Morena/Good morning, After reflecting on the readings for this Sunday I was struck by the variety of messages and what they seem to suggest. One would be – being open to God’s word in all its forms and mediums as in, the first reading. We can experience the compassionate heart of God through […]

Morena/Good morning, Well the end of the year is drawing nigh and I am sure most of you, if not all, are very tired and looking forward to winding down and having some R & R or quality time with family and friends. The themes of Advent speak loudly of what we need to get […]

   Morena/Good morning  Borrowed this intro for Advent from my brother’s last letter. Advent  Advent means ‘the arrival’ and liturgically we understand this to refer to the arrival of Jesus at the first Christmas. Advent marks the beginning of the new liturgical church year. This is Year B which features Mark’s gospel. Originally, Advent was […]

    Morena/Good morning Well it is a big week with the Passionist Institute coming up there are details within this newsletter. If you are free I encourage you to join in what you can. It’s hard to believe the year is coming to a close as we start with Christ the King feats this […]

    ahiahi pai/ Good afternoon, Another week passes and we move closer to the Advent time. It’s OK as we still have a couple of weekends to go before that reality comes. I had a busy time in Hamilton and then on Tuesday I went to the funeral service of a friend and realised […]

ahiahi pai/ Good afternoon, Dear friends, I was remiss when doing my last letter under the duress of Covid that I forgot to include the 25th celebrations of our Uniting Church brothers and sisters at Johnsonville. I have decided to run a letter this week to rectify this situation. I am slowly getting over the […]

ahiahi pai/ Good afternoon, The readings this Sunday places in front of us what if fundamental – love of God and love of neighbour. In the first reading there are lots of reminders of how we are to behave and how to assist those who are in need of help. The current climate in Gaza […]

    ahiahi pai/ Good afternoon, Another week passes and the readings cause us to once again be challenged to look at our  response to this week’s gospel. We have all been to weddings and realise what a fabulous occasion they are. How, it is always good to catch up with relatives and friends we […]

    ahiahi pai/ Good afternoon, Well I am back home after a good relaunch in Ashburton and a very positive response. They have a gathering tonight to plan and set up new groups. A huge thank you for Stephanie Butchard’s support and hard work along with the PFG coordinators and our new parish Coordinator […]

    Morena/Good morning The readings this Sunday direct our attention to forgiveness and to not get caught up in hatred and revenge. Rather, be compassionate and understanding of others and their plight. Rather than judging, reach out and look for the positive and offer the wreath of peace and forgiveness. We are to utilise […]