Christmas always brings me joy as it is the time we celebrate the love of Jesus.  We remember the wonder of God and His gift through the presents we give to our loved ones.

As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate your hard work, dedication, and the incredible energy you bring to our school community. This season of joy and reflection is a perfect time to appreciate how much each of you has grown, both in and out of the classroom.

The holiday season is a reminder of the warmth we find in family, friendships, and the simple things that make life meaningful. Whether you’re spending time with loved ones, exploring new passions, or just relaxing after a busy year, we hope you find moments of peace and happiness.

May this Christmas season bring you and your family blessings of love, health, and joy. Enjoy a well-deserved break, recharge, and get ready for new adventures and opportunities in the year ahead.

Christmas Liturgy

Thank you to all our school whānau who joined us for a beautiful Christmas Liturgy on the last day of school, it was a blessing to celebrate the joy of Jesus’s birth together as we finish the year to join our families for Christmas and the New Year.

Tōtara Hospice

On 30 November, Dr. Laux, Tina, and Annette attended Tōtara Hospice’s Christmas afternoon tea, where many volunteers were recognised for their invaluable contributions throughout the year.   It was a pleasure to meet the dedicated individuals who provide such essential support to those who are unwell, as well as their families. During the event, Tina, Annette, and Dr. Laux presented 200 personalised trinket boxes, each decorated by a small group of students throughout the year. The boxes featured a phone charm, carefully designed by another group of enthusiastic students during their lunchtime. Sancta Maria College have been supporting these incredible volunteers for several years, and this tradition continues even after Dr. Laux’s departure from the college in August. If you would like to help continue this tradition in 2025, please express your interest to Mr. Tamayo, Annette, or Tina in the new year. Let’s work together to make this tradition everlasting!

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.

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

• 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.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

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