ENQUIRY
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ALPHA GROUPAlpha is simply an idea, a story and a tool. It is a means of helping people explore fait, where there is no such thing as a silly question. A proven format to running successful Alpha sessions includes: food, a short video or live talk about the Christian faith, and a space to share thoughts in small groups in open discussion with trained hosts facilitating the conversation. - contact John Rogers (pictured) 027 232 8488
RCIARite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) involves a process of four stages and a number of rites. The first stage is called the Inquiry phase. This is a period in which, without any obligation, adults interested in the Catholic faith are given some information about the beliefs and practices of Catholics and are encouraged to ask questions they may have. After this period if someone wishes to continue they are welcomed into the next phase, called the Catechumenate, with a Rite of Acceptance. The Catechumenate is a period of learning or catechesis aimed at the deepening of faith. The third phase, the Period of Enlightenment begins with the Rite of Election. This usually takes place during Lent and is a period of reflection and preparation. The climax of the RCIA process comes at the Easter Vigil when the catechumens, those who have not been baptised, receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Any candidates who have already been baptised in another church, follow a similar process with appropriate modifications - Gary Finlay 04 388 2020
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REFLECTION
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PARISH PRAYERWe meet at 7am every Monday to pray for our parish. We rotate between the three churches in the parish. After we have finished praying we go to a nearby café for breakfast. You are most welcome to join us. We start with the parish prayer, pray informally and finish with the Lord's prayer. - contact Dave Monastra (pictured) 027 447 7280
SECULAR FRANcIsCaNSThe Secular Franciscan Order is one of three Orders in the Catholic Church which were founded by St. Francis of Assisi. It is the Order for lay people. St Francis is remembered because of his devotion to God, his humility, his love for creation, and his ability to see Christ in every person, including the lepers of his day. He is an inspiration to many people around the world even today. We meet the first Sunday of every month at Holy Cross Church from 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
LEGION OF MARYWe seek to become instruments of the Holy Spirit to renew the face of the earth through a balanced program of prayer and service. We meet once a week for prayer, planning and discussion, then perform two hours of definite work of service in union with Our Lady. Works include door-to-door evangelization, prison ministry, visitation of the sick or aged, crowd contact, religious education, visiting the newly baptized, and Pilgrim Virgin Statue rotations. We seek to do great things for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. We meet every Saturday morning after Mass at Holy Cross Church- contact Teresa Law 04 388 3743
APOSTOLATE OF ST JOSEPHOur simple goal is to spread knowledge, love and devotion to St Joseph, the foster father of Christ. By getting to know the man closest to Christ, we learn to appreciate our salvation. We meet in the evening on the first Wednesday of every month at St Patrick's church - contact David Hyland 04 386 3428
RELIGIOUS VOCATIONA religious vocation is a special gift and call from God that is received in faith and cultivated and discerned in prayer. The formation process will allow you to grow and mature in their response to God’s call. The Lord prepares, moves and helps those He calls, granting them the graces and talents needed in order to embrace their calling. - contact any of our priests after Mass they will be pleased to talk with you and suggest next steps
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HEALING
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ReconciliationThe peace of mind and soul which this sacrament imparts to us is one for which there is no substitute. It is a peace that flows from a certainty, rather than from an unsure hope, that our sins have been forgiven and that we are right with God. This power to forgive sin which Jesus conferred upon his Apostles was not, of course, to die with them; no more so than the power to change bread and wine into his Body and Blood, which he conferred upon his Apostles at the Last Supper. Jesus did not come upon earth just to save a few chosen souls, or just the people who lived on earth during the lifetime of his Apostles. Jesus came to save everybody who was willing to be saved, down to the end of time. - contact any of our priests after Mass they will be pleased to take your confession then or arrange a suitable time to do so
ANNOINTINGThe Anointing of the Sick is a remarkable sign of God's great love for us. In his merciful efforts to bring us safely to himself in heaven, God seems to have gone to the very limit. The primary purpose of the special grace of Anointing of the Sick is to comfort and to strengthen the soul of the sick person. This is the grace that quiets anxiety and dissipates fear. It is the grace which enables the sick person to embrace God's will and to face the possibility of death without apprehension. It is the grace which gives the soul the strength to face and conquer whatever temptations to doubt, despondency, or even despair may mark Satan's last effort to seize this soul for himself - contact any of our priests after Mass they will be pleased to arrange a suitable time for you, if there is urgency please call Frs Ephrem, Gregory or Paul on 04 387 2102
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