After talking with Jesus, the Samaritan woman in today's Gospel runs back to her village to tell her family and friends about him.  We might call her one of our first evangelists.  It is in a spirit of 'evangelisation' that I write about the following three news items.

It is with great pleasure that I invite you to give a warm welcome to Father Kishore Gorantia from India who is with us through to Easter.  He is on his sabbatical and like a true 'evenagelist' has generously given of his time to the Archdiocese, having recently served in the parishes of Westport, the Cathedral and Upper Hutt.  It is a privilege to have him with us and I'm confident you will make him feel at home here in Ss Peter & Paul.

Our Holy Father Pope Benedict has recently honoured Mr Alan Devlin, a well-known parishioner, with the Benemerenti Papal Medal for his generosity in serving our local Church in faith and service.  His contribution to the 'evangelistic' work of the St Vincent de Paul Society has been outstanding.  Archbishop John will be with us on Sunday March 14th at the 9.30am Mass to present Alan with this Papal Honour.

While he is with us next Sunday, Archbishop John will bless and 'mission', a parishioner, Savelina Kasiano to enter the Carmelite Order in Samoa, where she discerned her vocation over many years with family and friends.

Finally, we welcome all our children on this Children's Day as we honour them and their families.

Have a great  week!                                              
Fr Bruce