The work for God’s greater glory does not end.  We have been blessed with so much as evident in the different activities that we are still ongoing. 

Tagged Teachers’ Mass 

On 26 September, the Tagged Teachers gathered in the Prayer Room for a mass and catch up.  The teachers were given a special blessing by Father Larry for their service to the mission of proclaiming their faith through their teaching and their encounter with the students and parents.  They had a session after Mass to share their different experiences of sharing Jesus throughout the year.

Thanksgiving Mass (Leavers)
Fr. Larry presided over the school’s Thanksgiving Mass.  The mass was prepared by the Year 13s with the help of Ms. Oliver as their thanksgiving to God for his guidance and protection throughout their stay at Sancta Maria College.

At the end of Mass, the Year 13s were given St. Christopher key rings as a gift from the school to remind them to pray and to keep them from harm.  We also celebrated our Year 13 Special Character award winners at this year’s Senior Prizegiving ceremony.  Click the following link to find out more detail 2024 Special Character Award Winners | Sancta Maria College

Recognition Mass
On 25 October, students who volunteered to do service work were recognised.  These students packed goods for the poor, cooked meals, visited and cheered people in the retirement homes and hospices. There were over 100 students who did volunteer work throughout the year.

MUFTI for St. Columban Mission Society
Staff and students donated their gold coins (16 October) to help St. Columban Mission Society in their goal of spreading the good news even to the farthest corners of the earth.

Caritas Challenge
This year’s Caritas Challenge had a different flavour as we added fun to the experience of the students who took part in the challenge.  The students learned about the struggles of the poor and looked at positive things that one can do.  The challenge was done on the last day of Term 3.

CSYMI
Workshop (The Send) 
The students will be attending a workshop organised by the Diocese of Auckland (The Send) on 23 November in Hamilton, with the intention of deepening their faith and moving them to inspire others to love Jesus and remain faithful to Him.

Retreat Facilitation 
The students will be running retreats to the Primary schools in December.  40 Year 7 students from Holy Cross Papatoetoe (3 December) and 120 Year 5 students from Holy Trinity Takanini, St. Mary’s Papakura and St. Ignatius of Loyola College (4 December) will take part.  They will be guided by Mr. Piggin, Mr. MacLeod and Mr. Tamayo.

Advent (Christmas) Liturgy
The Advent Liturgy is set on the last day of the year.  This is the time to reflect on the love of God towards us.  The liturgy will be capped with the singing of Christmas carols to give thanks and praise to God.

Notices from St. Luke’s Parish, Flat Bush

• Working Bee – save the date (Saturday 30 November 2024) from 10.00am.  There will be a sausage sizzle provided at the end in appreciation of your help.
• 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.

Notices from St. Mark’s Parish, Pakuranga
St Mark’s Christmas schedule:

NB: The parish office will be closed from 23 December 2024 – 12 January 2025.

• 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

• Youth Mass and Youth Night will be held this Sunday, 10 November, from 5.30pm – it promises to deliver fun games, delicious food and wholesome vibes for our youth group.  Evening finishes at 8.30pm.
• 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)