Eucharistic Revival

The Special Character team is taking a focus on the Eucharistic Revival.  There is an ongoing awareness of the importance of the Eucharist and the team will work on this little by little. Our school Chaplain has started sharing in the assembly the importance of visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

Catechism Video Series

The Special Character Team have also started the SMC Catechism Video Series.  This video series is focused on talking about the Catholic belief and the different things we do as Catholics.  The videos are to be part of the Navigation Classes.  We have also launched an Instagram page and a YouTube channel (Catholicism_Whys) so the staff, students and parents could go back to these videos and watch them.  Here is the link Catholicism_Whys – YouTube.

SMC by the Gate

The student-led group has advertised this in assembly to encourage more students to come to the Wednesday gathering in the Marian Ampitheatre to pray and reflect on the Word of God.  Students and staff are encouraged to attend at 8:20am every Wednesday.

Positive Response on the Navigation Prayers

Recently, a survey was released to the staff and students regarding the Navigation prayer being sent at the start of each Navigation period.  We have received positive responses which indicates we are on the right track, with over 2/3 of us believing the Navigation Prayer ‘is good’.  There were some suggestions that will be taken into consideration to make the reflections better and we are looking at doing this in the coming weeks.  Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Assumption Mass

With loud voices and joyful hearts, the school has celebrated the Feast of the Assumption.  Our school Chaplain presided over the Mass and has inspired the staff and students to be witnesses of God’s love through our actions and words like our Mother Mary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caring Foundation Mass and Awards

Six of our students were recognised in the recent Caring Foundation Mass and Awards.  These students were identified by their Special Character Group Teachers: Ethan Karl John, Abigail Martis, Hyebeen Park, Jermaine Daclan, Kathrina Casandra Bacay and Hannah Ernstzen.  A special mention was also given to Mr. Tamayo and his wife for the service to Marriage and Family life.  We congratulate all those from our school whānau recognised.

Caritas Challenge

At the end of term, the students will be given the opportunity to somewhat experience the struggles of the people in the Pacific Countries.  The Caritas Challenge will focus on the different kinds of hardships of the people in the Pacific to help them understand the need to help and care for others.

MUFTI for Cans

The staff and students were encouraged to come to school in MUFTI in exchange for canned food.  The canned goods are to be given to St. Vincent de Paul who will be packing them, together with our SMC Vinnies, and will be giving them to the struggling members of our society.  We collected over 1200 cans from the generous staff and students – thank you to everyone who supported the day.  Donations will continue to be gratefully received in F block up until this coming Friday.

Reflection Reading: Matthew 25: 31-40

³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Reflection

Let us always strive to store up treasures in heaven.  We may gain so many things in this world but let us remember to focus on what truly matters.  God bless you all.

Notices from St. Luke’s Parish Flat Bush

Are you getting married?  Book your Diocesan Marriage preparation course as soon as you can.  Click the following link for more detail Our Courses – Catholic Diocese of Auckland (aucklandcatholic.org.nz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Young Adults Ball: Saturday 14 September 2024 from 7pm at McHughs of Cheltenham.
The theme of the ball is ‘Wonderland’.  There will be a live band, professional photographer and one free drink included.  Tickets are $120.  Click the following link for more detail and to book your ticket/s: Young Adults Ball Tickets, Sat, Sep 14, 2024 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

Notices from St. Mark’s Parish Pakuranga

• Chinese RCIA and RCIC: Monday from 9.30 – 10.30am in the Lyon’s Den.  For more information contact John Ko on 022 031 7755 as well as Tuesday from 9.00 – 11.00am in the Lyon’s Den.  For more information contact Thomas Wong at thomas_tkwong2@hotmail.com
• Life in the Spirit Prayer Group: Thursday from 7.30 – 9.00pm in the Parish Centre.  A warm welcome to all Parishioners to come and spend time in prayer, praise and fellowship with the Lord and each other.  Enquiries, please call Mary on 09 576 3657 or Joanne on 021 114374.
• Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): we would like to invite anyone who is interested in knowing about the Catholic faith with a view to becoming Catholic to come along to our Wednesday evening session from 7.30 – 8.30pm.  Contact the Parish Office on 09 576 7959 or Rosemary on 021 1639141. “Come taste and see that the Lord is good” Psalm 34:8

Notices from Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish Howick

• Visiting Statue of Mother May: The roster for requesting a visit of the Statue of Mother Mary to your home is now available in the foyer for the months of June to December 2024.  Please pop your details down if you would like a time.  Any queries, please contact Sandie D’Mello on dmellowswans@gmail.com or on 021 076 7772.
• Life Teen Summer Camp will be from 14-18 January 2025 at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton.  Our Parish youth group have attended the last four summer camps and are planning to return for this one too, so please pencil in these dates.  Francesca (Parish Youth Minister) will be in touch soon regarding registrations.

In Christ through Sancta Maria,
Mr. Omar Leo Tamayo
Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy (DRS)