ASCENSION OF THE LORD

INTRODUCTION

Today, we celebrate the installation of Christ as the Great Lord of all Nations. Christ has ascended into Heaven and takes his seat at the right hand of God the Father. All power and honour are given to him. On this day of ascension, we rejoice with all the people of heaven and all nations on Earth. We acclaim Jesus as our Lord.

GOSPEL READING
MATHEW 28: 16 – 20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

BRING AND SHARE SAVOURY

Celebrating Fr Marek’s 20th anniversary of his ordination 23/24 May After Mass

The parish will provide cake, please only bring savoury snacks to share.

YOUNG ADULT FUNDRAISING
BAKE SALE
Proceed goto parish kids in need
17 May

PENTECOST – 24/05 ONE MASS only@ RPP, no Mass @ St Jude

All sodalities are invited to give us a short 3 minutes a general overview of their sodality. To advertise themselves so people interested can join them.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS- RPP

• 23/05 Children of Mary-Diocesian Fun day at RPP
• 26/05 PFC Meeting
• 28/05 Men of the Parish meeting
• 31/05 Children of Mary Fundraising at RPP
• 31/05 Children’s Mass

CORPUS CHRISTI

• 07/06 There will be one Mass RPP followed by a procession in town with 4 Altars

1. Children of Mary/St Anne @ Church parking
2. CWA/Nurses Guild @ La Verna Hospital
3. Young Adults/Youth @ LHS opposite the sports ground
4. Sacred Heart @ Pick n Pay Parking

DIOCESAN YOUTH DAY

Celebration will be in Ladysmith on the 13/06/05.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY

That everyone might have food

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoiding wasting food and to ensuring that everyone has access to quality food.

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, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender, Lorraine Schirge, Ingrid Denzin and Margarida de Franca.

ST JUDE

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on every first and third Fridays of the month from 16:30 until the start of Mass @ 17:30.

DEANERY MASS

Will be on the 28th of June 2026. Our target for the Deanery Seminarians Collection, which is presented at that Mass, is R16 000. This money is used for the training of our future priests.
A second collection is being taken during weekend Masses.

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER CYCLE A

INTRODUCTION

In the early church, the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation were given together during Easter. Why? Baptism and Confirmation belong together as Easter and Pentecost belong together. Therefore, it became customary in the early church to lay hands on the newly baptized and to ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to come down upon them. It is through the Holy Spirit that Jesus lives in us and we in him. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells us, “On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.”

GOSPEL READING
JOHN 14: 15 – 21

Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

FAMILY VISITS & HOME BLESSING
WHAT TO PREPARE

1. Table covered with a white cloth
2. Crucifix and 2 white candles
3. Water and salt for blessing (as much water as you want) and any religious items you would like blessed.
4. Small (metal) plate for a charcoal to burn incense (charcoal & incense will be brought by a priest)
5. It will be best if the whole family gathers together for prayer.

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

DEANERY MASS

Will be on the 28th of June 2026. Our target for the Deanery Seminarians Collection, which is presented at that Mass, is R16 000. This money is used for the training of our future priests.
A weekly second collection will start this weekend.

THE MONTH OF MAY

May is dedicated by the Catholic Church as a special month to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The May Crowning is a traditional devotion, where a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is crowned with flowers to honour (not worship) her as the Queen of Heaven and Earth and Mother of God, a title derived from her role in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It signifies her role as Queen Mother and her spiritual maternity over the faithful.

This Sunday being Mother’s Day, we will crown our statue with flowers at both Masses.

UPCOMING EVENTS RPP

• 12/05 Exec Committee Meeting at 18h30 @ RPP
• 17/05 Young Adults Fundraising for a good cause.
• 23/05 Children of Mary-Diocesian Fun day at RPP
• 24/05 Pentecost Day -One Mass at RPP @ 8:00am. No Mass at St Jude
• 26/05 PFC Meeting
• 28/05 Men of the Parish meeting
• 31/05 Children of Mary Fundraising at RPP
• 31/05 Children’s Mass

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY

That everyone might have food

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoiding wasting food and to ensuring that everyone has access to quality food.

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, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender, Lorraine Schirge, Ingrid Denzin and Margarida de Franca

ST JUDE

• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday 15/05 @ 16:30, then every first and third Friday of the month from 16:30 until the start of Mass @ 17:30.
• 22/05 Exec Committee Meeting after Mass

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER CYCLE A

INTRODUCTION

When we prepare ourselves for a long journey, we may be worried and ask ourselves: Shall I arrive safely? Accidents can happen on the road. Will there be someone at the other end where I can stay? In this situation of doubt and distress, we hear the Lord’s message today: “Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in me. I am the way.”

GOSPEL READING
JOHN: 14: 1-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.

FAMILY VISITS & HOME BLESSING
WHAT TO PREPARE

1. Table covered with a white cloth
2. Crucifix and 2 white candles
3. Water and salt for blessing (as much water as you want) and any religious items you would like blessed.
4. Small (metal) plate for a charcoal to burn incense (charcoal & incense will be brought by a priest)
5. It will be best if the whole family gathers together for prayer.

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

DEANERY MASS

Will be on the 28th of June 2026. Our target for the Deanery Seminarians Collection, which is presented at that Mass, is R16 000. This money is used for the training of our future priests.
A weekly second collection will start this weekend.

CATECHISM CHILDREN

Have resumed on Fridays @ 13h30, and on Sunday after Mass at RPP. At St Jude, Catechism classes are before Mass.

PUBLIC ROSARY CRUSADE

Public Square Rosary Crusade at Spar Parking lot on 09/05/2026 @ 11h30 for 12h00, all are invited. For more details, WhatsApp Barbara 0825956470

THE MONTH OF MAY

May is dedicated by the Catholic Church as a special month to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The May Crowning is a traditional devotion, where a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is crowned with flowers to honour (not worship) her as the Queen of Heaven and Earth and Mother of God, a title derived from her role in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. It signifies her role as Queen Mother and her spiritual maternity over the faithful.
Next weekend, being Mother’s Day, we will crown our statue with flowers at both Masses.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR MAY

That everyone might have food

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoiding wasting food and to ensuring that everyone has access to quality food.

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, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender, Lorraine Schirge, Ingrid Denzin and Margarida de Franca

UPCOMING EVENTS

RPP

• 12/05 Exec Committee Meeting at 18h30 @ RPP
• 17/05 Young Adults Fundraising for a good cause.

ST JUDE

• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday 15/05 @ 16:30, then every first and third Friday of the month from 16:30 until the start of Mass @ 17:30.
• 22/05 Exec Committee Meeting after Mass

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER CYCLE A

INTRODUCTION

Today we celebrate the third Sunday of Easter together with those that are being Baptized, we listen closely to the message about two disciples who went to Emmaus. This story helps newly baptized Christians to appreciate more fully the celebration of the Eucharist. It encourages them and us to come together in the breaking of bread.

GOSPEL READING
LUKE 24: 13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem, where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

For PPC and PFC members at RPP Hall on 25 April 2026 @ 10:00 am.

FAMILY VISITS & HOME BLESSING
WHAT TO PREPARE

1. Table covered with a white cloth
2. Crucifix and 2 white candles
3. Water and salt for blessing (as much water as you want) and any religious items you would like blessed.
4. Small (metal) plate for a charcoal to burn incense (charcoal & incense will be brought by a priest)
5. It will be best if whole family gather together for prayer.

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

CATECHISM CHILDREN

Movies & Games morning
25 April,2026 @ RPP
9:30 am-12:00 pm
R20 per child
Drinks will be provided.
Children to bring their own snacks

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL

For priests in crisis

Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

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, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender, Lorraine Schirge, Ingrid Denzin, and Margarida de Franca

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 23/04 Men of the Parish @ 18h30
• 25/04 Catechism teachers (St Jude & RPP) meeting @ 08h30 @ RPP
• 25/04 Young Adults @ 19h00
• 26/04 Children’s Mass
• 26/04 Liturgy meeting at St Jude after Mass

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 READING
JOHN 20: 1 – 9

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 nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now, a week late,r 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.

LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

For PPC and PFC members at RPP Hall on 25 April 2026 @ 10:00 am.

FAMILY VISITS & HOME BLESSING
WHAT TO PREPARE

1. Table covered with a white cloth
2. Crucifix and 2 white candles
3. Water and salt for blessing (as much water as you want) and any religious items you would like blessed.
4. Small (metal) plate for a charcoal to burn incense (charcoal & incense will be brought by a priest)
5. It will be best if whole family gather together for prayer.

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

CATECHISM CHILDREN

Movies & Games morning
25 April,2026 @ RPP
9:30 am-12:00 pm
R20 per child
Drinks will be provided.
Children to bring their own snacks

APRIL 11th

PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE
on the vigil of
Divine Mercy Sunday

“We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent,” he explained. “Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel.
“We cannot continue to be indifferent! And we cannot resign ourselves to evil!”

We will have some special prayers in this respect this Saturday & Sunday.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL

For priests in crisis

Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer.

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, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender, Lorraine Schirge, Ingrid Denzin and Margarida de Franca

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 23/04 Men of the Parish @ 18h30
• 25/04 Catechism teachers (St Jude & RPP) meeting @ 08h30 @ RPP
• 25/04 Young Adults @ 19h00