6^th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

We may all have experienced a time when we felt not wanted or rejected by others. We may have felt hurt. How deeply hurt children must feel who are abandoned by their parents. Old people feel the same way when they are neglected by their children. In society we have outcasts, people who are ignored and even despised by the community. Outcasts today are like lepers in olden times. People were afraid to come near them. In our celebration today we hear good news. We may all have experienced a time when we felt not wanted or rejected by others. We may have felt hurt. How deeply hurt children must feel who are abandoned by their parents. Old people feel the same way when they are neglected by their children. In society we have outcasts, people who are ignored and even despised by the community. Outcasts today are like lepers in olden times. People were afraid to come near them. In our celebration today we hear good news.

GOSPEL: MARK 1: 40 – 45

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

SEMINARIANS’ DEANERY CONTRIBUTION

The second collection is this weekend. Our target this year is R15000.

HEALING SERVICE – CALLING ALL HEALTH WORKERS

The Nurses Guild would invite all health workers to be part of the beginning-of-the-year healing service.
Venue: eZakheni Kwanina Womsindisi
Date: 17/02/2024
Time 10:00 am
Dress Code: Uniform

YOUNG ADULTS

Would like to invite parishioners between the ages of 20 and 40 yrs to join the group. Anyone interested in joining can contact Melissa on 076673642.

CHURCH FANS

Please do not adjust the wall fans. Two were irreparably damaged last month. Please ask the Sacristan on duty for assistance.

REPOSITORY & BIBLE DIARIES 2024

Repository: Should you have a special request, please supply a picture if possible because we do not always know exactly what your needs are.
Bible Diaries 2024: Due to popular demand, we are placing another order. If you would like to order a Bible Diary, please write your name on the list on the porch.

LENTEN DIARY
SHROVE TUESDAY evening 13/02/2024
(FEASTING BEFORE THE FAST)

Will be both at RPP and St Jude @18:00.
Parishioners attending, please bring fillings for pancakes.

STATIONS/WAY OF THE CROSS

Every Friday during lent
StJude @ 17:00
RPP @ 18:00.

LENTEN PROGRAMME

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

PALM SUNDAY

For preparations for Palm Sunday, we need volunteers to decorate the church.

HOLY THURSDAY

We need volunteers to have their feet washed, please put your name on the list on the porch.

AGM

RPP – Sunday 18 February
after Mass

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY:

For The Terminally ill: Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.

PARISH DIARY & MEETINGS
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

13/02 Bereavement Group after Mass
13/02 Shrove Tuesday & pancake evening
14/02 Ash Wednesday

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 and Mike Edwards.

SINCERE CONDOLENCES to family & friends of Fidelma Hanlon who passed away on Monday morning 05/02/2024.

5^th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

Life can be miserable. For many, it involves suffering and disappointment. Many silently ask themselves: what is the purpose of life? Life is boring. The only thing I can look forward to is my wages, food and drink. In our celebration today we see the example of Christ. His life was not boring. He was anxious to go to the people that needed him. He helped them without looking for profit or fame. He talked to people and with God. This gave him strength, direction and joy. Christ made a success of his life. Are we doing the same or is life boring for us?

GOSPEL: MARK 1: 29 – 39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

SEMINARIANS’ DEANERY CONTRIBUTION

Second collection on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th February. Our target this year is R15000.

HEALING SERVICE – CALLING ALL HEALTH WORKERS

The Nurses Guild would invite all health workers to be part of the beginning-of-the-year healing service.
Venue: eZakheni Kwanina Womsindisi
Date: 17/02/2024
Time 10:00 am
Dress Code: Uniform

LAST YEAR’S PALMS

Please bring last year’s palms for burning to make ash for Ash Wednesday. A box will be in the porch. Burning of palms will be on 10/02/24 after Mass.

PALM SUNDAY

Preparations for Palm Sunday, we need volunteers to decorate the church.

FEASTING BEFORE FASTING @ St Jude

St Jude will be having fundraising on 11/02/24 after church. Cake sale, hot dogs & wors rolls. Let’s enjoy some treats before Lent & support the church.

SHROVE TUESDAY evening 13/02/2024 @ RPP
(MORE FEASTING BEFORE THE FAST)

Parishioners attending, please bring fillings for pancakes.

YOUNG ADULTS

Would like to invite parishioners between the ages of 20 and 40 years to join the group. Anyone interested in joining can contact Melissa on 076673642.

PROCLAIMERS

Commissioning of all proclaimers for the year will be on the 10 & 11 February at Mass.

FANS

Please do not adjust the wall fans. Two were irreparably damaged last month. Please ask the Sacristan on duty for assistance.

HOLY THURSDAY

We need volunteers to have their feet washed, please put your name on the list on the porch.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
FATHER MAREK!

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY:

For The Terminally ill: Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.

PARISH DIARY & MEETINGS
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

13/02 Bereavement Group after Mass
13/02 Shrove Tuesday & pancake evening
14/02 Ash Wednesday

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, Anabela De Pontes, Benvinda Da Costa and Mike Edwards.

BIBLE DIARIES 2024

Due to popular demand, we are placing another order. If you want to order a Bible diary, please write your name on the list on the porch.

REPOSITORY

Should you have a special request, please supply a picture if possible because we do not always know exactly what your needs are.

4^TH  SUNDAY OF THE YEAR IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

It is not always easy to trust people and believe what they promise in their speeches. They may be brilliant speakers but often we need to ask ourselves: Might these brilliant speakers not be mistaken? Who gave them the authority to tell us what is true and false? Is there really anybody in whose word we can trust? This is the Good news which we proclaim today in our celebration: there is one whom we can trust, whose words are true and who speaks with authority. It is Christ the Lord. We are encouraged today to open ourselves to the Lord, to experience the power of his word.

GOSPEL: MARK 1: 21 – 28

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are? The Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

CATECHISM

Registration is still open.
Registration Fees: R180 per child and are payable until the End of April.
Catechism teachers are needed for Friday and Sunday classes at RPP and one for St Jude.
For more info, please contact
Sandra at 079 9225566 or Fr Marek.

DATE TO REMEMBER

11/02 Altar Servers Traning @ St Jude
13/02 Bereavement Group after Mass

ST ANTONINE’S HOME FOR THE AGED.

January is our parish’s month for contributing to the home at Amakhasi. There will be a 2nd Collection during January and a box for non-perishables will be on the porch of the church. They are mostly in need of adult nappies.

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

Diocesan year opening on 02- February KwaMaria SangoleZulu, Ezakheni.
Please contact Fr Marek if you wish to go.
24-25 February – Youth & Young Adults’ Pilgrimage at Blessed Benedict Daswa in Limpompo.

SOUTHERN CROSS MAGAZINE PRICE INCREASE

As from 1 March 2024 to R42 per month. The advertised price is R40, HOWEVER, because the magazine is couriered to us instead of via the post office, we pay the courier cost. The additional R2 is to cover the courier costs.
During 2023, many copies of the magazine were left uncollected and unpaid, so for 2024, we request that those wishing to subscribe do so by paying the full year or six-month subscription.

The cost for a year’s subscription is R504 (Mar 24 – Feb 25). Cost for 6 months (Mar 24-Aug 25) R252.

OLD COPIES OF SOUTHERN CROSS

Are available on the table at the back of the church. A donation of R5.00 to the flower box is requested.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS and YEAR PLANS

All Sodalities and Groups are requested to submit their financial report (as per the Diocese’s instructions) for the year January to December 2023 and their year plans for January 2024- December 2024 to Fr Marek.

CANDLES

Candles at the side altars carry a price of R5 each to be placed in the HONESTY BOXES.

This is only possible if some people are NOT being honest.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY:

For The Gift Of Diversity In The Church:
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

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, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa.

3rd SUNDAY OF THE YEAR IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
THE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

INTRODUCTION:

We all have our own little kingdoms. If we have our own way we feel great, like kings. In our kingdom we are in control, we feel secure and independent. In our celebration today God calls us out of our little kingdom. He says “Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand.” The people at the Sea of Galilee heard this and understood what he meant and followed him. They accepted Christ as their leader. Have we accepted Christ in our lives? Are we ready to leave our little kingdoms and follow Christ

GOSPEL: MARK 1 14 – 20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

CATECHISM

Was held this weekend. Late registration, please contact Sandra 079 922 5566. Registration Fees: R180 per child
Classes start:
Friday 26/01 1:30pm -3:00pm.
Sunday 28/01 after Mass.

CHILDREN’S MASS

28 January 2024. Fr will bless the children, their school bags and stationery. Children are requested to wear their school uniform.
ALL CHILDREN & TEACHERS ARE INVITED.

ST ANTONINE’S HOME FOR THE AGED.

January is our parish’s month for contributing to the home at Amakhasi. There will be a 2nd Collection during January and a box for non-perishables will be on the church’s porch. They are mostly in need of adult nappies.

SOUTHERN CROSS MAGAZINE PRICE INCREASE

As from 1 March 2024 to R42 per month, the advertised price is R40, HOWEVER, because the magazine is couriered to us instead of via the post office, we pay the courier cost. The additional R2 is to cover the courier costs.
During 2023, many copies of the magazine were left uncollected and unpaid, so for 2024, we request that those wishing to subscribe do so by paying the full year’s subscription upfront. The cost for a year’s subscription is R504 (Mar 24 – Feb 25). Apologies for the error in last weekend’s bulletin.

If you do not pay your subscription in full, unfortunately, we will not order a magazine for you.

Should you wish to receive the Southern Cross please write your name on the list on the porch.

ST ANTONINE’S HOME FOR THE AGED 

January is our parish’s month for contributing to the home at Amakhasi.  There will be a 2^nd Collection during January and a box for non-perishables will be on the porch of the church. They are mostly in need of adult nappies.

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

Diocesan year opening on 02- February KwaMaria SangoleZulu,E zakheni. Please contact Fr Marek if you wish to go.
24-25 February – Youth & Young Adults’ Pilgrimage at Blessed Benedict Daswa in Limpompo.

THIS WEEKEND WE CELEBRATE THE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD

“REMAIN IN MY WORD” (John 8:31)
A profoundly pastoral initiative with which Pope Francis wants to make it clear how important it is in the daily life of the Church and our communities to refer to the Word of God, a Word that is not confined to a book, but which remains ever alive and becomes a concrete and tangible sign.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY:

For The Gift Of Diversity In The Church:
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

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, Anabela De Pontes and Benvinda Da Costa.

DATES TO REMEMBER

30/01 – Liturgy meeting @18:30 at RPP
01/02 – Men of the Parish @ 18:30 at RPP
04/02 – CWA after Mass @ St Jude

Called By God Supported By You

Please support the seminarian’s fund. Collection box on the pillar at the back of the church.

Quarter 1 – R2400 due on 31 March 2024.

2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME- YEAR B

INTRODUCTION:

There are many ways in which we may be called. People may call us by telephone or send a letter. They may call us by silent signs or send somebody to call us to them. How is God calling us? In our celebration today we hear of different ways God calls people. He calls them to come to him and to live with him.

GOSPEL: JOHN 1 35 – 42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for? They said to him, “Rabbi” — which translated means Teacher —, “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” — which is translated as Christ — Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” — which is translated by Peter.

LITURGY

The Ordinary Time in the Liturgy has started. Traditionally we will keep Christmas decorations up and sing Christmas Carols until the 2nd of February, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

ADORATION

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has started again on Thursdays after Mass. Those who committed themselves please remember your times. Any new people who would like to be added to the roster, please add your names to the list on the porch.

CATECHISM

Registration:
Friday 19/01 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Sunday 21/01 after Mass

Registration Fees: R180 per child
Classes start:
Friday 26/01 1:30 pm -3:00pm.
Sunday 28/01 after Mass.

CHILDREN’S MASS

28 January 2024. Fr will bless the children, their school bags and stationery. Children are requested to wear their school uniform.

ALL CHILDREN & TEACHERS ARE INVITED.
ST ANTONINE’S HOME FOR THE AGED.

January is our parish’s month for contributing to the home at Amakhasi. There will be a 2nd Collection during January and a box for non-perishables will be in the porch of the church. They are mostly in need of adult nappies.

SOUTHERN CROSS MAGAZINE PRICE INCREASE

As from 1 March 2024 to R42 per month. The advertised price is R40, HOWEVER, because the magazine is couriered to us instead of via the post office, we have to carry the courier cost. The additional R2 is to cover the courier costs.
During 2023, many copies of the magazine were left uncollected and unpaid for, so for 2024, we request that those wishing to subscribe do so by paying the full year’s subscription up front. The cost for this year’s subscription is R484.
If you do not pay your subscription in full, we will not order a magazine for you.
Should you wish to receive the Southern Cross please write your name on the list in the porch.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY:

For The Gift Of Diversity In The Church:
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

SICK & ELDERLY

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

PARISH OFFICE

Is now open and back to normal working hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday -Thursday 8:00 am -2:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm.