“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst
John 6:35
Mass/Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion in Beachlands is held at St Hilda's Church, 3 Wakelin Rd. Beachlands.
Our next Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion is on Saturday, October 19th at 4.30pm.
Our next Mass will be held on Saturday, November 2nd.
Mass at 4.30pm will be held on the Saturday corresponding to the first Sunday of the month.
On the other Saturdays of the month there will be Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion at 4.30pm.
Our next Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion is on Saturday, October 19th at 4.30pm.
Our next Mass will be held on Saturday, November 2nd.
Mass at 4.30pm will be held on the Saturday corresponding to the first Sunday of the month.
On the other Saturdays of the month there will be Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion at 4.30pm.
The Season of Creation
September 1 to October 4 is the Season of Creation in the Church year. A time when we consider our relationship with the planet. Here are the final 2 paragraphs of Pope Francis' letter regarding this year's theme, "Hope and Act with Creation". I think this gives us all, something to reflect upon.
8. The protection of creation, then, is not only an ethical issue, but one that is eminently theological, for it is the point where the mystery of man and the mystery of God intersect. This intersection can be called “creative”, since it originates in the act of love by which God created human beings in Christ. That creative act of God enables and grounds the freedom and morality of all human activity. We are free precisely because we were created in the image of God who is Jesus Christ, and, as a result, are “representatives” of creation in Christ himself. A transcendent (theological-ethical) motivation commits Christians to promoting justice and peace in the world, not least through the universal destination of goods. It is a matter of the revelation of the children of God that creation awaits, groaning as in the pangs of childbirth. At stake is not only our earthly life in history, but also, and above all, our future in eternity, the eschaton of our blessedness, the paradise of our peace, in Christ, the Lord of the cosmos, crucified and risen out of love. 9. To hope and act with creation, then, means to live an incarnational faith, one that can enter into the suffering and hope-filled “flesh” of others, by sharing in the expectation of the bodily resurrection to which believers are predestined in Christ the Lord. In Jesus, the eternal Son who took on human flesh, we are truly children of the Father. Through faith and baptism, our life in the Spirit begins (cf. Rom 8:2), a holy life, lived as children of the Father, like Jesus (cf. Rom 8:14-17), since by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ lives in us (cf. Gal 2:20). In this way, our lives can become a song of love for God, for humanity, with and for creation, and find their fullness in holiness. [3] Rome, Saint John Lateran, 27 June 2024 New Saturday liturgy arrangement going well
There will be no Easter liturgy at Beachlands. As this is the most important feast day in the Church year we are asked to attend Mass in Howick or at one of the other local Catholic parishes.
On Palm Sunday we will have a Celebration of the Word with Holy Communion with distribution of the palms at the end of Mass. The liturgy will include the reading of The Passion. Pope Francis issues new encyclical on the climate crisisOn Wednesday, 4 October, Pope Francis has issued his Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum (Praise God), a follow-up statement on ecology to his Encyclical Laudato si’ on the Care of Our Common Home, which was issued eight years ago. The release of Laudate Deum on St. Francis of Assisi’s liturgical feast day corresponds not only with the end of the Season of Creation, but also with the start of the month-long Synod on Synodality.
In the new document, Pope Francis adds that “our responses have not been adequate” eight years after Laudato si’, in which he revealed his heartfelt worries for the care of our common home; and yet the world continues to feel the consequences. Reflecting on the global climate problem, Pope Francis argues that increasing incidences of extreme weather events (heat, droughts) are evidence of “a silent disease that affects everyone” and he urges everyone not to dismiss it. He observes that it is no longer feasible to reject the human “anthropic” origins of climate change; it is clear that the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which was steady until the 19th century, has increased in tandem with industrial development during the last 50 years. Furthermore, the recent half-century has experienced the most exceptional rise in temperatures, larger than any time in the previous two thousand years. You can read the encyclical in full by clicking the link below. The Synod's working document setting the future of the ChurchCatholics in Aotearoa are being urged to read the working document that will guide the synod meeting in Rome in October, and help to set the future direction of the Church.
Instrumentum Laboris is a document of discernment that reflects the voices of the People of God from the previous stages of the synod process. We are invited to prayerfully read and reflect on the document and to pray for the synod's work over the next 18 months. A copy of Instrumentum Laboris with supporting documents is available here: I come to Your tableLord Jesus, you invite me to the altar
to share in your sacred meal. Help me be a worthy guest as I sit at the table waiting to receive your holy body, your precious blood, laid out as bread and wine. Sanctified by Your words of consecration, your gift to us. I come to your table Lord that I might receive the grace to serve you well, and gain everlasting life for my eternal soul. Accept me into your presence and grant me your redeeming love, that I may do your will, forever and ever. Amen. © Kevin Saunders 2013 |
Pope's prayer intention - OctoberEcumenismLord Jesus Christ, You call us together in faith and love. Breathe again the new life of your Holy Spirit among us that we may hear your holy word, pray in your name, seek unity among Christians (and harmony with all men and women) and live more fully the faith we profess. All glory and honour be yours with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
Parish Prayer Come Holy Spirit enter our hearts and our lives. Guide us as we journey forward in faith to meet the challenges of our times. Grant us the strength to respond faithfully to the call of the Gospel through the witness of our lives. Inspire within us the commitment to shape a better world. Lead us to form a community of faith here at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Beachlands, celebrating God’s presence among us and the saving act of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Set alight in us the fire of Your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen © Kevin Saunders 2000 
Lord Jesus, I pray you be the song
in my heart. May your name be on my lips as I go about this day. I want to move to the beat of your Gospel. To dance to the rhythm of your love. 
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Do you remember?
You can find more photos on the Gallery page.
Community Notice Board
Caring Group to help our community
They'll know we are Christians by our love. And one way we can show our Christian love is to care for one another, especially in times of need or distress.
Several people have already volunteered their services to start the Group but we need more. We also need to know if there is anyone who needs help from the Caring Group. So, if you would like to be a volunteer who may be called upon from time to time please contact Glenis Clapham (ph: 09 536 6305) or Kathie McNabney (ph: 09 530 8130). If you need some help or know of someone from our community who needs help please let Glenis or Kathie know. Planned GivingHave you considered joining the parish planned giving programme? No more searching through your purse or wallet at collection time. You will be provided with a set of envelopes which need only be placed in the basket with your donation inside. And best of all at the end of each tax year you will receive a statement of your contributions so you can make a claim on your tax return.
Why not join up now. Contact the parish office or follow the link below for further information. Ph 5348710 |
How giving a little can mean a lot
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40) There are always people in need, sometimes long term, sometimes short term, sometimes in an emergency. The parish Food Bank, run by the Howick branch of the SVDP society, helps many families who find themselves in need of basic food items. Through supporting this we are putting into action the Church's principles of Social Justice: Human Dignity, Preferential Option for the Poor, the Common Good, Solidarity, Subsidiarity, Stewardship and Participation.
When you come to Mass at Beachlands try to bring one food item, a packet or can that can be added to the Food Bank, and place it in the basket on the table when you come in. Giving a little can mean such a lot. 
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