31st SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

Today we celebrate the feast day of All Saints. It is a great feast for our whole Christian community. We remember with joy the countless multitudes of men and women, boys and girls who have gone before us to God. In our celebration today, the Lord tells us of what kind of person a saint is and what people must do to become saints. There are the humble ones, the poor, the gentle, those who suffer, those who make peace, those with a pure heart and those who suffered because they stood up against evil and injustice.

GOSPEL: Matthew  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.”

ISIVUNO (Harvest)
–our aim is R50 000

17 November 2024-we aim to raise R50000. Contributions will be made in groups. Each group can decide for themselves how much each person will contribute.
Co-ordinators for groups are as follows:
Private Businesses – Paul & Evelyn CWA – Nokwazi.
Sacred heart – Mam Mlambo Youth – Asanda,
Young Adults – Benedictor Dept of Health – Brenda. Dept of Edu – Mr Mdlalose SAPS – Bonga Makhubo
Males of the Parish – Philip Friday Catechism – Sandra
GEPF & Sassa pensioners – Nonhlanhla
Women of the Parish – Lindiwe Harry
Sunday Catechism – Brenda Private sector workers

NGOME PILGRIMAGE – 30/11/2024 – LAST CALL

One-day pilgrimage. If you are interested, please put your name on the list, only then can we arrange for transport and calculate the cost per person. So far, we have 6 people at RPP and 11 people at St Jude. The closing date is 30 October.

SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL FOR THE POOR

I would like to thank the parish for the monthly contribution & all parishioners who put in their contributions in the poor box. The Society can do all it can for the poor as an agent of the Parish

PARISH WEBSITE

Nirvana Michael is now in charge of the website. Committees and sodalities, please send photos and brief description of the parish events so she can put it on the website.

Website: www.ladysmithcatholicchurch.org.za

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

QUARTERLY SEMINARIANS FUND TO DIOCESE

Our quarterly contributions for the 9 months to 30 September 2024 are R1858 short

At only R10 per parishioner per month (R120 a year) we could easily meet this target. Box on the pillar at the back of the church.
This fund is for the training of future priests.

FINANCIAL REPORT JAN 24 TO SEP 24

Collections during the year paid to recipients:
Sacrificium R20 497
Holy Land R4 499
Peter’s Pence R2 506
St Antonine’s – Jan R6 256 excl goods
St Antonine’s – Jul R5 388 excl goods.
For the Poor (SVDP) box – R10 563

ELECTIONS FOR PPC & PPC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

On 30 November & 1 December 2024.
Nominations have started. Forms are now available at the back of the church. Please nominate someone you think will serve your interests in the parish. The nominee will also have to sign the form in consent.

BIBLE DIARIES

If you would like to order one for next year, please put your name on the list provided on the porch. You need to make a payment beforehand to secure a copy. The cost R130 each.

REQUEST FOR A ONCE-OFF DONATION

We need R400 for an Extra View DSTV installation in the priest’s house. – Anyone?
Total cost R800, R400 has already been donated

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR NOVEMBER

For Anyone Who Has Lost A Child

We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

UPCOMING EVENTS

16/11: Retreat 1st Holy Comm candidates 9 am RPP
16/11: One-hour workshop for Eucharist Ministers
17/11: Isivuno RPP @ 8:00am, St Jude @ 10:30am
22/11: Confession for 1st HC during catechism @ RPP
23/11: Confession for 1st HC @ St Jude 2pm
24/11:1st HolyComm @ RPP 8 am, St Jude 10 am
30/11: Ngome Pilgrimage
30/11: Election for PPC Exec Committee

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, Pier Turconi, Khohli Kunene, Barbara Amod, Audrey Vries, Sebenzile Molefe, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Nettah Liebenberg & Mthokozisi Mthembu.

BAPTISM OF BABIES

Classes for parents to start soon:
@ RPP contact Brenda 0763796891
@ St Jude contact Bryonni 0828497841

FEAST DAY OF ST JUDE – 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

There are many blind people in the world — more than we think. We ourselves may be one of them. We are very quick to condemn and judge people. We do so without knowing all the details or listening to the other side.  We are blind and do not see their good intentions. Do we insist emphatically that we are right, only to find out we were wrong? What did we do after? In today’s celebration, let us ask the Lord to open our eyes as he opened those of Bartimaeus on the road side.

GOSPEL: MK 10: 46 – 52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

ISIVUNO (Harvest)
–our aim is R50 000

17 November 2024-we aim to raise R50000. Contributions will be done in groups. Each group can decide for themselves how much each person will contribute.
Co-ordinators for groups are as follows:
Private Businesses – Paul & Evelyn CWA – Nokwazi.
Sacred heart – Mam Mlambo Youth – Asanda,
Young Adults – Benedictor Dept of Health – Brenda. Dept of Edu – Mr Mdlalose Men of the Parish – Fabian
Males of the Parish – Philip Friday Catechism – Sandra
GEPF & Sassa pensioners – Nonhlanhla
Women of the Parish – Lindiwe Harry
Sunday Catechism – Brenda.
We still need coordinators for SAPS, the Unemployed & Private Sector Workers.

NGOME PILGRIMAGE – 30/11/2024 – LAST CALL

One-day pilgrimage. If you are interested, please put your name on the list, only then can we arrange for transport and calculate the cost per person. So far, we have 6 people at RPP and 11 people at St Jude. The closing the date is 30 October.

PARISH WEBSITE

Nirvana Michael is now in charge of the website. Committees and soldalities, please send photos and brief descriptions of the parish events so she can put them on the website.

October is MISSION MONTH

The second collection this weekend is for THE PONTIFICAL MISSIONARY UNION which promotes spiritual & theological formation of those in missionary work (clergy, religious and laity.

Pray especially for our sick and their caregivers.

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

QUARTERLY SEMINARIANS FUND TO DIOCESE

Our quarterly contributions for the 9 months to 30 September 2024 are R1858 short

At only R10 per parishioner per month (R120 a year) we could easily meet this target. Box on the pillar at the back of the church.
This fund is for the training of future priests.

FINANCIAL REPORT JAN 24 TO SEP 24

Income R434 253
Expenses R488 460
SHORTFALL R54 207
Collections during the year paid to recipients:
Sacrificium R20 497
Holy Land R4 499
Peter’s Pence R2 506
St Antonine’s – Jan R6 256 excl goods
St Antonine’s – Jul R5 388 excl goods.
For the Poor (SVDP) box – R10 563

ELECTIONS FOR PPC & PPC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

On 1 December 2024.
Nominations start next week. The forms will be at the back of the church. Please nominate someone you think will serve the interests of the parish. The nominee will also have to sign the form in consent.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER

FOR A SHARED MISSION

We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people.

PARISH DIARY & MEETINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS.

17/11: Count your blessings/Isivuno (Harvest)
24/11: 1st Holy Communion
30/11: Ngome Pilgrimage.

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, Pier Turconi, Khohli Kunene, Barbara Amod, Audrey Vries, Sebenzile Molefe, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Nettah Liebenberg & Mthokozisi Mthembu.

BAPTISM OF BABIES

Classes for parents to start soon:
@ RPP contact Brenda 0763796891
@ St Jude contact Bryonni 0828497841

REQUEST FOR A ONCE-OFF DONATION

We need R800 for an Extra View DSTV installation in the priest’s house. – Anyone?

29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

Who is the greatest among us? The person who is richest? Those with the best academic qualifications? They are great but they may not be the greatest. What about a good mother at home? She cares for her family, works for her husband and children, prepares food and cares for all in the house. She makes herself a servant of all. Her children may talk of her later saying: ‘There was nobody greater than our m other.’ In our celebration today, Jesus talks about his kind of greatness which comes from unselfish love. Such a love will suffer for others and even die for them.

GOSPEL: MK 10: 35 – 45

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

ISIVUNO (Harvest)
–our aim is R50 000

17 November 2024-we aim to raise R50000. Contributions will be done in groups. Each group can decide for themselves how much each person will contribute.
Groups are as follows: Education, Health, (SAPS, Traffic &
Correctional services) Social Welfare & Development, Private business owners, GEPF, Pensioners, Grantees, Unemployed, Private sector workers.
SODALITIES; Sacred heart, CWA, Young Adults, Youth, Children of Mary, Catechism children, Men & Women of the Parish.

NGOME PILGRIMAGE – 30/11/2024

One-day pilgrimage. If you are interested, please put your name on the list, only then can we arrange for transport and calculate the cost per person. So far, we have 6 people at RPP and 11 people at St Jude.

October is
Month of the Holy Rosary

Pray especially for our sick and their caregivers.

NGOME PILGRIMAGE – 30/11/2024

One-day pilgrimage. If you are interested, please put your name on the list, only then can we arrange for transport and calculate the cost per person. So far, we have 6 people at RPP and 11 people at St Jude. The closing date is on the 30th of October.

October is
MISSION MONTH

PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

During October, the second collection is for the PMS. Each weekend there will be a second collection, each collection is for one of the societies. Please take a pamphlet, which explains these societies, from the back of the church.
The collection this weekend is for the SOCIETY OF MISSIONARY CHILDHOOD which encourages children to pray & share what they have with their peers in mission territories.
Pray especially for our sick and their caregivers.

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

FEAST DAY OF ST JUDE 27 OCTOBER

Patron Saint of St Jude
Mass will be @9am at St Jude.
NO MASS AT RPP

QUARTERLY SEMINARIANS FUND TO DIOCESE

Our quarterly contributions are R1858 short
At only R10 per parishioner per month (R120 a year) we could easily meet this target. Box on the pillar at the back of the church.
This fund is for the training of future priests.
Sal De Simone won the raffled blanket
Thank you to everyone who bought raffles

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER

FOR A SHARED MISSION

We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people.

PARISH DIARY & MEETINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS.

02/11: All Souls’ Day Mass in Garden of Remembrance @ 3 pm
03/11: All Saints’ Day, children to speak on their favourite saint
17/11: Count your blessings/Isivuno (Harvest)
24/11: 1st Holy Communion
28/11: Liturgy meeting
30/11: Ngome Pilgrimage.

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, Pier Turconi, Khohli Kunene, Barbara Amod, Audrey Vries, Sebenzile Molefe, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Nettah Liebenberg & Mthokozisi Mthembu.

BAPTISM OF BABIES

Classes for parents to start soon:
@ RPP contact Brenda 0763796891
@ St Jude contact Bryonni 0828497841

28th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

There are many people who cannot understand why priests or other Christian men and women do not get married. The answer is not easy. We need God’s wisdom to understand it because it is a matter of love. Even now, there are men and women who experience Christ’s love in a special way. They meet in the same way that hear about in today’s Gospel. Jesus looked steadily at the man and he said: “go sell everything – then come and follow me

GOSPEL: MK 10: 17 – 30

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; thou shall not defraud; honour your father and your mother. “He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. “At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings
it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

ISIVUNO (Harvest)
–our aim is R50 000

17 November 2024-we aim to raise R50000. Contributions will be done in groups. Each group can decide for themselves how much each person will contribute.
Groups are as follows: Education, Health, (SAPS, Traffic & Correctional services) Social Welfare & Development, Private business owners, GEPF, Pensioners, Grantees, Unemployed, Private sector workers.
SODALITIES; Sacred heart, CWA, Young Adults, Youth, Children of Mary, Catechism children, Men of the Parish

NGOME PILGRIMAGE – 30/11/2024

One-day pilgrimage. If you are interested, please put your name on the list, only then can we arrange for transport and calculate the cost per person. So far, we have 6 people at RPP and 11 people at St Jude.

October is
Month of the Holy Rosary

Pray especially for our sick and their caregivers.

NGOME PILGRIMAGE – 30/11/2024

One-day pilgrimage. If you are interested, please put your name on the list, only then can we arrange for transport and calculate the cost per person. So far, we have 6 people at RPP and 11 people at St Jude.

October is
MISSION MONTH

PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES

During October, the second collection is for the PMS. Each weekend there will be a second collection, each collection is for one of the societies. Please take a pamphlet, which explains these societies, from the back of the church.
The collection this weekend is for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith which supports church missionary work by providing funds to help churches in need.

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

MISSION SUNDAY

Procession from RPP @ 8 am, Mass at 9 am at the Spar parking lot (Francis Road).

CONFIRMATION

Congratulations to all candidates who were confirmed this Sunday.
May the gifts of the Holy Spirit be with you, that you may bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit today & always.

YOUTH CAMP

18-20 October 2024 @ RPP
Ages 13-21
Cost R100 each
Bring: sleeping bag, sponge mattress & a bible.
Indemnity forms will be available at the Parish office during working hours, Payment can also be made at the same time.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR OCTOBER

FOR A SHARED MISSION

We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people.

PARISH DIARY & MEETINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS.

20/10 Sun: Mission Sunday Mass @ the Spar Parking lot, the processin @ 8am from RPP & Mass @ 9am.
22/10 Tue: Beareavement Group @ RPP after Mass
27/10 Sun: Feast of Patron Saint of St Jude, Mass will be @ St Jude @ 9am. NO Mass @RPP.

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, Pier Turconi, Khohli Kunene, Barbara Amod, Jackie Gilmore, Rita Patrucco, Michelle De Simone, Audrey Vries, Sebenzile Molefe, Margarida De Franca, Joyce Chetty, Nettah Liebenberg & Mthokozisi Mthembu.

BAPTISM OF BABIES

Classes for parents to start soon:
@ RPP contact Brenda 0763796891
@ St Jude contact Bryonni 0828497841