THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (YEAR B)

INTRODUCTION:

During the last week, we have talked to many people at home, on the road, in shops and at work. Some of these people listened carefully to us and understood us. Others, however, closed up. They did not understand us. They closed their hearts and minds and refused to listen to us. What about ourselves as we stand before God? Perhaps our eyes are closed so we cannot recognise the risen lord among us. Perhaps our ears are closed so that we cannot hear and listen to God’s word.

GOSPEL: LUKE 24: 35-48

The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

REGINA CAELI (O QUEEN OF HEAVEN)

This is an antiphon addressed to the Blessed Virgin Mary that is used during the Easter season (Eastertide) from Easter Sunday until Pentecost. Traditionally said or sung after night prayer, immediately before going to sleep in place of the Angelus. We will recite this after the Blessing, before the final Hymn.

TEENAGE BOYS’ MENTORSHIP

On the 20th of April, the Men of the Parish are organising a mentorship program at Emseni Christain Camp for teenage boys, from the ages of 14 – 18 years. Parents please remember to sign indemnity forms and return them to Fr Marek There is no cost incurred for this outing, however, if you would like to make a contribution or donation of any items, please contact Fr Marek.
Please bring signed Indemnity Forms so we can arrange transport.

DEANERY MASS – 21 April 2024

Each parish is expected to contribute to the Deanery Collection for Seminarians. The target for Regina Pacis & St Jude combined is R15000, so far only R4607 has been collected. This contribution is over and above the quarterly parish contribution of R2400.
Private donations are more than welcome, so we can meet the target.

The Deanery Mass at the Indoor Sports Centre;
The programme will be as follows:
08:00 am Healing Service
10:30 am Holy Mass
Noon Fundraising
There will be Mass on Saturday 20/04 at RPP for the elderly & those who won’t be able to attend.

UPCOMING EVENTS

28/04 Sunday Children’s Mass @ both RPP & St Jude.
30/04 Tuesday Bereavement Group after Mass

Congratulations to Marge Taylor from St Jude Parish on winning the Easter Hamper Raffle that was held by the Men of the Parish.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL

For the role of women: We pray that the
dignity and immense value of women be
recognized in every culture, and for the end
of discrimination that they experience in
different parts of the world.

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, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes, Benvinda Da Costa, Marjorie Govender and Pier Turconi.

2024 ELECTION PRAYER

The South African Catholic Bishops Council (SACBC) have issued a prayer for the 2024 elections, Catholics are encouraged to pray this daily in the period leading up to the elections.

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 recognize 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 nailmarks 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.

FR MAREK

I would like to thank everyone in all Ministries who was involved in preparation for the Holy Week and making it a success.

DEANERY MASS – 21 April 2024

Each parish is expected to contribute to the Deanery Collection for Seminarians. The target for Regina Pacis & St Jude combined is R15000, so far only R2653 has been collected. This contribution is over and above the quarterly parish contribution of R2400.

DEANERY MASS – 21 April 2024

Each parish is expected to contribute to the Deanery Collection for Seminarians. The target for Regina Pacis & St Jude combined is R15000, so far only R2653 has been collected. This contribution is over and above the quarterly parish contribution of R2400.

TEENAGE BOYS’ MENTORSHIP

On the 20th of April, the Men of the Parish are organising a mentorship program at Emseni Christain Camp for teenage boys, from the ages of 14 – 18 years. Parents please remember to sign indemnity forms and return them to Fr Marek There is no cost incurred for this outing, however, if you would like to make a contribution or donation of any items, please contact Fr Marek.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Jeffery Langa, Christopher Mvelase and Angel Smith received their Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation Sacraments on Easter weekend.
Also to Noah Silvano on his Baptism this weekend.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL

For the role of women: We pray that the
dignity and immense value of women be
recognized in every culture, and for the end
of discrimination that they experience in
different parts of the world.

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, Noel
Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes,
Benvinda Da Costa, Marjorie Govender and Pier
Turconi.

REGINA CAELI (O QUEEN OF HEAVEN)

This is an antiphon addressed to The Blessed Virgin Mary and is used during the Easter season
(Eastertide) from Easter Sunday until Pentecost.
Traditionally said or sung after night prayer,
immediately before going to sleep in place of
the Angelus. We will recite this after the final
hymn during Eastertide.

EASTER SUNDAY (B)

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 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

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she ran to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” So Peter and the other disciples started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. Finally, the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

MEN OF THE PARISH

We are holding an Easter raffle. The prize is an Easter Hamper. Draw will take place after mass on Divine Mercy Sunday. Please support this fundraiser.

FR MAREK

Would like to thank everyone in all Ministries who was involved in preparation for the Holy Week and making it a success.

Christ is risen. Alleluia!
May the Easter miracle
bring you renewed
faith, hope, love, and joy

DEANERY MASS – 21 April 2024

Each parish is expected to contribute to the Deanery Collection for Seminarians. The target for Regina Pacis & St Jude combined is R15000, so far only R2653 has been collected. This contribution is over and above the quarterly parish contribution of R2400.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH

For the new martyrs: We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

CATECHISM CLASSES

Will resume on 5 & 7 April 2024.

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, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa

He is Risen
DEATH COULD NOT HOLD HIM.

Rejoice in the resurrection of

Jesus Christ

WISHING YOU A BLESSED
AND JOY-FILLED EASTER

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

INTRODUCTION:

In our first reading, we hear what the prophet Isaiah foretold about the suffering of Christ. When we listen to this reading we can imagine Christ surrounded by his enemies, insulted and beaten up by them. We see Christ standing in their midst like a rock, firm and strong.

AT THE PROCESSION WITH PALMS – GOSPEL MK 11:1-10

When Jesus and his disciples drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives,
he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately on entering it, you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone should say to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ reply, ‘The Master has need of it and will send it back here at once.'” So they went off and found a colt tethered at a gate outside on the street, and they untied it. Some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had told them to, and they permitted them to do it. So they brought the colt to Jesus and put their cloaks over it. And he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. Those preceding him as well as those following kept crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest!”

SEMINARIAN’S FUND

Please support the seminarian’s fund. R10 per parishioner per month will easily reach our target of R2400 per quarter. The collection box is on the pillar at the back of the church.
Quarter 1 is due on 31 March 2024.

CATECHISM CLASSES

Will resume on the 5 & 7 April 2024.

EASTER TRIDUUM

During Holy Week all masses will be @ Regina Pacis except on Easter Sunday.

28/03 Holy Thursday
18:30 Lord’s Supper, followed by adoration in silence until 21:00.
29/03 Good Friday
10:00 Way of the Cross @ RPP gardens.
15:00 Passion of the Lord, followed by adoration until 05:00 on Saturday. Please register. The list is in the porch if you would like to join. From 21:00 adoration will be led with prepared prayers.
Everyone is welcome to attend & cars will be able to park inside church premises for safety.
The whole night adoration will only be on Friday & NOT on Saturday (as was advertised in last week’s bulletin).
30/03 Holy Saturday
20:00 Easter Vigil
31/03 Easter Sunday
08:00 Mass @ RPP 10:00 Mass @ St Jude

HOLY WEEK

Eucharist Ministers, Sacristans and Readers, please check the roster for Holy Week and let the secretary know if you will NOT be available for duty. Thank you.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH

For the new martyrs: We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

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, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa

MEN OF THE PARISH

Are holding an Easter raffle. The prize is an Easter Hamper. Draw will take place after Easter Sunday Mass. Please support this fundraiser.

5TH SUNDAY OF LENT YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

Today is the fifth Sunday of Lent. The message we receive today will help us prepare for Easter. It will help us to understand what Christ did for us at Easter. In his spirit he saw himself dying on the cross, all races and nations assembled around the cross. Therefore, he said, “When I am lifted from the earth I shall draw all people to myself.” Jesus wanted to die for all races and nations and to bind them to himself with bonds of love.

GOSPEL: JOHN 12: 20-33

Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honour whoever serves me. “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

SEMINARIAN’S FUND

Please support the seminarian’s fund. R10 per parishioner per month will easily reach our target of R2400 per quarter—collection box on the pillar at the back of the church.
Quarter 1 is due on 31 March 2024.

CATECHISM CLASSES

Will resume on the 5 & 7 April 2024.

LENTEN DIARY

WAY OF THE CROSS

WAY OF THE CROSS Friday during lent
St Jude @ 17:00
RPP @ 18:00.
Group leading: 22/03 Youth/young adults.

LENTEN FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMME

½-hour session every Friday during Lent, after the Way of the Cross in the hall at RPP.

Topics:

23/03 Why Do Some People Suffer More than Others?

PALM SUNDAY @ RPP ONLY, NO MASSES @ ST JUDE

23/03 Sat 17:30 Palm Sunday blessing of Palms in front of the church
24/03 Sun 09:00 Palm Sunday procession will start at Stevenson Road.

EASTER TRIDUUM

During Holy Week all masses
will be @ Regina Pacis except on Easter Sunday.

28/03 Holy Thursday
18:30 Lord’s Supper, followed by adoration until 21:00.
29/03 Good Friday
10:00 Way of the Cross.
15:00 Passion of the Lord, followed by adoration until 05:00. Please register. The list is on the porch if you would like to join.
30/03 Holy Saturday
20:00 Easter Vigil @ 20:00, followed by the whole night of adoration & prayer. Please register. The list is on the porch if you would like to join.
31/03 Easter Sunday
08:00 Mass @ RPP 10:00 Mass @ St Jude

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH

For the new martyrs: We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

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, Noel Hoffman, Norman Brown, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa.

MEN OF THE PARISH

Are holding an Easter raffle. The prize is an Easter Hamper. The draw will take place after Easter Sunday Mass. Please support this fundraiser.