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Parish Newsletter †
1st March 2026
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Introduction:
Each year on the second Sunday of Lent the
Church puts before us the transfiguration of
Jesus. His face shone and his clothes became
dazzlingly white. The story of the transfiguration is a good example of the strength and
assurance we can derive from prayer and the
practice of virtue while facing the difficulties
of life, for the glory of the Lord can shine in
our lives too.
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Prayer/ Reflection;
The Gospels show clearly that Peter was
a
man of action;
In times for adoration, he always needed to
be doing something.
So, on Mount Tabor,
instead of contemplating
in silence and wonder the glory of his Lord,
he wanted to build three tents.
There is a time for stillness,
for contemplation, for wonder, for adoration
in the presence of God.
A time to heed the words of the psalmist:
‘Be still, and know that I am God.’
Sometimes we are too busy.
We would be better to be silent,
to be listening, to be wondering,
to be adoring in the presence of God.
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Fr Brian's Scripture Notes for Sunday Mass
First Reading (Genesis 12:1-4). How does God act in history? God acts by calling
key individuals, and it is by their responses that a channel for the execution of God’s
purpose is carved out in the world. Abraham was one of those key individuals.
The call of Abraham marks the beginning of a special relationship between God
and man. In leaving his country, clan and family, and setting out for an unknown destination, Abraham demonstrates extraordinary faith in God’s guidance. Through his
faith the whole human race would be blessed because from his descendants would
come the Saviour of all people. (That Saviour is revealed in the Gospel.)
Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:8-10). This picks up the theme of call, and speaks
of the call to be a Christian. This call is based, not on our merits, but on God’s grace
granted to us in Christ. The power of God and the vision of immortality enable the
Christian to face the sufferings which faithfulness to the Gospel inevitably brings (just
as the ‘Tabor’ experience helped Jesus to face his passion).
Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9). The story of the transfiguration, like that of the tempta-
tion, it is a planned event. It is no longer possible to say exactly what happened on the
mountain, but something did happen, because years later Peter still remembered it and
wrote: ‘We were eye-witnesses of his glory on the mountain’ (2 Peter 1:17-18).
The story is concerned with the identity of Jesus. The few details that are given are
highly significant. We are told that it happened on a mountain – in the Bible a mountain is a place of divine manifestation. (The name of the mountain is not given, and is
not important. There is a tradition that connects it with Mount Tabor in Galilee, and for
convenience that is how I refer to it.)
On the mountain Jesus is flanked by two of the most important figures from the
Old Testament – Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the law, Elijah the prophets.
Thus, Jesus is seen as bringing the law and the prophets to fulfilment. In other words,
he is the Messiah.
The cloud overshadowing them signifies the presence of God, who cannot be seen
by human eyes. From the cloud comes a voice that declares something greater still
about Jesus, namely, that he is God’s beloved Son.
As for the event itself, its first and chief significance was for Jesus himself. It was
meant to confirm him in the course he had taken and prepare him for the ordeal ahead.
(Luke’s version brings out more clearly the story’s connection with the passion.) But it
also benefitted the apostles. In the transfigured Jesus they got a glimpse of the glory
that was his as the Son of God. Coupled with their later experience of his resurrection,
it confirmed them in the belief that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God.
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Sale of the Alnwick Church Property
We have been advised by the Diocese that the Alnwick Street church property has been sold, with settlement on 22 May. The terms are confidential at this time. We remain grateful for the many years of prayer, community and work shared there.
The purchaser plans to redevelop the site. Over the coming weeks, the remaining parish items will
be relocated to Holy Name Matakana. Options for relocating the church building were looked at
but did not proceed.
The funds from the sale will be used to reduce the parish debt from the purchase of the current Holy Name church site.
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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.
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Sacred Silence at Mass: Making Room for God
In a world filled with constant noise (cell phone notifications, conversations, music,
and media) the Church offers us something rare and powerful: sacred silence.
At Mass, silence is not an empty pause or an awkward break. It is prayer.
From the moment we enter the church, silence helps us shift from the busyness of daily life into the presence of God. Before Mass begins, quiet prayer prepares our hearts
to encounter Christ in the Word and in the Eucharist.
The church is not simply a gathering space; it is a sacred place where the Lord dwells
in the Blessed Sacrament. Our silence is an act of reverence.
The Church herself calls for silence within the liturgy. The General Instruction of the
Roman Missal teaches that sacred silence is to be observed at designated times during
the Mass. These moments include after the invitation to the Penitential Act, after the
readings and the homily, and after Holy Communion.
These pauses are intentional.
They allow the Word of God to take root in our hearts.
They give us space to examine
our conscience, to listen interiorly, and to offer personal prayer. After receiving Holy
Communion, silence becomes especially precious. Having received the Lord Himself,
we rest with Him, speak to Him heart-to-heart, and allow His grace to work within
us.
Even brief moments of silence can transform our experience of Mass.
Instead of
rushing from one part to the next, silence invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery being celebrated.
As the prophet Elijah encountered God not in the wind or earthquake but in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), so we too learn that God often
speaks most powerfully in quiet.
Practically speaking, we can foster sacred silence by arriving a few minutes early to
pray quietly; refraining from unnecessary conversation in the church; turning off or silencing electronic devices; and remaining in prayerful thanksgiving after Communion.
After Mass, we leave quietly so others may remain for silent prayer.
Sacred silence is not about rigidity or coldness. It is about love. When we love someone, we want to listen. At Mass, silence is how we listen to God. May we rediscover
the beauty of sacred silence, especially during Lent, and allow it to deepen our reverence, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Christ each time we gather at the altar.
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Alpha course:
Alpha is an 11 week programme that includes a day’s retreat.
It provides an opportunity to explore Christian faith in a friendly environment.
‘Alpha helps draw people into an initial and ongoing encounter and rich relationship
with Jesus and his church. Alpha lays the foundation to go deeper and, in the power of
the Holy Spirit become the missionary disciples the Lord calls each one of us to be.’
~ Bishop Christian Riesbeck.
Connect- sessions start with time to connect, relax and build relationships.
Watch- Alpha talks explore a new question of faith each week and are designed to
spark conversation.
Discuss – an opportunity to discuss the sessions topic together in an open, honest, and
friendly environment.
Please complete a registration form available in the church entrance
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Next Sunday - 8th March 2026
3rd Sunday of Lent
Theme: The thirst that only God can quench
1st Reading: Exodus 17:3-7
Psalm: 95
2nd Reading: Romans 5:1-2,5-8
Gospel: John 4:5-42
Rosary before Mass - 7.50 am Puhoi
Children s Liturgy during 10.30 am Mass
Morning tea after 10.30am Matakana Mass
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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.
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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
Kids Corner
Auckland Catholic Diocese Kids Corner QR Code
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Events in the Diocese
At St Francis Retreat Centre - www.stfrancisretreatcentre.org.nz
Jesus our Eucharistic Love - Friday 6th March evening Starts 5.30pm with Holy Mass/
Rosary 7pm Talk; 8pm Exposition. Free.
Prayer Retreat for Women - Fri 17th April 6pm to Sun 19th April 3pm.
Theology of the Body Courses - Next course for Beginners - 4 talk series Sat 28th
March Mission Bay, Auckland. Register: theologyofthebody.nz
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Caritas Lent Appeal:
This Lent we encourage you to
support the work of Caritas New Zealand to provide much needed assistance to poor and marginalised communities around the world.
Donations can be made to Caritas via direct debit or credit card at
www.caritas.org.nz/ways-to-give.
The bank account for Caritas is
03 0518 0211216 000.
Freepost appeal envelopes are available in the foyer if you would prefer to donate in this way.
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Report Abuse or Harm?
National Office for Professional Standards 0800 114 622
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Parish Services and Contacts
CHILDREN S MASS BAGS
Are available in the church foyers for the children,
we ask that you please return them after Mass.
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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.
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Warkworth Homebuilders:
Is an organisation working in North Rodney dedicated to helping local families
by walking them through hard times.
Call (09) 425 7048
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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
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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.
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Moved
If you have moved home, changed your telephone or email address kindly email your changed details to the parish office.
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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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Nightclub entry
So this guy wants to go into a nightclub, but the bouncer says, "Sorry, bud, you need a tie for this place."
Our hero goes back to his car and rummages around, but there's no necktie to be found. Finally, in desperation, he takes his jumper cables, wraps them around his neck, ties a nice knot, and lets the ends dangle free.
He goes back to the nightclub, where the bouncer says..."Well, OK, I guess you can come in. But don't start anything!"
Children,
A mother was telling her little girl what her own childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing made from a tire; it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our pony."
The little girl was wide-eyed, taking this in. At last she said, "WOW! I wish I'd gotten to know you sooner!"
The laws of household physics
Ever notice that the laws of household physics are every bit as real as every other law in the universe? Here are a few examples:
1. A newly washed window gathers dirt at double the speed of an unwashed window.
2. The availability of a ballpoint pen is inversely proportional to how badly it is needed.
3. The same clutter that will fill a one-car garage will fill a two-car garage.
4. The potential for disaster is in direct proportion to the number of TV remote controls divided by the number of viewers.
5. Place two children in a room full of toys and they will both want to play with the same toy.
6. The capacity of any hot water heater is equal to one and one-half sibling showers.
7. Leftovers always expand to fill all available containers plus one.
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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
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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
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