Child Workers Worry Delegates

Th e Mo n t h l y Ma g a z i n e f o r t h e Ca t h o l i c s o f t h e Du n e d i n Di o c e s e h e a b l e t AprilT 2008 T Issue No 131 Child workers worry delegates CWL remit urges stricter laws to help young people By GILLIAN VINE CHILDREN who work delivering pamphlets and other material need the same level of protection as adults but are not getting it, the Catholic Women’s League says. A remit before the CWL diocesan conference in Mosgiel on March 30 called on CWL New Zealand to “establish policy that the Government set in place regulations governing a code of best practice for the employment of children in delivery work”. “Any industry based on child labour, no matter how willing the participants, has a very high level of moral responsibility to ensure that they are well-treat- ed,” an explanatory note said. “Children are our most vulnerable workers. They deserve at least the same protection as that received by adults.” The rationale was that children would be better protected if there was “a mini- Celebrating youth: Concluding a successful preparation day at Holy Cross mum age of employment (or staggered Centre, World Youth Day pilgrims walked in procession from Kavanagh Col- age entry to different types of work) lege to St Joseph’s Cathedral for a Vigil Mass on the eve of Palm Sunday. and a minimum wage tied to the age of Christian, the Cross-bearer, led the procession, followed by Bishop entry to the workforce”. Colin Campbell (right, partly obscured). Concelebrants at the Mass included The remit divided speakers from Fr Michael Hishon (left) and WYD diocesan co-ordinator Fr Vaughan Leslie among the 70 women representing 16 (second from left). More on WYD08 on page15. of the diocese’s 17 CWL branches. Moving the St Patrick’s Invercargill branch remit, Ann McRandle said children who delivered pamphlets and In this issue… other material needed better work- Walking together...... 2 New Verdon block...... pages 6-9 place conditions. CWL conference...... 3 Stamps for the Vinnies...... 11 Companies employing children Those new deadly sins...... 4 WYD08 day...... 15 page 3➤ School rolls ...... 5 High on religion...... 16 The Tablet April 2008 Ecumenical groups walk together on Good Friday By GILLIAN VINE AN INTER-DENOMINATIONAL approach was a feature of walks with large cross- es on Good Friday. In Dunedin, about 200 people took part in the walk through North East Valley to a service at the Botanic Gar- den. As in previous years, people joined the procession as it passed their churches. Sacred Heart parish priest Fr Aidan Cunningham (pictured second from right) and a group of parishioners were among those who walked with the cross. In Mosgiel, the 3m pine cross carried by volunteers through the town to St Luke’s Anglican Church had special sig- nificance as it was made about 30 years ago by seminarians at Holy Cross Col- lege. “The walk used to start at Green Island and we walked to St Mary’s in Mosgiel,” Immaculate Conception Mosgiel parish assistant Sr Noreen McGrath p b v m said. “The walk started at 9 o’clock and we got to Mosgiel at That long Good Friday walk was discontinued in the late 12,” she said. Sr Noreen recalled walking with the cross from 1990s but in 2000 the Taieri Ministers Association decided to Green Island to Mosgiel in 1993. revive the tradition in a walk through Mosgiel. “It’s appropriate that the ceremony takes in many of the Christian denominations nowadays, as we walk as one and all belong to Christ,” Sr Noreen said. In Queenstown, about 60 people gathered after Mass at St Joseph’s Church to carry a cross through the town’s streets. In North Otago, 20 people took part in a Hampden pilgrimage, carrying a cross between the Catholic, Anglican and Presbyterian churches, then on to the beach for readings and hymns, while Oamaru’s ecumenical Walk of the Cross attracted more than 100 people. A small group carried a cross in Balclutha.

Masses of the Oils celebrated “WHAT better time than Holy Week to look at how we resemble Jesus?” Bishop Colin Campbell asked at the Mass of Chrism in St Joseph’s Cathedral on March 19. At the Mass priests from Dunedin, South Otago and North Otago renewed their vows, and oils to be used in sacra- ments were consecrated. It was one of three Masses of the Oils celebrated in the diocese. The others were in Gore and Alexandra on March 17 and 18. Bishop Campbell spoke of the different roles of priests and laity “but the vocation of both is discipleship”. The priests jointly stood to renew their vows, then the bishop and then the priests and people stood and together said: “We dedicate our lives and talents to your service.” Parishes and chaplains were presented with oils by the bishop.

2 April 2008 The Tablet Child employment remit passed Bishop’s Diary ➤ from page 1 The remit was carried 14-1 with three “abdicated responsibility to parents or abstentions. guardians”, Mrs McRandle said. The diocesan conference considered APRIL-MAY “But there are a lot of children out two Alexandra remits, one calling for April 20-25 – New Zealand Bishops’ there who do not have the support of babies to be entitled to a minimum of Conference in Wellington May 2 – Catholic Development Fund their parents,” she said. five home visits by a Plunket nurse be- meeting; Board of Management The branch wanted “household poverty fore the age of one year. meeting addressed, so that children do not have Speaking to her branch’s remit, Mar- May 17 – Diocesan finance seminar to work to supplement family income”. kelle Ward said Plunket nurses going Ann McCarthy, of St Therese Inver- into homes could reach people who cargill, told the meeting she had re- did not go to parenting courses and searched the issue and although there this contact could identify problems Plea for vulnerable was some legislation, a union official before they became serious. LEADERS of the Catholic Church and described children’s employment as The remit was carried. other denominations, meeting with the “an area not black and white, but quite The other remit callied for CWLNZ to New Zealand Council of Christian Social grey”. “establish a policy that all drivers be re- Services, are calling for more care for the She was concerned about what quired to undergo a defensive driving most vulnerable in society. would happen if the remit went for- course as part of the process in gaining The Churches are launching a pro- ward for ratification by the national a restricted driver’s licence”. gramme called “Aroha tetahi ki tetahi: Let conference later this year. “Many [new drivers] have had little, if us look after one another”. “Who’s going to suffer? These young any, formal training.,” Deirdre Jolly said Over the next few months parishes will people might lose their employment in presenting the remit. be sent posters and pamphlets about the and many come from families that Kath O’Kane, of Andersons Bay, ar- five priority areas of concern: support for need the money.” gued that raising the age at which peo- families and communities to nurture and In response, Mrs McRandle said: ple could get licences would be a more protect children, dignity for an ageing “We’re not against children working. effective safety measure. population, poverty elimination, access We’re looking at a code of practice … The remit was carried, 16-1, with one to affordable housing, and support for to protect them.” abstention. community-based solutions.

Marys and Marthas By GILLIAN VINE “HAVING a Mary Spirit in a Martha World” is the CWL’s theme for the next two years. At the diocesan conference in Mos- giel, Kay Blackburn, of Invercargill, gave members a thought-provoking presentation. Delegates then were asked if they were Marys or Marthas. Mrs Blackburn developed her theme of the importance and responsibilities of discipleship, and how – although “Martha’s tasks were far from trivial” – she was unable to prioritise. “Jesus was telling Martha to get her priorities in order,” Mrs Blackburn said. She struck a chord with her audi- ence when she said women often felt “overburdened, overworked and overwhelmed”, juggling tasks and The deadline for the May issue is Wednes- responsibilities. day, April 30. Please send all contributions to “God asks us to help others but not the editor, Gillian Vine, 26 Franklin St, Dalmore, Dunedin 9010; to take on all their burdens.” phone 021-705-708; fax 03-474-5758; email [email protected].

3 The Tablet April 2008 Light of the Storm over new deadly sins London: Despite huge newspaper headlines from the secular press such headlines and excited TV newscasts as “Recycle or go to Hell, warns Vatican” World Radio around the world, reports that the and “Littering new deadly sin”. From 4-5 pm, every Sunday Vatican has selected seven new deadly In London, one leading national on 1575 kHz, HillsAM sins, including littering and economic newspaper, The Times, headlined its inequality, have been denied. report “Seven new deadly sins: are you April The Episcopal Conference of Eng- guilty?” and quoted Bishop Girotti as saying: “You offend God not only by 20 – A Vatican Radio miscellany, in- land and Wales released a statement stealing, blaspheming or coveting your cluding reports on landmines and clarifying that an interview with Bishop Gianfranco Girotti, regent of the Tri- neighbour’s wife, but also by ruining cluster bombs, and a brief look bunal of the Apostolic Penitentiary, the environment, carrying out morally at the encyclical Rerum Novarum. was misinterpreted in the media as an debatable scientific experiments, or Kevin Flaherty reads chapter 5 of official Vatican update to the seven allowing genetic manipulations which The Snakebite Letters, and Mike deadly sins, laid out by Pope Gregory alter DNA or compromise embryos.” Aquilina and Dr Scott Hahn con- the Great in the sixth century. The Times said Pope Benedict XVI had tinue the series Lord Have Mercy. “The Vatican has not published a new “complained” to the seminar that an in- 27 – Good news and bad news for list of seven deadly sins; this is not a creasing number of people in the West Christians in Africa; plus chapter 6 new Vatican edict,” the British bishops were “making do without God”. Hedon- of The Snakebite Letters and more announced. “The story originated from ism and consumerism had invaded “the bosom of the Church itself, deeply from Lord Have Mercy. an interview Bishop Girotti gave to L’Osservatore Romano, in which he was undermining the Christian faith from questioned about new forms of social within, and undermining the lifestyle May sins in this age of globalisation.” and daily behaviour of believers”. 4 – An Ascension Sunday special, and The Vatican newspaper interviewed In the original interview, L’Osservatore we continue with The Snakebite the bishop at the conclusion of a course Romano journalist Nicola Gori had Letters and Lord Have Mercy. that took place on the “internal forum” asked Bishop Girotti what he thought were the new sins of the modern era. 11 – To mark Pentecost Sunday, we – questions of conscience – organised by the tribunal to strengthen the train- The bishop had responded: “There are feature items on Christian unity as ing of priests in administering the sac- various areas in which today we can see well as chapter 8 of The Snakebite rament of confession. Even the seminar sinful attitudes in relation to individual Letters and more from Lord Have itself attracted tabloid headlines, with and social rights, above all in the area Mercy. America’s ABC News labelling it “a crash of bioethics, in which we cannot fail to 18 – A roundtable discussion from course for priests” and quoting Bishop denounce certain violations of the fun- The Journey Home with three Girotti as saying: “The sense of sin has damental rights of human nature, by former members of the Churches come unglued.” way of experiments, genetic manipula- of Christ, plus chapter 9 of The Reports of the “new list of mortal sins” tion, the effects of which are difficult to Snakebite Letters by Peter Kreeft. – bioethical violations such as birth prevent and control. And each week, when it is available control, morally dubious experiments “Another area, a social issue, is drug use, which debilitates the psyche and in time, there will be a brief reflec- such as stem cell research, drug abuse, polluting the environment, contribut- darkens the intelligence, leaving many tion on the Sunday readings in ing to the widening divide between youth outside the ecclesial circuit.” Breaking the Bread. rich and poor, excessive wealth and cre- The bishop also mentioned social in- ating poverty – spawned sensationalist equality, “by which the poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer, feeding an unsustainable social injus- tice”, and the “area of ecology”. Homelessness ‘avalanche’ in Australia As with vocations and the institu- AUSTRALIA is facing an “avalanche of homelessness”, a St Vincent de Paul tion of marriage, so the sacrament of Queensland official says. penance was confronting a period of The housing situation was the worst he had seen in his 42 years with the char- crisis, Bishop Girotti said. One area of ity, Queensland senior vice-president Brian Moore said. great difficulty for confessors involved Middle income earners were joining the ranks of the homeless because of divorced people and couples living to- higher living costs. gether. People who were divorced and remarried “should have their own par- St Vincent de Paul warned that the demand for help was so high, it might have ticular place in the caring love shown to stop providing rent assistance, because costs were expected to increase by by the pastor of souls, and not just in more than $A250,000 this financial year. this extreme situation, but also in the The problem was close to spiralling out of control, Mr Moore said. daily pastoral activities”. “There’s a lot of people homeless out there and a lot of people are hurting and The crisis of penance was not re- it’s just getting worse,” he said. stricted to the laity but had begun “to “The fact is that Australia is facing an avalanche of homelessness, there’s no cross the door into seminaries, colleges doubt about that.” – Catholic News Agency and ecclesiastic institutions”, he said. – Catholic News Agency/Zenit

4 April 2008 The Tablet Rolls no cause for concern By GILLIAN VINE ALTHOUGH figures released at the end of last month sug- gested some Otago schools faced the possibility of mergers, Catholic Education director Tony Hanning says church schools in the diocese should not be concerned. “Some smaller communities will always have smaller schools and their presence is vital to retaining Catholic life in those communities,” Mr Hanning said. “But generally, our rolls are stable across the diocese and, in fact, are slightly up on last year’s figures. In Invercargill, the parish primary schools are all experiencing a period of growth and parental confidence.” Otago schools recording their highest March rolls since 1998 were St Mary’s Milton (82) and St Joseph’s Cathedral School (138), while Holy Family Wanaka, established in 2006 with a roll of 27, now had 63 pupils. As a result of burgeoning rolls, an application had been made to the Ministry of Education to increase maximum numbers at St Mary’s Milton, St Joseph’s Queenstown – whose March roll was 142 – and Holy Family Wanaka, Mr Hanning said. St Mary’s maximum was 90 and the application was for an increase to 100; an increase of 20 to a maximum of 200 was sought for St Joseph’s; and the ministry was being asked for Holy Family’s maximum to be 100. Four Dunedin schools – Sacred Heart (51), St Brigid’s’ (92), St Mary’s Kaikorai (26) and St Patrick’s’ (48) – and Oamaru’s St Joseph’s (211) recorded their lowest March figures for a dec- ade but most of the decreases were small compared with last year’s March returns and Mr Hanning felt that the July returns would give a more accurate picture. Diocesan financial initiative REPRESENTATIVES of parish finance councils and pastoral council members will meet on May 17. The programme will include a keynote address from Brother Pat Lynch, CEO of the National Catholic Education Office, and workshops on: determining a diocesan-wide approach to develop a cost-effective parish financial system; preparing a grant application so it has maximum chance of success; employment issues such as KiwiSaver and whether we can be pastorally focussed and fiscally prudent. Parishes and pastoral areas will also have an opportunity to gather in groups to discuss key points. Diocesan general manager Stuart Young understands that this is a first for the diocese, and believes a clear understanding across the diocese is needed about the seriousness of the diocesan financial situation. More importantly, he feels we need to foster communication and interaction more between all stakeholders within the diocese. This is but a step along this path, he says. “If we want this diocese to be a wellspring for Catholicism Please phone us on 0800-500-730 and filled with the Holy Spirit then we need to face our for your Free Consultation demons, plan and move forward.” The Lab – helping you eat, sleep, play and smile It is hoped parishes will respond positively and invitations have been sent to all parishes across the diocese. The Dunedin: Radio Otago House, 248 Cumberland Street. Phone 03 477 1422 Invercargill: Cnr Herbert & Windsor Streets. Phone 03 217 1121 conference will be at Holy Cross Centre, beginning at 9.30am Email [email protected] with registrations and finishing at 3pm.

5 The Tablet April 2008

Manager of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Lease win-win solution for schools The Roman Catholic Diocese of Dun- By GILLIAN VINE better suited edin is seeking a suitably qualified VERDON College’s Bishop Verdon Block to its size but person to initiate a revitalisation of is an example of co-operation that has Te Wharekura the Church’s ministry to young peo- resulted in “a win-win situation for all preferred to ple across the Diocese. Key to this parties” involved, Catholic Education remain on its New- will be implementing the NZ Catholic Bishops’ framework for Catholic Min- director Tony Hanning says. field site behind istry with young people in Aotearoa, The building, dedicated last month by Verdon College. New Zealand “Tu Kahikatea”. Bishop Colin Campbell, had originally “The suggestion ●This is a senior role, the appointee been part of Invercargill’s Cargill High Tony Hanning was then made being a member of the Diocesan School. that if Verdon management team “Following a series of [state school] College was able to lease some of Te ●Key tasks will be developing a mergers, the Cargill buildings were Wharekura’s surplus buildings to meet youth office, creation of networks made available to the Maori school Te its needs as a Year 7 to 13 college, it and initiatives across the diocese Wharekura o Arowhenua, which was would be a win-win situation for all ●The ability to lead, inspire and or- ganise, focussed on young people then established on the site,” Mr Han- parties involved,” Mr Hanning said. are essential ning said. “Negotiations resulted in the lease ●Excellent interpersonal skills , and There were more buildings than Te by Verdon College of an 11-classroom previous experience in this field are Wharekura needed and maintaining block, and the gymnasium is shared by required them all was difficult. both schools, to everyone’s advantage.” ●Development of a strategic plan The Ministry of Education looked Although the classroom block was for this ministry is required at rehousing the school in buildings structurally sound, it required major The successful applicant will need maintenance and upgrading work, to be prepared to travel within the costing approximately $2 million. diocese and to be very hands on in the first few years as a team ises- Correction “But that was still a very cost-effective option and has resulted in a first-class tablished. IN the March issue of The Tablet, Bar- facility for the college to meet immedi- A suitable remuneration package will bara Wilkins was referred to as the be offered. ate and future needs,” Mr Hanning said. chairperson of the priests’ apart- For a job description or further infor- Verdon College is the fourth-largest ments fundraising committee. mation please contact: The General Invercargill school and has a growing The chairman is the Hon Bill English Manager, Roman Catholic Diocese of roll which stood at 605 in March. Dunedin. Private Bag 1941, Dunedin MP, who was unable to be present at 9054; email [email protected] or the opening. phone (03) 477-1496. Prayer service

DUNEDIN DIOCESAN MINISTRY TO marks closing YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS A PRAYER service was held at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre on March 12 Dunedin Diocesan Ministry to Young People Office Project Manager to mark the closure of the Dunedin Fr Vaughan Leslie, email [email protected], phone (03) 444-9357 Diocesan Catholic library. After an opening prayer by Bishop Otago Catholic Tertiary Chaplaincy Colin Campbell, the library’s history, its University Chaplaincy: top floor Union building: phone (03) 479-5348. Fr Mark mission and purpose were described Chamberlain and Amy Armstrong. Polytech and Dunedin College of Education Chaplaincy: phone (03) 479-4921. Paul and the librarians, volunteers were Armstrong. thanked. St Vincent de Paul — ‘Vinnies’ The donations of books by the Young Vinnies is all about putting your faith into action, helping others and having lots Dominican and Mercy Sisters, Chris- of fun! The Society has youth and young adults conferences across New Zealand and tian Brothers and other religious orders around the world in schools, universities, colleges and parishes. were noted with appreciation, as was If you care about others, then ‘Vinnies’ is for you. Contact Barbara Walsh, Youth Co-ordinator, Society of St Vincent de Paul, phone (03) 477-0555, fax (03) 474-9952, the unique role of Brother Henry Shep- email [email protected] herd, who “invented the role of travel- Dunedin Samoan Catholic Youth Group ling librarian [and ensured] outlying For details, contact Pesamino Tili, phone (03) 456-1401. parishes didn’t miss out on the oppor- CathSoc tunity to have books that supported CathSOC is the unified body of Catholic student groups on campus: Best Buddies, Bible personal and faith development”. Study, Legion of Mary, Music Group, Sanmaru, and St Vincent de Paul. Please email The use of the library had been declin- [email protected] or visit our website http://cathsoc.dunedin.googlepages. ing for years and the decision to close com/home for more details. was reluctantly made late last year.

6 April 2008 The Tablet

New Verdon College block Invercargill school complex opened By GILLIAN VINE VERDON College’s new complex, the Bishop Verdon Block, was dedicated on March 9 by Bishop Colin Campbell, who described the occasion as “very joyful”. “I’m sure we’re all delighted with it,” the bishop said. It was fitting that the block was ready soon after the college’s 25th anniversary, he said, reminding those present that the school was established to “nourish [pupils] and to teach Jesus Christ and his values”. He made special mention of Fr Hamesh Wyatt, college chaplain for 14 years. Among those present was Brother Dennis Turner f m s , Verdon College’s first principal, who served from 1982 to 1992. First principal Brother Dennis Turner f m s congratulates choir mistress Di page 9➤ Lenihan on the performance by the college choir, Panache. Donaldson Construction Services Ltd Delighted to be the lead contractor for the Bishop Verdon Block project at Verdon College We take pride in our quality work and that of our subcontractors

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7 The Tablet April 2008

New Verdon College block Name honours bishop BISHOP Michael Verdon (1838-1918), after whom the college and new block were named, served in Ireland, Rome and Sydney before coming to New Zealand. In 1896, he succeeded Bishop Moran as second bishop of Dunedin and was the first Catholic bishop consecrated in New Zealand. Responsible for setting up in 1900 the national seminary at Holy Cross Col- lege, he died in the influenza epidemic of 1918 and is buried in the Verdon Chapel at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel.

Bishop Colin Campbell chats with Anne McSoriley (left) and Liza Adams after the opening of the Bishop Verdon Block.

Rosamund More (left) and Alice McDowell, who are members of the Verdon College choir, Panache, which sang at the opening of the Bishop Verdon Block. H. G. Morsink Ltd Pa i n t i n g contractors Invercargill Engineering We are pleased to be involved in the Bishop Verdon Block refurbishment project.

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8 April 2008 The Tablet

New Verdon College block

Verdon’s choir, Panache, entertained at the dedication with Handel’s Alle- luia Amen and the Negro spiritual All Our Troubles. Below: Verdon College Complex opened principal Paul Olsen (left) and St Peter’s College principal Martin Chamber- ➤from page 7 lain catch up. “This is a place of study we can all cherish and be proud of,” Bishop Campbell said. “It is fair to say it’s been a challenging journey,” board of trustees chairwoman Lynley Irvine told the gathering. She described how the building – originally part of Cargill High School, which closed several years ago – had been re- furbished to meet Verdon College’s needs and to be a multipurpose learning centre. Mrs Irvine acknowledged the generosity of Ngai Tahu in gifting the building and thanked all those involved in the project, particularly Donaldson Construction and its subcontractors, all of whom had worked particularly hard to have every- thing finished in time for the dedication.

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9 The Tablet April 2008 Scripture reading competition THE annual Scripture Reading Competition was held at St Kevin’s College recently. All pupils have to read a passage of scripture aloud to their Religious Studies classes so that finalists can be chosen to compete against other classes in their year level. This Dominican tradition helps develop confidence in both public speaking and proclaiming the Word. Winners were: Year 13, Amy East- wood and Lydia Roborgh (first equal); Year 12, Patrick Kearney; Year 11, Oliver Hailes; Year 10, Molly Roborgh; Year 9, Albert Hailes.

Happy campers: St John’s School Ranfurly senior class (above) with teacher Claire McCormick and helpers under Cromwell’s fruit sign during their week-long camp in the town. Activi- ties included exploring, swimming, kayaking, sailing, mini golf, archery and a lunch visit to Holy Family School. The successful outdoor education week was supported financially by the school PTA and Board of Trustees. Right: Pupils, parents and principal Susan Mulholland took part in a camp Mass celebrated by Fr Vaughan Leslie.

Book of the month

JOY COWLEY’S fourth book of prayer and meditation, Come and See, is illustrated with photographs by her husband, Terry Coles. It follows the couple’s popular Aotearoa Psalms, Psalms Down Under and Psalms for the Road, books of reflective prayers and poems with complementary photographs. Fr Carl Telford s m writes: “This book is a gift to us from some- one who has spent much time contemplating the face of Christ as his disciple. It leads us to Jesus. His light and peace are present in these pages. Thank you again, Joy, friend and companion of the Bridegroom, for decreasing so He may increase.” Available from the Catholic Centre Shop, Moran Building, 8 Octagon, Dunedin 9016; phone/fax (03) 477-6342; email [email protected]. The price is $25 and postage $1.70.

10 April 2008 The Tablet Josephites remembered By ANNE WELLS TO celebrate the feast of St Joseph, the Otago- Southland Josephite Associates gathered last month at the home of Trish and Keith Clark for a pot luck lunch. During the afternoon, the chaplain, Fr Merv McGettigan, read the readings of the day plus the commentary, followed by discussion. This was the first meeting since the death of two of members, Fr Colin Schmelz, one of the group’s chaplains, and Pat McCormack. A candle was lit as members shared memories of the happy times spent with them. Pat McCormack had been an associate for more than 10 years and will be remembered for his quiet and gentle manner. Fr Colin had been an associate for many years and after the 1995 Holy Name School reunion in Dun- edin, he invited the reunion committee to join the associates. He had attended the reunion because his wife, Angela, had been a pupil at Holy Name. Fr Colin brought the happy times the group shared through the charism of Blessed Mary MacKillop. His spiritual guidance was very much appreciated and he will be greatly missed. The gathering ended with prayers to St Joseph and Myrtle Meier lights the memorial candle, watched by Joyce Blessed Mary MacKillop, the rousing hymn Great St Kerr. Joseph, followed by afternoon tea. Stamp sets a new way to raise funds for St Vinnies By GILLIAN VINE Of those, “about one in 10 is suitable for sale”. For example, LOOK at your mail – there’s less of it and far fewer actual torn stamps and any with very heavy postmarks cannot be stamps on letters and parcels. sold. “The stamps are not coming through because of emails and Although collections are of most interest to Mr Blundell, he the lack of high-value stamps,” Ernie Blundell says. will also take donations of any stamps, which can be left at St That is having an impact on stamp collecting in New Zea- Vincent de Paul stores in Dunedin for him to collect. land, so the Dunedin man is taking a different path to help He has one important request. raise money for St Vincent de Paul. “If you are taking stamps off envelopes, do leave at least a He is using his expertise to sort, clean and arrange in sets quarter of an inch of paper around them.” New Zealand stamps to sell to collectors overseas. Mr Blundell collected stamps for St Vincent de Paul years ago, something that happened almost by accident. “I had a collection of my own and in the 1970s wanted to sell it but was offered a pittance for it, so I donated it to Telethon.” There was “a huge response”, as people kept offering more stamps. “In the end I had a room half full of stamps.” Mr Blundell continued to work with stamps as a St Vincent de Paul fundraiser until the early 1990s. This time, he has bought in some stamp collections to kick- start the scheme but has found people expect far more than is realistic. “People think there’s a fortune in stamps but there’s not,” he Meet the digital diocese said. at www.cdd.org.nz “Dealers give about $8.50 a kilogram for stamps,” he said.

11 The Tablet April 2008

P E T I T I O N 120 attend retreat Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary (never known to fail): O By GILLIAN VINE most beautiful flower of Mt Carmel, fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate A ONE-DAY retreat Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me on compassion and show me here thou art my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother by Sr Joyce Rupp of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee attracted 120 peo- from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my neces- ple from through- sity (make request). There are none that can withstand thy power. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have out the lower South recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer Island to Holy Cross in thy hands (three times). This prayer must be said for three Centre, Mosgiel, last days and the prayer published. (Published on behalf of G.C.L., month. P.P., P.S., A.C.M., M.T.) It was the Ameri- can Servite sister’s PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT fourth visit to New Zealand from her O Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can obtain my goal. You gave the divine gift to forgive and forget home in Iowa. all evil against me and in all instances of my life you are with me. Part of her reason I want to thank you for all things and confirm once again that I for coming was to Sr Joyce Rupp never want to be separated from you in spite of all material illu- “keep a worldwide sions. I wish to be with you in eternal glory. Thank you for your perspective on my writing”, Sr Joyce told The Tablet. She has mercy towards me and mine. This prayer must be said for three days and the prayer published (Published on behalf of G.C.L., written 17 books and her Walk in a Relaxed Manner won a A.C.M., M.T.) 2007 North American Catholic Press Association award. “I think a lot of people come to my [presentations] because of my books,” Sr Joyce said. NOVENA TO ST CLAIR The retreat was interdenominational – she preferred not to Important. Ask for specific things. Pray the Hail Mary for nine do seminars for single denominational groups – and Sr Joyce consecutive days. Keep a candle lit while you pray. Pray even said the issues were similar for most people, whatever their though you do not feel like it. Ask for two things which appear beliefs. nigh impossible but for which you desperately want a solu- “Spirituality is living out our relationship with God and so tion. Leave the candle to burn up completely on the last day many people are longing for that. and publish this message. (Published on behalf of A.C.M.) “The deeper down you go, the more alike people are.” She believes “being nonjudgemental is essential for compassion and so is awareness”. PETITION “In our busy world, awareness has gone out the window.” May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, honoured, adored, and That extended to a failure to be generous listeners, who glorified throughout the world forever. Amen. Say six times for nine days and remember to promise publication. Your prayers could hear “not just what’s said but what’s not said”. will be answered, no matter how impossible it may seem to you, Sr Joyce said she coined the term “spiritual midwife” to before the 9th day. (Published on behalf of G.C.L., P.P., J.M.R., describe herself because, like a midwife, her role was to J.J.W., A.C.M., M.T., S.L.P.) encourage, not give birth. “I never see myself as saying, ‘This is how things must be’. I try to respect where each person is coming from and try to THANKS offer something that will reach each person. “If the person isn’t open to God, nothing will happen. It Most grateful thanks to St Jude, Sacred Heart, Holy Spirit and Holy Mary for prayers answered. (Published on behalf of A.A.D., really is the grace of God that is going to bring about D.R.S., D.G.) change.” On compassion, she said it was a key quality of Jesus and she talked about having compassion for oneself. NOVENA TO ST JUDE “We are given an unhealthy message: give and give and give until you die’. “ Oh, Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles. Near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly ADVERTISING CHARGES beg you to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance. Help me in my present, urgent petition (make Starting with the May issue, there will be fixed charges request). In return, I promise to make your name known and for the publication of prayers and petitions in The Tablet, cause you to be invoked. Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Marys and 3 instead of the previous system of donations. The cost per Glorias. St Jude, pray for me and all who invoke your aid, humbly advertiser will be $10, including GST, for one prayer or in need of your intercession. Amen. This novena has never been petition and $5 (including GST) for each additional prayer known to fail. This novena must be said on nine consecutive days. (Published on behalf of M.T., A.C.M., P.S., G.C.L.) or petition in the same issue.

12 April 2008 The Tablet Gift helps fund new post PROFESSOR Philip Hill, a gifted clinical epidemiologist, has returned from frontline infectious disease research in Africa to a post as the University of Otago’s inaugural McAuley Professor of International Health and director of a new research centre. The positions were established after a $1.5 million gift by the Sisters of Mercy. Their donation, made through Mercy Hospital Dunedin, was matched dollar-for-dollar by the Government. Sisters of Mercy congregational Leader Sister Denise Fox said establishing the chair represented a significant contribution to the order’s efforts to support the United Nations’ millennium development goals, including the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases. Professor Hill was born in Dunedin, is a graduate of the Auckland medical school and attained fellowships in public health and infectious diseases before going to Africa. He has been an investigator in major research projects into tuberculosis and other life-threatening diseases such as childhood pneumonia. Professor Hill says he is looking forward to the challenge of making a significant contribution to improving international health outcomes. “One of our defining national traits is the desire to first consider how we can enable and help others, instead of blindly pursuing our own immediate ambitions. It’s this sort of approach that will guide how we work with developing A BIG THANK YOU countries to build their research capabilities,” he said. to all the advertisers who help us bring The centre’s aim is to contribute to improving the health The Tablet to you every month. Their and well-being of people in developing countries through support is vital to us – please reciprocate research and postgraduate training. A focus will be enabling by supporting our advertisers. people from developing countries to attain qualifications so they can become leaders at home.

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13 The Tablet April 2008 It’s in one of these boxes… Southern man’s delight in service

BROTHER BRENDAN LOCKHART c s s r , who died in March, was born in Milton in 1914, one of seven children of Robert and Mary Lockhart. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Oamaru, where he was edu- cated at St Kevin’s College. At the age of 41, after service in Italy with the 2nd NZEF, he joined the Re- demptorist Congregation, never sus- pecting that 50 years later he would celebrate his jubilee. A painter by trade, Br Brendan said that in the early days of his religious life in Australia he was frequently shifted from one religious community to another depending on where the painting jobs were required. Moving day … Father Merv McGettigan (left) and Keiran Hurring, who He was known for his sense of hu- helped him move, in the garage of Fr McGettigan’s new unit at Holy Cross. mour. Of his war service he said: “There Fr McGettigan and Monsignor Vincent Walker moved into adjacent units on is many a German grateful that I was the Church St site at the end of March from the Mercy Centre, in Dunedin, such a bad shot.” Confreres whose hair where they had lived while waiting for their new homes to be completed. had thinned out were encouraged with his reminder, “Blessed are the bald, for them there shall be neither parting nor dying.” Hot topics for Christian Bros ex-pupils Br Brendan delighted in being of serv- TWO major issues – the future of the Christian Brothers Ex-pupils Association (CBEA) ice to the community. Long after his and winding up its educational trust fund – will be considered at the association’s role as cook for the main evening meal annual meeting next month. The trust fund was established in 1976, the order’s was taken over by another, he made centennial year, to assist the brothers. midday soup for those that wanted it. “The committee also feels that with the smaller number of Christian Brothers in As the ageing process advanced, it New Zealand and the new teaching roles that they are asked to perform, together became obvious that the next step in with the setting up of the Oceania Province, the time has come to close down the his life was entry into rest-home care. fund,” CBEA secretary Paul Inder said. Of this he was accepting, though in The money thus freed could be channelled through the Order in New Zealand for no way enthusiastic. But the Lord was projects agreed on by the ex-pupils association’s committee, he said. good to him. On March 16, three days CBEA was formed in 1927 and the lack of interest in the annual Mass and morning before his planned transfer to a rest tea, and the poor turnout at the annual meeting in recent years were behind the home, he was alive and responded to decision to consider going into recess, Mr Inder said. “The committee, which meets the confrere who brought him his regu- four or five times a year, needs more support than it feels it is getting.” lar sleeping pill in the early evening but He urged ex-pupils to attend the meeting in the Kavanagh College staffroom on within minutes he slipped quietly away. May 20 at 7.30pm. – Humphrey O’Leary c s s r

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14 April 2008 The Tablet Dunedin gets ready ON March 15, 120 young Catholics from throughout Otago and Southland gathered at Mosgiel’s Holy Cross Centre to begin preparing for their involvement in World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08). Diocesan WYD08 co-ordinator, Fr Vaughan Les- lie, of Ranfurly, said 134 people from the diocese would be going to Sydney for the July 15-20 event. Diocesan ambassador Vaughan Hook, of Dun- edin, said he was “thrilled” so many had attended the gathering, as many young people had sport- ing and other commitments. The day of preparation covered the introduction of group leaders, briefings on the actual event, a pilgrim formation DVD and the Pope’s message, Some of the 120 participants in the WTD08 preparation day. in which Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the “unfor- gettable manifestation of faith and enthusiasm” he witnessed at the World Youth Day in Cologne. Supporting our pilgrims In New Zealand, Activ8(NZ) has been developed SEVERAL activities have been arranged to help by the Bishops Conference to assist pilgrims in raise funds for Dunedin Diocese World Youth their preparation. Day pilgrimage to Sydney, including Easter egg The preparation day concluded with a Vigil Mass sales in Gore and a dance in Invercargill on April in St Joseph’s Cathedral. 12. Bishop Colin Campbell, priests, St Joseph’s choir, In Dunedin, a Pennies for Pilgrims variety con- parishioners and WYD08 pilgrims walked in pro- cert will be held on May 24, at 7.30pm in the cession from the grounds of Kavanagh College to Kavanagh College auditorium. Entry costs $10 the cathedral for the Vigil Mass. with admission $7 for students, seniors and unwaged. For ticket sales, phone 487-7451. There will also be door sales. The diocesan WYD08 co-ordinator, Fr Vaughan Leslie, can be contacted at Sacred Heart Parish, 4 Stuart Rd, Ranfurly 9332 ; phone (03) 444-9357 or cell (027) 385-9615, or email frvjpleslie@ e3.net.nz.

Above: Delon Rayen (left), Vaughan Hook and Danielle Windfuhr, part of the ACTIV8 team. Right: Pilgrims (from left) Ruud Overgaauw, and Tom Hishon, both of Winton; Pesamino Tili, of the Dunedin Samoan Catholic youth group, and Bill Uelese, of St Patrick’s, Dunedin.

15 The Tablet April 2008

Job well done … St Patrick’s Basilica, Oamaru, held a “great clean-up” last month. With about 30 people slaving away, they filled a large skip to overflowing. Things no longer used from various parts of the church were ruthlessly dumped. Fr Wayne Healey (second from right) said he was most appreciative of the ef- fort that people put in “and now our church is in pristine condition”. Southland people getting high on religion By JIM McMURTRIE support to weekly Masses in Te Anau. TWO Southland church communi- A family leaving the Church of St Joan ties have been helping each other, of Arc in Mossburn donated money despite the physical distance be- for painting and maintenance of the tween them. church building. The churches in Moss- Having no organist, members of burn and Lumsden are part of the Te the parish of St Ber-nard, Te Anau parish and at a parish council Anau, sought meeting held in Te Anau, the mainte- the assistance nance was discussed. To assist of the parish- the Mossburn commu- ioners of the nity, parish mem- Church of the bers from Te Anau Blessed Sac- decided to un- rament in Gore. The dertake some Gore parishioners ar- of the work ranged for their organ- using voluntary ist, pianist and choir to labour. compile some CDs of The work hymns and music. was car- Now, after some ried out on Neil Sutherland holds the ladder while fine-tuning, the three days Graham Mullally paints the fascia. music gives added in Febru- ary and means the church will be looking very neat for a few more years. Thanks is given to all who assist- Paul Peychers paints the cross on St Joan of ed with this Arc Church in Mossburn. project.

The Tablet is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin 300 Rattray St, Dunedin 9020; phone (03)-474-1994.