Hero photograph
 
Photo by Abina Pope

Catholic Character

Abina Pope —

This week has been a very busy one, celebrating Catholic Schools Day, with Fr Mathew in the Year 12 class, with Fr Mathew leading us in prayer. Thursday and Friday saw the Catholic Youth Team from Christchurch visit with the students. St Patrick’s hosted a morning tea for staff at JPII, which was such a treat, thank you St Pat's. 

We are currently preparing for the visit of the Polish Ambassador in October, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II Beatification, and the 35th anniversary of his visit to Aotearoa. The Year 9 and 10 classes are preparing an exhibition for this. The Ambassador will be presenting the school with a Memorial Cup, and there will be other celebrations on the day.

October is also the month of Rosary. 

VENERABLE SUZANNE AUBERT - The first Sunday in October is the National Celebration Day for Venerable Suzanne Aubert Meri Hōhepa. Cardinal John Dew has agreed to celebrate a special Mass in the Chapel beside the crypt at Island Bay where Suzanne Aubert Meri Hōhepa lies. This Mass will be broadcast at 2:00 PM on Shine TV on Sunday October 3. “To love God above all things, to love all people as oneself, to give one’s heart and soul, one’s mind and strength in order to make people better and happier, that is life. That is the law.” Suzanne Aubert.

Holiday Prayer

Oh, Lord my God.

You called me from the sleep of nothingness
merely because in your tremendous love
you want to make good and beautiful beings.
You have called me by my name in my mother's womb.
You have given me breath and light and movement
and walked with me every moment of my existence.
I am amazed, Lord God of the universe,
that you attend to me and, more, cherish me.
Create in me the faithfulness that moves you,
and I will trust you and yearn for you all my days.

Amen.

Ms Pope

Te Kaiwhakahaere o te tūnga whakapono

(Director of Religious Studies)