Author: Jonathan

23rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

Where people live together, we find trouble and misunderstanding. This can happen even between good friends. We Christians are not better than other people. We have the same problems. However, as Christians we should be a sign to the world. We should show the world that we can solve our difficulties in a new way. This is the message of our celebration today: as Christians, we are called to solve our problems in the spirit of Christ and in loving fellowship.

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 18: 15 – 20

Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you,
whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

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 ANTONINE’S HOME FOR THE AGED IN AMAKHASI – COLLECTIONS DURING SEPTEMBER

Second collection during Masses and there will be a box in the porch for donations in kind especially adult nappies

MARIA RATSCHITZ PILGRIMAGE

Sunday 13 September 2026. Transport @ R110pp will be available for those who would like to go. Please add your name to the list in porch for transport.
There will be NO MASS in Ladysmith that Sunday.

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

A Very Big

THANK YOU!

to all
Parishioners
for your support at the

LAST SUNDAY FUNDRAISING!
May you all be
BLESSED abundantly

SSVDP SCHOOL SHOES’ PROJECT

THANK YOU everyone who made the donations. We managed to supply the 26 pairs requested.

If you still wish to support the cause, you can make donations to the account number below.

Bank acc details:
SSVDP
Standard Bank branch 051001
Acc: 220917248
Ref: Shoes

HOLLY BAPTISM

CONGRATULATIONS

• Afeziwe Abusiswe Jokazi
• Amukelo Onke Ndumo
• Mluleki Asemahle Hadebe

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, Niri Naidoo, Vincent van der Byl & Harald Schirge.

UPCOMING EVENTS @ RPP

• 17/09 Men of Parish
• 18/09 (Fri) Exultation of the Holy Cross with Blessing of Crosses. Mass will be at 6pm @ RPP .NO MASS @St Jude
• 27/09 Heritage Day Celebration, ONE MASS @ RPP, please book your tables with the Parish Secretary for the celebration after Mass.

REGINA PACIS PARISH – OFFICE HOURS

Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 08h00-14h00
Fri: 08h00-17h00
Very often, our secretary is busy in the back office or in the church, should you not find Nokwazi in the office, PLEASE:

1. ring the bell, if there is no answer, then;
2. call Nokwazi on 076 380 2065

22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

We have gathered for worship this Sunday in order to give thanks to God for inviting us to the faith. But there is a question we should ask ourselves: would we have joined the church if we knew that our membership would bring us joy as well as suffering? If we were told today that we would have to suffer for the sake of our faith, what would we do?

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 16: 21 – 27

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”

NB: 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.

ORDER YOUR OWN STATUE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

If you are interested in purchasing a statue the same as the one used for the Pilgrim Virgin, for your homes. Please send a WhatsApp message to the Parish Secretary on 0763802065. When we purchased them, the cost was R480 each including the delivery. We will order as a Parish. The order will be sent on the 1st of September 2026. Please make a payment before then.

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

SSVDP SCHOOL SHOES’ PROJECT

THANK YOU everyone who made the donations.
If you still wish to support the cause, you can make donations to the account number below.

Bank acc details:
SSVDP
Standard Bank branch 051001
Acc: 220917248
Ref: Shoes

MARIA RATSCHITZ PILGRIMAGE

Sunday 13 September 2026. Transport @ R100pp will be available for those who would like to go. Contact Nokwazi the Parish Secretary @ RPP & Marjorie at St Jude to book your transport. There will be NO MASS in Ladysmith that Sunday. Mass will be as normal on Saturday at RPP.

ST ANTONINE’S HOME FOR THE AGED IN AMAKHASI – COLLECTIONS DURING SEPTEMBER

Second collection during Masses and there will be a box in the porch for donations in kind especially adult nappies.

THE GREAT AMEN

• Why is it in BIG BOLD letters?
• Why do we SING it?

The Great Amen comes in at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer & it is the congregation’s only participation in that prayer.
It is a proclamation of our faith and praise.

Meaning and Significance

• The “Yes” to God: The Hebrew word Amen translates to “truly,” “so be it,” or “I believe”.
• Seal of the Prayer: It acts as the people’s active assent and seal on the entire Eucharistic Prayer offered by the priest.
• Active Participation: It is considered the most important verbal response for the lay faithful during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
• Heavenly Union: It unites the gathered community with the worship of heaven, the angels, and the saints.

NOW YOU KNOW.

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, Ingrid Denzin, Margarida de Franca, Gugu Radebe, Niri Naidoo, Vincent van der Byl & Harald Schirge.

UPCOMING EVENTS @ RPP

• 12/09 Catechism teachers meeting @ RPP at 9am
• 18/09 (Fri) Exultation of the Holy Cross with Blessing of Crosses. Mass will be at 6pm @ RPP .NO MASS @St Jude
• 27/09 Heritage Day Celebration, ONE MASS @ RPP

ST JUDE

• 06/09 CWA -Isivuno
• 11/09 PFC meeting

CONDOLENCES

Sincere condolences to the Cockroft family on the passing of Steve Cockroft. May our Lord comfort you in this difficult time. MHSRIP.

21 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

Nobody likes to live in a house built on a shaky foundation. They constantly fear that the house will collapse on top of them at any time. Nobody likes to belong to a family that may dissolve at any moment. And nobody likes to belong to a church community which may disintegrate at any time. Our assembly around this alter is built on a firm foundation. It is built on Peter and the Apostles. Christ said” you are Peter and, on this rock, I will build my church.”

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 16: 13 – 20

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so, I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

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.

ORDER YOUR OWN STATUE OF MOTHER MARY

Some people have indicated that they are interested in purchasing a statue the same as the one we are using for the Pilgrim Virgin, for their homes. If you would like to buy one, please send WhatsApp message to the Parish Secretary on 0763802065. When we purchased them, the cost was R400 each excluding the delivery. We will order as a Parish so we can save on delivery costs.

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

SSVDP SCHOOL SHOES’ PROJECT

The Society of St Vincent De Paul is seeking sponsors for 26 pairs of school shoes for children from Gr R to Gr 7.
The cost of leather school shoes ranges from R200 upwards. Donations of any amount will be most welcome.

Bank acc details:
SSVDP
Standard Bank branch 051001
Acc: 220917248
Ref: Shoes

CWA FUNDRAISING

On Sale:

Wors roll
Sweets
Cupcakes

30 August @ RPP

THE GREAT AMEN

• Why is it in BIG BOLD letters?
• Why do we SING it?

The Great Amen comes in at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer & it is the congregation’s only participation in that prayer.
It is a proclamation of our faith and praise.

Meaning and Significance

• The “Yes” to God: The Hebrew word Amen translates to “truly,” “so be it,” or “I believe”.
• Seal of the Prayer: It acts as the people’s active assent and seal on the entire Eucharistic Prayer offered by the priest.
• Active Participation: It is considered the most important verbal response for the lay faithful during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
• Heavenly Union: It unites the gathered community with the worship of heaven, the angels, and the saints.

NOW YOU KNOW.

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 & Vincent van der Byl.

CONDOLENCES

Sincere condolences to the Mvelase family on the passing of Mr Mvelase (Nonhlanhla’s uncle). May our Lord comfort you in this difficult time. MHSRIP.

Memorial Service @ RPP on Friday :28/08 @ 12:00 noon.

20 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We remember with joy that the mother of our Lord was taken up into heaven in body and soul. The assumption of Mary into heaven shows us strikingly what God has planned for all of us. He will make our bodies perfect and beautiful. God wants us all to live with him, body and soul.

GOSPEL READING
LUKE 1: 39 – 56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

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.

THANK YOU

To Sandra, Mia and Sal who renovated the statue of Our Lady at the entrance to the church.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

The Nurses Guild would like to thank all those who donated blood last Sunday. Of 24 people who registered ,12 people were able to donate. The other 12 could not donate due to medical reasons, no SA I.D or no show. Still with 12 they will be able to save 36 lives. We are now in their data base and they will give us a date for their next visit.

PILGRIMAGE TO NGOME CANCELLED

Those who have paid will be refunded. You are welcome to make a private pilgrimage to Ngome.
We may organise a one-day trip on a later date.

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

STAINED-GLASS WINDOW BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED

A panel of the window near the organ has been as been restored. The missing piece has been re-created & the panel cleaned and reinforced. A painstaking job, taking months to match colours and glass for missing pieces. The windows date from circa 1945. Thank you, Jonathan Edwards.
A SPECIAL FUND will be created to restore the other windows as & when funds are available. Please consider a donation to the fund, perhaps in memory of a deceased loved one especially those who were long-standing parishioners.

SSVDP SCHOOL SHOES’ PROJECT

The Society of St Vincent De Paul is seeking sponsors for 26 pairs of school shoes for children from Gr R to Gr 7.
The cost of leather school shoes ranges from R200 upwards. Donations of any amount will be most welcome.

Bank acc details:
SSVDP
Standard Bank branch 051001
Acc: 220917248
Ref: Shoes

UPCOMING EVENTS @ RPP

25/08 Executive Meeting @ RPP
27/08 Men of the Parish
30/08 Children’s Mass.

ST JUDE

28/08 Executive after Mass
30/08 Children’s Mass

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 & Vincent van der Byl.

19 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

There are many different ways of encountering God. Each one of us have met God in one way or the other. Some of us have felt the presence of God at a time of joy, others at a time of goodness from others and again others have encountered God in times of sickness and need. Even now, we have gathered here to meet our Lord in Word and Sacrament. Are we ready to meet him?

GOSPEL READING
MATHEW 14: 22 – 33

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening, he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”.

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.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

Thank you to all those who donated blood last Sunday. Of 24 people who registered ,12 people were able to donate. The other 12 could not donate due to medical reasons, no SA I.D or no show. Still with 12 they will be able to save 36 lives. We are now in their data base and they will give us a date for their next visit.

THANK YOU

To Sandra, Mia and Sal who renovated the statue of Our Lady at the entrance to the church.

PILGRIMAGE TO NGOME CANCELLED

Those who have paid will be refunded. You are welcome to make a private pilgrimage to Ngome.
We may organise a one-day trip on a later date.

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

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.
Thank you to Jonathan Edwards.
A SPECIAL FUND will be created to restore the other windows. We will restore as and when funds are available in that fund. Donations are most welcome.

HAPPY WOMAN’S DAY

The Men of the Parish will prepare Breakfast-On-The-Go for all ladies of our Parish. Ladies, please come and enjoy.

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 & Vincent van der Byl.

RPP

18/08 PFC meeting @RPP
25/08 Executive Meeting @ RPP
27/08 Men of the Parish
30/08 Children’s Mass.

ST JUDE

23/08 Mini Isivuno Business owners
23/08 Liturgy meeting
28/08 Executive after Mass
30/08 Mini Isivuno -Children & Children’s Mass.

Because he took his eyes off Jesus and looked at the storm instead.