From the Priest Assistant…
Dear Friends,
During the past week there have been signs all around us that change is in the air. The weather has become cooler and in the early mornings and the evenings there is a definite nip in the air. One cannot move around the city without being aware that the gardens are taking on glorious autumn hues. Around the church the work on the east wall has begun, while over at the school, the staff have started to prepare for another busy term.
During the first term, in addition to all the usual beginning of year events, the Junior Syndicate visited Orana Park, the Middle Syndicate had their annual camp at Living Springs and the Senior Syndicate visited Rehua Marae where we heard the story of the marae and shared our mihi.
In Term 2 the school will be visited by a group from S. Mark’s School in Wellington. Our choirs and orchestras will combine for workshops and to provide the music at our School Mass that week. For Year 7 and 8 pupils the focus of this term will be a study of Victorian Christchurch, which will culminate in the Soirée, an evening of ballroom dancing for which pupils, staff and parents dress in Victorian costume. This term also sees school teams participating in netball, hockey and rugby competitions, and the annual inter-house cross-country and music competitions.
In our Masses the readings are moving us from contemplation of the resurrection and pointing us towards the festivals of Ascension and Pentecost. Increasingly we are being invited to think about what it means to be followers of the risen and ascended Christ, and how we can co-operate with the Holy Spirit to continue living in Christ’s healing, reconciling love.
It is timely that this morning we shall have our Annual Meeting. This meeting provides us with an opportunity not only to review the work of the parish and to celebrate all the joys of the past 12 months, but also to reflect on our continuing ministry and mission as the Body of Christ in this place.
Thursday of this week is Ascension Day. At S. Michael’s there will be the usual Mass, with laying-on of hands for healing, at 12:15 pm. In the evening we shall go to S. Luke’s, Manchester St, for the Festival Mass. Fr Peter will preside and preach, and our choir will lead the music. I hope that many of us will be able to join the community there for this celebration.
May God bless you all.
Lynne Horwood
