the hand of the lord feeds us; he answers all our …...1 “the hand of the lord feeds us; he...
TRANSCRIPT
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“The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs”
2 Aug 2020 18TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, Year A ISSUE 155
Readings: Isaiah 55:1-3, Romans 8:35,37-39, Matthew 14:13-21
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The True Miracle
O n the face of it, in today’s Gospel reading we have an
account of one of Jesus’ miracles, where he feeds 5000 with
just five loaves and two fish. It testifies to Jesus’ divine power. In
number, it surpasses those satisfied in similar miraculous
feedings in the Old Testament, suggesting that, in Jesus, we have
something on offer from God that is far greater than what has
gone before: the offer of a new covenant with God that cannot be
broken.
It also, however, encourages in us a desire to minister to those
in need, even when the situation seems impossible. Jesus is
seeking solitude with his disciples, but they are followed by the
crowds. Jesus did not send the people away to fend for
themselves. Instead, he stood firm in his faith, prayed to God,
and took the initiative to feed the people. He had no
responsibility to do this but was driven by his compassion for
people in need. A compassion that we all share. Jesus is not
annoyed by the persistence of the crowd, but instead has
compassion for them. He observes that they are like sheep
without a shepherd. There is a suggestion here that ministering
to others includes providing leadership.
For us, that could mean leadership in the church, including
vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. Alternatively,
it could mean active participation in the life of the parish. Also,
it could mean providing leadership in the communities in which
we live. For the laity, there is the option of entering local
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politics, or even national or international politics. Politics is an
area where matters really can look impossible from a church
perspective, where the issues of the day are far distant from the
concerns of the Church. There certainly is a need for politicians
motivated by faith to speak up for the real needs of the crowd.
The needs of the people explicitly talked about in today’s Gospel
reading are food and physical sustenance. There will
undoubtedly be allusions to the need for spiritual food and
sustenance of the spirit, but there is still the need for actual food.
The need for actual food is just as pertinent today as it has ever
been. The hungry are with us today as much as ever. It may be
more obvious, however, that the hunger results from human
shortcomings.
In all today's readings we are told that God will provide food for
all those who trust in him. That trust does not mean waiting for
a miracle. In Christ we have a solution to famines, but not the
solution of miraculous intervention. Faith is not about waiting
for God to do things for us, but about us doing what God wants.
Famine is not a call to faith but is rather the result of lack of
faith. There is famine in the world, because we do not live as God
wants us to live.
Perhaps today’s readings ask us to act on our compassion for
those in need, whether by word or deed, and trust that others
will see the justice of our cause and join us. Then, a dire situation
which seems impossible may receive Christ’s love through our
actions.
David McLean O.P
https://www.english.op.org/torch/the-true-miracle
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DOVE CATHOLIC FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN We are up and running again and looking forward to seeing the women of our area. Come and join us on Saturday 8 August at 2pm. This month we are truly blessed to have Alfred Tong, our talented seminarian from Wellington with us. Come and hear what Alfred has to share about “drinking at the well”. Join with us in the Parish Centre at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, William Street, Richmond for Praise, Worship, Prayer and fellowship. Women from the Top of the South are welcome to join us. We look forward to seeing you. Contact Mary 021 174 9383. For more information. www.dove.org.nz
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.
CATHOLIC DISCOVERY We have a supply of posters from the Catholic Enquiry Centre (CEC) that promote the Catholic Discovery Facebook page www.facebook.com/catholicdiscovery.nz Recently Google identified a global increase in search terms like ‘prayers’, as people seek solace and comfort in connecting with God in these ‘pandemic’ times. If you are able to display one (or more) of these posters at your school, workplace, gym, waiting rooms etc please contact the parish office 03 544 8987 or 03 528 8899 and we will arrange delivery. Leaflets, that include a coupon to request copies of CEC popular booklets, are also available.
OUR LADY OF THE BAYS
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“The pandemic has reminded us how we are all in the same boat. Realizing that we have the same concerns and fears has shown us once more that no one can be saved alone. To grow truly, we
must grow together, sharing what we have, like the boy who offered Jesus five barley loaves and two fish, yet they proved
enough for five thousand people.”
Pope Francis: Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2020
Sts Peter & Paul, Waimea West community celebrated the monthly
community mass on 25th July.
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NZ CATHOLIC
The July 26 – August 8 issue of NZ Catholic is out now. Some headlines are: Small change to Opening Prayer at Mass. Mercy sister was hospice pioneer. Dunedin bishop returns to duties. Answering Jesus’ call – vocations feature. The next issue of NZ Catholic will be published on August 9. Selected pages from this paper in digital form will be sent to parishes next week. CLIK HERE
PROLIFE FACTS There are serious fishhooks in the End of Life Choice Act and with the Referen-
dum coming up on Election Day (19the September), New Zealanders need to be
aware of them when voting Yes or No. Canadian layer Alex Schadengurg is the
Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition. Schadenburg points
out that the conditions that enable death by lethal injection, are almost com-
pletely subjective and nearly impossible to regulate. Self-reporting on the pro-
cesses followed would enable potential cover ups and open the door to abuse of
the law. The Act gives decision making power to the medical or nurse practi-
tioner—not the vulnerable patient.
For more pro-life information, visit Voice for Life at voiceforlife.org.nz
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HOUSIE AND COFFEE Parishioners and friends are most welcome to
the Housie and Coffee on Friday 7 August at 2pm in Parish Hall. Just
bring along $1 for raffle, small plate for afternoon tea. Have some housie
fun and enjoy the good company. Call Ray and Mary 927 6827, or 027 283
1039, for transport or more Information.”
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION this Thursday 6th August from 10am to 5pm
Everyone welcome to drop in at any time during the day. If you would
like to join our Adoration group phone Joan 5423707 for a roster time.
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 pohutukawah-
FOUND A KEY to a Suzuki vehicle was found in the Richmond church on
11 July 2020. It is in the foyer of the church for the owner to collect, or
contact the parish office 03 544 8987 to make alternative arrangements.
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
RICHMOND
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THE FEAST OF ST MARY OF THE CROSS(McKillop)
will be celebrated at 9.30am on Tuesday 4th August
at the St. Peter Chanel church with St Peter Chanel
school students. All welcome.
MONTHLY ANOINTING MASS will be celebrated at 9.30am on Thursday
6th August at the St Peter Channel church chapel. All welcome. Come and
join and experience God’s mercy and healing power through the
sacrament of anointing.
HOLY COMMUNION OF THE SICK Sharing Eucharist with those in our
community who are sick or housebound. Let Fr. Andrew
(ph.0221022011) know and he will visit your friend or family member
and then set up regular visits with Extra ordinary Eucharistic Minsters.
CALLING ALL YOUTH YEARS 8 TO 13 (aged 12-18)
We want to hear your ideas about what you would like to do to connect
with other youth from St Peter Chanel and beyond. Let's get together on
Sunday 16th August after 9.30am mass to brainstorm/listen/plan.
Looking forward to seeing you then. Any queries contact Fr Andrew or
Elizabeth 0211617607
ST PETER CHANEL
MOTUEKA
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THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY
On Saturday 15th August at 3pm. The Rosary will
be prayed in St Peter Chanel church. Please come
and pray THE ROSARY for our world, our nation,
our families. In other parts of New Zealand, other
parishes are also doing this too. Let's send the
great prayer of THE ROSARY heavenward in
a collective voice.
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Things you can do to help save all of creation
““Don’t put non recyclable quirky things into the rubbish. Give
them to your children, grandchildren or the local play centre for
the children to play with or create things from”
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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 (winter time)
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
In 1851 Ma ori in the Otaki area, Nga ti
Kapumanawawhiti, invited the Church to use their
land for a mission, and in 1854 gave land for a
school as well. This partnership was initially
strong, but over many decades it waned. Over the
last 5-6 years a lot of work has gone into preparing
a Kawenata, a Covenant, which would honour the
original intent of the givers of the land. That work reached its
fulfilment with the signing of the Kawenata on Sunday. The
Covenant is symbolized by a mauri (see photo) which has two parts
which belong together. The part on the left remains at Pukekaraka in
the care of Te Nga ti Kapu and the part on the right will be cared by
the Archbishop of Wellington and his Vicar for Ma ori. When I (or my
successors) visit Pukekaraka both pieces will be brought together so
the Kawenata is remembered at all
events.
I found the occasion to be very moving
and deeply meaningful. In signing the
Kawenata and in the symbolism of its
mauri we have rediscovered the
beauty of relationships – between
Nga ti Kapu and the Church of the
Archdiocese, between all of us, the
relationships we have not just of
place, but in our dignity as the
daughters and sons of God.
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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