First Reading:
Acts 1: 1-11.

1 In the first book, O The-oph’ilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,
2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.
3 To them he presented himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of God.
4 And while staying with them he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me,
5 for John baptized with water, but before many days you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority.
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama’ria and to the end of the earth.”
9 And when he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes,
11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Second Reading:
Ephesians 1: 17-23

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 which he accomplished in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come;
22 and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,
23 which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all.

Gospel Reading:
Matthew 28: 16-20.

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Acts 2: 1-11.
1 Corinthians 12: 3-7, 12-13
John 20: 19-23.

WANTED TO RENT: 2 bedroom place. Own a small miniature dog. Phone Maree
758 3576

LINK YOUTH GROUP: 40 hour famine starting at 6pm Friday 25th May and finishing at 10am Sunday in the church hall. This Saturday no items organized for link between 6.30 to 8.30 pm but you are welcome and join in with what we are up to. Please feel free to pop in and visit. Donations welcome but there will be no food only Just Juice and Barley Sugars . Any further information contact, Kieran or Fiona Dolan 7533517 or email kdolan@xtra.co.nz

JOSPEHITE RETREAT CENTRE: Workshops coming up:
Milestones 2 – Ritual making: Create a meaningful ceremony to celebrate a milestone in your life. Saturday 26 May 9.30am – 4.30pm. Facilitated by Lyn Nikoloff. $20

“This I Believe…” An inspirational evening with Marie Roche rsj  followed by questions & supper. Friday 18 May 7 – 9pm. Koha.
Come along and join us at the Josephite Retreat Centre, Whanganui, 06 345 5047 extn 3 or ssjoseph@xtra.co.nz

THE BIBLE TIMELINE: The Story of Salvation.
This a fascinating study that takes you on a journey through the entire Bible. Go deep into each of the 12 periods of salvation history and discover the amazing story woven through 14 ‘narrative’ books of the Scripture. As you explore salvation history—from its beginning in Genesis through the coming of Christ and the establishment of the Catholic Church—you will see how God’s loving plan for humanity has unfolded, resulting in a greater love for God and a deeper appreciation for your faith. Please contact Albert Chow at 758-8682 if you interested and/or require more information about this study which will be held in Our Lady’s parish house commencing 5th June.
 
GOLDEN JUBILEE: Fr Fergus Reeves will be celebrating 50 years of Priesthood on Friday 29th June at St Joseph’s. All parishioners are warmly invited to join with Fr Fergus in the celebration of Mass at 12.05pm on that day followed by a finger food luncheon in the Parish Hall.

FR. PAUL KERRIDGE: is celebrating 50 years of Priesthood on Friday, June 29th 2012, at St. Patrick’s Parish, Napier. Mass will be at 5.30pm in the Church, followed by a Dinner at $55 per head at Ormlie Lodge. If you would like further details please either email Jane Allan at janeallan37@gmail.com with Fr. Kerridge in the Subject line, or write to the Parish at 4 Munroe St, Napier 4110, no later than May 31st.

NZ CATHOLIC: Headlines from the May 20—June 2 issue of NZ Catholic: iPads barred from the altar in NZ…… Two Hawke’s Bay schools win the O’Shea Shield…… Coach faces censure over pro-Bible comments…… Jewish-Christian dialogue explored at St Chad’s. On sale now.

IS THERE ROOM IN YOUR FAMILY FOR ONE MORE? Open Home Foundation is a Christian Social Service agency which provides training and support for any who would like to commit to shore=t and long term foster care of children and young people. Could YOU be interested in this special task? We would love to hear from you if you want to know more. For further information about what this may involve, please phone Barbara Allen or Robyn Booker on 06 358 4024

VOICE FOR LIFE: The North Taranaki Branch of Voice For Life (new name for SPUC) have only two committee members left. If you are interested in pro-life issues and would like to help, phone Quinton St. Leger Reeves 758 0677. If committee work is not for you, do say a prayer for the new committee and ask God’s blessing on their work.

ROSMINI COLLEGE GOLDEN JUBILEE: 1-3rd June 2012, Takapuna Auckland. Register and view the programme online at www.rosminischool.co.nz. For further information contact Kevin Barry 09 479 1982

2012 PILGRIMAGES: Medjugorje, The Holy Land & Jordan and the 2nd annual North Island Road Retreat with Joy Cowley are open for registration. For more information please see the Parish Noticeboard

PARISH MISSION: A few years ago members of the Institute for World Evangelisation (ICPE) gave a mission in Our Lady Help Of Christians parish. At the recent OLHC Parish Council meeting it was decided to accept their offer to run one again. The dates which seemed convenient are from 16th June to 23rd June 2012. Let us begin to pray that it will be a time of renewal in faith and our life in love and service of God, for us all. It is quite a team that they will be bringing, and one of their very minimal charges is that they be provided with accommodation. If you are able to help, please contact the Fitzroy Parish Office or Cynthia ph 755 4400

PASSIONIST RETREATS FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS:
Youth Retreat: 2-5 July 2012 (1st week of the school holidays). $60.

A retreat is a time to ‘come away’ and look at life from another angle so as to come back to everyday life with a renewed and better understanding of oneself, of others, and of one’s faith.
Young Adult Retreat: 18-30 years. 6-8 July 2012. $90
Discover and grow in your giftedness with friends. Discover the meaning of struggle and suffering in life. Discover how religion can be fun. What is the place of faith in today’s world?
For more information on both retreats please contact the Young Adults & Youth Ministry Coordinator Clare Sarten ph 754 6759 or email yctaranaki@gmail.com

ANGER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS: Andrew is a Christian Counsellor presently conducting anger management workshops for individuals via telephone or Skype. Face to face is dependent upon your region. Contact Andrew Newbury OFS ph 03 478 1085 or 021 173 2362 or email: rightrelationships1@gmail.com

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.

As you open your eyes, let this colour of love tint all you do today.

First REading:
Acts 10: 25-26, 34-35, 44-48

25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am a man.”
34 And Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality,
35 but in every nation any one who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
44 While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.
45 And the believers from among the circumcised who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.
46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
47 “Can any one forbid water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Second Reading:
1 John 4: 7-10

7 Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God.
8 He who does not love does not know God; for God is love.
9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
10 In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.

Gospel Reading:
John 15: 9-17.

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.
10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 You are my friends if you do what I command you.
15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
17 This I command you, to love one another.

Acts 1: 1-11.
Ephesians 1: 17-23
Matthew 28: 16-20.

WANTED TO RENT: 2 bedroom place. Own a small miniature dog. Phone Maree
758 3576

LINK YOUTH GROUP:
Saturday 19th May; as the confirmation camp is on this weekend we tend to get a very small group. So I am going to take this opportunity to do something different and make a decision on the Friday before. To be included ensure Fiona has your contact details. You can email, call me or txt me on my cell 027 2422 243. Any further information contact, Kieran or Fiona Dolan 7533517 or email kdolan@xtra.co.nz

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE:
General meeting: on Thurs 17 May in the supper room at St Joseph’s after 12.05 Mass. Bring your lunch. Registration for National Conference, 11-14 July in New Plymouth closes on the 15th May.
National Council Of Women AGM: Thurs 15th May at 1pm at Hatherley Hall, upstairs lounge at St Mary’s Cathedral. Finger food lunch. $5 raffle. The speaker is Barbara Arnold NCWNZ Vice President.

KIDS CAN:
Knit World shops in NZ are supporting this worthy charitable organisation by asking people to knit beanies for the children. CWLNZ is also supporting this organisation and ask parishioners if they would join them in knitting beanies. Patterns are available today in the foyer or contact Pat ‘ 753-4593. Knit World would like to have 10,000 beanies by the end of May!!!

JOSPEHITE RETREAT CENTRE:
Workshops coming up:
Milestones 2 – Ritual making: Create a meaningful ceremony to celebrate a milestone in your life. Saturday 26 May 9.30am – 4.30pm. Facilitated by Lyn Nikoloff. $20

“This I Believe…” An inspirational evening with Marie Roche rsj  followed by questions & supper. Friday 18 May 7 – 9pm. Koha.
Come along and join us at the Josephite Retreat Centre, Whanganui, 06 345 5047 extn 3 or ssjoseph@xtra.co.nz

YOUNG ADULTS GROUP:
A new group for Young Adults, aged 18-35 years. If you are interested in gathering for social events, faith development and outreach with other young Catholic adults come along and share your ideas.  See you there! First meeting at Zanziba Café, Devon St East at 5.30pm on Wednesday 16th May. Any enquiries to Kate 0226493523, or Clare 021 380360
 
NZ CATHOLIC:
Headlines from the May 5-19 issue of NZ Catholic: Leadership of women’s religious congregations faces reform…… Advice on ways to “bulletproof” yourson…… “Jesus” interviewed in updated NZ classic…… Social service agencies under pressure. On sale now.

IS THERE ROOM IN YOUR FAMILY FOR ONE MORE?
Open Home Foundation is a Christian Social Service agency which provides training and support for any who would like to commit to shore=t and long term foster care of children and young people. Could YOU be interested in this special task? We would love to hear from you if you want to know more. For further information about what this may involve, please phone Barbara Allen or Robyn Booker on 06 358 4024

VOICE FOR LIFE:
The North Taranaki Branch of Voice For Life (new name for SPUC)
have only two committee members left. If you are interested in pro-life issues and would like to help, phone Quinton St. Leger Reeves 758 0677. If committee work is not for you, do say a prayer for the new committee and ask God’s blessing on their work.

GOLDEN JUBILEE:
Fr Fergus Reeves will be celebrating 50 years of Priesthood on Friday 29th June at St Joseph’s. All parishioners are warmly invited to join with Fr Fergus in the celebration of Mass at 12.05pm on that day followed by a finger food luncheon in the Parish Hall.

ROSMINI COLLEGE GOLDEN JUBILEE: 1-3rd June 2012, Takapuna Auckland. Register and view the programme online at www.rosminischool.co.nz. For further information contact Kevin Barry 09 479 1982

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY TO PRENATAL SCREENING:
“SavingDowns” has a small protest happening in new Plymouth on Tuesday 15th 6.30pm to 9pm outside the old Barrett St Hospital (where Tu Tama Wahine was). The National Screening Unit is holding information workshops there for GPs and midwives about what to say to pregnant mums re screening and “options”. As there’s been no input at all from the Down syndrome Community, SavingDowns is concerned the positive side (“the other side of the story”) is not going to be represented and so it has put together a leaflet and we’ll be there handing it out to GPs and midwives as they go in. Please consider coming down to join us; we would love to have your support.

2012 PILGRIMAGES:
Medjugorje, The Holy Land & Jordan and the 2nd annual North Island Road Retreat with Joy Cowley are open for registration. For more information please see the Parish Noticeboard

PASSIONIST RETREATS FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS:
Youth Retreat: 2-5 July 2012 (1st week of the school holidays). $60.
A retreat is a time to ‘come away’ and look at life from another angle so as to come back to everyday life with a renewed and better understanding of oneself, of others, and of one’s faith.

Young Adult Retreat: 18-30 years. 6-8 July 2012. $90
Discover and grow in your giftedness with friends. Discover the meaning of struggle and suffering in life. Discover how religion can be fun. What is the place of faith in today’s world?
For more information on both retreats please contact the Young Adults & Youth Ministry Coordinator Clare Sarten ph 754 6759 or email yctaranaki@gmail.com

ANGER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS:
Andrew is a Christian Counsellor presently conducting anger management workshops for individuals via telephone or Skype. Face to face is dependent upon your region. Contact Andrew Newbury OFS ph 03 478 1085 or 021 173 2362 or email: rightrelationships1@gmail.com

FR. PAUL KERRIDGE:
is celebrating 50 years of Priesthood on Friday, June 29th 2012, at St. Patrick’s Parish, Napier. Mass will be at 5.30pm in the Church, followed by a Dinner at $55 per head at Ormlie Lodge. If you would like further details please either email Jane Allan at janeallan37@gmail.com with Fr. Kerridge in the Subject line, or write to the Parish at 4 Munroe St, Napier 4110, no later than May 31st.