Author: Jonathan

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER: CYCLE C

INTRODUCTION:

So many people struggle to get their daily bread, and all too often they fail. The fisherman go out in their boats every day to catch fish, sometimes failing, sometimes succeeding. The farmers plant food for their families, unsure if they will reap a harvest. In John gospel today we read how Christ, risen from the dead at Easter, meets the unsuccessful fishermen. Is Christ not present in our cities, in our villages, where people struggle, like the fishermen of Galilee, to find their daily bread?

GOSPEL – JOHN 21: 1 – 14

At that time, Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “am going fishing.” They said to him, “e also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

ADORATION

Will resume on the 08/05. Please check your time for adoration and new people are welcome.

Disability Parking

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

THE CONCLAVE TO ELECT A NEW POPE

Will start on 7 May 2025 and continue until a new pope is elected. Please pray for the elections.
07 May 2025 – the Wednesday Mass will be offered for the election of a new pope.
Mass on Thursday 08/05 will also be for the election of a new Pope if one has not yet been elected.

Mass on Tuesday 06/05 will be for Pope Francis RIP

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Fifteen to 20 days after the pope’s death, all the cardinals will gather for the conclave.
The cardinals cannot communicate with anyone outside until a pope has been elected. The priests, secretaries, cooks and doctors working on the sidelines of the election must take an oath of secrecy, and the Sistine Chapel will be swept for wire taps or recording equipment.
On the first day of the election, a special mass is held in the morning in St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, the cardinals go to the Sistine Chapel, where they take an oath of secrecy.
The cardinals vote by secret ballot, saying a prayer and dropping the ballot into a receptacle. To become pope, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote. Only one ballot is held in the afternoon of the first day, then two ballots are held every morning and every afternoon until someone receives enough votes.
Until a pope is elected, twice a day, wisps of smoke emerge from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the ballots are burned. Black smoke means no pope has been elected; white smoke means that he has. (Chemicals are added to the ballots to get the right shade of smoke.)
Once the vote is concluded, the chosen successor will be asked whether or not he accepts. If he does, the dean asks for the name he wishes to be called by as pope.
The new pope will dress in a white cassock, greet the cardinals and appear for the first time on a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where a senior cardinal proclaims, in Latin, “Habemus papam,” or “We have a pope.”

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY

For working conditions:

Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanised.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 06/05 PPC meeting with representative of all groups and sodalities.

CATECHISM CLASSES

09/05 Catechism Classes to resume

FUNDRAISING IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS

For tickets contact Brenda (0763796891) or Fabian (0833461303).

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, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, and Avenel Aarons.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY

INTRODUCTION:

Today, we Celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. The message of The Divine Mercy is simple. It is that God loves us – all of us. And, he wants us to recognise that his mercy is greater than our sins, so that we will call upon Him with trust, receive His mercy, and let it flow through us to others. Thus, all will come to share His joy.

GOSPEL – JOHN 20: 19 – 31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

DIVINE MERCY

Okay, so what is Divine Mercy? What is this thing that gets to the heart of Sacred Scripture and to the very centre of our faith?
To begin, mercy is “love’s second name,” as John Paul II said. It’s a particular kind of love, a particular mode of love when it encounters suffering, poverty, brokenness, and sin. Divine Mercy is when God’s love meets us and helps us in the midst of our suffering and sin. In fact, because this side of eternity we’re all sinners and because suffering is our lot in life, God’s love for us here always takes the form of mercy. It’s always the Lord stepping out in compassion to help us poor, weak, and broken sinners. From our perspective, then, every good we receive is an expression Divine Mercy.

Disability Parking

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

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Fifteen to 20 days after the pope’s death, all the cardinals will gather for the conclave.
The cardinals cannot communicate with anyone outside until a pope has been elected. The priests, secretaries, cooks and doctors working on the sidelines of the election must take an oath of secrecy, and the Sistine Chapel will be swept for wire taps or recording equipment.
On the first day of the election, a special mass is held in the morning in St. Peter’s Basilica. In the afternoon, the cardinals go to the Sistine Chapel, where they take an oath of secrecy.
The cardinals vote by secret ballot, saying a prayer and dropping the ballot into a receptacle. To become pope, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote. Only one ballot is held in the afternoon of the first day, then two ballots are held every morning and every afternoon until someone receives enough votes.
Until a pope is elected, twice a day, wisps of smoke emerge from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel as the ballots are burned. Black smoke means no pope has been elected; white smoke means that he has. (Chemicals are added to the ballots to get the right shade of smoke.)
Once the vote is concluded, the chosen successor will be asked whether or not he accepts. If he does, the dean asks for the name he wishes to be called by as pope.
The new pope will dress in a white cassock, greet the cardinals and appear for the first time on a balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where a senior cardinal proclaims, in Latin, “Habemus papam,” or “We have a pope.”

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL

For the use of new technologies

Let us pray that the use of new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person and will help us face the crisis of our times.

CATECHISM CLASSES

Will resume on 9 May.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 06/05 PPC meeting with representative of all groups and sodalities.
• 09/05 Catechism classes resume.

FUNDRAISING IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS

For tickets contact Brenda (0763796891) or Fabian (0833461303).

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, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, and Avenel Aarons.

EASTER SUNDAY: RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS

INTRODUCTION:

With great joy, we have come together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! Today, we proclaim eternal life to all who have died in faith. Today, we proclaim Joy for all those who think that their life is a failure or disaster. Christ is alive in our midst. He has risen from the dead to be with us in body and soul, as man and as God. This is our faith, which we proclaim today.

GOSPEL: JOHN 20: 1 – 9

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

Disability Parking

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

CATECHISM CLASSES

It will be closed for the Easter Holidays and will resume on 9 May.

PPC & PFC ORGANOGRAM

It is on display on the board on the church porch.

NO ADORATION

There will be no adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the day on the 24th of April.

HAPPY EASTER

EASTER
EGG HUNT
With the youth

DATE: 28 April
TIME: 12:00
VENUE: PARISH GROUNDS

Entry R5.00

CHRIST
HAS
RISEN

We wish you a blessed Easter

FUNDRAISING IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS

For tickets contact Brenda (0763796891) or Fabian (0833461303).

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL

For the use of new technologies

Let us pray that the use of new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person and will help us face the crisis of our times.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 06/05 PPC meeting with representatives of all groups and sodalities.

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, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, and Avenel Aarons.

PALM SUNDAY

INTRODUCTION:

Today we commemorate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We continue to hold the palms during the reading of the Passion. In this way, we recall that many of the same people who greeted Christ with shouts of joy on Palm Sunday would call for His Death on Good Friday. A powerful reminder of our own weakness and the sinfulness that causes us to reject Christ.

At the procession with Palms

GOSPEL: LUKE 19: 28 – 40

Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethpage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ You will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.'” So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying this colt?”
They answered, “The Master has need of it.” So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”.

Disability Parking

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

LENTEN APPEAL COLLECTION

Envelopes are available in the porch.
Second collection, every weekend during Lent.

GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION

The collection on Good Friday is for the preservation and upkeep of the Holy Places.

CATECHISM CLASSES

Will be closed for the Easter Holidays and will resume on 9 May.

EASTER TRIDUUM @ RPP only

ALL MASSES DURING HOLY WEEK ARE AT REGINA PACIS

• 17/04 19:00 Holy Thursday Lord’s Supper followed by adoration until 21:00
• 18/04 10:30 Way of the Cross
• 14:45 Novena to the Divine Mercy
• 15:00 The Passion of the Lord followed by adoration until 21:00
• 19/04 20:00 Easter Saturday Vigil
• 20/04 08:00 Easter Sunday Mass
• 21/04 10:00 Easter Monday Mass

NO ADORATION

There will be no adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the day on 17 and 24 April.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL

For the use of new technologies

Let us pray that the use of new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person and will help us face the crisis of our times.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 06/05 PPC meeting with representative of all groups and sodalities.

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, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, and Avenel Aarons.

WASHING OF THE FEET – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you like to volunteer for your feet to be washed on Holy Thursday, please put your name on the list on the porch.

PPC & PFC ORGANOGRAM

On display on the board in the church porch.

FUNDRAISING IN AID OF CHURCH FUNDS

For tickets contact Brenda (0763796891) or Fabian (0833461303).

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT CYCLE C

INTRODUCTION:

As we are gathered here, how do we appear to God? We have put on our best clothes, because it is Sunday. It is a joy to look at us as we are gathered together in Church. But God does not look at our outward appearance but at what is in our hearts. We are like the woman who was caught committing a serious sin for which she was condemned to death. But she was forgiven. In the same way, God looks at us now; he sees only the new spirit which is in us.

GOSPEL: JOHN 8, 1 – 11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery
and made her stand in the middle. They said to him,
“Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

Disability Parking

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

EVERY FRIDAY DURING LENT

17:00 Stations of the Cross at St Jude
17:30 Mass at St Jude
18:00 Stations of the Cross at Regina Pacis
18:30 Growing in Faith session in the Hall.

LENTEN APPEAL COLLECTION

Envelopes available in the porch.
Second collection, every weekend during Lent.
This collection directly and indirectly supports works of charity in dioceses involving feeding schemes, elderly in need and vulnerable children; educational outreaches including catechesis; the training of priests; Justice and Peace; youth ministry; specialised ministries such as those serving the deaf; as well as the offices helping to coordinate this work in the Southern African Church

CATECHISM CLASSES

Commence this coming weekend, 11 & 13 April, then will be closed for the Easter Holidays and will resume on 9 May.

PALM SUNDAY

• 12/04 Saturday @ 5:30 pm: Blessing of Palms in front of the Parish office and procession to the church (short path).
• 13/04 Sunday @ 8:30 am: Blessing of Palms at 36 Stevenson Road, then a procession to the church followed by Palm Sunday Mass.
• NO MASS @ ST JUDE.

WHY IS THERE A PELICAN AND ITS CHICKS ON THE AMBO COVER?

The pelican became a symbol of Christ due to an ancient legend that, in times of famine, a mother pelican would pierce her breast to feed her young with her blood. This mirrors Christ’s self-sacrifice of his life for our redemption and the atonement he made through his passion and death.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH:

For families in crisis:

Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, and rediscover each other’s gifts, even in their differences.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 06/04: Meeting for all existing Altar Servers and Candidates who want to be altar servers, after Mass.
• 12/04:  Training for ALL proclaimers 3-5 pm, even weekday proclaimers.

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, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, and Avenel Aarons.

WASHING OF THE FEET – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you would like to volunteer to have your feet washed on Holy Thursday, please put your name on the list on the porch.

ALTAR SERVERS

Meeting this Sunday after Mass for all existing altar servers and candidates who want to be altar servers.

TRAINING FOR ALL PROCLAIMERS

(including weekday proclaimers)
Will be on Saturday, 12/04/2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

PPC & PFC ORGANIGRAM

On display on the board in the church