CUP OF TEA: After Mass 6 December. Served by the Parish Council.

COLUMBAN CALENDARS: now on sale, $7.

HOLIDAY HOUSE WANTED: To Rent or Exchange. A house is required over the Christmas period.  A mature couple whose son and family are now living in Brooklands Road wish to rent or exchange their Cambridge home for one in the Brooklands area.
If you are able to help please contact them on ph 07 827 3146 or alternatively locally to 753 6015.

ENCOUNTERING THE WORD MADE FLESH: Advent Retreat Day with Sue Cosgrove dolc, encountering Christ in you and in other people. Saturday 28 November, 10am – 3 pm. Josephite Retreat Centre 14 Hillside Tce, Whanganui To register please phone Adrienne 06 345 5047 extn 3 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it $20 please bring own lunch

YOUTH NEWS: In 2010 two new initiatives for youth begin. Are they for you?

Parish 2011 WYD Internship Program. Do you want to develop your leadership skills in a local, Parish setting? Are you interested in World Youth Day 2011?. Apply for this internship program NOW! Age: those 16 – 33 at August 09. Application in by end of Nov. Contact your Parish Priest, local Catholic Youth Minister or Sean Ryan for application pack 027 449 6506; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

House of Discernment; If you enjoy living in community and are trying to ‘discern’ your purpose in life, come and talk to us about this new project. Opens Jan/Feb 2010
Age: 20 – 35 Contact your Parish Priest, local Catholic Youth Minister, or Kathleen Field 021 509 436; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

JOSEPHITE SPIRITUALITY DAY: Do any of these values resonate with you -
• Down to earth practicality,
• Sacredness in the ordinary,
• Courage, simplicity and joyfulness of spirit?
These values and others will be explored in a reflective evening around Jospehite Charisma and Spirituality at St Jospeh’s Parish Hall, Devon St on Thurs 26th November from 5.30 to 9pm. Includes a light tea. Hospted by the North Taranaki Pastoral Area and facilitated by Jospehite Affiliates, Nga Uri O Hohepa, Whanganui. To register ph Susan on 7573682 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ADVENT WREATH BLESSING: St Jospeh’s Church; Wednesday 25 Nov at 7.30pm. Join with the Catholic and Anglican Parishes and Catholic schools of New Plymouth in the blessing of the Advent Wreath.

PARISH POT LUCK LUNCH: Today after Mass at Old Boys Rugby Club Rooms, Carrington Street.

NZ CATHOLIC: Headlines from the November 15-28th issue of NZ Catholic: Record intake predicted for NZ seminary . . . Bishops approves instruction for new Mass . . . Crucifix row has Rome cross . . . Prelates seek action on abortion . . . Little Sisters’ work praised . . . Theology institute celebrates 20 years . . . 44 pilgrims follow Exodus journey . . . Berlin Wall events said to ignore the Church . . . NZ icon honours Hawaii icon.

THE PHILOMENA-CHRISTMAS EDITION: Contributions for the Christmas Edition are welcome. Photos, articles, reports and comments should be with the editor, Diane Kawana by Dec 15. Thank you. Ph 7534956 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FAGALOA PARISH CHURCH REBUILDING – SAMOA: This parish church in Samoa was severely damaged some time ago by a hurricane and has been slowly rebuilding. The recent tsunami has meant funds have completely dried up. One of our parishioners, Alena Soffeni has been asked by Fr Nimo, the parish priest of Fagaloa if we can help with funding. As a result a retiring collection will be held today . Please help if you can. If you would like a receipt envelopes are available for this. If you can’t give today, please take an envelope and put it in the basket at any Mass in New Plymouth. They will be returned to us. We are the family parish and responding to a plea for help from one of our own.

CATHOLIC PARISH TO PARISH B&B Parishioners are required to provide homes, in your area for "Bed and Breakfast" The accommodation is bed and continental breakfast at a charge of $30 a night for one  or $40 a night for 2 persons sharing a room. For full details, please phone Marie Anderson 03-3595541 or email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIANS: is holding a 24-hr vigil of prayer, contemplation and adoration of the Eucharist commencing at 10am on Friday 27th November through to 10am on Saturday 28th November. We would like to extend a warm invitation to any of you who are moved to join us. We need to pray for vocations to the priesthood, unity and peace in our lives, our communities and the world. Each participant will commit to be present with God in our church for one hour during the vigil. There is a sign-up sheet on display in our church porch, and anyone who would like to be part of our vigil is most welcome to call in and put their name beside an available hour. Any further information required can be obtained from Agnes 769 9630 or Moragh 758 6365. Thank you all.

TSB ASCOT COMMUNITY HOUSE: is a warm, friendly venue where older adults of New Plymouth meet one day a week for companionship, entertainment, outings and social interaction. The Tainui Village provides staff, transport and meals. Members are transported from and to their own homes. The service is well supported by a team of volunteers. Open 50 weeks a year. For more information contact Susan Walsh or Glendyr Field at Tainui Village 7536597 during business hours.