FOUR IN ONE

No, not opposition to the Trinity but the reception of four Sacraments for the first time at the Ascension Mass celebrated in St Philomena’s New Plymouth on 4 May. A moving liturgy presided over by Father Earl Crotty saw Andrea Butler and baby Daniel baptized, Andrea making her First Holy Communion, receiving as well the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Proud husband Andy with godparents Debra Barry and David McCullum and Sr Mary Wyss, supported mother and baby on this great day. Daniel’s sister Catherine and brother Patrick were also in attendance.

The sacraments were integrated with the Mass, where the Gospel and Prayers of the Faithful formed part of the sacramental administration, the baptismal vows supplanting the creed. This was a wondrous, unique day for the family and our parish. Needless to say the church was packed, with tea and cakes the order of the day for “afters”.

FOOD CLOTHING AND SHELTER

For some years now our parish has supported Habitat for Humanity by supplying the doors for the sixteen or so houses that have been built in the North Taranaki Pastoral Area and so our obligation to provide shelter is being fulfilled. However, there are those who are denied all three necessities of life and, accordingly, that monetary contribution will now go to CARITAS who provide all the necessities of life to those who are much less fortunate than you and me.

We can all assist this process by contributions to the Malvina Major Charitable Fund or direct to CARITAS in the envelopes at the back of the church. The Malvina Major Charitable Fund came about through an appeal from the pulpit made by Barry Fabish, some 20 or so years ago.

Malvina Major was a parishioner at the time and she offered to put on a fundraising concert if we as a parish would organise and advertise the project. Father Tom made St Joseph’s church available, many businesses lent support, the Operatic Society lent us their grand piano, Malvina obtained the services of her accompanist and the concert took place. More was raised than was needed and the Malvina Major Charitable Trust was formed to assist those in need for whatever reason. Since then many thousands of dollars have been received by way of bequest and donation, but, needless to say, the need for assistance outstrips the funding available.

Donations are welcome—these can be made through the Sunday Collection, with the envelope clearly marked, (including your Planned Giving number for tax rebate)—or to Sister Mary, Barry Fabish or any member of the Parish Leadership Team.

Syd Wells