Reflection

In the Gospel today our Heavenly Father invites us to the Kingdom of

Heaven. It’s an honour and a privilege. I realise it’s a call we answer

every day and I know what my answer must be. How we choose to

‘clothe’ ourselves is a reflection of how seriously we take the

invitation. I ask myself, am I dressed appropriately in robes of love,

generosity, kindness, humility, selflessness?

For myself, being born and raised Catholic I believe I have the

materials at my disposal to clothe myself worthily. I have learnt from

an early age and more importantly have witnessed in the lives of my

family, compassion, love, generosity, humility and kindness. I have

also seen this in abundance in communities I have been a part of. It’s

also so very evident here at St Mark’s.

I find it’s not easy following the straight and narrow. When caught up

in the rush and stresses of life, I find my robe of compassion or love

for neighbour, of generosity or kindness tends to slip from my

shoulders more often than I would like. In these moments what helps

me get back on the right track is inspiration from the unconditional

love I am fortunate to experience from my family, daily family prayer,

Mass and the example and witness of friends and our community

here at St Marks.

I will continue to aspire to be ‘dressed’ every day in manner worthy of

the Kingdom of God. I count my blessings and I know we are blest to

have a loving, caring, forgiving God and a wonderful community.

God Bless

Myra D’Souza

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Lord’s Wedding Feast

11th October 2020

Jesus uses the familiar metaphors of salt and light to describe the life of discipleship. We take salt and light for granted in our society, Usually we do not notice it until, suddenly, we are without it. Whenever we experience power-failures, tasteless food we are reminded that we are particularly dependent on light for clear vision and taste on salt , we realize how necessary light and salt are in our everyday lives.

The gospel reading invites us to reflect on the significance of the light of Christ in our lives. The image of worldly light is used to communicate the deeper meaning of the light of Christ. Light dispels darkness. It gives us confidence because it points us in the right direction. It enables us to see things as they are.

Jesus used the image of light and salt when speaking to his disciples. He told them that they were the light of the world, and salt of the earth. just as he was their light. By imitating his teaching and example in their own lives

Te Whare Karakia o Hato Maaka, Pakuranga

Fr Sherwin Lapaan Parish Priest

sherwin@stmark.org.nz

Fr Jude Algama Assistant Priest jude@stmark.org.nz

Chris Sullivan Deacon

admin@stmark.org.nz

Mannix Lopez PARISH PASTORAL

CO-ORDINATOR

mannix@stmark.org.nz

Evelyn Green-Thompson PARISH SECRETARY

evie@stmark.org.nz

Priscilla Cefre Accounts

accounts@stmark.org.nz

OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday

8.30am — 3.00pm

Sunday 9.30am — 1.00pm

334 Pakuranga Rd

PO Box 51184 Pakuranga, Auckland 2140

PH (09) 576 7959

Email

admin@stmark.org.nz

Website: https://stmarkspakuranga.org.nz

That All May Be One Jubilee Year 1971—2021

Welcome Back

It is a blessing to see everyone back at Mass in person. All ministries are back to normal – please refer to your

roster and confer with your Mass co-ordinator

St Mark’s Young Adults

𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞𝟏𝟎𝟏 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐫. 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐢𝐧 Date: 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 Time: 𝟐:𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝟓𝐩𝐦 Venue: 𝐋𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐧, 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤'𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚

Note: please 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 along! We are excited to be able to meet in person again for our October session! There will be some food and drinks at the start of the session. Watch the invitation video of Fr Sherwin for more details uploaded in the St Mark’s Facebook page. We hope to see you there! P.S. if you attended the Escape Room Adventure Launch, you will be receiving your prizes Fr Sherwin has mentioned.

Children’s Liturgy Will start on the 18th October 2020

Sacrament of Baptism

Baptisms will take place every 1st & 3rd Saturday of the

month @ 11.00am. If you would like your child to be

baptised, please contact Mannix at the office.

Sacraments of First Holy Communion &

Confirmation

Will be held on the 18th October 2020 @

12.30pm Please contact Mannix at the Parish

Office 09 576 7959

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. (John 15:16)

Starts on Wednesday, 14th October 2020 @ 7.00pm in the

Parish Centre

Contact: Mannix – 027 248 4232 - Parish Office

Rosemary Palmer – 021 163 9141

Email: mannix@stmark.org.nz

AN ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You; never permit me to be separated from You. Amen

Wednesday Evening Mass Will resume @ 7.00pm on 14th October 2020

Music Ministry We need a Musician, Choir or Organist for the 8.30am Mass on Christmas morning, if you are available, please contact Evie at the Parish office

Communion Minister - 6.30pm Mass Please contact the office if you are available to serve at the above Mass

Altar Servers – 6.30pm Mass If you can serve at the above Mass, please contact the office.

Mass Co-ordinators Needed for the 5.30pm, 10.30am & 6.30pm Mass. Please contact the office if you are available.

Rosters These can be found on the Church App https://pakurangacatholic.churchapps.co.nz/admin/Links/ or Parish

Website https://stmarkspakuranga.org.nz/altar/ and are available in the church foyer.

4th – 17th Oct 2020 Please see below the link to a digital copy https://indd.adobe.com/view/698d4346-8ba8-465b-9b90-c612e4d57a8c

This can also be found on our Parish Website under News & Events Communion to the Sick For those who are sick and would like to receive Holy Communion, please contact the office

Mass will continue to be live streamed Tue—Sat @ 9.00am & Sat Vigil @ 5.30pm & Sun 10.30am on St Mark’s FB Page: St Mark Pakuranga & YouTube—subscribe to St Mark Pakuranga—: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9W-OJU2AH4

Mass on Shine TV Sunday Mass @ 2.00pm on Shine TV Free-to-air Channel 25, Sky Chanel 201 is ongoing. On Sunday Bishop Pat will post a short message to the Diocese through the website https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

EDUCATION

SOCIAL

ALTAR

SVDP needs breakfast cereals. In September 44 food parcels were delivered and reached 169 people (75 adults, 94 children) in our community. Thank you for your support.

Congratulations on your Baptism: - Claire Shen D. Dayon Perera Cailyn Shen Matthew Jones We wish you and your family all of God’s grace and love during this special time.

Mothers' Prayers Group A group of mothers meet in St. Mark's Church on 13th October 2020 @ 1.30pm until 2.30pm. You are more than welcome to come and pray with us for all children.

For more information please click this link: www.catholic.org.nz/resources/valuing-the-vulnerable-is-the-theme-for-respect-life-sunday-2020/

World Mission Sunday – 18th October 2020 Fr Bernard Espiritu SVD, National Director for Pontifical Missions NZ will be presiding the 10.30am & 6.30pm Mass. There will be a second collection for the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The Pontifical Mission is directed especially towards the Care of Children, the immediate Relief of the Poor and the support of Missionary Seminaries and Religious Institutions. Please give generously next week.

Jubilee Souvenirs We now have some memorabilia items to celebrate and commemorate our Parish's 50th Golden Jubilee Year! Please see what we have so far, you can place your order via the following google form link: https://forms.gle/KQeWxrgP2WaVqG1NA

Please use NAME+JUB50 as reference for online payments – please see bank details under Finance

Small Notebook - $10 T-Shirts - $20 Large Notebook - $12 Mugs - $10 Glass Mugs - $15 Tote Bags - $5 Key Rings & Fridge Magnets - $4 or 3 for $10

Vehicle for Sale

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mazda/listing/280

1641483?bof=2fI3dkH6

We need your help...Please support us via:

Direct Debit: BNZ : Acc No.: 02-0100-0120982-04

ST MARK PARISH APP! - To download: Step 1: Download ChurchApps NZ Step 2: Search "St Mark" and it will pop up with our parish Step 3: Choose your Groups to get alerts of events, rosters Step 4: Stay updated and connected to St. Mark's

Collection: 3rd & 4th October 2020 - $2,441.90

There will be collection during Mass. Gifting envelopes can still be placed into the boxes in the Church Foyer.

Gifting Envelopes for 2020 Please collect these from the Church Foyer – advise the Parish Office if you have moved onto Direct Debit

Blessings Store Will be open this Sunday, 11 October from 9am to 12noon. Gifts for First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Baptism and other prayer and religious items will be available for sale. For enquiries, please ring or text Jean – 021 383 080.

Collection of Original Homemade Recipes for St Mark’s 50th Jubilee Yearbook. Closing date for submissions is 30 September 2020. We will then compile a book for sale, all proceeds going to the Parish Fund. We are also looking for sponsors who would like to advertise in this 50th Jubilee Yearbook. Thank you.

Parish Business Directory

Can be found on the Parish website under News &

Events and Parish App

Support our Parish Trades People, Professional and Businesses

FINANCES

OTHERS

If you would like to promote your

Trade, Profession or Business,

please inform the office as we are

creating a Parish directory to

support Parishioners talents, skills,

and business

Flowers Liliana Marais

Sunday Readings

First Reading

Isaiah 25: 6-10 The Lord will prepare a banquet, and will wipe away tears from every cheek.

Psalm: 22

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

Second Reading

Philippians 4: 12-14; 19-20 There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the One who gives me strength.

Gospel

Matthew 22: 1-14

Invite everyone you can find

to the wedding.

Recently Deceased Marie Mascarenhas, Nicholas Champion, Romio Thamayo, Woo In Sook Sara, Kathleen Murray, Albert Murray, Mama Maskeringha, Santiago Venzon, Samuel Veloso, Fr Phillip Hanfordh, Agapito Encabo, Esmeraldo Blancaflor, Nemesio Fernandez

Anniversary of Death Monica Ho, Onofre Lopez, Angel Peralta Sr, Fr Goroman Leu, Aloysius, Avril, Fr Bernard, Martha Fajardo, Krugar Hillary, Genevieve Quadra, Miguel Punoabela Vivero, Marcelina Faustino Vivero, Gilberto Gido Ocampo, Gilberto Gido Ocampo Jnr, Balbina Paran Ocampo, Abraham Ocampo, Teddolfo Meneses Cabuhat Jr, Emelina Cabuaat, Elsa Sarmiento, Leticia Ocampo, Erlinda Ocampo, Kirk Abella

For the Sick: Please notify the office once the name can be removed. Martin Drushovich, Shirley van Niekerk, Georgina Fitzgerald, Ted Loughman, Irene Vas, Maria Hsieh, Arthur Sinajou, Alejandriana Sinajou, Lyan Lopez, Jean Galema, Peter Hubely, Erick Kwong, Rachel Hammond, Greg Hayes, Matt Jones, Chan Sui Ying, Annette Peterson, Anneka & Peter Wolfkamp, Lyn Visser, Matt Joue, Ann & Peter McPhillips, Joseph Weiss, Gertrude Moran, Lucy Chen, Lawrence Javis, Isabel Morais, Joan P. Ah-Wa, Barbara, Mulfide Mary R, Mehmet Rende

Liturgy of the Word Monday: 9.00am

ROSARY Tues—Friday @ 8.30am Saturday @ 8.00am

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTION

Tues—Friday @ 9.30am

Mass Times Tues—Sat: 9.00am

Wednesday: 7.00pm

Sat Vigil: 5.30pm

Sunday: 8.30am 10.30am 6.30pm

Confession / Reconciliation

Saturday: 9.30am 4.30– 5.15pm And on request

Exposition & Holy Hour

Wednesday: 9.30am - 12.00pm

Saturday: 8.00am—9.00am

1st Friday of the month 7.30pm—9.00am Saturday

ST MARK’S MISSION STATEMENT

To promote a loving, caring, Christ-like

community which accepts all people.

And is inspired by the Holy Spirit to spread

The Good News of Jesus Christ.

MORNING TEA

In the Parish Centre after the 10.30am Mass

ALL WELCOME

In the Celebration of the Eucharist and in your personal prayer, remember: -

Rosters—17th & 18th October 2020

5.30 pm 8.30am 10.30am 6.30pm Music Gospel Choir Cheryl & Choir Children’s Choir Ella Donald

Data Projectionist Hayden Kwan Adela Lee Alex Tabaco Arielle Bautista

Recording Kath Back Dorothy Miles Susan Lagman Melanie Jurgens

Cleaning Jemima & Rennel Bulay Ester & Romeo Perez Mic Guiang Reuben Reverez Gemma Reverez

Altar Servers Sylvia Tan Sean Moses Banno Matthew Calder Regina Sutjahjo Julian Wang Sabastian Banno Harini Pushpakumar Cady Lim

Wedding Anniversary

October 2020

Wishing all couples celebrating their anniversary this month a happy and blessed year ahead

Andrew & Lissy Anthony Peter & Ina Karl Thomas Wong & Patricia Mak Joromi & Ellen Guantero Mervin & Jean Lim Ramon & Dorie Santos Neville & Jenny Smith Calvin & Lyn Smith Vincente & Thelma Tiongson Nicholas & Mary Ann Tan