i am with you always, until the end of the age...1 ‘i am with you always, until the end of the...
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‘I am with you always, until the end of the age’
Francisco Camilo, The Ascension, around 1651
24th May2020 ASCENSION OF THE LORD, Year A ISSUE 146
Readings: Act 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Matthew 28:16-20
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T oday, Christians around the world remember the final scene
of Jesus’ ministry on earth: his ascension to heaven. As Jesus
returns to the Father, he leaves this message of assurance for his
earthly friends; ‘I am with you always, yes to the end of time’. He
left humanity with a wonderful spiritual dimension, a gift for that
enhances our lives. He also left us with a mission to go out into the
world and to make disciples of all nations.
The Church, entrusted by Jesus to the early Christians, has been
with us for over 2000 years, a visible sign of Jesus’ promise to us.
Equally, for 2000 years, many have inspired us, by witnessing the
good news. We too, are challenged to witness the good news.
I was taken by a story I read, when preparing this message:
“Jesus returned to heaven after his death and resurrection, the
Archangel Gabriel was surprised to see him back so soon. Thirty-
three years is not a long time, especially when you think about the
enormity of the task he had been given to do.
‘Back so soon?’ Gabriel said to Jesus.
‘Well, I would have stayed longer but they crucified me,’ Jesus
replied.
‘Oh, so they crucified you,’ said Gabriel. ‘That means you failed.’
‘Not necessarily,’ said Jesus. ‘You see I called together a little group
of disciples.
They will carry on my work.’
‘And what if they should fail?’ asked Gabriel.
‘I’ve no other plans,’ Jesus answered.
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This says it all really. Jesus had a master plan. We are his master
plan. We have been commissioned and, as promised, the spirit of
Jesus is with us until the end of time. Like all good master plans we
need to define our personal action plans, living our lives
accordingly and witnessing to others through our actions.
A blessing
May God, who has given us such a sure hope, comfort and
strengthen you in everything good that you say or do.
May you live a life worthy of God, who is calling you to share the
glory of his kingdom.
May you never be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord.
Nga mihi nui
Maureen Phillips
Principal-Saint Paul’s School
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OUR LADY OF THE BAYS PARISH
CHURCH USE AND MASSES DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS:
We are hopeful that on Monday (25th May) we will get clear and concise information from the government and New Zealand bishops regarding procedures needed for the resumption of masses. Once this is clarified we will email you and advise the procedures.
Many thanks to those of you who have filled out the online questionnaire regarding masses times. If you haven’t done so already, and intend coming to mass could you please complete the simple online questionnaire by clicking on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYVwU7HJYXEn4kzgmElqEebngPf8R-mW_7Gr-DD8RpaUCa8w/viewform?usp=pp_url
This will enable your leadership groups to properly prepare your church and set up procedures for contact tracing when masses resume.
Please Note:
● Mass times: When Sunday Masses do resume, there will only be masses for Richmond, Motueka and Takaka. Masses for Wakefield and Waimea West will not recommence until we are fully through the lockdown restrictions. To this end, and to make it possible for as many people to attend mass as possible, with a limit of 100 people per mass, I will reinstate a 5.00pm Saturday vigil mass at Richmond for the time being.
● If there is more than 100 people wishing to attend any one mass, your leadership group will contact you and ask you to consider another option.
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THANK YOU to the two wonderful ‘over 70-year olds, recently released from lockdown’, who painted the church fence at Richmond, removed our old dilapidated letterbox, and installed our new ‘parcel protector’ letter box. It has certainly improved our street appearance!
CELEBRATION If someone in your family or a parishioner you know is celebrating something special in the foreseeable future please let us know on [email protected] we would love to put some good news stories into the newsletter and ensure that these special occasions are not missed just because we are not gathering together at this time.
PARISH GIFTING – This may be the opportunity to change to internet banking each week if you have been considering it. For those who wish to do so or would like more information please contact the Parish office on either [email protected] or on 03 544 8987.
● Be Healthwise: I ask that anyone with underlying health concerns, and/or has compromised immunity, to not attend mass. The New Zealand Bishops have been emphatic in saying during the Covid-19 restrictions, there is no obligation to attend Sunday mass. Please stay safe, look after yourself and others by staying at home. Please reach out if you would like someone to visit you, as this is now permitted, as are funerals, with a limit of 50 people attending.
● Church opening: From Monday 19th of May, Motueka, Richmond and Takaka churches will be opened for personal private prayer. You will need to sign-in as you go into the church and keep social distancing if there is more than 1 person.
We are all very much looking forward to seeing you once again.
God bless, Alfred, Fr. Andrew, and Fr. Seph
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FREE DIGITAL EDITION NZ CATHOLIC This link is to a digital edition of the latest NZ Catholic, produced by the paper’s staff from their homes during the lockdown because of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic: CLICK HERE
CHANGE OF ADDRESS When our current rental for PO Box 3160, Richmond, expires on 30 September 2020 will cancel our post office box. The volume of mail we receive now is very low and does not warrant the need for a post office box. Accordingly, the postal address for our parish will be 35 William Street, Richmond 7020. A new secure letterbox has just been installed at William Street which also has the facility for Couriers to leave parcels.
ST PETER CHANEL ONLINE CHILDREN’S LITURGY Sunday 10am through Zoom conference during lockdown. Contacts: Hamish Duncun [email protected], Eric Buenz [email protected]
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Online Mass around Aotearoa New Zealand
Sunday Mass
9am Viard House with Cardinal John Dew in Wellington
9am with Bishop Steve Lowe in Hamilton
9.25am St Peter Chanel, North Canterbury. Click here
9.30am from St Theresa's parish Plimmerton, Porirua. Click here
10am with Bishop Paul Martin S.M in Christchurch
10am Mercy parish South Dunedin
10am Palmerston North
Weekday Mass
7pm (NZ time) Pope Francis says Mass in his private chapel
in Rome. Click here.
9am with Bishop Steve Low in Hamilton. Click here
9am Christchurch diocese. Click here
9.30am from St Theresa's parish Plimmerton, Porirua. Click here
6.25pm St Peter Chanel, North Canterbury– Live-streamed Adoration of
the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Mass at 7pm. Click here
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Pope Francis invites you to
celebrate Laudato Si’ Week
Official Website : https://laudatosiweek.org/
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Today, Sunday 24 May is Laudato Si' Sunday. So let's use the day to start a new
habit that will help our planet and our human race.
For ideas, inspiration and something to ponder, take a
look at this "Buyerarchy".
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Everything is connected We’re living through history-shaping events. Laudato Si’ teaches us how to build a better world–together. People everywhere are crying out for hope, and our faith is urgently needed to light the way. For Laudato Si’ Week, 16-24 May, Catholics are uniting in solidarity for a more just and sustainable future. Stand united with our brothers and sisters in faith as we grow through the crisis of this moment to build a better tomorrow.
● Reflect and prepare through online trainings, 16-23 May
● Join the worldwide day of prayer, 24 May
● Put preparation into action during the Season of Creation, this
September
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HELPFUL LINKS
NATIONAL LITUGY OFFICE The National Liturgy Office - Te Tari a Motu Mo Nga Ritenga, assists the bishops of New Zealand in their pastoral, liturgical and teaching ministry. The NLO promotes sound liturgical practice, and ensures the distinctive identity of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa-New Zealand with its Ma ori dimension is present in the liturgy. If you log on to the National Liturgy Office on www.nlo.org.nz you will be given the list and timings of masses to be screened this coming weekend. These are from various parts of the country.
NEED HELP - OFFER HELP’ A COVID-19 Response: Contact details for groups within the Archdiocese of Wellington who are meeting needs and offering social services to support wellbeing during the lockdown is
available on the Archdiocese of Wellington website page "Need help, offer help": https://www.wn.catholic.org.nz/adw_community/need-help-offer-help/ This webpage also includes details of how people can contribute, which is primarily through financial donations at this time, when goods are unable to be offered. Catholic social services (04-385-8642) social workers can also assist in connecting people to appropriate services. The page is regularly updated - please email [email protected] with any updates.
JAMES MARTIN SJ We also invite you to tune into James Martin SJ who has a 7 minute video on the Examen. Worth watching: Click here
MENTAL HEALTH LINE : 1737 (txt or phone) designed to meet the needs of anyone who 'wants to talk' to a counsellor: Click here
PARENT HELPLINE : 0800 568 856.
CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES : 021 374 373 Karen Holland or 027405546.
GIANNA'S CHOICE - Pregnancy Options and Support: We are here 24/7 to answer your pregnancy questions and talk about your options. Call: 0800 367 5433 or Txt: 027 448 8070.
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PASTORAL TEAM
Fr Seph Pijfers (Parish Priest)
03 544 8987 / [email protected]
Fr Andrew Kim (Assistant Priest)
0221 022 011 / [email protected]
PARISH OFFICE Our parish office is being operated remotely during the Covid-19 shutdown
and is contactable via the usual phone numbers and email address
Postal Address: 35 William Street, Richmond 7020
Phone: (Hall Bookings):
Richmond: 03 544 8987 / Motueka: 03 528 8899
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ourladyofthebays.org
OLOB NEWSLETTER [email protected]
Deadline Wednesday night 5pm