33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time
14 November 2021
Readings for this Weekend:
First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14,18
Gospel: Mark 13:24-32
Welcome to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Matthew
At first glance, the weeks' readings leading up to Advent become foreboding, ominous, and even a little depressing. One has to search really hard to find the hope, but it is there. Thanks to the Resurrection, one can always find hope!
Reflection from Fr Isaac
Be watchful and pray constantly, that you may be worthy to stand before the Son of Man
The story and life of Daniel is an incredible, captivating and even mysterious read. He was a young man from the royal lineage of King David. The book of Daniel which describes his life and visions was written a hundred and fifty years before Christ. It is a book about the trials and tribulations that will confront the people of Israel. Christ himself also refers to the book of Daniel to describe the coming of the Kingdom of God. He also uses the title ‘Son of Man’, which is predominant in Daniel’s visions, in referring to himself. In this way Christ rightly elevates himself from his veiled position in his humanity, to the greatness of who he is, the Son of God.
As we are nearing the end of the liturgical year, the Church in her wisdom is reminding us of the end times. Do not fret. These readings are also encompassed with hope! Of which is surely founded in the person of Christ, and His Bride the Church. A woman ask me last year, near the beginning of the COVID out-break, “the Pentecostals are all referring to this as the end times… is there a connection to the virus?” This lovely soul went on to describe that she was once told by a Catholic priest the end times could last a thousand years. Of which is quite right. After the time of Christ we are all living in the age of the final covenant. There is no more revelation to be held apart from the coming of Christ and his glory. I answered her by describing the Churches daily prayer. We celebrate in the Church each day as if it is our last. And so we should. When we rise in the morning we give him praise for life and seek his help to listen and follow his will, as we lay our head we surrender our life to him, “may the Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end.” (Night prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours). This is to help us in living our life more dis-attached to the world. The church and our life with Christ should encourage us to be more charitable to our neighbour, to prepare our finances prudently in love for those who come after us, yet not hoarding them for ourselves or our children’s detriment. We are to always remember our eternal destiny is in Heaven, with Christ and all those who have allowed themselves to be drawn into his infinite mercy and forgiveness!
So we are to be always ready. Always prepared for the coming of the Son of Man, and we are also to live of that desire in our relationship with him here on earth, through his Bride. Take the opportunity for confession. Learn to read Scripture with a prayerful and discerning heart. Seek intimacy with Christ by giving yourself more and more to his bride the Church. And remember our hope which is firmly and ultimately founded on Christ.
The woman who asked me this question went on to suffer from cancer which recently drew her from this earth. May God rest her soul and bless her family. We may not know the hour, but His mercy is sure. It is in Him we place our trust.
To learn more about the book of Daniel please check out this link below, and may God bless you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cSC9uobtPM
Donations to the Parish
Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 02 0342 0050016 05
St Matthews: 02 0342 0050016 06
Your continued support during this time is very much appreciated.
Pope Francis Monthly Intention: People who suffer from Depression
We pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
RNDM Mission Appeal
Should you wish to make a direct credit into our bank account the details are here:
Account number: 06 0529 0413665 03
Account Name: Institute de Notre Dame des Missions
Particulars: MA2020
Code: Your Surname
You are remembered in our prayers . God bless your generous hearts.
“Sponsor a Family’s and Whanau Christmas Dinner” Through the Catholic Family Support Services
Christmas doesn’t come easy for many families and whanau. You can make a difference today by sponsoring a Christmas Hamper for families, whanau and children going through tough times.
Small Hamper—$50
Larger Hamper—$100
Make a pledge by contacting Catholic Family Support Services (07) 856 3760 or Catholic Family Support Services Account number: 02-0342-0008002-00
Please provide your name and contact details.
Online Masses continue...
Join Bishop Steve daily for Mass at 9am https://www.youtube.com/c/CatholicDioceseofHamiltonNZ/featured
St Vincent de Paul - Chartwell
"Vinnies Chartwell (Lynden Court) needs volunteers. Duties can include, but not limited to - retail behind the counter using eftpos and cash register, displaying goods for sale and sorting donations. Shifts include 9am - 1pm or 1pm - 4pm, Monday to Friday, whichever shift or day suits. For more information please call 07 847 4044 during shops hours or come in and get a volunteer form. This is a great way of helping people in need."
Synod on Synodality - Hamilton Diocese
Synod 2023 Update
Thank you to those that have registered to participate in small groups as a part of Synod 2023. We have had over 200 people register to take part in these groups both online and in-person (where possible) which is a great start! There are many more people organising groups locally at parish level, in schools right across the diocese.
Extension of diocesan phase into 2022
The diocesan phase of the synod has been extended. Therefore, it is our hope to hold more small group gatherings in the first part of 2022. We want to involve as many people as possible. This change of dates from the Vatican has come as a result of feedback from local dioceses, particularly here in New Zealand and Australia asking for more time, so already the Church is becoming more synodal.
Online Response Tool
There is now an online response tool available for those unable to gather and who would still like to contribute to the synod. This is available on our website synod.cdh.nz People are welcome to contribute both here and then via a group in 2022 when we are hopefully able to gather again. This response tool will remain open until Easter 2022.
Organising your own group
If you want to organise a group in your home (or outside), you are very welcome to! Contact brigidc@cdh.org.nz so that we can support you in how to lead a group the synodal way.
KETE KORERO
In this issue, we focus on the season of Advent before us and reflect on the truth of God's great gift. Advent is a season for love and joy; with our Lord, our families and our neighbours.
First Communion Confirmation Programme
The ceremony which was to have taken place on 21 November will now be rescheduled, due to the current restrictions. It will take place on 20 February 2022 at the 10.30am Mass. Group meetings and rehearsal times will be advertised in due course.
Please continue to send your details in to Andrea now and ensure that your child has completed all cycles. The First Reconciliation will happen as soon as we are able to do so. Please watch your emails.
The Confirmation and First Communion ceremony for the RCIC group will be on Saturday 26 February 2022
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.
Readings for next Weekend:
First Reading: Daniel 7:13-14
Second Reading: Apocalypse 1:5-8
Gospel: John 18:33-37
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