Morena – Passionist Family Group members, Clergy and friends,
What a week it has been and the devastation is enormous. One expects these events in Australia but not Auckland. It has been a diaster and people are still trying to deal with it as more rain has descended on Auckland, Northland and Coramandle. My heart goes out to them all. It has been heartening to see the generosity, wonderful support neighbours have given to each other. These are times that sustain people when things are grim.
What is refreshoing abut this is that we have s[oken often about theneed in Passionist Family Groups to ‘connect’ and in experiences like this past week have shown how essential it is. One young person helping and elderly woman on her own said, “we have to help her she has nowhere to go and we are here to help”. As we start this year now as I write it is the 1st February. Let us commit to getting our groups together, planning functions and gathering ofr the rest of the year and then encouraging each other to communicate, share and connect – let us live and give example to our motto; “A Family for All”.
Have a good week – enjoy your whanau/family and friends this long weekend
Blessings and prayer,
Paul
Scripture reflection – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, 5 February 2023. A light in the darkness
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Isaiah 58:7-10
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 111(112):4-9
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
Link to readings – click here
Our readings this Sunday lead us to focus on what Jesus considers to be the qualities of his disciples. In following his teaching, we can become silent witnesses to his kingdom in our world.
Isaiah, in the First Reading, tells the returned exiles that their prayer and observance are not just for themselves, but for action – and for sharing with their neighbour. They, in turn, will be healed by the way they live. The Psalm is a prayer of praise for the ‘good man’, _who acts with generosity, mercy and justice. The good person reveals something of God to others. Their good deeds will be rewarded with glory.
St Paul, in the Second Reading, tells how he went about humbly to preach a crucified Christ, so that his hearers should build their faith not on human philosophy, but on the power of God. In the Gospel Jesus tells us that we are to be salt of the earth and light of the world. This is how we give the Father praise.
Let us strive this week to remember that in the darkness of today’s world, we are called to be Christ-like in everything that we do, and in the way we live.
Update: The process for the VChristchurch South Relaunch is underway with a positive response. Over the next two weekend PFG members will be sharing stories of their experience and then they launch. Caught up with Pamela and Bob Arthurs who are steering the Relaunch Also, caught up with Aileen and Murray Syraight who are very supportive to me and assisting in helping with other Cristchurch parishes. Met with Ashburton group and the new PP Fr Litto Quinones. We postponed the relaunch from February to May 20/21. We shall also celebrate their 30th anniversary.Have set a new date for Christchurch North relaunch which will be 22/23 April and on the following weekend will be a relaunch in Christchurch West 29/30 April including. A parish wide picnic hosted by the Family Groups. Have a weeknd at home then the follwoig weekend with a 30th annoversary mass and gathering on 11th February and a meeting and session with Napier PFG coordinator and will be open to parishioners.
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
Pease remember in your thoughts and prayer: 
- Please keep in your prayers the people from Auckland, Northland and Coromandel who are dealing with the floods and effects of heavy rain.
- Please remember Les Maloney who died on the 13 January and also for his wife Pat. They were Group coordinator and work with. The other two group coordinators to ensure PFG’s continued and it has they led form twenty nine and a half years. Awesome couple. A real blessing on Hoon Hay parish under Christchurch South.
- Remember Passionist Fr Chris Mithen and Fr Brian Glesson both are currently in hospital
- We remember Bro Stan Tyler a Passionist who died recently – a humble, kind and a generous serving man.
- Please pray for Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill) – their son-in-law Mark married to Dot’s daughter Anita has been diagnosed with aggressive brain tumour, Please keep in mind their daughter Bailey and son Taylor.
- Remember Chris Monaghan who is journeying t0 Scotland to led a retreat
- Keep in your prayer Norma Bellamy’s grandson Teddy – recovering from an operation. Thoughts and prayer are with the family.
- Keep in your prayer Anne & peter Green who have lost another daughter recently in the UK. Our hearts go out to them.
- Remember Pat and Rod Carson
- Remember a friend whose sister’s son is awaiting trial.
- Aidan son of Josie and Phil McIntyre – he is very sick and his parents are his caregivers.
- Fr Anthony from Hastings – remember him and his family in NZ and Myanmar- also Fr Trung and the parishioners
- John Arthurs – brother of Bob. We remember John’s wife Valerie and Bob & Pamela’s family
- Ursula Corcoran’s family
- Jenny Wullings – has an Op in late January – in a lot of pain. John is supporting her.
- Paul Darbyshire (Linda and family)
- Gerard and Linda Daly – tragic loss of their son, Brett. Keep the family in your prayer.
- Boyd Dunlop (Judith and family) Boyds is recovering very well.
- Paeroa PFG lost their dear friend and long time member Liz Taylor
- Wilma Schimanski and family
- Julie Neve her two children, family and friends. –
- Please remember Carmel Cole’s family– she and her late husband Don a long time benefactors of “The Fort” (Passionist Retreat in Brisbane)
- Remember Fr Ray Sanchez CP – for his health concerns
- Fr Gerard Aynsley
- Your own intentions
Humour:
- “What do you call a fake noodle?” “An impasta.”
- “What do you call a belt made of watches?” “A waist of time.”
- “What happens when a strawberry gets run over crossing the street?” “Traffic jam.”
- “What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account?” “Prime mates.”
- “What do you call a pony with a sore throat?” “A little hoarse.”
- “Where do math teachers go on vacation?” “Times Square.”
- “Whenever I try to eat healthy, a chocolate bar looks at me and Snickers.”
- “What does garlic do when it gets hot?” “It takes its cloves off.”
- “What’s a robot’s favourite snack?” “Computer chips.”
- “How much does it cost Santa to park his sleigh?” “Nothing, it’s on the house.”
- “Mountains aren’t just funny. They’re hill areas.”
“Bob got a text from his neighbour. “Sorry Bob, I’ve been helping myself to your wife as I do not get it at home.” Bob, was in complete shock. A few minutes later a text arrived, “Damn, spell check, I meant “Wifi”.
