25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

God’s ways are high above our ways. God’s thoughts are high above our thoughts. We, for example tend to be small-minded and stingy. We want to regulate everything with laws and regulations. But God’s was is different. God is generous and broad-minded; god’s generosity has no limits. Today let us ask God to be broad minded, good and generous.

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 20: 1 – 16

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came,
each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

CATECHISM

Classes will close from 19 September and will resume again on 16 October.

EXAMS FOR 1ST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS

In the hall after Mass today.

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

THE PILGRIM STATUE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Will continue visiting homes for as long as there are people who want to take her home, even for a second or third time.
A list is in the porch if you would like to still add your name.

ST ANNE SODALITY

Congratulations to the newly enrolled members, Mrs Thulisile Gabela and Mrs Thobile Madondo.
Date: Today @ Regina Pacis
There will be finger lunch after Mass. All sodalities and the congregation are invited to come and celebrate with them.
Ephesians: 6, 13-17 The Apostle Paul commands believers to put on the whole Armor of God to stand firm. This “spiritual uniform” includes the breastplate of righteousness and shield of fait

FATHER MUSA IS LEAVING

After two years in our Parish, Fr Musa has been transferred to Embalenhle Parish in the Standerton Deanery. We will give our thanks and say goodbye to Fr Musa on 04 October as that will be his last Sunday in Ladysmith.
We will have one Mass at RPP @ 8 am and will have a celebration in the hall thereafter.

SECOND COLLECTION FOR FR MUSA’S FAREWELL

Will be on the 26th and 27th of September.

SEASON OF CREATION 01/09/2026 -04/10/2026

• Biblical Inspiration: Based on Ezekiel 47:1–12, symbolising restoration and healing.
• Core Focus: An ecological justice call addressing water’s dual power and the climate crisis a
• For more information: https://seasonofcreation.org/

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR SEPTEMBER

For the care of water:

Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

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, Ingrid Denzin, Margarida de Franca, Gugu Radebe, Vincent van der Byl, Harald Schirge, Amalia De Franca & Teresa Hlatshwayo.

UPCOMING EVENTS @ RPP

• 27/09 Heritage Day Celebration, ONE MASS @ RPP, please book your tables with the Parish Secretary for the celebration after Mass.
• 29/09 Executive Committee Meeting @ RPP 01/10 Liturgy meeting

CLOSING OF YEAR OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI

03/10/2026 All in the Ladysmith Deanery are invited to celebrate this feast together at St Francis Church in Peace Town. We will start at 9 am with Franciscan Prayers followed by Mass @ 10 am
On the same afternoon there will be blessing of animals at 4:00pm @ both RPP & St Jude. One priest will be at St Jude, the other at RPP.
Please bring your pets.