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28 June 2020 13TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, Year A ISSUE 150

Readings: 2Kings 4:8-11,14-16, Romans 6:3-4, 8-11, Matthew 10:37-42

‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who

welcome me welcome the one who sent me’

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D ear parishioners,

American spiritual writer Fr. Henry Nouwen once said, ‘It is

not the right question to ask ourselves: “Am I strong enough to be

the proclaimer of the gospel?” But rather, “am I sufficiently

weak?”’ Being a disciple of Jesus is not only about ministering to

others, but also realising that there will be times when need I to

allow others to minister to me. That is, in letting myself be

vulnerable and allowing others to help me, I learn about the

common, often fragile, though infinitely beautiful humanity I am

part of.

This week’s Gospel reminds us that following Jesus is not only

about a way of life, but first and foremostly, about the person of

Jesus himself. As disciples we do not come in our own name, we

are sent with words and life, to reveal him who sent us, Jesus.

What Jesus means in this week’s gospel when he says, “Anyone

who sees me, sees the Father,” is that the reality of our faith is

Jesus himself, and becomes more apparent the more we are

personally connected to him in a living relationship. Or, more

daringly, when I believe in Jesus, anyone who sees me, is seeing

Jesus.

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In this way, even the smallest gesture of mercy to those in need,

given or received, never goes unnoticed. And despite living in a

very complex, at times overwhelming world, God’s love abounds

wherever people devote themselves to the service and care of

others. Perhaps then, having reflected on this week’s readings, you

might like to let your thoughts touch your heart, and ask yourself

these questions:

What old pattern in my life is Jesus asking me to change? How

could I live life differently? Walking with Jesus means leaving old

patterns, being here and now with what is. How may I bring a

glass of water to those in my life, my world?

God loves me like I am, whole – with fragility, weaknesses,

failures. How am I at peace with my own weaknesses, boundaries,

fragility? How much can I become one with them and become

more fond of me? How may I receive a glass of water from those

around me, in my world?

You may like to finish your reflection time saying: God of Love,

You speak to me when I allow myself to be weak and let others

help me. Help me to help others, thank you for loving me like I am,

my whole, my shadow and sunshine.

God Bless, Fr. Seph

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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. • Dispensation from Sunday Mass remains in place for this weekend.

The bishops will decide about removing it when they meet on Friday 12th June.

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:

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• 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.

• 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

Engaged Encounter is a weekend experience for couples intending to be married.

Remaining weekends for 2020 are 18 & 19 July and 14 & 15 November. Venue is Otari Parish presbytery, 301 Karori Road, Karori, Wellington. Registrations close 2 weeks before.

For more details go to the website http://www.cee-wellington.co.nz/ Phone Kate and Simon Olson. 04 801 6192 or email simonolsen@gmail.com

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ST VINCENT DE PAUL invites the Richmond community to morning tea in the hall following Mass on 5 July. This will be our first opportunity to gather together socially for a very long time and also to acknowledge the continuing work of the SVdP volunteers during the lockdown and into what is now a very uncertain future for a large number of families.

HOUSIE and COFFEE “yes we are back on again - Parishioners and friends are most welcome to the Housie and Coffee on Friday 3 July 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.”

On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to take this opportunity to

publicly acknowledge and thank all those in our communities who took

on different roles during the lockdown period. You all did this without a

second thought and the spirit of service and care for others was very evi-

dent.

Pivotal to our wellbeing and connection during this time were our Parish

team of Fr Seph, Fr Andrew and Alfred. Their work in the development

and ongoing maintenance of our Parish roll and publication of the week-

ly newsletter has been huge. At times this took them out of their normal

comfort zone when faced with IT difficulties or the vagrancies of a vide-

oed homily or music session! They have done this while of course, like

the rest of us, coming to terms with how they individually needed to deal

with the effects of the lockdown.

As we begin to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel, we look back

on this time and begin to have some understanding of how God’s grace

and love is spread throughout our Parish.

Hopefully we can use the positive aspects of the lockdown/slowdown to

ensure we continue to make time for prayer and meditation in our lives.

Adrienne Hill – Chair - PPC

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TAIZE HOUR Welcome back to TAIZE HOUR on Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm in the St Francis of Assisi Chapel, Songer Street. Come along for a quiet time of song, verse and meditation in candlelight in our warm chapel. Contact Diane Renwick 5473356.

PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION The date for this collection has been moved from 28 June 2020 to 4 October 2020. A reminder will be placed in the newsletter in late September 2020. Donations made to the various Special Collections are always forwarded on the respective beneficiaries regardless of when they are made.

ACCOMMODATION PLEASE I am a mature professional woman who works part-time in the Health sector. In a few weeks I will be looking for accommodation in Nelson, Stoke, or Richmond. I would prefer a one bedroom cottage or a Granny flat, yet I will consider whatever is offered to me. My clean cat Viva Voce needs to be part of the plan. Gabrielle 0211126804.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Parishioners with Planned Giving envelopes may be aware that three Special Collections were due to be taken up during the time that Masses were suspended. For those wishing to support these Appeals donations can still be made using the envelopes provided. The dates for the following two Special Collections have been moved to later in the year. Holy Places, changed from Good Friday to 13 September 2020. Peter’s Pence, changed from 29 June 2020 to 04 October 2020. Reminder notices will be placed in the newsletter nearer these dates.

WELCOM Online version is available Here

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FINANCIAL REPORT For the Month of May 2020 Income was still well

down on previous years but better than in April. Collection Income was

Up on April at $13302 some $4564 better than April but still reflects the

effects of Covid 19 and lockdown. Expenses however were also up for this

Month at $26693 resulting in a Loss for May 2020 of (-$4716) and a YTD

Loss of (-$1649). There was no claim for reimbursement from the EA

O’Connor Trust in May 2020.

NZ CATHOLIC Some headlines are:

Bishop Basil Meeking laid to rest. Principal joins coalition against legalising cannabis. Theological college considers new Auckland home. This planet, our home, after Covid-19. These are among the many articles and reflections on issues that affect our lives as Catholics. Buy a copy from your parish church or enquire about subscribing by phoning (09) 360 3067. The next issue of NZ Catholic will be published on July 12.

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Congratulations to Noa James Duncan for the baptism on the last Sunday.

Noa with God parents

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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: markelleward@cloud.garincollege.ac.nz

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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

WAKEFILED 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

This mural was painted on a wall by

Rome street artist MauPal (Mauro

Pallotta) when Pope Francis visited

Albano Laziale last year. The mural shows

Pope Francis hanging from a rope and

cleaning away the pollution from factory

chimneys. As he does it the sun appears

and the birds gather. This is the fifth anniversary year of

Laudato Si’ in which Pope Francis shows how human

dignity and respect for our earth are closely connected and

urges all of us to take part in transforming how we live.

Young people have heard his message, but the power lies

with other generations and not all have been willing to

hear it.

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The answers will be published in the next week newsletter...

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PASTORAL TEAM

Fr Seph Pijfers (Parish Priest)

03 544 8987 / Seph.pijfers@parish.org.nz

Fr Andrew Kim (Assistant Priest)

0221 022 011 / andlekis@hotmail.com

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: office.admin@parish.org.nz

Website: www.ourladyofthebays.org

OLOB NEWSLETTER

ourlady.newsletter@gmail.com

Deadline Thursday night 5pm