Assumption Mass

Our school Chaplain presided over the school’s Assumption Mass. The whole school was filled with grace as we reflected on the virtues of Mary. This was much felt as the whole school prayed, sang and left the auditorium with much reverence. God was felt from the moment we entered the building.

Tongan Language Week Mass

The school ended the Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga / Tongan Language Week with a Mass that was presided by Fr. Larry. The readings were all delivered in Tongan and the Tongan students rendered a beautiful Tongan song to end the Mass.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori Mass

The celebration of the Te Reo Māori Week was capped with Mass that was presided by our school Chaplain.  The students read and sang in Te Reo Māori that added inclusivity to the Mass that is for all. The students felt the warmth of God’s love throughout the celebration.

Training and Re-training of Altar Servers

The old and new altar servers underwent training for two weeks. This is under the guidance of our school chaplain. The students were led to understand the importance of the Eucharist and how serving in the Mass helps the people see God truly present in our lives.

Eucharistic Adoration Talk

Fr. Larry spoke to the school about the importance of talking to Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament. He said that the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed to the school (in the Prayer Room) from 10am to 2pm every Wednesday. He invited the school, especially the juniors, to visit Jesus in the Prayer Room.

Subscription to FORMED

The Special Character Team of the school has finalised details of subscription to FORMED, with its award-winning studies and parish programmes, inspiring audio content, movies, e-books, and family-friendly kids’ programming.

This will allow the students and their families to be more familiar with the Catholic faith. This is also an opportunity for families to watch and discuss together as a family. We are looking at subscribing at the start of 2025. This will mean that the families of students will also get to access and watch at home, preferably as a family, to help them know more about the Catholic faith.

We also finished term 3 with our annual Caritas Challenge, which saw students undertake activities and tasks to help us understand and honour those around the world less fortunate that ourselves.

Refurbishing of Religious Materials

We have recently refurbished the tabernacle and the monstrance. These religious materials are now used in the Prayer Room. The staff and students may spend a moment of their day in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

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)
• 2025 Columban Art Calendars are now on sale for $15 each – contact the Parish Office to purchase.
• In preparation for the upcoming Candle Mass in November, if you would like to share a photo of your loved one that has passed in the last 12 months, please email Celia on assistant@flatbushcatholic.org.nz – the images you share will be part of a slideshow presentation which will be displayed during our Candle Mass.
• Mobile Breast Screening will be returning to St Luke’s Parish carpark from 30 September – 11 October 2024 – secure your mammogram by booking an appointment. Freephone 0800 270200.

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)