Whanganui parish bulletin
25 MarcH 2018
Palm Sunday of the Passion of our lord

Readings for this week: Isa 50:4-7 Phil 2:6-11 Mk 14:1-15:47
REFLECTION ON THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF LENT OR PALM SUNDAY
This Sunday is well known in our Catholic tradition as Palm or Passion Sunday. The reasons for why this Sunday is called Palm or Passion Sunday is due to the fact that it is the first day of Holy Week, it is the last Sunday before Easter, and a day in which all Catholics commemorated the welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem. Where everyone is bringing palms and laying them on Jesus’s path, glorifying his name and his kingship. They celebrate that He comes in the name of the Lord and He is the King of kings, which literally means that he is the king of Israel. This day is also significant to us Catholics because in this day we are also acknowledging Jesus’s humanity, a festivity, a joyful occasion where Jesus is showing himself as the king of glory. On this joyful occasion, we are called to celebrate the value of life just like Jesus did. One of the values of life that we are called to share with Jesus today is his acceptance of the great challenge that is thrown down in his way. The challenge of becoming the main focus to be insulted, spit on, mocked, crucified, even to die, so that we can live and have our sins forgiven. This is a great encouragement for all of us, to accept the challenge that is laid ahead of us with confidence just like Jesus.
However, in today’s readings, we hear the Lord’s compassion and plan in the life the prophet Isaiah and Jesus. We hear in the first reading that the prophet Isaiah receives all the help he needs from the Lord and as a result of that he is untouched by the insults though in his part he made no resistance and did not turn away. Instead, he offers his back to those who struck him and does not cover his face against insult and spittle. In the second reading, we hear that God raises Jesus high and gives him the name which is above all other names though in his part he humbles and empties himself, becomes a servant or slave to all, even accepting death on the cross, so that we may live. These two readings have one thing in common which is accepting the challenge or the plan that God is laid out for Isaiah and Jesus’s lives. This challenge is truly highlighted in our Gospel reading today by Jesus accepting the challenge or the plan that God has for him. The challenge of walking into Jerusalem for his own punishment, for his own torture, for his own hallucination, even for his own suffering, and his own death. Jesus knew that all these things are going to happen to him but because he loves us and he trust God wholeheartedly; he humbles himself and keeps going. For us all, we are encouraged by today’s readings especially by Jesus in today’s Gospel to accept the challenge or the plan that God is laid out for us in our own lives. To help us accept such a challenge or plan, let us pray earnestly to God in this holy week, asking him to grant us the courage, strength and patience we need, in order for us to accept what He has laid for us on our way. Let us also take some time this holy week, to welcome Jesus into our own Jerusalem, to help us renew ourselves in our love for God and be able to see God’s plans for us in our lives.
Simone

Easter Sunday Morning
Next weeks readings : Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-9
Next week, in our Eucharistic celebration of the Resurrection, our Gospel from John makes it clear that Jesus’ disciples did not understand that he had risen from the dead even though they realised he was gone from the tomb he’d been buried in. As we listen to the details of the Easter Sunday event we are invited to reflect on the gift of faith in the risen Jesus and our own commitment to what that means. The author of John’s Gospel makes it clear that such faith doesn’t happen instantly or at the same time and in the same way for everyone. Mary of Magdala, for example, finds the empty tomb and simply regards it as a sign that someone has stolen Jesus’ body. Peter went into the tomb and “saw the linen wrappings….” but there is no comment on what he thought. John, on the other hand, according to the reading, “went in, and he saw and believed”. However, this statement is immediately followed by “as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead”. Presumably it took the rest of Jesus’ original followers, too, time to come to belief in the Resurrection. So it’s not to be wondered at if some of us still struggle to understand the full implications of a resurrected Christ as part of our lives. We only grow into that understanding and awareness when we ‘die’ as Jesus died: when we commit ourselves to non-violence, peace and forgiveness, justice and compassion, inclusiveness as Jesus did. On Resurrection Day, of course our rejoicing should be for what happened to Jesus on Easter Sunday morning but it should also be for what happens to us when we join him in becoming other Christs as we live each day of our lives. JB Kendall rsj
JB Kendall rsj

Our People

St. Mary’s 1 Campbell St, Ph. 345 3872 Office hours: 8.30am—3pm Jo Boult Parish Secretary Holy Family
22 Tawhero St,
*holyfamily@xtra.co.nz
St. Anne’s
47 Raine Street

Father John Roberts 0276346877

Fr. Marcus Francis
PP 021 02283349

Fr. Adonis Rancho (Fr. Don Don)
021 02735829

Norma O’Connor
Parish Assistant
Hospital Chaplain
027 2334557

Jane O’Connell
Convener of Care & Concern Team 348 9303
348 9303

Kevin Foley
Chairperson of Liturgy
345 0542

*info@catholicparishwhanganui.org.nz www.catholicparishwhanganui.org.nz

Faithsharing Groups
WOMEN’S FAITHSHARING
Resuming meeting on the 11th April.
FAITHSHARING
Rosary and Scripture
Wed. 10.30am
St Mary’s Meeting Room.
All welcome.
Mother’s Combined
Parishes Prayer Group
Fridays 1-2pm. 17 Lindsay Crescent. All ages welcome
Men’s faithsharing
Fri. 7.00am. Contact Peter
ph. 342 5812 for venue.
LEGION OF MARY
Holy Family Church
Tuesdays @ 4pm. For more info contact Paul Daws, 344 4828

Social groups
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
Holy Family Conference meet on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month at 4.45pm. ph: Kevin Foley on 345 0542. Or 345 0161.
St Annes/St Marys Conference meet 1st and 3rd Wed of month at 5pm. Contact Marianne Vine 3450281
HOLY FAMILY CRAFT GROUP
Meet weekly on Thursdays at 9.30am. For further information phone Shirley on 344 6365
LADIES GUILD GROUPS
St. Anne’s
Meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Ring Kay Wilkinson
Ph. 343 3367
MAINLY MUSIC
Contact Anne 3446569 Facebook:Mainly music-st annes
FOCOLARE
Monthly meeting on 4th Sunday of month at 1.30 at Anne’s Place, 58 Bedford Ave, Ph: 3454709
All Welcome

14 Hillside Tce,
Whanganui
P (06) 345 5047 ext 3
ssjoseph@xtra.co.nz
www.ssj.org.nz

How Films Impact Our Spirituality.
A series of five films spread over ten weeks which will explore how movies help us in our personal spiritual lives. This will explore (at an individual
reflection level) what can be learned about oneself from watching movies and aid growth towards authenticity. The structure of the programme means it will be of most benefit if participants can be
present at each session.
Session 4: Alone and together. Film: Of Gods and Men
Tuesday 27 March, 7 – 9.30pm, Koha
with Marie Skidmore rsj
DVD Evening – Lion
A 5 year-old boy in India gets lost on a train & ends up adopted by an Australian couple. 25 years later he sets out to find his lost family…
Thursday 5 April, 6.30pm, Koha
Supper provided
To register please call Pam on 3455047 ext 3 or email pam.hopper@sosj.org.au

EXPLORING FAITH GROUPS
EVENING: Monday 7.30pm - 9pm
Holy Family Meeting Room
MORNING: Tuesday 10.15am - 12.15pm
St Mary's Community Room
The topic will be:
"‘Actions of the liturgy"
Hosts: Mary Wood 344 3552,
Nancie & Brian Quigley 347 8177
Jo Smillie 345 0609 (Morning Group)
Led by Sr John Bosco Kendall rsj
You're all welcome to attend.
For more information ring one of the above numbers.

Please Support the Good Friday and Easter Sunday Collections
The drama of Holy Week, captured in today’s Gospel account of the Passion, is played out in people’s lives today too. Hope hovers behind oppression, compassion shames corruption, goodness triumphs in so many acts of sacrifice.
A particularly troubled people are the ancient but fragile Christian communities in the Middle East and the Holy Land. They often face repression and harassment yet they remain courageous in their charity, hope and their appreciation of our sacred liturgies.
It is to them that our annual Good Friday collection is destined. You can support this appeal by placing a donation in an envelope marked Good Friday Collection on the Friday itself or in the usual Sunday collection basket. Among the projects you will support are school fees for Iraqi and Syrian children, aid to families in refugee camps in Jordan, University scholarships for Palestinians and others, health clinics in Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Our prayers for peace in the region are also much appreciated. See: www.custodia.org
Easter Sunday Collection
This collection is a “thank you” for our priests. It is divided equally among them and used for holiday costs, books and periodicals, and the priests’ own charitable donations. We are blessed with the service of our priests whose workload is far from light. This is one way to show your appreciation. Thanks everyone. Kia ora tātou.

Easter Triduum Practices
Musicians/Singers practices for the Easter Triduum 2018
The practices for the Easter Triduum take place on 28 March at 5.30pm at Holy Family Church.
We look forward to seeing you all there.

PLEASE COLLECT
Planned giving envelopes are now ready for collection.
They are ready for collection at the Holy Family Church foyer. You can claim a 33.3% tax credit on all donations/planned giving that you have given. Thank you
Thank you for your ongoing and generous support.

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Closure of Nazareth Resthome
If you wish to sign a letter to the Sisters of St Joseph Trust Board expressing, in solidarity with the local sisters, your shock and sadness at the closure of Nazareth, the opportunity will be available after Vigil Mass (24thMarch) and after Sunday 9.30am Mass at Holy Family.
Please see Kate Lynch or Angela Aspinal.

Our schools and young people
what’s up?

Cullinane College
Principal: Kevin Shore
DRS: Helen Dougherty
15 Peat St., Wanganui
Ph: (06) 349 0105
Email: office@cullinane.school.nz
www.cullinanecollege.school.nz
On Monday the College will finish early at 1:40 to allow for our SWEET evening. Students from years 11-13 and their parents will set some goals and consider their way forward for the year. On Tuesday and Wednesday some Year 12 students will complete a First Aid course. We have another university visit with Otago visiting. Our Girls cricket team is playing Nga Tawa on Tuesday. A group of students will travel to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit to attend the Mass of the Oils. ID photos will be taken on Wednesday. Some senior English and Drama students will be attending a performance of the Piano by the New Zealand Ballet on Wednesday evening. Finally on Thursday we will conclude the day with a liturgy to celebrate Easter. We are about to commence the most important week in the Church’s calendar. Let us remember that our days off are because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

ST. Marcellin School
Principal: Maia Williams
Acting DRS: Maia Williams
Totara St. Wanganui.
Ph: 349 0023
Email: stmarcellin@welearn.school.nz
Brothers and sisters with Christ,
Happy am I to inform parishioners of the following, for they represented St Marcellin with tika, pono and a lot of aroha. The year 7 & 8 class achieved second place in an online maths programme, 5 points was the difference between 1st and 2nd. This competition pitted them against much larger intermediate schools in the Whanganui and Palmerston North area. Congratulations to Ezekiel who placed 7th overall. The class have won 3-months free subscription. Ka pai koutou!
The intermediate swimming team competed at the recent Super 6 Swimming competition, returning home with top 4 placings. Ka mau te wehi! Congratulations to Ocean, Sky and Nevaeh who competed in the recent Weetbix Kids Triathlon. Touch rugby teams in all grades continue to have success. The Young Vinnies group visited the elderly recently offering friendship and an easter treat. Thank you to Nanny Raewyn for nurturing the YV to understand what it means to be of service to others. Whaea Maia.

Easter Schedule 2018
NO MASSES AT ST MARYS CHURCH
Mass times:
Saturday 24 March 5.30pm-Holy Family Mass
Palm Sunday
9.30am- Holy Family Mass
6.00pm St Annes Mass
9.30am Waverley Mass
Monday 26 March
9.00am Holy Family Mass
Tuesday 27 March
10.00am Holy Family Mass
10.30am Kowhainui Mass
Mass of the Oils-Tuesday 27 March
7pm The Cathedral Palmerston North-
*if you would like to go please contact the Parish Office and we will organise a car pool.
Wednesday 28 March
9.00am Holy Family Mass
12.05pm St Annes Mass
Holy Thursday 29 March
9.15am Nazareth Mass
7.00pm Holy Family-Washing of the Feet Mass
7.00pm Patea Mass
Good Friday -30 March
Easter pilgrimage -starts 9.30am St James Church, ends St James 11am 2.00pm Patea Service
3.00pm Holy Family Service
Easter Saturday Vigil - 31 March
7.30pm Holy Family Mass
Easter Sunday 1 April
7.30am Holy Family Mass
9.30am Holy Family Mass
9.30am Patea Mass
NO 6PM MASS AT ST ANNES

Normas Farewell
Pastoral Assistant (Lay Pastoral Coordinator) Norma O'Connor has, for eleven and a half years, worked in parishes in Whanganui. This multi-faceted role has been of great assistance to the clergy and people of this region. She has decided to retire from this role although she will continue with her hospital chaplain duties. The parish will express its gratitude for all her hard work at the St Anne's School Mass scheduled for 11am on Sunday 8 April. Fortunately, Norma will stay on the Leadership Group and contribute as a Mass Coordinator for St Anne's Sunday evening Mass. All parishioners are invited to attend the Mass on 8 April to wish Norma well as she begins a new phase in her life. The Holy Family 9.30am Mass for the day remains unchanged.

ST. ANNE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Principal: Karl Zimmerman
DRS: Jo Gichard.
Raine St. Wanganui East
Ph: 343 8389
Email: office@stannes.school
Congratulations to our Super Six swim team who competed last Friday.
Our team swam well and were awarded the shield for the most points for the day.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday and begins Holy week. Holy week is the most important week of the church year.
We will also have mission group activities each day next week remembering the last days of Jesus life and will conclude with a liturgy at church on Holy Thursday afternoon and re-enact the passion of our Lord.
We will also have a small number of children represent our school at the Chrism mass next Tuesday at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
Our school mass for term one will be held on Sunday 8th April at St Anne's church at 11.00am.

ST. MARY’S SCHOOL
Principal: Jacqui Luxton
DRS: Cath Daignault
30 London St. Wanganui
Ph:343 1227
Email:school@stmarys.ac.nz

2 TCI Courses Coming up:
TH504 Catholic Social Teaching: April 16-18 Palmerston North Diocesan Centre.
This course will outline the Church’s teaching on justice and peace. Major social issues will be explored to better understand how Catholic social teaching can inform action/s for justice and peace.
Enrol immediately for this course!
SC502 Understanding the Old Testament: July 9-11 Palmerston North Diocesan Centre.
The Old Testament describes God’s relationship with the Hebrew people covering the key events, dates, places and people. Who were they? What relationship? When did it happen?
Contact Kathleen Field today kfield@pndiocese.org.nz; 021 509 436 for an enrolment form

Need Extra Prayer ??
The Prayer Vine is made up of a group of 14 Parishioners who will pray for you or your family, and or friends who need extra prayer. Any request is prayed for. Christian names only are used, so it is confidential.
Please call either Maureen Ph 3455480 or Barbara Ph 3425812
The Prayer Tree details are- contact Merle Manson on 344 7652 after 5.00pm each night. Christian names only are used.

SUNDAY MASS TIMES: Miha Maori Patea Waverley RECONCILIATION:
St. Anne’s Tues 11.30am,Sat 9.30 Sun. 1 Kaiwhaiki 11.00am Sun 1 & 3 9.30am Sun 2 & 4 9.30am St Annes Sat. 9.00—9.20am
St Mary’s 9.30am & 6.00pm Sun. 3 St Mary’s 9.30am Wed 2 & 9.30am Wed 1 & 3 9.30am St Mary’s Fri 11.00—11.40am
Holy Family Sat. Vigil: 5.30pm Sun. 4 Jerusalem/Ranana 10.00am Holy Family Sat. 5.00-5.20pm
(Hiruharama)
ST MARYS CHURCH IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REPAIRS- Sunday Masses 9.30am Holy Family, 6pm St Annes

Mass Times and Parish Diary

		ST MARY’S	HOLY FAMILY	ST ANNE’S/OTHERS
MONDAY 26 March		NO MASSES	9.00am Mass / 4.45pm SVDP / 7.00pm Pro Life Rosary / 7.30pm Faith Exploration
TUESDAY 27 March		NO MASSES	10.00am Mass / 4.00pm Legion of Mary	10.30am NO MASS Kowhainui / 12.05pm NO MASS ST ANNES / 7.00pm Chrism Mass/Cathederal
WEDNESDAY 28 March		NO MASSES / 7pm Lenten Seminar @ Te Rau Oriwa Marae	9.00am Mass	9.30am NO MASS WAVERLEY / 12.05pm Mass
THURSDAY 29 March / Holy Thursday		NO MASSES	9.00am NO MASS / 9.30am NO Exposition / 9.30am Craft / 7.00pm Holy Thursday Mass	9.15am Nazareth / 12.05pm NO MASS ST ANNES / 7.00pm Patea
FRIDAY 30 March / Good Friday		NO MASSES	9.00am NO MASS / 3.00pm Good Friday Service	12.05pm NO MASS ST ANNES 2.00pm Patea Good Friday Service
SATURDAY 31 March		NO MASSES	7.30pm Vigil Mass	9.30am NO MASS ST ANNES

Please note: There will be a 7.30am Mass and 9.30am Mass on Easter Sunday the 1st April at Holy Family Church. There will be no 6pm Mass at St Annes Church.

The results of the Cullinane rowing raffle are available on our face book page

Upcoming event: 8th April 2.30-3.30pm. The first Sunday after Easter is Divine Easter Mercy Sunday. It was instigated by St John Paul 2nd and carries a Plenary Indulgence for those who observe it. Catholic Churches around the world are celebrating this wonderful Feast Day. Fr Marcus will be officiating at Holy Family Church.

General business

Indian Mass: The next Mass in Indian will be held at Holy Family Church on Sunday 1st April. Rosary will be at 5.30pm with Mass at 6pm.

Please keep in your prayers those of our parish and school community who are sick, lonely or going through hard times and need our help and comfort. Please pray for the happy repose of the souls of:
RECENTLY DECEASED: David Lever (England), Wally Croop, Mr Thomas (Lissys grandfather), Graham Takarangi
CONDOLENCES: ANNIVERSARIES: Patrick Roberts (2/3), Kathleen Mitchell (21/3), Aileen Croasdale (23/3), Bernard Fenerty (29/3), Patrick Roberts (2/3), Kathleen Mitchell (21/3), Aileen Croasdale (23/3), Fr Des Levins (25/3), Bernard Fenerty (29/3), James Ian Palmer (9/3), Peter Bamford (4/3), Fr Pat McCullough (14/3), Thomas and Ella Sullivan, John Harrison (12/3), Bill Briggs (22/3), Margaret (Maggie) James (26/3), Margaret Shaw
MASS OFFERINGS: Paul O’Sullivan, Gwen Ruby, Patricia Osborne, Robbie Gembitsky, Gilbert Nugent, Gwen Ruby, Patricia Osborne, Knuth families, Members of Sullivan and Collis families, Gavin McRea, Morrie Meynell (26/4), Sandlot & Briggs families,

Mass offerings

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO EASTER SERVICES AT ST MARYS CHURCH THIS YEAR
EASTER SCHEDULE 2018
Mass times:
Saturday 24 March 5.30pm-Holy Family Mass
Palm Sunday
9.30am- Holy Family Mass
6.00pm St Annes Mass
9.30am Waverley Mass
Monday 26 March
9.00am Holy Family Mass
Tuesday 27 March
10.00am Holy Family Mass
10.30am Kowhainui Mass
Mass of the Oils-Tuesday 27 March
7pm The Cathedral Palmerston North-
*if you would like to go please contact the
Parish Office and we will organise a car pool.
Wednesday 28 March
9.00am Holy Family Mass
12.05pm St Annes Mass
Holy Thursday 29 March
9.15am Nazareth Mass
7.00pm Holy Family-Washing of the Feet Mass
7.00pm Patea Mass
Reconciliation times (Usual times- not Holy Week)
Saturday 5pm Holy Family
Saturday 9am at St Annes
Reconciliation Rite II- Thursday 22 March
9.30am Holy Family
7.00pm St Annes
Good Friday -30 March
Easter pilgrimage -starts 9.30am St James Church, ends St James 11am
2.00pm Patea Service
3.00pm Holy Family Service
Easter Saturday Vigil - 31 March
7.30pm Holy Family Mass
Easter Sunday 1 April
7.30am Holy Family Mass
9.30am Holy Family Mass
9.30am Patea Mass
NO 6PM MASS AT ST ANNES

Confirmation
This year Confirmation in the Catholic Parish of Whanganui will be celebrated by Bishop Charles Drennan on Sunday 9 September at the 6pm Mass. Registration by teenagers 14-15 years of age, as well as any adults who have previously not been confirmed, are invited. Teenagers who have not been baptised need to contact Fr Marcus Francis. Participants who have not received First Reconciliation or First Communion likewise need to get in touch with Fr Marcus ahead of time.

MAINLY MUSIC.
St. Anne’s Church Raine Street.
Ph. Anne 344 6569.
Mondays at 10am. Mainly music
Est.1990
A great morning to meet Parents and
Carers and Pre-schoolers.

St Marys Church work has began. There will be no access to inside the worship space until completion.
Please do not enter the Church Worship Space at anytime.
There is a worship space been set up in the meeting room at St Marys Church for those who would still like to come in and pray.
The meeting room is situated by the hall.

MARAE TIME
at Te Rau Oriwa Marae.
The Drop-in Centre is open 9-1pm every Monday to Thursday.
Nau Mai, Haere Mai . All Welcome.

Lenten Seminars
Wednesdays 7pm held at Te Rau Oriwa Marae
28 March The Easter mystery
All are most welcome.

Are you feeling unwell or lonely?
You can borrow our beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima to assist you in your prayer time.
Contact Kathleen Orsbon
ph:3442245 and she will deliver it to you.

Need Extra Prayer ??
The Prayer Vine is made up of a group of 14 Parishioners who will pray for you or your family, and or friends who need extra prayer. Any request is prayed for. Christian names only are used, so it is confidential.
Please call either Maureen Ph 3455480 or Barbara Ph 3425812
The Prayer Tree details are- contact Merle Manson on 344 7652 after 5.00pm each night. Christian names only are used.

Please note: newsletter items need to be in by Wednesday pm to make print that week.
Thank you.

Holy Cross Seminary
www.holycross.org.nz

IMPORTANT:
If family members or a friend is
admitted to hospital or a rest home it is vital that you let the Office know so that we can arrange a visit by a priest or Chaplain or arrange for Holy Communion to be taken.
Thank you

First Reconciliation /First Communion
If you would like your child to be part of this years program please register with your school or fill out an application form from the office.

DID YOU KNOW ?
That on Friday’s at 11.00am at St Mary’s the Rosary is recited for our priests and all of our Parishioners. Have you thought about coming along and joining in in this special prayer.
All are very welcome

Musicians, Singers, Cantors
We welcome you to join us in 2018. We always have room for you in our groups.
Please make yourself known to Jo at the Parish Office or talk to a group member.