FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT – CYCLE A

INTRODUCTION

Today, on this first Sunday of Lent, we look at our ancestors in the faith. We look at the first Adam, and realise that our present weakness stems from him. Then we look at our second ancestor, the second Adam, who is Christ. From him we receive our hope. 

GOSPEL READING
GOSPEL – Mathew 4: 1 – 11

At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply, “It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Every Friday during Lent
Times: St Jude 17:00 & RPP 18:00

List and dates for groups leading the prayers:
27/02 CWA and Nurses Guild
06/03 SSVP
13/03 Sacred Heart
20/03 Proclaimers
27/03 Children of Mary

After the Stations of the Cross, there will be a Faith Formation Session at the RPP hall for 30 minutes.

Topics for the Faith Formation Sessions:

20/02/2026 How to defend your faith
27/02/2026 What is faith?
06/03/2026 How to do Catholic fasting

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

BAPTISM CLASSES FOR BABIES’ PARENTS

Will start soon. If you would like to have your children baptised, please contact Brenda on 0763796891 (RPP). Bryonni on 0828497844 (St Jude) or Fr Marek on 0639083333

MEN OF THE PARISH

The meeting will take place at 12:30 pm this Sunday, 22 February, for men aged 21years upwards. Bring-and-braai afterwards.

LENTEN APPEAL

There will be a second collection for the duration of Lent. Lenten Appeal Envelopes are in the porch.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY

For children with incurable diseases:

Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

MEETING THIS WEEK

• 28/02 Meeting with all teenagers at RPP hall from 13-20 years, both from St Jude & RPP @ 15:30.
• 28/02 Meeting with Young Adults from the age of 20 years up, both from St Jude & RPP @ 18:45

MEETINGS AT ST JUDE

• 01/03 St Jude PFC meeting after Mass.
• 08/03 St Jude Exec & AGM after Mass
• 15/03 St Jude Liturgy meeting after Mass.

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 and Lorraine Schirge.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

What happens to salt when put into food? It dissolves and makes the food tastier. Another question: What happens to a candle when we light it? It eats itself up in order to give light to the people in the room. The lord tells us today: ‘You are the salt of the earth.’ He expects us to love others unselfishly. The same way salt dissolves unselfishly in the food.

GOSPEL READING
GOSPEL – Mathew 5: 13 – 16

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK

Wednesday 11 /01/2026 is the feast day of Our Lady of Lordes and is also a day of prayer for the sick. Fr. Marek will visit the sick of our Parish. If anyone needs a visit, please send the name to the Parish office.

2026 YEAR PLANS

All groups & sodalities, please start preparing your year plans for submission to the PPC ASAP. Your plans are to be incorporated into the PPC plans.

CATECHISM REGISTRATION AND CLASSES

Registration has taken place, but there is still room for more children.
Classes: Friday 13:30-15:00 & Sunday after Mass
Registration fees: R180 per child

Please contact Fr. Marek or Sandra 079 9225566 if you have any questions.

ASH WEDNESDAY 18/02/2026

Please bring your old Palms to make Ashes. Put them in the box on the Porch.
There will be three Masses on the day:
6:00 am at RPP
17:30 at St Jude

SHROVE TUESDAY

On Tuesday, 17/02/202,6 at RPP Hall @18:30. Please bring the filling for pancakes.
Shrove Tuesday is a Christian festival on the Tuesday before the beginning of Lent (the 6 weeks before Easter during which Christians traditionally pray, give to charity, and fast, or give up their favourite treats or bad habits), so Shrove Tuesday is a day to enjoy your favourite treats before the discipline of Lent.

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

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Every Friday during Lent starting on the. 20/02/2026
Times: St Jude 17:00 & RPP 18:00

List and dates for groups leading the prayers:

• 20/02 Catechism
• 27/02 CWA and Nurses Guild
• 06/03 SSVP
• 13/03 Sacred Heart
• 20/03 Proclaimers
• 27/03 Children of Mary

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE PARISH

Next Sunday, 15 February @ RPP hall after Mass. All groups and sodalities to present their annual reports for 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025.
There will be only one Mass @ 8:00 am at RPP on Sunday

BAPTISM CLASSES FOR BABIES

Will start soon. If you would like to have your children baptised, please contact Brenda on 0763796891 (RPP). Bryonni on 0828497844 (St Jude) or Fr Marek on 0639083333

SUNDAY PROCLAIMERS

There will be a very short meeting with the Sunday proclaimers after mass this Sunday, 08/02/2025.

CATECHISM TEACHERS MEETING

On Saturday, 14 February 2026, in the RPP hall @ 9 am.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY

For children with incurable diseases:

Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 17/02 Tue Shrove Tuesday
• 18/02 Wed Ash Wednesday
• 20/02 Fri Stations of the Cross

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, and Dolly Govender

SINCERE CONDOLENCES

To the family and friends of Cecilia De Sousa (Amalia’s and Martin’s mom)
(passed away 31/01/2026). She was 95 years old.

“Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this challenging time.

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

We like people who are humble. They are pleasant and kind. Humble people do not pretend to know everything. They listen to our opinion and appreciate what we do or say. Humble people can take correction and are not afraid to admit a mistake. Today’s gospel praises those who are humble and gentle. “Happy are the poor in spirit’, says Jesus, ‘happy the gentle, happy the peacemakers … theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

GOSPEL READING
GOSPEL – Mathew 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.”

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ON THURSDAYS

Has resumed Please check your time for adoration and new people are welcome.

2026 YEAR PLANS

All groups & sodalities, please start preparing your year plans for submission to the PPC ASAP. Your plans are to be incorporated into the PPC plans

CATECHISM REGISTRATION AND CLASSES

Registration has taken place but there is still place for more children.
Classes: Friday 13:30-15:00 & Sunday after Mass
Registration fees: R180 per child
Please contact Fr Marek or Sandra 079 9225566 if you have any questions.

LITURGICAL CALENDERS

Are available at the repository @ R30 each

SPRINGS OF CARMEL BIBLE DIARIES FOR 2026

Now available @ R130 each at
the parish office and the repository

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

SEMINARIANS’ FUND

Called by God – Supported by you!

Please support the Seminarian’s Fund. The collection box is on the pillar at the back of the church. Quarter 1 – R2400 due on 31 March 2026.

PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS

As they will be starting their New Academic year. There are 8 students in total, 5 in Pretoria and 3 in Cape Town

2026 YEAR PLANS

All groups & sodalities, please start preparing your year plans for submission to the PPC ASAP. Your plans are to be incorporated into the PPC plans.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD FEAST

02 Feb on Monday -Mass will be at 10:00 at RPP there will be a blessing of the candles .You may bring your candles for a blessing

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY

For children with incurable diseases:

Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.

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, Margarida De Franca, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, Avenel Aarons, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, Dolly Govender and Cecilia De Sousa

FR MAREK’S NEW NUMBER

063 908 3333

TO VOLUNTEER AS A CATECHISM TEACHER

Please contact Fr Marek or Sandra 0799225566 for more details.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

We have accepted the Word of Christ as Good News. This, however, does not mean that we experience only Joy and happiness. The Good news is given to us as light and joy to strengthen us in our times of darkness and suffering. We hear the message today, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” “Repent, the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

GOSPEL READING
GOSPEL – Mathew 4: 12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.
From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.
He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, ending their nets.
He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ON THURSDAYS

Has resumed Please check your time for adoration and new people are welcome.

2026 YEAR PLANS

All groups & sodalities, please start preparing your year plans for submission to the PPC ASAP. Your plans are to be incorporated into the PPC plans

CATECHISM REGISTRATION AND CLASSES

Registration has taken place but there is still place for more children.
Classes: Friday 13:30-14:30 & Sunday after Mass
Registration fees: R180 per child

LITURGICAL CALENDERS

Are available at the repository @ R30 each

SPRINGS OF CARMEL BIBLE DIARIES FOR 2026

Now available @ R130 each at
the parish office and the repository

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

SEMINARIANS’ FUND

Please support the Seminarian’s Fund. The collection box is on the pillar at the back of the church. Quarter 1 – R2400 due on 31 March 2026.

MEETING WITH THE BISHOP

This coming week Diocesan Priest and all Seminarians will be having a meeting with the Bishop before Seminarians go back to the Seminary. Please pray for them as they will be starting their New Academic year.
There are 5 students in total: 2 in Pretoria and 3 in Cape Town.

2026 YEAR PLANS

All groups & sodalities, please start preparing your year plans for submission to the PPC ASAP. Your plans are to be incorporated into the PPC plans.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY

For prayer with the word of God:

Let us pray that praying with the word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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, Margarida De Franca, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, Avenel Aarons, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy and Dolly Govender.

FR MAREK’S NEW NUMBER

063 908 3333

TO VOLUNTEER AS A CATECHISM TEACHER

Please contact Fr Marek or Sandra 0799225566 for more details.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A

INTRODUCTION

Last Sunday we remembered the baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River Jordan. Today we hear about the task which he was sent to fulfil. Jesus was sent to be the light of all nations and to gather them to Him. He was sent to take away the sin of the world. We too have a task to fulfil in life. It is a task which is given to us by God. In any task which we fulfil, God wants us to serve others and make them happy.

GOSPEL READING
GOSPEL – John 1: 29 – 34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ON THURSDAYS

Will resume on 22 January 2026.

PARISH OFFICE HOURS

The office will open on 20 January 2026, when normal working hours will resume
Monday Closed
Tuesday -Thursday 8:00 am -2:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm

CATECHISM REGISTRATION AND CLASSES

Registration will still take place on Friday (16/01) and Sunday (18/01) after Mass.
Registration fees: R180 per child
Classes to start on Friday the 23rd & Sunday the 24th after Mass.
Please contact Sandra 079 9225566 if you have any questions.

LITURGY

Tuesday, the 6th of January 2026, will be the start of Ordinary Time in Liturgy. Traditionally, we will keep Christmas decorations and sing Christmas Carols until the 2nd of February, the Feast of Presentation of the Lord.

LITURGICAL CALENDERS

Are available at the repository @ R30 each

SPRINGS OF CARMEL BIBLE DIARIES FOR 2026

Now available @ R130 each at
the parish office and the repository

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

SEMINARIANS’ FUND

Please support the Seminarian’s Fund. The collection box is on the pillar at the back of the church. Quarter 1 – R2400 due on 31 March 2026.

TO VOLUNTEER AS A CATECHISM TEACHER

Please contact Sandra 0799225566 for more details.

2026 YEAR PLANS

All groups & sodalities, please start preparing your year plans for submission to the PPC ASAP. Your plans are to be incorporated into the PPC plans.

POPE’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JANUARY

For prayer with the word of God:

Let us pray that praying with the word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

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, Margarida De Franca, Joyce, Netta Liebenberg, Mthokozisi Mthembu, Avenel Aarons, Siva Naidoo, Francesca Poonsamy, and Dolly Govender.

SINCERE CONDOLENCES

To the family and friends of Elizabeth Gregory (passed away 15/01/2026) and
Joyce Peterson/Chetty (passed away 16/01/2026)
“Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this challenging time.