26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

26th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

We expect God to console or strengthen us. We do not like it very much when we are challenged and told that something is wrong with us. However, we know that in whatever God says or does, God only wants what is best for us. We talk a lot about God but find it hard to do his will, yet there are others who might not even belong to a church but may do God’s will better than us. Do we say, “Yes father, your will be done?”

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 21: 28 – 32

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:
“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not, ‘but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir, ‘but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

CATECHISM

Classes will close from 19 September and will resume again on 09 October.

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.

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

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.

THE SECOND COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND IS FOR FR MUSA’S FAREWELL

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/

ONE MILLION CHILDREN PRAYING THE ROSARY

“Teach your children to pray early, so that when their little hearts feel heavy, they will turn to God for comfort, strength and hope instead of turning to the world.”

October is the month dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. This year especially children are invited by Pope Leo to pray the Rosary.
In our parish, we will pray 5 decades of the Rosary daily.
Monday to Friday at 5pm @ RPP
Saturday 4:45pm @ RPP
Sunday 7:15am @ RPP.
Friday 5:00pm @ St Jude
Sunday before Mass @ St Jude.
We invite parents & grandparents to join the children. We ask children to lead our prayers of the Rosary with the help Catechism teachers

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, & Teresa Hlatshwayo

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 WATERSMEET. We will start at 9am 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.