Matariki Liturgy
The school celebrated Matariki on 30 June.  The celebration started with a liturgy that the Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy and the Te Pou Arataki prepared.  It focused on the light that God shines on each one of us; something that moves us to do the things that we do.  We continued our Matariki celebrations by reflecting on the things that have happened in the past and to plan things for the future.

Caritas Challenge
The Caritas Challenge happened on Friday 23 June in our school Auditorium and was a success, as the students experienced and learned from different activities prepared for them.  They were immersed in various challenges that were aimed at imitating the issues of people around the world, especially the people in Fiji.  They were assigned groups and earned points for their dinner through the various activities.  They also gained some empathy for the struggles of people in some areas of New Zealand and outside New Zealand.  In addition, they learned about the different Catholic Social Teachings and saw the need for us to help people in need.  A special thank you to the team who organised and managed this special effort.

Clothes Swap
A Clothes Swap was organised by St. Columban Mission Society and Laudato Si Special Character groups.  The aim was to share with others something not needed by themselves, that may have been required by others.  Any clothing that was left was collected and given to St. Vincent De Paul. Thank you to everyone who shared their clothes.

Alpha for Staff
The Primary and Secondary Staff have just finished an 8-week Alpha Course that was facilitated by the Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy, assisted by three RE Staff who led the different groups.  It was beneficial for staff as they gained a clearer understanding of their mission, which is to share their faith through everyday witnessing of love, with family and friends.  They were also given Bibles to read and share with others.

Parish Announcements
There is a World Youth (Auckland) event at Sancta Maria College on Sunday 6 August from 2pm – 8.30pm – come together to celebrate World Youth Week which will include inspiring speakers, worship, mass, dinner, reconciliation and adoration.

St. Luke’s Parish
Catechism of the Catholic Church is held on Monday 24 July 2023 from 7.30pm in the Parish Lounge.

Altar Server training – the next training for Alter servers is Saturday 22 July from 10am.
Thinking of Catholism?  St Luke’s Parish will be conducting RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) programme from Sunday 16 July.  Please contact Paulette through the Parish office if you are interested.

St. Mark’s Parish
Bishop Robert Barron’s bestselling six-part series on the Mass is available to watch for FREE, for a limited time.  Click the following link for more information Videos – Word on Fire

Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish
Youth Movie night – join them on Sunday, 2 July at 5.30pm to celebrate World Youth Day.  Note: there will be no Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament that night.  Parents, please collect your child by 8.00pm from the Parish Centre.

Please see below a schedule of Mass times within our community:

In addition, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Howick are celebrating 175 years of history from Friday 11 – Tuesday 15 August 2023.  More announcements and details of events will be published via their website howickcatholic.org.nz 

God bless,
Mr. Omar Tamayo