The Newsletter of the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch

CHRISTMAS ISSUE 103 : DECEMBER 2015

Bishop Meeking Death with reflects on the need dignity? for peace Pages 16-19 Page 4

The Conclusion of the Year of Consecrated Life Pages 10-12

Photo: Stewart Nimmo, Nimmo Gallery

INFORM DECEMBER 2015  ON BEHALF OF THE BISHOP Christmas Issue 103 As you know the Bishop is unwell during and after DECEMBER 2015 following his latest small stroke. He the earthquakes. NGA MIHI NUI FROM continues to improve but slowly in It is also my THE EDITORIAL Princess Margaret Hospital. He is pleasure to grateful for the prayers of people around welcome Andy DESK the Diocese. He is still not able to have Doherty as our My thanks to all who submitted visitors. Please continue to pray for his new Diocesan stories and photos to Inform in recovery. General 2015. You gave us a great insight On behalf of Bishop Barry I thank Manager. into what goes on around the Paddy Beban on his retirement for And on the Bishop’s behalf I wish you Diocese, particularly in our smaller his 15 years of service as the Diocesan all a happy and holy Christmas. centres. More of your stories are in Financial Administrator. Many of you God bless, this, our final issue for 2015. will know the sterling work that Paddy Reverend Rick Loughnan Thank you for the high quality has done over the years and particularly Vicar General photographs you are submitting. I am receiving very positive comment about them and the interesting September 21, 2015 stories being written around the Diocese. In doing so, you are really New appointment sharing your love of Christ and His The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch with us all. has appointed Andy Doherty as General Inform Issue 103 (the Summer Manager. Answerable to the Bishop, his Issue) looks back at the spring. We areas of responsibility cover the rebuild celebrate with the Greymouth parish of Diocesan properties following the in their sesqui-centenary. With the earthquakes, including the Cathedral international uncertainties being of the Blessed Sacrament, finance, faced by many, Bishop Meeking education, pastoral services and the reflects on the need to meet evil with Catholic Development Fund. a peaceful heart. Over the last year Bishop Barry Jones said that Doherty we marked the Year for Consecrated impressed the selection committee with Life and conclude our specific his breadth and depth of experience in focus on this gift to the Church in a range of businesses and sectors. “He this edition. With the intensifying has a background in property and asset debate on changing our law to management including insurance as allow the legalisation of euthanasia well as finance, governance and human and assisted suicide, we have an resources. With the rebuild of the extended feature on a Catholic view Cathedral and repairs to other Diocesan of this serious issue. schools and buildings, along with the As I write, we are about to enter ongoing day-to-day running of the Andy Doherty — General Manager, the Year Of Mercy. No doubt, Diocese, the next 10 years will be both Catholic Diocese of Christchurch this year will bless us as that for exciting and challenging,” the Bishop Consecrated Life has done. Let us said. of the Blessed Sacrament, makes this give thanks for all the blessings and Doherty, a graduate of Canterbury appointment special to me. My mother challenges of 2015 and prepare for University, was Chief Executive of was a regular attender of weekday the coming of Our Lord at Christmas Pacific Wide (NZ) Ltd and previous to there, I was married there and and at the end of time. that Group Chief Executive Officer of my children baptised there. It’s a bit In Christ, Southern Hospitality Ltd. “My skills like coming home. And I have always Ken Joblin, Editor and experience are well suited to this had a strong desire to be involved in the Zachary Ashley, Assistant Editor role. Having been educated at Xavier community which is an important part Deadline for next issue: Friday 26 College and then Catholic Cathedral of this role,” he said. Andy took up his February 2016 College, on the grounds of the Cathedral position on 16 November..

 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 Bishop’s Office Changes in Hospital Chaplaincy

Pat & Betty Barry RIP In the evening of June 23rd Pat and Betty Barry’s son-in-law Frans knocked on the door of the Little Company of Mary Sisters home to tell them the tragic news. Pat and Betty had met with a terrible accident and neither had survived. The couple often went for a drive - sometimes to Brighton where they bought fish and chips and enjoyed watching the ocean. But on June 23 they drove to West Melton to see the Kirsten Challies:Kirsten is the Catholic snow; the accident happened in this pastoral chaplain at Burwood Hospital area. and Princess Margaret Hospital. Kirsten Pat and Betty worked tirelessly as The End replaced Karen Marra who recently vergers at the Cathedral of the Blessed of an Era at finished in this role. Karen worked in Sacrament from 1993 -2006. It was a hospital and prison chaplaincy for our ministry they both loved. Following Cathedral House Diocese for the last eleven years. retirement they moved to a flat at the On Friday 20 November, Paddy Beban newly completed Mary Potter Courts on (above) retired as Diocesan Financial Durham St Nth. For the first few years Administrator. Among those who both were active but of latter years Betty spoke at his farewell was his long time became very frail. Pat was her ‘on site Personal Assistant, Donna Malone. carer’, well supported by a loving family Donna recalls that “Paddy started work and Nurse Maude assistants. Pat and in January 2001 and I was immediately Betty loved to be part of the MP Courts impressed with his integrity. After the community and joined in activities as earthquake disasters in 2010 and 2011, far as possible. Pat and Betty’s faith was Paddy’s determination and attention to crucial to them: they attended Masses at detail was clearly evident to all. He was the Mary Potter Centre and the Sunday thorough and determined to achieve the liturgies at the . Their Requiem best possible outcome for the Diocese Mass at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral was with regard to the insurance payout. Angela McCormick: In early November, crowded; it was a fitting tribute to two Paddy put together a team of highly Bishop Jones commissioned Angela committed people who were faithful skilled people and together, they entered McCormick at the Christchurch to the Church and to the diocese. A negotiations. The outcome was most Hospital Chapel. Angela is the pastoral Month’s Mind Mass celebrated at the desirable and looking back to 2011, it chaplain for Christchurch Hospital Mary Potter Centre was attended by was indeed an excellent outcome. Paddy and Christchurch Women’s Hospital. some family members, friends and has been most approachable to all who The commissioning began with CDHB residents of Mary Potter Courts. Rest came into his office and has always been Kaumatua, Mita Te Hae providing the in peace Pat and Betty - you are greatly a reliable and most appreciated adviser mihimihi. In the rite of commissioning missed by your immediate and extended to the Bishop.” Angela committed to serving patients, family and friends. We wish Paddy, his wife Olive and family and staff. The commissioning their family every blessing in his was attended by the ecumenical retirement and thank him for his tireless chaplaincy team, hospital staff, former and generous approach to his work for colleagues from Nurse Maude Hospice, the Bishop and the Diocese. friends and family.

CDF Notice of Christmas Closure The Catholic Development Fund office will close on Wednesday 23 December 2015 at 2pm and will re-open on Tuesday 5 January 2016. CDF Online will also be closed during this period.

INFORM DECEMBER 2015  In the Diocese been injured, and for those who are Bishop Meeking’s Homily bereaved and for all the people of Given at The Mass for Peace in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, 24 November 2015 and France who are devastated by what It seems that terrorism wants to hold has happened. the world to ransom. Murder and As we do so let us renew our own bloodthirsty attacks on human beings rejection of violence. As followers of have been with us ever since Cain killed Christ, vengeance can have no his brother Abel, ever since there has part in our lives. In the Gospel this been human sin. Today that takes the evening we have heard the words of form of a violence that attacks whole Jesus: “Put your sword back; for all who communities, a whole country; now the draw the sword will die by the sword.” Islamic State threatens conflict that has Even as we ask rightly that justice be the whole world in its sights, as it tries done, we are committed to promote to immobilise human society. peace in the world. The Archbishop of Last January there was the attack Paris in these days has urged us: “Let on a certain group in Paris; then came us not indulge in panic or in hatred. We the attack on Beirut, then on Russia; need never despair of peace”, he said, in the past months many other places “if we build in justice.” Jesus Christ were attacked including Nigeria and is the prince of peace. By the blood of other African countries. Ten days ago his Cross in his own person he killed Paris was again attacked and this time hostility; he reconciled us with God and with particular ferocity. The world reels not resolve the problems of humanity. made his Church the sacrament of the from this violence to a city that is the Such barbarous action in the name of unity of the human race. Jesus Christ is very symbol of Western civilisation, a the Islamic State leaves us stunned and our peace; he has declared: ”Blessed are civilisation born of the Christian faith. makes us question how the heart of man those who make peace”. That attack on the people of Paris could come up with and carry out such was made in the name of religion. horrific acts which have shattered not Pope Francis has responded to that by only France but the whole world.” declaring: “It is blasphemy to use God’s We Catholic people here in New name to justify violence.” The Islamic Zealand must be especially associated in State which claims responsibility for sympathy with the people of France. We that attack on Paris has succumbed to owe our Catholic faith to the courageous the decadence of violence and injustice and generous priests and religious from with a consequent loss of respect for France who came to New Zealand in human dignity. Those assassins in the 19th century led by the first Bishop Paris had lost an understanding of of New Zealand, Monseigneur Jean- the absolute dignity and inviolability Baptiste Pompallier. We owe them an of human life. It was an orchestrated immense debt of gratitude. At this sad attack on human beings, on innocent time then let us repay something of that US architect, James people, taking their weekend leisure; it debt by the offering of this Mass and by McCrery, visited our Diocese in September was like an expression of contempt for our solidarity in prayer with the people to assist churches in their planning our common humanity. of Paris. as they rebuild after the earthquake. Pope Francis held up this latest piece So this evening we offer the Mass He emphasised the importance of our of terrorism for what it is when he commending the souls of all those who tradition, and how beauty does not have to said: “I want vigorously to reaffirm died in the Paris attack to the mercy of be expensive. that the path of violence and hate does God, and praying for all those who have

 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 Around the Parishes

Honouring Human Life Pope Francis recently invested Carmel Armstrong with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice cross. Carmel is a parishioner of Holy Family, Timaru and is a long 40 Days for Life, time promoter of Pro-Life Issues. In 1974, Prime Minister Norman Kirk Offering Hope received a telegram from Carmel and it began her involvement in the ‘Respect Everyone likes to be part of something In silence, prayer and song we had for Life’ campaign. Since then, she has that is positive and life giving. This the privilege to become witnesses to never stopped promoting the dignity was the gift granted to those who that hope which underpins our very of life. To demonstrate the number of gave some time to the 40 Days for Life existence as human beings. The gift of abortions in New Zealand during the project outside Christchurch Hospital life offers new possibilities for a world 1980s, Carmel organised a display of last month. Between the hours of 7am weighed down by doubt and fear. And over 10,000 sandcastles at Caroline Bay. and 7pm each day individuals, small never is that more evident than in the They represented each life lost. groups, families and parishioners quietly birth of a baby. In 1989 she became the National gathered with a common purpose While some people may have been President of the Society for the — praying for an end to abortion and concerned that this gentle witness Protection of the Unborn Child (SPUC). offering hope. would be provocative, in fact the very Carmel then served for 16 years on the opposite happened. We who gathered National Council of Women as the SPUC discovered a new and peaceful resolve in representative. In 1993 she received the witnessing to the beauty and wonder of Women’s Suffrage Centennial Medal for human life. her services. Around the world the 40 Days for Life When SPUC became Voice for Life project has seen some amazing miracles in 2004, Carmel became its Timaru leading to saved babies and changed President. In recent years, she has been hearts. Probably our witness would have involved in Pregnancy Counselling been unsettling for some, but then isn’t Services. As New Zealand continues to that always what the truth does? face increasing pressure to liberalise and legalise euthanasia laws and extend The 40 Days was a blessing for our the availability of abortion, Carmel’s parish of St Francis of Assisi, Mairehau. recognition with a Papal Honour is an We were grateful to be part of it. encouragement to all who uphold the Father Simon Eccleton sanctity of human life at all stages. Back From Our Exile Over the last four years, we as parishioners of St Anne’s Woolston gathered in St John’s Anglican hall. Now, as we return to our own sacred space, we could talk about the physical things: pews instead of chairs, carpet instead of wooden floor boards and space for more than one flower arrangement. But at a deeper level, we are again experiencing awe and beauty which call us to holiness and worship. Now we can again kneel in the presence of God on proper kneelers. When we re-entered the church after our years away, the very kind face of Jesus on the cross seemed to say “Welcome back to my father’s house. Welcome home. The tabernacle of God is here.”

INFORM DECEMBER 2015  Around the Parishes A Long-distance Relationship How do you bring your parish together when it is spread over nearly 250 kms? Answer, you meet in a beautiful place. Recently a parish Mass was offered in the Franz Josef Chapel and a meal shared at the Landing restaurant. The South Westland parish brings together people from five towns. “The parish is spread over almost 250 kms, so it is difficult to maintain a sense of unity,” says Whataroa parish priest, Fr Mike Mahoney. “We have a good ethnic mix — farm work and the services industry bring many Catholics from other countries to our parish. Because of the distances involved, the parish newsletter is sent out via the internet, though a few copies are printed for those who do not have internet access,” says Fr Mahoney. Picture below: taken inside the Franz Josef chapel. People from each The Church Universal, the Parish town — Harihari, Whataroa, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier and Haast. International Late September saw St Patrick’s Parish in Waimate hold an International Mass. The Mass was preceded by a powhiri, and the liturgy featured hymns in Polish and Philippino. The music was led by the recently formed St Patrick’s Choir. Francis Petre’s architecture was adorned with a variety of national flags.

The Philippine Chaplaincy of Christchurch Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) is a novena of nine masses from 15 December until Christmas. It is a significant moment Chris Sings Christ not only because it strengthens relationships among family members, but also because it is the time where our faith is Fr Chris Skinner sm makes full use of the OLV acoustic as he intensified. Mass is being offered in a number of parishes. shares God’s gift of music in a September concert for the Faith For further information, please contact: Arlene Wilkins, (03) And Light Community. 3552837 or 021-150-3184.

 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 Auction Art, Restore Church Mention the letters OLV and most people think of a certain alpine manoeuvre. Yes, Our Lady of Victories in Sockburn has a distinctive architecture and is something of a landmark. It is certainly known for having the best Catholic acoustic in Christchurch. Fr John Adams, Andy Dalkie, Marianne Daly, sponsor. Recently, OLV held an Art Auction to build community and strengthen its church. No sacred church art was sold but funds “Who is God?” were raised in support of the now familiar work of bringing another church building up to code. Think of the letters RCIA and you would most likely think of adults who come into full Communion in the Church at the Easter Vigil. The Rite of Christian initiation also includes anyone over the age of seven. More recently, Andy Dalkie began talking with Jane his mother about God and the Catholic Church. He spent this year attending Mass at St Gregory’s and learning more about the faith in weekly sessions under the guidance of Fr John Adams. Andy’s question: “Who is God?” In October, Andy took a step towards full Communion in the Church in the Rite of Acceptance as a Candidate. In the presence of the Church, Fr Adams invited Andy to share what he is asking of the Church. He replied: “I want to learn about God, that is how they learn at St Bede’s. I would like to have In Opihi, Grace Abounds more faith in God.” When asked what faith offers, he replied: “I would like to join God in heaven one day.” In November, Fr Rick Loughnan confirmed 27 young members of the Opihi Parish in the St Joseph’s church hall, Temuka. For those This is the first of the public rites the Church celebrates less familiar with Canterbury geography, Opihi parish includes the for those seeking full Communion in Her Mystical Body. townships of Temuka, Geraldine and Pleasant Point and surrounding We continue to pray for Andy and those walking with him. districts. In a true Catholic scenario, a beautiful Mass was followed We also pray for those in our parishes who are on this same by a great Parish celebration. May these new full members of the journey. Who else needs to be on this journey? Who do you Church allow the gifts of the Holy Spirit to speak through their lives, know who might need to hear the invitation to join Christ in throughout their lives. His Church?

INFORM DECEMBER 2015  St Patrick’s Greymouth Sesquicentennial

Sesqui in the Valley Along with the Church universal, in 2065. Afternoon tea and a treat for the of pneumonia, no doubt brought on by late November, Greymouth observed the children followed and then while the travel in harsh West Coast weather. We liturgical calendar and celebrated the adults caught up with each other over a all owe a huge debt to all our priests Feast of Christ the King. For Greymouth cuppa the children took part in games and especially our pioneer priests who and the Coast, 20-22 November 2015 with an emphasis on old-time games fought great odds to bring the faith was somewhat different, as it also from the past under the direction of Mr to the West Coast. The modern day celebrated its Sesqui-centennial. It Pavel Bares. priest in New Zealand has it easy as is indeed 150 years since Greymouth The heavy rain which continued all regards transport etc with modern cars, became the first Catholic Parish on the day reminded us of the conditions our wonderful highways, air travel and West Coast. It was very closely followed pioneer priests and parishioners had to bridges over the smallest stream. He but a few weeks later by its neighbours endure in the early days of our parish. does however have to battle a much to the south in Hokitika. Before the parish was ten years old three changed society and it is an extremely The celebrations began on Friday priests had died on duty. Fr Driscoll demanding task to fight the modern afternoon, most appropriately in heavy drowned in a shipwreck in Cook Strait day “isms”. Secularism, materialism, rain, with a school Mass in the St John while en-route to Greymouth as the atheism, humanism etc abound in Paul High School gymnasium. (Formerly first Parish Priest, then a few years later our society. In our very pampered and St Columba Hall). In his homily Fr Peter Fr Columb also drowned crossing the comfortable country, many think they reminded the children that they are flooded Nelson Creek while returning only need to work with God for an hour the future of the church and wished from officiating at a wedding further up or so a week while some even think they them well for the bi-centenary in the Grey Valley. Finally Fr Belliard died can manage on an hour a year and of

 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 St Patrick’s Greymouth Sesquicentennial

course the majority think they don’t need God at all. Photos: Nimmo, Nimmo Gallery, Mackay St. Greymouth. So nowadays it is not a job Ph 03 7686499. www.nimmophoto.co.nz. Email: [email protected] for the faint-hearted being God’s messenger. May God bless all our priests and give them a strong heart and great perseverance. Following the Saturday evening Vigil Mass the congregation gathered outside the church for the unveiling and blessing of a plaque to mark 150 years of a Catholic presence in Greymouth. Once Father Peter Costello had blessed the plaque we adjourned to the Union Hotel for the Sesqui-Centennial Banquet. Fr John Adams stood in for Bishop Barry in his illness. Fr Adams was responsible for Grace but before blessing our meal he reminded us of the old West Coast custom eight priests. Between them in various around the newly erected Grotto of of telling a story before saying Grace and guises they represented Bishop Barry, Our Lady for its official blessing by our then proved he was a West Coaster by our parish, priests who have come from senior statesman and Assistant Priest, doing so in a most humorous manner. our parish or the West Coast, the Marist Monsignor Gerry O’Connor. While Of course there was a lot of Chat-Chat- Fathers of the Society of Mary who ran Monsignor Gerry blessed the Grotto Chat and everyone talked long into the the parish for most of its first fifty years, everyone sang “Mo Maria” and it was night. the Archdiocese of Wellington who also a very moving and uplifting ceremony Early on Sunday morning we all administered the area in the early days to complete the liturgical celebrations. gathered at the fourth St Patrick’s and finally the Murray Street Gang. In All then adjourned to the nearby Marist Church for the celebration of Christ his homily Fr John reminded us of the Rugby League Clubrooms for the the King, the end of the liturgical qualities that make up West Coasters Cutting of the Cake and Morning Tea. year and the beginning of our march and what a great heritage we have to What a wonderful celebration of our towards our two hundredth birthday. back us up and to emulate. 150th Birthday. Fr John Adams, representing Bishop Following Mass the congregation James Costello Barry, presided at Mass assisted by gathered in the church grounds St Patrick’s Parish, Greymouth

INFORM DECEMBER 2015  Religious Recognising Our Priests And Religious Photo: Stewart Nimmo, Nimmo Gallery

As the Year for Consecrated Life comes Greymouth from the 1920s to the 1960s consecrated life we thank those people to an end, we should give thanks for all and many of us have fond memories for their dedication and their special those who have entered our lives and of the Mons. Between them, these work for the Lord. There are many those of our families. A fitting way to two giants of the faith were our parish different orders in the consecrated life do so is to read part of a speech given by priests for more than 75 years. That is in the Catholic Church and in many James Costello at the recent Greymouth half of the life of this parish. Another of them you will find West Coasters Sesqui-centennial. Though he is Monsignor has popped in and out of and people from Greymouth, but not speaking about St Patrick’s Parish, we Greymouth every now and again since as many as there used to be. Hopefully can all relate to what he is saying. the 1950s, especially when a church in this special year for the Consecrated “First the many priests who have needed building or some similar event Life, some young people from our parish served in this parish over 150 years and he is here again now serving may change this trend. beginning with the Marist Fathers and the people of our parish. Thank you, Some of our West Coast vocations are then the priests from the Christchurch Monsignor Gerry. with us today and we ask you to accept Diocese. We have had a great line- So we thank God for all the priests our blessings and thanks on behalf of all up of parish priests and assistant who have served in our parish over our Greymouth and West Coast nuns, priests serving our parish and the 150 years and all the bishops who have brothers, monks, priests and bishops other parishes that now make up the presided over our parish in that time. from the past 150 years. Greymouth parish for 150 years, from Fr We ask Fr John to pass on our best Columb to Fr Costello our present Parish wishes to Bishop Barry and we pray that Priest. he will soon be back to full health. Dean Carew served for many years The final group is all the nuns, around the turn of the last century brothers and priests who have come and was the leader in the building of from our Greymouth Parish and the St Patrick’s Church in Chapel Street. West Coast and have left here to work Monsignor James Long also served in all over NZ and the world. In this year of

Four Sisters of Mercy, 260 Years of Religious Life In early September, Sisters of Mercy gathered to give thanks and celebrate the jubilees of of (from left to right, sitting) Sr. Adrian Keating (70th) and Sr. Celine Shanks (70th); back row Sr. Kathleen Fitzsimmons (60th) and Sr. Audrey Wafer (60th) with Fr Peter Costello. We thank them for the wonderful contribution they have made in this Diocese, living the charism of Mercy.

10 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 Religious

Final Mass for Consecrated Life

Carmel Monastery Chapel and chaplain to the , Fr Paul Williamson sm, wove the readings 21 November 2015 together skilfully, taking the story of Elijah in the first Book of Kings when he presence in the diocese, came together fled into the wilderness and was given a for a day of reflection, discussion, scone and a jar of water to sustain him

informal conversation, all amidst much for the journey. He tied these symbols In September 2014, laughter and camaraderie. in with the Eucharist where the bread Bishop Barry Jones set up a Committee The committee then travelled to and wine become the Body and Blood of for the Year of Consecrated Life. Its Greymouth to take part in a panel Christ, a gift given to all the baptised as focus was to plan activities for religious discussion. This was followed by a visit sustenance on their journey through life. men and women to celebrate the joy of to John Paul High School to meet with The Virgin Mary being the first disciple their vocation. Years 13 and 9 to talk with them about and the Mother of God, provided the A number of events have brought religious life. pivotal example for religious to follow, religious together. More recently, a The climax of the Year for Consecrated and her presentation to God in the workshop for religious was held at the Life came on the last Saturday of temple exemplified this. St John of God Conference Centre in November, a year to the day after The religious in the Christchurch Halswell. The theme was taken from a celebrations began. Once again it was Diocese owe a debt of gratitude to letter written by Pope Francis addressed concelebrated in the chapel at Carmel Bishop Barry Jones for setting up to consecrated people urging them to: with many religious from the diocese a committee to plan, carry out and look to the past with gratitude, live the in attendance. The readings were taken implement these celebrations. May he present with passion and embrace the from the votive Mass for Consecrated be sustained by the prayers of those future with hope. people with an optional memorial for present as he continues to rest and Fifty-eight men and women religious, that day being the Presentation of the recover his strength. from all the congregations with a Blessed Virgin Mary. The celebrant, Sr Eleanor Capper rsj Perpetual Vows Made Sr Maria Immaculata ocd and Sr Marie Angeline ocd from the Christchurch Carmelite Monastery made perpetual profession in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 24. Mother Dorothea ocd, Sr Cushla ocd and Monsignor Brendan Daly were there for the ceremony.

INFORM DECEMBER 2015 11 Religious This Birthday is a Particular Occasion for Celebration When it is the 500th birthday of a much loved spiritual mother of a world-wide family, (she was born on 28 March 1515), one would expect the celebrations to be rather special. So this birthday of St Teresa of Avila is one we shall always remember, particularly as it coincided with the Year for Consecrated Life! Perfect timing. During the past five years, the whole Carmelite family had been invited by our Father General Saverio Cannistra to re- read and penetrate ever more deeply into the writings of St Teresa and so listen to her voice speaking to us today. I am sure that once again we could all echo her words: “The glory of God and the good of his Church are all I desire”. Anticipation had been building up during the past few months and we soon realised that quite a bit of planning was involved. We decided to centre the talks etc around the theme: “A Journey Within” and were delighted when our good friend, Professor Ben Gibbs, a Secular Carmelite, agreed to give the St Teresa. A shrine was placed to the side of the sanctuary opening talk on the “Interior Castle: Exploring the Soul.” The where St Teresa’s relic was displayed. A particular treasure “Journey” was continued by our Carmelite Father Greg Burke was a facsimile copy of St Teresa’s Way of Perfection carried out ocd from Sydney who had been described as “a lively and in 1964 under the “paternal vigilance” of the then Father engaging speaker” and he certainly was that, as he connected General Anastasio Ballestrero. It was reproduced from the us with “St Teresa, her world and ours.” Valladolid version of the “Way” and brought to where Though it was winter, the chapel was warm and inviting the copies were made by experts. (Our copy bears the number and appropriately decorated with signs of the spirituality of 571 of a limited edition of 2,000.) Even the paper is as close to the original as possible. It is quite moving to see St Teresa’s A Saint for Aotearoa New Zealand? handwriting, round and firm. She has underlined whole In early September, religious and lay people gathered in the passages to make sure her daughters “got the message”! Chapel at our Carmelite Monastery to hear about the life and After the talks the people gathered in the guest room where works of Suzanne Aubert. She is the foundress of the Sisters of they enjoyed refreshments and admired the chief attraction, Compassion. There is pleasing progress on Sr Suzanne’s Cause a large cake made and iced by two kind ladies who assured for Canonisation. us that their work was always preceded by prayer. The cake Sr Margaret Anne Mills and Sr Josephine Gorman gave us a had then been transformed into a garden by the clever hands happy account of her life and works. of Sisters Immaculata and Angéline. A figurine in Carmelite Suzanne Aubert came from France at the invitation of Habit carrying a pitcher of water stood among the flowers Bishop Pompallier to work among Maori. Her first mission reminding us that St Teresa tells us in the book of her “Life” was to work among the orphans and underprivileged in that she liked to picture her soul as a garden with the Lord Jerusalem on the Whanganui River. In 1892 she founded the walking among the flowers of her virtues. Congregation of The Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. These pleasant gatherings, enabling everyone to meet our She and her Religious Sisters have devoted their lives ever guest speakers, were a fitting conclusion to a blessed occasion. since to courageously helping and caring for others with great Your loving sisters of the Carmel of Christ the King, Christchurch needs in our country. The road to Canonisation is a long one and goes through many stages. In 2010 Fr Maurice Carmody was appointed as , and along with Sr Josephine, he is gathering information about her life, her works and her response to prayer and intercession so that this can be sent to Rome.

12 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 Schools The South Island World Youth Day Experience in Christchurch, 29 July to 1 August 2016 Our bishops are supporting this event and the response from the two dioceses has been overwhelming. The goal is to ensure Years 12 and 13 students who attend will be supported in their spiritual journey to strengthen their faith for the future. Catholic Cathedral College Venue: Marian College and Catholic Cathedral Connects College Our students recently had an immersion experience in Samoa. Target Group: 240 After 12 months of fund-raising, 18 students and four teachers senior (Year 12 + 13) students (accompanied by 2 teachers spent the first 10 days of the school holidays in Apia. They from each school) from Catholic Colleges of the Christchurch worked at St Joseph’s College, the Marist Brothers secondary and Dunedin Dioceses school. It was a special time. For further information follow us on #WYD2016;CHCH or Besides assisting in the secondary school, we visited a Facebook: “World Youth Day 2016 Christchurch”. For any home for the elderly, a school for students with special needs, further enquiries please contact Abina Pope, DRS at Marian and some state and Catholic primary schools. Each student College 027 7209297 or email [email protected] lived for a week with a Samoan family and experienced their generous hospitality. We were struck by the open friendliness and hospitality of all the people we stayed with. The young people we met were enthusiastic and appreciative of all that we had to offer. Their love of learning was evident, as were their strong family values and respect for each other. We look forward to continuing our support of St Joseph’s College. Their love and generosity is inspiring.

Responding to the Holy Spirit It is always inspiring to see young Catholics wishing to complete their sacramental initiation. The sacrament of Confirmation is a chance to acknowledge the calling of the Holy Spirit and accept the Gospel message as a confirmed adult in the Church. At St Thomas of Canterbury College, Zach Styant and Mark Loh were recently confirmed in front of their peers, teachers and family. Fr Rick Loughnan led them through their sacramental preparation and confirmed them in an open air Mass at the College. The celebration was both solemn and communal. We pray these students will remain steadfast in the faith of the Church throughout their lives.

INFORM DECEMBER 2015 13 14 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 15 16 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 OLV parishioners gather after Mass and write to the Health Select Committee to say “no” to the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide in New Zealand.

Death With Dignity?

our natural instinct I think. Let’s trust Another extremely important principle in that instinct that life is precious and in this debate is that we should never good when we consider this debate. make legislation on the basis of extreme To begin with, one thing we shouldn’t cases. One could justify theft or even let the pro euthanasia people do is take murder based on extreme examples. Bad away our language. Catholics support cases do not make good law. The reality death with dignity, Catholics do not is, when pain is managed well, and want people to suffer long and painful when depression is treated, the wish for deaths, and Catholics support personal assisted suicide all but disappears. autonomy — and we have been doing And let’s be clear, the huge majority of Father John Adams all these things for centuries. This is our people pass from this life free of severe addresses the issue language. Catholics advocate a natural, or prolonged pain. Palliative care is a Today I want to raise with you once yet comfortable and peaceful, death for rapidly growing and improving form of again the topic of euthanasia. Its not every New Zealander. Continues on next page an easy or straight forward subject, however speak about it we must, as it seems clear that public opinion is against the stance of the Church, and there is a real possibility that some time soon Parliament will discuss this issue. Let’s just get something in place for a minute. Imagine you are for some reason at the top of a very high building — perhaps you’re up there for the view or something like that. And you notice a person sitting on the edge of the building — about to throw themself off. What do you do? Do you simply say, “Well its your choice, good luck, can I give you a hand?” No — we don’t do that,Prayer we say “Stop, flags wait, things in can’t be that bad, have you considered this, what aboutTemuka the people who love you?” That’s

INFORM DECEMBER 2015 17 Death With Dignity? Continues from previous page are now referred to a psychologist: when the legislation was introduced medicine, and doctors tell us that almost it was 37%. And the amount of time no one should suffer prolonged pain at between the initial request for, and the the end of their lives. Any of you who actual administering of, the fatal doses have had someone die in a hospice for has reduced from 83 days when the instance will know the wonderful work legislation was first introduced, to an those involved in palliative care do. average of only 30 days at the moment. As the debate continues we have the The slippery slope, according to the chance to observe euthanasia legislation promoters of this law’s own figures, in action in other countries. For instance has begun. If legislation of this sort was Mary Potter there were 2,500 elderly euthanised in introduced here it would be the elderly, Holland in 2009; approximately 550 of and Care of the vulnerable and the depressed who, those killings took place without explicit in increasing numbers, would have the Older People consent. We know anecdotally that state end their lives. many elderly now fear going to hospital Finally, it’s good for us to remember The end of November saw more than 100 in that country. Why? Because now in that the Church asks that ordinary care people attend a significant presentation. this country if you go to your doctor and is to be given to the dying. The Church Our Mary Potter Centre hosted a forum say that life is miserable for you, and in no way supports the unnecessary on the unintended consequences of a that you don’t really want to go on living lengthening of a person’s life. At the law change to allow euthanasia and in this way, your doctor will say, “Well point at which treatment becomes assisted suicide in our country. GP Dr how can I help you relieve this misery? burdensome, to the degree that it Paula Comings of the Burnside parish What treatment can I offer you to help?” outweighs the benefits to us, we have initiated this forum to give people However if the proposed euthanasia the right to refuse that treatment. I the opportunity to hear specialists legislation is passed, your doctor may think back to my own father’s death; speak about this issue. Then anyone instead say, “Well, if you go home and I am sure it was the morphine which who wished could write their letter to take these pills, you can end your life.” finally ended his life rather than the Parliament expressing their views on any Remember, doctors themselves don’t An cancer which had ravaged his body. law change. want euthanasia: the New Zealand Morally this is acceptable to the church, “As far as lifeoutpouring and death decisions Medical Association has spoken out the doctors and nurses involved with his go,” said Dr Comings, “there couldn’t against changing the law. of Grace at care sought to treat his pain, his life was be a more consequential one for society. The law as it stands in this country is shortened as a consequence. Euthanasia We believe all Sthuman Bede’s life is worthy of not perfect, but it is clear. New law will legislation will change this, and allow our care and support in all its shades allow the state to take the lives of its the ending of a person’s life to be the of suffering and illness until its natural citizens if they fulfilled certain criteria. first priority. Its then that we believe an death.” The problem is who would interpret unacceptable line has been crossed. Victoria Casey is a barrister of the High those criteria — who decides that a Our faith teaches us not to be afraid Court in Wellington and. among other life is, or is not worth living? Does a of death — it is not the end — indeed cases, represented the Care Alliance in depressed person, does a very frail and Jesus teaches us that anyone who eats the case of Seales against the Attorney elderly person, does a disabled person, this bread will live forever. but we should General. She outlined the approach do the hospital accountants who see live our lives here on earth to the end, of member organisations of the Care expensive treatment putting pressure on in doing so we honor the one who gifted Alliance regarding the true meaning of the budget? Who decides? Currently the our lives to us. death with dignity. “Compassionate care law is clear. It is also interesting to note that in the American state of Oregon where euthanasia is legal, already after just a few years the scene has changed. When the legislation was introduced, 26% of patients stated that fear of becoming a burden to their family was their reason for asking a doctor to end their lives, but just three years later this figure had risen to 63%. 63% of people who ask their doctor for assisted suicide do so because they consider they have become a burden on their family. So called incurable pain is in fact a minor statistic. Despite doctors in Oregon themselves stating that curable depression was a major influence in people asking for assisted suicide, only 19% of patients

18 INFORM DECEMBER 2015 4 Steps to Making a Submission or Letter: Write a covering letter with 1 Who? your name, address, daytime phone Any individual or organisation can number, and say if you wish to be make a submission. You do not heard in person. have to be a citizen or permanent Enclose 2 copies of your submission resident. You do not have to be living and send to: in New Zealand. If you are writing Committee Secretariat on behalf of an organisation, make Health sure to identify your role within Parliament Buildings that organisation. Each member of a Wellington group or organisation should make Important: unlike a letter to an MP, a personal submission as well as the you must pay postage. group submission. 3 What? 2 How? Your submission can be as short or either Web: Go to Parliament’s as long as you want. Even one or two Many take up the opportunity to know submission webpage. You’ll be asked a sentences will ensure your views are more about a chilling potential law verification question at the bottom of heard. change. the page to make sure you’re a person State your position clearly in your own and not a machine, then click Make an and death with dignity mean that we tell words eg “I oppose any legalisation online submission our frail, elderly, disabled and ill, they of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Fill out your Contact Details will be loved and cared for every day, New Zealand.” Upload your submission or enter up to right to the end. In other words, you will Give your reasons. Use your own 4,000 characters in the Compose a brief not be abandoned. You are worth caring words rather than “cutting and submission box for, no matter what it takes. In other pasting” someone else’s words. It Tick “Yes” or “No” in the Request to words, you are not a burden. And your will be much more persuasive to the appear box add any comments you life has value for you and us even when Select Committee. There are some want in the Contact committee staff box you are dependent and frail. In other ideas about important issues on this or leave it empty words, we think your life has meaning.” website. Remember to click the Submit button! Dr Amanda Landers is a consultant Finish by making your You will quickly get an email palliative care specialist in Christchurch. recommendation in your own words, confirming that your submission has In regard to the demand for euthanasia, eg “I recommend the Health Select been received. she noted that “It is actually the voice of Committee rejects the legalisation of or Email: Send an email to the the well that I hear. By the time people euthanasia and assisted suicide and Health Select Committee (health@ come to some form of acceptance and instead supports better services for the parliament.govt.nz). understanding of what’s happening to vulnerable and needy.” them, they don’t want to talk to the Put “Health Select Committee Inquiry media, they don’t want to write letters, Submission“ in the subject line. Include your name, daytime phone 4 When? they don’t want to be interviewed, they Submissions must be received by 1 number, and street address, and say just want to be with family and friends.” February 2016. But don’t wait, do it whether you wish to be heard in Regarding the use of morphine to now! And then remind your family, person. kill people, Dr Landers said that “Best friends and colleagues to have their Attach your submission in pdf or doc practice is to give people as much as they say. need to be comfortable and no more. format. And actually, too much morphine at the end of life is unpleasant. It’s quite common that I’m lowering morphine at the end of life and using other things like muscle relaxants to keep people comfortable.” Dr John Thwaites is a physician and geriatrician in Christchurch. He stated that “For a Dr such as myself, it is such a quantum leap from allowing someone to die to actively killing someone. Good clinical practice is knowing when that time has come. It is about changing from the role of trying to cure to trying to control the symptoms, providing good palliative care and allowing nature to take its course.” It was pleasing to see people take up the opportunity to let their own voice be heard.

INFORM DECEMBER 2015 19 In the Diocese

A Community of Care The Nazareth Community of Care retirement village and aged care complex is now well underway. It is being built on the Sisters of Nazareth site in Brougham Street, Sydenham. The giftedness of the Sisters in providing high quality The complex is a new development for the Sisters. It is aged care services is well known across Australasia, and interdenominational, but based on an ethos reflecting more widely. Their ministry in Christchurch started in the the Congregation’s values of Love, Compassion, Respect, early 1900s, but the 2010-11 earthquakes resulted in the Justice, Patience and Hospitality. The Sisters describe it as a destruction of all the facilities on the Brougham Street site. “Community with Heart.” Despite this loss, the Sisters remained committed to staying in Christchurch and over the past four years have been planning a new care and support complex. Walk in Love and Mercy Mindful of the uncertainties that the earthquakes have Divine Mercy Congress created for many people in Christchurch, the Sisters chose to Speakers to visit create a spacious development featuring 62 single level two Christchurch in March 2016 and three bedroom independent living villas. The complex Fr Patrice Chocholski, Secretary includes an 80 bed rest home and hospital facility which General of the World Apostolic provides a care facility for the elderly. It is due for completion Congress on Mercy (WACOM), and in October 2016. Completion of the full development will also Rector of the International Shrine see the construction of a 20 bed dementia care unit. A 200 seat of Ars, France, and therefore the chapel will sit adjacent to the care facility, and the convent successor of St Jean-Marie Vianney is will also be located alongside the rest home and hospital. It a gifted speaker with a great insight will incorporate special features such as the marble altar and into the workings of Divine Mercy stained glass windows salvaged from the previous historic in the world today. He has been a chapel. presenter at every world Divine Mercy congress, and every If you’re interested in joining this our community of care, national congress around the globe since 2008, including here. please contact us on 0800 NAZARETH (0800 6292 7384) or Zachary King, a former High Wizard in the Worldwide visit our display villas. We are excited to see a community Church of Satan for 26 years, will present his amazing developing that reflects the mission of the Sisters and the testimony of conversion from Satanism through the Nazareth Way. nazareth.co.nz Miraculous Medal and the urgent need to understand the methods (yoga, crystals, astrology, tarot cards, reiki healing, eco-spirituality and other New Age techniques) the devil uses to entice youth and adults into the occult. The exponential rise in occultic practices is a worrying international trend. This will be a major event for our A quarterly newsletter published by the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch. diocese during the The Year of Mercy. Ensure any photos are ‘attached’ to the email rather than embedded in Date and Venue: March 2nd 7pm the article. JPG format is most suitable for photos, 3 megapixel or greater. @ St Teresa’s Parish hall & Church. Deadline for next issue: Friday, 26 February 2016 Presentations/Book Sales/Prayer/ Contributions may be sent at any time to: Adoration/Supper. The Editor, P O Box 4544, Christchurch 8140. Ph (03) 366 9869 All welcome – Donation Only Email: [email protected] • Website: www.chch.catholic.org.nz

20 INFORM DECEMBER 2015