Next Tuesday is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This day celebrates the mystery that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven, body and soul. Mary’s assumption into heaven is also the patronal feast of the Catholic people in New Zealand. In other words, she is a Patron saint of New Zealand, and this week is her feast day. The Kanuka Team will lead this celebration with a liturgy in the hall on Tuesday morning at 9.15 am and again at 10.00 am. All welcome!

Family Mass 

Next Sunday, the 20th August we have our Term 3 Family Mass. This will be held at 9am at Christ the King Church. All are welcome to join us in celebrating this mass. We will share morning tea together in the Parish Centre following the mass. 

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Children's Sessions

Christ the King Pastoral Centre - 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm; 5.00 pm - 6.00 pm

• Monday 14th August
• Saturday 19th August (Half Day Retreat)
• 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm followed by 5.00 pm Vigil Mass Christ the King Church

North Parish Gospel Reflection

Gospel from the Children's Lectionary (Matthew 17:1-9)

Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John with him. They went up on a very high mountain where they could be alone. There in front of the disciples, Jesus was completely changed. His face was shining like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. All at once Moses and Elijah were there talking with Jesus. So Peter said to him, “Lord, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”While Peter was still speaking, the shadow of a bright cloud passed over them. From the cloud, a voice said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him. Listen to what he says!” When the disciples heard the voice, they were so afraid that they fell flat on the ground. But Jesus came over and touched them. He said, “Get up and don’t be afraid!” When they opened their eyes, they saw only Jesus. On their way down from the mountain, Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had been raised from death.

The Alpha Course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening, low-key way.

It is a course that is friendly and fun!

A shared meal begins the session, allowing people to get to know each other. During the sessions, there are opportunities to listen, learn, discuss and discover the aspects of the Christian Faith.

Ask anything! Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile!

Tuesdays - 9:30 am (August 29 - November 14)

Wednesdays - 6:30 pm (August 30 - November 15)

St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre (Cnr Vagues & Main North Road, Papanui)

Register here: https://www.christchurchnorth.org.nz/alpha

North Parish OCIA Programme

OCIA Catholic Parish of Christchurch North: We are about to commence our next process of welcoming people into the Catholic Church. Do you or do you know of anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? We offer those who are interested – or just curious about the Catholic Faith – the opportunity to ask questions and discuss what it means to be Catholic. If you feel like you would like to know more about the purpose and meaning of the faith or what it involves to be a Catholic, do not hesitate to contact our OCIA Coordinator, Brendan, on 027 480 6960 or check our Parish website (Becoming Catholic section). The process starts on 20 August.

Important Dates this Term:

• Tuesday 15th August Kanuka Team Liturgy 9.15 am and 10.00 am
• Sunday 20th August School Family Mass Christ the King 9.00 am
• Friday 1st September Kahikatea Team Liturgy 9.15 am and 10.00 am
• Friday 8th September Totara Team Liturgy 9.15 am and 10.00 am
• Friday 15th September Matai Team Liturgy 9.15 am and 10.00 am
• Friday 22nd September Whole School Mass to celebrate Mercy Day at 10.30 am at Christ the King Church.