iinformnform ISSUE 61 June 2005 Newsletter of the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch Farewell Welcome
Pope John Paul 11 Pope Benedict XVI A man of faith A man of faith A man with a great love of God A man with a great love of God A man who knew Jesus A man who desires to be close to Jesus A man with great devotion to Mary A man with a true devotion to Mary A man of courage A man of humility A man of compassion A man of gentleness A man of insight A man who loves the truth A man of vision A man who is strong and resolute A man of conviction A man of learning and knowledge A man of strength A man of wide experience A man of peace A man who desires to reach out to all people Truly a man of God. Truly a man of God. Many are calling him ʻPope John Paul the Greatʼ May the Holy Spirit protect and guide him as our chief May he rest in Peace. shepherd. May the Holy Spirit shine through him for all to see. Amen. Feast of Corpus Christi A special centenary Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on this day. The celebrant was Archbishop John Dew. Our Bishop John presided and Bishops Colin Campbell and Denis Browne were concelebrants. The photo shows them preparing to enter the Cathedral for the Mass. Bishops left to right are: Bishop John Cunneen, Archbishop John Dew and Bishops Denis Browne and Colin Campbell. Also in the photo are the administrator of the Cathedral and the Vicar General of the Diocese.
1 Interview with Bishop John His stroke and how it has too many hours and could have kept aff ected him. in better shape. “Some weeks before I had been at On the night of his stroke, Bishop a conference and I was able to say, John Cunneen lay asleep in ʻIʼm now 70 years old and have Christchurch Hospital, cradled in never had a day in hospital. But one the arms of God, unaware of the day I might make up for lost timeʼ. I gloomy prognosis of ward staff. didnʼt realise it was going to happen The Bishop had given himself up quite so quickly.” completely to the will of God and Bishop John cannot say enough to only later did he discover how close praise the hospital staff and to thank he had come to leaving this world family, friends and diocesan staff for the next. for their support during his illness “Iʼve since learnt that a couple of and convalescence. He had two young doctors at the hospital told weeks in Christchurch Hospital and the chaplain that night that they then 10 weeks at Princess Margaret didnʼt expect me to live through the Hospital. night.” He says his faith never wavered Bishop John, now 73, says he was the recent Centennial Mass at the during the diffi cult early days and aware that things were not right Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament clearly recalls his arrival at hospital when he had the stroke in July 2003 (May 29) that a search was under and receiving the sacrament of the and remained fully conscious of way to name a co-adjutor bishop for anointing of the sick from chaplain what was happening around him on the diocese, who would eventually Father Kevin OʼGrady. being taken to hospital and admitted take over as bishop. “I made an act there. At the fi ve-yearly his faith never of contrition, While he realised how incapacitated visit of New knowing that he was, he says he suffered no pain Zealandʼs bishops to the Lord would and was at peace with himself. He Rome in September wavered during the look after me. did not doubt that he would recover, last year, Bishop The chaplain but was philosophical that God John sought advice diffi cult early days brought me would look after him whether he on what could be done. communion every day – that was a lived or died. “I asked the late Pope (John Paul II) great comfort to me – and there was “I knew that things would work out for help and he said yes. Mass in the hospital on Saturday the way they were meant to. There “Iʼm not as effective and effi cient afternoons at 4 oʼclock.” was a sense of frustration, yes, but in my movements as I was. For Bishop John says he is looking Iʼm fortunate to have the sort of the good of the diocese and the forward to his golden jubilee as a temperament that enables me to say, importance of Episcopal leadership priest next year. ʻif this is what the Lord wants from in the diocese, I need help. The “I have been a bishop for 12 years me, then so be itʼ. assistant bishop will and a priest for 49 years. A bishop “Iʼm not a pessimist. I “they didn’t need to fi nd his feet as a retires at 75. I would have liked to woke up and Iʼm alive bishop, then I will step complete that, but itʼs not to be.” – praise the Lord.” expect me to down.” Paul Gorman Bishop John now The Bishop will not put a senses the time has live through date on that, but says as a come to move on to retired bishop he will still the next stage of life. want to be able to help He has made a good the night.” out in the diocese as he recovery and has learned to write can. left-handed, but still has to take a His stroke came out of the blue. handful of tablets each day, has had Bishop John had enjoyed generally to give up driving, and tires easily. good health, although he realises For those reasons, he announced at now he had perhaps been working
2 He established a presbytery and convent and built up a thriving parish community in the busy township. There this big, but gentle man, this humble and holy priest was held in the highest esteem by the whole community. After Twizel he served as the parish priest of Mairehau, Hokitika, Waimate, Ashburton and fi nally Greymouth The Reverend Father where he was at the same time parish priest of Cobden- Bill Grounds died peacefully Runanga and Grey Valley parishes. In all of these parishes in Christchurch Hospital on he was the loved pastor and wise mentor, a devoted priest Sunday April 16, 2005. His and a friend to so many. health had been gradually He served for many years on the Council of Priests and deteriorating over recent years as a Bishopʼs Consultor as well as being a member of the and took a decisive turn for the Clergy Car Committee. worst when he was on holiday His funeral was celebrated with a Vigil Mass in Greymouth with priest friends towards the and the Requiem Mass at the Cathedral in Christchurch on end of January this year. In April Wednesday April 20th. Since then a Monthʼs Mind Mass he underwent major surgery from has been celebrated at Ashburton and also at Papanui which he never really recovered. where he was baptised. Fr. Bill was ordained a priest of our At these Masses the attendance of his family and diocese of Christchurch on July 2nd 1961. He served as many friends, and so many people from near and far, assistant priest in Hokitika, Ashburton, Bryndwr, Rangiora parishioners and former parishioners from all over the and Mairehau parishes. diocese and from further afi eld was a much more eloquent In 1971 he was appointed the fi rst parish priest of the new tribute to this quiet, good man and holy priest, than any town of Twizel. This was a centre for a Hydro Electric words might be. Project entailing a vast network of canals, dams and power May he now rest peacefully in the fullness of Life with the stations in the MacKenzie Basin. Initially he lived in a small, Lord he so faithfully served. cold one room hut in the single menʼs camp, sharing with them the communal facilities. It was a Spartan existence.
Tertiary Chaplaincy Team
In early March Bishop John came to the chapel at Rochester and Rutherford Hall to commission the newly appointed Tertiary Chaplaincy Team. During the Mass he installed them and presented them with certifi cates of offi ce. He also gave to Vincent Chia, the coordinator, a simple wooden cross to be held in the chaplaincy centre, Kolbe House. He told them it was a symbol of the service they were undertaking, which was ʻto take up the cross and follow Jesusʼ as they endeavoured to bring the Good News to the Tertiary Institutes. Team members left to right are Keeren The team ministers to Lincoln and Canterbury University and the Christchurch Flanagan, Vincent Chia (coordinator) School of Education. Through the coordinator they are accountable to the Director and Sam Flores. They can be contacted of the Diocesan Youth Team. They are encouraged to work closely with the Tertiary at Kolbe House, 5 Rountree Street. Priest Chaplain, Fr. Mike Doyle. Phone 348-8882 or Email: [email protected] Young Catholic Adults This group of young professional men and women have decided to meet every week to do bible study, discuss the teachings of the Catholic Church and pray. In this photo there are six doctors, a lawyer/accountant and a dentist. Although they lead such busy lives they make the time to be together because of their desire to learn and to grow in faith.
3 Passionist Family Group Movement Assisting him were local parish priest, members fruitful if Jesus is not Master. A Fr. Tom Power and one of the NZ fl exible but defi nite structure is needed Directors for the Movement, to maintain the space whereby people Lynn Hill. can grow in love and fellowship.”
Murray and Aileen Straight have been Also a few weeks later eighty people stalwarts of the PFGM for many years from the Canterbury and Nelson regions in Dunedin but are now resident in gathered at Pudding Hill near Methven, Christchurch. They have committed the weekend before Easter, for their themselves to their new role for four annual Passionist Family Group years. Supporting them are Regional Movement formation weekend. Twelve Co-ordinators in Christchurch, parishes from Timaru in the south to The Passionist Family Group Movement Dunedin and Invercargill whose job it Nelson in the north were represented. has installed its inaugural directors for is to liase with and provide Passionist It was an enjoyable and truly formative the South Island. Murray and Aileen formation to Parish Co-ordinators and time away and the participants were Straight were commissioned at a Mass family group members throughout each especially grateful to Fr. Brian Traynor at St. Peterʼs , Beckenham, Christchurch region. who made a trip over to lead this on Sunday 27 February with PFGM co- weekend when the original leader ordinators from around Christchurch, To quote Fr. Brian Traynor at was unable to come because of an Ashburton and Dunedin in attendance. the commissioning ceremony in emergency. Passionist Director, Fr. Brian Traynor, Christchurch, “....remember that no CP travelled across from Sydney laws, no rules or discussions can keep specially for the commissioning. a community in harmony and make the
Th e National Council of Faith & Light New Zealand Commissioned Mary De Leijer as the National Coordinator of Faith & Light for the next three years recently. Mary and her husband Jos, who are parishioners of Papanui Parish, joined Faith & Light fourteen years ago. Their son Marc who has intellectual disability, is an important part of the Cornerstone Community in Christchurch. Thank you Mary for your “Yes” to the call to shepherd the Faith & Light communities in New Zealand.
We Can Get Lost. Italian Pilgrimage “All of us can get lost at times, lost Unsung Servants within ourselves or lost in the world. 2005 Pat and Betty Barry have shared Allow Christ to fi nd you, to speak to you, the responsibilities of being to ask of you whatever He wants.” Fr Chris Friel will be leading a 22 Verger of the Cathedral for close John Paul 11, N.Z 1986 day pilgrimage tour returning to on thirteen years. They have Italy and Croatia in September. been generous with their time Do you recognise this priest? The next pilgrimage starts in Rome and service which is always with four nights accommodation given courteously and with right beside St Peters. We have sensitivity. nights in Assisi, Florence, Venice and Cassino and visit some beautiful hilltop towns along the Well done Pat and Betty. You way. On to Medjugorie and then have given much to the life of Padre Pioʼs santuary, Casino, Church in Christchurch. Rome and home. To find out more or for a registration form phone: Peter Fleming on 0800 356 728 or write to PO Box 11458, Ellerslie, Auckland.
The answer is on the back page. 4 parishes. We became involved with Catholic Evangelisation Services in the UK and have seen from the beginning the development of the CaFE (Catholic Faith Exploration) programme. CaFE Faith Development is a process with huge potentials, which aims to create discipleship, Ministries community and evangelisation both FDM was founded in 1992 by us, on a personal and parish level. We are Graeme & Hanka Scott, (parishioners available to speak to parish groups to at Christ the King parish) while living advise on the best ways to introduce in the UK with the aim of encouraging and use the CaFE and Alpha resources People gathering in the Cathedral for a Christians in their spiritual growth. to achieve the maximum results. As Requiem Mass for Pope John Paul 11. During that time we were involved new resources develop we want to with various church ministries. In make them available to the churches. 1994 we attended Alpha Conference The most recent resource that we have at Holy Trinity Brompton in London. been promoting is the Feast of Faith by Of Th e Month It introduced us to a simple but very a Catholic theologian Dr DʼAmbrosio Quote effective, non-threatening and exciting on the subject of the Eucharist. Other Evangelism. way of presenting the Gospel of Christ services we offer are one day and By theologian Cardinal Jose da Cruz to non-Christians. We started running weekend retreats. Faith development is Policarpo. Patriach of Lisbon Alpha Courses. We ran the fi rst Alpha a life-time process and is as necessary course in a Catholic church in the to our soul as food and drink are to our “The Church cannot rely solely south of England. On our return to bodies. For further information Graeme on theology in getting the Gospel NZ in 1996 we were appointed Alpha & Hanka can be contacted on: across to people. Advisors for the Canterbury region and Evangelism must come from, we introduced Alpha to the Catholic Phone: 03 383 7994 above all, the deep experience churches in Christchurch by running a E-mail: [email protected] of living the love of God and the course for representatives from different Website: www.fdm.org.nz Holy Spirit”, he said. “On the surface of it such an approach might seem simple, but people must be courageous and have the daring to pay visible witness to the Gospel in daily life. Cathedral Model There is no room for a Christian to stay hidden or confi ned to This model was made by ʻinside the Church”. He said. Mr. Todd Hall. You can see it inside the Cathedral at the back North West Corner.
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5 PParishesarishes
Harold Thomas Wilkins -celebrated his 90th Birthday at Our Lady of Fatima Church on Sunday with a Mass and morning tea. There were many of Harry's friends, family Kumara and fellow parishioners present at both On 22 May the parish held its presentation the Mass and function afterwards. The of the Centennial Medals. The two mass celebrated the feast of the Ascension, recipients were Mary Thomson and Lesley Mother's Day and Harry's 90th all in one. OʼNeill. They have, over the years, greatly The whole congregation sang Happy contributed to the life of the parish and Birthday to Harry at the conclusion of the community. This has gone a long way mass. to ensure that all past contributions by At the morning tea that followed in the religious and laity have been preserved and parish centre people enjoyed a chat and a continued. We congratulate both recipients bite to eat followed by a few brief speeches- of these medals. They are well deserved. all of which highlighted Harry's strong Fr. Peter Costello presented the medals at Catholic faith, his work with the Legion of the end of the Mass after which we gathered Mary for over 69 years and his many other for morning tea. helpful deeds including volunteer work for The St. Vincent de Paul Society. Harry is a Murtha Punch Family Reunion, man who has lived his faith for all of those 90 years and is renowned for doing so with 120 members of the Murtha and Punch humbleness. families attended our reunion, held on the Harry's wife Patricia departed this world West Coast in January 2005. The Murthaʼs two and a half years ago but it was lovely to came to Ross from Howth, Dublin in the Hinds see all of their 8 children and most of their 1860ʼs. The Punchʼs came from Cappamore, St Itaʼs Church, many grandchildren and great grandchildren Ireland in 1875. Initial descendants of the Bishop John Cunneen and Monsignor James present at this Mass and morning tea. family lived in Ross, Hokitika and Kumara, Harrington celebrated the fi nal Mass in St and family members are now spread across Itaʼs Church at Hinds on May 1. New Zealand and Australia. After 94 years, declining congregations and Beckenham The Reunion was a great success. Friday fewer priests had seen Mass celebrated at night was a conversazione at the Union St Itaʼs only once a month, resulting in the Hotel, in Greymouth, which was a great decision to close the church. No decision has chance to meet all relatives. On Saturday we went to the Greymouth Historic Museum, been made about the future of the building, and then to the Kumara races, followed by although it is hoped a compatible use can be a family dinner in the evening. On Sunday, found for it. the real highlight was Mass celebrated by St Itaʼs was built at Hinds, the half way Fr Peter Costello at St Patrickʼs Church in point between Ashburton and the southern Kumara. Various family members had been boundary of the Ashburton parish in 1911, parishioners here from the 1880ʼs until 2002. after new desks installed at the local school It was wonderful to be in this very special made it diffi cult to continue celebrating and historic church. From here we went to Mass in that building. the Kumara Cemetery where we dedicated Parish priest at the time, Dean James a plaque and tree, and remembered many of OʼDonnell, dedicated the church to St Ita, our family who are buried there. Our fi nal patron of his native county, Limerick, as event was a luncheon, with entertainment he had earlier done in 1894 when St Itaʼs provided by family members in the Kumara church at Rakaia was built. Eighty Five Years Young Memorial Hall. Monsignor Thomas Power A big thank you to Fr Peter Costello and the At 85 Tom. Power is an active and vibrant Kumara parish for joining our celebrations. parish priest of the Beckenham parish. He From left to right Mairehau says that at one stage in his priesthood he Lynaire Ryan, Aileen Ryan and Father Peter Our thoughts from Our Lady of Fatima was in danger of being lost in the need for Costello at the unveiling ceremony Parish at the beginning of our Parish news good administration and order in the Church, are sad thoughts as we remember Father at the expense of realising he and the people Bill Grounds who served our community in he serves are all the people of God fi lled such a priestly and friendly way. with the Spirit of the Lord. Those who We remember too with great sadness Dr know him now see him as a true servant of David Burke who was a wonderful caring God who is very aware of the dignity and doctor to so many of our parishioners. May call of the laity. A man of the Spirit. God reward them both for the love and care Born in Greymouth in1920 he went on to they showed us in so many ways. study for the priesthood at Mosgiel after May 13 we celebrated the feast of Our Lady some years in the workforce. He was of Fatima. How beautifully the church was ordained in Greymouth on 26-7-53. A man decorated with the childrenʼs art and how of his talents has been called on to serve well they sang at Mass. Our thanks to Mr in many parishes and ministries within the Aberhart for inviting the parishioners to Church. He was priest in the following share in the childrenʼs celebrations at the parishes Grey Valley, Ashburton, Chatham school. Islands, St Albans, Kaiapoi and Beckenham. He was also chaplain at Burnham Military Congratulations too to Pita Makalio who Camp and to the Sisters of the Good had the title of ʻMatai ʼconferred on him in Shepherd and the St John of God Brothers. Samoa. How appropriate it was that all his For a number of years he guided the Catholic family were there to share this great honour. Education Offi ce through very diffi cult For their generous service to our Parish the times. He was the inspiration behind the whole family could indeed be honoured. setting up what is known as the Priests
6 Rosary House. Come Aside and Rest Awhile 'I am with you' Allowance Board, which set up a fair and June 17-19 Rosary House Team just system for remuneration for diocesan Hokitika A gentle time in Christ's presence. Spend priests. A founding member of this Board When the old a weekend in silence to relax, read, walk, in 1972 he is still a member today. All Convent Site contemplate and be at peace. Individual priests have a great debt of gratitude to him became available guidance available. for his unstinting service to them in this in the early eighties capacity. He was also Chancellor of the Maurice Roberts A Weekend with Jean Vanier Diocese during Bishop Ashbyʼs time. and Fr. Bill June 24-26 In 1976 he was named a Domestic Prelate Middleton worked Fr. Roderick Milne SM and Elaine Swain with the title of Monsignor. He wears this and negotiated An opportunity to refl ect on some sections of the honour lightly and still prefers to be called the building of Gospel of St John, with Jean Vanier, in a new ʻFather Tomʼ. nine fl ats to house series of videos produced for Canadian TV. The the elderly of weekend led by Elaine Swain and Fr.Roderick It is said by many that Fr. Tom seemed Milne SM COME AND SEE. to take on a new lease of life in his mid our parish. This seventies. He seemed to become more free, wonderful facility, open, tolerant and understanding. Some known as St. Enneagram One Maryʼs Village, July 5 & 7 Joan McFetridge would say that heʼs taken the words of Pope 5.30 - 9.30pm both evenings John XX111 to heart, when he said “the has been in existence for 22 years. During Cost $55. Bring a snack for tea. Tea and coffee Church must open wide its window and let that time Maurice Roberts has worked provided. the Holy Spirit in”. untiringly negotiating loans & payments to Thank you Fr. Tom. A true servant maintain the fl ats and pay them off. This was Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) still serving in the Lordʼs fi elds, with fi nally done this month and Maurice, who October 11 & 18 July 28 August 4,11,18,25 joy in your heart, at 85 years of age. has been chairman of the Trust over these An understanding of personality types. years, chaired his last meeting on May 11th. Cost $60. Tea and coffee provided. Our thanks and gratitude go out to him for Burnside Parish. the mammoth work he has done. Maurice Guided Retreat has been a recipient of one of the Cathedral September 5 - 12 Fr John O'Connor Christ the King, Centenary medals, for parish service. He is These days will provide encouragement to grow also a Justice of the Peace and a member of in awareness of the presence and action of the Sunday Prayer and Holy Spirit with you in every moment. Praise has begun. the New Zealand Order of Merit. Sunday evenings A new committee now takes over St. 6.30 – 8.00 pm. Maryʼs Village Trust. We wish the past and For bookings and registration contact present committees Godʼs blessing for the Rosary House Spiritual Life Centre A chance for wonderful work they do. Phone (03) 379 1298 prayer, scripture and opportunity for prayer in teams. Burwood. This is for all, the faithful, those Holy Family Parish coming to faith and launched the CaFE programme with an those returning to attendance (approx 50 ) which far exceeded the faith, those from other faiths. our expectations. If you wish to join in any of the ministries Now into our fourth week, attendance has we welcome you: hospitality, music, remained steady and our Parishioners are welcome, prayer. A written evaluation is invited and appreciated really enjoying the sessions, as well as the at the conclusion. Bishop John has given his opportunity of meeting and socialising with blessing to this venture in and for the diocese, other members of the Parish. especially around Christchurch. We would like to acknowledge the help and Those of us who have attended have indeed guidance given to us by Janet Archer of been blessed because we came. Christ the King Parish and Graeme Scott of The photo shows Graeme Scott preparing On Thursday 5th May, after months of Faith Development Ministries. to lead the music at the fi rst gathering. praying and planning, Holy Family Parish
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Seeking Th e Truth Th at Makes Us Free – Th e Witness Of John Paul II Something of the impact Pope John Paul II Arguably, the most creative and original Meantime, itʼs worth refl ecting on how made on our world became evident, quite of all Pope John Paul IIʼs extensive and wonderfully John Paul II witnessed to this startlingly so, at the time of his death and profound teaching is his “ theology of teaching that we are created male and during the days of mourning that followed. the body”. It explores in new depth female and our witnessing to Christ needs Newspaper space and cyberspace alike what Revelation tells us about the human to refl ect our different ways of doing this. were fi lled with tributes and attempts to personʼs embodiedness, as critical to our As much as being a husband and father assess his “legacy”. understanding and relationship to the requires total self-giving from a man, so s home in 1999, playing dominos with ʼ His concern for all kinds of human world; and therefore about the central, also does celibate priesthood. John Paul freedom was constantly extolled - for pervasive, fundamental importance of our II was the very image of a specifi cally freedom of conscience, freedom from sexuality to our identity as human persons. masculine courage and energy and political oppression, for freedom from This understanding hugely exalts the faithfulness in fulfi lling the responsibilities hunger; and the contribution he made to dignity and importance of sexual love. It that love had laid upon him. This was bringing down the Communist regime in also makes clear that achieving its fullness very obvious in the years of his vigour eastern Europe was always recalled. So requires self-mastery, in a relationship of and vitality. But it was even more so in was his compassion for the poor. total mutual self-giving. This clearly runs his determination to struggle on, sick, Less talked about was his passion for clean counter to all the gender creativity, debilitated, disfi gured, in obedience, to the truth, unsurprisingly in our world which and the assumption that sex is solely for end. doesnʼt acknowledge absolute truth the individualʼs gratifi cation, currently Pope John Paul II witnessed to all women exists. Yet John Paul IIʼs whole life was pervasive in western society. and men the freedom and fullness of life about truth. He was a philosopher and a John Paul IIʼs theology of the body is Christ offers his followers. But surely his theologian and as such concerned with dense as well as profound. Most Catholics witness must be uniquely comforting and intellectual truths. But before everything seem not to have heard of it, though, strengthening for those who, like him, have else, and with his whole being, he was blessedly, the young are grasping its gifted themselves to celibate priesthood, a lover of the Truth, the Truth who sets signifi cance for their lives and seeking to and have in John Paul II an incomparable us free, who is our way and our life, the absorb its richness. It could in time cast contemporary model? person of Christ. new light on most aspects of Catholic The gift he had made of his whole being theology. B.OʼDowd to following Christ defi ned and identifi ed our late Holy Father. It was the truth of the love of the triune God, revealed by Christ, that he strove to share with all those Inform Christʼs own heart reached out to. He A quarterly published by the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch. offered the witness of love as total self-gift, Deadline for the next issue will be 20th August 2005 the only love which truly does set us free. Send material to The Editor, young Sebastian. He is now our Pope Benedict XVI The answer to the photo question is. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, visiting a friend The answer to the photo question is. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 252 A Ilam Road, Christchurch 8005, Phone (03)351-3291, Fax (03)351-9912, Email: [email protected] Diocesan Web page: www.chch.catholic.org.nz 8