Durbanville Catholic Church Email

Transcription

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Durbanville Catholic Church
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ourlady-durbanville.org.za
January 2015
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Parish News - Durbanville Catholic Church
January 2015
Dear Parishioner
Time seems to fly past when one is enjoying oneself
– and, for me, this was the case with this last
Christmas season.
We really welcomed the infant Christ in style: with a
tremendous outreach to the poor in the form of the
Advent collections and the Christmas hampers; with
the various liturgical celebrations including the
Jesse tree reflections and with the lovely Christmas
Masses, Carol service and nativity play.
Now we are well into the New Year and a more
somber note is put before us by the liturgical
calendar. The season of Lent is forty days of
preparation for the Easter celebrations of the
resurrection. We are called to prayer, fasting and
almsgiving – not to long faces and sackcloth.
Recalling the forty years of the Israelites in the
desert this season helps us to situate our lives in the
reality of the fact that all lives are a journey to the
promised land – the beatic vision of God.
Sometimes the way can be very challenging, at other
times the oasis of grace refreshes us and enables us
to recall the joy of the Israelites as they crossed the
Red Sea and were formally liberated from slavery.
The Israelites also were forged into a nation through
the Exodus journey – they become who they were in
that moment of emancipation.
I read recently the following dictum: “Diversity is
divine – division is diabolical”. Let us focus our
Lenten observances this year towards becoming who
we are in Christ: the one, pilgrim people of God.
Building up our unity in our reflections and efforts
to prepare ourselves for Christ’s crossing back into
the fullness of the Life of his Divine Communion with
the Father and Holy Spirit.
We have some challenging moments ahead this year
– but also the promise of great joy and fellowship.
We strengthen ourselves for both in this Lenten
season – so that our joys can be experienced in
sharper relief and our sorrows in the reflective
expansion of our souls.
Every blessings,
Father Michael van Heerden
We appreciate your feedback / comments: [email protected]
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FROM THE OFFICE
January 2015
Meet our Catechists (Gr1-4)
Dates to diarise
Sunday, 08.02.15
18:30
Saturday, 14.02.15
Tuesday, 17.02.15
Wednesday,
18.02.15
Saturday, 21.02.15
09:00-13:00
Wednesday,
25.02.15
18:30 for 19:00
Thursday, 26.03.15
Friday, 04.09.15 to
Sunday, 06.09.15
Saturday, 17.10.15
11:00-13:00
Saturday, 24.10.15
10:00-11:00
11:00-13:00
Saturday, 31.10.15
09:00-12:00
Sunday, 01.11.15
12:00
Saturday, 07.11.15
10:00
Friday, 13.11.15
19:00
Saturday, 14.11.15
10:00
Friday, 13.11.15 to
Sunday, 15.11.15
22.11.15 to 05.12.15
BOOK NOW!
LIFE TEEN Registration Grade 8-11
Coordinators: Kevin & Nicky Shelly
VALENTINE SPITBRAAI
R120 per person
More info on page 18
SHROVE TUESDAY
Pancake day!
More info on page 18
ASH WEDNESDAY
Mass Times: 09:00 & 19:00
CENTERING PRAYER
Introductory Workshop
Cherry Wolf: 072 6409 828
BUSINESS CONNECT EVENING
All welcome!
Speaker: Gunter Simmermacher from
The Southern Cross. To book, email:
[email protected]
LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE
Time: 19:00
CATHOLIC LADIES WEEKEND
Coordinator: Christine Copley
1st PRACTICE: 1st Holy Communion
Teachers & Children only
Coordinator: Juliette Hier
CONFESSION: 1st Holy Communion
Followed by:
2nd PRACTICE: 1st Holy Communion
Teachers & Children only
RETREAT: 1st Holy Communion
Speaker: Val Thornton
Teachers, Children & Parents
SACRAMENT of 1st Holy Communion
Coordinator: Juliette Hier
CONFIRMATION Penitential Service
SACRAMENT of Confirmation
SACRAMENT of 1st Reconciliation
Coordinator: Melissa Roelofse
CATHOLIC MEN’S WEEKEND
Coordinator: Nigel Copley
PILGRIMAGE: Three Wise Men
Spiritual Director: Fr Michael v H
For more info, email Tanya:
[email protected]
Nikki Gain, Frances van Reenen, Patricia du Preez &
Shonagh Williams (Gr 1)
Samantha Green & Melissa Demaio (Gr 2)
Stacy Garcia, Gina Moyle & Melissa Roelofse (Gr 3)
Juliette Hier, Tarryn Craig & Angela Braun (Gr 4)
CATECHISM CLASSES FOR GRADE 1-4
EVERY SUNDAY (DURING SCHOOL TERM)
AFTER 07:45 MASS
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January 2015
 Improvement of security measures and
automation of gates,
 Upgrade of the Church sound systems,
 The refurbishment program of sacred the
vessels used at Mass, and
 The furnishing and equipping of lecture and
meeting rooms in the parish centre.
The phase 2 building project plans were approved by
the Archdiocese and a loan was secured for 50% of the
estimated costs. The long process of gaining the
approvals from the City Council was completed as well,
and the “go ahead” was finally obtained in December
2014.
By Jopie Bosman, Chairperson, Parish Finance Council
D
ear Fellow Parishioners
With an extensive period of building activity
completed at the end of 2013, the year 2014
was expected to be the year of consolidation in
Durbanville. This proved not to be so, as it also became
a year of much change in all areas.
The year started with the welcome of Fr Michael as our
new parish priest and leader, and the farewell to Fr
Andrew to Pinelands parish after many years of
ministry and service to our community. Later in the
year Fr Michael was joined by Fr Gerard Walmsley as
assistant parish priest, giving Fr Michael more time to
attend to additional academic duties such as
supervising doctoral students and training seminarians
in his fields of expertise and speciality. Fr Gerard also
participated in some of these responsibilities, given his
academic background and many years in education.
Parishioners also had an opportunity to meet and get
to know many of our future priests.
Towards the middle of the year we said goodbye to Sue
Fairweather who retired to Knysna. She had managed
the office functions and responsibilities ably for many
years and had served many parish priests. However,
we were fortunate when Tanya Lotz took over these
administrative functions and she has quickly put her
personal stamp on all her activities.
Although we started 2014 debt free, our financial
resources needed to be replenished to meet the costs
of a new car for Fr Michael, phase 2 of our building
project - the kitchen upgrade - as well as the
maintenance required on the Church roof and inside
the Church building.
Other projects completed during the year were:
The building is planned to commence as soon as the
builders return from their summer holidays. In
addition to the kitchen upgrade, and while the workers
are on site, it is convenient and cost effective to
complete a number of outstanding projects. Such
projects include the addition of disabled person access
to the hall, new lighting for the hall, upgrades and
improvements to the Church sanctuary and the
installation of a new sanctuary lamp donated from
Belgium. An automatic sprinkler system for the
gardens will be installed if funds allow, and thereby
save expensive labour costs.
Longer term projects planned by the PFC over the next
5 years include:
 The replacement of the Church and presbytery
roofs which have served their useful life and
becoming very expensive to maintain.
 An additional bathroom in the presbytery will
increase the value of the property and enhance
the living comforts of our priests and visitors.
 We are again requested by the Archdiocese to
assist financially in their Year of Faith project
comprising the building of two new Churches
in two of the very poorest areas of Cape Town.
We, along with all the parishes in the
Archdiocese, were given a target of R100 000
donation, of which half has already been
collected and paid over.
The financial commitments of the above projects and
the ever increasing demand for additional funds for
evangelisation, catechesis and higher living expenses
has led to the re-launch of fundraising activities and
projects. These initiatives were enthusiastically
supported by the parishioners and were very
successful. The organisers wish to thank everyone for
this amazing generosity and support.
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January 2015
In 2014 we also had regular mini markets, a
Chinese raffle event, and to mark the end of the
year and the Christmas season - Carols by
Candlelight - in the presbytery garden.
Upcoming fundraising events early 2015 include:
 Valentine’s Day spit braai where we shall
launch a new activity, namely:
 The ‘100 Club’ – watch this space!
 Shrove Tuesday, a pancake evening,
There are also many events planned for later in the
year, and we again look forward to everyone’s
participation.
The PPC Management Committee selected a candidate
to represent Durbanville Parish, and attend World
Youth day with the Holy Father in Poland in
2016. Fundraising activities are planned over the next
2 years to cover the costs involved.
I gratefully acknowledge the support from Fr Michael.
I also thank all my fellow committee members on the
PFC and PPC, and also the many volunteers for their
hard work in making the plans for 2014 a reality.
We wish you all a happy and blessed 2015.
Jopie Bosman
Chairperson
Parish Finance Council (PFC)
Rare Flowers
If I found beautiful rare flowers; I'd share this beauty with
you. In hopes that you would receive it;
and enjoy its fine beauty too.
God is the God of miracles; this saying, though old, is true.
From the gleaming sun of creation;
to the tiniest flower of blue.
From whispering winds of refreshment; to showering
splashes of streams. From beautiful fields of flowers;
colorful rainbows, bright stars and dreams.
Each an amazing miracle; bringing faith to a doubting heart.
God's hand has created great fountains;
in dry cold desert places of dark.
On dead soil, a desert lay waste; until the hand of God
intervenes. The miracle hand of God's grace;
sprouts flowers in places not seen.
I have, found beautiful rare flowers; not known to the
natural man. Found in the places of God's touch.
Flowers of faith, I hold in my clutch.
I will not keep this treasure to self; but cast their beauty to
the wind. And ask the Lord to direct their flow. Empty
deserts, may you bloom and grow.
And as the Lord looked upon the deep; a lifeless flow
without form or void. Transformed the dead, to light and
life; filled with flowers now so enjoyed.
I know a heart can be flowerless; dead and dark, in coldness
and despair. But the God of miracles and love;
transforms, and makes alive, He cares.
Replaces the stones of deadness, replaces the spaces of
dread, With New Life, and fountains of His Joy; He raises a
soul from the dead.
Please take the flowers of kindness. Please receive the
flower of Grace. Jesus died and arose in power.
Your heart can be transformed this hour.
May your heart bloom and shine in His grace;
when you see His gift of love so true. Let the flower of faith
bring life to you. His great Salvation, will make you new.
~ Susan Y Nikitenko ~
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January 2015
By Deacon Des
Lent is a season of being invited by
God in a deeply personal way.
“Come back to me, with all of your heart,” our Lord
beckons. "We will," we respond, but we aren’t
quite ready yet, our hearts are not prepared. We
want to squirm, evade, avoid. Our souls not yet
perfect. We are not ready for God to love us. Yes,
of course we want to have a deeper relationship
with God, we tell ourselves earnestly. And we
will….soon.
of the Prodigal Child, waiting faithfully, eagerly on
the road for our return, night after night.
There are no folded arms and stern judging stares,
only the straining eyes of a parent eager for our
return, longing to embrace us and rejoice in us.
Yet we spend so much time trying to think
of how to return and what to say, how to begin the
conversation. It’s only when we finally appear after
so much time away, embarrassed and confused,
that we understand we don’t have to say
anything. We only have to show up.
God calls to us again: “Come back to me, with all
of your heart.” Ok, ok, I really will. Just a few more
things to do at work. Let me spend a little more time
in prayer first. Let me get to Reconciliation.
Let me clean my oven, tidy my cupboards. Sell my
yoke of oxen. Check a field I have just bought….
“Come back to me, with all of your heart.”
Look up there on the Lenten road ahead of us: our
loving God is jumping up and down for joy. The
invitation to us has been heard. We have returned
home! But, wait... What stops us from this great
reunion? What keeps us from accepting this
invitation to something deeper in our lives with
God?
It is an extraordinary invitation to each one of us.
God invites us to drop the defences that we hold
up between ourselves and God. All God wants is
for us to realize that our standards, our way of
judging and loving are so very different from God’s
way, and so much smaller.
We feel in our hearts that there are things we
should say first: “wait…but…if only” and finally, “If
God really knew about me…”
God offers an entire Lenten season, an entire
lifetime, of loving us unconditionally, no matter
what we have done, or how much we think we
have hidden from God.
From the first day of Lent, the Ash Wednesday
readings make God's call to us clear: “Return to
me with your whole heart.”
“A clean heart create for me, O God,” Psalm 51
offers. “Give me back the joy of your
salvation.” This is exactly what our loving God
wants to give us, the joy of salvation. Our God is
insistent, loving, gently prodding. God is the parent
It doesn’t matter. None of it matters. Only the joy
that we have turned to God and that like a loving
father or mother, God is smothering us with
embraces and joyful cries.
We have returned! “Come back to me, with all of
your heart.” Our acceptance of this call, this
appeal to our hearts is simple, if we can only get
beyond the fear. All we have to do is say to our
Lord, "I'm here. Where do I start? Yes, I want to
be with you." Our hearts have been opened and
we have taken the first step toward the rejoicing
parent on the road. No explanations are
necessary, only to pause and picture in our hearts
the joyfully loving and unblinking gaze of God that
falls on us. “Come back to me, with all of your
heart.” This is the invitation of each day of Lent.
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Q: What is Lent?
A: Historically, Lent was the forty day period before
Easter excluding Sundays, it began on Ash
Wednesday and ended on Holy Saturday (the day
before Easter Sunday). In recent years, this has
been modified so that it now ends with evening
Mass on Holy Thursday, to prepare the way for
Triduum.
Q: Why are Sundays excluded from the
reckoning of the forty days?
A: Because Sunday is the day on which Christ
arose, making it an inappropriate day to fast and
mourn our sins. On Sunday we must celebrate
Christ's resurrection for our salvation. It is Friday on
which we commemorate his death for our sins. The
Sundays of the year are days of celebration and
the Fridays of the year are days of penance.
Q: Why are the forty days called Lent?
A: They are called Lent because it is the Old English
word for spring - the season of the year during
which they fall in the Northern hemisphere. Calling
this period Lent (spring) is quite apt, because the
season of spring is a time of new beginnings, a time
of blooming, a time of restoration. The winter
season is past, the dryness, coldness, and darkness
of winter is replaced by a new creation, beautiful,
colourful and full of life.
Q: Why is Lent forty days long?
A: Because forty days is a traditional number of
discipline, devotion, and preparation in the Bible.
 Moses stayed on the Mountain of God forty
days (Exodus 24:18 and 34:28).
 The spies were in the land for forty days
(Numbers 13:25),
 Elijah travelled forty days before he reached
the cave where he had his vision (1 Kings 19:8),
 Nineveh was given forty days to repent (Jonah
3:4), and most importantly, prior to undertaking
his ministry,
 Jesus spent forty days in wilderness praying and
fasting (Matthew 4:2).
January 2015
Thus the Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
"'For we have not a high priest who is unable to
sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in
every respect has been tested as we are, yet
without sinning' [Heb 4:15].
By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites
herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the
desert.
Q: When does Lent begin?
A: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is the day
on which the faithful have their foreheads signed
with ashes in the form of a Cross. It is also a day of
fast and abstinence.
Q: What is a day of fast and abstinence?
A: Under current canon law in the Western Rite of
the Church, a day of fast is one on which Catholics
who are eighteen to sixty years old are required to
keep a limited fast. A day of abstinence is a day on
which Catholics fourteen years or older are
required to abstain from eating meat.
Q: In addition to Ash Wednesday, are any
other days during Lent days of fast or
abstinence?
A: Yes. All Fridays during Lent are days of
abstinence. Also, Good Friday, the day on which
Christ was crucified, is another day of both fast and
abstinence. All days in Lent are appropriate for
fasting or abstaining, but canon law does not
require fasting on those days. Such fasting or
abstinence is voluntary, a freewill offering.
UNDERSTAND
Since Lent is a period of prayer and fasting, it is
fitting for Christians to imitate their Lord with a forty
day period. Christ used a forty day period of prayer
and fasting to prepare for his ministry, which
culminated in his death and resurrection, and thus
it is fitting for Christians to imitate him with a forty
day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for the
celebration of his ministry's climax, Good Friday
(the day of the crucifixion) and Easter Sunday (the
day of the resurrection).
the meaning of
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T
his year began with my trip to the dentist. I
thought I’d face the worst so that I could
enjoy the rest of the year in peace. Our Lord
showed me that our life’s struggles will always be
present, but that He will help us through them all.
The worst was not the trip to the dentist, but of
losing my older brother to Huntington disease,
after his seven years of suffering from it. I was
grateful to have been able to see him in Durban
before he passed away. Although it saddened me
to know that we would be separated, I also knew
that it was not goodbye, but ‘au revoir’ (French for:
‘to meet each other again’).
What could have been a traumatic experience,
turned out to be a deeply spiritual experience.
I started to think of the good times we had
together, and shared those special memories with
my brother, Francois. God also gave me the
strength to tell Francois that he can go in peace,
and to give him a glimpse of what awaits him on
the other side: In my Father’s house are many
mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and
death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the
former things have passed away.” (Revelations
21:4)
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart
of man imagined, what God has prepared for
those who love him”. (1 Corinthians 2: 9)
Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather
be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
(2 Corinthians 5:8)
January 2015
me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard
pressed between the two. My desire is to depart
and be with Christ, for that is far better.
(Philippians 1:21-23)
Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform
our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by
the power that enables him ever to subject all
things to himself. (Philippians 3:20-21)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not
perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Heaven is described in Revelation as this:
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one
of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of
the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
(Revelation 21:21)
Francois’s eyes were more at peace when I
described heaven to him. I felt like a travel agent
for heaven, because of what God revealed to me
through the Scriptures. Having had lost our
parents at a young age, we always felt adopted by
our Father, God and our Mother, Mary. I told
Francois that both, our physical and our spiritual
parents are waiting for him in heaven. The thought
of this family reunion was a comfort to us both.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our
outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is
being renewed day by day. For our light affliction,
which is but for a moment, is working for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while
we do not look at the things which are seen, but at
the things which are not seen. For the things which
are seen are temporary, but the things which are
not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
For to me to live, is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am
to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labour for
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For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is
destroyed, we have a building from God, a house
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
(2 Corinthians 5:1-5)
The Scriptures describe heaven as a beautiful
destination: A mansion...streets of gold...renewed
bodies...no more suffering or pain. It’s not a place
to be feared, but to look forward to. I felt a deep
sense of peace and joy, for I knew that God had
prepared a special place for Francois, in heaven.
His Word to me was: “I have told you this so that
my joy may be in you and that your joy may be
complete.”(John 15:11)
“Until now you have not asked for anything in my
name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy may
be complete.” (John 16:24)
Seeing my brother suffering so much saddened
me, and I asked our Lord’s will to be done for
Francois. I was prepared to let Francois go, for I
knew that he would be better off in his eternal
home with God. No one is fully prepared for the
loss of a loved one, but when we believe that our
lives here are temporary, and
that we have an eternal life
with our Lord in heaven, the
transition is easier to bear.
Francois passed away that
evening, the 8th of January,
and my deceased mother’s
birthday was on the 9th of
January. It gave me joy to
know that Francois was my
mother’s birthday gift from
our Lord. God’s timing was
perfect.
January 2015
devotion, everything became clear to me. God was
faithful to His Word:
“So this joy of mine has been made complete”
(John 3:29)
Some days I’m almost ashamed to feel joy- the
days I’m aware of the immensity of suffering.
Someone dear to me has died, far too young and
too painfully; those who love him will never forget.
How can there be joy? Yet John the Baptist has
fullness of joy. The Awaited One has arrived- not
removing our suffering, but infusing it with love. If
there were no love, there would be no suffering.
Our suffering is real, profound, terribly challenging.
We don’t rejoice in that. We find our joy in the
presence of God who can always be found here,
permanently joined in our humanity, never letting
go no matter where we wonder.
Prayer: Lord, make full our joy. (By Mary Marrocco)
‘Living Faith’ – Saturday, January 10, 2015
No matter what challenges we might be facing, we
know that we serve a faithful God who is intricately
involved in our lives. He speaks to us all personally
and gives us His strength and
joy in our time of needs. As we
grow closer to God in our
times of suffering, we are
given His joy as our strength.
Be
comforted
in
the
knowledge that... ...The joy of
the LORD is your strength.
(Psalm 5:11)
“What could have
been a traumatic
experience, turned
out to be a deeply
spiritual experience”.
Something that touched me deeply was the family
support. We all pulled together to organise
Francois’s funeral arrangements for the 10 th
January, as our flight back home was the 11 th of
January. Everyone had a task to do and the family
‘networking’, with God, made all things possible.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in
the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
The morning of the 10th January I had a sense of
peace and joy. I could not understand why I felt this
way, as I should be grieving on the day of
Francois’s funeral. Upon reading the ‘Living Faith’
God equips us with the riches
of His glory. We do not need
to struggle through our losses
in our own strength. He gives us all that we’ll ever
need:
‘New mercies every morning,
Grace for every day,
New hope for every trial,
And courage all the way.’
- Mc Veigh The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease,
for His compassions never fail. They are new every
morning; great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I have hope in Him.”
(Lamentations 3:22-24)
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January 2015
few copies to Johannesburg during a recent visit. We
also welcomed into our ranks the Knights of Da Gama
and gave them permission for the upstairs storeroom
to be available for their use. Another new innovation
was the bringing together of business people in our
parish and the printing of a Business Directory for
2014/2015.
By Denzil Smerdon, Chairperson
Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)
Dear Parishioners
I wish to briefly summarise the year 2014 and address
some of the challenges and aspirations for the New
Year, 2015.
2014
was certainly a unique year.
We said goodbye to Fr.
Andrew
Borello
and
welcomed Fr. Michael van Heerden. A new Parish
Pastoral Council (PPC) was formed to serve for three
years. Whilst perusing through the records,
attendances at PPC and Management meetings were
very good. Meetings were at times robust yet fruitful.
We embarked on sending a representative to the 2016
World Youth Day and in rapid time Dominique Yon, the
selected candidate, was able to put together an
evening of Carols by Candlelight, mainly as an income
towards World Youth Day. Big thanks to our young
people and music ministry!
After much thought on her part, I was able to convince
Carol Mance to lead the fundraising body. 2014 saw
the start of a few excellent fundraising projects.
Fisantekraal will always be recognised as an extension
of our Parish Community and on behalf of PPC I wish to
thank Louis Dawson, as liaison officer, for bringing us
up to speed as to what transpires at Fisantekraal. We
also bid Sue farewell and welcomed Tanya Lotz as our
parish secretary. As Tanya is also a nominated member
of our PPC, we wish her a long and happy stay as parish
secretary.
Dominique Yon and Antonio Pepe advised us verbally
and with follow-up correspondence that they will be
relinquishing their leadership role in Life Teen. They
advised that the Shelly’s, Kevin and his gracious wife
Nicky, would in the interim take over. I thanked all
concerned. Up to the time of writing we have not had
a Deanery Pastoral meeting but we were visited by the
Dean of the Northern Deanery, Fr. Nkululeko on the
weekend 09/11/2014.
Together with Grant Daniels, PPC’s vice chairperson,
we represented our parish at the Archdiocese PPC
Chairman’s meetings. We also welcomed Fr. Gerard
Walmsley, who assists Fr. Michael. Dcn Des continues
to be a great asset to our Parish. Our parish finances
are in the good hands of our Parish Finance Council
(PFC) headed by Jopie Bosman. Financial reports show
that we are safely buoyant and therefore we should
appreciate the generosity of our parishioners.
2015
The year is but a puppy. Let us
continue to build on our
successful 2014 by embracing
the Child Safeguarding Policy to be implemented
sometime this year. Giving Dominique Yon all the
support needed for WYD. Making Fisantekraal an
ongoing project in progress, committing ourselves fully
to the Archdiocese to reach the reality of building two
new Churches and advertising and supporting Carol
Mance in her fundraising efforts.
May our ministries continue their good work and
deeds. It is wise not to fix things which are not broken.
Although 2014 was a period of transition, we should
now view 2015 as a year of transformation.
We, as parishioners, are extremely proud and grateful
to the editor and members who put together our bimonthly parish newsletters. Fr. Michael even took a
Have a great 2015!
Denzil Smerdon
Chairperson
Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)
10 | P a g e
January 2015
From page: 7
Q: Why are
Fridays
during Lent
days of
abstinence?
A:
This
is
because Jesus
died for our sins
on
Friday,
making it an especially appropriate day of
mourning our sins by denying ourselves something
we enjoy (just as Sunday, the day on which he rose
for our salvation is an especially appropriate day to
rejoice).
Q: Are acts of repentance appropriate on
other days during Lent?
A: Yes. Thus the Code of Canon Law states:
"All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent
are penitential days and time throughout the
universal Church" (CIC 1250).
Q: Why are acts of repentance
appropriate at this time of year?
A: Because it is the time leading up to the
commemoration of Our Lord's death for our sins
and the commemoration of his resurrection for our
salvation. It is thus especially appropriate to mourn
the sins for which he died. Humans have an innate
psychological need to mourn tragedies, and our
sins are tragedies of the greatest sort. Due to our
fallen nature humans also have a need to have set
times in which to engage in behaviour (which is
why we have Sundays as a set time to rest and
worship, since we would otherwise be likely to
forget to devote sufficient time to rest and
worship), it is appropriate to have set times of
repentance. Lent is one of those set times.
Q: What are appropriate activities for
ordinary days during Lent?
A: Giving up something we enjoy for Lent, doing of
physical or spiritual acts of mercy for others, prayer,
fasting, abstinence, going to confession, and other
acts expressing repentance in general.
“ A new Commandment I give unto you that
you love one another as I have loved you” .
We all need to communicate and what better way
in our Parish then by showing how we care. Due
to many factors, our Care Group has become
dormant and there is a real need to get this very
important group going again. To this end we, at
Parish News, are calling for parishioners to reestablish the Care Group and its sub-group, the
Anxiety and Depression Support Group.
It is envisaged that we could have two groups, a
morning group for those not working and an
evening group for those who cannot attend the
morning session. We would need two leaders, one
for each group, and a co-ordinator for both groups.
Once the Care Group is established we could then
go on to forming the sub-group. Here we would
like to include people who have done lifeline or
similar courses.
There are so many people in our Parish who are
living alone and who, for various reasons, are
unable to attend any of the social functions. Put
yourselves in their shoes and I am sure you would
welcome a friendly face from the Parish visiting you
or having a shoulder to cry on if necessary. The
Care Group could also visit new parishioners to
welcome them and provide them with more info on
the various groups within our Parish.
If you feel called to help, kindly email us:
[email protected]
Q: Is the custom of giving up something for
Lent mandatory?
A: No. However, it is a salutary custom, and parents
or caretakers may choose to require it of their
children to encourage their spiritual training, which
is their prime responsibility in the raising of their
children.
11 | P a g e
January 2015
group and is separate from the Catholic Leadership
Academy (C.L.A). We have been guided by Fr.
Michael and Tim Harris (C.L.A. Co-ordinator) in
the birthing process of this movement in our parish.
The name C.I.A. (Christ in Action) has been chosen
for this, and our vision statement is:
“A youth movement that inspires
young people to empower others,
through ministry, fostering
spiritual growth.”
T
he Catholic Leadership Academy course
ends in February. So far it has been a
very exciting journey with positive plans
for the future. Grant Sobotker and I were given a
C.L.A. Youth Movement Model to bring back into
our parish, which consists of:
SV- SERVICE
(Live our faith) through outreach programs.
SP- SPIRITUALITY
(Feed our faith) focusing on our personal
relationship with God.
FR- FRIENDSHIP
(Share our faith) focusing on our relationship with
others.
KN-KNOWLEDGE
(Learn our faith) to deepen our knowledge of our
faith and the Scriptures.
These are the four pillars of the model, with Christ
being the centre of it all.
Grant Sobotker will be leading this Youth
Movement in our parish, and your support will be
much appreciated. During 2015 and 2016, the
focus will be on events for the young adults (1830yrs age group), and in 2017 the focus will be from
Grade 5 (11 yrs) to young adults (18-30 yrs) age
group. The reason being, that after confirmation,
there is a lack of spiritual growth being offered to
our young adults. As a result we have lost some of
our youth. This movement will provide
opportunities for courses, events, leadership
teaching skills and retreats. It will also open doors
for young adults to partake in leadership roles, as
well as enhance their spiritual growth.
We will be advertising the events planned, in the
foyer and in the church bulletin. We would
appreciate the support of everyone, even if just in
prayer, for the success of this youth movement.
For further information you may contact:
Grant Sobotker - 079 552 2070
Catherine de Valence - 083 580 2692
Don’t let anyone look down on you
because you are young. Set an example
in what you say and in how you live.
Also set an example in how you love
and in what you believe. Show the
believers how to be pure.
The model is for us to start a Youth Movement in
our parish under its own name. It is not a youth
1 Timothy 4:12
12 | P a g e
January 2015
TRADITIONAL PORTUGUESE
“PRESéPIO” NATIVITY SCENE
The creation of these works of art is a long
standing tradition held
by many
Portuguese families. The photos above
and below are examples of a traditional
Portuguese Nativity scene (Presépio) created by Connie Lorenco, a parishioner.
On 28th December 2014 the Portuguese
group and parishioners offered gifts to
our parish priests in thanksgiving to their
service to all people and God.
Father Michael and Father Gerard wish
to thank all who sent gifts and cards
and especially those who helped and
contributed to make the Christmas
celebrations so meaningful.
13 | P a g e
The Old Church
By Jack Kropman born 18.07.1941
1956
We are moving to Durbanville, to a
small holding. Dad stopped
building to become a poultry farmer. Leaving the
Southern Suburbs – moving to Durbanville! That small
dorp at the end of that beautiful avenue with those
massive blue gum trees on each side, where we at
odd times in winter took a drive out into the
countryside for tea and scones in the old cottage
under the impressive oaks on Tygervalley Road. The
cottage is still there, but they stopped serving tea
decades ago.
C
oming from the Claremont area, and having
been members of Mary Help of Christians
Parish in Lansdowne all my life, and with my
primary school days partly spent at Salesian's School,
what could we expect out there? No Church. So, we
became members of Bellville Parish under Father
O’Brien.
There were quite a number of families around
Durbanville and in no specific order the ones I can
remember are – The Abderhaldens (4) and
Heathcocks (6) down Langeberg Road just beyond
the garden cities Pinehurst Estate. On Durbanville
Avenue, the Edwards clan (7) on Vygeboom Farm and
a little further down the road, the [Canones or
Consanis) in St Michaels. Opposite the Edwards on
Durbanville Avenue lived Val and Pat Hasti with
father-in-law, Ted, with Ted’s dream, a tea room in his
garden! Just beyond the now established golf course,
lived the Oates (6). ELO Motors, the Caltex garage in
the dorp was owned by Overgoor (3). Also in the dorp
January 2015
lived the Fords (3) in a large house near Spiro’s on
Main Street. The Goldstones (3) later to emigrate to
New Zealand and Ian Howes and his mom (2) lived in
the vicinity of the Medi Clinic. I’m not too sure if their
houses were swallowed up by the hospital. Down Van
der Byl Street lived the Barnwells (5). The Glazewski
family (5) lived on a small holding on I think
Malanshoogte Road. The Kropmans (6) lived at the
end of Ruitershoogte Road on Vierlanden Estate
(Morning Sun). There were many others whose names
escape me now.
The early days of Durbanville Parish, how exciting
were those times, to be a part of establishing your
own new Parish.
As I’ve said, we all became members of Bellville Parish
(Our Lady of Fatima), we had no land or any idea
where to start, but with the help and encouragement
of Father O’Brien, the community helped to start
fundraising to establish our Church. With no Church
facilities in Durbanville, Father O’Brien drove up to
offer mass for us on Sundays. The Ford family very
graciously opened their home and allowed us to use
their large lounge for these purposes. When numbers
increased and the lounge became too small we hired
the Jewish hall in Gladstone Street. (Father O’Brien
also encouraged the block Rosary, which I think was
prayed once a month. We can’t ask him now, but I’m
sure Father O’Brien was happy when we got on our
feet and built our own Church).
Many events were organised by the community but
our main fundraising event was our Spring Ball, which
was held in the town hall. The most memorable for
me being the Venetian Theme, with a large gondola
placed at the foot of the stage. My folks decided to
help by organising an annual braai on a Saturday, with
14 | P a g e
January 2015
an American auction on our small holding. They sold
the tickets to the community, but also returned to the
Southern Suburbs to tap some of their old friends and
business associates. The Archbishop, his assistants
and numerous Salesian priests were always there. As
the folks were the only ones involved, we stayed up
late after the braai counting the proceeds so that at
mass on Sunday morning, the profit could be
announced.
(Photo above) Presbytery visible where we today have our
Parish Centre (photo below)
E
ventually the committee looking for land
settled on The Crescent, which then received
the go ahead to purchase from the
Archbishop’s financial committee. (May I digress for a
moment, our committee at various times wanted to
purchase other items, eg. vis - the block of flats when
it came on the market and also the land where Spur
is built. This latter to start a preschool to be run by
Salesian Sisters, but the Archbishops committee
would not approve these purchases).
W
ith the land now bought, what should we
build? The majority decided on a hall
which could be our mass centre when
required but could also be used for fundraising, a hall
for sporting activity and a place for our youth, i.e. a
youth club could be formed. For those who have
wondered why we have the ceiling shaped as it is and
why the concealed lighting down each side – the
intention was to have continuous fluorescent lights
down each side and these could be covered with
sloping glass. At that stage many of us played
badminton and these features were built in to allow
for this sport.
My dad a retired Master Builder and an Architect
(Dutch qualifications) designed the hall, attached
Presbytery and linked Sacristy. Quotations were called
for and a builder from Paarl was contracted to do the
work. On completion of the contract, we received our
own Parish Priest, Father Banahan, and became a
fully-fledged parish, with many thanks to Father
O’Brien for his help. (However, to the disappointment
of many, Father Banahan wanted the hall only as a
mass centre / interim church, and all the extra uses for
the facility fell by the wayside, the youth problem still
exists in our church today). Due to the ever increasing
community, we needed to find new premises for the
presbytery so that the existing one could be
converted into rooms for Catechetical studies. For the
relatively recent arrivals in Durbanville, the double
story building opposite the Church became the new
presbytery with a pool in the front garden, (this was
for some reason filled and grassed over). The
residential house here was sold and we bought the
existing building which was a doctor’s residence with
the attached flat let acting as his surgery.
A
s the months and years passed, this hall too
became too small. Once again my dad got to
his drawing board and designed a church,
being of Dutch origin, this was a conventional church
design that was ultimately not used. A few more years
went by, he passed on, and a new committee was
chosen to establish a new church building. With the
chosen architect we travelled around to see how the
new churches looked, decisions were made, the
architect set about the drawings, the plans
were approved and we went to tender. As an
aside, and with no suggestions from anyone,
my dad’s plan had seven windows down
each side. He wanted an external
waterproof window with the inner
window depicting the Stations of
the Cross, very nearly what
we have today.
Greetings
Jack Kropman
15 | P a g e
January 2015
From page: 11
Q: Since
Sundays are
not counted
in the forty
days of Lent,
does the
custom of
giving up
something apply to them?
A: Customarily, no. However, since the giving up of
something is voluntary to begin with, there is no
official rule concerning this aspect of it.
Nevertheless, since Sundays are days of
celebration, it is appropriate to suspend the Lenten
self-denial on them that, in a spiritual and nonexcessive way, we may celebrate the day of Our
Lord's resurrection so that that day and that event
may be contrasted with the rest of the days of Lent
and the rest of the events of history. This
heightened contrast deepens the spiritual lessons
taught by the rest of Lent.
Q: Why is giving up something for Lent
such a salutary custom?
A: By denying ourselves something we enjoy, we
discipline our wills so that we are not slaves to our
pleasures. Just as indulging the pleasure of eating
leads to physical flabbiness and, if this is great
enough, an inability to perform in physically
demanding situations, indulging in pleasure in
general leads to spiritual flabbiness and, if this is
great enough, an inability to perform in spiritual
demanding situations, when the demands of
morality require us to sacrifice something
pleasurable (such as sex before marriage or not
within the confines of marriage) or endure hardship
(such as being scorned or persecuted for the faith).
By disciplining the will to refuse pleasures when they
are not sinful, a habit is developed which allows the
will to refuse pleasures when they are sinful. There
are few better ways to keep one's priorities straight
than by periodically denying ourselves things of
lesser priority to show us that they are not necessary
and focus our attention on what is necessary.
Q: Is the denying of pleasure an end in
itself?
A: No. It is only a means to an end. By training
ourselves to resist temptations when they are not
sinful, we train ourselves to reject temptations when
they are sinful. We also express our sorrow over
having failed to resist sinful temptations in the past.
Q: Is there such a thing as denying
ourselves too many pleasures?
A: Most definitely. First, God made human life
contingent on certain goods, such as food, and to
refuse to enjoy enough of them has harmful
consequences. For example, if we do not eat
enough food it can cause physical damage or (in
the extreme, even death). Just as there is a
balance between eating too much food and not
eating enough food, there is a balance involved in
other goods.
Secondly, if we do not strike the right balance and
deny ourselves goods God meant us to have then
it can generate resentment toward God, which is
a spiritual sin just as much as those of engaging in
excesses of good things. Thus one can be led into
sin either by excess or by defect in the enjoyment
of good things.
Thirdly, it can decrease our effectiveness in
ministering to others.
Fourthly, it can deprive us of the goods God gave
us in order that we might praise him.
Fifthly, it constitutes the sin of ingratitude by refusing
to enjoy the things God wanted us to have
because he loves us. If a child refused every gift his
parent gave him, it would displease the parent,
and if we refuse gifts God has given us, it displeases
God because he loves us and wants us to have
them.
Q: Is that balance the same for all people?
A: No. For example, with the good of food, people
who are by nature physically larger need more
food than people who are physically smaller.
Similarly, people who have higher metabolisms or
who do manual labour for a living need more food
than people with slower metabolisms or who have
less active lifestyles.
The same is true with regard to other goods than
food. St. Paul speaks of this in regard to the good
of married life: "I wish that all were as I myself am.
But each has his own special gift from God, one of
one kind and one of another. To the unmarried
and the widows I say that it is well for them to
remain single as I do. But if they cannot exercise
self-control, they should marry. For it is better to
marry than to be aflame with passion".
(1 Corinthians 7:7-9)
16 | P a g e
January 2015
The D4J Campaign ran from May-June 2014. It then became an ecumenical movement of pastors, priests
and ministers, building relationships between various denominations in our community.
The D4J movement became an initiative to unite all Christians to fellowship, worship and build
relationships together. This was done through a series of events like a walk through Durbanville, Praise
and Worship evenings, events, 24/7 Prayer week and outreach programs. There was also a Christmas
Carol evening held at Avondale Gardens in Durbanville. This was well supported by all denominations,
in support of the Rotary club and D4J movement. Funds raised went to ‘Jesus Can’ organization for the
homeless.
2015 looks promising as the D4J movement encouraged all denominations to let each other know what
events we will all be holding, so that our events can be supported by the wider church community. We
can also join forces in outreach programs and learn from each other. It is in reaching out to our wider
church communities that we accept and love each other with God’s unconditional love. United we can
achieve so much more for our Durbanville Community, and draw all closer to Jesus. Let us join Jesus
in prayer:
“that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.
May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:21)
Future D4J events will be put up on the notice board in the foyer. If you wish to know more about the
D4J movement, you may visit their website: www.d4j.co.za or e-mail: [email protected].
PHILOSOPHY CLASSES
at Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Mondays from 10:00 to 13:00
Thursdays from 10:00 to 13:00
Philopsophy of Nature
Lecturer: Father Michael
ADULT CATHOLIC
ENQUIRY CLASSES
At Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Every Friday during the Season of Lent
Starting on Friday, 20th February 2015
After Stations of the Cross
Tuesdays from 10:00 to 13:00
Wednesdays from 10:00 – 13:00
Lecturer: Father Michael
Medieval Philosophy
Lecturer: Father Gerard
17 | P a g e
January 2015
From page: 16
Thus some are
given the gift of
being able to
live without the
good of married
life in order that
they may pursue
greater devotion
to God (1 Cor.
7:32-34) or to
pursue greater ministry for others (2 Timothy 2:3-4),
as with priests, monks, and nuns. God gives these
people special graces to live the life which they
have embraced, just as he gives special graces to
the married to live the life they have embraced.
Q: Aside from Ash Wednesday, which
begins Lent, what are its principal events?
A: There are a variety of saints' days which fall
during Lent, and some of these change from year
to year since the dates of Lent itself change based
on when Easter falls. However, the Sundays during
the Lenten season commemorate special events in
the life of Our Lord, such as his Transfiguration and
his Triumphal Entrance into Jerusalem on Palm
Sunday, which begins Holy Week. Holy week
climaxes with Holy Thursday, on which Christ
celebrated the first Mass, Good Friday, on which
he was Crucified, and Holy Saturday -- the last day
of Lent during which Our Lord lay in the Tomb
before his Resurrection on Easter Sunday, the first
day after Lent.
The main purpose of Lent, is to give us the time to
die to our old sinful ways of life, and rise out of the
tomb with Jesus to a new way of life, so that by the
Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night, when we renew
our Baptismal vows, we will have also hopefully
renewed our lives. ------
On 27th February 2015 Glen & Angeline Perkins
st
will celebrate their 61 Wedding Anniversary.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL OF US!
18 | P a g e
January 2015
O
n Tuesday 23rd December 2014 our Parish held
our first Carols by Candlelight and Nativity Play
in Father Michael’s garden. When I agreed to
coordinate this event my aim was to arrange something
where the families of our community could come
together to enjoy and celebrate the joys of Christmas.
Soon afterwards I was chosen to represent our parish at
World Youth Day 2016 and I saw the opportunity as a
fundraiser. I hoped for 100 people to attend in order to
make a significant amount of money, but to my
amazement over 200 people came and managed to fit
comfortably in Father's beautiful garden.
Needless to say the evening was a great success and
everyone seemed to have enjoyed the carols and nativity
play.
I thank all those that came and supported the event and
made it such a fun filled family affair. I, however, could
not have done it alone and would like to especially thank
my family, friends and all those that helped behind the
scenes; that made and sold the food and treats; set up and
packed away; handled the entrance fees; ushered people
to spots on the lawn. Also thank you to Life Teen for
providing their Tuck Shop; the gingerbread house
donation; meat donations; the Men's Band for all their
preparation for the evening; the cast of the play that only
had just over a week to learn everything and all those
who managed backstage, arranged the sound, lighting,
the talented painters of the beautiful backdrop and of
course our parish priests for allowing us to use their
beautiful garden.
I am blessed to have had such amazing support and look
forward to future fundraising events. Look out in the
foyer and weekly bulletin for information about
upcoming events.
Wishing you a prosperous 2015!
Dominique Yon
19 | P a g e
ROOTED IN OUR FAMILY UNITY
O
ur Catholic Community is something that I
have always treasured. It’s like our personal
family. Our family can at times rub us the
wrong way, we might disagree with them, or even be
hurt by them, but they are still our family. There is a
saying that goes: ‘we can choose our friends but not
our family’. There is something very special about
one’s family. It’s a bond that is not breakable. Our
roots are deep and secured in Christ. We share
the same blood and genes. We defend each other
and depend on each other.
As Catholics, we believe in the same apostolic Creed
and share in the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus
Christ. We share in the knowledge that we have our
Father God and our Mother Mary as our Spiritual
parents. We seek the prayerful intercession of our
Mother Mary, as a child would seek its mother’s
intercession and guidance in all situations. Many do
not understand our relationship with Mary, and we
need to share our faith when questioned about it. The
comfort we have is that we stand strong in our faith
and belief. If we don’t stand for something, we will fall
for anything. Our friends might draw us to question
our faith, but we need to know our Catholic Faith well
before we can defend it.
January 2015
serenity in our churches that I have come to
appreciate through the years. I also enjoy the praise
and worship songs, the Charismatic and the soft
meditative songs. There is a beautiful variety to meet
different people’s needs. There are different masses
to cater for different age groups.
Having been invited to fellowship in different churches
has widened my circle of friends, and given me
greater insights on the way God works through all His
people. There are many creative ways of serving God.
We have a lot to learn from our fellow Christians, and
have a lot to offer different denominations too. I’ve
come to see everyone as an equal in the eyes of God,
as He loves us all the same, but home will always be
home with my Catholic family. We are not perfect,
but we are family. The prodigal son left home to
find his feet, but he came back home on his knees
to find his roots.
The family was ordained by God before He
established any other institution, even before He
established the Church.
Billy Graham
We will become exposed to different denominations.
This is inevitable. It is like being in a circle of friends.
Friends and friendships are God’s plans for our
humanity. He created us for friendships, but our family
ties keep us rooted so we always know where we
belong. We were created with a deep longing for
something more. That yearning is a more intimate
relationship with God. In spending time with God in
prayer, and reading the Scriptures, we find that our
Catholic faith is fulfilled.
What I love about our faith is the prayerful, meditative
silence and the intercessions of the angels and saints.
I love honouring God in humble submission when we
kneel to pray. There is a sense of deep peace and
20 | P a g e

Durbanville Catholic Church Email

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