WEEKDAY MASS: We now have Mass during the week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9am.

ST PHILOMENA’S DISCUSSION GROUP: This Discussion Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, in the school staff room from 1.30—2.30pm. The next meeting is Thursday 14th May. For more information phone Ian McGill 753 3513

ST PHILOMENA’S PRAYER GROUP: This group has operated for some years, originally on a day when Mass was celebrated. It now seems certain we will have Wednesday Mass and in an effort to increase our Prayer Group numbers, the group will now meet on Wednesday after 9.00am Mass. Please join with us on this day.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION: Preparation for this Sacrament begins today Sunday 10th May . There is Mass at St Joseph’s at 5.30pm followed by a meeting. Please encourage your children, grandchildren, godsons and goddaughters to consider opening their hearts to God in this most important faith celebration. (For Year 11 and above) Registration forms are available in the church porch.

DOMBROSKI FAMILY GROUP: Sunday May 17. Lunch at Sunworld at 12.30pm.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL: Any good quality used clothing you have to spare would be most welcome at the St Vincent de Paul Opportunity Shop in the Fitzroy shopping arcade, New Plymouth. Our stocks are running low and if we are to continue to provide the services funded through the shop, your support is essential. The shop would be most grateful for any donations of summer or winter clothing. Any inquiries can be made to 75-86740.

ROSTERS: for May are now available. Please check to see if there is one for your family. Thank you.

CARITAS ANNUAL REPORT: for 2008. Copies are now available in the porch.

CONFLICT IN SRI LANKA: Caritas has responded to the latest displacement and suffering of civilians in the Sri Lankan civil war by pledging NZ$50,000 towards the international Caritas relief effort, as over 200,000 people face a critical need for food, water and medical attention. Caritas is accepting donations towards this. They can be made by credit card by phoning 0800 22 10 22 or visiting www.caritas.org.nz online, or by posting a cheque to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144.

MULTI-CULTURAL LITURGY SERVICE: Friday 19 June at 7pm. Please bring some of your cultures' food to share. For more information, call Susan 757 3682 or e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FREE COUNSELLING: Anne Marie Molloy is a trainee counsellor based at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. More information on the notice board.

YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: We are still looking for a Youth Ministry Co-ordinator for Taranaki, but before we employ someone we need to do some more ground work and better clarify what we want and most importantly, who we want to fill this vital position. In the meantime we are going to provide some opportunities for our young people from throughout Taranaki to get together. One thing which was a huge success when we were preparing for WYD 2008 was the Warehouse Stock take. We did such a good job that they’ve asked us to do it again. We need your help again to make it a success. It’s worth at least $10,000 to us and maybe as much as $13,000. We are looking for helpers, including youth, young adults and parents for the nights of the 3rd to 7th June. If you want to have a good time and you can hack a few late nights then contact Michelle 753 8553 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

DOVE CATHOLIC FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN: invites all women to join us for our meeting held on Wednesday, 20th May from 7pm-9pm in St Philomena's Catholic Church, 112 Brooklands Rd, New Plymouth. All denominations most welcome. Ph: Suzette 756 8843 or Kath 7535528 For more information about Dove go to www.dove.org.nz

NZ CATHOLIC: Headlines from the May 3 – May 16, issue of NZ Catholic: Pope’s Mid-East visit expected to offer hope . . . Abortions get rubber stamp, stats suggest . . . Marist letters give insight into early colonial history . . . Auckland’s last Rosminian leaves . . . Nuns expand to Hamilton . . . Rolheiser: Hatred and true religion . . . Easter from around NZ and the world . . . Recession lifting Mass counts? On sale now in the church porch.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: Last opportunity to book on the Marriage Encounter weekend being held at Waikanae this coming Weekend. Gift this weekend to your spouse, you both deserve it! Phone Neil or Francie on 0800 362686 for details.

WRITING COMPETITION: Entries for the Knights of the Southern Cross 2009 religious writing competition must be received on or before 6 June. The competition topic is The Church is celebrating the ‘Pauline Year’.   Why is Saint Paul important? What does Saint Paul say to me? Full details of this free competition and the prizes offered are shown on the Archdiocesan website www.wn.catholic.org.nz/?sid=196 or can be obtain by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .