April: Dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament
As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week, let us remain close in prayer for each other. This Easter we give special thanks for the gift of the Eucharist; may we never ever have to do virtual Easter celebrations and online Easter Mass. Never ever!!
March: Dedicated to St Joseph Husband of Mary, Patron of Carmel Feast Day: 19 March
A blessed Lent to all! Hope this finds you well as we journey through this holy season of Lent. It was indeed wonderful to meet with everyone at our first meeting earlier in February: we had our Community study on St Therese, listened to Fr Michael-Therese’s teachings on the Sunday’s readings at Mass, and prayed the Evening Prayer of the Divine Office together as a Community.
First Christchurch Meeting for the year
Our First Community meeting this year was on Februrary 7th. It was good to see everyone!
February: Dedicated to the Holy Family
A very joyous and safe 2021 to everyone! I’m excited as to what this year holds for us and our Community! 2021 is dedicated to St Joseph…
December: Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception
What a great weekend we had at our annual retreat!! As Lyn remarked, ‘Fr Philip did a grand job and the whole atmosphere including the weather was great. I am sure everyone went home with new resolutions and walking on air!’ Thank you for your attendance and prayers.
November: Dedicated to the Holy Souls
October has indeed been an eventful month. We witnessed the ordination of the newest priest in our Diocese, Fr Anthony Tang, and we were privileged to be present at his first Mass at the Carmel Monastery a couple of days after. What joyous occasions for us!
October: Dedicated to the Holy Rosary
It’s October! A special month dedicated to The Holy Rosary; and it is extra special for us as we celebrate the Feast days of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1st Oct), and our beloved Foundress St Teresa of Jesus (15th Oct). May God continue to shower His blessings and protection over us.
September: Dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows
Wasn’t it such a beautiful day when we celebrated our 38th Foundation Day early this month? Fr Michael-Thérèse celebrated Holy Mass and gave a wonderful homily on ‘Gratuity – God’s free love for us’. We had quite a spread for afternoon tea and a lively meeting with our dear Sisters. Thank you, everyone, for making the day so special.
August: Dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
It’s been a very busy July. On Monday 13 July, we joined the Sisters in celebrating Sr Elizabeth’s 90th birthday – a truly joyful occasion spent with Sister’s family and friends.
Three days later, another celebration – the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It was kept low-key this year, but nevertheless, celebrated in a beautiful Mass at the Carmelite Monastery. 1st August is Foundation Day of the Peace of Christ Community. At our monthly meeting the next day (2nd August), we shall celebrate with Holy Mass at 2pm. You are most welcome to invite your family and friends to our Mass and afternoon celebrations. A gentle reminder – please bring a plate for our afternoon tea
2020 Christchurch Secular Carmelites Silent Retreat
Come and find that time of silence with us. Annual Silent Retreat by the Secular Discalced Carmelites (OCDS) in Christchurch, New Zealand, ran from 13-15 November, 2020.