Parish News for 24/25 January 2026 – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

📢 Parish Notices

Catechism:
Catechism registration took place on Friday, 23 January 2026.
Classes will commence on:
- Wednesday, 28 January, and
- Friday, 30 January, respectively.
PPC Meeting:
The next PPC meeting will take place on Wednesday, 28 January at 6:30 pm.
Second Collection:
The second collection next weekend is for Planned Giving.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):
All those who wish to become members of the Catholic Church, or adult Catholics (18+) who have not yet made First Holy Communion or Confirmation, are invited to attend.
Fridays at 6:30 pm in the Upper Room.
Monthly Food Parcels:
The St Francis Society for the Poor requests Instant Porridge, Oats and/or Pasta.
Liturgical Dancers:
Meet on Saturday, 31 January at 9:00 am.
Altar Servers:
Any young people interested in becoming altar servers are invited to join.
Parents are asked to contact the parish office on 021 591 1911.
Training will take place soon.
Women’s Group:
Will meet on Wednesday, 4 February, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, and thereafter every second Wednesday.
Patronal Feast of the Archdiocese:
On the weekend of 7 & 8 February, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of the Flight into Egypt, Patronal Feast of the Archdiocese of Cape Town.

🙏 To the Catechists – From Our Parish Community

As we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, we take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering commitment. Your dedication to sharing the teachings of our faith is truly admirable, especially in an environment that is secular, highly individualistic, and materially minded.

You minister to young people in an age where they do not simply accept the teachings of the faith, but question and rationalise everything. Through your tireless efforts and persistence, families have deepened their understanding of our beliefs, developed a personal relationship with God, and continue to grow in their faith.

Your patience and kindness make a lasting impact on the lives of those you teach. As you prepare your lessons, we encourage you to continue to incorporate technology, lectio, retreats, outings, collaboration, and to foster commitment to ministry among those in formation.

During this year, may you find renewed strength and inspiration.
We are also aware of the lack of support you face at times — please know that your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Thank you for your tremendous dedication.

📜 Unclaimed Certificates

To those who have made their First Holy Communions or were Confirmed over the past number of years and who have not yet collected their certificates and/or videos:

Please collect these from the parish office from the end of January 2026.
These certificates are important records of your faith formation journey and will be required for marriage preparation when the time comes.

🗓️ Meetings at the Parish

As we go into 2026, all parish groups and ministries are asked to submit their prospective meeting dates to the parish office.

This is to:

prevent double bookings,
facilitate the diaries of the priests, and
ensure proper security on church property.

🙌 Prayer and Life Workshop

Exciting News!
A Prayer and Life Workshop is coming to Immaculate Conception Parish in January 2026.

Introductory Session:
📅 Tuesday, 27 January
⏰ 7:00 pm
📍 Church Hall

Come and revitalise your life through prayer and experience the renewed joy of living in God’s presence. This is a transformative and healing workshop, open to all who desire to deepen their relationship with God.

Contact:
📧 Liesel@bodybasicssa.co.za
📱 WhatsApp: 073 407 1557

💰 Fundraising

A Cake Sale will take place after all Masses on the weekend of 31 January & 1 February.
The Valentine’s Day Dance will take place on Saturday, 14 February in the St Pio Centre.
🎟️ Tickets cost R120 and are available from committee members.
Please note: there has been a change of date.

🎒 Prayer for a New School Year

God of wisdom and might, we praise you for the wonder of our being, for mind, body, and spirit. Be with our children as they begin a new school year. Bless them and their teachers and staff. Give them strength and grace as their bodies grow; wisdom and knowledge of mind as they search for understanding; and peace and zeal in their hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.