `Unclean, unclean.’
46 He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease; he is unclean; he shall dwell alone in a habitation outside the camp.

Second Reading:
1 Corinthians 10: 31-11:1.

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I try to please all men in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Gospel Reading:
Mark 1: 40-45.

40 And a leper came to him beseeching him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I will; be clean.”
42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
43 And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once,
44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.”
45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Notices – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (2012)

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:55:51 +0000

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

Isaiah 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24-25.
2 Corinthians 1: 18-22.
Mark 2: 1-12.

SUNDAY 26th FEBRUARY: There will be no Mass at St Philomena’s on Sunday 26 February.

WAREHOUSE STOCKTAKE: The numbers are only halfway there and we still need many more volunteers to help out with the Warehouse stocktake fundraiser. The dates of the stocktake are nightly from 22nd to 26th of February and we need about 10 people on each of the first two nights and 40 people on each night after that. We start at 8pm and go all night (usually ‘til around 3am). All funds raised will go towards sending our youth to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro next year. Contact Colin Fromont fromont@infogen.net.nz or 757-9953 for more information or to put your name down.

CAR RAFFLE TICKETS FOR ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH, WAITARA: Today St Joseph’s Church Waitara will be selling raffle tickets after Mass. They are trying to raise money for the restoration of their beautiful church. The tickets are $20 and first prize is a brand new Kia Picanto car with a full tank of petrol and registration for a year. Please support this worthwhile cause.

ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC: to be held at the Model Train venue – corner Liardet & Gilbert Streets on Friday 17 February 5pm – 7pm. No charge. Bring your own food and drink. Free train rides, free icecream, lolly scramble. Toilet facilities available. This is a private function for parishioners of St Philomena’s and their families. EVERYONE WELCOME.

ASH WEDNESDAY: On 22nd Feb at 7.30pm we will join with the Anglican and Catholic parishes of New Plymouth area at St Joseph’s Church for the Ecumenical celebration of the distribution of ashes.

ST PHILOMENA’S PICNIC: Please mark your calendar for Sunday 4th March. We are planning a BBQ to be held after mass in the school grounds Watch this space for more details

PARISH INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME FOR WYD 2013: Consider applying if you will be aged between 18 & 35 as at 1 August 2013. Applications close on February 8th.

ST PIUS X GALA: To be held on Sunday 26th February, starting at 12 Noon, There will be heaps of food stalls, raffles, rides…….Come and join in the fun and support our school!

NZ CATHOLIC: Headlines from the February 12-26 issue of NZ Catholic: Aaron’s football success a tribute to his Dad….. Jackie tells of the ache of singleness….. Faith guides engineer’s good works….. 1989 law sees bishop charged with inciting hatred….. The phenomenon and mystery of stigmata….. Judge ordained Deacon in Hamilton….. 10,000 celebrate the Child Jesus in Auckland…..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.

Registration forms and information are available from your parish or from the Diocesan Centre Ph: 06 354 1780, email tlogan@pndiocese.org.nz

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE: welcomes members to the first meeting of the year on Thurs 16 February in the supper room of St Joseph’s after Communion Service at 12.05. Bring your lunch.

SET FREE 2012: Catholic Youth Festival run by Hamilton Diocese for Students Years 10-13. 30 March-1 April 2012, Totara Springs Christian Camp, Matamata. See the website: www.setfree.org.nz

ST.MARY’S KAIKORAI, DUNEDIN: Centenary of Church and School – Labour Weekend – 19th – 21st October 2012. Please register at St.MarysKaikorai@xtra.co.nz, Ph 03 4877853, or write to The Secretary, St Mary’s Reunion Committee, 36 Middleton Rd, Dunedin 9012