readings: wisdom 12:13,16 19, romans 8:26 · affected countries around the indian ocean. the world...
TRANSCRIPT
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“Lord, you are good and forgiving”
19 July 2020 16TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, Year A ISSUE 153
Readings: Wisdom 12:13,16-19, Romans 8:26-27, Matthew 13:24-43
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Fool’s Gold and Darnel
Dear Parishioners,
W hen I was growing up in the 90’s, I remember seeing on TV
one day this magazine series called Treasures of the Earth –
the Mineral and Gemstone Collection. The advert commented that
with every issue of the magazine came a real mineral or gemstone,
mined from the earth. Excited, I said to mum “Mum, I want that!”.
After finding out for me that Whitcoulls bookstores sold the
magazine, she took me there and on one of the front newsstands,
there the magazines were.
What drew me to the newsstands were not the magazines
themselves but the sparkly metallic sample of a mineral called
‘Fool’s Gold’ (also called Pyrite) with that first issue. I thought to
myself ‘at least if I was ever walking on the beach or a river and
discovered something like it, I’d wouldn’t be a fool and think it was
gold.’ I then read everything about this mineral in the magazine, in
an attempt to prevent myself from becoming ‘the fool’ that thought
they had made a fortune.
Cases of mistaken identity are more common than we think in
nature. Brown toxic toadstools from many different species often
mimic the common ‘Portobello’ mushroom we know and love.
While mushrooms are a great source of protein for nutrition and
growth, toadstools are toxic and can lead to liver, brain or heart
failure even in small quantities. Therefore, to an untrained eye, it is
incredibly risky to forage for your own fresh ‘mushrooms’ in the
wild. Similarly, in the ancient near East close to the Holy Land,
farmers started to notice a curious wheat-like grass growing in the
wheat fields. However, when mistakenly eatened as wheat after
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milling, the flour
induced severe
poisoning and
‘drunkenness’, from
which darnel gets its
name.
Perhaps that is why in
our Gospel today,
Jesus uses the darnel
as a direct comparison
to the bad spirit that can grow in the naturally good hearts of
humanity, because Jewish farmers would have been intently aware
and fearful of what darnel can do to their harvest. In many ways we
are also fearful of what bad spirits can sometimes grow in our
hearts, even in our best intentions to lead good lives – as the farmer
experienced (Matthew 13:27). Given the differences in life
circumstances even in our own parish community at this time, it is
sometimes tempting to ask toxic questions which may breed
jealousy in our hearts - ‘Why do they get special treatment in that
way that I don’t?’
But remember, our hearts are naturally good soils and souls. God
always gives us an opportunity to burn our darnel (Matthew 13:30)
and to discover, as loved daughters and sons, the transforming
power of the Spirit, who ‘comes to help us in our
weaknesses’ (Romans 8:26). Therefore, the promise of the eternal
Kingdom is not governed by the fear of darnel growing in our
hearts, but how much we let the Holy Spirit’s fire in to care for us
(Wisdom 12:13), to burn the darnel and cultivate the wheat of the
harvest. Perhaps this promise will transform our hearts from being
‘fools for gold’ to being ‘fools for God’.
Alfred Tong, Seminarian for Wellington Archdiocese.
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OUR LADY OF THE BAYS PARISH
CHURCH USE AND MASSES DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS:
Dear Parishioners, the announcement from the Government on level 1 Covid-19 restrictions effectively frees us to return to regular mass times, familiar liturgical practices and ministry rosters. The New Zealand Bishops have also given directives considering the Government’s announcement. To this end, and to allow ourselves a period of adjustment as we get back to familiar routines and closer personal contact, the following is applicable.
Procedures at Mass during level one: • Communion under one kind only to be received on the hand. • Sign of Peace - by spoken word, or a gesture such as bowing, or by a
pause for silent prayer for peace. At this stage people should not feel obliged to shake hands.
• Holy water fonts should remain empty. • Singing is permissible.
Basic Hygiene advice: We are still in level 1 and there continues to remain a risk of infection being passed on. Advice from the government and the New Zealand Bishops during level 1 focuses on maintaining basic hygiene measures which include: • Good hand hygiene – use an alcohol-based sanitiser and rub hands
together if soap and water is unavailable. • Cough, and sneeze etiquette – cough or sneeze into your elbow or
cover your mouth and nose with tissues.
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• Avoid touching your face. • Clean surfaces regularly. • Ensure that all parish buildings are kept clean and regularly
disinfected. Above all else, please stay home if you are sick, and contact your doctor if you have flu like symptoms. Anyone who is unwell or has flu-like symptoms should remain home and pray with the community from home by reflecting on the Scriptures of the day. God Bless, Fr. Seph
NZ CATHOLIC The July 12-25 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Church doesn’t require Jesus to be blonde and blue-eyed. New home for babies and mothers. Christchurch parish outreach training planned. Caritas opposes West Bank plans.
Below is a link to selected pages from the latest issue of NZ Catholic. Most of these pages have been chosen as they might be of interest to younger readers. They also remind people in parishes that NZ Catholic is still on sale in their churches. https://indd.adobe.com/view/03122602-28c3-46e7-92af-
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THE SVDP RICHMOND shop requires men and women volunteers. Would you be able to offer 2-3 hours of your time once a week volunteering at the Richmond Shop. Staff are required for sorting of clothing and goods, working in the shop and drivers. Come along, enjoy the company and help your community at the same time. Please contact Ray Firth phone 927 6827, mobile 027 283
1039, email [email protected]”
ST VINCENT DE PAUL MOTUEKA We are grateful to the Fifeshire Foundation who have given us a trailer to help with the wood deliveries. It will have a sign showing their logo etc as well as our badge. Kevin O’Gorman thanks Michael Orchiston for use of his trailer meantime and acting as Driver, and Bill Wood for his work splitting wood. 8 loads have been delivered so far. We are now again staffing Community House on Tuesdays and Thursdays, giving out food vouchers. Donations of non-perishable food and other household items can be put in our new basket at Church. We always welcome new members and volunteers. Please come to our AGM which is at 3 pm on 4th August at St. Peter Chanel Church.
OUR PFG GROUPS have been using the time after lockdown to make up for lost time. So far we have had a Baptism and celebrations, a Dessert evening, a Matariki Breakfast, a Quiz and associated pot luck dinner, a Confirmation morning tea, coffees, lunches and dinners as well as other events that have flown under
the radar. Planned are a diverse number of gatherings involving a range of ideas such as Housie and gardening. In all cases of course there is socialising! If you would like to join a group and get to know more of your fellow parishioners, please contact Philip and Maria Archer 544 1580.
HELP NEEDED FOR ZOOM PRESENTATIONS I'm currently looking for someone to help me set up presentation slides for Zoom meetings and other basic applications, helping others in my self-employed business; preferably MAC friendly. Any help at your earliest convenience would be much appreciated! Please phone Tracey 0274871107 or 5448069 Many thanks in anticipation.
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HOLY FAMILY PARISH OFFICE VACANCY Following the recent resignation of Margot, we are now seeking someone to fill this part time position in the Holy Family Parish Office in Nelson. The applicant should have general office skills with emphasis on data entry and book keeping. Experience with Xero accounting software would also be an advantage. Hours are approximately 12 hours per week from Monday to Wednesday with the expectation of occasional covering for a co worker. If you are interested in this position, please forward your application and CV to [email protected].
MINISTRY OF INSPIRATION PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH CHRIS HARRIS, CEO OF THE HOLOCAUST CENTRE OF NZ
Being an Upstander: Looking to the Past for Answers for the Future Saturday, August 1st - Waimea College 6-8pm As a Holocaust educator and historian, Chris Harris strongly believes in human rights education, advocacy and the relevance of the enduring lessons and messages from the Holocaust for modern society. Chris will speak on the significance of Holocaust resistors who stood up for the human rights of others, as well as how and why their acts offer us solutions to our
modern-day human rights challenges. Chris Harris' 'Being an Upstander' presentation is a timely and meaningful subject during this moment in our history. The event is free, however, a KOHA is appreciated. Register for event here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/being-an-upstander-looking-to-the-past-foranswers-for-the-present-tickets-111392520026
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Things you can do to help save all of creation
“End the tyranny of the screen, information overload and
distractions. Cultivate real relationships with
others.” (Pope Francis)
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SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
August/September 2020
“The next step on our faith journey”.
We invite you to consider this unique opportunity to continue your faith journey in
a warm and supportive parish environment. If you don’t feel ready to take this
step, you can still come along to learn more, meet people, and share ideas with
others along the way.
With the move to Level 1 we are delighted to now be in a position to get
underway with the Sacramental Programme for 2020. At ‘Our Lady of Perpetual
Help, Richmond, we would like to begin by offering preparation for the
Sacrament of Confirmation, beginning early in Term 3. This will be a 6-week
Parish-based programme to prepare for this very special sacrament alongside
children from other schools and parishes in our area.
WHEN: Six Sunday sessions from the 2nd Aug till the 6th Sep (6weeks)
TIME: 9.30am - 11.00am
WHERE: ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church’, 35 William Street, Richmond
WHAT: Instruction and Fellowship in preparation for the Sacrament of
Confirmation
What does it mean to be confirmed?
Confirmation is the sacrament by which, following on from Baptism, we affirm
our Christian belief and invite the Holy Spirit to continue to strengthen and
guide us in our lives. Essentially we are continuing to say “Yes” to God as we
take this special step in our faith journey. In doing so, we are strengthening and
deepening our relationship with God.
For any further information or questions please do not hesitate to contact
Markelle Ward: [email protected]
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Our Lady of the Bays parish
MASS TIMES
Sunday Mass
MOTUEKA Saturday vigil 5.00pm, Sunday 9.30am
RICHMOND Sunday 9.30am
WAKEFIELD Sunday 8.00am
WAIMEA W 5.00pm Saturday vigil (on 4th Saturday of the month)
TAKAKA Sunday 4.00pm (in winter)
Weekdays Mass
MOTUEKA Tuesday and Thursday 9.30am
RICHMOND Tuesday 11.30am, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am
WAKEFIELD Thursday 9.30am
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Cardinal’s reflections
I remember the terrible tragedy of the
Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, which
affected countries around the Indian Ocean.
The world was appalled by the death toll of
277,318, very large for a natural disaster.
This week there have been 13 million cases of
COVID-19 globally and as of 15 July, 578,319
deaths. Because the COVID crisis is occurring over time the toll
of deaths doesn’t seem so startling as when it happens in a
single moment, even though it is more than twice the toll of the
Boxing Day tsunami. Are we shocked by bodies being stored in
refrigerated trucks because morgues are full, or lying in the
streets as they did in Ecuador earlier in the crisis? How do we
help our own people affected healthwise or economically by
the virus, and how do we help those in poorer countries as
well? It is so easy to just focus on our own situation when India
and countries in Latin America are struggling with a disaster
without an
end in
sight.
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PASTORAL TEAM
Fr Seph Pijfers (Parish Priest)
03 544 8987 / [email protected]
Fr Andrew Kim (Assistant Priest)
0221 022 011 / [email protected]
PARISH OFFICE
Parish Office Hours: 9.00am to Noon, Monday to Friday
Postal Address: 35 William Street, Richmond 7020
Phone: (Hall Bookings):
Richmond: 03 544 8987 / Motueka: 03 528 8899
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ourladyofthebays.org
OLOB NEWSLETTER
Deadline Thursday night 5pm