CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS CHEETHAM

Congratulations to Mrs Cheetham who received her official Teacher Certification after two years of provisionally teaching. This was a wonderful event last Friday night and celebrated two years of her growing into an outstanding educator. Mrs Cheetham is a real asset to Our Lady of Lourdes school and we are so thrilled to have her with us.

Through listening and discernment grounded in the Holy Spirit, the entire people of God are called to contribute to a process by which the Church deepens in understanding of mission and looks toward the future.

A Synod, which is the process by which we will begin this important work, is not just a convening of Bishops reflecting on a particular topic and advising the Pope. A Synod is a journey of discernment, in which we are called to pray and reflect upon the Holy Spirit’s work in the Church.

Through our listening and our sharing, we will seek to understand what the Spirit’s will is saying in the topic being discussed – and thus, for the Church. For the 2023 Ordinary Synod of Bishops, that topic is synodality. Synodality is something that in many ways we are still in the process of understanding and experiencing.

As Thomas O’Loughlin said in a recent article in Tui Motu, if you don’t really know what the word means, “that is a good place to start because no one knows exactly what it means.” He goes on to say that “when we want to be creative, to discover new solutions and face into the future as a challenge knowing that the Spirit is with us, then it is best NOT to start from a very fixed and defined point.” Synodality is about discerning how the Spirit is moving through and with the People of God, so that we may continue to fulfill our mission to evangelise in the world.

Cardinal John said that this Synod is very different from any other he has been part of in the past. He quoted Pope Francis, encouraging us to take part in the adventure of this journey and to "Read, listen, share, dialogue with others, have your say in the consultation process" that is now underway.

If we do not hear from you by the 19th, the office will make contact.

The trip is on Thursday 25th November. An itinerary was placed on Seesaw last week. More information will be posted over the coming days.

Thank you.

The items currently available for purchase are:

• short sleeved polo shirts
• Skorts
• PE shorts
• PE tops
• Sun hats (navy)
• Socks (navy/white)

We are now 'phasing in' our new gender neutral school uniform over the next 2 years. This means for the next 2 years your child can wear the current school uniform or the new school uniform.

We do ask that by the start of the school year 2024 all students be dressed in the full new school uniform.

Blessings from OLO Staff

• TERM 4 DATES

• 25th - Senior overnight camp

• 9th - Year 6 Graduation mass - if we are under Level 2 conditions this would be for Year 6 children and families only. We know Covid, and the Delta strain has bought many changes to all our lives however keeping everyone well and safe is our priority. Therefore the following will apply -
• A limit of 3 people per family - please have a think as a family and organised before the evening
• Masks will be worn and families will be socially distanced

• 14th - Final day of the year - school closes at 1pm. We will have a final prize giving assembly on this day

The annual Diocesan Mass to celebrate the priestly ordinations will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North, on Tuesday 30th November at 12.05 pm.

The Jubilarians this year are Bishop Peter Cullinane (60 years, 23/12/1961), Fr. David Moore SM (60 years, 6/7/1961), Fr. Marcus Francis (20 years, 24/2/2001), Fr. Manoj Mathew IC (10 years, 6/10/2011).

Parishioners, guests, and friends are welcome to attend. Besides the 100 allowed in the Cathedral there will be provision for overflow. Because of Covid 19 restrictions this year we are not able to have hospitality in the Cathedral gathering area after the Jubilee Mass.

Chris Reilly

Diocese of Palmerston North

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Ngā manaaki o te wā! – Greetings of this day!

To celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of your children into the various ministries of the church in 2021, there will be a Children’s Ministry Appreciation Party hosted by the Citywide Young Families Ministry.

Your child/ren are invited.

When: 16th December 2021

Where: Bowlarama, 94 Cuba Street, Palmerston North

Time: 5:30pm -8pm

What to bring:

1. Clean socks for bowling shoes
2. Water bottle

In order to satisfy our strict Health and Safety protocols, your registration for this event is mandatory.

Please click this link to register.

If you have any questions about this event, please be in contact with Basia McIntosh, Young Families Minister bmcintosh@pndiocese.org.nz or 021 0820 3750.

Basia McIntosh

Young Families Minister

Diocese of Palmerston North

Term 2 - Monday 2nd May - Friday 8th July

Term 3 - Monday 25th July - Friday 30th September

Term 4 - Monday 17th October - 14th December (to be confirmed)