Our Parish Newsletter
Dear parish members, family and friends. Thank you for taking the time to read “Our Parish Paper’, The aim of our print is to promote awareness of God’s love in the lives of all, both young and old, parish members and non parish members, God fearing and those who have lost their way. We hope that it will bring you some insightful articles, thereby promoting interaction between one another and inspire us to take our faith to others. As well as a few chuckles.
As you can see, we are in need of a name for ’Our Parish Paper’ and as we would like everyone in our parish to be part of our paper, we have decided to leave the choice of the name to all of you. There are papers in the back of the church, which you can write down your suggestions
Every month we will be focusing on a specific theme and bring you articles related to these themes. Over the next few months some of the themes which we will be bringing you articles such as ‘Mothers’, ‘Fathers’, ‘The media and God’ and ‘Our youth’, to name but a few. We would appreciate it if all of you will provide us with an article at some point or other as we would like to get your thoughts and ideas out to the rest of us. These articles can be forwarded to Father Rocco, any of the parish council members or Roberto Bovo.
This month we are focusing on journeys. The journey of Christ, the journey of our members who have been confirmed and the journeys of some of our friends whom have journeyed to some amazing places.
Once more please feel free to offer constructive criticism, thoughts for themes
I pray all of you have a blessed day and enjoy the reading.
God Bless
Roberto Bovo
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From Fr. Rocco:
I am happy to know that the very first issue of the Catholic Church Waverley newsletter is ready.
We are in Easter time and celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation of four of our members, we can say that is an anticipation of Pentecost.
The newsletter itself is a sign of our resurrection, our hearts are open to the worldwide and to the plan of God.
We are a tiny community, but energetic followers of Jesus. May the presence of the Consolata Missionaries in our parish, encourage us to accept the diversities as enrichment for the communion of cultures and personalities that is forged in the Eucharist, Sunday by Sunday.
May the light of the Holy Spirit that is in us, be translated in daily actions for the serving of humanity.
Fr. Rocco Marra, imc
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From a Mom’s Diary:
My son, Peter-Anthony, is five, almost six years old and in Gr. 0. The two of us do the school drop-off every morning and most days, only set off half an hour later than Dad and Sissy – having to build a last race track, find a new favourite car parked under the couch, etc. etc, and I get to hold his hand, chat and hug a bit and whilst walking him to class. This morning, I parked close to the pre-school entrance and my boy got out the car, hung his little backpack and very nonchalantly told me: “Bye Mom, I love you”. I responded, whilst getting out and about to lock the car that he must wait. Well, my big guy looked at me with his big eyes and said: “I am fine, Mom. You can go; I will walk to class by myself”. I went round to him, hugged and kissed him a tad bit longer, and off he went – confident, independent and not needing my hand.
I was just, deflated! I don’t think I will ever forget that sight of my boy, strutting his stuff and only looking back to give me a huge, happy smile. No fear, no uncertainty. I got back in the car and wanted to cry – no howl, but at the same time also laugh out loud and cheer that my baby is growing up - confident and aware of his own capabilities.
In reflection, I think of Mother Mary and how she was just a mother like me - utterly in love with her children. That she also saw her son growing independent, finding his own feet in his world and needing her hand and constant attention less. How she must have felt when she looked for the young boy and he was preaching in the temple; without his parents’ guidance and support. And how she could not protect Jesus on the day he was crucified.
I can only pray every day that I will outlive my children and share in their happy lives. So are other Moms, Dads, Uncles, Aunts, Grandparents and Guardians. May our prayers be heard. I pray that I teach my children to the best of my ability about Jesus, and that I illustrate and reflect the values of being a Christian, faithful and a sinner needing God’s forgiveness. Mostly, I pray that I am a good parent and mom, always.
Article by:
Nathalie Vereen
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Stations of the Cross:
On Friday, 6th April 2012, a sunny yet slightly chilled morning, more than 20 members of the ’Waverly Holy Rosary Catholic Church’ along with Father Rocco and Father Anthony, came together to commemorate the longest and toughest walk, our Lord Jesus Christ made for us, ‘The 14 Stations Of The Cross’.
The parishioners all took part in prayer, reading explanations for deeper understanding and re-enactments of the stations. It was wonderful to see the devotion of all involved, especially of the children that, at times, proudly held the cross high above their heads for all to see.
While we were following this walk of our Lord, a thought came to mind. How strong a man he was to be able to take all the physical and emotional abuse, yet be able to console others. How much love flowed through him, to know he was going to be put to death for us, yet he did not falter, or desert us. This made me wonder if I would ever be able to repay Jesus for what he had done for me? Will you be able to?
The morning was concluded with the final station and a prayer. All greeted each other farewell and slowly made their ways home. I believe all with a better understanding of how thankful we should be.
Article by:
Roberto Bovo
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World Youth Day:
In 1984 Pope John Paul II invited the youth to a special Palm Sunday gathering in Rome, where 300 000 attended this Jubilee. The following year the 2nd International Youth gathering 450 000 attended this celebration. These events inspired the Pope to create World Youth Day (WYD) and is celebrated at diocesan level every Palm Sunday and international level every 2 to 3 years. Often up to 2 weeks, it brings young Catholics from around the world to learn and understand more about as well as celebrate their faith.
The next WYD is to be hosted in Rio de Janeiro from the 23 — 28 July 2013. WYD consists of different parts. ‘Days In The Diocese’ gives the youth a chance to experience the faith and culture of a country not their own, the following week are activities based around the host city, ending with a Mass celebrated by the Pope.
The cost is estimated approximately R20000.00, payment plans are available as long as final payment is made before 5th April 2013. only youth above the age of 16 will be allowed to attend the celebration.
If you are interested in finding out more regarding WYD 2013, please contact Fr. Rocco Marra @ 0123320708 or Roberto Bovo @ 0741049301, email sbnbovo@ptatsd.co.za.
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"Sacrament of Confirmation"
Roberto Bovo:
We all have different story's that lead us to this point…..being ‘Confirmed’. How did I get here? It’s been a long and enlightening journey.
I was born into a Catholic family, which made sure that I was taken to ‘St. John The Baptist Catholic Church’ every Sunday. As I got older I decided to follow my brother to another church. Eventually as time passed, my weekly visits became monthly, monthly became yearly, until I only saw the inside of a church for weddings and funerals.
Visiting an old school friend of mine, Natasja, introduced me to ’Waverly Holy Rosary Catholic Church’ and a family which I found that I have been missing.
I have been blessed to have the influences and guidance of Natasja, Irvin, Bonita, Rui, Fr. Joseph and Fr. Rocco to name but a few. In truth all the members of our Parish have touched my life in one way or another.
On 21st April 2012, I stood before Bishop William Slattery, proud to become an active member of our church and witness of Christ in society. The much debated slap, which I received was slightly harder than expected, and the outcome rather comical, but in the end, well worth it.
My only regret was that my dad and brother were not there to share this joyous occasion with my mom and I, but I know they smiling down on me from above.
Montiné Longueira:
A shy lady of few words, but she helps to make sure that ours are sang on time, had this to say “Want to thank everyone in the parish who stood by me through the period of confirmation.
A special thank you to Bonita you are an angel out of heaven.
Article by:
Montiné Longueira, Dieter Wrogemann, Jean-Pierre Miller and Roberto Bovo.
