Many 'Thank You's '

Howdy all,

These past two weeks have been trying for the New Zealand community, and we would like to offer our condolences and sympathy for all those who were affected in the Christchurch Earthquake on Tuesday the 22nd of February. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all the people involved and their families. Kia Kaha. The support and aid Christchurch has received both from around New Zealand and from the international community has been amazing and it is really heartwarming to see everyone banding together to give all the support they can. Thank you.

We would also like to send our thanks and appreciation to the very generous Brigidine Sisters who donated a substantial amount of money to our fundraising efforts.  Your belief and support of us is extremely touching and we are very, very thankful! 

Last Saturday, one of our parishioners was hosting their daughter’s wedding and we were given the opportunity to serve nibbles and tend the bar. It was hard work, but a great experience! We made $380 for our fundraising, so thanks to Nellie for thinking of us and for your support!

In other fundraising news, we are having a ‘Sunday Drive’ on March 13th. After Mass we will congregate to have a cup of tea and receive instructions, then head off in teams, following directions in order to answer questions about the scenery and landscape of the drive. Afterwards we’ll have a picnic lunch, a prize giving and all sorts of other fun. If you are interested in being involved please email us at st.marys.youthleaders@gmail.com and we’ll send you more details.

We're also in the process of planning a Golf Fun day at the Foxton Golf Course, so check back soon for more information.
Finally, we have some exciting news about our pilgrimage! After the conclusion of the WYD pilgrimage, we'll be remaining in Europe until the 13th of September. We're planning on traveling to London to stay with some of Kealagh’s relations and then on to Germany to spend some time with a close friend who has been very influential in our spiritual lives. We hope to spend time with their Youth Group as they were such a substantial part of ours during their year long exchange here in 2009. This will compliment our WYD pilgrimage and will be a wonderful experience, we can't wait!

God bless,

Catherine and Kealagh out . x