From Hurunui Parish of the Good Shepherd
Patronal Mass at Amberley
On 11 May, the Amberley church was overflowing with extra chairs outside for a combined parish Mass at 10.30, as we celebrated the patronal feast for the Hurunui: the Good Shepherd. Over 300 people came from Hanmer, Cheviot, Culverden, Hawarden, and Christchurch to be with us. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Rex Ramos, our Hurunui parish priest, accompanied by a Filipino choir and Robert Loretz, who wrote a special Good Shepherd hymn for the occasion,
‘Good Shepherd, Lead us Home’. This was the first Mass where we were able to pray for our new pope, Leo XIV. Fr Ramos preached on the ways we are "sheep" and how we can follow the Shepherd, Jesus, who laid down his life for his sheep (Jn 10:1-10). After Mass, we moved to the hall and into the grounds outside From leadership to compassion, from creativity to bold faith, every young person has something vital to offer. This year, our programmes are helping our young people discover who they are in Christ, recognise the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their lives, and discern how to share their gifts with the world.
Hope Is Alive — and It's Contagious. We are already starting to see hearts opening, prayers deepening, and joy multiplying. When young people know they are loved by God and filled with His Spirit, they become unstoppable messengers of hope. This generation is ready to carry the flame of hope into the world. Come, Holy Spirit — fill the hearts of Your young people. Enkindle in them the fire of Your love and send them out to set the world ablaze with hope.
Good Shepherd Parish Prayer for the Hurunui
Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep;
who leads, guides, protects, feeds and saves us. Without you we are lost.
As Patron of the Hurunui Parish,
we entrust ourselves to you once again. Grant us courage and stillness of heart,
to hear your voice above the clamour of the world and live by your word.
Guide those who stray back to the safety of your fold, to be fed once more at your table.
Lead us all to the joy and happiness of your kingdom, to be with you for eternity.
You who live and reign for ever and ever.
Amen.
