newsletter of the catholic bishop of christchurch Issue 119 - Spring 2019
Rachel Pitcaithly (St Bede’s College Chaplain), Justin Boyle (St Bede’s College Rector) and Bishop Paul at the official dedication of the St Bede’s College Chapel.
Bishop Paul ordains Rev Anthony Tang Phan to the Order of Deacons (pages 16-17) We profile Bishop John Joseph Grimes SM, first Bishop of Christchurch (page 22-23) We celebrate the opening of the new St Bede’s College Chapel (pages 24-26) St Mary’s School, Manchester Street turns 125 (page 28-29) 1 From the Bishop Bishop’s O ffi c e Christchurch: a diocese on mission Pope Francis has asked the church to mark this month of October as an Extraordinary Month of Mission.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Since the Pentecost Sunday announcement of a proposal for the restructuring of the parishes of Christchurch city, parish and diocesan conversations have been lively as parishioners consider our faith and our future in our diocese.
The seven consultation meetings and abundance of God’s life now and held across the city and Selwyn and Jesus Christ is the centre into eternity.” North Canterbury were attended by In the first two pages of my proposal I was encouraged when Pope Francis around 1000 people and 750 written I name Jesus Christ a dozen times gave a similar exhortation not long submissions have been received, The as the heart of our life as Catholic after the proposal came out: process of collating this feedback Christians: is now underway and on the First “It is my vision that in our new parishes, “When, in the life of our communities, Sunday of Advent I will share the people and priests work together in we experience a certain “listlessness”, results of the process with decisions vibrant communities of faith, where when we prefer peace and quiet to about how we will proceed. all people have a personal faith the newness of God, it is a bad sign. It relationship with Jesus Christ, where means that we are trying to find shelter In the Pentecost proposal I people are welcomed, loved and cared from the wind of the Spirit. When we live emphasised that we must ensure that for, and feel a part of a community that for self-preservation and keep close to our parish structures serve the primary nourishes and supports their faith at home, it is not a good sign. The Spirit mission of the church. The great every phase and stage of life.” blows, but we lower our sails.” - Pope Francis, Pentecost Sunday 2019 adventure of Catholic faith can be I conclude the proposal focussing us held hostage to parish and diocesan again on Jesus Christ: Healthy Christian communities structures that may have worked well “Keep in mind that the time is past when have this clear mission: to present in the past, but which may no longer we can be satisfied with maintaining relationship with God in Jesus Christ serve our current reality. current structures and styles of ministry. as the only adequate response to This Pentecost we realise anew that the questions that surface in the ups My vision is for parishes throughout Jesus Christ is forever wanting to and downs of day to day human life. our diocese where parishioners along work among us in ways that carry our Tragically we too easily lose sight of with priests work together, bringing all Tradition and traditions. This is the this focus becoming preoccupied with people to a living and lively personal treasure received from God to people the systems, buildings and methods of relationship with Jesus Christ. who are open to experiencing the power human planning.
“While the changes I have proposed are significant and will surface many concerns and questions in you, it is essential that the life that is not primarily about church buildings and parish boundaries. God is building in us ” The buildings and parishes are essential, but they are at the service of the prime mission of the church.
- Bishop Paul Martin SM, Our Faith Our Future letter Pentecost Sunday 2019 2 “For the month of October 2019, I have asked that the whole Church revive her missionary awareness and commitment as we commemorate the centenary of the Apostolic Letter Maximum Illud of Pope Benedict XV (30 November 1919). Its farsighted and prophetic vision of the apostolate has made me realize once again the importance of renewing the Church’s missionary commitment and giving fresh evangelical impulseto her work of preaching and bringing to the world the salvation of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again.”
- Pope Francis, Pentecost Sunday 2019
call to witness to Christ. Mass on Sunday Christ who is at the heart of our Our own experience teaches us is not enough without a personal and mission of faith. lively relationship with Jesus Christ lived In your own lives in families and in our homes, workplaces and wider At one level I understand this, since it workplaces you know that human community Monday to Saturday. is much easier to focus on buildings plans and structures are essential. But and structures. As I have said all along when they become a hindrance or an it is difficult for us to have to look at obstacle to the central mission of love A century of learning structures and places that we have and healthy relationships they must be known and loved, that have been so One hundred years ago, at the close adapted and at times even set aside. much part of the faith history of our of the First World War, Pope Benedict family lives and our local community XV boldly presented a renewed The sacramental life of our Catholic and I therefore appreciate why people vision for the mission of a Church that community remains central since these may be reluctant or resistant. But risked becoming preoccupied with my proposal for change to parish privileged moments of encounter with maintenance over mission. Pope Francis the divine, gifted to the Church by Jesus, structures and church placement is so has now asked us to mark the centenary that we develop a renewed sense of are the heart of our faith. In theology we of this letter with a fresh focus on the the importance of… speak about these unchangeables as heart of our Catholic Christian mission: “…flourishing parishes filled with young Traditions with the capital “T.” But there “Celebrating this month will help us first people and young families. Lay people are many other small-“t” traditions and to rediscover the missionary dimension are given the opportunity to use their practices which must modify to ensure of our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith talents and gifts and priests too are effective communication between God graciously bestowed on us in baptism. given the opportunity to work out of and people living in changing times Our filial relationship with God is not their strengths and experience the joy and places. something simply private, but always of working where they are gifted. In in relation to the Church. Through our these communities every member has We all face the temptation to hold onto communion with God, Father, Son and a strong commitment to social justice what we know in the face of difficulties Holy Spirit, we, together with so many and to the poor. These parishes are and uncertainties, but this is not a of our other brothers and sisters, are permanently on mission, places so good enough reason not to work for born to new life. This divine life is not a attractive, that people from the wider the future. This is what I have been product for sale – we do not practise community are drawn to them and proselytism – but a treasure to be given, striving to emphasise in my proposal. experience there, the welcome and love communicated and proclaimed: that is I am doing my best to know the needs that Christ offers them.” the meaning of mission.” of the people of the whole diocese of - Pope Francis, Letter for Month of Mission When we consider the mission of the Canterbury, Westland and Chatham church we most often think of bringing Islands. In wide consultation I am seeking This is especially timely for us here in others to the Catholic faith. While to read the signs of our times, the the diocese of Christchurch as we look we are convinced that the Catholic resources we have, and most importantly to our future. Church offers greater nourishment for what we are being called to by Jesus our faith than we can find anywhere Christ in our mission of evangelisation Our Faith Our Future else, we must remember that the faith within the Catholic Church. is primarily about a relationship with It was significant that many of the Our Jesus Christ. The greatest tragedy of I am challenging every baptised person Faith Our Future responses received the life of our Church in this era is that in the diocese to look anew at our life from parishioners considered only many who are baptised do not feel as of faith, our commitment to Christ, our the structural changes and a smaller though they experience a personal need of healing and God’s mercy and our percentage made mention of Jesus relationship with Jesus.
The diocesan website: www.chchcatholic.nz lists information about parishes, Mass times, diocesan news and events. Parishes, schools and church groups are welcome to advertise events. Please email mstopforth@chch. catholic.org.nz.
3 Bishop’s O ffi c e
continued from previous page...
Under the name of Catholic teaching, suffering for us since these baptised formation and knowledge, and our the rich inclusive beauty of Catholic Catholics are our family and friends commitment to support each other for faith has too often been reduced to and we need their companionship in the sake of the mission of the Church. moralism and legalism. As a result of our diocesan family of faith. We form faith communities so that we this misguided emphasis the majority can gather for prayer and go out and We can no longer settle for of those who are baptised as Catholic spread the Gospel; speak of Christ nostalgically maintaining the and happy to call themselves Catholic, to people who have not heard his structures of the past. At this moment no longer feel encouraged in their message. of opportunity in our diocese I am relationship with Jesus by some of inviting you to join with me and Let us continue to pray together for the traditional church structures of embark on a vision that ensures that this mission in our diocese and for parishes, schools and chaplaincies. our faith has a future in this place now the graces we need to be effective Significantly fewer than one third and in generations to come. proclaimers of the Gospel. of those who name themselves as Catholic in the diocese in 2015 are connected with a Catholic parish, Missioned and Missioning Ad Limina Visit school or chaplaincy. This is a personal In promoting this Extraordinary Month Every five years bishops’ conferences of Mission Pope Francis is asking us to from around the world are called to be more active in sharing our faith with “Whether we like it or not, we are Rome to meet with the Holy Father others. However we know too that we and the various Vatican departments called to face reality as it is. are only able to share what we have to discuss what is happening in the already received and experienced. country and in the dioceses. We New and we need In recent weeks hundreds of people Zealand bishops are having our visit Times change have heard international speakers in this month of October. All Bishops to realise that often we do not John Pridmore and Sherry Weddell write a report about their diocese and speak in the parishes and schools of provide the various statistics that are know how to find our place in our diocese. Their inspiring message asked for by Rome. These form the new situations and scenarios… emphasises our personal need to live basis for the meetings that are held a more vibrant and intimate personal over the time in Rome. We keep dreaming about the relationship with Jesus Christ. Please pray for us as we meet leeks of Egypt, forgetting that At our Clergy Annual meeting last with Pope Francis. It is a privileged month a number of parishioners gave opportunity to be able to discuss witness to priests of their personal with him the Church in New Zealand the promised land experience of Jesus within the and what we are experiencing along Catholic Church. Most inspiring among with his wisdom and advice to us. Be is before us, these were young people of our assured that I will take the message of not behind us, and in our diocese in their teens and twenties. our prayers and support for him from They reminded us priests that the first our diocese of Christchurch. lament for times past, mission is not our mission to others, we are turning to stone, but our personal response to the Blessings to you. becoming “mummified”. mission of Jesus to each of us. Our Faith, Our Future is about a This is not good.” renewal for all of us in terms of our - Pope Francis, 5 September 2019 own faith, our spiritual growth, our faith + Paul Martin SM
Love
5 1
Formation Communicating and training the Church’s safeguarding message
A Culture of Monitoring Safeguarding compliance with
Safe y J national t u The National Office for Professional Documents are categorised under policy practices i s 4 2 n t i g c i Standards has redeveloped its website e the five Standards for Creating and D to better manage the increasing Maintaining a Safeguarding Culture Responding to number of documents available for as an easy way of finding relevant complaints or concerns Catholic organisations to access and material. There is also a ‘Documents 3 use. The mandatory Safeguarding and Policies’ tab on the home Policy can be found here along with page which will give access to all for every Catholic organisation to a variety of documents providing documents at once. assess its practices and it will form guidance in best safeguarding the basis for external reviews by practices. These documents may Of particular note is the ‘Safeguarding the National Office for Professional be used in their entirety by Catholic Self-Review Tool’, sitting under 4 - Standards. organisations or to support related Monitoring Compliance with National documents already in place. Policy. This document is a great way Go to www.safeguarding.catholic.org.nz 4 Moving from Maintenance to Mission Bishop’s O ffi c e
Issue 119 - Spring 2019 Nga mihi nui from the editorial desk.
Early in August twelve representatives, (three priests and nine laity), from our Welcome to Inform Issue 119, diocese attended a Sydney conference on "Divine Renovation: Leading your our Spring edition and my 25th Parish from Maintenance to Mission". as Inform Editor. We are looking back over Catholic life in the With Bishop Paul's proposed plans, the conference was seen as an opportunity Christchurch Diocese since early to see how our Australian neighbours were finding new ways to go about August. We celebrate the ordination mission. We were not disappointed. to the diaconate of Rev Anthony Tang Phan. In the first of two During the conference we heard from those in parishes who were implementing contributions from the Diocesan a new structure based around a senior leadership team and other structures Archives, we profile Bishop John supporting the mission of the parish. The essential aspect of leadership and a Joseph Grimes SM, first Bishop of clear vision for the parish was the key message. We were fortunate that Fr James Christchurch. We mark the opening Mallon skyped in for a question and answer session, providing wonderful insights of the very beautiful new chapel at on the challenges and growth in parishes around the world. St Bede’s College. We share the joy of St Mary’s School in Manchester Alpha is seeing a resurgence in our diocese. The conference further explored Street as it turns 125. Alpha as a tool to invite people into a journey of faith. A parish community shared about its small group structure as a means of building community and nurturing After you have read this Issue, the faith life of people. Back in Christchurch, we gathered as a group to reflect on please pass it on to others who the experience and discuss what can be implemented in our own diocese. The may connect with a word or story recent clergy annual general meeting was a forum for some of the material to be from within its covers. shared with our priests. In Christ,
Mike Stopforth Ken Joblin, Editor Director, Bishop's Pastoral Office Caitlin Godfrey, Assistant Editor
From our Diocesan General Manager - Andy Doherty
We have recently completed a from the parish fundraising team and already thought about this, please strong financial year for the diocese, the parish community themselves don't hesitate to contact our team to finishing well ahead of our budget. and they should be very proud of learn more. Every year we are very Our investment activity had a major this result. I am! Not only is it great fortunate to have people assist us bearing on our results. We also had for the Timaru parish but it also gives in this way and it really does have a a successful year with the Catholic confidence to other parishes looking major impact on the work Development Fund (CDF) delivering to undertake a parish campaign. that the diocese can do in a year. another impressive result for the bishop. Our parish campaigns are right on However, to deliver a strong result we target with $8.3 million received in Bequests come in all needed success right across the board. pledges and grants so far from $7.7 different sizes and million in campaigns. We hope to have they all help. Fundraising remains an important part a few more campaigns announced of the diocese. Recently we had a great Thanks for over the coming months. result in Timaru, delivering over $1.89 everyone's support million in pledges and grants! This takes Bequests will also be an important these last few months - an enormous amount of work and effort part of our future so if you haven't it is appreciated! 5 Bishop’s O ffi c e Confirmation in the diocese
Christ the King
6 Mairehau Bishop’s O ffi c e
Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019
The Logo The logo of the Extraordinary Missionary Month October 2019 is a missionary cross where the primary colors refer to the five continents. The Cross is the instrument and direct sign of communion between God and man for the universality of our mission, and through its vibrant colors, a sign of victory and resurrection. The world is transparent because the action of evangelization has no barriers or boundaries, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Christian charity and the world transfigured in the Spirit overcome distances and open the horizon of our minds and hearts. The words Baptized and Sent next to the image indicate the two characteristics of every Christian: baptism and proclamation.
The Colors of the Logo The primary colors of the Cross are referred to the five continents: red for America, green for Africa, white for Europe, yellow for Asia and blue for Oceania. The red recalls the blood of the American martyrs, seeds for a new life in the Christian faith. Green is the color of life and symbolizes growth, fruitfulness, youth and vitality. It is also the color of hope, one of the three theological virtues. White is the symbol of joy, the beginning of a new life in Christ: this is the challenge that the old Europe is facing, so that it may be able to regain the evangelizing strength from which it was generated thanks to so many churches and saints. Yellow is the color of light, which nourishes itself with light by invoking the true Light. Blue is the color symbolizing the water of life that quenches our thirst and restores us along the path to God. It is the color of heaven, a sign of God's dwelling with us. 7 b ishop’s offi c e
From Gangland to Promised Land The ex-gangster turned evangelist, the world, including inmates of the College and Villa Maria College. The John Pridmore, came to Christchurch toughest prisons. Diocesan Youth Team and CYT ran in August and September to share his a young adults evening and Mass at Now an international speaker and amazing story. After being devastated the Carmelites. Mother Dorothea was best-selling author, John travels the by his parents’ divorce and badly particularly delighted to welcome treated as a child John decided not globe sharing his story. During his John to New Zealand as she has been to love anymore to avoid being hurt time here, John spoke to 9000 people praying for him and his ministry for again. Instead he turned to a life of at parishes, schools and prisons. years. Bishop Paul also welcomed him crime. From stealing, he moved on Over 300 attended a parish mission to a special public talk at St Mary’s to running some of the top clubs in in Timaru, as well as John speaking Pro-Cathedral with over 200 people London selling drugs and living a life to students from Roncalli College attending to listen and buy copies of of gambling, promiscuity and violence. and Sacred Heart and St Joseph’s his book. primary, Timaru. John then came to Then one night he nearly killed a man Having spent time in a number of Christchurch to run a parish mission and was faced with the reality of what prisons himself, John has a special at Christ the King, Burnside and spoke he was becoming, opening him to connection with prisoners and went to children at St Patrick’s school and encounter God and start a powerful and spoke at three prisons here, with Christ the King primary. John went on journey of healing and conversion. inmates receiving signed copies of to speak to students at St Thomas’ He has worked with Mother Teresa his book. The perpetual adorers from and John Vanier and met Pope John College, where the boys performed a St Gregory’s adoration chapel at Paul II. John’s powerful testimony has Haka to thank him for his time, as well Cotswold Avenue also had their own touched the lives of millions around as speaking to students at St Bede’s special retreat. John attributes his own healing and the success of his work to regular adoration and the sacraments. Forgiveness and going to confession are a big part of John’s story and confession is a real high point during the parish missions. Towards the end of his stay John had a parish mission at Mairehau parish. 15 priests came along to hear people’s confessions there, with many people leaving feeling free and healed.
To purchase a copy of John’s book and hear his amazing story you can email Olivia at [email protected] or call 366 9869. You can also find out more by visiting www.johnpridmore.com. 8 The Greatest Secret b ishop’s offi c e of the Catholic Church By the Christchurch Commission of Justice and Peace
It has been said that the Church’s There was arguably a time when best-kept secret is actually her Social Catholics were more familiar with the Teaching. If you do not believe this, Church’s stance on many social issues. try experimenting by asking Catholics For example, Catholics were once in the pews what they know about acquainted with the catchphrase of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). The “See, Judge, Act” around such matters. answer is likely to be, at best, a Although one could trace some of the struggle for words that are framed genesis of the idea of “See, Judge, Act” CST. These fundamental principles around social issues or, at worst, a back to the Catholic lay movement include: shoulder shrug. Yet at the same time, of the latter part of the 19th century, Human Dignity many people, Christian or otherwise, it was Pope Saint John XXIII who Human Equality have a sense that the Christian faith clearly explained it. In his encyclical demands its adherents to make a “Christianity and Social Progress (Mater Respect for Human Life stand for justice, for peace, and even et Magistra, paragraph 236) he wrote: The Principle of for political change that may lead to the Common Good the betterment of the society in which “There are three stages which should The Principle of Solidarity they live, or in the global scene. normally be followed in the reduction of social principles into practice. First, one The Principle of Subsidiarity The reality is, the Catholic Church has reviews the concrete situation; secondly, The Principle of Association a developed treasure that imparts one forms a judgment on it in the light The Principle of Participation wisdom on matters social, economic, of these same principles; thirdly, one Preferential Protection for political and cultural. This treasure decides what in the circumstances can the Poor and Vulnerable of wisdom is articulated through and should be done to implement these various papal, conciliar and episcopal principles. These are the three stages The Principle of Stewardship documents. To put it another way, that are usually expressed in the three The Universal Destination of Goods Catholic Social Teachings are captured terms: look, judge, act.” in many documents spread through (For a discussion of the above principles, visit: www.chch.justice.peace.nz) many decades. And perhaps therein By referring to “social principles”, the lies one of the main reasons why CST is Good Pope moved Catholic ‘actions’ The above principles help every one of the Church’s best kept secrets. in matters of social justice more Christian to reflect on the criteria for We live in an age of social media from the realm of the subjective to judgement and direction for action and internet, and even ‘fake news’! the objective. The important point in trying to read the sign of the times In this age, authoritative statements is, CST is captured in principles. The with the mind of the Church, and on social issues, especially complex Church’s social justice principles give interpreting them in the light of the ones by the Church or State, are less the criteria for judgement and the Gospel. Admittedly, the Compendium attractive than observable acts of direction for action. is still a challenging read. However, authentic witness. Besides, Church it is a positive step in revealing the documents often appear to be really The depths and richness of CST, or Church’s greatest secret to the world. dry in content, abstract, and difficult to rather the Church’s “best kept secret,” It is also an indispensable resource read. Furthermore, increasing numbers are of course best revealed through to help each generation to respond of people in our time rely on reporters a direct reading of the Church’s to the questions they ask about this to summarise complex issues for them, documents. The fact still remains present life and the life of the world to often accepting without question that the documents are not easy come, and about their relationship to the editor’s embedded opinions and reading. In 2004, the Pontifical Council each other and to the society in which sometimes prejudicial viewpoints. In for Justice and Peace published the they live. this climate, Church documents that Compendium of the Social Doctrine have a social justice dimension or of the Church. The genius of the May the Divine Light help all Christians teaching often get distilled down to their Compendium is that it provides a to live their faith, to see, to judge and controversial or challenging component, good distillation of the documents to act with the mind of the Church, making readers uncomfortable and and lays out the various Social Justice and help reveal the Church’s best kept apathetic to the issues. principles that are the foundation of secret.
“The reality is, the Catholic Church has a developed treasure that imparts wisdom on matters social, economic, political and cultural.” 9 Bishop’s O ffi c e
withForming Sherry Weddell Intentional Disciples In mid-September, world renowned author and speaker Sherry Weddell visited Christchurch. She has been involved in the Catholic Lay Apostolate for over 25 years. Sherry is the author of the best-selling book ‘Forming Intentional Disciples: the Path to Knowing and Following Jesus’ and has written a further two books.
Sherry came to Christchurch at a providential time. As 2. Sherry spent a lot of time unpacking the Thresholds of a diocese we have been on a journey of deepening Postmodern Conversion. This model states that people our understanding of, and commitment to, Mission and will pass through five stages or thresholds on the way to Evangelisation. This is the real heart of Bishop Paul's plan, becoming an intentional disciple. The thresholds are: Our Faith Our Future; the importance of mission and seeking 1. Initial Trust, 2. Spiritual curiosity, 3. Spiritual openness, to better enable our parishes and communities to engage 4. Spiritual seeking, 5. Intentional discipleship. in this great mission. These are very insightful for a parish in learning how to During her time in Christchurch, Sherry gave two day seminars help people become disciples. The first three stages are on Forming Intentional Disciples, one to the clergy and one what is called "pre-evangelisation". In stages 2-5 we seek to 90 lay people. Sherry also gave an evening presentation to proclaim Jesus Christ. Catechesis is for stages 4 and 5, on the Called and Gifted Programme for 40 people. when people are seeking or becoming disciples. Part of the problem, Sherry says, is that we have focussed too Personally Sherry's seminar touched me deeply. I had read much on Catechesis because many Catholics, based on her books but I gained a new and deeper insight into how her research, are at stage 1 or 2 and are not ready for it. parishes can form intentional disciples. For me three points stood out: 3. The third point that touched my heart was that "a parish must have overlapping opportunities to encounter 1. Sherry started off by giving us the stark reality that we Jesus Christ in his Church". The most important thing we no longer live in a society that can be called Christian. We now live in Missiondom and here the "rules are very have to do is help people encounter Jesus. We can use different." People now need to choose faith, it is no longer the five thresholds to help us see where people are at inherited. We can no longer make any assumptions but and then put in appropriate programmes and methods must start where people are. Sherry noted that there are to meet them there and help them grow as disciples. three journeys that need to be made in Missiondom and People are at all different stages. As Sherry says we must that "all are necessary to become a mature missionary have multiple on-ramps to our motorway. Simply inviting disciple and bear abundant fruit". people to Mass is not the answer. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "The sacred liturgy must be a. The personal interior journey of a living relationship preceded by evangelization, faith, and conversion". We with Christ resulting in intentional discipleship. must build trust, arouse curiosity and proclaim Jesus b. The journey of active practice evidenced by receiving Christ. We must help people encounter him and come the sacraments, attending Mass, and participating in to faith and conversion. We then help them to grow as the life and mission of the Christian community. disciples until they become missionary disciples and c. The ecclesial journey into the Church through produce abundant fruit. reception of the sacraments of initiation. There was a lot more to Sherry's seminar and I encourage One of the problems for us is that we have started with you to read her books if you are interested. number 3, then gone to number 2 but never really focussed on number 1 which is why many of the people who come to Matt O'Connell Mass on a Sunday are not missionary disciples. Evangelisation Coordinator
10 Bishop Paul speaks to the Catholic Business Network Bishop’s O ffi c e
On 8 August Bishop Paul Martin spoke to 250 of the Christchurch business community at the Town Hall. Professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and companies were there to network, meet Bishop Paul and enjoy lunch together. The Town Hall was looking great after the recent restorations.
The sponsors of the lunch were Armitage Williams, who oversaw the construction of St Mary's church at New Brighton and more recently St Patrick's church at Lincoln.
Bishop Paul shared his plans and vision for the diocese, saying that while we have a lot to be proud of as Catholics, we need to acknowledge the challenges and readjust our focus. "God wants to have a deep, ongoing relationship with us. The beauty of going to Mass each Sunday is we go to a place where God is. However, we often forget to invite Him to the place where we are."
Speaking of the importance of community, Bishop Paul said "We must help Catholics engage with the faith community Monday to Saturday, so that gathering for the Eucharist on Sunday becomes the highpoint of our week. I believe we live in a privileged moment in the history of our diocese. I pray the Holy Spirit enlightens and guides our decision- making and gives us the courage to take the steps we need to take." Excerpts of the bishop's address follow.
The lunch finished promptly at 2pm with attendees looking forward to the next event. There will be a Christmas Reception for members on 5 December, with more lunches to come in 2020. For more information contact Olivia [email protected] or call 03 366 9869.
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“My first passion for evangelisation living in Rome, which is more or less have found that God has blessed me has been teaching, I taught in like the Chief Financial Officer. This was abundantly with experience and the the classroom and in school interesting work, one week we could people I have encountered along the administration for 20 years as a priest. I be checking out a new facility in Africa, way by simply being open to his will was deputy-rector at St Bede’s before or meeting with the Vatican Curia, I got for me. becoming Rector of St Patrick’s in to see first hand the overall operation Wellington. of our religious order working across I’m here for the long haul, 22 years. the world, and we were one of So while there is much to do in the Being a teacher in the classroom hundreds of orders in the church. coming years, there is a good amount you experience the highs and of time to do it well and oversee not lows of the lives of young people. Never during my time as a priest only the building but the developing I worked predominantly in boys did I expect to be made the Bishop of the programmes that follow. And schools. I enjoyed participating in of Christchurch. I was back in New just remember when you retire at 65, those important development years Zealand on holiday when I received I still have 10 years to go. In fact, I’ll be for them, you celebrate academic the call from the Nuncio telling me just becoming eligible for Pope. and sporting achievements and that the Holy Father had appointed me sometimes the more difficult the Bishop of Christchurch and would Despite the growing secular culture challenges. Most of all you enjoy I accept. There was no submission within our country, our churches seeing them develop into good men. of CVs or interviews or psychometric are maintaining numbers. In fact, if testing! Perhaps there should have you were to step foot in many of our However, my life as a priest took an been! In the end I couldn’t think of a churches around the Diocese they interesting turn in 2014 when I was good reason to say no, so here I am. are relatively full. While I would like asked to leave school and become to think it’s because the Diocese has the assistant provincial and provincial The beauty of being religious is that a wonderful Bishop, the fact of the bursar for the Society of Mary in NZ. you are called to a life of obedience. matter is with immigration we now I guess you could say this was a Whenever I have been asked to take have Catholics from 30-40 countries symbolic change of direction for my on a role or apply for a position, it has participating in our congregations. future. Then in 2016 I was asked by the been a matter of saying ‘yes’. And I Many of our rural parishes such as Superior General to take on the role of can say looking back on 34 years as a Opihi, Waimate and Ashburton are the general bursar for the Marist Order seminarian, priest and now Bishop, I boosted by large Filipino communities
12 Bishop Paul Martin SM OR K S Catholic Business Network Address 8 August 2019, Town Hall Christchurch a time of AND W FAITH new life and beginnings
who are working in the dairy industry. We have a lot to be proud of as a On top of all of this, we are all well Not to mention our inner city parishes. Catholic community, and we recognise aware the earthquakes changed This has been a great blessing to our and appreciate the value that the the way Christchurch thinks and faith. faith has contributed to ourselves, our operates. For Christchurch this has families and the wider community. been hugely stressful for so many and On the average weekend over However, we cannot be naive to has precipitated significant changes 11,500 Catholics are attending Mass the current challenges facing our in structures, the way people live in the diocese. That’s from twenty- Church. And the sad reality is that we and have operated. Eight years later seven parishes covering the West currently have a Royal Commission there are still cones in many places Coast and Canterbury as well as underway that is revealing a number and buildings are emerging from the Chatham Islands. Currently, we of heart-breaking facts about abuse in the destruction, especially in the have 7,901 students, 28 primary trusted NZ Non-profit organisations. city centre, homes continue to be schools, and 7 secondary schools Priests around the world defrocked; repaired or replaced. It is a long and staffed by 528 teachers. Within our countries like Ireland, whose once- slow process, but from the destruction diocesan boundaries, we have a unquestioned Catholic identity is now there are many new and exciting fading. While we have over eleven Catholic population of 62,715 out of things happening. thousand attending Mass each the 650,000 people who live within Sunday, there are 62,000 Catholics While the Church has many our diocesan boundary. Our Diocesan within our region. So that’s 52,000 challenges in front of it, in amongst youth team work in our schools, and Catholics who do not attend church these trials of our lives, whether tertiary institutes. We have seven staff each week. Fewer young people societal or our own personal struggles, and 60 volunteers who work with consider themselves Catholic; the we have a God who comes to meet us over 4,500 young people each year. Church’s image among people under there. Consistent with the message of We have an army of 1,645 volunteers 30 has never been worse, meaning Christ whom our city is named after, across the Diocese that help those the next generation of priests - and through this darkest time, we have in need. 4,458 food parcels that parishioners - simply may not be there. been given a time of new life and were given out by St Vincent de Paul All of this is situated within a rapidly beginnings. last year and 359 people who used changing society. We know that 2019 Catholic Social Service counselling is a very different world to 1990 let As highlighted earlier, we are not a services in 2018. alone 1960. faith of perfect people, we are people
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“We can’t be afraid to , even if society doesn’t always agree with us...”
OR K S lead the way who get it wrong but who are trying to better than ever. Work opportunities, go to a place where God is, however, become like him in whose image we education, health and leisure. Many we forget to invite him to the place were created. We don’t give up, we families travel overseas every year. I where we are. We must help Catholics get up again and keep going. didn’t have a passport until I was 24! engage with the faith community However, I would argue the simplicity Monday to Saturday, so that gathering In amongst all these changes in our of life during my generation also had for the Eucharist on Sunday becomes times, and different ideas, we can’t its advantages. the highpoint of our week. It’s the icing lose our identity, we must not be on the cake, not the only thing. ashamed of faith and our values. As we become more and more busy These are the only ‘Constant’ in as a society, time also becomes an Earlier, I mentioned that God will peoples’ lives. The backbone that increasingly precious commodity. always meet us in our darkest times. holds us up. We can’t be afraid to lead While preparing my recent proposal The earthquakes have forced our the way, even if society doesn’t always to the Diocese I began to reflect on Church to think about our future. Well agree with us...” some of the reality checks of our right now we are in a position to do times. A significant drop in the number something about it. Over the next “As I speak with more Catholics around of people regularly attending Mass. 5-10 years, the Catholic Diocese of the region, it is clear that our parishes Catholic schools are still popular but Christchurch will invest over $200m were equipped to serve communities the faith experience of children at into programmes, buildings, schools from the 50’s, 60’s, 70s, 80s & 90s home is significantly lessened. There and services within the Canterbury but sadly not today. And whilst I am is a reduction in the number of priests region. Our Church is deeply personally very fond of these eras, in the diocese. There have been some committed to its people and to our especially their music, I know we are parish amalgamations but structures city...” in need of a different approach. Back within have remained the same. Our then: transport wasn’t so common parish communities are generally “The other day, I was speaking to - people walked or cycled! People ageing. someone who was raised Catholic. tended to stay and live in their He said to me, I never intended to suburbs. The majority of Catholic To take our Diocese into the future move away from my faith, it’s just people attended Mass regularly. The our current proposal is looking to once I left school and started work, majority of children went to Catholic rethink our parish structures and life. played sport, got married and had schools. There were lots of priests, How can we enhance and strengthen kids I drifted away, until 20 years later each wanting his own parish. The city them for the future? Parishes need here I am not practising. I hope the was divided up to provide for this. This to be sustainable, welcoming, build plan I have outlined to the diocese was a blessed time for our diocese. community, inviting to those who have reaches out to people like this man. left and those who are searching. On one hand, we are acknowledging When I think of the list above, They also need to be centres for the complicated, busy society that we this would be consistent with my evangelisation - sending people out. live in. However, on the other, we are experience growing up in Hastings. We should challenge the concept that reaching out to everyone to say come Life was relatively uncomplicated our success is determined by Sunday have another look and be a part of it.” and Sundays were simple, we went Mass goers. If being Catholic is to turn to Mass, had a roast for lunch, visited up at Mass for one hour a week and I believe we live in a privileged family or played with friends, had a then escape before the final hymn, we moment in the history of our diocese. bath, watched the Wonderful World of are missing the point. We have a chance now to make a Disney, and then went to bed! significant difference for our future. God wants to have a deep, ongoing This is what is driving me to propose It’s interesting looking at our times relationship with us. The beauty of this plan to you and to ask for your today. In some ways we have it going to Mass each Sunday, is we prayers and support.”
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14 c ations vo
Considering Priesthood for the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch? From Diocesan Vocations Director Fr John O’Connor
There are currently three seminarians studying at Holy Cross The turning point for many comes when a respected Seminary in Auckland for the Diocese of Christchurch. Tang person (priest, parishioner, family member) suggested Phan was ordained deacon last month and will be ordained the possibility of a priestly vocation to a young man. While priest for the diocese in a few months. Monty Bamford is in many of these men will be in high school and some will be his fourth year and will spend 2020 on pastoral placement in at Sunday Mass, a good number will be those you chat with the diocese. Huong Van Dinh is in his third year. at a wedding or funeral. Be active in planting seeds. In recent months in my role as Vocations Director, I have Whenever you get a chance to speak to children or spoken in half a dozen parishes about diocesan priesthood. teenagers of any age, speak positively about priesthood My reflection emphasises the need to rebuild a vocational and encourage them to be open to the possibility. environment in our families, parishes and schools. The rebuilding of a vocational environment in the families, parishes, schools and chaplaincies of the diocese is an urgent mission. A prospective seminarian... Fifty years ago, an 18-year-old who expressed an interest will be a young (ish) man who has a nagging sense in diocesan priesthood would be actively encouraged by that all that the world offers is unable to satisfy the those around him. Today such encouragement is rare with hungers of his heart. the more common response being the suggestion that the will be a man of faith. This does not necessarily young man go and live for a while, have a career, travel and mean that he will be pious nor even active in try relationships. The implication is that priesthood is not parish life. The key sign of the required piety will be really a life and a young man has to ‘get life out of his system’ a youthful searching and a beginning of awareness before seriously considering priesthood. Are we more that there must be more to life than the best that interested in our own planning and timing than in God’s and the world can offer. turning away prospective vocations? While not every young will have an ability to be passionate about life. This man is ready for seminary at 20, we cannot simply tell them may also mean that he appears to be passionate to go away for a few years. about sin, but good formation will work on that. In the past, seminarians came from families who were may be a teenager. A healthy teenager will be open to a life of adventure and will be actively Catholic. Now it is increasingly common for seriously considering all options. It is important applicants to have been baptised as Catholic but not raised that priesthood be considered as an ultimate in the practice of faith. In the USA and Australia, a significant adventure for a life. number of seminarians were not actively Catholic more than a couple of years before entering seminary. A number will be open to relationship. Such a capacity for human relationship may mean that the ideal of these had been in relationships when they began to candidate is actively dating. consider a call to priesthood. Contact Vocations Director Fr John O’Connor for more information: [email protected]
Question for every parishioner: What can I do to actively promote an environment of vocations in families, parishes, schools and universities?
“A vocation is a gift that will help you and become someone who benefits others, someonelive who to leaves the a fullmark in life; it will surely be a gift that will bring you more joy and excitement than anything else in this world. Not because that gift will be rare or extraordinary, but because it will perfectly fit you. It will be for your entire life.” Pope Francis “Christus Vivit a perfect fit
15 vo c ations Here I am Lord, Send Me! I thank you Trung and Tang. I thank you on behalf of all of us here today and the many other people who love you but who are not able to be here, people from around New Zealand and especially in your home country of Vietnam. You have embraced the adventure of faith in a remarkable and inspiring way by taking literally the call to leave home, country and family in response to the call of Jesus. The dioceses of Palmerston North and Christchurch rejoice in a special way today, and the gratitude of every one of us is accompanied by our prayer for your families and friends in Vietnam who are praying with us at this moment. Having thanked you both, it's imperative that we understand that today's sacramental event is not primarily about you, since in this celebration as in every sacramental action it is Jesus Christ who is central. Today is about Jesus Christ choosing again to use frail, weak, vulnerable and sinful people as instruments of His divine mercy and love. In the light of this mercy and love we are able to see ourselves as we are, at times even feeling doomed, people of unclean lips, but no longer defined by our deficiencies. Instead from New Deacons Peter Trung Nguyen (Palmerston North) and our low position, our eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Anthony Tang Phan (Christchurch) with Bishop Paul after their hosts and we stand, called and chosen, responding: "Here I diaconate ordination. am Lord, Send Me!" (First Reading Isaiah) So we are given a new identity, sealed with sacramental character to use the language of this sacrament of Order, no longer children, or tossed one way and another, but people of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, fully mature with the fullness of Christ himself. (Second Reading Ephesians) St Matthew certainly knew this. Pope Francis has made no secret of the significance of the apostle and evangelist Matthew for his own vocation since it was on this feast of Matthew in 1953 when as a 17 year old, the teenage Jorge Borgoglio experienced the mercy and call of Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Forty years later he chose as his episcopal motto a phrase from the Office of Readings for today's feast quoting St Bede the Venerable: "to be shown mercy and chosen." As a result in recent years a relatively unknown painting in Rome has become one of the most popular; Caravvagio's Calling of St Matthew in the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi just off Piazza Navona. Pope Francis writes of spending time in front of this image every time he visited Rome saying (and I quote) "none of those in the painting, including Matthew (who was greedy for money) could Deacon Tang and his brother Tang Joseph and sister Maria Ha believe the message in that finger pointing at him, the Phan with Bishop Paul at Tang’s ordination in September.
16 Homily of Bishop Paul Martin SM Given at Sacred Heart Church Ponsonby At Diaconal Ordination of Anthony Tang Phan (Christchurch)
21 September 2019 c ations vo Here I am Lord, Send Me! (The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle) message in those eyes that looked at him with mercy night or wake in the morning wondering 'will I say yes to this and chose him to follow. He felt this astonishment at the call to Holy Orders, or no?' You are free of this uncertainty, encounter - the encounter with Christ who comes and free to embrace the beauty of this new commitment as an invites us is like this." adventure in faith. This is the baptismal life we share - Tung & Trang as Tang and Trung, as you become deacons, you are for deacons, me and Bishops Owen and Denis as bishops, us the witness to the Church's commitment to service others living the Sacrament of Holy Orders as priests, sacramentalised in the Order of Deacons. Your ministry seminarians discerning vocation and every one of us in the liturgy and especially at the altar will remind us discerning God's call for us, and, let me emphasise this; that liturgy is service, following the example of the every one of us who is baptised is called to share this new one who came not to be served but to serve. You will status of divine life. remind us in your service of the poor that it is in giving Tung & Trang, your years of seminary formation have been a we receive, and that the poor are the face of Christ for time of growth, formation and discernment. While you may the world. In your preaching you will serve as the voice of understand well some of the theory of the commitment Jesus communicating in a world where a cacophony of required by Holy Orders, you are now, from today, called noises compete to be heard. You will serve people at the not just to know and understand this, but to live this. beginning of their life of faith in baptism, as they begin You are not alone in this since we as your sisters and their covenant of marriage in matrimony, and you will serve brothers in baptism will hold you to this new dignity and those who grieve at the burial of those they love. identity, we encourage and exhort you to be: men of good My brothers, here today you see and touch and hear our reputation, filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit, showing support and our love, our visible and tangible affirmations before God and people that you are above every suspicion of your vocation. But not every day will be like this. Some of blame, true ministers of Christ and of God's mysteries, days you will wonder what you were thinking, or why you firmly rooted in faith. took this step. In the years ahead there will be times when The given homily for the Ordination of Deacons continues: you hear reports of your brothers in Holy Orders and feel "never turn away from the hope which the Gospel offers; embarrassment and shame. In the same way you will see now you must not only listen to God's word but also preach parishioners as they set aside the practice of our faith. In it. Hold the mystery of faith with a clear conscience. Express these painful moments remember that while there is good in action what you proclaim by word of mouth. Then the and grace in every person, there is also frailty and sin. I am people of Christ, brought to life by the Spirit, will be an speaking about myself when I admit this. But this makes offering God accepts. Finally on the last day, when you go our decision simple: we are not the followers of human to meet the Lord, you will hear him say: "Well done, good role-models, fashions or ideologies. We are the followers and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord." (Homily of Jesus Christ. He is our only model since He is our God, Order of Deacons) and by your life and character you will give witness to your Today Tang and Trung you are being gifted with an brothers and sisters in faith that God must be loved above extraordinary freedom since you will no longer lie awake at all else, and that it is he whom you serve in others.
Jubilariansin the diocese
A number of Jubilarians celebrate their respective clerical milestones with Bishop Paul and their brother priests on 10 September at St Gregory’s, Bishopdale. The Jubilarians are: Fr Kevin Burns - 60 years, Fr Jim Consedine - 50 years, and Fr Rick Loughnan - 25 years. Absent: Fr Ray Schmack - 50 years and Fr Chris Friel - 25 years.
17 in the dio c ese
Welcome to a New Approach!
Remember the St Vincent de Paul Society Opportunity Shops of the Past? They had a musty "Op Shop" smell, they were overcrowded with tightly packed racks of largely old fashioned clothing.
Welcome to a new approach! St food parcels, clothing and furniture become an important social outing for Vincent de Paul has just opened the provision, school costs, power bills, many of our customers. No one leaves newly constructed Papanui shop here medical costs and emergency empty handed. Even those without in Christchurch. What a difference from accommodation. Our aim is to any money on the day can leave with our past experiences. The new shop in provide "affordable shopping" for something from our "free bin", and our Papanui, one of three run by Vinnies in our customers who come from all complimentary bread bin, which is our City, would not look out of place in walks of life. The majority are from often available for those needing food. any high end shopping mall. The shop the lower socio economic sector is spacious, beautifully appointed with in our community and many are Our shops really make a social and quality shop fittings. The clothing and beneficiaries. financial difference to many of our bric a brac fit the description "like new, customers. They are providing welfare The shops provide quality clothing, fashionable, brand names, retro and in a positive way. We could not provide furniture and household items at very collectable". this service without the support of low prices. We purposely keep our our donors. Our clothing bins in the Our three Vinnie's shops in prices low to cater for this clientele. community are predominantly near Christchurch provide a significant Many come into our shops for social income for the welfare work we do interaction. Our shops are staffed by our parish churches and schools. They in this City. Our welfare assistance volunteers who provide this social are essential for stocking our stores. is provided in many different ways: interaction and environment and We are always eager to receive good quality furniture, household items and clothing. We have a truck to collect large items and house lots. Drop into one of our shops to experience this new approach, unload your surplus items and pick up a bargain!
Mike Daly, Christchurch Area President Society of St Vincent de Paul
Papanui 19 Langdons Road (adjacent to Northlands Mall)
Stanmore Road 265 Stanmore Road.
Hornby 31 Shands Road (near Dressmart)
18 VDP's Busy Bees The Mid Canterbury branch of Young school groups meets with me as their shop and visit and socialise with the in the dio c ese Vinnies is busy this year helping those Youth Co-ordinator and takes part in a children at local kindergartens and in need within our community. Mid range of work for the community. We preschools. Through this work, we Canterbury has three Young Vinnies visit older people in day care centres highlight the importance of serving school groups. In Ashburton we are and rest homes, bake for various and giving back to the community. active at St Joseph's and Hampstead organisations in need, fundraise to primary schools. We also have a group stock our local St Vincent de Paul Anna Young - Mid Canterbury SVDP at Our Lady of the Snows School in pantry, collect and stack wood, help Youth Co-ordinator Methven. Every week, each of these at the Ashburton St Vincent de Paul
Young Vinnies from Young Vinnies from Young Vinnies from Our Lady Hampstead School, Ashburton St Joseph’s School, Ashburton of the Snows School, Methven
From The John Paul II Centre for Life Supporting Families in Their Time of Need Earlier this year the John Paul II Centre of Life memorial. Our Children's for Life collaborated with St Teresa's Garden of Remembrance at 88 Idris Parish in Riccarton to establish the Road in Bryndwr is resplendent in Rosebud ministry. This compassionate spring and open in daylight hours to and popular outreach supports those who would like to spend time anyone in the parish who is pregnant, remembering their little one. celebrating birth or adoption, grieving miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, infant Maria Schmetzer or child death, or who is wanting to Director - John Paul II Centre conceive or adopt.
At the Rosebud stand, families select and display a rosebud to indicate their intention. The parish organises dedicated prayer support, while information and pastoral follow- up are provided through the John Paul II Centre. An extension to the programme is planned to support those with family concerns or undergoing other troubled times.
Each year in October, the John Paul II Centre hosts a Mass of Remembrance for families who have lost a child before or at birth. Families are welcome to come and inscribe the name of their child in the Book 19 around the parishes
Beyond restoration to beauty
One of the oldest churches in the As construction of the presbytery landscaping including building new region is the Amberley church of The began, attention turned to the entrance steps and paving gathering Holy Passion of our Lord. It began its church and the exterior was painted. space between the lychgate and life as the chapel on the Brackenfield Pleased at the new look of the church entrance to the church was included estate of Frederick and Philomena parishioners began to put even more in the proposal. It was intended that Weld and was constructed in 1866 effort into care of the grounds with this work would progress as finance when Frederick was serving as one suggesting that the entrance allowed, continuing after the 2016 Premier of New Zealand. Evidence from the road needed a traditional 150th anniversary of the building of the suggests that the initiative and lychgate. After consultation with church. lychgate experts and producing a oversight for the new building Once the work began people were design, a parishioner volunteered (replacing a smaller estate chapel) moved by the attention to detail and with his son to create and install the was that of Philomena who was a the new beauty that emerged, and entrance which immediately attracted woman of strong Catholic faith and were moved to be extraordinarily positive response from parishioners who ended her life as a nun in the generous ensuring that the work could and other locals. The lychgate was English Abbey of which her daughter continue to completion. One person something of a turning point in the life was prioress. In the early 1950s the from the city who often passed the of the church with people appreciating town of Amberley was in need of a church when driving north, wanted to that while basic maintenance of the church and the nearby Brackenfield express gratitude to God for a prayer church was all that was required, chapel then in poor repair, was moved answered, and gave the original work beautification was also important and to its current location to serve the of art that is the tabernacle, with the even necessary in a church. Fr John growing number of parishioners of image of the Annunciation crafted O'Connor who was the parish priest at the area. Every building needs good on the doors. A significant number of the time understood this well. maintenance, and over the years people gave generously to ensure parishioners have worked to maintain Attention then turned to the inside of that they could feel a part of the the beautiful church and its grounds the church with concern about how restoration. Recently Damien Walker of well. to not only restore but to beautify the the Studio of St Philomena in Rangiora church so that it was a clearer sign received a Resene Colour Award for In 2012 the bishop amalgamated the of God present among us. A plan his work with the sanctuary colours. three Hurunui parishes to form one was drawn up outlining a systematic Damien's studio also crafted the new parish of the Good Shepherd. restoration and beautification of crucifix and restored the statues (as Parishioners engaged in difficult the church. Tasks to be completed well as the Tabernacle). discussions about where the priest included structural strengthening Parishioners do all they can to ensure for the new parish would live. Finally it of the church, update of wiring, that the church is open every day. was decided that because Amberley heating and lighting, provision of a Drop in to visit offering an extra prayer was the only town of the parish that central tabernacle behind the altar for all those who have restored this the parishioners regularly visited and removal of 1980's sanctuary little church to even more than its passing through when travelling to extensions, removal of carpet with former beauty. and from Christchurch, the priest restoration of the heart-timber would live in a presbytery to be flooring, restoration of statues, constructed behind the church in painting of sanctuary and building Fr Mathew Siji Valloppallil MCBS Amberley. of sacristy. Completion of exterior Parish Priest 20 Alpha at St Peter Chanel Parish, Waimakariri around the parishes We are currently running our second round of Alpha for 2019. So far over Alpha Retreat Day, 21 September 2019 at Replenish, Okuku. 100 people have participated either Participants from Alpha groups in Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Oxford came together for a combined day away. on the team or as guests. We have had a lot of fun along the way, built community and gone deeper in our Alpha has been running for over 32 The course has given me a greater faith and relationship with God. years. Over 27 million people have understanding of some fundamental done Alpha around the world! It is run questions and sparked more of an Alpha is helping transform the in 169 countries, in 69 languages. interest to continue questioning and culture of our parish into one of developing a stronger relationship EVANGELISATION. Alpha cultivates The course runs for 10 weeks with a weekend or day away. Alpha covers with God; This is a great place to Invitation, Hospitality, Discipleship, topics like: Who is Jesus? Why did encounter Jesus and the Holy Spirit; Leaders and Serving. Jesus die? Why and how do I pray? Film, conversations and food were all Why and how do I read the Bible? fantastic, and better than I thought they What is Alpha? Who is the Holy Spirit and what does would be; The fruit has been abundant; Many lives have been touched and It is a series of FREE interactive sessions He do? How does God guide us? What transformed. Some have even gone on EXPLORING LIFE, FAITH and MEANING. about the Church? to OCIA. We are planning to run Alpha Each session involves: Food, a Film At the end of our Pilot series, we asked again at least twice in 2020. and Discussion. People can share their our guests "In what ways, if any, have thoughts and ask those BIG questions you benefited from doing the Alpha Carly Mulqueen - Pastoral Associate they've always wanted to ask. Course?", to which they answered: St Peter Chanel Parish, Waimakariri
Alpha Leaders Networking Meeting If you have already run Alpha, or would like to see Alpha run in your parish, please join us on: Wednesday 23 October at 7.30pm at St Joseph's Parish Centre, Papanui. We will share experiences and cover: What is Alpha? How to Get Alpha Up and Running, Feedback in Parishes So Far, and How We Can Help You. For more, please contact Matt O'Connell moconnell@chch. catholic.org.nz or Carly Mulqueen Alpha Enthusiasts gathering before we began our Pilot [email protected].
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An East London slum dweller, son of illiterate parents, became the first Catholic Bishop of Christchurch
Former students of Catholic secondary schools associate the name of Bishop Lyons with debating and public speaking competitions. The Bishop Lyons Shield has long been contested annually by Catholic high schools in the Christchurch Diocese. But what about the bishop himself?
Records of John Joseph Grimes’s Temple, have unearthed a more childhood were so scant that people accurate picture of Grimes’s believed for years he hailed from the boyhood. As O’Meeghan established: decorous Kent village of Bromley. Grimes grew up “in true Cockney They got the name Bromley right, but territory, within hearing of the Bow the wrong Bromley. bells”. Canterbury and on the West Coast It was a simple but erroneous Grimes was born on 2 February where Irish settlers dominated the presumption. It seems anyone who 1842, the youngest of three children. Catholic congregation. knew anything of England could not He barely knew his father, whose Secondly, although he received no think for one moment that such a occupation was noted as “seaman”. formal education until he was eleven, cultured, eloquent and intelligent When John was only three years old, his service as an altar boy convinced bishop could have risen from grubby his father was killed in a work accident. Marist Fathers at the local mission that little Bromley in London’s East End. This left his family destitute. To he was a bright lad. They tutored him The Grimes family neighbourhood was survive, his mother “took in washing” informally. Then, when Marist Brothers a den of penniless Irish immigrants for the better-off people, while his opened a primary school nearby, where unemployment was the norm grandmother became a hawker of he was enrolled there. The school and men would hassle for whatever apples on the streets of London. expanded into secondary classes jobs might come up in the raucous and Grimes continued his education From this start and against strong docklands. there. He must have shown great opposition, Grimes was chosen to be promise as he was next sent to the More recent research by Fr Michael the bishop charged with establishing a Marist secondary school at Bar-le- O’Meeghan SM for his centennial new diocese in far-away New Zealand. Duc in north-eastern France as both a history of the Christchurch Diocese, Two factors were in his favour. Firstly, student and a teacher. Held Firm by Faith, and by local his mother was of Irish descent so he historian Michael Hanrahan for his mixed freely with other Irish families, The Marist influence remained strong centennial history of the Cathedral of becoming familiar with their ways and throughout his life. O’Meeghan the Blessed Sacrament, A Suitable traditions. This would prove useful in suggests that Grimes, who saw little of his family from the age of nine, came to accept the Church as his family. Grimes began studies for the priesthood at the Marist seminary in Dundalk, Ireland, in 1861. Though barely out of his teens, he also taught students at the seminary. He was professed in the Marist Order in 1867 and was ordained a priest in the chapel of Dublin University two years later. At John Rhind we are proud of our heritage, having served the families of Canterbury for over 130 years. We understand that it’s the small personal In Louisiana, USA, Grimes combined details which matter when arranging a funeral. teaching with priestly duties in the With FDANZ approved pre-arranged and pre-paid funeral options, let one of position of Superior at Jefferson our caring team help you arrange a memorable service. College, inland from New Orleans. Hard work and a difficult environment damaged Grimes’s health. When a savage bout of yellow fever laid 22 “Grimes had to face his formal welcome knowing S pea k ing A r c hivally full-well that his was an unpopular appointment.”
D 1034 +Grimes Crest Bishop Grimes him low he was forced to take leave. named Fr Theophile Le Menant des knowing full-well that his was an On recovery he was transferred Chesnais SM, introduced the new unpopular appointment.” to a teaching post at the Marist bishop as an “honorary Irishman”. However, O’Meeghan adds: “In three Scholasticate at Paignot in Devon, In spite of their recommendations, to four years he won acceptance, and England. which were possibly taken lightly as then affection from his diocese”. Meanwhile, in far-off New Zealand, both were Marists, ill-feeling towards Papal approval for the establishment Grimes persisted. The welcome for Acknowledgements: of a new diocese based in Christchurch the new bishop was courteously was granted. The search began in restrained, O’Meeghan writes. “Grimes Mike Crean - Catholic Diocese 1885 for a suitable priest to lead the had to face his formal welcome of Christchurch Archives way as bishop.
While in America, Fr Grimes had expressed his ambition to serve “in the missions” and even mentioned New Zealand as a possible destination. The Society of Mary (Marists) Catholics on Air recommended him for the position. “Catholics on Air” was a weekly radio show broadcast on Plains FM. The Vatican seemed happy with this The Diocesan Archives recently received a collection comprising over choice but, when word of it leaked 50 CDS and 70 cassette tapes of “Catholics on Air” episodes. We are out, opposition to Grimes’s pending progressively digitising the episodes for long term preservation. appointment was sudden and shrill. As work continues we will post some interviews on our website: https://archives.chchcatholic.nz/audio-and-oral-history/ The considerable Irish representation in Canterbury and especially in Triona Doocey Westland, wanted an Irishman to lead Diocesan Archivist them. Meanwhile the secular clergy, bearing some antagonism towards the Marist Order, opposed Grimes’s appointment too.
Opposition could not counter the Society of Mary’s solid backing for Grimes in Vatican circles and he was appointed. The former slum boy returned to his childhood church of St Anne’s at Spitalfields, East London, to be consecrated Bishop in 1887. He then sailed for New Zealand. Financial Advisers to the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch since 2005 His arrival in Christchurch in early 1888 was a subdued affair. Wellington Bishop Francis Redwood SM, who Please contact us for a sailed with him from Wellington to personalised investment strategy Lyttelton, assured the faithful that Grimes was pro-Irish. Christchurch jbwere.co.nz 0800 555 553 Pro-Cathedral Rector, the gloriously 23 s c hools
of St Bede’s Chapel
DedicationIn the St Bede’s College newsletter brings stage one of the rebuild to a captivated the boys’ attention. From published on 13 September, College close. It concludes a period of about the age of 10 to his mid-20’s, John’s Rector Justin Boyle reflected: “The a decade of re-build following the life was action-filled for all the wrong elaborate ceremony for the dedication 2011 earthquakes, when many of the reasons. At the age of 10, while living of the chapel was led by Bishop Paul buildings on site were demolished, in the East End of London, John’s Martin, who was joined by Emeritus the most significant building being parents divorced. It affected the Bishop Meeking and twenty five the Chapel. The Chapel makes a young man deeply and for well over priests, many of whom are old boys. statement of who we are and what a decade he rebelled. Theft, fights I wish to acknowledge our Ministry we stand for, first and foremost as a and drug deals resulted in two stints Team, led by Mrs Pitcaithly, and our Catholic, Marist College.” He went on in youth prisons, where he came in musicians, led by Mrs King, who to say, “The Chapel has had a steady contact with the drug underworld coordinated to make this a splendid flow of visitors; students, staff and of London. In his 20’s, he became a occasion. The beautiful acoustics parents have all enjoyed and soaked hired henchman for the drug dealers, bring this wonderful edifice alive and in this beautiful new addition to the who pedalled their trade in the plush the organ played by our own Jean- College Campus.” clubs in London. John became very Luc Pitcaithly and the Senior Choir It has been a busy time at St Bede’s. wealthy, but as he said, he remained excelled. Joining them was three old Mr Boyle outlined the visit of John seriously unhappy. It was a moment boy musicians Maui Brennan, Tim Pridmore to the College. “At assembly, with a Catholic priest that prompted Maguire and Lewis Kan, and the Ave John Pridmore, the author of a best- John’s conversion and then he began Maria they performed was memorable. selling book called ‘From Gangland a career in telling his story, the story The completion of the new Chapel to Promised Land’, spoke to the boys. of the serious “Face” in London’s East and the Performing Arts Centre He had a powerful message which End where his jackets were tailored to hold his machete and knuckle- dusters, where his drug deals netted him so much money he didn’t know what to do with it, but then to the story of his extraordinary conversion. For over half an hour he spoke to the boys captivated by the story and the life he leads now in service to the Church, sharing this message of the importance of reconciliation and how much God loves us, no matter how our lives have gone. He spoke also to millions at World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008 and his book has been translated into thirteen different It’s finished! Thanks to the St Bede’s community for being such languages. John is in such demand gracious hosts - we couldn’t have done it without you. that he won’t get back home (now in Ireland) until next year!” 24 Justin Boyle (Rector) opening the doors of the Chapel s c hools Domus Dei The House of God
It’s a wonderful and unusual privilege for a bishop to be able to dedicate the new chapel of a school in which he himself has taught as a priest, and so I’m especially delighted to be with you to dedicate this magnificent house of God, this visible tabernacle for Jesus Christ in the heart of the St Bede’s College community. And even more significant is the day chosen for this dedication. 12 September is especially appropriate, the feast of the Holy Name of Mary, the patronal feast of the Society of Mary. From this day forward this feast will be celebrated in the college as the Solemnity of the dedication of this chapel.
This liturgy began with the new chapel being handed to Inset: Old Boy John Mills me as bishop of the diocese, the keys and the plans, a and student, offering each symbolic gesture emphasising that I am not here simply to other the sign of peace open another building but to receive this chapel on behalf of God and for the use of God. From today this chapel is not our chapel - it is God’s house. Therefore we don’t just bless Thank you to all of you who the chapel for our use as we might do for a classroom or have made this ambitious performing arts centre. Today’s solemn rite is a dedication vision a reality, those and you will see this as we move through the liturgy, among you who appreciate acknowledging that this sacred space is now uniquely holy that our world needs beauty and a privileged place where heaven meets earth among and that beauty has the us. From today, God will use this chapel to speak to and to power to raise our minds and touch, to heal and to forgive, to inspire and to encourage hearts to God who made us, who those who pass through these doors seeking him in silent loves us and who, in Jesus Christ, is prayer and in the sacramental life of the church. present and active among us. Thank you This chapel, this beautiful work of art, continues in the great to those whose generous gifts of vision, money, time and tradition of Catholic dwelling places for God in our diocese, talent have made this inspired vision a tangible and visible right at a moment when we are very aware of having lost reality. At one level you have been generous to the college so many beautiful churches. The Catholic instruction for and to future generations of the St Bede’s community. But the building of a church encourages us: “the very nature of most of all you have gifted to God a place for Him to dwell a church demands that it be suited to sacred celebrations, among us. Know today the gratitude of God to and for dignified, showing a noble beauty, not mere costly display, each one of you. May you and your families be abundantly and it should stand as a sign and symbol of heavenly blessed for your generosity. realities.” St Bede’s college exists to educate. I’m not speaking about education in the common and narrow sense of developing gifts and gaining qualifications in the hope of getting a good job - because the real educational endeavour is a process that forms us to live abundantly and eternally. The Marist community has been praying and educating on this site for 100 years. While none of us will be alive on earth in another century, we will still be alive and the where we are living, and how we will be living after we die, is at the heart of the mission of education in a Catholic college. Some of you here this afternoon became Bedeans twenty, fifty and even seventy-plus years ago. You will certainly notice the changes at the college, a reminder that each generation builds to meet the needs of their own times. The chapel that had served this college community for so many years began its life as a gymnasium. This magnificent new chapel is a powerful testimony to the heart of our Catholic faith: new life emerges from death. And our earthly experience of anxiety and suffering are in fact a call to greater maturity and a reminder that our true home is not an earthly one. 25 s c hools
continued from previous page...
That call to greater maturity is central. one of you, is to USE IT precisely for As I speak to you now I have a unique what it is for, not a place for casual perspective of the chapel. You are all chat and secular activities or as one looking forward to the sanctuary, but I more teaching space among many. am looking towards the rear, the view This is a sacred place, a prime place that you will have when you leave of encounter with Jesus Christ in the the chapel. When you leave today celebration of the sacraments of the and every time you are in here, take Church and for personal prayer, since a moment to look up to the round this new building is rightly called eastern window. There you see Jesus Domus Dei, the House of God. Do as a teenager, the age of the students whatever you can to keep this chapel of our college. When you look at this open, a place welcoming any student, window, remember that the teenage staff member or friend of the college Jesus continued to grow in maturity, who seeks to take a few moments embracing the complex and abundant to be still and pray. Drop in here adventure of adult human life. He often: one minute is enough to invite understood the inscription on the Jesus to remind you of his presence window, that the life and death of with you and love for you. Use the each of us has its influence on others. confessional so that this new chapel When you leave this place after may strengthen your own experience prayer, take a moment to look to the of Jesus present in the midst of your teenage Jesus, and remember your making the Sign of the Cross as a personal struggle and sin. Every time simple prayer whenever you pass a own healthy desire to be an influence you drive or walk past this chapel, for good in every aspect of school, Catholic church. perhaps at the beginning or end of family and social life. Commit yourself each day, take a brief moment to Like Mary the perfect disciple of to living in this way every moment for remember that Jesus is with you in Jesus, let us strive to be disciples for the rest of your lives. the midst of your own joys and hopes, our own time. And may God, who has Now that you have this beautiful griefs and anxieties. Perhaps renew begun this good work in us, bring it to chapel, my strong exhortation to every that lovely old Catholic custom of completion.
Francesca's talent shines Marian College's talented Head of Culture in 2019 is song, 'I Had a Dream', which is available on iTunes, Francesca Humphries. She recently wrote, recorded Spotify and Google Play. and released her first single. Fran is a significant contributor to Music at Marian Fran's eloquence and flair as a singer, pianist and College. Marian's Head of Music, Miranda Allison guitarist was noticed earlier this year by Nathan Phillips, describes Fran as a natural performer who captures who runs an artist development programme. Through audiences through her advanced skills and expressive this incredible opportunity, Fran released an original musicality. "Francesca is always willing to share her time and many musical talents. Her attitude and service to music has been outstanding. Every week she plays piano in assembly, she has supported numerous Masses through her playing, organised cultural concerts and mentored junior students in reaching their own musical goals. She has given countless hours and excelled in her role as Cultural and Performing Arts School Leader for 2019." As a vocalist, Fran has sung with the Marian College choir in the Big Sing Regional Competition as well as at the Voices Festival. Leading the alto section, Fran's contributions to the choir demonstrate her versatility as a musician and her willingness to help and guide others. Fran has also shared her talent as a singer with the Marian jazz band for the past two years. She has performed at Southern Jam, Jazz Quest, prize-givings, variety concerts and other community events. As well as taking double music and NCEA music scholarship this year, Fran is enrolled at a University of Canterbury song-writing course, giving her a head start for tertiary education next year. Follow Francesca at fraaancescaaamusic on Instagram.
26 Turning the first sod Work has started at Catholic Cathedral College on the Sc hools construction of a new classroom block. These eight new classrooms will replace some temporary relocatable rooms that were used to meet the demand for space due to the growing roll.
Catholic Cathedral College Hosts NAPCSS Conference The National Association of Principals of Catholic Secondary Schools held their annual conference in Christchurch in August. Delegates from the 48 Catholic secondary schools around New Zealand Above: Head Girl Phoebe Bryant turning the first sod following a were welcomed to the conference with a Mihi prayer and blessing of the site. Head boy Elija Houia is looking on, Whakatau led by the Kapa haka group from Catholic together with Year 7 students Elizabeth Celon and Jake Cadogan, Mr Cathedral College. Six newly appointed Principals Stephen Crean who is AP Pastoral, and Principal Mr Tony Shaw. were welcomed to the Association and others were Below: Architect’s sketch of the new classroom block. farewelled. The keynote speaker was Associate Professor Fr Jamie Calder SJ, who challenged us about our Mission and the part Catholic schools can play in building the community of the faithful in each diocese. The Conference concluded with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Paul Martin, who was previously Deputy Principal at St Bede's College before being appointed Principal of St Patrick's College, Wellington.
Mass of Christian Initiation Students, staff and community of Catholic Cathedral goals of the Catholic Church and Catholic school is to College recently gathered in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral work together to evangelise and spread the message for the Mass of Christian Initiation. Thirty students of God's saving love. It was important that the whole and a teacher had completed the Sacramental College was present to pray for them as they received Programme delivered by Sr Bertha and Sr Marietta, the Sacraments of Initiation. Our bishop celebrated this which culminated in a great celebration including Mass and was joined at the altar by School Chaplain Fr baptism, eucharist, and confirmation. One of the primary Phil Bennenbroek, and Frs Simon Eccleton and Chris Orr.
27 s c hools
St Mary's School Celebrates Significant Milestone
past pupils of the school. During the school roll had dropped so low that evening, past pupils reminisced about the very existence of the school was days gone by and caught up with old threatened. The Catholic Education friends and teachers. In the formal part Office met with the St Mary's and St of the evening, speeches were given Albans Catholic school communities by Mr David O'Neill, who is the current to discuss a possible merger. principal of the school and who has Needless to say the spirit of the St been so for the past 17 years and Sr Mary's community rose up to demand Peg Flaherty, representing the Sisters On the last weekend in August, the right to keep our school open. of Mercy. In his speech Mr O'Neill said, St Mary's School in Christchurch With a lot of hard work by many in "One thing I have felt that has been celebrated its 125th Jubilee. On 25 July the ensuing months and years the vitally important is that our students 1894, six Sisters of Mercy travelled by school rose up to increase its roll know about the history of our school boat from Greymouth to Lyttelton and and the viability of the school was and through telling the story of our then by train to Christchurch. Their no longer questioned. In fact the roll long, proud past, they come to realise purpose, to found a school next to St more than doubled and in December that they belong to something special. Mary's Church in Manchester Street. St 2010 it sat at 126. The September and They are part of history unfolding. Mary's Parish Primary School received February earthquakes took their toll on its first pupils on 27 August 1894. This Over the past 17 years I have been at Christchurch and sadly St Mary's. year marks 125 years since those St Mary's, I have had numerous former In the months following the humble beginnings and the school parents and students come back to devastating February 2011 earthquake has seen much growth and many tell me about their successes since the school was temporarily housed at changes since. leaving St Mary's and they are grateful the St Teresa's hall in Riccarton as we for the education they received from As part of the jubilee celebrations, a were unable to return to Manchester this great school. drinks and nibbles event was held at Street until 13 June 2011. This was the the Showgate Lounge on the Friday The story, the history of our first time in its history that the sound evening. This was attended by Bishop school is littered with triumph and of children's laughter was not heard Paul Martin SM, Sisters of Mercy, achievements. In the past 17 years we at our Manchester Street home for a current and former staff members, have also had incredible challenges long period. In the weeks and months current and former families and many to face. At the beginning of 2002 the following the quakes the school
Villa singers win Silver at The Big Sing Villa Maria College's largest choir, Con Brio, won a coveted Silver Award at The Big Sing Finale. The Big Sing is a nation-wide choral competition, hosted by the New Zealand Choral Federation. It sees choirs from the country's secondary schools compete in regional contests, before a list of the nation's best of the best is released. Those choirs are then invited to the televised national finale, in search of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Just 24 choirs are selected for the Finale. "The girls hold themselves to a very very special for all of us and we learn This year's Finale was held in Dunedin high standard and stretch themselves from watching others sing too. This and culminated in a spectacular Gala to continue to grow as a group. Some year, there were only four choirs from Concert on Saturday night. "I am of the girls are more experienced than Canterbury selected for the Finale, so enormously proud of the girls, they others and it's a pleasure to watch we feel proud to be among the best in work incredibly hard throughout the those students help to lead the group. the region and now we can say we are year and they just keep getting better," Performing alongside other talented among the best in the country," said explained Choral Director, Naomi Hnat. choirs from all around New Zealand is Mrs Hnat. 28 St Mary's School Celebrates Significant Milestone Sc hools
community decreased as migrant families left the city. The roll began to drop and over the years following it nearly halved. In 2016 a new school was built on the front field and the old school building was eventually demolished. In true St Mary's style the school rose up again like a phoenix from the ashes to the healthy position we are in today. Our roll sits at 124 students and by the end of the year it will be 129. This will be the highest roll for over nearly 30 years. Each of you has different memories music familiar to all the generations The Sisters of Mercy who founded of the school but we all share that connected to the school. Our St Mary's our school would have drilled into common bond and thread in its Special Choir led by their Directors their students the Mercy Values of history. We are part of the St Mary's Ken Joblin and Caitlin Godfrey offered compassion, respect, hospitality, story." motets in Latin as well as a hymn excellence, social justice and service. to St John the Baptist, the patron of On Saturday, staff and students led These Mercy values are still closely our diocese. Mass was followed by attendees of the Jubilee in a tour of aligned to our current school values: a catered afternoon tea where all the new school before we moved service, teamwork, acceptance and attending were able to mix, mingle to our Pro-Cathedral for the Jubilee respect. Our students know these and share stories. Mass, celebrated by Bishop Paul. as our STAR values. We aim to instill The bishop led us all in giving thanks Let the final words of this article be these values into our students whilst for the many wonderful years of those of Mr O'Neill: "Being named after they learn about their Catholic faith Catholic education provided at St the blessed Virgin has no doubt given and endeavour to live out the Gospel Mary's School. The Mass featured us many blessings over the years. values of Jesus Christ on a daily basis."
Lit Quiz In week 9 of Term 3, St Francis of Assisi school in Mairehau form new friendships and get to know others in our hosted the Catholic Schools Lit Quiz. It was an all day Catholic community. It was a great day and all of the teams event consisting of ten rounds of questions. It included competed really well. We were proud of all their efforts! knowledge of books such as 'Crenshaw' by Katherine First place, Our Lady of Victories, 'Salmon;’ Second place, Applegate, 'The Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson, Our Lady of Victories, 'The Skodi Peasants;’ and third place, 'The Telegram' by Philippa Weary, 'Stuart Little' by E.B. Christ the King, 'We're Lit!'. White and 'First to the Top' by David Hill. There was also a Religious Education round based on Catholic Social Jess Coad Teaching principles as well as a bonus round where all St Mary's, Manchester Street of the children competed in mixed teams so they could
First Place Second Place Third Place Our Lady of Victories ‘Salmon’ Our Lady of Victories ‘The Skodi Peasants’ Christ the King ‘We’re Lit!’ 29 young adults
with lots of craziness and enthusiasm and a dance party on the Saturday night. The weekend featured dynamic speakers and touching spiritual moments, with Mass, Praise and Worship and time for reflection. On the Saturday night, five simple but profound reflection stations were set up to take our Young Adults on a Mini 'faith journey', leading them through to a new 'deepness' in their relationship with Jesus. "Journey to the Father is one of the best retreats I have ever attended." wrote Josef. "It was great to forget about life for a wee bit and enjoy a weekend of inspiring talks, reflection, fellowship, and of course, loads of fun. This weekend gave me the chance to listen to young people from various backgrounds share their story of their journey to the Father, whether "My Peace I give to you" was our "get away from it all" for a weekend they were just starting off, or still theme for this year's 'Journey' young of fellowship, inspiration and prayer. continuing." he added. adults retreat. The Wainui YMCA Among the sixty who joined us for the centre in Banks Peninsula was indeed weekend were lots of new faces. Our Many thanks to everyone who a gorgeous, peaceful setting for organising and service team worked supported this retreat. We are really us to Journey to the Father. In late hard to ensure we had a wonderful excited to continue to journey with August, the Catholic Youth Team weekend packed with lots of different our wonderful young adults and (CYT) with the Tertiary Chaplaincy activities. There was something for support them in their faith journey in Team organised our annual diocesan everyone with social highlights such the years ahead. weekend retreat for young adults. It as: the Friday night quiz, an Amazing gave young people an opportunity to race where participants joined in Avina Gonsalves
Sports Night 2019 There is nothing quite like the buzz subsequent loss of many points. new teams from a broader range of of a hall packed with happy and They ended the night in last place parishes. We thank everyone who enthusiastic young people. There was and were awarded the Sports Night supported and sponsored us again a definite buzz in late August on the wooden spoon. this year. We especially thank the evening of our annual Catholic Youth many young adult volunteers who Team (CYT) Sports Night. Adding to St Anne’s STAY youth group won first give so generously of their time and the voices of our young ones were prize with Christ The King Burnside energy to make these events happen. the cheeky, over-confident voices of winning the best team costume For a video package of Sports a team of six clergy. Our latest event category for the second year in a row. Night 2019 highlights, see the CYT almost doubled the number of last We saw many new faces and lots of Facebook page. year’s competitors: 28 teams, over 170 competitors, and a fantastic team of volunteers and supporters. Our Diocesan Sports Night is a fun youth event for years 7-13 students and is based on fellowship and community. Our young people are able to encounter each other in an informal setting and compete for the Sports Night Shield. Along with our team of six local priests, three interfaith teams joined us with the aim of building positive connections across the community. Of course, good sportsmanship and team spirit is a critical aspect of the night. It seems our priests lost sight of this ingredient as their overly “Cheeky, over-confident...overly competitive…” competitive natures led to alleged The team of six clergy came in last place and misbehaviour on the court and the St Anne’s STAY youth group won first place were awarded the Sports Night wooden spoon 30 The Adventures of Mission Team in Term 3 young adults
Mission Team at St Mary’s Primary School, Hokitika
We began our term with a week work with young people in of retreat at Replenish Centre. We those communities.” Olivia wanted to re-align ourselves with - “Spending the weekend in what God is calling us to do for the Fairlie, being able to see that rest of the year and in our future part of the South Island and endeavours. hanging out with the other We then headed off on a three week volunteers.” Ben - “Going round the We are looking forward to the final road trip beginning at Timaru’s South Island visiting all the different months of Youth Mission Team 2019. Roncalli College and then to Pleasant places and seeing the vibrant small If you are Year 13 or older and want to point for the Mary MacKillop day. We communities.” For myself, “Being able explore your faith and have a passion then drove on to Fairlie where we ran to be a tourist in my own country, just for working with youth, you should a session for students of St Joseph’s seeing how beautiful the South Island really consider applying for Mission Primary School. We then started our is and on the way, meeting such kind Team 2020 at www.cyt.org.nz. journey to Hokitika where we joined and loving families in our Catholic St Mary’s Primary school for the week, communities.” Hinekawa Wilson-Munday running sessions with each class and a retreat for the year 7 and 8 students on the theme of Trust. The next week saw us in Greymouth at John Paul II High School where we helped them with music for their upcoming school Mass. After a full on three weeks of ministry, we came home and attended Journey to the Father, refuelling our spiritual tanks before the next phase of youth ministry. Recently we offered retreats for the wonderful young women in year 10 at Marian College, where the theme was “Be the Change.” As I write to you, we are preparing for Revolution camp. I asked our team members what their highlights were this term and this is what they had to say: Melevesi - “Our visit to Fairlie, awesome people, pies, seeing snow fall for the first time and swimming in the freezing Lake Tekapo.” Sarah - “Being able to go into the primary schools and 31 What’s on
150th Celebrations St John the Evangelist Leeston Parish
Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Paul on Sunday 8 December @ 10am, lunch to follow. Please register for lunch @[email protected] for luncheon numbers or phone 021 024 36762. Past Parishioners and Families of very welcome.
A quarterly Rosary House Spiritual Life Centre Events newsletter published Please book with Rosary House Spiritual Life Centre by the Catholic Bishop (03) 379 1298 or [email protected] of Christchurch Please attach your high resolution images or send us a link to a file Prayer Series Advent Retreat sharing website. Do not embed Tues 22 and 29 Oct Fri 29 Nov 6.45pm and Sat 30 Nov images in your article. 10.30 - 11.30am 9.30am - 4.00pm JPEG format is most suitable for Group silent prayer facilitated by Sr Presentations led by Joy Ryan- photos. Mary Catherwood. At Te Manawa Bloore and time for reflection at Please identify people featured Atawhai Catherine McAuley Mary Potter Community Centre, in images and where images are Centre, Villa Maria College. 442 Durham St North. Suggested taken. contribution $60. Bring own lunch. Deadline for next issue: Friday 15 November 2019 Sunday Scripture Series Contributions may be sent at any Gospel according to Matthew Year A time to: Wed 13 Nov, 7.30pm - 9.00pm The Editor, PO Box 4544, Christchurch 8140. Presenter Sr Kathleen Rushton RSM. Preparation for gospel readings for new liturgical year beginning in Advent. At Te Manawa Atawhai Catherine 3) 595 5934 Phone: (0 (Editor) McAuley Centre, Villa Maria College. www.chchcatholic.nz Email: [email protected] 32