18 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

In many countries there is a shortage of food. Every day hundreds of children all over the world die of hunger. For many families the struggle for daily life is the only thing they can think of. They cannot enjoy life. In such times, what does it mean for us Christians to gather around this table for the sacred meal of Holy Communion? In one sentence we can answer: our gathering here on this Sunday is a sign of hope, and a reminder of our task.

GOSPEL READING
MATHEW 14: 13 – 21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over— twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

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.

CATECHISM

Regina Pacis
Friday @ 13h30 and Sunday after Mass @ 09h00.
St Jude
09h00 before Mass.

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

CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF CATHOLIC FAITH IN LADYSMITH

Fridge magnets @ R15 are available in the repository.

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.

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

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

SANBS people will be at RPP this Sunday after Mass. You can still put your name down on the list should you wish to donate.

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS

On the first weekend of every month, the priests will bless those people celebrating birthdays and anniversaries during the month.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

• 18/08 PFC meeting @ RPP
• 25/08 Executive Meeting @ RPP

17 TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

When you decided to come to church this today, some of you may have had to make the difficult decision to leave other important maters behind. When you decided to come to mass this today you were like the person who knew about a hidden treasure in a field, and who sold everything to buy that field. However, at times during this past week, you may not have made the right decision and have chosen the wrong path. Thus, you are here to seek God’s forgiveness.

GOSPEL READING
MATHEW 13: 44 – 52

Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

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.

NGOME PILIGRIMAGE 20-22 NOVEMBER 2026

We have 15 people interested.

Accommodation & meals per person cost R1150.
Transport is R500.

We have not yet received any payments, please pay ASAP else the trip will be cancelled. Payment due by 28 July 2026 this coming Tuesday.

CATECHISM

Catechism classes have resumed.
RPP on Friday @ 13h30 and Sunday after Mass @ 09h00.
St Jude @ 09h00 before Mass.

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

CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF CATHOLIC FAITH IN LADYSMITH

Fridge magnets @ R15 are available in the repository.

Grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder, and a little warmer

Happy Grandparents’ Day
Please stay for the bring & share after the Sunday Masses

FROM FR MAREK

Fr Marek would like to thank everyone for the celebration held for him last weekend, for spending time with him, for the kind words and gifts.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JULY

For respect for human life

Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

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.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

SANBS people will be at RPP on 2 August. You can still put your name down on the list should you wish to donate.

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARY BLESSINGS

On the first weekend of every month, the priests will bless those people celebrating birthdays and anniversaries during the month.

ST JUDE- Mini Isivuno

26/07 Elderly and pensioners.
02/08 Government employees

16TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

God is Holy. He hates evil. Why then does he not remove by force the evil from this world? When we hear about murders, wars, or grave injustices, we want God to come with power and to exterminate those who do evil. But would God not have to annihilate us as well? Did not we to cause evil to others at one time or another? We begin to see the wisdom of God’s patience with us. Today we stand in deep admiration before God who in infinitely holy and patient with those who fail to be holy.

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 13: 24 – 43

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying:
“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”.

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.
The Blessed Virgin started her travels last weekend.

NGOME PILIGRIMAGE 20-22 NOVEMBER 2026

We have 15 people interested.
Accommodation & meals per person cost R1150.
Transport is R500.
DATE SACRISTAN EMOHC PROCLAIMER MASS INTENTION FR’S DINNER
18/06/2026 Nokwazi Gil / Evelyn Special Intention De Franca Family Marjorie
19/06/2026 Ntokozo Cyril Nonhlanhla / Fabian Fr Marek & Fr Musa Mass intention
25/07/2026 Michelle Nokwazi / Choeleen Thanksgiving Mass Elias De Franca Family Ora Ndlovu
26/07/2026 Fabian Nombuso Children’s Mass
We have not yet received any payments, please pay ASAP else the trip will be cancelled. Payment due by 27 July 2026.

CATECHISM

Catechism classes will resume again on the 24th of July. Both at RPP and St Jude

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

CELEBRATING 130 YEARS OF CATHOLIC FAITH IN LADYSMITH

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JULY

For respect for human life

Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

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.
Sincere condolences

Sincere condolences to the Luthuli family on the passing of their son MHSRIP. Sincerest condolences to the Mkhasibe family on passing of their relative MHSRIP.

May our Lord sustain you at this difficult time

ST JUDE

Next Weekend 26 July 2026: Grandparents and the Elderly Mass – we will have bring and share.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVE

SANBS people will be at RPP on 2 August. You can still put your name down on the list should you wish to donate.

15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

Nobody forced us to come to church today. We freely accepted the invitation of God. The inviting Word of God was sown into us like a small, seemingly powerless seed. The germination of the seed within us depends on our acceptance of the word. The fact that we are here is some sign that we are willing to let Gods seed grow in us. Sometimes we know we are not good soil for God’s Word so we have to ask for forgiveness.

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 13: 1 – 23

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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 to two weeks), using the time to pray the rosary, read scripture, and foster community together.
There is a list is in the porch for those who would like to have a traveling statue of Mother Mary. visit their home. Please specify whether you are a Saturday or Sunday Parishioner.
We will start on the weekend 11/12 July 2026.

UPCOMING EVENTS RPP

26/07 Grandparents Day

BLOOD DONATION

SANBS people will be back on the 2nd of August. If you would like to donate blood please put your name on the list. They will only return if there are 15 or more people on the list.

DEANERY MASS COLLECTION

The final amount collected was R18207.50 from RPP and St Jude combined.
Thank you very much for your generosity

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

CONFIRMATION RETREAT

Note to Parents – Confirmation Retreat (18 July 2026) 10am to Saturday evening Mass.

Dear Parents,

We warmly invite you to join us for our Confirmation Retreat themed “Sealed with the Spirit – Living as Witnesses of Christ.”

🕘 Time: Fr. Marek will address all parents at 09:45 before the retreat begins.

🍪 Snacks: Kindly bring some light snacks for the mid-morning break.

🍽️ Lunch: The parish will provide lunch for all participants.

🙏 Attendance: Please note that attendance is compulsory for all candidates.

⚠️ Important: Non-attendance will mean that the candidate will NOT be eligible to make their Confirmation next year.

This retreat is an essential part of the spiritual preparation for Confirmation — a day of prayer, learning, and fellowship that helps our young people grow in faith and understanding.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in nurturing their journey with Christ.

Parents, please confirm the attendance of your child. 

Warm regards,

Retreat Coordination Team 

Contact: Sandra – 079 922 5566

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JULY

For respect for human life

Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

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.

Father Marek’s 20th Ordination
Anniversary

You are invited to attend a lunch in honour of Fr Marek’s 20th Ordination Anniversary.

• Date :19 July 2026 at RPP after mass. Contributions are welcome for:
• Sweet table-desserts, cakes, biscuits etc
• Salad table
• Drinks table – cool drinks, juice

If you would like to contribute towards the tables or monetary, please contact

Marjorie 0744232686(St Jude),

Bhavna 0810282402(RPP) or

Jo-Anne 0828388456 (RP

14TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

If you want to achieve something in life, you need to be a hard and powerful person. This is what many people say. But, it is not what Christ says. He praised the humble. And he was a humble, gentle person himself. We are his disciples. We have promised that we will follow his way. But we have not always done so and therefore we need to ask for God’s pardon and forgiveness.

GOSPEL READING
MATTHEW 11: 25 – 30

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.

Father Marek’s 20th Ordination
Anniversary

You are invited to attend a lunch in honour of Fr Marek’s 20th Ordination Anniversary.

• Date :19 July 2026 at RPP after mass. Contributions are welcome for:
• Sweet table-desserts, cakes, biscuits etc
• Salad table
• Drinks table – cool drinks, juice

If you would like to contribute towards the tables or monetary, please contact

Marjorie 0744232686(St Jude),

Bhavna 0810282402(RPP) or

Jo-Anne 0828388456 (RPP)

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 FEAST OF OUR PATRON SAINT
QUEEN OF PEACE

Will be celebrated on 11 &12 July.
There will also be a renewal of wedding vows for all married couples.

Married couples who have been married for 20, 25 ,40 ,50 & 60 years, please give your names to Sandra & Brenda at RPP and Gugu Mazibuko at St Jude.

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 to two weeks), using the time to pray the rosary, read scripture, and foster community together.

There is a list is in the porch for those who would like to have a traveling statue of Mother Mary. visit their home. Please specify whether you are a Saturday or Sunday Parishioner. We will start on the weekend 11/12 July 2026.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JULY

For respect for human life

Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS RPP

• 18/07 Confirmation Class retreat
• 26/07 Grandparents Day

BLOOD DONATION

SANBS people will be back on the 2nd of August. If you would like to donate blood please put your name on the list. They will only return if there are 15 or more people on the list.

In our prayers

Those parishioners who have left SA due to the protests in our country.

Sincerest condolences to Gill, Cassidy & Reed Hoffman on the death of their husband and father, Noel. May our Lord sustain you in this difficult time and MHSRIP.

Sincerest condolences to the Michael family on passing of Merle Michael MHSRIP. May our Lord sustain at this difficult time.