3rd Sunday of Lent
20 March 2022
Readings for Third Sunday of Lent
First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
Welcome to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Matthew
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus speaks of repentance and gives the parable of the fig tree. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we find the gardener who will not give up on us, as we kneel before the mercy of God — again and again and again.
Pope Francis Monthly Intention: A Christian Response to Bioethical Challenges
We pray for Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.
Pope Francis seeks Kiwi feedback on direction of Catholic Church
The bishops are using a direct papal message to invite people – Catholic or not – to take part in a survey for the ongoing international synod on the future direction of the Church. They have issued a statement about the survey, which is attached, along with a logo from the survey. The statement is also online:
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/synod-feedback/
The survey itself is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NZCBCSynod
We pray for the Ukraine...
Holy and Gracious God
We pray for the people of the Ukraine, for their country and their leader.
We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.
We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.
We pray for those who choose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.
We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ.
Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace in Ukraine.
And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son.
Lord have mercy.
Amen
Our prayerful sympathy to the Bennion and Peacocke families:
Bob Peacocke
Our prayers are also with the family of Bob Peacocke, who died on Tuesday, especially his wife Sue, daughters Caroline, Stef and Helen and large extended family. Bob was heavily involved in the restoration of the St Mary’s Convent Chapel and other Diocesan projects.
His Requiem will be held on Monday at 1.30pm. Due to the Covid restrictions, and the limitation on numbers, it will be livestreamed at https:/vimeo.com/688624995/018f7605f1
Mary Bennion
May Bob & Mary rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon them.
Welcome to the faith community Blair Elsa Parry-Kimber daughter of Jamie & Rhys. Blair will be baptised on Sunday.
Congratulations...
to Melissa Hughes and Jacob Tyler who were married on Friday. May they be abundantly blessed as they begin their married life together.
RCIA
Come along to Edge this weekend for an awesome afternoon of games, a movie of your choice and FREE WAFFLES! The 2022 Net Hamilton team will be joining us too. So if you're year 7 or 8, come on over with a mate! (Vaccine passes are not required for this gathering)
For a Synodal Church communion / participation / mission
Invitation to Participate to parishioners, friends and families of St Matthew's Parish
Two meetings have now been held at St Matthews, inviting the community to contribute to our submission to the Parish and Diocese. The large sheets with the 10 questions and people’s responses are posted around the walls in the foyer at St Matthew’s, and will remain there until the end of March. Parishioners are invited to add their comments using the felt pens supplied. Thank you all for a fruitful consultation, as we seek to respond to Pope Francis’ call to grow as a synodal church community, on the journey together.
Any queries, please contact Pam 027 872 2910 or Christina 027 499 1330.
Vacancies for Prison Chaplains
Applications are sought from suitably qualified people for a number of Catholic chaplaincy positions in prisons in Hamilton and Dunedin dioceses of New Zealand. The successful applicants will become a member of a chaplaincy team providing spiritual and religious support to all prisoners. Chaplains work with prisoners as they encounter the challenges of incarceration and separation from loved ones and whānau.
Go here for details: Prison Chaplains
"But who do you say I am?"
Silent Directed Retreats in 2022
A silent directed retreat consists of individual spiritual direction each day (roughly 20 to 30 mins). Retreatants will be directed by either Fr Carl Telford SM or Fr John Jolliffe SM. The remainder of the day is at your disposal for prayer / spiritual reading / relaxation / leisure. These retreats are fully catered and each private room has its own ensuite. Cost - $118 fee for a weekend retreat (weekday retreats also available) - payable by Credit Card. If the fee is unaffordable please email alexb@cdh.org.nz to receive a discount code. Visit cdh.org.nz/events to register.
Weekend Retreats: April 1 - 3, April 22 - 24, May 13 - 15, June 10 - 12,
September 9 -11, November 18-20.
November 21 - 24.
Daily Reflections during Lent
Sign up for daily reflections for Lent at www.foodforfaith.org.nz
Food For Faith - an Aotearoa New Zealand based online mission.
Catholic Theological College Hamilton course
TH603 Renewing the Church - begins 30 April
Vatican 11 opened the windows of the Church, now Pope Francis invites the Church to question itself on its life and mission.
For more information contact Cynthia:
phone 021 704 411 or email c.piper@atc.ac.nz
Readings for Fourth Sunday of Lent
First Reading: Joshua 5:9-12
Second Reading: St Paul to Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Contact Us
Assistant Priest: Fr Isaac Fransen frisaac@hamcathedral.co.nz
Sacramental Programmes: Andrea Savage andrea@cathedral.cdh.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