18 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

18 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

In many countries there is a shortage of food. Every day hundreds of children all over the world die of hunger. For many families the struggle for daily life is the only thing they can think of. They cannot enjoy life. In such times, what does it mean for us Christians to gather around this table for the sacred meal of Holy Communion? In one sentence we can answer: our gathering here on this Sunday is a sign of hope, and a reminder of our task.

GOSPEL READING
MATHEW 14: 13 – 21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over— twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

PILGRIM VIRGIN

The Traveling Mary (or Pilgrim Virgin) is a Catholic devotional tradition where a statue, icon, or image of the Virgin Mary rotates from home to home. Families host the statue for a set period (typically one week), using the time to pray the rosary, read scripture, and foster community together.

There is a list in the porch for those who would like to have a traveling statue of Mary. visit their home. Please specify whether you are a Saturday or Sunday Parishioner.

CATECHISM

Regina Pacis
Friday @ 13h30 and Sunday after Mass @ 09h00.
St Jude
09h00 before Mass.

Please be mindful of the designated parking for persons with disabilities.

Even if you are late for Mass, please leave the spaces FREE for persons with genuine disabilities

• Please be mindful of where you park your vehicles.
• Don’t park in front of the main entrance, making it difficult for the elderly and less-abled to get past.
• Don’t park in the driveway at the side of the hall.
• Don’t park in the designated disabled parking if you are able-bodied.
• THERE IS EXTRA PARKING UP NEAR THE PARISH OFFICE. PLEASE ASK ONE OF THE LEADERS TO OPEN THE MOTOR GATE

CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF CATHOLIC FAITH IN LADYSMITH

Fridge magnets @ R15 are available in the repository.

BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED

Before and after pictures of the stained-glass panel which has been restored.

The photos do distort the colours a bit, but have a look at the actual window which is near the organ.  

The missing piece has been re-created & the panel cleaned and reinforced.

This is a painstaking job taking months to match colours and glass for missing pieces.

The windows date from circa 1945.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR AUGUST

For evangelisation in the city:

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends, especially:

Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Alvin Govender, Mavis Makhubo, Norman Browne, Khohli Kunene, Barbara Amod, Sebenzile Molefe, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, Avenel Aarons, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender, Lorraine Schirge, Ingrid Denzin, Margarida de Franca, Gugu Radebe & Niri Naidoo

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

SANBS people will be at RPP this Sunday after Mass. You can still put your name down on the list should you wish to donate.

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS

On the first weekend of every month, the priests will bless those people celebrating birthdays and anniversaries during the month.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• 18/08 PFC meeting @ RPP
• 25/08 Executive Meeting @ RPP