30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
24 October 2021
Readings for this Weekend:
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Second Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Welcome to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Matthew
The physical healing of Bartimaeus is a powerful reminder that, when we open ourselves to God’s grace, we can be healed of that blindness of spirit that prevents us from following Jesus with freedom and joy, which is an important part of discipleship.
Reflection from Fr Darren
This Sunday we hear of the encounter between Jesus and the blind man Bartimaeus. He pleads to see Jesus, the disciples tell him to be quiet, he yells even louder, and Jesus sees him, hears him and heals him because of his great faith. Saying to him; ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned. https://universalis.com/20211024/mass.htm
In the middle of the Gospel Jesus says to the disciples, ‘Call him here.’ So they called the blind man. ‘Courage,’ they said ‘get up; he is calling you.’ So throwing off his cloak, he jumped up and went to Jesus. It is not difficult to picture this scene. A dramatic gesture when he throws off his cloak. Not that necessary when you think about it, but it adds to the drama. Bartimaeus is excited, he is desperate, he is over his old life and wants to leave it behind. He has probably had this cloak for many years, it became his security as well as a symbol of his infirmity. He could not do without it because of the cold and needed it for his poverty. Perhaps it was his one and only procession in life. We don’t know. But he no longer wants it nor need it. Whatever this cloak represented, it is thrown off, discarded, and left behind. The life he once lived is over and he can finally move on. Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has saved you.’ And immediately his sight returned, and he followed him along the road.
How many times have we wished to throw from our backs the burdens that weigh us down. The cloak of sin or suffering, addiction or ill health, the garment of weakness or despair. The suffocation of materialism or the all-encompassing poverty that can’t be got rid of. Whatever the cloak that covers us, Jesus promises freedom. For the most part an interior freedom in our relationship with him. A freedom where we can rid ourselves of the metaphorical cloaks which wear us down. A freedom which can change our lives and the way we live and see ourselves and the world.
Bartimaeus received a healing of his sight which changed how he saw himself and the world. This changed his life. A life he thought could never be different. Yet it is clear that Bartimaeus had not lost hope. He believes and he calls on Jesus, ‘Son of David, Jesus, have pity on me.’ Hope is always the ability to imagine that life can be different for us and faith is the power to make that happen. Let us call it the gift of Bartimaeus for you today.
Online Masses continue...
Join Bishop Steve daily for Mass at 9am https://www.youtube.com/c/CatholicDioceseofHamiltonNZ/featured
Synod on Synodality - Hamilton Diocese
The word ‘synodality’ means “walking together”. Pope Francis invites
us to reflect together, with guidance from the Holy Spirit, on what this mutual journey means for us and for our Church – from the local to the universal. To find out more about what this Synod is all about and the timeline for our Diocese’s journey visit synod.cdh.nz
Diocesan Registrations for “Gather and Discern” groups are now open! Registrations of interest for those wanting to take part in the synod are now open. Visit synod.cdh.nz to sign up. Registrations will close at midnight on 1st November.
If you have a group that you would like to participate - contact Brigid Conroy to arrange - email: brigidc@cdh.org.nz or phone: 027 736 5514
New Media statements from NZCBC
“Sponsor a Family’s and Whanau Christmas Dinner” Through 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.
October is the Month of the Rosary
Here’s a resource for everyone to journey alongside Mary, and reflect on the mysteries in the life of Christ. May the praying of the Rosary bring hope to everyone especially in these challenging times of the pandemic.
Food for Faith is offering a way of learning and praying the Rosary together. Visit the website to learn more. https://foodforfaith.org.nz/category/rosary/
Christmas Community Dinner - 11th December 2021
RCIA Programme
Are you or any other adults you know interested in joining the Catholic Church or learning more about our faith? Once we are back to level 2 meetings will begin. Please register your interest by emailing andrea@cathedral.cdh.nz and she will send you some information.
First Communion Confirmation Programme
Andrea will email the next cycle of work for the children to start on this week. Please keep praying for these children as they prepare to receive the Sacraments.
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.
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE MISSION :
. ONLINE at bishopappeal.cdh.nz
. INTERNET BANKING RC Bishop of Hamilton - 02 0342 0050008- 003
(particulars: name - code: bishop app - Reference: donor # if any)
For more information & assistance, please contact Fred: fredr@cdh.org.nz or 856 6989
Thank you for your gifts and prayers.
Life Teen Search Retreat, earlier this month
Pope Francis calls us to unite with Christ and be the living stones that build up our church. But to be living stones, we need to be strong in our faith. We need to be curious enough to ask these tough questions, but also courageous enough to uncover the answers. October 2nd – 4th was a weekend full of questions for 25 of teens from Life Teen youth group at the Cathedral Parish. Instead of shying away from the big questions that surround our faith, we chose to dive head first into our ‘Search’ retreat and find out more about our Catholic faith.
Through asking questions such as what is love, what is happiness, what is my purpose, what is the point of the church and where is my place in the church, our teens were encouraged to critically think about the faith that they were raised in and make it their own. Our five sessions, which were structured around these questions, were accompanied by small groups. These groups encouraged us to break our big questions down and make sense of them together.
“Hood Time” was a highlight for a lot of our teens, giving them the opportunity to meet as a sisterhood and brotherhood to further strengthen their bonds not just socially, but also through the power of prayer. The teens prayed over each other, reminding themselves that they are not alone in this faith journey. Singing around the bonfire, a big family rosary and our talent night were moments where we got to grow in communion together and share our gifts.
The teens experienced several beautiful times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Holy Mass and Adoration. A true experience of heaven meeting earth. However, nothing bonded us more than finding out that our families were being sent into Level 3 while we were having the time of our lives in the Kaimais!
By the end of camp, we had formed a family unit. Our perfect camp bubble! Over the weekend, we got to see the true manifestation of the body of Christ; one where everyone played their role in making the camp experience as fruitful and fun as it was. Us leaders witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit as we saw our teens grow in confidence, friendship, and love of Christ. Although the return from our high energy camp back to Level 3 was slightly sombre, we returned with enthusiasm for our faith, and a burning desire for more!
Please pray for our Life Teen and Edge youth as they continue to journey together in faith!
Readings for next Weekend:
First Reading: Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Second Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34
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