Author: Jonathan

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

Today we begin the time of advent. It is a time of waiting as we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. We know that there are four Sundays of Advent. We know that in four weeks we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. We do not know, however, the time when the Lord will come to each one of us asking: what did you do with your life? Your time is up. I have given you hands to work. What did you do with them? I have given you a family, friends and neighbours, how did you live with them. I have given you a task, how have you completed it?

GOSPEL: Mathew 13: 33-37

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: ‘Watch!”

YEAR PLANS – ALL GROUPS & SODALITIES

All groups and sodalities are requested to start preparing Year Plans for 2024. These plans are to be handed in before the end of this year. Preferably ASAP so that the PPC Exec can plan for next year.

LAST ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR THE YEAR

14 December 2023 & will resume on 11 January 2024.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS & NATIVITY PLAY 08/12/23 @ 5:30 PM @ RPP.

ST Jude
Family Fun

Saturday 16th December
10 am to 4 pm
Ladysmith Catholic Church
48 First Avenue

ALL WELCOME

Join us for lots of fun

Yummy food
Jumping castle
Water slide
Games
Face painting
Music
Braai stands – and much more!

FUN IN THE SUN

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR DECEMBER:

FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown and Anabela De Pontes.

SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

INTRODUCTION:

Today as a Church, we conclude our liturgical year and celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. The Gospel we proclaim shows the great mystery of our faith: In the moment of his crucifixion, Jesus is shown to be the King and Saviour of all. We give thanks to him today and promise our faithfulness to him as our king.

GOSPEL: Mathew 25: 31-46

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. ‘Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

CHILDREN OF MARY

Meeting on the 9th of December @ 9 am at RPP.

YEAR PLANS – ALL GROUPS & SODALITIES

All groups and sodalities are requested to start preparing Year Plans for 2024. These plans are to be handed in before the end of this year. Preferably ASAP so that the PPC Exec can plan for next year.

CONGRATULATIONS

To all First Holy Communion Candidates
Beah-Zita Cerone Musawandile Mnguni
Seeiso Molapo Lubanzi Hlomuka
Dylan Tusinean Joshua Marange
Japhet Manenga Victor Igwe.

THANKSGIVING

Collection @ RPP on Saturday R5620 & on Sunday R7885. At St Jude R1034. Fr Marek would like to thank all parishioners for their generosity.

NGOME PILGRIMAGE

Taxis will depart @ 12:00 noon on Friday the 1st of December from RPP & St Jude.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER:

FOR THE POPE

We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman, Norma Brown and Anabela De Pontes.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS & NATIVITY PLAY
08/12/23 @ 5:00PM @ RPP

33rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

INTRODUCTION:

At every Mass, we bring bread and wine to the altar and say, “We bring you these gifts, fruit of the earth and work of human hands.” But we bring to the altar not only bread and wine but all the work of our hands and mind. All the gifts, talents, abilities and powers which we have received from God, we offer again in thanksgiving. All these gifts of our community we bring today to God and say, “Thank you Father for these gifts.”

GOSPEL: Mathew 25: 14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one–to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy. ‘Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’

SANITISING

Sanitising is no longer compulsory, it’s your personal choice to sanitise before communion. Sanitiser is still available at the back of the church for those who choose to do so. If you are ill, it’s recommended that you sanitise to avoid cross-contamination.

SSVP Fundraising

RRP and St. Jude Catholic Church
SSVP Fundraising

BRAND DANCE

Dance & Dinner
25 November 18:30

R200 per ticket
4 Victoria Road Ladysmith
Regina Pacis Hall

B.Y.O.B & Snacks
The dress code is Western

DJ Uncle Sam

LAMB ON THE SPIT | DANCE | KARAOKE

SPIOENKOP PICNIC

For Catechism Children on 25 November. The children who paid for the outing last year will pay only R50 for food. The Children that didn’t pay and would like to join, have to pay R150. Any questions? Please contact Sandra on 0799225566 or Parish Secretary Nokwazi

1^ST HOLY COMMUNION

Next Sunday the 25th at 8:00am @RPP

LITURGICAL CALENDARS

Liturgical calendars for 2024 are now available in the Repository and Parish Office at a cost of R30 each.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER:

FOR THE POPE

We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon, Noel Hoffman and Anabela De Pontes.

25th Ordination Anniversary

The parish of
St Peter & Paul and Kwa Kristu Umsindisi (KKU) invite you to the silver priestly ordination jubilee
of
Rev. Dr. Andrew Moyo

02-12-2023
St Peter & Paul
Newcastle
10:00 am

Rsvp:
Jenee Snyers: 0838616549 (St Peter & Paul] Thembelihle Nene: 0828422898 (KKU)

“The Almighty has done great things for me”

32nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

INTRODUCTION:

There are many clever people in the world. Clever people pass their exams, know how to make money, build houses and mend cars. Thank God that he has given us brains to do all these things. We need to have brains. We also need to be wise, for wise people know what is important in life. This is the message in our celebration today. Be wise people and not fools. There are things which you cannot buy or borrow. Look for them!

GOSPEL: Mathew 25: 1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them,
but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it,
the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards, the other virgins came and said,
‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

YEAR PLANS

All groups and sodalities are requested to start preparing Year Plans for 2024. These plans are to be handed in before the end of this year. Preferably ASAP so that the PPC Exec can plan for next year.

SANITISING

Sanitising is no longer compulsory, it’s your personal choice to sanitise before communion. Sanitiser is still available at the back of the church for those who choose to do so. If you are ill, it’s recommended that you sanitise to avoid cross-contamination.

SSVP Fundraising

RRP and St. Jude Catholic Church
SSVP Fundraising

BRAND DANCE

Dance & Dinner
25 November 18:30

R200 per ticket
4 Victoria Road Ladysmith
Regina Pacis Hall

B.Y.O.B & Snacks
The dress code is Western

DJ Uncle Sam

LAMB ON THE SPIT | DANCE | KARAOKE

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS/
YEAR-END THANKSGIVING MASS

To thank God for all he has done for us this year. It is also a way of raising funds for the parish.
18 & 19 November @ RPP & St Jude. Offerings during the Second Collection.
Saturday (18th) Mass – will use Thanksgiving envelopes which will be available at the porch.
Sunday (19th) Mass – will have buckets labelled with different categories and you will put your donation in the bucket that is most relevant to you. Categories are loosely based on professions:

• Health
• Social Welfare
• Education
• Business
• Justice, safety & security
• GEPF & pensioners
• Youth & children
• Unemployed
• Other

SPIOENKOP PICNIC

For Catechism Children on 25 November. The children who paid for the outing last year will pay only R50 for food. The Children that didn’t pay and would like to join, have to pay R150. Any questions? Please contact Sandra on 0799225566 or Parish Secretary Nokwazi

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER:

FOR THE POPE

We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon and Noel Hoffman

Retreat
18 November

1^st Communion and Post 1^st Communion
9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Bring your own lunch

30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

INTRODUCTION:

Today we celebrate the feast of All Saints. It is a great feast for our whole Christian community. We remember with joy the countless multitudes of men, women and children who have gone before us to God. In our celebration today the Lord tells us what kind of persona Saint is and what people must do to become saints. They are those who make peace, those with a pure heart and those who suffered because they stood up against injustices.

GOSPEL: Mathew 5: 1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

YEAR PLANS

All groups and sodalities are requested to start preparing Year Plans for 2024. These plans are to be handed in before the end of the year. Preferably ASAP so that the PPC Exec can plan for next year.

SSVP Fundraising

RRP and St. Jude Catholic Church
SSVP Fundraising

BRAND DANCE

Dance & Dinner
25 November 18:30

R200 per ticket
4 Victoria Road Ladysmith
Regina Pacis Hall

B.Y.O.B & Snacks
The dress code is Western

DJ Uncle Sam

LAMB ON THE SPIT | DANCE | KARAOKE

NURSES GUILD &HEALTH WORKERS DAY RETREAT/IMVUSELO

Diocese of Dundee retreat under the Chaplain, Fr Andrew Moyo
Venue: St Peter and Paul in Newcastle
Date: 11 November 2023 8 am to 3 pm
Theme: See Christ in Every person.
Please contact Lindiwe Mnguni (Chairperson) on 0818093643 or Buyi Mvelase (Vice Chairperson) on 0787243496 for more information

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS –
YEAR-END THANKSGIVING MASS

To thank God for all he has done for us this year. It is also a way of raising funds for the parish.
18 & 19 November @ RPP & St Jude. Offerings during the Second Collection.
Saturday (18th) Mass – will use Thanksgiving envelopes which will be available at the porch.
Sunday (19th) Mass – will have buckets labelled with different categories and you will put your donation to the bucket that is most relevant to you. Categories are loosely based on professions:

• Health
• Social Welfare
• Education
• Business
• Justice, safety & security
• GEPF & pensioners
• Youth & children
• Unemployed
• Other

SANITISING

Sanitising is no longer compulsory, it’s your personal choice to sanitise before communion. Sanitiser is still available at the back of the church for those who choose to do so. If you are ill, it’s recommended that you sanitise to avoid cross-contamination.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER:

We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfils his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

SICK & ELDERLY

Please pray for the sick & elderly of the parish, family & friends especially:
Fr John–Allen Green OFM, Nokuthula Kubheka, Penny Powell, Jean Smith, Dolly Bimbrish, Simon Zulu, Alvin Govender, Siva Naidoo, Mavis Makhubo, Fidelma Hanlon and Noel Hoffma