St Joseph's Oamaru News Blog: 2. Special Character Week 6 Term 4 2020

Welcome/Kia Ora/Malo e Lelei

Faith Facts

Week 6 16th - 20th Nov

17^th St Elizabeth of Hungary

21^st Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sunday 22nd Feast of Christ the King

Pope Francis said that November 21 is the date upon which we celebrate Pro Orantibus Day (for those who pray) marking the liturgical feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Temple.

The day is dedicated to those who belong to contemplative religious orders, and the Pope said It’s a good opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of so many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and silent work”.
“Let us give thanks to the Lord – he added for their testimonies of cloistered life and he urged the faithful to lend their spiritual and material support to these brothers and sisters of ours so that they can carry out their important mission”.

Special Character Focus

Religious Education: Our children next Religious Education learning will be about 'Advent" Please go to this link to help you support your child/children during our teaching of this strand. parents-communion of saints

Gospel Reflection-The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Ezekiel:34:11-12, 15-7

Psalm: 23:1-2, 2-3. 5-6

Matthew 25:3-46

Today’s responsorial psalm reminds me of the Sunday School teacher who decided to have her young class memorize Psalm 23 and gave them a month to do so. Little Rick, one the boys in the class, was very excited about the task but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the whole congregation, Rick was very nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.”

In many respects, Rick got it. All we really need to know is that the Lord is our shepherd. And that he cares for us. The first reading from Ezekiel is filled with words and phrases that exhibit this care: “look after”; “tend”; “rescue”; “pasture”; “give them rest”; “seek out”; “bring back”; “bind up the injured”; “heal the sick”.

The kingship of Christ that we celebrate today is a kingship of care. Care for all but particularly for the least ones: the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, the ones in prison. The disciples are invited to care for these because in doing so they care for Jesus who identifies with these least ones. Today’s feast both consoles as well as challenges us. We are consoled by the Lord’s care for us, which is indeed comforting during these days of the pandemic. At the same time, we are reminded that we are called to care for one another, particularly the least among us. by Nicky Santos S,J.

School and Family Mass-

Last Saturday we celebrated Mass for our new families and presented them bibles donated by Home and School. Thank you for all our families who attended and celebrated with us in this holy Eucharist.

Last Night- 18/11 the year 8 had their leavers mass with Fr Wayne teachers and families. They were presented with the candles which are a personal gift from Fr Wayne before he goes on medical leave.

Thursday Mass

Presenting the Mass and Gospel is a service opportunity and Ministry for our children in spreading God’s word. Our children are proud of themselves every week either through singing, videoing and acting the gospel. It is a privilege for our children to serve and present the word of God. You are welcome to join us for Mass at 9:15 am on Thursday in the Basilica.

Thank you to Piwakawaka Year 7 Mrs Herbst and Mrs Dooley's class for the presentation of the gospel at Mass last Thursday. Today the Mass and Gospel presentation lead by Year 6 Mrs Streat's class.

Next Week Thursday Mass will be Year 4/5 Mrs Winders' class.