november 2016 1 CATHOLICABLET DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN ISSUE 225 | NOVEMBER 2016 cdd.org.nz

November Month of the Holy Souls “It is, therefore, a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from sins.” 2 Machabees, Chapter 12:46

The offers us November, which begins with All Saints Eternal Rest Day and All Souls Day, as the Month of the Holy Souls. Eternal rest grant unto them, It is a time to remember and pray for family members and friends who O Lord, and let perpetual light have died. Some make a point of visiting the graves and tidying them shine upon them. May the souls up each November. This annual pilgrimage provides a valuable time of the faithful departed, through for sharing with the younger generation the stories of those who have the mercy of God, rest in peace. died, and they come to appreciate how important these people were Amen. in our lives. For those who have lost a loved one, now is a good time to remember them and to pray for them.

All Souls Day 2 November

“If today we are remembering these brothers and sisters of ours who lived before us and are now in heaven, they are there because they were washed in the blood of Christ, that is our hope, and this hope does not disappoint. If we live our lives with the Lord, he will never disappoint us.” 2 the tablet

New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference While they were gathered for their October conference in Wellington, Archbishop Martin Krebs, Apostolic Nuncio, hosted the Catholic Bishops at a dinner at the Nunciature on 27 October.

The group photo shows, left to right, Fr Rick Loughnan, Vicar General, , Bishop Steve Lowe, Hamilton, Cardinal Archbishop , Wellington, Archbishop Martin Krebs, Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop Emeritus, , , Bishop Pat Dunne, , Bishop Colin Campbell, Dunedin, and Bishop , Palmerston North.

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New Zealand Army Reserve Padre, Chaplain Tony Harrison, of Waikiwi, Invercargill, took part in Pacific Partnership – the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission. Pacific Partnership 2016

Nine New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, who attended Mass on Sunday at the embarked on USNS MERCY, took part in a number of Pacific Church of St Raphael the Archangel. Partnership engagements during a two-week humanitarian visit This church has 10 Masses on a to Legazpi, Philippines. Having been advised that Legazpi was Sunday with the first at 5am and the the home to one of the most symmetrical volcanoes in the world last Mass at 8pm. Seven Masses are ‘Mount Mayon Volcano’ the team was pretty impressed when conducted in the local dialect and the USNS MERCY was anchored directly opposite the volcano. the other three are in English. On the Chaplain Tony Harrison first Sunday of the visit, Chaplain Harrison concelebrated with For Chaplain Tony Harrison, a New Zealand Army Reserve the priests of the parish, and on the following Sunday he led Padreof Invercargill, the visit to Legazpi provided some great the celebration. “Coming from my own parish experience in opportunities. New Zealand to be presiding over a congregation of well over On arrival in Legazpi, members of the NZDF contingent, 1,000 people was very inspiring for me, as well as the members including Chaplain Harrison, participated in the Opening of the ship’s contingent who were present. As is their custom, Ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Legazpi which was followed young and old members of the congregation came flocking by a Cultural event hosted by the Governor. around at the end of Mass to receive a blessing from me,” said Chaplain Harrison. Legazpi is a city of contrasts. Walking through the modern shopping malls with all of the brand name shopping on offer is While USNS MERCY is underway, at 8pm each evening, the very different from the small market stalls that operate out on Chaplains take turns to provide a short prayer over the ship’s the streets where families are striving to make a living. main broadcast system. This is a US Navy custom and provides an opportunity for the Chaplain to share a reflection on some On a daily basis, the US Navy Chaplain, and Chaplain aspect of life with personnel on board. Harrison visited the patients who had been brought on board USNS MERCY, as part of Pacific Partnership, for a variety of Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral surgical procedures. Prior to the patients heading for their humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness surgery, the Chaplains visited the patients and offered a prayer, mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The NZDF as well as providing patients and escorts with Rosary Beads, contingent joined over 900 military and civilian personnel which were well-received. from , Canada, Japan, , Republic of Korea, , the and the United States on The population of the Philippines is around 83% Catholic, board USNS MERCY, and visited, in addition to Philippines, which was evident with the numerous churches in Legazpi Timor Leste, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. alone. Chaplain Harrison was amongst the group who 4 the tablet

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) contributed by robyn cooney

On Saturday 8 October, a small group of us met at Holy Cross with Sister Noreen to talk about ways we could help others in our Parish communities feel welcome, and to experience what it means to be a Catholic. Sister Noreen, with her wealth of experience, shared some ideas with us about how she has taken people through the RCIA programme. RCIA being the church’s official process of bringing people into full membership of the church. This was best illustrated by a young man, Alex, who came to speak to us about his experiences being part of the RCIA process with Sister Noreen, as she accompanied him on his journey. It was a lovely sharing time, and we all went away grateful for the opportunity to spend this time together, and feeling enthusiastic and ready to put some From Left Sister Noreen Jan McLeod Jim de Thierry Robyn Cooney Fr Pat Mcgettigan things in place in our respective parishes. and Lee Ann Henry.

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Sometimes we have to step outside our own small world if we are to gain an understanding of the vitality of the Church today. Food for Critical Reflection Catholicism’s incredible growth story based on an article by philip jenkins in the 9 september 2016 issue of the catholic herald.

“There are around 1.2 billion thriving Catholic populations of Brazil, be greater than the total world population Catholics in the world today; by Mexico and the Philippines, which today of Catholics as it stood in 1950. constitute the Church’s three largest 2050 it may be 1.6 billion.” (CNS) Already by about 2030, we will cross population centres. Mexico’s overall a historic milestone when the number Critics keep announcing the Church’s population has swelled from 50 million of Catholics in Africa will exceed the imminent demise. If only they realised in 1970 to 121 million today, so of course number for Europe. A few years after that numbers have doubled since 1970 – there are lots more Catholics in that that, Africa will overtake Latin America and are still rising. country. The Philippines, meanwhile, to claim the title of the most Catholic today claims 80 million Catholics, a In many parts of the world, it’s difficult continent. Within just a generation from number that will likely increase to well to feel optimistic about the future of now, a list of the 10 nations with the over 100 million by 2050. Last year, there the Catholic Church. Some years ago, largest Catholic populations will include were more Catholic baptisms in that the American Physical Society heard several names where Catholicism was country than in France, Spain, Italy and an alarming paper that predicted the virtually new in 1900: African lands such Poland combined. countries in the world that would have no as Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania and the religion whatever by 2100, and high on the As always, demographics plays its part in Democratic Republic of Congo. list were such former Catholic heartlands religious change, but this is by no means If you look at survey evidence of religious as Austria and Ireland! It is strange then to the whole story, and the clearest proof belief, you’ll find a major disparity between realise that this Church – which is already, of this is found in Africa. Back in 1900, the number of people claiming to be by far, the largest religious institution Africa had perhaps 10 million Christians Catholic versus the totals reported by on the planet – is in fact enjoying global of all denominations, constituting some Church authorities. But that gap is not growth on an unprecedented scale. In 10 per cent of the whole population. what we might intuitively suspect. Far from 1950, the world’s Catholic population Today, there are half a billion African optimistically over-counting the faithful, was 437 million, a figure that grew to Christians, accounting for half the the African Church is systematically 650 million by 1970, and to around 1.2 continental population, and that number under-counting, and by a whopping 20 per billion today. Put another way, Catholic should exceed a billion by the 2040s. numbers have doubled since 1970, and cent. Nor is this just an African story. Just that change has occurred during all the This phenomenal growth – which is, since 1980, the total number of African recent controversies and crises within the incidentally, by far the largest quantitative Catholics grew by 238 per cent, while the Church, all the debates following Vatican change that has ever occurred in any equivalent rate in Asia was 115 per cent, II and all the claims about the rise of religion, anywhere – is in part the result of and 56 per cent in the Americas. the continent’s overall population growth. secularism. If you want to see Catholic growth in Nor does the rate of growth show In 1900, there were three Europeans for action, you don’t have to make the effort any sign of diminishing. By 2050, a every African. By 2050, there will be to travel to Africa or Asia, as booming conservative estimate suggests there three Africans for every European. But Catholic Africa and Asia are coming to should be at least 1.6 billion Catholics. this expansion is also, clearly, the result you. In recent decades, many millions of mass conversions. During the 20th of migrants from the global South have I spoke about global growth, and that century, some 40 per cent of Africa’s travelled northwards, and a great many “global” element demands emphasis. people shifted their allegiance from older of those are Catholic. We see plenty of Throughout history there had been so primal faiths to Christianity. evidence of this in British churches, many so-called “world empires” which in and especially in the country’s old and Although Catholics do not represent reality were mainly confined to Eurasia. revived pilgrimage sites, but similar the whole of this African story, they Only in the 16th century did the Spanish patterns can be seen across Europe. Look are a very significant part of it. In 1900, and Portuguese empires truly span the at the number of parishes in historically the whole of Africa had just a couple of globe. For me, true globalisation began Catholic Europe – in Ireland or France, million Catholics, but that number grew in 1578, when the Catholic Church say – which are now graced by priests to 130 million by the end of the century, established its diocese at Manila, in the from Nigeria or Vietnam. Philippines – as a suffragan see of Mexico and today it approaches 200 million. If City, on the other side of the immense current trends continue, as they show This reality was brought home to me Pacific Ocean. every sign of doing, then by the 2040s when I visited Denmark, which is there will be some 460 million African historically one of the continent’s least Those once mighty empires are long Catholics. Incredibly, that number would Catholic nations. But go to a small city departed, but their ghosts remain in the

CONTINUED OVER PAGE 6 the tablet

Introducing Mike Tonks Director of Catholic Social Services

Kia ora. Originally from Wellington, I found myself here in Dunedin over 20 years ago enjoying the richness of this region as my wife and I raised our 4 children. For most of my life I have been involved in some sort of Church based ministry, which includes my present role as a pastor at Musselburgh Baptist Church part-time. I started at Catholic Social Services 10 years ago as a part-time Social Worker, making a change for Dads and their kids, under the wonderful director, Ian Donnelly. Ian did amazing work developing this agency into the organisation it is now, something I think we all should be very grateful for, and it is a great privilege to be given the task of leading it into the next phase. Did you know that what we do at Catholic Social Services is really special? We have an awesome staff team which is committed to bringing about a change for good in people’s lives. Through their work we see emotionally hurt people find healing, hungry people find a meal, disconnected people find community, and families, struggling to keep it together, find help and “...with your love, prayers practical ideas to live life well. On the ground, we operate In Dunedin, Balclutha and Central Otago, but we know our impact goes far beyond. and support, together we As the new Director, I really want to partner with parish communities to extend our work across Otago and Southland. I am working on a simple way can be a Catholic presence for this to happen, which will feature in the December Tablet. to those in need...” As I see it, with your love, prayers and support, together we can be a Catholic presence to those in need and help them live life well. In this way we can share in the mission of Jesus the Good Shepherd: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE like Aarhus and watch the floods of Preparing for Christmas people surrounding the small Catholic Daily Meditations for Advent church, where Masses are offered in Advent is a time to focus our expectation and anticipation on languages as diverse as Vietnamese, “the adult Christ, the Cosmic Christ,” who challenges us to English, Chaldean and Tagalog (the empty ourselves, to lose ourselves, to surrender. Preparing for last being the main tongue of the Christmas offers daily meditations, prayers, Scripture readings, Philippines). The global Church comes and questions for reflection for each day of Advent. home; or perhaps we should say, the empires strike back. Price: $19.90 When we consider those African + P/P $3.00 statistics alone, any suggestion of the Catholic Church “dying” or even stagnating is wildly inaccurate. Strangely, though, this is not the first time that at least some observers have felt that prospects for the Church were so dismal. Back in the 1890s, Mark Twain sagely observed that: “In this world we have seen the Roman Catholic power dying … for many centuries. Many a time we have gotten all ready for the funeral and found it postponed Dunedin’s Catholic Christian Store again, on account of the weather or something … Apparently one of the Moran Building | 8 Octagon | Dunedin 9016 most uncertain things in the world is ph/fax (03) 477 6342 the funeral of a religion.” email [email protected] www.fullofgrace.nz november 2016 7

A little school with big things happening

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ŌĞƌ^ĐŚŽŽůůƵď tĞĞŬĚĂLJƐϯ͗ϬϬƉŵͲϱ͗ϯϬƉŵ Playground, homework, computers & games.

,I\RXZDQW PRUHLQIRUPDWLRQRU ZRXOGOLNHWRFRPHDORQJIRUDYLVLW SOHDVHFRQWDFWXVRQ   RUVHFUHWDU\#VWPDU\VVFKRROQ] 8 the tablet St Bernadette’s Church – contributed by fr gerard aynsley On Sunday, 11 December at 9.30am, former parishioners of St Bernadette’s are invited to join with Bishop Colin Campbell for a Mass at which Bishop Colin will decommission the Church. The former parishes of St Bernadette’s Forbury, St Alphonsus Waverley, St Brigid’s Tainui and St Patrick’s South Dunedin have been worshipping together as Mercy Parish in the newly refurbished and modified St Patrick’s Basilica since Easter this year. While the joining together has brought much life to the parish, there is naturally some sadness in leaving behind parish churches that have played an important part in one’s life. It is important, therefore, that the occasion of decommissioning St Bernadette’s Church is properly marked. The parish committee in charge of preparing the decommissioning Mass hopes that the final Mass will also be an occasion of reminiscing and so celebrating the place St Bernadette’s has played in the faith formation of so many people. St Bernadette’s Church has played an important part in the story of the Catholic faith in Dunedin. It was formally opened on 24 June 1934 by Bishop Brodie of Christchurch Diocese. The kindly Father Cornelius Collins, who was the first Parish Priest, was also involved in the building of the Church. One feature he insisted upon was that the new Church would only have a very small sanctuary so that it could be closed off when a mixed wedding was celebrated. This meant that weddings between Catholics and non-Catholics could take place within the body of the Church, something that was not possible in other Churches at that time. Many people will also remember going to school above the Church, and there are some wonderful stories of the children needing to remain especially quiet on those days when a funeral was being celebrated downstairs. The present-day St Bernadette’s children will be learning some of this history over the coming weeks and will take part in the final Mass. As well as being surplus to requirements, St Bernadette’s would also require significant financial investment if it was to be used for other purposes. Presently, it is only slightly over the required 34% Earthquake rating. The floor is also full of borer and there now seems to be more patches where holes have appeared than original floor. The parish aims to have the St Bernadette’s Church and adjacent CJ Collins Centre demolished over the Christmas holidays. Following on from this, an area will be created within the school for class and community liturgies and Masses. The Mercy Parish hopes that many former parishioners will be able to join them for the Mass on 11 December. Following Mass there will be a morning tea and opportunities to record special memories. november 2016 9 – Decommissioning Mass

Father Cornelius Collins 10 the tablet Confirmations St Patrick’s - South Invercargill

Bishop Colin and Parish Priest, Fr Vaughan Hook shown with Confirmation group, St Patrick’s South Invercargill. Sacred Heart Church - Ranfurly

On Sunday 16 October, 2016, Bishop Colin administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to thirteen candidates in Ranfurly. Back Row (left to right): Andrew Fetalver (altar server) Bishop Colin, Tom Weir (altar server). Middle Row (left to right): Caleb McIntyre, Claire Mulholland (DRS), Albert Ulisala, David Hore, Maggie Dowling, Sandee Barroga, Emma McIntyre. Front Row (left to right): Luke Shead, Jake Smith, Junior Ulisala, Annie Dowling, Abigail Ferdinands, Paxton Francis, Alivia Steele. Photo supplied by Claire Mulholland. november 2016 11 First Holy Communions St Mary’s - Kaikorai

Kiera Mullens and Sophie Deerness received Holy Communion for the first time on Saturday 17 September in St Mary’s Kaikorai Parish. Thank you to Father David Hercus who celebrated the Mass for us while Father Cipriano was away. • Wills • Enduring Powers St Mary’s - Milton of Attorney • Sales & Purchases • Family Matters • Subdivisions • Commercial Property • Trusts Client parking available

433 Princes Street PO Box 909 Dunedin 9054 Telephone 477 6801 Website: www.ond.co.nz

Sophie Restall, Flynn Herbert, Isabella Goddard, Zion Bokolis, Jamine Bokolis and Samuel Norman from St Mary’s School in Milton received their First Holy Communion at Sunday Mass in October. Special thanks to our Pastoral Worker, Stephanie Bowden, and to Fr Michael Hishon, for their support and care of the children.  Photo supplied by Diane Hayes. 12 the tablet

New Zealand Bishops delighted Cardinal Dew appointed to Congregation for Divine Worship

During their Conference meetings in the last week of October, the New Zealand bishops were informed of Pope Francis’ decision to appoint Cardinal Dew to the Congregation for Divine Worship. The bishops welcomed this appointment, and the opportunity and Mission (IARRCUM) meeting in Canterbury and Rome as this provides for Cardinal Dew to work collegially with fellow a representative of New Zealand – an acknowledgement of his bishops in the important area of liturgy and worship. Pope strong ecumenical relationships in New Zealand. Francis has appointed 27 new members to the Congregation The bishops were also pleased to see representation from for Divine Worship and Cardinal Dew is looking forward to Australia in the appointment of Archbishop Denis Hart to working with them. the Congregation of Divine Worship. This follows soon after Cardinal Dew contributes to the universal work of the the announcement that the Oceania region will have another as a member of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of People Cardinal in the appointment of Archbishop Sir John Ribat and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. of Papua New Guinea to the , to be formalised in the Consistory later this month. He is a respected pastor and bishop and recently attended the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity

Statement from NZ Catholic Bishops regarding the guidelines for burial and conservation of ashes, in the case of cremation. The loss of a loved one is a significant time for every family. It Lord Jesus Christ, is a time when we rightly give thanks for the life of our loved by your own three days in the tomb, ones but it is also the time for us to look forward. This is why you made holy the graves of all who believe in you, our Catholic celebration of the funeral liturgies leads people and so made the grave a sign of hope into the death and resurrection of the Lord, the mystery that that promises resurrection, even as it claims our mortal body. most illuminates the Christian meaning of death. Grant that, as we lay our loved one’s mortal remains here, In recent days the Church has reminded us that our Catholic practice is to treat a person’s ashes as we would the body; that they may sleep in your peace is, with care and reverence. until you awaken them to glory, for you are the resurrection and the life. For this reason, when cremation of the body is chosen, we are Then they will see you face to face, asked that the ashes of our loved one are laid to rest in a wāhi tapu, a sacred place, such as at a cemetery, or a columbarium, and in your light will see light church or surrounding area that has been blessed and set aside and know the splendour of God, for this purpose. There is a beautiful prayer that is prayed when for you live and reign for ever and ever. we bless a grave, or place for interment of ashes. The place of rest then becomes a wonderful sign of the promise the risen Lord makes to us of being reunited with our loved one, and with Jesus in glory. The place of rest also ensures an appropriate and sacred place for pilgrimage for loved ones, and future generations, to visit and pay respect to their forebears and tīpuna, knowing, with certainty, that this is the place of rest for their earthly remains as they await the great day of resurrection. november 2016 13

Prayers & Petitions REMEMBERING THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY O most beautiful flower of Mt Carmel, fruitful vine, Splendour of An invitation Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist from me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here thou art my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven Bishop Colin... and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can When you leave a bequest to the Church, you give a gift that lasts longer than your lifetime; a withstand thy power. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who gift that will always be remembered. have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in thy hands (three times). This prayer must be said for three days and A bequest to the Church may be a specific amount, or a percentage of your estate, or the prayer published. (Published on behalf of J.O.R.; W.F.H.) a particular item of value. Big or small, your SACRED HEART OF JESUS bequest will be greatly appreciated. If you have an existing Will, with the help of May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, honoured, adored and your legal advisor, you can make a simple glorified throughout the world forever. Amen. (Say six times for modification to it. nine days and promise publication.) (Published on behalf of J.O.R.; M.M.O.; M.W.; W.F.H.) SAMPLE WORDING FOR A BEQUEST “...to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin DEAR HEART OF JESUS for the time being, to use for the general Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, and purposes of the diocese as he sees fit, I give I ask you for this special one.Take it, Dear Heart of Jesus, and place and bequeath...” it within your broken heart, where your Holy Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become Your favour and not mine. Say this prayer for three days, and promise its publication. (Published on behalf of J.O.R.) Many thanks for prayers answered: M.W. NOVENA TO ST JUDE Oh, Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles; Near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present, urgent petition (make request). In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and three Glorias. St Jude pray for me and all who invoke your aid, humbly in need of your intercession. Amen. This novena must be said on nine consecutive days. (Published on Anglican & Catholic bishops behalf of J.O.R.; M.F.H.; P.M.) at historical gathering Thanks for prayers answered. J & G; M.R.D. Thirty-six Anglican and Roman Catholic PRAYERS FOR THE HAPPY REPOSE OF THE RECENTLY bishops gathered at the Vatican, recently, for a DECEASED, AND THE COMFORT OF THEIR FAMILIES meeting with Pope Francis, and Archbishop of May the souls of the following, and the souls of all the faithful Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby. departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen The bishops represent 19 different regions BONE, Richard, Dunedin CRAIG, Mary Catherine (Cath), Dunedin where Anglicans and Catholics live side by IRVINE, C. Barrye, Green Island side in significant number. New Zealand was MILBURN, Violet, Dunedin represented by Bishop Ross Bay, Anglican SIM, Catherine (Cathie) nee Cosgrove, Oamaru bishop of Auckland, and Cardinal John Dew, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington. The purpose of the meeting, which was in two parts, first in Canterbury and then in Rome, was to discover new ways for Catholics and Anglicans to give greater witness to their common faith, and particularly how they can collaborate in mission to the world. “The Anglican and Roman Catholic communities around New Zealand, from bishops to priests, to diocesan staff, to organisations, to parishes and communities, enjoy a supportive, affirming relationship akin to an extended family.” Said Cardinal John Dew. 14 the tablet

Bishop’s Diary What’s on

Relationship Encounter weekend 26-27 November 2016 (9am Sat-3pm Sun) Tirohanga Camp, Mosgiel Cost: $200 per couple

This course is based on Catholic Engaged Encounter, a programme designed for couples to deepen their understanding of marriage. Jo Krysa and James Clark are offering this course in our Diocese after having trained in the Catholic Encounter programme in Wellington. They themselves found it to be so beneficial to their marriage of many years that they have opened the course up to all couples with the desire to deepen understanding and communication within their relationship. The weekend has been developed to be family friendly, inclusive and fun, with other couples involved who will be sharing something of their experience of marriage. Come along on this weekend to offer each other the gift of time; exploring, sharing, colin d campbell and reflecting on your marriage together. This weekend is open to bishop of dunedin couples of all ages and stages in marriage as well as children (there will be camp activities organised for them). Jo and James, along with their children, Thomas and Emily, are parishioners of Holy Name in NOVEMBER Dunedin North. 13 Prison Chaplaincy Please register online by 12 November: Commissioning for http://www.cdd.org.nz/marriage/ or contact Invercargill Prison, 9.30am Jo Krysa with any queries: [email protected] St Therese 30 Joint Boards Meeting at Mosgiel Your top legal team, committed to DECEMBER providing the highest quality of service 8 Board of Administration Meeting 8 St Peter’s College Prize Giving 9 St Kevin’s College Junior Prize Giving 11 Decommissioning Mass at St Bernadette’s Church, Dunedin 13 Verdon College Junior Prize Giving 14 Kavanagh College Junior Prize Giving Solutions With Flair

79 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin • Telephone: 03 477 1078 Also at 107 Gordon Rd, Mosgiel • 03 489 5157 november 2016 15

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Remember: St Vincent de Paul Society and the Food Banks as you prepare for Christmas. Remember: “One more meal for the Strangers in the stable.” 16 the tablet Jubilee for Prisoners

Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee for Prisoners as part of the Year of Mercy. Celebrated around the world on Sunday 6 November, it is a special day of recognition for prisoners, their families, and those who work and minister in prisons. Early in his public ministry, Jesus, quoting Isaiah, proclaimed a jubilee – a year of favour, including liberty to captives. Later, Jesus himself was arrested and imprisoned, prior to his passion and death. St Peter and St Paul both spent time in prison. Jesus reached out to the criminals crucified with him, offering the promise of salvation. So, there is a strong connection in our Christian tradition between the experience of imprisonment and punishment, on the one hand, and the experience of hope, mercy and forgiveness on the other. The Jubilee for Prisoners offers a moment of grace to pray for all those affected by crime in our society: the prisoners themselves, their families (especially their children,) the victims of crime, all those who work in the justice system and those entrusted to bringing the Word of God into prison, especially chaplains and volunteers. Bishop Colin is taking the opportunity of the Jubilee for Prisoners to acknowledge the ministry provided by the chaplains and volunteers at Invercargill Prison and the Otago Corrections Facility. It is also an opportunity for ordinary Catholics to consider volunteering to assist with in- prison pastoral support, Sunday services or programmes like Seasons for Growth; or to support the men and their families after release. To find out more, contact: Sr Veronica Casey Senior Catholic Prison Chaplain Phone (03) 489 3758