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Parish Newsletter †
10th May 2026
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Introduction:
Dear brothers and sisters, faith as adherence to Christ is revealed as love that
prompts us to promote the good inscribed
by the Creator into the nature of every
man and woman among us, into the personality of every other human being and
into everything that exists in the world.
Whoever believes and loves in this way
becomes a builder of the true ‘civilization
of love’, of which Christ is the centre.
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Prayer/ Reflection; - Going Home
A thing you notice about birds is how they
are able to take advantage of wind.
They go with it, they go against it,
they soar into the sky,
they plunge back to earth.
All the time they are availing of the power
of the wind.
And I think of how we,
the disciples of Jesus,
are so easily blown off course by the
winds of adversity.
Lord,
through the power of the Holy Spirit,
help us to turn the hard
and the easy to our advantage,
so that everything that happens to us
may bear us along
the road to your kingdom.
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Fr Brian's Scripture Notes for Sunday Mass
Now that we are in the latter part of the Easter season, the attention shifts from the
resurrection appearances to the continued presence of the glorified Christ with his
Church through the Spirit. This is the connection between the First Reading and the Gospel.
First Reading (Acts 8:5-8,14-17) Luke marks each stage of the spread of the Gospel
with a “Pentecost”. The Gospel was preached in Samaria by Philip, one of the seven
deacons, with marked success. Our reading describes a Samaritan Pentecost. It tells of
the joy and enthusiasm with which the Samaritans received the Gospel.
The statement that the Samaritan converts, baptized in the name of the Lord Jersus, had
not received the Holy Spirit has puzzled many. The explanation lies in the fact that
Luke required that each new stage in the growth of the community had to be authenticated by an official representative of the Church. Here Peter and John put their stamp
of approval on the work of Philip. It doesn’t mean the Spirit is bestowed only in a
‘second baptism’.
Second Reading (1 Peter 3:15-18). Peter encourages Christians to remain steadfast un-
der pressure in their attachment to Christ. The Christian way of life is to be defended
but this should be done with courtesy and respect. Their good lives will be the best
way to counter false accusations. If they suffer for doing good, they should remember
that Jesus, though innocent, suffered and died to lead us to God.
Gospel (John 14:15-21). This is part of Jesus’ farewell discourse. Loving Jesus means
listening to his word and putting it into practice. To those who respond in this way he
promises the gift of the Spirit. Jesus will not leave his disciples orphaned. By their
faith, they will be able to ‘see’ him and share in his life and in the life of the Father.
From this we learn that we cannot claim to be one with Jesus, and to be living according to the Spirit, unless we observe his commands in our lives.
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A call out for window cleaning
Our new Matakana church home has many windows. We are needing willing hands to
stop by from time to time to let the light shine in on us and on our visitors without the
cobwebs and grime.
A group of parishioners are organising themselves to meet on Saturday 9th May at
3.30 pm to begin the project. Can you join us?
Cleaning materials provided but any extension outdoor brushes would be appreciated.
Contact Kristin 0211921870
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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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End of Year Receipts
For parishioners who are in our Planned Giving Program
are in the church foyers.
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Warkworth Methodist Woman’s Fellowship -
Hostess Afternoon on Thursday 21st
of May at 1.30pm at the church centre on the corner of Church Hill and Hexham
Street, Warkworth. An afternoon of Entertainment, Fashion Parade and Op Shop.
Gold
Coin Trading Table - raising funds for Starship Hospital and the Tongan Community
Development Trust.
Afternoon Tea will be served. Men and Woman are welcome!
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ALL MEN are invited to the Joshua 40-Year Celebration Weekend!
When : Fri pm 14 August to Sun midday 16 August
Venue: Keswick Christian Camp, 5 Cooper Ave, Holden's Bay, Rotorua
Keynote Speaker: Robert Falzon, Leader of Australia's menALIVE and Author of
"Importance of a Present Dad"
Cost: $247pp including accommodation and meals
To Register: Follow the link below OR Scan the QR Code
OR contact Mike Lobo (021) 2809285 or Greg Sullivan (021) 437747
Link: https://menforchrist.wufoo.com/forms/joshua-40th-anniversary-celebration-rotorua
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Next Sunday - 17th May 2026
The Ascension of the Lord
Week of Prayer for Chris?an Unity
World Communications Day
1st Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Psalm: 47
2nd Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23
Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
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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Stay for a cuppa....
Morning Tea after
Matakana Sunday 10.30 am Mass
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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
Mission Hub Accompanying Others in Faith -
Thresholds of Conversion & Evangelising Conversations How do we journey with others as they move closer to Christ?
This May, Mission Hub will explore a practical and hope-filled approach to accompanying others in faith. Carly Mulqueen will guide us through the “thresholds of conversion” — helping us recognise where someone might be on their journey and how to enter into meaningful, evangelising conversations with sensitivity, courage, and trust in the Holy Spirit. This session is in collaboration with the Catholic Enquiry Centre.
Monday 18 May - 7:00–8:30pm (NZT) – Online - All are welcome.
Register: bit.ly/
missionhubmay2026
Mission Hub is a monthly online space where people from across Aotearoa gather to
be formed, inspired, and equipped for mission in their everyday lives.
For more info
and past sessions: https://missionhubnz.com/
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Rebuild My Church - Dr Mary Healy
A three-night formation series at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Hamilton
(June 9–11) exploring the power of God’s Word, the life of the Holy Spirit, and our
call to live our faith today. Alongside the evening mission there will also be:
• A clergy
workshop – Awakening the Gifts of the Faithful (Wednesday 10 June)
• A leadership
formation day for clergy, diocesan staff, and parish leaders (Thursday 11 June)
https://www.eventzilla.net/e/rebuild-my-church--dr-mary-healy-2138676397
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WYD 2027 Webinars
In preparation for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul Korea, Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College invites young people and everyone to grow in their faith, hope and missionary discipleship, with this year’s webinar series, “Take Courage! I have overcome
the world” (John 16:33).
More information at www.tekupenga.ac.nz/webinars-2026
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Wings Nga Parirua the Catholic Faith Formation Programme.
We all need to feel welcomed in our Church, to understand our faith and to recognise Jesus calling each of
us into an intimate friendship with him.
The hospitality at the heart of “Wings” gives
space and time for people to come together, to become familiar with Jesus’ teaching in
the Gospels, and the Catholic Church’s response to this teaching in the light of the Resurrection; to walk by faith in loving communion with Jesus in prayer.
Wings.Nga Parirau is open to all and could also be a welcoming place for those who
have come through RCIA and Alpha to gather in communion with other parishioners.
Please contact: Dianna Fouhy, diannaf@cda.org.nz
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Rise up and Shine Festival
Taste the World, Celebrate the Culture! 30th of May,
2026.
Starts at 10am with Thanks giving Mass. Followed by Social Entertainment until
3pm.
Music, Zumba, Food stalls and Cultural Show.
Join us at the Migrant Chaplaincy
Rise Up & Shine Festival, where every bite tells a story and every dance spark joy.
At Malaeola Community Centre, 16 Waokauri Place, Mangere
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Report Abuse or Harm?
National Office for Professional Standards 0800 114 622
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The need for silence before, during and after our 10.30am Sunday Mass.
There are people around us who need silence before the Tabernacle.
They are grieving, stressed, overwhelmed, and suffering in many ways.
There is ample opportunity to have a chat with others after Mass outside.
“We are realising more and more clearly that silence is part of the liturgy. We respond, by singing and praying, to the God who addresses us. But the greater mystery,
surpassing all words, summons us to silence. It must, of course, be a silence with content, not just the absence of speech and action. We should expect the liturgy to give us
a positive stillness that will restore us. ’’
(Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy, 2000)
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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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Do you understand ???
At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players, "Do you understand what cooperation is? What a team is?"
The little boy nodded.
"Do you understand that what matters is whether we win together as a team?"
The little boy nodded again.
"So," the coach continued, "when a strike is called, or you're out at first, you don't argue or curse or attack the umpire. Do you understand all that?"
The little boy nodded once more.
"Good," said the coach, "now go over there and explain it to your mother."
A minister told his congregation....
"Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17."
The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17.
Nearly every hand went up.
The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only 16 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."
What do you love most?
Husband: "What do you love most, my politeness or my natural beauty?"
Wife: "Your sense of humor."
Q: Why did the bees go on strike?
A: Because they wanted more honey and shorter working flowers.
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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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