25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
19 September 2021
Readings for this Weekend:
First Reading: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20
Second Reading: James 3:16-4:3
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37
Welcome to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Matthew
By telling us to “take up” our cross, Jesus isn’t saying that we have to meekly submit to unfair treatment and suffering or embrace a blind, “offer it up” sort of spirituality. And, while they may be opportunities for grace, illness, sad events or even disasters aren’t “the cross.”
Sunday Reflection from Fr Isaac
On Friday this week we celebrated the feast day of St Hildegard of Bingen. This German Mystic was a Professed Nun of the Order of St Benedict who lived an exemplary life of holiness in the 12th Century (just before the time of St Thomas Aquinas). In 2012 Pope Benedict raised her to the rank of a doctor of the Church. Given the title doctor of the Church means that not only did she give witness to an exemplary life of holiness and virtue but the Church also elevates her writings and doctrinal insights as authentic and life-giving. She was an extremely gifted woman but also very grounded. She is known for her mystical writings (descriptions of her experiences in her contemplative life), her work in understanding and preserving respect for the Earth, her gift in finding and using remedies, and also her contribution in music. Yes as I said before – extremely gifted!
I draw your attention to her today in this reflection for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary time because of a beautiful quote from her book Scivias. She is writing of the actions of Our Blessed Lord and his humility in becoming flesh and living among us.
“Humility always groans, weeps and destroys all offenses, for this is its work. So let anyone who wishes to conquer the Devil arm himself with humility, since Lucifer fervently flees it and hides in its presence like a snake in a hole; for wherever it finds him, it quickly snaps him like a fragile thread.”
What a powerful description of the very virtue which conquers the evil one and his actions. Pride is the opposite of humility, and something each of us has a decent strand of, whether it is self-promotion or self-pity. But pride is over come through humility. Humility is found and given to us through the Person of Christ. In Him we find all solace. In Him is our best example. In Him we can find our best friend, who can draw us out of ourselves. This relationship with him helps us to live like children of God the Most High, as is asked of us in the Gospel, countering today’s unhealthy and toxic culture.
Daily Mass timetable during level 2 while Sunday Masses are suspended
Weekday Mass times during Level 2 -
- 50 people limit
- It is strongly recommended a face mask is worn
- Please sign in manually or with your device
- No booking system
Cathedral Mass Times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8am, 12:05, 7pm
Saturday: 8am
St Matthew Mass Times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:30pm
Reconciliation Timetable during level 2 at the Cathedral
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11:30am-11:55am
Pope Francis' Monthly Intention
An Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyle
We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Edge Youth this weekend....we're finally gathering IN-PERSON
Timings this Sunday are different, since no Mass will be taking place:
We'll be meeting 5:30-8:30pm
Location: Cathedral Foyer
Bring: A mask
Theme: Jesus/The Mass Q & A + Games
Featuring Guest: Fr. Isaac Fransen
Food: Provided!
Titipounamu Study & Joy online evening sessions
The Gospel of Luke – The Gospel of the New Church Year with Kieran Fenn fms.
Mondays, 20 September -11 October, 7pm-8.30pm. Free via ZOOM.
Series of 5 parts. All sessions are connected but also stand alone.
$25/session or $90/series
https://www.studyjoy.nz/events/the-gospel-of-luke-23/
For more information and registration: info@studyjoy.nz
First Communion & Confirmation Programme
The family sessions will be held between 25th and 30th September. Your leader will let you know which day. The Parent Input session will now be on Sunday 17th October at 7pm. Please watch your emails for updates as the Covid Alert levels change.
Baptisms
If you wish to book a Baptism please contact Andrea 856 6486 or email: andrea@cathedral.cdh.nz
Under the Level 2 restrictions we are not holding Baptism ceremonies but will take bookings for future Baptisms.
Support Life Sunday - 10 October 2021
Respect Life Sunday will be renamed Support Life Sunday from this year, to better reflect the active work Catholics must do to help people facing significant life decisions. Bishop Steve Lowe, Secretary of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference, says the term “respect life” can seem passive. “Support Life reminds us that we are all called to both uphold the dignity of all life and be active in the practical work needed to support people facing significant life decisions.” Support Life Sunday is Sunday 10 October, with the theme "Honouring and Supporting Health Carers." Full details: https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/respect-life-sunday-now-support-life-sunday/
Job Opportunity - Marian Catholic School After School Care Co-Ordinator/Holiday Programme
This would suit someone that can demonstrate leadership and loves to get involved with children, implementing planned activities, fun, bubbly, enjoys playing indoors and outdoors with the children.
If you are at least 20 years old and great with children age 5- 12 years old, enjoy belonging to a friendly, supportive team this could be an opportunity for you.
Hours during term time are 2pm - 5.30pm Monday to Friday. During school holidays 8am - 5pm Monday to Friday for one week and in January holidays 8am - 5pm for two weeks prior to school beginning.
Please email a CV and covering letter, including contact details for 2 referees to the After School Care Liaison coordinator: Yvonne Vosper yvosper@marian.school.nz by 3pm, Thursday 30 September 2021
Readings for next Weekend:
First Reading: Numbers 11: 25-29
Second Reading: James 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
Contact Us
Assistant Priest: Fr Isaac Fransen frisaac@hamcathedral.co.nz
Email: newsletter@cathedral.cdh.nz
Website: https://churchwebsite.co.nz/hamcathedral/
Location: 494 Grey St, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 856 6486