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Parish Newsletter †
16th November 2025
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Introduction:
We live in a world which is full of confusion and unrest. In the midst of such a world we are expected to witness to Christ. To be good and faithful witnesses we need help from on high. Therefore, it is to God we turn to for the courage and strength that we need.
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Reflection
All those who suffer for their faith, or for doing the right thing, can draw strength from the example of Jesus. Better still:
they have him as a companion, and will share his victory. He was victorious, not by avoiding evil, but by confronting it and
overcoming it. His death may have seemed a defeat. It was not a defeat. It was a victory – the victory of love over hate, and of good over evil
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Mass Counts:
All parishes will be doing an annual count of all adults and children attending the Sunday Masses over the five weeks in November. Mass count figures contribute to pastoral planning, are used to determine our copyright licensing fee, are reported to the Charities Commission and are required for the annual Diocesan report to Rome.
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The Rosary
will be recited before the following Masses at Matakana Church
- Friday 9.30 am
- Saturday 8.30 am, and
- Sunday 7.50 am at Puhoi
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Fr Brian's Scripture Notes for Sunday Mass
First Reading (Malachi 3:19-20) As the liturgical year draws to a close, the focus is on
the end of the world and the second coming of Christ. The prophet Malachi says that
for evil doers the Day of the Lord will be a day of judgement; but for the upright it will
be a day of salvation. His stark message was meant to act as a warning to sinners and
an encouragement to the just.
Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12). This also relates to the Second Coming.
Some of the Thessalonians, believing that the Parousia was imminent, saw no need to
work. Presenting himself as an example, Paul tells them to go on living and working as
normal, and not to be content to live off the community.
Gospel (Luke 21:5-19). Luke talks about the Parousia in close association with the de-
struction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The destruction of the Temple, which Jesus had
predicted, had already occurred by the time Luke was writing. This would have been
interpreted by some as a sign that the end of the world was starting. But Luke reminds
them of the words of Jesus, in which he warned his disciples not to be deceived by rumours and apparent signs that the end was near. The Gospel goes on to address a situa-
tion of more immediate concern to the disciples – the persecution they must face. Persecution will be an opportunity to bear witness to the Gospel. The Lord himself will
see to it that they will triumph in the end, provided they remain steadfast.
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Parish Christmas Party – Sunday 30th November at Matakana Church
Shared Lunch, Care & Share, Games with Prizes, Entertainment, Christmas Carols and Gift Exchange!
What to bring along:
- a plate of food to share
- some cash & coins for games
- a wrapped gift for a Gift Exchange (regardless of the amount of the item) the most important thing is your willingness/kindness to give since it's the Christmas season.
- For Care & Share We are collecting items over the Sundays in November, any pre-loved clothes or items that you don't use anymore to give it away to those who are in need.
Fun for all of our community to come together before we end the year 2025.
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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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PROLIFE NEWS
New Zealand is about to follow the example of Canada on euthanasia if an ACT MP’s bill is passed by Parliament. Writing in the Opinion page of the NZ
Herald (12th November) Maryanne Spurdle of the Maxim Institute says that ACT’s
Todd Stephenson’s End of Life Choice Amendment Bill would enable euthanasia for
patients with any “advanced progressive” condition that may lead to death. “This is already happening in Canada where in 2023 nearly 5% of deaths were by euthanasia.
There are reports that people with disabilities and chronic illnesses are opting to end
their lives because they cannot access the care they need. “As disability advocates
warned before the (New Zealand) referendum, normalising euthanasia for segments of
society tells people that their lives may not be worth living.”
For more pro-life information, visit www.www.voiceforlife.org.nz.
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Rosary at Puhoi Church
Sunday before Mass - prompt start at 7.50 am.
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2026 Columban Art Calendars
Available in the church foyers.
Just $15 each.
Remember to bring some extra cash on Sunday to get your copy.
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Next Sunday - 23 November 2025
CHRIST THE KING
1st Reading: 2Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm: 122
2nd Reading: Colossians 1:11-20
Gospel: Luke 23:35-43
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
Kids Corner
Auckland Catholic Diocese Kids Corner QR Code
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Situations Vacant - Champagnat Marist Education
Digital Content Creator & Engagement Associate, part time, Ellerslie, Auckland This exciting new part time position will strengthen education and communities across Aotearoa and beyond through inspiring digital
content and social media reflecting Marist and Catholic values and a passion for education.
It is ideal for a creative communicator with strong writing, visual, and social media skills, looking for meaningful, part-time work, 20 hours p/week.
Early applications are encouraged by 30 November to CMEL’s Recruitment Advisor,
by email to secretary@cmel.org.nz
A job description is available on request.
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Situations Vacant - Manager – Catholic Social Services - Full-time
Join Catholic Social Services (CSS)
and lead a passionate team making a real difference for whanau, individuals, and communities across Auckland. We're seeking a proven leader in social and community services who thrives on empowering others to do their best work. This strategic and operational role offers the opportunity to shape the future of our services through expert
clinical leadership and practice management.
In the role, you'll mentor and inspire a team of social workers, counsellors, and psychotherapists, ensuring safe, professional, and culturally responsive practice.
You'll
oversee complex casework, provide direct clinical supervision, and strengthen partnerships with government departments, agencies, and community groups.
If you're ready
to lead with purpose and impact, we’d love to hear from you. Closing date 20 November 2025. For full details and requirements please visit the Diocesan website
www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz, under Diocesan Services and Staff vacancies.
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Situations Vacant - Project and Music Coordinator
Catholic Diocese of Auckland Ministries to
Young People
Are you looking for a role where you can make a positive impact in the
lives of young people?
Do you have experience in the areas of music ministry and
events?
We’re looking for someone who answers “Yes!” to become our full-time Project and Music Coordinator.
You’ll be part of a tight-knit team implementing a bold
new strategy for ministry to young people in the Diocese of Auckland. To learn more,
please visit: www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/staff-vacancies/
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Situations Vacant - Auckland Prison (Paremoremo)
Catholic Prison Chaplaincy / Auckland South
Correction Facility – Catholic Prison Chaplaincy
We are seeking to employ two suitably qualified persons to work as members of Tira
Tuhaha Prison Chaplaincy Aotearoa Chaplaincy Team, which delivers Ecumenical
Chaplaincy services to men in prison at the Auckland Prison and Auckland South Corrections Facility.
The positions are permanent part-time positions of 24 hours per week
at Auckland Prison and 20 hours per week at Auckland South – days to be determined
but with the expectation of some Sundays per month for Sunday Services.
To view the
full advert and the position description please go to our website
www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz under Diocesan Services and Staff Vacancies.
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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.
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Great Saints of Italy Tour 2026
Fr Chris Friel from Timaru will lead a tour to Italy in May 2026.
Please contact Pilgrimage Tours Ph 0800 99 77 88 or
www.theTOURcompany.net
for the full itinerary and price.
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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.
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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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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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Kids!
A five-year-old boy had never spoken a word, ever. One afternoon, as he sat eating his lunch he turned to his mother and said, "Soup's cold."
She was astonished, and said, "Honey, I've waited so long to hear you speak. But all these years you never said a thing. Why haven't you spoken before?"
The boy looked at her and replied, "Up until now, everything's been okay."
This is ridiculous!
A pipe burst in a lawyer's house, so he called a plumber.
The plumber arrived, unpacked his tools, did mysterious plumber-type things for a while, and handed the lawyer a bill for $600.
The lawyer exclaimed, "This is ridiculous! I don't even make that much as a lawyer!"
The plumber replied sympathetically, "Neither did I when I was a lawyer."
Sermon time
During a sermon one Sunday, the pastor heard two teenage girls in the back giggling and disturbing people.
He interrupted his sermon and announced sternly, "There are two of you here who have not heard a word I've said." That quieted them down.
When the service was over, he went to greet people at the front door. Three different adults apologized for going to sleep in church, promising it would never happen again.
Students eh?.
A student in chemistry class was instructed to create a new substance by mixing some special ingredient with water.
But the student chose the wrong ingredient and the teacher realized mixing it with water would create an explosion.
He stopped the student and asked him to first stir the water in the bucket for five minutes before adding the ingredient.
The student wanted to know what that would accomplish.
The teacher answered, "It will give me time to get away."
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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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