Welcome to Warkworth Catholic Parish


Holy Name, Matakana and Sts Peter & Paul, Puhoi



Parish Newsletter     †     5th October 2025



Introduction:



For this Sunday, Week Twenty-Seven in Ordinary Time, the Sacred Scriptures reveal to us the defining message concerning faith. “Faith is a gift from God that enables us to serve with humility and dignity.” May we also understand that it is the quality of faith, not the quantity, that is important. Faith calls us to service, and service serves to strengthen our faith.


Reflection - Towards the beautiful gate



I must be filled with joy
if my feet are on the right road
and my face set towards the gate
which is called beautiful,
though I may fall many times in the mire
and often in the mist go astray.
Far off, like a perfect pearl,
one can see the City of God.
It is so wonderful that it seems as if
a child could reach it in a summer’s day.
And so a child could.
But with me and such is me it is different.
One can realise a thing in a single moment,
but one loses it in the long hours
that follow with leaden feet.
We think in terms of eternity,
but we move slowly through time.
(Oscar Wilde)

Fr Brian's Scripture Notes for Sunday Mass



First Reading (Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4). This reading is part of a dialogue between God and the prophet. Like others before him, Habakkuk is feeling the burden of office. He complains about the prevalence of injustice and God’s failure to intervene. Then comes the divine response: in due time God will intervene to save those who trust in him. Meanwhile, the upright must remain steadfast in faith.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14). Paul calls on Timothy to rekindle the gift (of courage and power) he received when he was consecrated as an apostle. He must never be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord. He is urged to accept his share of suffering for the Gospel. With the help of the Holy Spirit he will be faithful to his charge to the end.

Gospel (Luke 17:5-10). Here Jesus says that a grain of authentic faith (perfect trust in God) can achieve great things. The saying about the uprooting of a tree is not to be taken in a literal sense. It is a vivid eastern mode of expression, which means that with faith what looks impossible can become possible.
The parable of the unprofitable servant (‘slave’) would have shocked Jesus’ hearers. A slave had no claim to either wages or thanks from his master, irrespective of how well he might have served him.
At the time of Jesus, Judaism was dominated by the notion of merit – God ‘owed’ salvation to humans in return for keeping the Law. Jesus rejects this, and emphasises God’s sheer goodness. The disciples must not claim a reward for doing what God expects of them. They must never forget that they are only servants.


ONE– OFF CHANGE OF MASS TIME



8 am Puhoi on Sunday 19th of October


Prayer:



Lord, grant us a strong and courageous faith,
a faith that burns brightly even in times of darkness,
a faith that doesn’t falter even when there are no miracles or happy endings,
a Good Friday faith that trusts in the dawn of Easter,
a faith that is rooted in your love for us and that expresses itself in love for others.

Please pray for:



Kathleen Bayer and Christine Cuminsky who died this week.
Kathleen’s funeral was on Friday.
There are no details yet for Christine’s funeral.

2026 Columban Art Calendars



Available in the church foyers.
Just $15 each.
Remember to bring some extra cash on Sunday to get your copy.

MATAKANA CRUCIFIX BLESSING



The new crucifix that was installed in the carpark this week
will be blessed after 10.30am Sunday Mass next week (12th)


Hydrangea cuttings wanted



The “Garden Girls” are wanting Hydrangea cuttings and/or plants for Holy Name Church.
Please drop them into the church if you have any!

A HUGH THANK YOU ...



To The Protea Patch (just across the road from Holy Name Church) for a really special deal on the all new plants for the entrance gardens.
The Protea Patch sell a wonderful variety of plants not just Protea’s!
There is a donation box in the church foyer for anyone who would like to contribute towards the new plants.
Thank you to Shona & Mary for organising it!

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News & Events


A warm welcome to ...
    any new parishioners:



Please introduce yourself to Fr Brian and also complete a parish Enrolment Form on the table in the foyer.

Alternatively complete and send this form online;
click here.

Rosary at Puhoi Church



Sunday 12th of October prompt start at 7.50 am.
Kevin & Bernadette Straka will lead.
If anyone is interested in weekly Rosary, please see Kevin.

Is there someone ...



Is there someone who would like to go on a 'retreat' for 5 weeks in October to my rustic cottage in Puhoi?
Must also enjoy being with my cat and watering the garden if necessary.
Jenny 0272 110 316

Next Sunday - 12th October 2025



28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme: The ten lepers
Day of Prayer to Support Life

1st Reading: 2Kings 5:14-17
Psalm: 98
2nd Reading: 2Timothy 2:8-13
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

Children’s Liturgy during 10.30 am Mass

Matakana Holyname Church Vehicle Entry



During the weekdays entrance to the Holyname Church is via the Service Entry - the second entrance coming from Warkworth.
On Sundays and for the Saturday Vigil Mass entry is via the MAIN gates.

Stay for a cuppa....



Morning Tea after
Matakana Sunday 10.30 am Mass


CATHOLIC NEWS


CATHOLIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX:


  • What's happening in the Catholic Church in New Zealand?
  • What is Pope Leo doing and saying?
  • What are the big stories affecting people of faith in our country?
  • Get Catholic headlines delivered to your inbox each Tuesday and Friday.
Sign up today at:
https://cathnewsnz.com/

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More News


Diocesan News:



Diocesan News the latest edition of the CDA diocesan news is now available
https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/NZ-Catholic-September25.pdf.
It can be accessed from the front page of the website.

The Role and Function of the Pastoral Council



St Joseph’s Takapuna Church Hall. On Thursday 13th November at 6.30pm.

SAVE THE DATE – 14 FEBRUARY 2026 - |4 PM – 6 PM
PRAISE IN THE PARK



All are welcome to gather with us for a two-hour Catholic event at Selwyn Domain, 48-56 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, on Saturday, 14 February 2026. There will be paise and worship, testimonies and gospel teaching followed by a time of Eucharistic Adoration, where space for reflection, prayer and encounter with Jesus will be offered.

If you can help with administration, sponsorship, prayer ministry, or practical help on the day, we would love to hear from you on aucklandccr@gmail.com.

Celebrating the 60 Years of Nostra Aetate



In Our Times (28 Oct 1965) – the Second Vatican Council document “proclaiming that it is our task of promoting unity and love among men and women of all nations.” If you want to learn a little bit more about Nostra Aetate – download the document here (2 pages).
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html
Better still, join us in this celebration launch at a Quiz and Pizza night 7PM at the Sacred Heart parish hall, 24 Vermont St, Ponsonby. Gather your team of families and friends along for prizes will be won.
Registration is encouraged
https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/nostra-aetate-event/


Please give your feedback .....



As part of the National Office for Professional Standards’ commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all, they are carrying out a review of key safeguarding documents. They are currently reviewing the ‘Safeguarding Policy: Working Together for a Safe Church’ and the ‘Code of Conduct for Employees & Volunteers in Ministry in the Catholic Church’.
They welcome and encourage you to submit feedback through their Reviews page, with submissions open until 31 October 2025

Support Life Sunday 2025:



Pilgrims for Hope – Building a Culture of Love and Life
Each year, on the second Sunday of October, the Church in Aotearoa celebrates Support Life Sunday.
As the New Zealand bishops reminded us in the 2023 document, Te Kahu o te Ora: “We do not need to look far to recognise that our world requires a lot of healing. All around us, we experience divisions that are the result of human behaviours and institutions.”
Support Life Sunday 2025 provides an opportunity, within this year of Jubilee, to focus on how we can better support a culture of love and life through prayer and action.
Find out more at https://catholic.org.nz/resources/


The Upper Room | Wednesday 15 October 6:30pm-9pm



We have an amazing guest speaker who will present on a topic, followed by a time of Q&A where you can ask your burning questions. Keep an eye on our socials as we announce our speaker and topic for this Upper Room! Join us for an unforgettable evening of fellowship and formation! Free on-street parking is available nearby. *Event is 18 years and over* Tickets available here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-upper-room25

Engaged / Planning a wedding?



Catholic Diocese of Auckland Approved Marriage Preparation Course
Book your course early 1 year for NZ and 18 months for overseas weddings
To Register & Book: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/discipleship/our-courses/
For more information contact: Gerry at gerrys@cda.org.nz M: 021 02247442

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Parish Services and Contacts


Home Visits



Please contact Fr Brian if you need or you know of someone who would like a Home Visit
– communion and reconciliation to the sick and housebound.

CHILDREN’S MASS BAGS



Are available in the church foyers for the children,
we ask that you please return them after Mass.


Warkworth Homebuilders:



Is an organisation working in North Rodney dedicated to helping local families
by walking them through hard times.
Call (09) 425 7048

Parish Contributions



For those parishioners who donate to the parish via the envelope system or by cash during the collection time at Mass, you may wish to continue to contribute to the parish via internet banking.

The parish bank account number is
02-0108-0706101-000.
Please ensure that you provide the following details with each payment:
  • Your initials and name
  • If you normally pay via the envelope system then please quote your envelope number
  • The word “collection”

On another note, it's great to receive cash in the plate to keep cash in existence in NZ.

The Lord remains with us always. Let us pray for each other to deepen our gratitude for that presence in our spiritual communion each day.

Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Brian Lange


PARISH REGISTRATION!



Are you new to our parish?
Register online at www.holyname.org.nz
Have you changed address?
Please get in touch with the Parish Office at admin@holyname.org.nz if you would like to update or change your details.

Moved …



If you have moved home, changed your telephone or email address kindly email your changed details to the parish office.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION



  • - Monday & Thursday from 8.00 a.m., finishing 15 minutes before the start of Mass.
  • - Friday after the morning Mass & Benediction
  • - Saturday after the morning Mass
  • - Saturday afternoon from 5.00 p.m. until 5.30 p.m.
  • - Sunday by appointment after 2.00 p.m.

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HUMOUR



Flooring....


A guy was fixing up the floor and laying down carpet in some woman's home. As he was finishing, he noticed a bump in the carpet and figured that he had laid carpet over a package of screws he used earlier.

Rather than to take up the carpet, he decided to get a hammer and pound the package into the ground so no one would know.

When he finished that, the owner of the house walked into the room and commented on what a nice job he had done. "The carpet looks wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Here are your screws, I found them in the kitchen. By the way, have you seen my phone?"



Just Desert?

A woman was in court for shoplifting a can of peaches.

The judge said: "You will do an hour of community service for each peach in the can."

Her husband sprang up from his seat and shouted: "She stole a can of peas as well."



Hassan & Habib

Hassan and Habib are beggars.

They beg in different areas of Sydney.

Habib begs just as long as Hassan but only collects $2 to $3 every day.

Hassan brings home a suitcase FULL of $10 notes, drives a Mercedes, lives in a mortgage-free house and has a lot of money to spend.

Habib says to Hassan, 'I work just as long and hard as you do but how do you bring home a suitcase full of $10 notes every day?'

Hassan says, 'Look at your sign, what does it say ?'

Habib's sign reads; 'I have no work, a wife and 6 kids to support'.

Hassan says, 'No wonder you only get $2- $3 !'

Habib says... 'So what does your sign say ?'

Hassan shows Habib his sign...

It reads: 'I only need another $10 to move back to Iran'



An Atheist eh ?

A woman comes home from a date rather sad. She tells her mother, "He proposed to me an hour ago."

"So why are you upset?" her mother asks.

"Because he also told me he's an atheist. He doesn't even believe there's a hell!"

Her mother replies, "Marry him anyway. Between the two of us, we'll show him how wrong he is."


Back to top

WHO TO CONTACT:



Parish Priest: Fr Brian Lange 425 8545 brilange@gmail.com
Parish Finance Committee Chairperson: Fr Brian Lange
Caring Group: - 425 8545 Office
Puhoi Church Bookings: Bernadette Straka 09 426 7374 or 422 0716 or WW Office 425 8545
Sacramental Programme: Parish Office 425 8545
Rosters: Warkworth: Parish Office 425 8545
Newsletter (Bulletin): Parish Office & Fr Brian Lange 425 8545
Holyname Ascension Maintenance: Simon Straka 0274914011 or 09 422 0716
Puhoi Church Maintenance: Simon Straka 0274914011 or 09 422 0716
Liturgical Ministries: Warkworth: Christine 423 0433, Fr Brian Lange 425 8545
Warkworth Parish Hall Bookings: Parish Office 425 8545
Marriage preparation programme: Gerry Smith at Auckland Diocese (09) 360 3025


NEW PARISHIONERS:


If you are new to the parish, welcome!
An information booklet about the parish life is available in the foyer.
Please complete the form enclosed and hand it in or post it to the parish office or
complete it online here: “New Parishioner Form”

Christian Supplies for all Occasions


Heartbeat Christian Store, Warkworth
Ph 425 9559

Never Ending Books, Orewa Ph 09-426 6457

St Joseph’s Gift Store, Takapuna
https://stjosephscentre.co.nz

The Square Gift Store, Auckland Cathedral
http://www.thesquaregiftstore.co.nz/

Family Life Catholic Gifts, Hillsborough
https://www.catholicgifts.co.nz/

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