Morena – Passionist Family Group members and friends,
I hope this finds you all positive and well and as we still adjust to this wet weather. The good news is that cases have gone down and with that the decision to remove masks has been promulgated. There is as always a mixed reacton but the removal of these masks has been lauded loudly. Obviously, it is up to each of us to use commn sense. If you have a cold or sick then stay at home a caring gesture for the health of the community.
I have travelled this country since June2 021 and with much thankfulness I have not caught Covid but I am well awaret hat at some stage this will most likely happen. I have been grateful that this Passionist Family Group work has not stalled rather we have been able to meet sensiby and support each other. Some communities have just withdrawn due to the fear of catching the virus while others have sought ways to connectand ensure eople are supported.
My own mantra has been whatever happens “connect” this Movement is about a group of families becoming family. Weare there to listen, encourage, prayer with and for one another, be available to serve each other in ways that are simple – a phone call, a text, a card, an email, a note, a Zoom or facetime call, drop off a meal, scones etc. This action is our prayer made out of love, care and concern.
We get criticised that we are not seen as praying enough? What does that meaan? Some think that saying a lot of prayers will being community? Some think that we all should be seen publically praying? My mother set a profound example by being there for people when they needed it – a letters, a note -she had eleven children and could be seen running here and there to meet others expectations. Her’s was a labour of love and commitment to her God through service to others. A down to earth practical lived christianity – St Paul was a model for her and I a sure he would have confirmed her for her faith, love and ability t0 be there for others.
I read once that our life is a prayer; all thoughts,deed and actions flowing into a community. It’s not a private thing, it should all point to our common life were we are called to be a sigh of compassion, hope,mercy, justice and forgiveness for and to one another. Passionist Family Groups do pray and they do suport and encourage others. Let us all as we move forward, reach out to our fellow group members, commit to monthly gatherings ad seek to build bonds that reflect a life that Jesus would expect of us. As St. Mary McKillop said,”Never see a need without doing something about it”.
I am heartened and encouraged by you all and your ongoing work at being ‘family’ to each other. Keep at it – this work is not done. The world is full of pain, lonliness and isolation let us through Passionist Family groups assist peopl to come ‘home’. – “When you are called to lead, you are called to serve. You become the servant because leadership is all about being of service to others.”
“Ask not to have more, but to be more” Oscar Romero – Blessings, fellowship and prayer – Paul
Update:
Over the past week I have had meetings with Christchurch West, South and North parishes and group coordinators. What is heartening is that most groups have continued to meet regularly and many have said that te people who are unwell or affected by Covid just put in an apology and this openned the way for communication and folllow up. It is positive that both Christchurch South and North are looking to relaunch Passionist Family Grous in ealry 2023. The Christchurch West group is also keen.
I was in Ashburton and spoke at the masses and then meet with the Priests and PFG Coordinators and discussed where to from here. We are looking to relaunch Passionist Family Groups on the weekend of February 18/19 2023. Then, on March 5th there will be a whole Parish picnic. Lots of positivity.
The Orewa set up will formally happen on Friday 23rd Sptember and Lindsay Brand along with George and Judy Quinney met last Saturday to support the two new couples who are going to share the Pasrish Coordinator role. Thanks to Fr Raphael for his encouragement and positivity in initiating Passionist Family Groups in the Orewa/Manly parish.
The East Coast Bays relaunch will be on 24/25 September. I extend my thanks and her team for the work they have put in to readying the parish for this occasion and thank Fr Emile for his ongoing support.
Scripture Reflection: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, 18 September 2022.
Those in power and authority are as in need of our prayers as the poor and marginalised.
Lectionary readings
First reading: Amos 8:4-7
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 112(113):1-2, 4-8
Second reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Gospel: Luke 16:1-13
Link to readings – click here
INTRODUCTION
This week’s readings highlight that God is Lord of the poor, the needy and the oppressed – as well
as being the God of those in positions of power and authority. The readings also testify to these two sides of witnessing to our faith.
The prophet Amos gives a powerful message, fiercely condemning social injustice – and especially those who trample on and exploit the needy and impoverished. (First Reading) Jesus, too, is unambiguous when it comes to the right use of money. Tainted as it is, money has a place in the life of believers. However, it should be used ethically for the greater good of all. (Gospel)
St Paul urges us to lives of prayer. We are to pray for all, including those in positions of political authority, for they have responsibility to care for the vulnerable in society and preserve the peace. God longs for a loving and truthful relationship with all people. (Second Reading) Today’s Psalm, a hymn of praise, glorifies God – in particular because of the care and compassion he shows for the poor and lowly.
Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals
- share & celebrate life & faith
- support one another (especially in need)
- reaching out to & include others
- build community/extended family
- show example to children
“I think the world is upside down We have no time for each other” -Mother Teresa
Humour:
- “What has more letters than the alphabet?” “The post office!”
- “Dad, did you get a haircut?” “No, I got them all cut!”
- “What do you call a poor Santa Claus?” “St. Nickel-less.”
- “I got carded at a liquor store, and my Blockbuster card accidentally fell out. The cashier said never mind.”
- “Where do boats go when they’re sick?” “To the boat doc.”
- “I don’t trust those trees. They seem kind of shady.”
- “My wife is really mad at the fact that I have no sense of direction. So I packed up my stuff and right!”
- “How do you get a squirrel to like you? Act like a nut.”
- “Why don’t eggs tell jokes? They’d crack each other up.”
- “I don’t trust stairs. They’re always up to something.”
- “What do you call someone with no body and no nose? Nobody knows.”
Pease remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Paul Darbyshire (Linda and family)
- Boyd Dunlop (Judith and family)
- Wilma Schimanski and family
- Ross Darbyshire and family – Ross is improving.
- Julie Neve her two children, family and friends. – Julie is mending
- Your own intentions
- https://youtu.be/845hdo6RALM – Patty Felker
Have a good week,
Blessings, prayer, and warm regards,
Paul