Reflection

  In the last week of term three at Stella Maris we celebrated the wiki o Te reo Maori-Maori language week.
We are reminded in our RE curriculum by the Bishops of NZ that our Catholic faith is one and universal. Every form of inculturation of the faith enriches everyone. We know that in the history of New Zealand, the participation and belonging of Maori within the Catholic Church predates the signing of the Treaty. Until the arrival of British and Irish soldiers, the Church here was predominantly Maori. Bishop Pompallier, Marist fathers and brothers, the first group of the Sisters of Mercy, early Mill Hill fathers, and many others, learned Te Reo to be able to build relationships with the indigenous population. 
The main concepts of Catholic education in New Zealand link seamlessly with Te Reo. 
They include; 
Aroha - The spirit of love, welcome and whanau we as catholics must demonstrate. Jesus calls us first and foremost to be people of Aroha. 

Manaakitanga - The desire to make people feel welcome, provide hospitality, care and an awareness of others’ needs. Jesus models this perfectly in His actions and there are many expressions and experiences from a Maori worldview that mirror these gospel values. 

Whanaungatanga - Building relationships, creating a sense of belonging, being inclusive and sharing stories that bind us together on our faith journey. 

Our Marian Values at Stella Maris are deeply rooted in their Te Reo meanings and we endeavour to fully acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi through learning about and living our Marian Values of Faith, Guardianship, Wisdom, Love, Belonging and Service.

Karl Hobman, Parishioner.

A Liturgy of the Word with Holy Communion ....

Will replace the Mass at St Francis on Wednesday 1 October.

FEAST OF ST FRANCIS 2025

On Sunday 5 October at the 8.30 Mass we will celebrate the title feast of St Francis Church in Manly. There will be:

• A joyful Celebration of the Eucharist, celebratig Creation.
• Blessing of the animals outside after Mass.
• Sausage sizzle.

We pray for:

We pray for all the sick in the community and the recently deceased including Mary Duncan,Caroline Hunt, Patricia Stroud, David McEwen, Guy Hieatt and James Brazier.
Our condolences to all the family members.
We pray too for those whose anniversaries occur around this time.

You’re Invited to the Joy Healing Meeting ...

On Sunday 5 October at 11.45am at St John’s Church (after 10.30am Mass).
Please come along if you or your family or friends are in need of healing prayer.
There will be an opportunity for you to be prayed over individually. We invite you to stay afterwards and enjoy some hospitality. We'd love you to join our team of Prayer Intercessors too.
For more details contact Cathy Allen, callen@allens.co.nz or 021 943 307.

Thanks to Chris Clarke ....

Who established and maintains this lovely display of Gazanias right down the fence line at St Francis,
not only stopping the weeds but also delighting us with the bright colour of the flowers.

Flashes of Insight:

Short-form, theologically grounded commentary on the challenges and questions facing today’s time-pressed Church and wider society.
On the website you can sign up for a fortnightly email for the compact form of news to be sent to you: https://flashesinsight.com/

St Joseph’s Gift Shop in Takapuna

Which specialises in Christian and Catholic supplies,
will be moving with The Studio of John the Baptist on Saturday 4 October to 253 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany Village (opposite Albany Toyota).
Tel: (09) 489 5163.

Join us for A Night at the Conclave ...  

With Cardinal John Dew at St Mary’s College, 7.30pm, Friday 21 November. Discover the mystery of the Papal Conclave through Cardinal John’s unique insights. All proceeds support the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Joseph. Details & tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/conclave.

CATHNEWS NEW ZEALAND 

As we journey through this Jubilee Year of Hope ...

Each parish is invited to nominate one parishioner for recognition as someone who has made an outstanding volunteer contribution to the life of our parish community.
Whether through pastoral care, liturgical ministry, outreach, hospitality, or quiet acts of kindness, these individuals embody the spirit of the Jubilee.
Persons nominated should be someone whose volunteer efforts have had a meaningful and lasting impact on parish life, who are not and have not been employees of the parish or diocese.
Nominations may be sent to the secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council at: hbc.ppc.secretary@gmail.com (no later than Monday 6 October) with a short summary describing the nominee’s contributions and why they are deserving of recognition.
(You may be called upon to supply a more substantial description should the nominee be chosen).
Nominations will be considered by our Parish Priest and the Parish Pastoral Council and one person will be put forward for the award.
A diocesan selection panel will then prayerfully consider all submissions from parishes, and those chosen will be acknowledged at a Mass on 24 October 2025.
Let us take this opportunity to celebrate the hope we find in one another, and to give thanks for those who help build our vibrant and faith-filled community.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS !

All parishioners who volunteer their time/talents in any role at St John’s or St Francis church are invited to a Thank You Morning Tea in St John’s Hall on Sunday 12 October after 10.30am Mass.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to get-together and to extend our appreciation to you all for your dedication and voluntary contributions to the life of our parish.

To help your reflection on the Sunday Gospels

Go to The Center for Liturgy Sunday Web Site
http://liturgy.slu.edu/

Youth group ....

Join us on Friday 3 October for a night of fun, games, food and fellowship, 6.30pm-8pm in St John's Hall. For youth in Years 6-12.
Any enquires email hbcpyouth@gmail.com

Joshua Men’s Retreat:

“Called to Lead”: A weekend retreat for all men from 7pm Friday 10 October to 3pm Sunday 12 October, at Chosen Valley Christian Camp, Ararimu, Auckland.
Cost: $175pp (includes food and accommodation).
For more information go to
https://menforchrist.wufoo.com/forms/called-to-lead

Youth Masterclass on Saturday 11 October 3pm-8.30pm:

If you are a youth ministry leader or just starting in this ministry, Masterclass offers practical tools, spiritual nourishment, and a supportive community to help you thrive in your ministry.
As always, Masterclass will feature two relevant workshops led by experienced guest speakers: Keep an eye on our socials, where we will announce our workshop presenters and topics.
After the workshops, enjoy a delicious free dinner, followed by an evening of worship and adoration and the opportunity to connect with other young leaders.
Due to limited space, workshop spots will fill up quickly.
Be sure to register early at
https://events.humanitix.com/masterclass25

A Retreat for Young Men (18-30).

A Time to Focus.
An opportunity for a weekend of prayer, reflection and learning some practices for discernment.
Franciscan Friary, Friday 7pm 28th November - Sunday 4pm 30th November.
Led by Frs. Frank Bird, Phil Bennenbroek and Chris Skinner SM. Limited to 15 places.
Register early.
Share with anyone who may be interested.
For more information contact Fr Frank Bird francisbird@gmail.com 021 597080.

Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer School:

Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer School is back again this summer with ten days of world-class lectures, uplifting prayer and authentic community!
This will be a life-changing experience for young adults aged 18 to 35 who want to know more about their faith, have an authentic encounter with Christ and meet other Catholic young adults from all over New Zealand.
Join us this year at Nga Tawa Diocesan School, Marton, from 2-11 January 2-11 2026!
Registrations open 6 July at 1pm.
We sell out fast so be in quick!
Visit heartsaflame.org.nz to register or find out more.

World Day of Prayer, Friday 6 March 2026:

Each year the programme is set out in a booklet produced by a different country and next year the focus will be on Nigeria.
If there is anyone or a group who feels inspired to coordinate hosting this ecumenical event in our parish, please contact Barbara Hines on 027 483 7180 before 30 September.

Engaged/Planning a Wedding?

Catholic Diocese of Auckland - Approved Marriage Preparation Course.
Book in for the course 1 year prior to the wedding in NZ and 18 months for overseas weddings.
Register and book here: www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/discipleship/our-courses/
For more information contact:
Gerry at gerrys@cda.org.nz or phone 021 0224 7442.

Catholic Enquiry Centre:

Visit their website to explore Catholicism, find out about our faith, order booklets or to make a donation: 
https:/www.catholicdiscovery.nz/  

Usual MASS TIMES

GET YOUR NEWSLETTER EMAILED
During the lockdowns our weekly newsletter was still being produced.
Please pass the message on to others that if they would like the newsletter sent to them directly, to visit the parish website www.hbcparish.org.nz and
CLICK HERE

TELEPHONE PRAYER CHAIN
Is anyone sick?
Call upon the church community to pray for you (James5:14).
Please telephone any of the parishioners listed below.
We would love to pray for your intentions in our daily prayers.

Norma McGrath (Coordinator); 424-8460
Maureen Nancarrow; 426 7921
Janet Dimbleby; 427 5850
Raewyn Taylor; 424 1414
Maree Lochead; 428 4648