The national Catholic newspaper Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 • No. 598 Christchurch Wellington cathedral demolition students question plan approved politicians 20

www.nzcatholic.org.nz 2 NZ News NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Christchurch cathedral demolition plan approved by NZ CATHOLIC staff the 1870s, by Halmshaw and Sons, and was beautifully restored in 1978 by the Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) South Island Organ Company, which has has approved the Catholic Diocese of indicated to the diocese and the salvage Christchurch's demolition plan for the Ca­ company their commitment to rescuing thedral of the Blessed Sacrament. the organ, once a necessary new inspection This is in accordance with the condi­ confirms the viability of its present condi­ tions of a section 38 notice- an emergency tion and a safe method of removal. If found earthquake-related provision in the Canter­ viable, I am sure that financial backing and bury Earthquake Recovery Act. strong support from local organists will A LINZ spokesperson told NZ Catholic be forthcoming. It is regarded by organ that the diocese intends to start decon­ historians as one of the finest instruments struction work this month. of its time - comparable to a magnificent According to a report on Stuff, the dem­ old Steinway piano or Stradivarius violin. olition work will start at the eastern end From its first home, in the wooden pro-ca­ of the building, firstly removing unstable thedral, to its transplanting in 1905 to our arches and other hazardous elements. stone building, it faithfully accompanied The roof and other high and overhead el­ congregations, choirs and orchestras and ements will follow. The Barbadoes St front­ performed an extensive solo repertoire. age will be the final section demolished. Other valuable artistic treasures associ­ The overall cost of the demolition will ated with our cathedral music are also at be $1.8million, reportedly, and it will take Bishop Paul Martin, SM, in front of the cathedral site last year (Photo: risk. The "Magnificat" stained glass window a year to complete. Mina Amso) by Phillip Trusttum, which uses chant mo- Bishop Paul Martin, SM, announced the tifs, was inaugurated with a setting by com­ demolition of the earthquake-damaged A new cathedral precinct is planned for a site poser Dorothy Buchanan. The "Stations of cathedral in August last year. adjacent to Victoria Square. the Cross" by Llew Summers have been celebrated There was media coverage in the first week • NZ Catholic invited Don Whelan, organist in poetry by Bernadette Hall and in the "Stations" of September this year, after stone angels at the at the cathedral for more than five decades, for Symphony by Antony Ritchie. cathedral were removed by crane. A LINZ spokes­ his reaction to the upcoming demolition. Mr The most recent new cathedrals built in the US man was reported as saying that this was not Whelan was also asked what items he especial­ proudly incorporate windows and other objects demolition work. ly hoped could be recovered and maybe used from demolished local churches, just as our or­ There were calls from several people, including again, bearing in mind considerations of safety gan, which had been intended for a neo-Gothic Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel, for the diocese and cost. Mr Whelan's response is below:- wooden structure, was moved to a grand classical to try to preserve various items from the cathedral. Having been asked by the editor for my feelings building- first above the sanctuary, then to the Bishop Martin was reported as saying that he upon hearing of the "upcoming demolition of the choir gallery. was sad to demolish the cathedral, adding that building", I am extremely sad to witness the down­ With financial support, it would be encouraging the site remains very hazardous and dangerous. fall of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, to see the cathedral's artistic patrimony safeguard­ While the cathedral's angels and some stone in which I have served as cathedral organist for ed. We, the Church, are the only custodians of our columns will be salvaged, "any other salvage activ­ over 51 years. My particular concern is that the wonderful treasury of Catholic music and artistic ities will be opportunistic in nature, and subject to internationally-renowned instrument, for which I creation, and we should be held to account for its being able to safely access areas of the building". was appointed in 1969, is likely to be completely preservation. The diocese has reportedly spent more than destroyed, as the current demolition plan allows Pope Francis has called many times for our $1 million preserving and cataloguing items re­ only for opportunistic salvage, which I discovered Church to be a listening Church. May my plea for covered from the cathedral so far. by asking the site foreman. our cultural heritage be heard by all those with In another story, Stuff reported that heritage The main organ was built in Birmingham, in ears to hear in this matter. campaigners had abandoned their legal fight to prevent demolition of the cathedral, which was completed in 1905. Akld liturgy conference postponed by NZ CATHOLIC staff would have to be at alert level 1, these were listed on the notice. * at which more than 100 people There is no cost for these videos. The Worshipping Under are allowed at gatherings. "You might like to gather NZCatholic*** Southern Skies 2020 confer­ Since that cannot be guaran­ in small groups to watch the Pompallier Diocesan Centre, 30 New Street, Ponsonby, ence, scheduled to be held in teed, the organising committee presentations and discuss the Auckland in early October this made the decision not to pro­ content," the notice suggested. Auckland. P.O. Box 147-000, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. year, has been postponed for a ceed this year. Since organ­ "Finally, in this trying time Phone: (09) 360-3067 or (09) 378-4380. year because of uncertainty over isers believe such an event will of life in a Covid world, I would Email: [email protected] Covid-19 restrictions. "offer huge benefits", it was like to thank you for staying Website: www.nzcatholic.org.nz The conference, which had a not cancelled, but rather was patient, staying kind, staying Publisher: Bishop Patrick Dunn theme of "Weaving together Lit­ postponed. connected, staying positive and Editor: Michael Otto Journalist: Rowena Orejana urgy and Life", was scheduled to "More information on this will staying flexible. These are such Marketing and Administration: Claudia Cachay be held at Auckland's Baradene become available over the fol­ important gifts," Ms Courtney Design & Advertising: Anne Rose College on October 1-3, 2020. It lowing months. Stay in touch," added. Advertising enquiries contact: has been postponed until Octo­ the website notice stated. Among those listed as pre­ [email protected] ber 7-9, 2021. Those who have paid regis­ senters for the now-postponed In a note on the conference's tration already will receive a full conference were Australian Jesu­ NZ Catholic is published fortnightly. Subscriptions: One website (www.wuss.org.nz), refund, the notice added. it Fr Richard Leonard, Auckland year, $73; two years, $135. Overseas airmail extra. The Auckland diocese liturgy centre A series of digital presen­ auxiliary Bishop Michael Gielen, contents of NZ Catholic are copyright and permission to coordinator Judith Courtney tations from conference pre­ National Liturgy Office director reprint must be obtained in advance. ISSN 117 4-0086 wrote that, in order for the senters is to be made available, Fr John O'Connor and Auck­ Member Australasian Religious Press Association and conference to have proceeded starting on October 2/3 this land-based theologians Dr Rocio Australasian Catholic Press Association as planned this year, Auckland year. Details on how to access Figueroa and Fr Merv Duffy, SM.

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Auckland 0841 labourers are few." • Open morning 9am: Friday 16 October Ph 09 41 2 6000 Fax 09 412 6016 Join us today. www.stdoms.ac.nz Email [email protected] NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 NZ News 3 Pandemic fuels conspiracy theories by ROWENA OREJANA growing more prominent after the Amazon synod in 2019. The pandemic has provided "the perfect storm "The most basic thing about conspiracy theory for conspiracy theories" around the world, theories thinking is that it ends up being self-sealing and which are now creeping into New Zealand, and into immune to counter evidence. Anything can be the lives of some Catholics in this country. turned into evidence for the conspiracy theory, University of Auckland senior lecturer Dr because anything that runs counter to the theory Danny Osborne defined conspiracy theory as "a is read as evidence of a cover-up," Dr Salkeld said. belief that large-scale and/or important events He said that studies show almost anyone can be are secretly caused by powerful, but malevolent, vulnerable to conspiracy theory thinking. people/groups". He said older people not equipped to handle "Conspiracy theorists think that there must the information glut that we now have, and heavy be a secret 'deep state' plot to control the public, social media users, are particularly vulnerable. with heaps of hidden actors lurking behind the "Finally, any group that feels persecuted is corner. Or that Bill Gates has been planning this also highly susceptible," he said. "I think this goes day for decades so that he can vaccinate the world. some way towards explaining the prominence of They sound very far-fetched ideas to most and, conspiracy theory thinking in Christian churches, evidence is overwhelming as to the harm that ironically, given that they are endorsed to satisfy for instance. We know that media and political par­ can come about when regulations are lifted too epistemic needs, actually raise more questions ties have been dishonest and manipulative in their quickly - very close to home we have the case of than they answer," he said. handling of abortion. This makes us more likely Melbourne - do the conspiracy theorists believe Dr Osborne, a member of the New Zealand to suspect them of the kinds of things conspiracy that all the Australian media and authorities are Attitudes and Values Study (NZA VS) Central Man­ theorists suggest." lying?," he said. agement Team, stressed that the beliefs held by conspiracy theorists are more than mere differ­ • Tricky issue • Pastoral care ences of opinion. Catholic Enquiry Centre (NZ) pastoral director Dr Salkeld said that the one thing that conspir­ "The pandemic provides the perfect storm for Fr Neil Yaney, SM, said this is a "tricky issue". acy thinking thrives on is engagement. these conspiracy theories. Big events lead people "It has roots beyond the rational (fear, distrust, "So, don't give the thing air. Engage your friend to seek out big causes. Add to this the fact that hatred, etc.) so it cannot be resolved by purely or pastoral charge in other areas. Conspiracy the­ people are stuck at home during lockdown with rational answers. I have not encountered it so ory thinking takes over people's lives. Try to get nothing better to do, some might go down the rab­ much in New Zealand yet, but have come across it people to branch out and talk about sports, or art, bit-hole of conspiracy theories. And social media through contacts overseas. If the pandemic keeps or gardening, or the grandkids - anything but definitely plays a role here," he said. on going, and we have fresh outbreaks, it is likely things connected to the conspiracy," he suggested. Dr Osborne said the various algorithms in so­ to become more prevalent here, as we seem to Dr Salkeld said it would be good to inquire about cial media mean that, once one clicks on a bizarre follow the USA," Fr Yaney explained, adding that their state of anxiety and their prayer life. theory, the more exposure one gets to "bizarre this likelihood is due to the impact of TV and so­ "People stuck in this way of thinking often lose explanations". cial media. time and energy for prayer, which makes them less He said the first thing he asks people is, "where able to keep their perspective," he said. • Faith and reason is your hard data?" Dr Salkeld also said that, in communicating with Fr Merv Duffy, SM, dean and lecturer in theology "Nearly always, it is something they have heard people who are mired in conspiracy theory, start at Te Kupenga- Catholic Theological College, said from an acquaintance or picked up from the Inter­ with an issue that you both agree on. that Pope StJohn Paul II described faith and reason net or social media. Given the torrents of hatred "Encourage people to get off social media as as the "two wings on which the human spirit rises and clear examples of fallacies that have been much as possible. Even people who believe whole­ to the contemplation of truth". poured out by such means, it is valid to ask, 'why heartedly in the stuff they're reading know that "I teach my students that they need both faith­ should you believe this?'," he said. they are less happy and less well-functioning when ful acceptance and critical reflection to do theolo­ Fr Yaney said that figures often questioned by they spend all their time reading garbage on social gy. Faith should not stop them thinking, it should conspiracy theorists can be confirmed by checking media," he said. start them thinking," he said. with public authorities and records. But a vast ma­ "Instead of arguing head-on about the details of At the moment, there are people on social jority of them (conspiracy theorists) have no idea the conspiracy, invite people to take a break from media, and in some parishes, who claim that the how to go about doing this. the sources they're reading or watching, and reflect Covid-19 pandemic is part of a great conspiracy to "Another critical point is that, even if public on how that affects their day-to-day life. Almost give repressive governments control over the lives authority has been over-cautious and controlling, no-one believes that excessive social media is good of their citizens, and to attack religion. it is important to look at the alternatives. The for them," he added. "Like all good lies, this story has a surface plausibility. The origin of the virus is cloudy. Governments have exercised extraordinary social controls to contain the pandemic. Worship has been curtailed, along with other gatherings," said Bishop Dunn to speak before election Fr Duffy. "The evil of the lie is that it makes us fearful of, by NZ CATHOLIC staff listings, Bishop Dunn "chats before the election, include and distrustful of, the very people who are best to Gary (Hoogvliet) about the Wellington Anglican Bishop placed to help the world at this time. Scientists and Auckland Bishop Patrick issues he has been praying Justin Duckworth and Family governments are the ones with the knowledge and Dunn is to be interviewed, as about, as he discerns how to First's Bob McCoskrie. the resources to work against a global pandemic. part of a series of pre-election vote". The pre-election statement They will not get everything right. They will make conversations with Christian The show features Mr by New Zealand's Catholic mistakes. They are working for the good of the leaders, on Shine TV (Freeview Hoogvliet "interviewing some bishops, which will include nation, guided by the best information they have channel 25, Sky channel 201). of New Zealand's prominent sections on the referendums available," he said. Bishop Dunn will be on Christian communicators dis­ on the End of Life Choice Act Shine TV's show Our Nation, cussing politics, ethics and and on cannabis law reform, is • Susceptible Our Voice at 8pm on Thursday, democracy". expected to be released in the Canadian theologian Dr Brett Salkeld, of the September 17, and at 9pm on Other Christian leaders week of September 14-21. Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina (Saskatch­ Wednesday, September 23. who will be interviewed on It will be in the next issue of ewan), had been studying conspiracy theories According to Shine TV's the show, on different dates NZ Catholic. after he noticed patterns of this kind of thinking

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Phone: 07 345 9050 e-mail: [email protected] www. north shorefu nera Is. co. nz www.copelandlawyers.com STPETER'S COLLEGE BUILDS OUTSTANDING MEN ST-PETERS.SCHOOL.NZ ©SPCNOW 4 NZ News NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 'Divine Renovation' is zooming forward by ROWENA OREJANA The Auckland priests and lay make sure the programmes do not Fr Rory Morrissey said that, at leaders embarked on a series of work in contrast to, or in parallel Sacred Heart parish in Ponsonby, Auckland Auxiliary Bishop Mi­ sessions - some online and some with, each other. they are aware that they also have to chael Gielen, as well as priests and (in Covid alert level 1) face-to-face "You want them to be working reach out to people who are outside lay leaders in the diocese, are re­ - to see how the resource can be together, and that will definitely be of the Church. sponding to challenges to parishes adopted in local parishes. A range the case," he said. "We are aware that the whole today by studying the principles of of comments were made at the most Bishop Gielen said he will be thrust of this is not only to care for Divine Renovation, and working out recent meeting. inviting Taupo's parish priest Msgr the people that we already have in how these principles can be imple­ Fr Rodney Smyth, SM, said he Trevor Murray to discuss his (Msgr our care, but to try and make an mented at the grass-roots level. found the p rogramme wonderful, Murray's) own experiences with the outreach to the people around us in "As we're meeting right now but was concerned about how it programme at the next clergy gath­ this local area who are uncatechised, (by Zoom on September 9), all the would fit in with the initiatives al­ ering. He said Msgr Murray has been (or) unevangelised," he said. priests in Christchurch diocese, who ready discussed at a recent diocesan down this track for about two years. The others in the group ex­ are in parish ministry, are meeting priests' assembly, as well as the Lay leader Emily Sit said the pressed optimism that this pro­ as well. They are looking at exactly ones to be considered in the com­ real challenge after the six-week gramme would bear fruit in their the same thing we are looking at. It's ing gathering in October, as well as exchange of ideas and reflections parishes. interesting, isn't it, that two dioces­ the forthcoming diocesan pastoral was going back to the parishes and "I've really embraced the whole es are meeting at the same time, in plan. implementing these ideas. concept and I've read the book the same country, talking about (the Msgr David Tonks said that, look­ Fr Sherwin Lapaan said most of (by Fr Mallon). And also, I've given same challenges) exactly the same ing at the points concluded in the the parishes are already implement­ it (the book) to my new parish thing," Bishop Gielen said. diocesan priests' assembly and the ing their own programmes to make council chairperson," said Fr Robert Divine Renovation, a parish mis­ soon-to-be-announced diocesan pas­ missionary disciples. Steele. sion resource, was introduced to the toral plan, "the Divine Renovation "What we needed was a good Bishop Gielen said that contact New Zealand Church by Canadian Fr fits in with the whole missionary structure, a good platform to get will be made with other people, James Mallon at the national priests' discipleship thrust, doesn't it? That there. I think that's where Divine who have already implemented the assembly in Christchurch two years (Divine Renovation) to me is kind Renovation comes in," he said. programme, to further enrich its ago. The aim, Fr Mallon said then, of bringing more vibrancy to our He said they will be implement­ implementation in the parishes. was to convert pew-dwellers into communities". ing Divine Renovation in Pakuranga "This is not the end. It's the be­ missionary disciples. Bishop Gielen added they would parish. ginning," he said. Integrated schools irked at Green School funding move by MICHAEL OTTO being built to contribute to the state According to the ministry's web­ network provision of schools, at no site, criteria for "classroom only" Integrated schools are not happy about the capital cost to the Government," he Policy 2 funding include current de­ $ll. 5 million funding move by the Government said. mand for enrolment in the school's for a private school in Taranaki as a "shovel-ready" Policy 2 funding may be provided "network" being over 85 per cent of project. by the Ministry of Education towards its capacity, and that projected de­ New Zealand Catholic Education Office chief the costs of building new classrooms mand will go beyond the network's executive officer Paul Ferris said that the Green in an existing integrated school (usu­ current capacity within 10 years. Party-backed move "is a mistake, and it has caused ally related to roll growth), or in a For Policy 2 funding to establish great concern at a time when anxiety and tension new integrated school. an entire new school, the above cri­ are elevated". "APIS will continue to work with teria must be met, and a new state Mr Ferris, who is also chief executive officer Government to address the mainte­ school is likely to be needed within of the Association of Proprietors of Integrated nance challenges for state-integrated 10 years if the integrated school Schools (APIS), made the comment in NZCEO's schools, and to see a more realistic isn't built. Lighting New Fires newsletter sent out this month. response regarding Policy 2 funding The approval process involves "It is especially hard to accept, when the Gov­ in the future," Mr Ferris said. Paul Ferris an "in principle" decision, and then ernment has been unwilling to provide Policy 2 This year, he said, there are five funding is sought from the Govern­ funding for state-integrated schools, which are new integrated schools, with a range of special ment through the Budget process. Funding is then characters, in the process of being added to the allocated based on the amount of funding that state-integrated network. comes from Government. These schools are Hamilton Christian, Iqra In a note sent to NZ Catholic by the ministry, it School (Auckland), Suzanne Aubert Catholic School was stated that the proprietors of state-integrated (Papamoa), St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College schools have the main responsibility for providing (Drury), and Motueka Steiner. spaces at their schools. "The combined capital value of these schools "This is because it's their decision to establish would be in excess of $200million given to the a school and apply for it to be integrated, and in­ state to support their network," he said. crease the capacity of the school by applying for Mr Ferris added that, as of last year, by NZCEO's a maximum roll increase. calculations, "$2.6billion dollars of assets are giv­ "The Ministry of Education may help with the en to the state to use, free-of-charge each year, to costs of building new accommodation at a state-in­ educate 60,000 students". tegrated school, when we would otherwise have to "It is not surprising, then, that state and build state school facilities. Because proprietors state-integrated schools reacted angrily to the have the main responsibility for providing the land announcement of the Green Party leader, that and buildings, Policy 2 funding is not an automatic they had found $11.5million for a single private entitlement." school," he said. Responding to the ministry's comment and Earlier, Green Party co-leader James Shaw note, Mr Ferris said the Policy 2 funding allocation announced a plan to expand Oakura's private­ for the past two years has been $1.4 million per ly-owned Green School with $11.5million from year, but "this is hardly enough to get a new school the shovel-ready fund. The school said only 25 off the ground". per cent of the fund is in the form of grant. The "For a lot of proprietors, the biggest cost by rest is a loan that the school would have to repay. far is for new builds. And there has been no help Mr Shaw subsequently apologised for an error for that at all." of judgement on his part over the funding. Mr Ferris added that the Catholic education Kim Shannon, head of Education Infrastructure sector is still waiting to find out the outcome of Services at the Ministry of Education, told NZ Cath­ negotiations for equity in funding for maintenance olic that Policy 2 funding is being made available between the state and state-integrated sectors. by the ministry. NZ Catholic understands that the St Ignatius "In 2019/20, the ministry provided Policy 2 project was included in a list of shovel-ready funding totalling $1,154,948 to two state-integrat­ projects provided to the Economic Development ed schools (Our Lady of the Assumption School, minister earlier this year. Christchurch, and Hastings Christian School, It was one of several hundred projects for­ Hastings) to fund two classrooms at each school. warded to the Government for consideration. No In the current 2020/21 financial year, funding of timeframe was given for any final decision. $577,474 is being provided to KingsWay School, It was announced earlier this year that the Gov­ Auckland, to fund two classrooms," Ms Shannon ernment would be putting $8.5million towards the said. restoration and strengthening of the Wellington "Additional Policy 2 funding is available, and Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. This came from a will be distributed if applications from proprietors $ 3billion infrastructure fund announced in the are received and meet the relevant criteria." Budget. NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Features 5 wanaka community comes to aid of migrants by PETER OWENS Mrs McCarthy has been actively involved in serving the community over many years. She Wanaka volunteers provided some winter was the foundation chair of Holy Family Catholic cheer on the night in June for migrant workers School in Wanaka and of its building committee. stuck in New Zealand because of Covid-19. A free She chaired the board of trustees until 2011. She "Christmas" dinner attracted 140 people from organised the first Aspiring Art Award in 2008, all corners of the world, and was followed by and has continued to oversee the event. She has a karaoke session. been involved with the Upper Clutha Plunket So­ The function at the Wanaka Hub was funded ciety, Hawea Flat Play Group, and was chair of the by the Upper Clutha Christmas Trust, which has Hawea Flat School board. Mrs McCarthy opened raised money over the past five years by oper­ the Serendipity Charity Shop in 2009 to raise ating a "Santa's Grotto" for children. Organiser funds for Wanaka community groups. At pres­ and chair of the Upper Clutha Community Hub, ent, she is chair of the Upper Clutha Christmas Yeverley McCarthy, said many of the migrants Trust, and is delighted to have been appointed were in a bad way - "they're lonely and they're as a trustee for the Wanaka Community House broke". Trust. Mrs McCarthy says the hub had been support­ Born in the Waikato, Mrs McCarthy moved to ing many workers from overseas. Wanaka with her husband Bill 41 years ago, and "They don't have work, it's not that they don't has always had a keen interest in local community want to, it's just there's no work. So when they initiatives. She has been an active volunteer with come into the hub to get their [food] vouchers, Hawea Flat School, the local playgroup, Plunket, there's a lot of tears and our volunteers are even Wanaka Golf Club, Wanaka A&P Society, Lake in tears." Hawea Picnic Racing Club, and was also involved Mrs McCarthy said that tenants at the commu­ in the establishment of Holy Family School and nity hub, including the district health board and Church. Mrs McCarthy was the proud recipient Presbyterian Support, were dealing with a lot of of the Queen's Service Medal for services to this mental health issues from people in the town. community in 2013. "People have just hit the wall a bit. A lot of She says: "Wanaka Community Hub has been these kids can't get home and they're stuck, and in development for over ten years, and every­ I'm sure it's the same for families." Yeverley McCarthy, QSM one who has been involved over the years is "There's no work, there's rent to pay. It's just thrilled with the rate of progress over the last not easy. In fact, it wasn't easy before lockdown. any food, but we needed quite a lot of volunteers few months, to enable it to open as planned in Wanaka is quite affluent, but a lot of people are to help us with the setting up and cleaning up. I November last. As a volunteer, seeing everything paying very high rents, there's not a lot of dis­ had all my neighbours coming to help. come together is so rewarding. It's been a real posable income. You have a glitch like this and "What has happened with Covid is that it's journey; I've learnt a lot and met some wonderful it really does affect them badly." made everyone take a big deep breath, and we've people along the way." Mrs McCarthy said that, on the night of the gotten to know our neighbours. We've found out "If you are interested in your community, the "Christmas" dinner, she was behind the scenes that there are quite a lot of lonely people in our best way to help is to volunteer in some way. You making the venison hotpots and doing the communities, and it's just a lovely thing to be meet people, you help make life a little easier for dishes. able to do something like this, that makes people others, and get a great deal of satisfaction on the "We didn't need any money and we didn't need feel altogether better about the world." way," she said. Calls for amnesty for overstayers affected by border closures by NZ CATHOLIC staff coming forward for a test will not be as well as financial assistance, and like food, housing and over-the­ prosecuted, as DHBs cannot legally the full range of other support as counter medication, but not finan­ In a letter to the Prime Minister, share information with Immigration full members of the 'team of five cial assistance. It has been available Auckland diocese's Justice and NZ about the immigration status million' united against this virus". only if returning home by temporary Peace Commission has reiterated of individuals, these people need "When New Zealand's borders visa holders isn't immediately pos­ its earlier calls for an amnesty for greater assurances, as their level are re-opened, we ask that the Gov­ sible, and if the person is experienc­ overstayers in this country. of trust is not high, the letter ernment establishes an amnesty, ing serious hardship, and all other The letter noted that thousands stated. subject to defined criteria, which avenues of potential support have of these people have lost their jobs, "We are disappointed at the reluc­ would allow overstayers to either been exhausted, such as access to and have found themselves unable tance of the Government to respond regularise their immigration status savings or other assets, insurance to access many forms of Govern­ to this issue with any sense of ur­ or, otherwise, be repatriated home." cover, consular assistance from ment support, forcing them to live gency, and the lack of a substantive Then-Immigration Minister lain their own foreign missions, or help crowded together in inadequate framework of support for temporary Lees-Galloway responded in July from family and friends. housing, which is fertile ground for migrants and overstayers in this to earlier requests from the ]PC in The package replaced previous the Covid-19 virus to spread. pandemic crisis." this area. assistance available through the The commission also wrote The ]PC called for the Govern­ In June, the Government an­ Civil Defence and Emergency Man­ about the fears many temporary mi­ ment "to offer an unconditional am­ nounced a three-month time-limit­ agement Groups. grants and overstayers have about nesty to New Zealand's overstayers ed assistance package for migrant Other measures have included coming forward to get tested for while our borders are closed, so that workers, starting from July 1. visa extensions, short-term visas Covid-19. they can receive health assistance The $37.6 million support pack­ and assistance with repatriation While it is true that overstayers and Covid-19 testing with impunity, age reportedly provided essentials flights.

''I see the Church as a field hospital after battle." POPE FRANCIS

Help us to be there on the battlefield for those who need it most. A Bequest to St Vincent de Paul is a lasting way to help the most disadvantaged and needy in our community. If you would like to discuss a Bequest with us, please get in touch. 6 Opinion NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 The book of Exodus and why coming back to Mass matters

n connection with an academic project of dus and the Bible in general agree that morality is ular worship, but we do. Through the gestures and mine, I've recently been poring over the book essential to the proper formation of the people of symbols of its liturgical praise, Israel is brought I of Exodus and commentaries thereupon. The God. Those who would seek to follow the Lord, who in line with God, ordered to him. The moral law book is concerned primarily with the manner in is justice and love, must be conformed to justice directs our wills to the divine goodness, but the which God shapes his people so that they might and love. And this is precisely why we find, in the liturgical law directs our minds, our hearts, our become a radiant beacon, a city set on a hill. On great Sinai covenant, injunctions not to steal, not emotions, and yes, even our bodies to the divine the biblical reading, Israel is indeed chosen, but to commit adultery, not to covet, not to kill, etc. splendour. Notice how thoroughly the ceremonial it is never chosen for its own sake, but rather for So far, so Kantian. instructions of Exodus involve colour, sound, and all the nations of the world. But what probably surprises most contem­ smell (there is an awful lot about incense), and I would say that this formation takes place in porary readers of the book of how they conduce toward the three principal stages: first, God teaches Israel Exodus is that, immediately ''The Mass- involving production of beauty. to trust in his power; secondly, he gives Israel a following the laying out of the I said above that Exodus' moral law; and thirdly, he instructs his people in moral commandments, the au­ vestments, ritual gesture, stress on the liturgical and cere­ holiness through right praise. thor spends practically the rest monial has a profound relevance The lesson in trust happens, of course, through of the text, chapters 2 5 through smells and bells, song to our time, and here's why. For 40, delineating the liturgical very good reasons, we abstained prescriptions that the people and silence - still completely from public worship, are to follow. So, for example, and even now our ability to wor­ Robert Barron we find a lengthy section on the matters, big time." ship together is very limited. In construction of the ark of the most dioceses in our country God's great act of liberation. Utterly powerless covenant ... Next, we find instructions regarding (the US), the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is, slaves find freedom, not by relying on their own re­ the elaborate furnishings inside of the tabernacle, again for valid reasons, suspended. My fear is that, sources, but rather upon the gracious intervention including a lampstand, a table for the so-called when the propitious moment arrives, when we are of God. The moral instruction takes place through "bread of the presence," pillars and various hang­ again able to return to Mass, many Catholics will the Ten Commandments and their attendant legis­ ings. Finally, an enormous amount of space is stay away, since they've grown accustomed to ab­ lation. Finally, the formation in holiness happens given over to the description of the vestments to senting themselves from worship. And my concern through a submission to an elaborate set of litur­ be worn by the priests of Israel. takes a more specifically Kantian form: Will many gical and ceremonial laws. It is this last move that No indication whatsoever is given that the moral Catholics say to themselves, "You know, as long perhaps strikes us today as most peculiar, but prescriptions are somehow more important than as I'm basically a good person, what's the point of that has, I will argue, particular resonance in our the liturgical prescriptions. If anything, the con­ all of this formal worship of God?" strange Covid period. trary seems to be the case, since Exodus is followed Could I recommend that you take out your Bible, That education in religion involves moral in­ immediately by the book of Leviticus, which con­ open to the book of Exodus, especially chapters struction probably seems self-evident to most of sists of 28 chapters of dietary and liturgical law. 2 5 through 40, and consider just how crucially us. And this is because we are, willy-nilly, Kantians. So what are we post-Kantians to make of this? First, important to God is the correct worship offered In the eighteenth century, the philosopher Imman­ we should observe that the biblical authors do not by his holy people? uel Kant contended that all of religion is reducible think for a moment that God somehow requires li­ Liturgy has always mattered. The Mass - in­ to ethics. What the religious thing is finally all turgical rectitude, as though the correctness of our volving vestments, ritual gesture, smells and bells, about, Kant argued, is making us more just, lov­ worship adds anything to his perfection or satisfies song and silence - still matters, big time. Isn't it ing, kind, and compassionate. In contemporary some psychological need of his. If you harbour any enough that you're a good person? Not to put too language, Kantianism in religion sounds like this: doubt on this score, I would recommend a careful fine a point on it: No. "As long as you're a good person, it doesn't really reading of the first chapter of the prophet Isaiah Bishop Robert Barron is an auxiliary bishop of Los matter what you believe or how you worship." and of the fiftieth psalm. God doesn't need the ark Angeles. This column was first published on www.wordon­ Now, there is no question that the book of Exo- and the tabernacle and priestly vestments and reg- fire.org It is republished here with permission.

Ronald Rolheiser The last temptation

II T he last temptation is the greatest trea­ genuine glory that this brings. For example, take Jesus' counsel to not be son: To do the right deed for the wrong This is the temptation faced by a good person. proud and take the most prestigious place at ta­ reason." Wanting a good name is not a bad thing, but, in ble, and then be embarrassed by being asked to T .S. Eliot wrote those words to describe how the end, it's still about ourselves. move to a lower place, but rather take the lowest difficult it is to purge our motivation of selfish In my more reflective moments, I'm haunted seat in humility, so as to be invited to move high­ concerns, to do things for reasons that are not by this and left with self-doubts. Am I really do­ er. That's sound practical advice, no doubt, but ultimately about ourselves. ing what I am doing for Jesus, for others, for the it can also be a recipe for a pride we can really In Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral, his main world, or am I doing it for my own good name, and be proud of. character is Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of how I can then feel good about that? Am I doing it Once we have displayed our humility, and been Canterbury, who is martyred for his faith. From so that others might lead fuller, less fearful, lives, publicly recognised for it, then we can feel a truly every outward appearance, Becket is a saint- un­ or am I doing it for the respect it garners for me? superior pride in how humble we've been! It's the selfish, and motivated by faith and love. When I'm teaching, is my real motivation to same for all of the deadly sins. But, as Eliot teases out in Murder in the Cathe­ make others fall in love with Jesus or to have As we succeed in not giving in to crasser temp­ dral, the outward narrative doesn't tell the deeper them admire me for my insights? When I write tations, they re-root themselves in subtler forms story, and doesn't show what's more radically at books and articles, am I really trying to dispense within us. Our faults display themselves publicly issue. wisdom, or am I trying to show how wise I am? and crassly when we're immature, but the hard It's not that Thomas Becket wasn't a saint, or Is this about God or about me? fact is that they generally don't disappear when wasn't honest in his motivation for doing good Perhaps we can never really answer these ques­ we are mature. They simply take on more subtle works; rather there's still a "last temptation" that tions, since our motivation is always mixed and forms. he needed to overcome on the road to becoming it's impossible to sort this out exactly. For instance, when I'm immature and wrapped a full saint. Beneath the surface narrative, there's But still, we owe it to others, and to ourselves, up in my own life and ambitions, I might not always a deeper, more-subtle, invisible, moral to scrutinise ourselves over this in prayer, in give much thought to helping the poor. Then, battle going on, a "last temptation" that must be conscience, in spiritual direction, and in discus­ when I'm older, more mature and more theo­ overcome. What's that temptation? sion with others. How do we overcome that "last logically-schooled, I will write articles publicly It's a temptation that comes disguised as a temptation", to do the right things and not make confessing that we all should be doing more for grace and tempts us in this way: be unselfish, it about ourselves? the poor. be faithful, do good things, never compromise The struggle to overcome selfishness, and mo­ Well, challenging myself and others to be more the truth, be about others, carry your solitude tivate ourselves by a clear, honest altruism can attentive to the poor is in fact a good thing ... and at a high level, be above the mediocrity of the be an impossible battle to win. Classically, the while that might not help the poor very much, it crowd, be that exceptional moral person, accept churches have told us there are seven deadly sins will certainly help me to feel better about myself. martyrdom if it is asked of you. But why? For (pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, sloth) How do we ever get beyond this, this last temp­ what reason? that are tied to our very nature, and with which tation, to do the right thing for the wrong reason? There are many motives for why we want to we will struggle our whole lives. Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, be good, but the one that disguises itself as a And the problem is that, the more we seem to and award-winning author, is president of the Oblate grace and is really a negative temptation is this overcome them, the more they manage to simply School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be one: be good because of the respect, admiration, disguise themselves in more subtle forms in our contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com and permanent good name it will win you, for the lives. Follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser. NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Opinion 7 False compassion The Habit

n October 17, New Zealanders once more take part in a general election. As has hap­ 1 CAN AS51Jf

ovid-19 is teaching us that you can't always do doesn't affect anybody else". The individual euthanasia because they don't want to be a bur­ do what you want in our wonderful yet dan­ is not an island, and we do not act independently den on others. If they feel a burden by subtle C gerous world. The right of the individual to of everyone else. Rather, we are part of a society, suggestion, an expectation placed on them, or a go about their daily business has been curtailed. and we are linked by all the relationships we have feeling of impatience that they are taking too long This is caused, not just by a deadly virus, but also with one another. As they say, we are a two-degree to die, then they are vulnerable. There are people by a society that says, for the sake of the greater society- we need only two other people to make with chronic and treatable conditions, who go good, the individual has to do things they'd rather links to everyone else in the country. through periods when it feels too much, and they not do - such as wear a mask, stay home, not If the individual is not an island, then the deci- seek release when they are in a state of depres­ travel overseas, get tested and not buy up all the sion. In Canada, since physician-assisted dying toilet rolls in the supermarket. The consequence became law in 2016, fewer doctors are choosing of doing what you want may be the spread of a to specialise in palliative care. The worry is that virus, causing someone else to become sick, or Maria Kennedy a shortage of palliative care physicians will lead even die. With Covid-19, we see that individual people to choose euthanasia. In the Netherlands behaviour does affect others. It only takes one sions of the individual are not made in a vacuum. next year, their parliament votes on whether or infected person to cause a pandemic. We are sensitive to the underlying currents of not to allow healthy people over the age of 75 to With Covid-19, we see that the actions of the what society expects of us, because we want to be able to seek euthanasia if they are tired of life. individual and the choices of the individual be­ belong and feel included. A further part of that The rationale to protect the elderly vulnerable come curtailed for the greater good. It means the belonging includes copying others. Something person from Covid-19 also applies to whether individual has to suffer a little, while at the same that is viewed as trendy becomes more popular. or not we want to protect the vulnerable from time being patient, kind and trying to hang in One of these popular activities is sharing stories euthanasia. there until the virus is beaten. Efforts are made on public media about how people's loved ones' Sometimes, when facing death, we need to to minimise the suffering. 'Go early and go hard' final days could have been relieved by euthanasia. suffer a little, in the sense that maybe we should is the catch phrase of the Government. With this One story sparks another and everyone is nodding give up having euthanasia as a back-stop insur­ pandemic, we have to think of somebody else out their heads in sympathy. Yet, when I hear these ance policy and confront our fear of death in other there in society, perhaps an elderly, vulnerable stories, and I sympathise with these people, I ways. Always, we should be trying to minimise person, who is very susceptible to Covid-19. We also get a tightening feeling in my stomach, like the suffering of the dying. However, the option of feel the responsibility on ourselves to socially-dis­ a warning to take care. using euthanasia makes a deep societal change. tance, because we don't want the responsibility of Euthanasia is scary because you are actually In true compassion we need to care for the vul­ inadvertently causing the death of someone else. giving someone else the right to end your life. nerable before ourselves. Legalising euthanasia is When it comes to legalising euthanasia, we Among other things, I am concerned for the vul­ caring for the self before the vulnerable. It is like need to keep in mind our Covid-19 behaviour­ nerable ones. The person who is terminally ill and putting a virus in our community. It will affect individual behaviour is modified to benefit the depressed, that seeks euthanasia because they everyone in it and make us a less caring society. greater good of all. This behaviour makes clear are depressed, is a vulnerable person. Overseas Maria Kennedy is a writer from Wellington and is a that the following statement is false - "what I statistics show a large number of people choose parishioner at St Francis of Assisi, Ohariu parish. Jeremiah and the lockdown

an you remember where you were on March they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape tightened, loosened, then tightened and loosened 19, 2020? That was the day our nation closed from their hand."' (Jeremiah 38: 17-18) again. Are we content with this level of uncertain­ Cits borders and limited public gatherings to Jeremiah lived in a time when Jerusalem was ty? Are we aware of the long-term fallout from 100. That was the day it hit home for me -we are besieged by the Babylonians. Contrary to Jere­ each day that the livelihoods of our citizens are about to enter a full nationwide lockdown. miah's warnings, the city remained under "lock­ artificially disrupted? Are we placing all our hope I remember the feeling as I drove home from down" for 18 months. But it all proved to be in in a vaccine? When will it come? How safe and work that afternoon- sorrow and dread. I thought vain when Babylonian soldiers finally penetrated effective will it be? In the meantime, can we find of all the lives disrupted, the jobs lost, the people the walls and stormed the city, overwhelming its any effective treatments for the virus? left lonely and disheartened, the boredom and Our refusal to question and to speak out will frustration, the domestic violence, the fear and result in more suffering and hardship for the iso­ hopelessness. lated, the vulnerable, and those in financial strife. As for me, I would be fine, with my wife and Cameron Surrey I believe the time has come to start asking hard children, and a secure job. But so many others questions and discussing alternative strategies. would not fare so well amidst the mandated de­ famine-plagued and dispirited population. Let's discuss with our family and friends, speak pression. I had a bunch of "crazy" thoughts: We cannot with our colleagues, write to our MPs, raise the And I thought of the warning of the prophet evade this virus forever, so why not face up to important questions in our social networks, and in Jeremiah: it? Why not "surrender" while we still have the all sincerity let's also place these questions before "Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the God strength and the resources to best deal with the the Lord, asking him to guide our discourse, and of Israel, 'If you will surrender to the princes of the aftermath? Why not let our lowest-risk citizens give the strength and wisdom to enable us to put king of Babylon, then your life shall be spared, and be exposed to Covid, while we isolate and protect it into action. this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and the elderly and the vulnerable? Why simply hide Nobody is exempt from responsibility, espe­ your house shall live. But if you do not surrender when we can manage the spread and seek herd cially in a crisis. What part will you play? to the princes of the king of Babylon, then this city immunity with minimal losses? Dr Cameron Surrey works at the Auckland Teriary shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and Fast-forward five months. Restrictions have Chaplaincy

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TRUST ISN'T SEEN, ITS EXPERIENCED. NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Features 9 The Practice of Holy Ecology by NEIL VANEY

• Start at the very beginning Psychologists tell us that, if you want to be­ come a more loving person, you start by carrying out works of love. Likewise, if you are open to "ecological conversion", the best place to start is in your own backyard. Planting a garden, learning to compost, putting a beehive on your back lawn, are not too difficult- I know a number of people who have done this. Many New Zealand suburbs were once forests. What are the trees that used to grow where you live? What trees grow there now? What birds visit your garden? (It is not hard installing a bird-feeder). And what birds used to nest around there? Forest and Bird societies will help you with such knowledge. Pope Francis encourages us to become familiar with the beauty hidden in our hills and moun­ tains. We are so blessed in having easy access to wilderness here in New Zealand. Join a walking or tramping group and get out occasionally from the hum and congestion of the city to taste the openness and serenity of our national parks. (cf Laudato Si' (LS) 234) • Caring for creation There are hosts of small steps we can take to start moving away from a consumer dominated for a family picnic or outing amidst our stunning humans have so disfigured the face of nature that lifestyle. Laudato Si' 211 briefly lists some of scenery. there can be no going back. So, it does our heart these. Over much of the planet, water is becom­ Another aspect of growing ecological aware­ good to look at images of remarkable restoration ing a precious resource - let's not squander it. ness is consciously to battle against the blan­ projects such as Bamberger Ranch in Texas. Fifty Using as little plastic and cardboard packaging dishments of advertising always inviting us to years ago, it was sun-bleached desert. Today, it as we can is a good step into recycling. Try to re­ buy more and more. Can I bring a more critical is home to a huge variety of plants and animals, use food that is left over; don't just throw it out. eye to the screens I look at by asking myself, do I and a running stream waters the once-sterile soil. When it gets cold, don't just automatically turn really need this? At least once a year, do I make a There are thousands of such projects all over the on the heat pump; put on one of our lovely warm thorough stock-take of my wardrobes and drawers world. kiwi woollen sweaters. If you live in a five-person and shelves, asking what clothes, shoes or books We can contrast such images of hope with the household, ask if you really need five cars. Could have I not used in the last year, to do some prun­ sort of world our children and grandchildren could you use public transport or share one of the cars ing, which can then be a donation to the nearest be inheriting, without forests or jungles, with more often? St Vincent de Paul centre or store. If some goods only images of creatures such as rhinoceroses or or channels are frankly noxious, could I motivate elephants or whales. What an impoverished world • Prophetic gestures my friends and colleagues to boycott them pub­ that would be. When the Bolsheviks helped bring There are ancient practices in the Church's his­ licly, as there is nothing firms hate more than bad about the collapse of Tsarist Russia in 1917, it is tory that sharpen spiritual awareness. Fasting, for publicity. (LS 203) estimated that there were only about 15,000 of instance, is an ancient practice, but a very relevant them in a population of over ninety million. They one in societies where so many people are over­ • The power of imagination were totally dedicated, with simple and clear strat­ weight (LS 216) We are also being advised that at Because a shift to a more ecologically-balanced egies. If enough Christians saw the saving of our least two days a week should be alcohol-free. The world will demand so many drastic social and eco­ planet as part of our ecological redemption and Pope has recommended that we commit ourselves nomic changes, and seems to be slow in coming holiness, what forces could stand against them? to a meat-free day at least once a week; also that about, it is easy to become discouraged. We think Fr Neil Vaney, SM, is pastoral director of The Cath­ we put aside the first Saturday or Sunday of each that nobody else is doing this, and that my small olic Enquiry Centre NZ. This is the final one of four month for a time of prayer and thanksgiving for efforts are pointless in the face of the huge chang­ reflections by Fr Vaney on Laudato Si' published in NZ the beauty of creation, perhaps using the chance es that are called for. We can also believe that we Catholic this year. Pope: A time for restoring bond with God, creation VATICAN CITY (CNS) - The exploitation and especially the poor and the most vulnerable". plundering of the Earth's resources at the expense "We have broken the bonds of our relationship of the poor and vulnerable cry out for justice and with the Creator, with our fellow human beings, the forgiveness of debts, Pope Francis said. and with the rest of creation," the Pope wrote in In his message for the World Day of Prayer for his message. the Care of Creation on September 1 and the Sea­ He also said it was time to "heal the damaged son of Creation, which runs through to October 4, relationships that are essential to supporting us the Pope said the observance is a time to renew, and the entire fabric of life". repair and restore humanity's broken relationship "A jubilee is a time for setting free the op­ with God and his creation. pressed and all those shackled in the fetters of "It is a time for restorative justice. In this various forms of modern slavery, including traf­ context, I repeat my call for the cancellation of ficking in persons and child labour," he said. the debt of the most vulnerable countries, in Creation itself, he added, admonishes human­ recognition of the severe impacts of the medical, kind "to return to our rightful place" as members social and economic crises they face as a result and not masters of "this interconnected web of of Covid-19," he wrote. life". Since 2020 included the 50th anniversary of "The disintegration of biodiversity, spiralling Earth Day, the ecumenical team organising the climate disasters and unjust impact of the current Season of Creation chose "Jubilee for the Earth" pandemic on the poor and vulnerable: all these are The Japanese bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which struck a as this year's theme. a wake-up call in the face of our rampant greed coral reef causing an oil spill in late July, is pictured in In the Bible, the Pope noted, a jubilee was a and consumption," the Pope said. Mauritius in this undated satellite image. (CNS photo) "sacred time to remember, return, rest, restore, Humanity, he said, must stop excessively con­ and rejoice". suming the Earth's resources and "pushing the As a time of remembrance, he said, the day of planet beyond its limits". Citing St John Paul II's assertion that corpo­ prayer and the Season of Creation should call to "Our constant demand for growth and an rate misconduct is a "new version of colonial­ mind "creation's original vocation to exist and endless cycle of production and consumption ism", Pope Francis called for the protection of flourish as a community of love". are exhausting the natural world," the Pope said. indigenous communities from business practices "We exist only in relationships: with God the "Forests are leached, topsoil erodes, fields fail, which "shamefully exploit poorer countries and creator, with our brothers and sisters as members deserts advance, seas acidify and storms intensify. communities desperately seeking economic de­ of a common family and with all of God's creatures Creation is groaning!" velopment". within our common home," the Pope wrote. The coronavirus pandemic, he added, "has giv­ "We must use this decisive moment to end our The call for a jubilee for the Earth, he said, is en us a chance to develop new ways of living" and superfluous and destructive goals and activities, a call for repentance and for restoring harmony "has led us to rediscover simpler and sustainable and to cultivate values, connections and activities with God by taking care "our fellow human beings, lifestyles". that are life-giving," the Pope said. 10 Features NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Church communicators need to be bridge-builders by MICHAEL OTTO cil's Gaudium et Spes (#42): "The union of the human family is greatly Social networks have changed fortified and fulfilled by the unity, the pace of communication, making founded on Christ, of the family of reaction times for communicators God's sons." very much shorter - by necessity "So together, while apart, we are - even at an institution as ancient given a task - how to use the net­ as the Holy See. work - a network of relations and Much has changed in the last the virtual network- to keep alive, decade-and-a-half, said the director in spite of the distance, embodied of the Vatican press office, Matteo relationships between people in Bruni, in a Zoom talk from Rome to search of truth? members of the Australasian Catholic "We need to link the good- the Press Association on September 1. good deeds, the good thoughts, "In 15 years, we have moved from which are not only the best practices, fax machines to taking a photo with but also good ideas, the truth, the a phone and sending it by WhatsApp possibility of redemption from evil, Matteo Bruni (centre) speaks at the Zoom meeting in a screenshot. or tweeting it," Mr Bruni said. from down under to the rest of the "Not even a generation ago, the world - but we need to link people "We see it at work, even in com­ "What happens in Australia, but Holy See press office would close as well, to keep our togetherness munication, and in Catholic com­ also in Africa, in the US, in Latin in the afternoon, and no one would alive and make it grow." munication, in the facile search for America, affects those who live on need to stay over to see what was scapegoats, for culprits, sinners, in the opposite side of the world." happening in the world." • Encounter the temptation in becoming an iso­ Mr Bruni stressed that now, more [But now] ... "we are drawn into In a sense, this is what Church me­ lated group, rather than the leaven than ever, "we need strong commu­ responding in real time to what we dia are for, he said, speaking of the that permeates the dough in order nications teams to lead us back to see and what we hear, so our version need for "encounter" and "relation­ to give it new life." the unity in which everything exists. of the facts will receive the attention ships" in Church communications. Christians are not commanded The media can be the infrastructure we feel is necessary". "It must be clear to us, and I say to like one another, but to love one for sharing stories, actions, faith, Mr Bruni told the September 1 this for the spokespersons, including another, Mr Bruni noted. works, truth and truth-based rela­ Zoom meeting that engaging in real myself primarily, that to communi­ "... [I]n a world where the strength tionships". time with people on the other side cate is not to make a statement and of one's identity is measured on how "'Sharing' is the key word. We can of the world, as he was doing at wait for reactions. effective it is in defining opposition, connect with each other all over the that moment, pointed to "a number "What we need to establish is a Christian identity is measured by its world and use our media, wherever of things concerning Catholics and relationship - a sincere, profound, effectiveness in including and build­ they are, from Australia to Rome, Catholic communication". stable, even old-fashioned (I would ing a communion of diversities. It is both ways, to build or re-build a "We can be united in one body call it) relationship. called 'mission'." Christian culture, based on love and because, in spite of the distance, "More specifically for us, we must Catholic communicators are called sharing, on protecting every human there is more we share in terms of keep in mind that Catholic commu­ to be professional, and at the same life and what surrounds it, and our choices than what divides us," nication is not only about providing time humble, while always keeping makes it whole and beautiful." he said. information. There are very capable in mind a broad view of their role. "But we must also learn how "[And] ... thanks to what we media around in this regard. Mr Bruni referred to the univer­ to use the media to share more of share, we have a way of seeing things "Catholic communication is about sality of Catholicism - a universal our neighbourhoods, our streets, differently to the way the world sees building networks also, in commu­ communion of diversities under the our condos, witnessing our 'being them, and therefore our communi­ nion with each other. In other days, guidance of Peter. Church'. Now, more than ever, it is cation can be different from that of we would have called them 'commu­ "And Catholic communicators time for the Church to get out of its the world. nities', where everything is brought are best poised to build bridges to walls, exploring the walls of others. "In times of distancing, as com­ together by the Holy Spirit, which overcome conflicts and polarisation, Not to think static, but dynamic. municators employing platforms alone can make us capable of seeing from which the Catholic community It is time to build communion that can unite, from telephones to beyond appearances, even each oth­ itself is not immune, as Pope Francis through all the instruments of com­ social media, in some ways, we are er's appearances, and can show us himself said." munication to invent collaborative given a fresh chance again to further the 'much' we share, without fear of projects." unity, in Christian and, therefore, the 'little' that makes us different." • Universality This involves, said Mr Bruni, human ways, on a different basis to But, while many Catholic com­ Given the universality of the quoting Pope Francis from a recent what the world offers and in most municators embrace this goal, in a Church, the "wellbeing or pain of message, "a narrative that can regard complex circumstances." fragmented world there is the "virus one member always reverberates our world and its happenings with a He cited the Second Vatican Coun- of division". throughout the rest of the body". tender gaze". Courage needed in public square where 'pseudo-religion' dominates by MICHAEL OTTO religious believers, are up against is a "pseudo-re­ ic governance for reconsideration, if, indeed, ligion", variously known as secular progressivism they do. People of goodwill can best nurture civility or expressive individualism. "This idea that secular progressive ideology and proper discourse in public life by being "It functions like a religion," Professor George counts as neutrality is deeply foolish." courageous, taking risks and bearing burdens said, "it is a source of meaning, it has got a set of Professor George argued for a genuine polit­ for the sake of goods greater than themselves. dogmas, indeed it has a lot of the other indicia of ical dialogue, citing a point made by his friend Courage- in the public square- is the "ab­ religions. Saints and demons and holy days ... " and colleague Professor Cornell West from sent virtue" for many people of goodwill today, But, as with militants and fundamentalists in Harvard University, who is more at the liberal, said US Professor Robert George, in a Facebook any religion, it brooks no dissent. socialist part of the political spectrum, but who interview with New Zealand's Brendan Malone "They can't allow for freedom of conscience is a "true civil libertarian". of Left Foot Media on September 7. or freedom of speech or any other basic civil lib­ "Cornell makes the point that, if you are going Professor George, who is director of the erties. They want conformity, they want 'group­ to enter into a political dialogue, you first need James Madison Program in American Ideals and think'." to get to know each other as human beings, be­ Institutions at Princeton University, discussed a One of the dogmas of this pseudo-religion cause friendship is not reduceable to politics," range of topics with Mr Malone in a "watch party" is that "competing 'comprehensive views', Professor George said. titled "The American Crisis, Morality and Law, be they secular or religious, certainly reli­ "The first question is not - are you Labour Restoring Civil Public Debate". gious ones like Christianity, Islam, Judaism or Tory ... , the first question is - where do Given the current culture in which we live, . .. must be restricted to the private precincts of you come from? Tell me about your mum and Professor George sounded a warning that "this the home or house of worship". dad, do you have brothers and sisters, what battle for civility, for decency, for our common "Now why should anybody of any competing traditions did you grow up with or did you grow humanity, for the sanctity of human life, for faith accept those terms?" Professor George asked. up in, what is important to you, what do you the dignity of marriage and the family - this "We compete fairly in the think about when it is just battle may not be winnable in the end. That is public square with you [secu­ you and you are all alone, up to God". lar progressives] ... you have what is in your mind, what "I myself think it is winnable, but it can't be no authority to shut us down." are your hopes and fears for won without courage. And it is not a battle that "You make your arguments, yourself and your country will be won without casualties. we will make our arguments, and for the world? "Which means that anybody worth his or and then we are going to use "When we start out that her salt has got to be willing, has to have the the processes of delibera­ way, we get to know each courage, to be one of those casualties. We need tive democracy to resolve other, and we will find that courage, and we need to stand courageously for the questions until they get we are fellow human beings each other when we come under attack." opened back up in the ordi- Brendan Malone (left) and Professor Rob­ and we have common ground What people of goodwill, including many nary institutions of democrat- ert George on Facebook. and common concerns." NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Features 11 New Queensland law threatens confessional seal

BRISBANE, Australia (CNS) - A tiary affirmed the absolute secrecy new law requires priests in the state of everything said in confession, and Breaking the of Queensland to break the seal of called on priests to defend it at all confession to report child sex abuse costs, even at the cost of their lives. to police, or face three years in jail. "The priest, in fact, comes to confessional seal The law was passed by know of the sins of the penitent Queensland's Parliament on Sep­ 'non ut homo sed ut Deus'- not as a would llnot make tember 8. It had support from both man, but as God -to the point that major parties and was opposed by he simply 'does not know' what was a difference to the the Catholic Church. said in the confessional because he One Queensland prelate, Bishop did not listen as a man, but precise­ safety of young Tim Harris of Townsville, tweeted a ly in the name of God," the Vatican link to a story on the passage of the document said. people.~~ new law and said, "Catholic priests "A confessor's defence of the cannot break the seal of confession". sacramental seal, if necessary, even The new law was a response to to the point of shedding blood," the "not make a difference to the safety recommendations from the Royal note said, "is not only an obligatory of young people". Commission Into Institutional Re­ act of allegiance to the penitent, but In a formal submission to the sponses to Child Sexual Abuse. South is much more: it is a necessary wit­ Queensland Parliament, Archbishop Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and the ness - a martyrdom - to the unique Coleridge explained that legislation Australian Capital Territory have and universal saving power of Christ stripping the seal made priests "less already enacted similar laws. and his Church." a servant of God than an agent of the One recommendation from royal The Vatican made reference to state", reported The Catholic Leader, commission was that the Australian that document in observations on Archbishop Mark Coleridge newspaper of the Archdiocese of Catholic Bishops' Conference should the royal commission recommenda­ Brisbane. He also said the proposed consult with the Holy See, and "clar­ tions. The Australian Catholic Bish­ faithful who confess their sins are legislation raised "major questions ify whether information received ops' Conference released the Holy truly sorry for them" and intend about religious freedom", and was from a child during the sacrament See response in early September. to change. "Since repentance is, in based on a "poor knowledge of how of reconciliation that they have been "Even if the priest is bound to fact, at the heart of this sacrament, the sacrament actually works in sexually abused is covered by the scrupulously uphold the seal of the absolution can be withheld only if practice". seal of confession" and also wheth­ confessional, he certainly may, and the confessor concludes that the However, Police Minister Mark er "if a person confesses during indeed in certain cases should, en­ penitent lacks the necessary contri­ Ryan maintained the laws will en­ the sacrament of reconciliation to courage a victim to seek help outside tion," the Vatican said. sure better protection for vulnerable perpetrating child sexual abuse, ab­ the confessional or, when appro­ Brisbane Archbishop Mark children. solution can and should be withheld priate, to (encourage the victim to) Coleridge, president of the Austra­ "The requirement and, quite until they report themselves to civil report an instance of abuse to the lian Catholic Bishops' Conference, frankly, the moral obligation to re­ authorities". authorities," the Vatican said in its has affirmed the Church's commit­ port concerning behaviours toward But, in a note approved by Pope observations. ment to protecting children and children applies to everyone in this Francis and published by the Vatican "Concerning absolution, the stopping abuse, but has said that community," he said. "No one group in mid-2019, the Apostolic Peniten- confessor must determine that the breaking the confessional seal would or occupation is being singled out." Holy See responds to Aust. Royal Commission recommendations

CANBERRA (ACBC) - The Australian Catholic bishop Coleridge expressed the hope that the of the meeting on the protection of minors in the Bishops Conference has made public the Holy See's observations and the local Church's commitment, Church held in the Vatican from February 21-24, observations on 12 recommendations from the in partnership with all levels of government in 2019. And, as the Holy Father recalled on that oc­ Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Australia, will help create and maintain genuinely casion: "Here again I would state clearly: if in the Child Sexual Abuse to the Australian Government. safe environments. Church there should emerge even a single case The Royal Commission proposed that the bish­ "The Holy See's observations were addressed of abuse - which already in itself represents an ops' conference engage with the Holy See on those to the bishops rather than to the Federal Govern­ atrocity- that case will be faced with the utmost recommendations, because they relate to universal ment, but it was obviously important that they be seriousness." Church law or practice. communicated to the Government for the sake of Recommendation 16.8 Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Pa­ proper collaboration," Archbishop Coleridge said. In the interests of child safety and improved rolin confirmed that the recommendations, and "The bishops are keen to support the ongoing institutional responses to child sexual abuse, the the entire final report of the Royal Commission, public conversation about policies, practices and Australian Catholic Bishops Conference should were studied closely by several Vatican dicasteries. protocols which will ensure that children and request the Holy See to: (a) publish criteria for The Holy See reiterated its commitment to child other people at risk are safe in our communities. the selection of bishops, including relating to protection, and its desire to "spare no effort ... It's in this spirit that the observations have been the promotion of child safety (b) establish a in collaborating with civil authorities to pursue published." transparent process for appointing bishops every avenue to end the scourge of sexual abuse". The full text of the responses by the Holy See which includes the direct participation of lay "The Pope has sought to promote reform and is at https:j/www.catholic.org.au/images/Obser­ people. The Holy See, in various published sources, vigilance at all levels within the Church, and to vations_of _the_Holy _See_ to_the_Recommenda­ has set forth the process followed in the selection encourage the efforts of local Churches in the same tions_of_the_Royal_Commission.pdf and appointment of candidates for the episcopal direction," the response said. • Holy See responses concerning voluntary cel­ office. In particular, canons 377 and 378 of the "That commitment has led to the adoption, both ibacy for diocesan clergy and on the appointment Code of Canon Law (CIC) offer a summary of the by the Holy See and by dioceses, episcopal confer­ of bishops are listed below in full. nomination process and of the qualities required ences and religious institutes, of a wide range of Recommendation 16.18 of candidates. The Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio measures, designed to ensure a proper response to The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference of Pope St Paul VI, Sollicitudo Omnium Ecclesiarum such cases, including at the canonical level, as well should request the Holy See to consider intro­ (1969) and the decree Episcoporum Defectum, with as encouraging cooperation with civil authorities, ducing voluntary celibacy for diocesan clergy. its accompanying norms (1972), which are still in both domestic and international." While the Holy See accepts the good will of the force, outline in some detail the informative pro­ Many of the Royal Commission's recommenda­ royal commission in making the present recom­ cess undertaken by pontifical representatives in tions have already been addressed by the Holy See, mendation, it wishes to emphasise the great value relation to the nomination of bishops. As a normal including some of the matters related to priestly of celibacy, and to caution against its reduction to part of that process, lay men and women, together formation and the appointment of bishops. Oth­ a merely practical consideration. Indeed, it must be with clerics, are regularly consulted. Moreover, ers, such as having local tribunals to manage recalled that the practice of clerical celibacy is of the questionnaires used in collecting information disciplinary cases, are still under consideration, very ancient origin, that it developed in imitation about potential candidates have included, for the because they are part of a broader revision of of the style of life chosen by Jesus Christ himself, past several years, questions specific to the safe­ Church laws that will be applicable worldwide. and that it cannot be understood outside the logic guarding of minors. Concerning the seal of Confession, the Holy of faith and of the choice of a life dedicated to God. At the same time, it should be noted that the See affirms the inviolability of the sacrament, but It is a question that touches also upon the right to procedure for nominating bishops is carried out observes that a priest hearing a confession "may, religious freedom, that is to say, the freedom of with a certain discretion, out of respect for the can­ and indeed in certain cases should, encourage a the Church to organise her internal life in a man­ didates, who, after all, do not put themselves for­ victim to seek help outside the confessional". ner coherent with the principles of the faith, and ward, and in order to allow the persons consulted The priest can also encourage that person to the freedom of individuals to choose this form of to answer with the greatest possible candour and report the abuse to the authorities. Bishops' con­ life. With regard to any assertion of a link between freedom. Finally, the Holy See acknowledges that, ference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said celibacy and sexual abuse, a great deal of evidence as with all procedures, improvements can always the commitment to child safety that underpins demonstrates that no direct cause and effect ex­ be made, especially in the light of experience. In the Holy See's observations is one the Church in ists. Sadly, the spectre of abuse appears across all that context, the Holy See shares the concern of Australia shares. sectors and types of society, and is found too in the Royal Commission that the question of child In a letter to the Australian Attorney-General cultures where celibacy is hardly known or prac­ safety be given due consideration in the process accompanying the Holy See's observations, Arch- tised, as Pope Francis observed at the conclusion for identifying candidates and naming bishops. 12 International NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Pope to visit Assisi in October to sign new encyclical

VATICAN CITY (CNS) - Pope and happy humanity," Father Gam­ Francis will travel to Assisi in Italy betti added. on October 3 to sign an encyclical Pope Francis is scheduled to on the social, political and economic arrive at the Assisi convent at 3pm obligations that flow from a belief to celebrate Mass at the tomb of St that all people are children of God, Francis and sign the document. and therefore brothers and sisters Because of ongoing concerns and to one another. restrictions due to the Covid-19 The Vatican press office, con­ pandemic, the Mass and the rest of firming the Pope's trip, said the the Pope's visit will be private, the document will be titled "Fratelli Tut­ Vatican press office said. ti" in Italian. In English, the phrase The encyclical is expected to could be translated as "Brothers echo many of the themes that and Sisters All", but apparently it is Pope Francis has been discussing inspired by what is known as St Fran­ in his general audience talks on cis of Assisi's "sixth admonition" to Catholic social teaching in light of the friars, all of whom were men. the pandemic: human fraternity, Conventual Franciscan Father the equal dignity of all people, the Mauro Gambetti, custodian of the preferential option for the poor, the Assisi convent, said the document universal destination of goods and "will indicate to the world a style for the obligation of solidarity. Care for the future, and will give the Church the environment and the virtue of and people of goodwill the respon­ peace-making also are expected to sibility for building it together". be part of the encyclical. "The Pope is clearly inspired by After Pope Francis signs the doc­ Francis of Assisi who, in following ument on the eve of the feast of St Pope Francis leads his general audience in the San Damaso courtyard at the Vatican Jesus, recognised fraternity, lived Francis, the text is expected to be on September 2. It was the Pope's first public audience with pilgrims in six months. under the sign of mutual and loving published in the first week of Octo­ (CNS Photo). service, the horizon of a fulfilled ber in a variety of languages. Hong Kong cardinal: Keep opinions on political issues out of sermons HONG KONG (CNS) - Cardinal 28, barely two months after Beijing constructive and encouraging words a diocesan organisation's plan for a John Tong Han of Hong Kong has implemented a new national secu­ from the priest in the liturgy," he campaign and prayer to support the asked priests not to resort2 to using rity law in Hong Kong outlawing said. pro-democracy movement. "slanderous and offensive state­ public demonstrations and slogans Several diocesan priests ap­ The Justice and Peace Commis­ ments" in their sermons. demanding democratic freedom in proached by UCA News for a re­ sion of Hong Kong Diocese asked Ucanews.com reported the car­ the city. sponse to Cardinal Tong's letter for donations to buy advertisements dinal's letter, written in the form of Cardinal Tong said priests and refused to talk, saying they did not to support a pro-democracy news­ instructions to priests on homilies, deacons in the diocese should not want to be quoted. paper. said the purpose of a sermon is not resort to "slanderous and offensive Some said the pastoral letter The ads were to feature a prayer to convey personal views or opinion statements which insinuate or incite was influenced by the Beijing­ for the preservation of democracy on social or political issues, "but hatred, cause social unrest, are con­ controlled city administration, and in the city. rather to convey God's message, trary to the Christian spirit and are the diocese also does not want to But on August 29, it cancelled the and to help the faithful gain a never appropriate in the liturgy", see itself confronting the govern­ plan. In a letter, it said the diocese deeper understanding of the Chris­ ucanews.com reported. ment. does "not support the method of tian life". "At this critical time, our faithful Two days after the letter was fundraising and the content of the The letter was issued on August would like to hear some comforting, sent, the diocese intervened to stop prayer". US Bishops: Gospel cannot be parsed in partisan terms CLEVELAND (CNS) - The US Catholic voters an opportunity tore­ ical Responsibility from the Catholic promoting justice and countering bishops' quadrennial document on flect upon how their faith intersects Bishops of the United States", the violence, combating unjust discrim­ political responsibility is rooted in with their political and civic respon­ document has been offered as a ination, care for the environment, the Catholic Church's long-standing sibilities," said the archbishop, who guide to Catholic voters every pres­ communications, media and culture moral tradition that upholds human chairs the bishops' Committee on idential election year since 1976. and global solidarity. dignity and the common good of all, Domestic Justice and Human Devel­ It has been updated and revised Part three lists goals for Catho­ Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklaho­ opment. at four-year intervals to reflect lics' participation in political life, ma City said. Titled "Forming Consciences for changes in the issues confronting whether they are citizens, candi­ "The document is meant to give Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Polit- the country. dates or public officials. One thing "Faithful Citizenship" The document went through no is not, is a mandate on which can­ major revisions for this year's elec­ BASILICA 'BUllT' DURING LOCKDOWN didate for public office to vote for, tion, but it is being supplemented by Archbishop Coakley said. an introductory letter, which under­ Voting, he added, is a respon­ went a long debate before its adop­ sibility to be taken seriously, and tion by the full body of the bishops that requires prudential judgment during their fall general assembly in in determining who can best serve November last year. the common good. The introductory letter reminds "No candidate will likely reflect Catholics that "we bring the richness all of our values," he told the Cath­ of our faith to the public square" and olic News Service. "But I think we that "faith and reason inform our need to begin in prayer. We need to efforts to affirm both the dignity of know our faith. We need to study the human person and the common our faith. We need to have recourse good of all". to the catechism and what it might Among other things, the letter teach about certain questions." says, "The threat of abortion remains The document has three parts. our pre-eminent priority because it The first part outlines the respon­ directly attacks life itself, because sibility of Catholics to incorporate it takes place within the sanctuary Catholic teaching as they consider of the family, and because of the their vote, as well as their support number of lives destroyed. for the many public policy issues At the same time, we cannot dis­ that confront society. miss or ignore other serious threats Part two outlines the policy po­ to human life and dignity, such as sitions of the bishops on numerous racism, the environmental crisis, issues. Topics addressed include poverty and the death penalty". Parishioner John Davisson lives near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immac­ human life and dignity, promoting This year, the document is ulate Conception in Washington, DC. During a local lockdown, he built a Lego replica peace, marriage and family, religious accompanied by a series of five vid­ of the basilica. (CNS photo) freedom, economic justice, health eos that highlight vital public policy care, migration, Catholic education, issues. NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 International 13 Aust. Catholic leaders publish report on Church governance

CANBERRA (ACBC) - The Aus­ through numerous governance re­ final form. ACBC president Arch­ But for the sake of brevity for tralian Catholic Bishops Conference forms and practices as outlined by bishop Mark Coleridge said the New Zealand readers, among the and Catholic Religious Australia last the recommendations of the royal bishops have previously asked that recommendations are: month published an "important and commission. any feedback on the final version · "That the formation and train­ substantial" document on the review "I am hopeful that The Light from of the report be sent to the local ing of candidates for the priesthood of diocesan and parish governance the Southern Cross will illumine a bishop in each place, who will and during their ministry have as a and management in Australia. future path of contemporary good bring it the bishops' conference's primary objective the development The review was recommended governance for the Church in Aus­ discussions at November's plenary in individuals of an internal dispo­ by the Royal Commission into Insti­ tralia, and possibly beyond." meeting. sition that values a collaborative lay tutional Responses to Child Sexual An earlier version of the report "The bishops will discuss the ecclesial ministry." Abuse. was provided to the bishops' confer­ report and the broader issue of · "That lay advisors, female and The Church's Implementation ence and CRA in May. The bishops governance at our meeting later this male, attend council of priests' and Advisory Group (lAG) oversaw the noted at the time that a number of year, but many of the matters raised college of consultors' meetings development of the report, The Light errors would need to be corrected are ones that can be implemented at with the right to participate fully from the Southern Cross: Promoting and some clarifications made before the local level, rather than requiring in all discussions, and not as mere Co-Responsible Governance in the the report was released. The bishops national consensus," he said. auditors." Catholic Church in Australia. took on the task of providing feed­ "Equally, many of the issues will · "That bishops are to consult The lAG engaged the Governance back to inform those corrections be best considered during the up­ with the college of consultors or Review Project Team (GRPT) to and clarifications. Before the feed­ coming Plenary Council, and what a clergy appointments panel when research and study Church gover­ back was provided or incorporated, will follow from the council in each making changes with regard to cler­ nance and to prepare the report, the earlier version of the report - diocese." gy. These meetings are to include which runs to 208 pages and in­ marked confidential - was leaked A joint media release from the lay women and men." cludes 86 recommendations. to international Catholic media and ACBC and the CRA recommended · "That all volunteers, lay, clergy CRA president Br Peter Carroll, was published online. reading the whole report, and an and religious, undergo cross-cultur­ FMS, said: "As leaders in the Catholic The work of finalising the report associated reading guide, rather al awareness training." Church responsible for hundreds has continued. than just looking at the recommen­ · "That Aboriginal and Torres of Church entities, CRA and the The Light from the Southern dations. They may be found at www. Strait Islander people be included in bishops' conference are working Cross was released in August in its catholic.org.au/governance decision-making processes." REFUGEE GRIEF IN GREECE Philippine Cardinal tests positive VATICAN CITY (CNS) that Cardinal Tagle had - Philippine Cardinal previously tested nega­ Luis Antonio Tagle, pre­ tive for the coronavirus fect of the Congregation after he had "undergone for the Evangelisation of a swab in Rome" on Sep­ Peoples and president tember 7. The cardinal of Caritas Internation­ last met privately with alis, has tested positive Pope Francis on August for Covid-19, the Vati­ 29. can confirmed. Bruni also said the In a statement on Vatican is verifying the September 11, Vati­ condition of those who Cardinal Luis Antonio can spokesman Matteo were in contact with the Tagle in a 2018 photo (CNS Bruni said the result cardinal in recent days. Photo) was discovered after The news of a Vati­ Cardinal Tagle, 63, was can official testing pos­ his first public general administered a swab itive for the coronavirus audience on September test upon his arrival in comes at a time when 2, six months after lock­ Manila on September the Vatican is slowly down measures were 10. opening its doors to the enforced to prevent the "His Eminence does public. The Pope held spread of Covid-19. A child cries as people from the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos protest not exhibit any symp­ on September 11, after news came through about the creation of a new temporary camp toms, and will remain on the island. The previous camp, which was mostly destroyed in fires on September 9, in self-isolation in the was home to at least 12,000 people, six times its maximum capacity of just over 2000 Philippines, where he asylum-seekers. (CNS photo) is located," Bruni said. He also confirmed UK: Only a minority will not return to worship Davis Funerals MANCHESTER, England content with 'virtual church'," viewed worshipped by watching (CNS) - Only a small minority he said in a statement. Mass online during lockdown, of British Catholics said they "Many, it seems, by and via streams provided largely by would not return to worship in large, have backed the bishops, dioceses and parish churches, church when the coronavirus been grateful for the efforts of and that 66 per cent appreciated pandemic is fully over, accord­ clergy to livestream, and many the virtual services. ing to a new survey. have even felt at times closer But 61 per cent of those Just 4 per cent of people in­ to God, and [have] been more interviewed said they wished terviewed in the study, conduct­ prayerful than usual," he said. to revert to regular Mass at­ ed between May 19 and July 26, "That said, the challenges tendance when the churches said they would abandon going ahead are real, so if we want to fully reopened, with 3 5 per to church when restrictions are capitalise on this goodwill, we cent saying they would worship finally lifted. need to start thinking seriously online only occasionally at that The findings of the poll of about the conversations that point- if the service remained 2 500 people by Catholic Voices, need to happen as more and available. a group set up in the UK in 2010 more begin returning to parish­ "It seems that virtual wor­ to improve communications es," he added. ship during the lockdown has between the Church and the In early September, Cardinal been generally well received," media, contradict the predic­ Jean-Claude Hollerich, presi­ said the study, published on tions of some Catholics that the dent of the Commission of the September 9. Covid-19 crisis would irrevo­ Bishops' Conferences of the Eu­ "While it may remain some­ cably accelerate the decline of ropean Union, said many Catho­ thing that some people might collective worship among the lics in Europe would not return dip into in the future, few would faithful. to Mass or parish activities once stop attending church altogeth­ Email: [email protected] Brenden Thompson, CEO of the Covid-19 restrictions are er," it said. Catholic Voices, said he was lifted, which demonstrates the In a statement, Catholic "pleasantly surprised by many urgency of a new evangelisation Voices said the study, called of the findings". based on Catholics actually liv­ "Coronavirus, Church and You", "Catholics miss their parish­ ing their faith. was intended to explore the es and church buildings, and The British study revealed experience of the lockdown of davisfunerals.co.nz seem eager to return, not just that 93 per cent of those inter- both clergy and laity. 14 Features NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Cardinal Pell tells U.S. Catholics: 'We rely on you' by PETER ROSENGREN he ordinarily would, he instead prayed the Mem­ orare, a prayer seeking the intercession of Mary, SYDNEY (CNS) - In an exclusive interview as individual requests came to him. pre-recorded and aired at a US conference, Cardinal "In jail you've got no excuse that you're too George Pell reminded his audience how important busy to pray," he said. "I had a regular prayer the Church in the US is for world Catholicism and routine of the breviary, meditation and I followed Western civilisation. spiritual reading generally every day. And on US Catholicism "is vitally important for us in Sunday, I watched Mass For You At Home at the smaller countries, we rely on you for your scholar­ impossible hour of six o'clock in the morning. ship, your leadership, . . . the pastoral strategies "Then I watched the American evangelists Jo­ that you implement and prove to be successful will seph Prince from California and Joel Osteen from be watched and imitated by us", he said. Texas. And in my journal, I'd make a theological Despite the scandals in Church leadership, critique of their efforts - but both of them are which had been" deeply wounding", many parts of very fine preachers and they've got big follow­ the Church in the US are offering a way forward in ings." the present crisis. He named US bishops such as Cardinal George Pell is pictured in a screen grab during He said there is no doubt the Church through­ Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, Archbish­ an interview that aired on April 14 on Sky News Australia. out the Western world faces a serious situation op Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, Cardinal (CNS screen grab) demographically and politically, but he remains Timothy Dolan of New York and the late Cardinal optimistic and sees signs of renewal, especially Francis George of Chicago as outstanding examples Meanwhile, he said, it is public knowledge that in new Church realities such as Opus Dei and the of Church leadership and vision in the present era. the Vatican has "a looming, very considerable defi­ Neocatechumenal Way. The 30-minute interview was conducted in cit in the pension fund - and nearly every other Opus Dei, founded in post-Spanish Civil War Sydney and shown on August 16 at a conference country in Europe has that, too - but that's not Spain by St Josemaria Escriva, focuses on helping organised by the NAPA Institute, a California-based much consolation". young people and adults to discover and live sanc­ think tank focusing on the Catholic Church. Car­ "Now I'm well out if it, I'm two or three years tity via friendship with God. The Neocatechumenal dinal Pell spoke to Monica Doumit, columnist for behind what people are thinking, but at least in the Way, founded also in Spain in 1968, focuses on The Catholic Weekly (Sydney), about issues ranging public sense, I haven't seen any suggestions that building small communities following a path of from Vatican finances to progress against clerical would really address what is a significant financial formation toward an adult faith, with a strong child abuse in Australia, to watching US televan­ challenge," he said. emphasis on coming to know the Word of God and gelists from prison. its associated themes in Scripture. The cardinal, former head of the Vatican Secre­ • Abuse The path to irrelevance for the Church is al­ tariat for the Economy, spent 405 days in prison Reiterating comments made earlier this year to ready obvious, Cardinal Pell said. on charges of abuse dating from 1996. In April, Sky News, Cardinal Pell said there was no denying "The irony of it is - and it's demonstrated in Australia's Supreme Court ruled in relation to all clergy sex abuse crimes were committed and had the liberal Protestant world, it's demonstrated in charges of molesting two 13-year-old choirboys, been poorly handled by Church authorities, "but in the Catholic world, in Belgium, Holland, Quebec "there is a significant possibility that an innocent Australia we broke the back of the offending in the and to some extent in Switzerland and Austria­ person has been convicted". middle '90s". He said that had even been acknowl­ the more you adapt to the world, the faster the edged by counsel assisting the Royal Commission Catholic Church goes out of business." • Finance Into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse However, if the Church remains faithful to Cardinal Pell, who left the Vatican to return during its proceedings. Christ, he said, there's always the chance that and face the charges, told The Catholic Weekly Catholics would be astonished to know how new forces of renewal and leadership will arise. "the crooks" have largely been run out of Vatican little offending had actually occurred in recent Meanwhile, the first part of the cardinal's financial institutions or denied access to them, decades, he said. prison diaries was available as of August 17 in but vigilance is required to prevent corruption and "I heard of a public meeting where a friend digital format. inefficiencies that have been endemic in the past. of mine who actually knew what was going on Titled Prison journal: The cardinal makes his He said the coronavirus pandemic had exacer­ asked the authorities in that diocese 'how many appeal, the complete series is scheduled to come bated an-already serious financial problem. offenses in that diocese have you had in Catholic out in early 2021 both in print and as an e-book Cardinal Pell said his successor at the Vatican institutions this century?' And there were none or by Ignatius Press. told him the Vatican was losing AU$70 million almost none. And the Catholic audience there was However, the publisher announced in mid-Au­ ($US50.4 million) a year before the pandemic stupefied," he told The Catholic Weekly. gust they would be releasing a new digital instal­ struck. Meanwhile, the Vatican Museums, which ment for sale each month. were closed for three months and reopened with • Prison • This is an edited version of an interview that limited visitors, would normally bring in revenue During his time in prison, since he was unable appeared on The Catholic Weekly's website www. of at least AU$80 million a year. to offer the Mass for the intentions of others as catholicweekly.com.au

Fathers and Grandfathers am writing this column on the weekend of practices, attend children's school interviews, important to our children in their individual Father's Day in New Zealand. For those of go on school trips. It feels as if there are more development. I us who have had the blessing of a father all dads actively visible and seen than there were The boys say that the best thing about dads our lives, from birth to adulthood, a father is when I was growing up. I think that's a great and grandads is that they are open to listening someone we may take for granted. In the Bible, thing. and helping the youngsters to grow and under­ we know who Jesus' earthly father is, but many By and large, dads play differently with their stand in so many ways. Our boys say that they commenters have noticed the minor role St kids, and do different activities. In our house, have great role models, because the dads and Joseph takes in the Gospels. This by no means it's dad who takes kids out for bike rides, for grandads in their lives are hard workers, who downplays the vital role he and other fathers example. Our first three children are boys, are inspiring and teach things you wouldn't play in their children's lives. He clearly provid­ and their dad has now supported two of them otherwise learn from anyone else. The kids tell ed for his son, and provided him with love and through the sacramental programme. It has me that that dads are super kind and listen to protection and safety as he grew. The tradition­ been such a close bonding experience for both us and make us feel special. As a dad, the man al role of the dad has been to be the provider, the boys. This has been a way of giving dedi­ of our household knows he is shaping the next financially speaking. Many dads have, and still cated "daddy time" - in a deep spiritual way. generation, which will face its own unique chal­ do, feel the full weight of this responsibility at It allows the boys a chance to see a deeper side lenges, as our kids navigate a world where we are a time when the cost of housing - in terms of of their dad, when during the week, our lives all addicted to devices and screens, and social income - is high, and the focus of the world has revolve around work and school and sports. media is the norm. Trying to keep faith front and been on materialism and consumerism. All adults/parents want to pass on wisdom centre is a constant challenge, certainly one of The traditional male and female roles have and knowledge to their children and grand­ the most important ones. been eroded over time, with more and more children. Dads and granddads have so much to Mathew 1: 23-24; "Behold, the virgin shall women working. I think we are still in a transi­ offer, so much experience and wisdom. conceive and bear a son, and they shall call tion phase on this one, because many still see, or Our generation is getting better at telling our his name Immanuel" (which means, God with naturally assume, that the mum is the primary kids about mistakes we have made and what we us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as carer for children. People comment that their have learnt. No one is perfect - and helping the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took husband is "babysitting" the children, which children to see that allows them to gain bene­ Mary home as his wife." strikes me as odd- he is their dad. Isn't he just fits from our mistakes, without having to make Helen Luxford is a physician, working part-time. She being a dad by being with his children? There them all themselves. There is a natural desire is a parishioner of St Michael's, Remuera. Together with are positives. Dads nowadays tend to have more or inclination I see in our kids wanting "mum­ her husband Michael, they are raising their children time, and can give more input into the raising of my-" and "daddy-time", and they all adore their in the Catholic Faith and reflecting on the challenges children. Dads attend sports games, take sports grandparents. All of these relationships are so and joys that brings. NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Features 15 Makeover for movie miracles CLIPS Tenet by NEVIL GIBSON (Warner/Roadshow) Few directors command as much admiration as Christopher When faced with a story of Nolan when it comes to big-budget blockbusters (Inception, faith and miracles, moviemak­ Dunkirk). His latest pushes the barriers of narrative further than ers are likely to steer a middle most, while delivering high-octane action sequences. Untypically, course between scepticism and Nolan is old school in capturing everything on film, rather than belief. digitally creating them with computer graphics. This adds vastly While overtly Christian films to the on-screen experience, which mixes elements of James are readily accepted as main­ Bond adventures with Ridley Scott storytelling. The unique prop­ stream fare these days- recent osition is time inversion, captured in the palindromic title. Some examples include Risen, Son of of the key characters are agents for Tenet- an organisation God, The Nativity Story- those trying to stop a Russian arms dealer from blowing up the world based on miracles face tougher -who can move forward and backward in time. Occasionally, hurdles of audience credibility. they may meet their future or past selves, though they die if they Medical cures, in particular, connect. The keynote action scenes have elements of both, with have to contend with scientific vehicles (including a jumbo jet) and buildings crashing and then explanations, and the reality re-assembling; bullets being fired and reversing; explosions that no number of prayers will and people doing likewise. This is moviemaking at its most always produce a positive re­ spectacular, as the soundtrack asserts itself over the frenetic sult. and redundant dialogue. Nolan's script adds a few in-jokes, such Another is whether or not as "don't try to understand this" or "does your head hurt yet?" God can be blamed for destruc­ to comfort those who can't keep up. A bonus for Kiwis is a brief tive events, such as war. World taste of America's Cup racing on the Mediterranean. Rating: War I, or the Great War, as it was Mature audiences. 150 minutes. called at the time, had patriotic Christians on both sides. The Eight Hundred Historians looking back to­ (CMC) day can agree it was avoidable Chinese director Guan Hu's war epic has parallels with Dunkirk if political responses to an as a victory-in-defeat episode when Japanese forces captured Shanghai in 1938. The international city still had foreign-con­ assassination in Sarajevo had Alejandra Howard stars in a scene from the movie Fatima. (CNS photo been different. But conflict oc­ trolled zones after most of the Nationalist forces moved inland. curred, and the great powers of The surrender was a major setback, but the bravery of some 400 Europe found plenty to regret motley soldiers and deserters- not 800 as claimed- defending afterwards. Movie Review a warehouse is considered a propaganda victory for Chinese Of lesser concern was the nationalism that continues today. The warehouse was across effect on smaller and less pow­ the Suzhou river from the British concession, a neon-1 it pleasure erful countries such as Portugal, and lived to 97, devoting much ers. zone compared with grim street fighting on the other side. The where the largely rural and illit­ of her time to writing memoirs The social and political con­ contrast is highlighted by foreign media having a ringside seat erate male population became and explanations, while the text is better explained, con­ to observe events the Nationalist government hoped would cannon fodder. young cousins died in the 1918 trasting the children's defiant raise the sympathy and ire of the world community. This is a In 1917, the casualties were Spanish flu epidemic. defence of their experiences, Hollywood-standard blockbuster, helped by some of the indus­ mounting, and their names were Origin Entertainment, the and the large following they try's top stunt and special effects experts, such as Australia's read out in local villages to un­ California company behind attract, against demands to re­ Glenn Boswell (The Hobbit, Mortal Engines). Rating: Restricted comprehending loved ones. Fatima (Rialto Distribution), cant by both Church and civil to audiences over 13. 148 minutes. This is the context for ap­ bought the rights to remake authorities. Proxima pearances by an angel and the Hollywood's The Miracle of Our Though filmed in English on (Madman) Blessed Virgin Mary to three Lady of Fatima ( 19 52). location in Portugal, the cast and young shepherds, Lucia Santos Typically, 19 50s religious production crews are mainly Feminist French space dramas don't come along often - the and her cousins Francisco and films were reverential and un­ European, led by Italian director most recent was Clair Denis's High Life- and exposure has been Jacinta Marta, at Fatima, south questioning about miracles. Marco Pontecorvo, son of Gillo, limited. But this is now available from local VOD (video-on-de­ mand) services that have thrived since Covid-19. Eva Green of Lisbon. The remake updates that view famous for The Battle of Algiers In six appearances, on the by introducing a professor ( 1966) and Burn! ( 1969). (The Luminaries) plays an astronaut training for a Mars mission thirteenth day of each month (Harvey Keitel), who interviews Today, the shrine of Fati­ that pushes her to physical and psychological limits. Most space from May to October, 1917, Lucia in her 80s (played by Sonia ma attracts some six million movies skip over the downsides, but these are the main focus Mary reassuringly talks of the Braga) to better understand her pilgrims annually (in normal for director Alice Winocour (Augustine).lt's obvious that women, war coming to an end if the visions. years) and remains an important least of all a mother, are tolerated, but not welcome, in a world rosary is said. Lucia is also told She carefully deflects his source for its message of faith where even the most macho men find difficulty coping with the she will have a long life, but the sometimes naive approach to and peace. effects of extended periods in space. One training session shows two younger ones won't. faith, though his questions Rating: General audiences. how a weakened body needs an exoskeleton to stay mobile. In fact, Lucia became a nun would be familiar to unbeliev- 113 minutes. Rating: Mature audiences. 119 minutes. How Catholics are responding to the leadership of Pope Francis CAN FRANCIS CHANGE THE CHURCH? by Thom­ divided into two sections: "The Before" and as Sweetser, SJ. Crossroad (Chestnut Ridge, New "The After". The first reports on survey data York, 2019). 174 pp., US$16.95. Reviewed by MITCH collected prior to the election of Pope Francis, Book Review FINLAY (CNS). the second repeats the process carried out after What impact is Pope Francis having on the Cardinal Bergoglio became pope and chose the to summarise the book's reply it may well be: Church? This is the basic name "Francis". Anyone pay­ "Maybe." question on which this book ing attention to the opinions There is no question that Pope Francis is reports. Rather than being a of Catholics and ex-Catholics having a significant impact. Active Catholics summary of wishful thinking in the last 20 or 30 years will are largely encouraged by him, although many on the Church's future, it is find the comments quoted conservative Catholics - a segment not much based on empirical data col­ here familiar. represented here -tend to disapprove of Pope lected by the Jesuit author One admirable character­ Francis. Some who gave up on the Church were over a number of years. istic of this admirable book is inspired by the new pope to return, but others For this book, the author that Father Sweetser includes chose to remain "exes". first surveyed a sampling observations and suggestions At this point in the book, one wonders about of 55 practising and former How American Catholics Are that pastors and lay parish efforts to reach out to ex-Catholics with con­ Catholics, chosen to repre­ Responding to His Leadership leaders can consult for ways vincing reasons to return. Or do parishes largely sent women and men and a to improve parish life and let the disaffected leave and stay gone with no wide sampling of ages from structures. At the same time, response at all? There are good, spiritual rea­ 20 to over 80. In an appen­ what the reader gets is "Here sons to stay that require an adult faith, but who dix, Father Sweetser explains is what people are saying ever hears about them? Talk about material for his methodology in detail. It about this", not much in the homilies that Catholics will actually listen to. will be interesting to learn way of "Here are some specific Can Francis change the Church? may be the what professional sociologists changes to make to cultivate a most accurate report so far on what Catholics think of this methodology, better parish". and former Catholics are thinking and saying since the book's value de­ The title of this book - about the Church since the arrival of Pope Fran­ pends heavily on the validity which was written before the cis. It makes excellent reading to clarify one's of this methodology. Covid-19 pandemic- poses a own thoughts on the topic. Can Francis Change the question: "Can Francis Change Mitch Finley is the author of more than 30 books Church? includes 14 chapters the Church?" If one wanted on popular Catholic theological topics. 16 Features NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020

THE CHURCH YEAR We are here: T 25th Sunday ..______Advent _Christmas Ordinary Time lent Eastertime Ordinary Time

Navigating our way through many a testing time

September 20: 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Read­ Scripture by Fr Kevin Waldie sm ings: 1. Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm: 145; 2. Philippians 1:20- 24,27; Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16. Our readings this Sunday contrast thought It is our duty to align our thinking with a and action as the means to supply insight into sometimes mysterious, but more excellent, our call to the godly life. For as God's people, way of life. is a creative way of getting us to see that the we need regular biblical assistance in order In Philippians today, Paul desires that his ap­ vineyard owner controls everything with perfect to navigate our way through many a testing ostolic mission on earth be rapidly completed so authority. What he achieves is for the good of time. that he may be eternally united with Christ. But all concerned. As an effective illustration of Isaiah is the first to put up a contrast for our then he considers the duties associated with his the kingdom of heaven at work, Matthew's Je­ reflection. His words help us bring into sharp present tasks, and so declares his commitment sus dramatically unveils the divine plan for all focus the frame of mind we are to adopt if we to whatever is demanded by the Gospel he must people. And fundamentally underpinning it is are to be true children of God. Everything in life, preach. There is here a clear sense of the divine God's own goodness or generosity. he says, must be measured against the will of calling reorienting his personal desires. Together Matthew, Paul and Isaiah would the God whose mercy and compassion inspire Matthew's Gospel parable pursues a similar have us consider the pressing need to welcome right living in accord with God's revealed pro­ line of thought. The episode of the vineyard and participate in the ever-expanding proclama­ nouncements. workers called at different hours of the day tion and reception of the Good News. Ezekiel's words make us sit up and listen The purpose of these pieces of Sacred Scrip­ Paul's carefully composed opening verses of ture is obvious. In each one, a voice speaks about chapter two in Philippians beautifully convey September 27: 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Read­ this life and the necessary choices that have to how we are to be Christ-centred in this life, while ings: 1. Ezekiel 18:25-28; Psalm: 25; 2. Philippians be made. becoming a communion of like minds and hearts. 2:1-11; Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32. Ezekiel's words make us sit up and listen. Knowing how spiritually blessed we are, he says, For this prophet, life is seen to be the occasion can inspire us to show the whole world the real The lesson to be learned centres on the action for doing what is right in God's sight. And so, if value of the Christian lifestyle. Being compassion­ taken, an action that signifies a change of mind anyone does not conform to this religious code, ately loving towards others is the way to make and a fresh desire to obey whatever the father the outcome is deemed to be like death. This form this visible, while also honouring the Lord Jesus may command. of speech is typical of someone whose vocation Christ and God the Father. The biblical matter for consideration today it is to turn people back to the ways of the Lord. The story of the two sons in Matthew teaches simply points out that our own personal response It is a serious reminder that everyone is to be on yet another simple lesson in a down-to-earth to the Lord should undergo a certain reorienta­ the alert for anything that may get in the way of way. Doing the right thing in the father's eyes is tion. To know where we are failing and to correct full engagement with the Almighty. patently the only proper response to his request. our behaviour is therefore of the essence. Pope gets first copy of Italian Missal translation VATICAN CITY (CNS)- The Italian bish­ ops finally have printed their new Missal, after almost 20 years of translation work Bible News and discussions with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. nor does it match exactly the original Latin, Headlines in Italy were about the changed which says "pro multis". translations of the Lord's Prayer and of the In 2017, Pope Francis published Magnum Gloria, both which now match the Bible Principium ("The Great Principle"), empha­ translation the bishops approved in 2002 sising the role of local bishops' conferences for use in the liturgy. in determining the best translations. The The Our Father, matching the translation document's title refers to what Pope Francis of Matthew 6:9-13, now includes the line, called the "great principle" of the Second "Do not abandon us to temptation, but de­ Vatican Council, that the liturgy should be liver us from evil" instead of "Do not lead us understood by the people at prayer, and into temptation, but deliver us from evil." therefore bishops were asked to prepare With the Gloria, instead of beginning and approve translations of the texts. with "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of goodwill," the new version is the Italian equivalent of "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to people, beloved by the Lord." The line comes from Luke 2:14. In addition to fidelity to the Latin text," Bishop Claudio Maniago of Castellaneti, president of the Italian bishops' liturgy commission, told Avvenire, the Catholic newspaper, there was "also, and most of all, an effort to render the text as usable as possible and so, also make it an instrument of growth for the Italian church". The bishops, he said, worked hard to The feast of the archangels is on September 29, and we re­ keep changes to the people's prayers to a member the holy guardian angels on October 2. The guardian minimum. angels I imagined as a child were like the four angels at the top One thing English speakers noticed was and bottom of the window shown here, in the bishop's chapel that, in the eucharistic prayer, the new at the Pompallier Centre in Auckland, which is where NZ Catho­ Italian edition continues to say that Jesus' lic's office is. St Michael the Archangel, on the other hand, was blood was poured out "per tutti" - "for all" always a fearsome fighter for God. Here he is, fiery sword in hand, - and not "per molti", meaning "for many". wearing full armour and carrying the scales of justice. He is the The phrase is an example of where the one to help me when I am in deep trouble! How about you? new Italian Missal translation does not Pope Francis looks through a copy - Glen McCullough match the Italian bishops' most recent of the new Roman Missal in Italian Bible translation, which says, "per molti", (CNS Photo) NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 17 Local Diocese News

Marlborough Heritage Trust executive director Steve Austin St Francis de Sales church in Renwick talks to the meeting, chaired by Allan Newman, with Litty Newman taking minutes. Renwick parishioners 'shocked' at closure plans by CATHIE BELL Renwick parishioner Allan Newman said peo­ tion's needs. ple were "just shocked" about the proposal. "Maybe our history has been under a bushel." Losing St Francis de Sales church building "There's a real groundswell out there. People St Francis de Sales hosts a Mass once a month. would cut the heart out of the local Catholic don't want this to happen, they want it to stay However, Mr Newman said, Renwick was a grow­ community and remove one of the few remaining in Renwick. It's historic." ing area, and five new Catholics had shown up historic buildings in Renwick, a meeting to op­ The land was given by Dr Thomas Renwick to the most recent Mass. pose the potential sale of the building was told. for a Catholic church - he also donated land to Parishioner Paddy Dawkins said that, without The meeting of 15 people in the Renwick part other denominations for their church buildings a place to come to for worship, Renwick people of the Marlborough Te Whetu o Moana Star of too - and 110 years on, four of the five families would lose their connection to the Church. the Sea parish of Marlborough was called, after that gave funds for the building were still coming "You could go into StMary's in Blenheim but, Cardinal John Dew announced at the end of July to Mass there, Mr Newman said. for young people, they're looking for something that churches in Renwick and Havelock would He and others are now working on forming a closer to home." be closed as part of plans to reorganise church group to raise the church's profile, and to come Marlborough Heritage Trust executive director buildings across the archdiocese. up with a solution that will meet the congrega- Steve Austin told the gathering that they needed to be clear on what their goal was. "Saving the building can include a whole range of things." Mr Austin told the group that they needed to Expansion for Whanganui order be realistic about the costs of ongoing care for buildings, and about what their needs were, in­ by MOTHER MARY MADELEINE, OP sisters currently teach, was founded in 1999. Fifty cluding how important the church building was girls from years 7-13 attend the college. There are compared to their mission in the community. When New Zealand went into a Covid-19 lock­ 11 boarders, including two Koreans, a Filipina, a "To me, this church is symbolic of the church down earlier this year, the Dominican Sisters of Japanese, a Tahitian, some Australians and some community and the love, and where people would Wanganui were left with a "bubble", consisting New Zealanders. The sisters themselves are also come for support. But the environment changes. of 23 nuns, 11 boarders, two house mothers and multi-cultural, with New Zealanders, Australians, You need to be mindful about balancing these one Dominican friar. These numbers explain why Americans, a Singaporean, a Canadian, an Argen­ things - the past is a point of reference, not a the sisters have a building programme. tinian, a Filipina, an Indian, a South African and place of residence." Building projects for the sisters include an two Samoans. accommodation block and temporary chapel, an The sisters currently have enquiries about extension to the refectory and the construction vocations from eight young ladies of a suitable of a library beneath the refectory-extension. (A age. These enquiries lend urgency to the building library is needed as Dominicans are obliged to programme, as the accommodation is already study all their lives.) The Order has recently cramped. Indeed, there is a certain amount of hu­ purchased the house next to the convent, which mour to be had from the crowding in the chapel, provides very crowded temporary chapel-space which means that the sisters have to move prie AR HA and accommodation. dieus (prayer desks) when anyone wants to enter The Dominican Sisters of Wanganui were or leave the chapel. FUNERALS founded in 2002. St Dominic's College, where the In order to finance the building programme, a "guild system" has been instituted, to give (V~ 1~ '"--"---- credit and encourage­ ment to benefactors. Musical concerts have been held (there are some talented sisters), a family fun-day has been put on, and raf­ fles have been run. The sisters are very grate­ ful to all benefactors, who are constantly in prayers. The new accommo­ dation block is almost finished and was bless­ ed on St Dominic's Day, August 4. It only re­ Caring for you with warmth mains to pay for it! 1 Further information honesty and compassion about the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui can Phone 0800 276 420 or 09 527 0266 Standing in front the the sisters' temporary chapel are (from left) Fr Albert, OP, Mother be found on https:jI Mary Madeleine, OP (prioress general), Mother Mary Micaela, OP (foundress), Mother www.dominicansisters. www.arohafunerals.co.nz Teresa Joseph, OP (novice mistress). net.nz/ 18 Features NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020

The Pope's universal prayer intention for September: Respect for the Planet's Resources. We pray that the planet's resources will not be plundered, but shared in a just and respectful manner.

40YEARSAGO

RUGBY CLUBS TAKING STOCK Catholic rugby players and of­ president Ron Evans and club chair­ ficials in New Zealand are taking man john Knox has already featured Write the best caption for this photo and win $30. Send in your ideas by Tuesday, stock of their positions, follow­ in the daily press. Sept. 29 to Caption Contest 598, NZ Catholic, PO Box 147000, Ponsonby, Auckland ing the bishops' condemnation of Their difference followed report­ 1144. Or email: [email protected] Please include your postal address so the proposed Springbok tour next ed comments by Mr Evans, suggest­ that your prize, if you win, can be sent to you. year. ing it might not be in the continuing Early indications are that clubs interests of a college like St Patrick's The winner of the Caption Contest from are divided on the question of the in Wellington to field 14 rugby teams issue 596, (right) was A. Donaldson, tour. Catholic schools, on the other each Saturday if the Springbok tour Christchurch. hand, seem opposed to the tour, but went ahead. Some other suggestions were: divided on the issue of continued Mr Knox said that while Mr Evans, promotion of rugby among their a member of the board of governors "Sorry. I forgot the life jackets." pupils. of St Patrick's, was to be admired - Nancy Hill, Wainuiomata. Auckland's Marist Rugby Club has for his stand, it should not be taken not yet discussed the tour, according at the expense of schoolboy rugby "Stuck in the middle with you." to a spokesman, and probably won't players and the future of the game -June Jarka, Dunedin. do so until its annual meeting at the in New Zealand. "I'm sure they said turn right in Ruawai end of next month. The rector of St Patricks, Marist or you'll end up in the Kaipara Harbour." Notices of motion for that meet­ Father john Weir, said Mr Evans -John Lewis, Hamilton. ing have to be with the secretary by would be quite within his rights to October 16, and there are indica­ seek a debate by the board of gov­ "Do you get that sinking feeling?" I think you've flooded the engine! tions that there will be at least one ernors on the relative merits of the - Russell Watt, Auckland. calling on the club to line out with tour. "But I would not care to judge the bishops. the results of such a discussion," "I will never trust that navigation device again!"- Gerry Portegys, Tokoroa. directions from Auckland to Wellington In Wellington, a division of opin­ he said. . .. these male hitchikers have directed ion between Marist-St Patrick's vice - Zealandia, September 28, 1980 "Thelma?" "Yes Louise ... " "I knew we us into the Waikato River." - Paul Oliver, should have bought a map to find the Auckland. it's Corner Everyone loves a celebration. People celebrate to honour a special time, a special place, or special people. Celebrations can be happy or sad, serious or fun, just for the family or for everyone, like church, school, clubs and communities.

Some of the things people celebrate are welcomes and farewells, birthdays, weddings and funerals, school and club events and other special things. People celebrate at church. There are special times like Easter and Christmas, 0 First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.

A beautiful celebration is Baptism. That is when God's family welcomes someone new. Parents bring their babies to be baptised. The priest pours water on the head of the baby while he says the words: "I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Everyone in the church hears the baby's name and knows that the baby belongs to God and will be a Disciple, a follower of Jesus. (Sometimes you will see grown-up people being baptised at Easter.)

Jesus wants everyone in the world to belong to God's family. Before he went back to his Father, he gave his disciples an important job. He said: "Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them into my disciples: Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, yes to the end of the world." Do you have a photo of your baptism? (Perhaps you can get it out and have a look at it.) What names did you get when you were baptised? What is the name of the church where you were baptised?

Can you learn this verse off by heart? John, chapter 13, verse 35: "If you have love for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples." NZ Catholic: Sept. 20 - Oct. 3, 2020 Features 19 Where will you be in KiwiSaver at 65? 2 ways to drive up your results

Underwhelmed? you have been over the past year. Another is that Sorted Great as it is to be able to see these long-term you'll stay in the type of fund you're currently figures - let's just say it: you may not be that investing in. impressed. (Or you might, depending on your This, of course, is up to you. Other than plan­ Wouldn't it be nice to have our KiwiSaver KiwiSaver settings.) ning on working longer past 65, those two levers calculations run for us? Instead of having to If you are somewhat underwhelmed, it may be - your contributions and the type of fund you're Pplug our numbers into the Sorted tools (www. because the projected numbers are calculated to in- are the two KiwiSaver settings you can change sorted.org.nz), we've often thought it would be include the effects of inflation. Over long periods to alter your future results. great if our figures could come straight to us so of time, our dollars have less buying power, and Picking your KiwiSaver fund we can see our future at a glance. your future KiwiSaver nest egg estimate has been Thanks to KiwiSaver providers everywhere, yep, adjusted downward to more realistically reflect When you adjust the type of fund you're in, that happened earlier this year. Whether you get what your future dollars will be able to buy. you're taking on more or less risk with your money. yours by post or email, you'll have found two new So the actual dollar amount of your future bal­ The higher the risk, the more your fund will tend numbers on your KiwiSaver annual statement that ance will be much higher, but it's best to look at it to fluctuate, and we don't want anyone losing sleep have never been there before. in a way that shows what it will be worth in your by worrying about their KiwiSaver going up and down more than they're comfortable with. Here's your projected KiwiSaver future hand in the future. Those weekly income amounts, too, will be higher, but have been adjusted to relate But if changing your fund to one that's higher First, there's your estimated future balance at to to day's dollar values, so we can gauge how much risk is right for you (and especially if you've got 65. Second, there's another estimate of how much we'll have to spend in retirement. more than a decade before you're planning to use regular income that lump sum will provide you your money), this move gives you more potential every week until you're 90. Not bad, huh? Here's what you can do for growth. It can create a bigger snowball of com­ (True, some KiwiSaver members won't see these No one has a crystal ball, so those projections pounding returns. numbers just yet: if you switched providers last on your annual statement have a number of huge Try our three questions to gauge whether a fund year before March 31 or if you're under 18. Those assumptions behind them. One of the biggest is change might work for you. over 65 won't see them either.) that you keep contributing in the same way as (https:j/sorted.org.nz/get-sorted/get-your-ki­ wisaver-settings-right/#fundFinder) The difference switching funds and lift­ Celebration of Sr Rita's 70 years ing your contributions makes The other lever - lifting your contributions by Sr CARMEL COLE, RNDM - will also generally boost your results. For employees, raising your contributions from the On August 15, which is a traditional jubilee minimum 3 per cent to any of the other pre-sets date for the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, of 4 per cent, 6 per cent, 8 per cent or even 10 Sister Rita Snelgar celebrated her diamond jubilee per cent can make heaps of difference. If you're of 70 years of profession. The occasion was at St self-employed, there's more flexibility: you can Joseph's church in Dannevirke. It was a beautiful set your contributions to whatever percentage or regular amount that suits you. sunny day, and the Dannevirke community was How much difference could it make? If you're determined to celebrate Sister Rita's jubilee in looking to push those figures on your annual state­ grand style. Father Vince Onesi was the main cele­ ment upwards, and to drive better future results brant, and he was joined by Father Michael McVer­ in KiwiSaver, you can use our KiwiSaver calcula­ ry, SM. It was a joyous celebration, recounting tor (https:j/sorted.org.nz/tools/kiwisaver-sav­ the faithful service of Sister Rita for 70 years. ings-calculator) to see what difference adjusting She was professed in Christchurch in 1950, your settings could make. and began her teaching years in primary schools To change things for the better, it still helps to in Hamilton, Morrinsville, Panmure, New Plym­ run your own numbers after all. outh, and was principal in Huntly, Melville and By Sorted's Tom Hartmann. For more on sorting your Hamilton. In the 1960s, she moved into teaching finances and staying safe from scams, visit sorted.org.nz secondary students at Sacred Heart Colleges in Hamilton and New Plymouth. Apart from teaching, Sr Rita Snelgar, RNDM, receives flowers from Kevin Barrow Sister Rita has also been involved in many other areas of pastoral care: for example, teaching at Mt cared for by the people who have become part Eden Prison, and parish work in Turangi, which of her life. brought her to Dannevirke 19 years ago. She has Mission Sisters made the journey from Welling­ Classi(ieds touched the lives of many people, wherever she ton in the south and Hamilton in the north to be has lived and, in return, she has been loved and with Sr Rita for the jubilee celebration. For all advertising enquiries: Phone: (09) 360-3059 Email: [email protected]

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A boy was watching his fa­ ther, a pastor, write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" he asked. "Why, God tells me," the fa­ Lewis Johnson questions the panel of political party representatives: Taylor Arneil (New Zealand First), Debbie Ngarewa-Packer ther replied. (Maori Party), Hon James Shaw (Green Party), Geoff Simmons (TOP), Hon Scott Simpson (National), Angie Warren-Clark (Labour) "Oh," said the boy, "then why at St Mary's College Hall, Thorndon, Wellington. (Photo: Lisa Beech) do you keep crossing things out?" by ROWENA OREJANA people who participated in last year's challenging change when they are en­ School Strike for Climate Change. gaged and given positive incentives, A pastor's wife walks into a Wellington Cardinal John Dew "It was instrumental in ensuring and commitment to the Treaty. kitchen and finds her husband said that the country needs far-sight­ that we got the Zero Carbon Act "There isn't going to be a day with a fly-swat in his hand. ed people who will think beyond through Parliament in the shape that when we wake up on any of these is­ "What are you doing?" she the three-year parliamentary term we got it through, with unanimity in sues and say, 'job finished. It's done' asked. when making decisions around the the house," he said. "That was are­ . . . This is a mission or a journey that "Hunting flies," he responded . environment. markable historical feat, and a large is on-going," he said. The wife said, "OK, have you The cardinal made this call as part of that was the young people Mr Arniel said that New Zealand killed any?" representatives of six political par­ who are putting pressure, not just First believes that, when it comes to "Yes, three males and two fe­ ties outlined their party policies on on parliamentarians, but on their climate change, there is a need for males," came the reply. climate change and the environment parents, on businesses and on other balance. "How can you tell them apart?" at a Wellington pre-election forum. people in society." "We cannot turn around and go all the wife continued. The Wellington Archdiocesan He said the Green Party's stance out on climate change and incur mas­ "Easy," the husband said, Ecology, Justice and Peace Com­ is that climate change is one of two sive economic costs and consequenc­ "Three were on a beer can and mission organised the livestreamed crises facing the country, the other es, because then we aren't going to two were on the phone." election forum on environmental and being endemic poverty. He said this be able to sustain our initiatives and climate change issues on September stance speaks to hearing "the cry of very quickly take two steps forward, 1, the Day of Prayer for the Care of the earth and the cry of the poor". but then we might get pushed five Creation. It was hosted by St Mary's Ms Warren-Clark said the Labour steps back," he said. College, which celebrated its 170th Party is very clear that "you cannot This was a theme that he ex­ The Opportunity Party candi­ anniversary the following day. have economic strength without the pounded throughout the night. date Mr Simmons, who cycled to The questions were asked by environment being in the forefront". On the issue of agricultural emis­ the forum, said there is a need to Catholic students who were "maybe She said climate change is not an sions, he said, "we need to be careful restructure the economy in the long not old enough to vote", according equality, but an inequity issue. She on how we lower our agricultural term, because the current economic to Cardinal Dew. They were Xyryll said Kaikohe, where her mother lives, emissions ... dairy alone makes up a structure "favours the make, take Gayagoy, Morgyn Jacob, Joel Tebbs, is in the grip of drought. Those who quarter of our exports. If we want to and throw-away model". Aurelie Bray, Lewis Johnston and can afford to, bought water, while lower emissions, we need to do it in a He said it would be cheaper for Sithmi Sathruwani. those who can't collected water in way that doesn't kick our economy's him to buy a new bike every three However, the cardinal said these the streams. long-term growth and recovery from years, but he stubbornly gets it ser­ students are passionate and commit­ "We, as a nation, need to look at Covid-19." viced every six months. ted to seeing the change "that needs that, and consider what can we do to Ms Ngawera-Packer said the Maori "Big picture, what we need to do to happen, does happen". support people in poverty. Twelve Party will commit $1 billion to re­ is tax incomes less, and tax resource The forum was chaired byTe Ku­ per cent of people are in poverty," source iwi communities. use and assets more," he said. penga - The Catholic Institute chief Ms Warren-Clark said. "We also need She said the Maori Party exists, He said, under former Prime Min­ executive Dr Areti Metuamate. to look at the gendered nature of this most of all, because "we are intoler­ ister Helen Clark, there was an idea Political party representatives inequity." ant of the desecration that is happen­ that infrastructure projects should who attended the forum were: New Mr Simpson cited five "blue­ ing to our lands and to our seas. We be based where the best return on Zealand First candidate Taylor Arneil, green" principles that the National are here because no one is stopping investment is. Maori Party candidate Debbie Ngare­ Party stands by. These principles seabed mining ... and as indigenous "We should invest in the stuff wa-Packer, Green Party leader and MP include: all resource use should be people of this nation, we are asking that is going to give the best return James Shaw, The Opportunities Party sustainable, environmental protec­ that you stand with us." on investments. This should all be candidate Geoff Simmons, National tion and enhancement and economic "The treaty is about the unity of public, for the public to see and for MP Scott Simpson and Labour MP growth are not mutually exclusive, strength. And that is what climate the public to decide how we make Angie Warren-Clark. decisions should be based on good justice needs. Let's look after our these massive investments, because Mr Shaw acknowledged the young science, people respond best to most needy first," she added. it influences all of us," he said. ~ ~ ~o/~~~ $~~~~t:LECTION 2020 ~~ ~ ~ This year it's a matter of life and death. Your votes will literally change lives.

As you prepare to vote in the upcoming General Election and

referendums1 this resource will help you vote with your values.