newsletter of the catholic bishop of Issue 118 - Winter 2019

Bishop Paul with the legal documents and keys to the new church in Lincoln.

Bishop’s Decision to Deconstruct of the Blessed Sacrament (pages 4-5) Jubilate 2019 “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness” (page 7) Lincoln parishioners celebrate their new home (pages 14-17) Sr Pauline O’Regan RIP (page 26) 1 From the Bishop

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Bishop’s O ffice Greetings to you in this middle part of the year as we embrace Ordinary Time in the life of the Church and work together on our processes for determining the future shape of our parishes in the diocese.

I am grateful for the feedback received fundamentals do not change. We want Our faith communities are already to date on the proposals and the way to be a Eucharistic community, one blessed in all that is happening you have engaged in the process that where the Sacraments are available in these areas. In joining these has been put in place as we try and to us and nourish our faith life. We communities together, we will have plan our future. It has been good to want to be a community that supports an even greater critical mass of gather together and to discuss what one another and provides ways for people to do this most important work is being proposed for our diocese. It is our spiritual lives to be nourished and and participate in the opportunities not easy to try and work out what it is enhanced outside of Mass. We want available. This is exciting and gives that God is asking of us and what we to be outward looking in our desire to great scope for creativity in finding will need in order to be stronger as a help our brothers and sisters in need faith community and to speak of Christ and to bring the Good News of Jesus ways to reach out to those who may to those we meet. The proposals are to those who have not heard it. These have drifted from the practice of their significant in terms of a new structure things are key to our life as Catholic faith, or those who have never been and way of operating. We are all being Christians and we need sustainable associated with a faith community. asked to give up much of what we structures to enable this to happen. have known for the sake of something In all that we are doing, let us new and hopefully more able to meet This thinking lies at the heart of the continue to pray for one another. our pastoral needs and resources. proposals. The temptation is to look at Let us presume that all people are the current structure, which we know sincere in their responses and let Key in all of this is to try and look and are at home with, and not in terms us give each other the space and ahead, to see what we will require for of those who will be here in 25 or 50 time to work through the variety of our sacramental life and structures years’ time. Just as our forebears in the emotions and reactions that these in the next twenty five to fifty years. faith set things up for their time, so too proposals evoke in us. We need to Our world is changing so quickly we must do the same in ours. This is keep communicating with one another and we can only try and anticipate our challenge and what the Holy Spirit in a way that allows us to respect the what life will be like. However, the is calling us to. person and listen to their views with an open mind. This is what God is asking of us at the moment as a diocese and “This is our challenge that is my prayer for each of us at this time. and what the Blessings to you and your families. Holy Spirit is calling us to.” + SM

The diocesan website: www.chchcatholic.nz lists information about parishes, Mass times, diocesan news and events. Parishes, schools and church groups are welcome to advertise events. Please email mstopforth@chch. catholic.org.nz.

2 From our Diocesan General Manager - Andy Doherty

In this note to you, I would like to pay a personal Bishop’s O ffice tribute to two important members of our Catholic family in Christchurch who have recently died, both of whom have touched our lives.

My Mum had a real love of Mary and Sr Pauline O’Regan a close relationship with all religious I grew up in Aranui with the Sisters but the majority of her time would of Mercy: Srs Pauline O’Regan, Marie have been with the Sisters of Aranui. McRea and Helen Goggin. These Sr Pauline would have offered support more than anything - friendship and Sisters gave real support to the Aranui possibly guidance over the years. community and beyond. My mother As both of my parents have passed, Issue 118 - Winter 2019 was a keen singer and must have sung what became clear was how close Sr with Sr Helen who was in charge of Pauline was to all of our family - the music on more than 1,000 occasions. Doherty Boys and their partners. My I was unaware of the true depth of Sr brother Steve, Siobhan and their son Pauline as a person. I knew her as a Nga mihi nui Cameron flew down from family friend and she continued to be for the funeral to pay their respects. Sr from the editorial desk. so throughout my late mother’s life. Pauline really connected with Siobhan I was always struck by Sr Pauline’s (another writer) and most of our family. Inform Issue 118 is our Winter humility and was only more recently edition and comes to you as we aware that she had been Principal of There were many layers to Sr Pauline stand on the threshold of spring. Villa Maria College, and that she had but I will always remember her as a It covers Catholic life in the taught at Aranui High School. I was friendly Sister who genuinely cared Christchurch Diocese from May to quite struck with how we only knew about our family and our community. early August. her as Sr Pauline. I am sure she was You will read a more detailed tribute a strong Principal but we only saw to Sister’s life in the religious section of Among it’s features, Bishop Martin warmth and a high IQ and EQ. this edition of Inform. outlines his thinking behind the decision to deconstruct the Cathedral of the Blessed George Macfarlane class that we can all learn from - I Sacrament. We celebrate Jubilate certainly tried to learn from them and 2019, our annual Catholic primary George Macfarlane aged 86, was was always so grateful to them. schools music festival. We follow the cause for sainthood of the a Xavier College old boy. I first met What a great life George had - a Venerable Suzanne Aubert with George and his wife Marie at a Finance celebration of a man who has lived a Board meeting a month before I took full life and someone I consider to be a a Christchurch connection. In up my role in the diocese. At this friend, a mentor and a man I will never a centre spread, we join with meeting we celebrated his lifelong forget. Had my time in this role come Lincoln’s St Patrick’s in contribution to the Church. Instantly to an end before he died, I intended the opening of their new church. they both gave me their love and to pay my respects to George and We are in communion with the support. Marie grabbed my arm and Marie for the welcome they gave me. Sisters of Mercy in giving thanks whispered to me “We know you will do It took me nearly 12 months to work for the life of Sr Pauline O’Regan. well”, words that touched my heart and out why I began so strongly in this role. The back cover contains a Prayer I will never forget. George then said to Then I remembered the welcome, to the Holy Spirit. Bishop Martin me “It is great to have a Xavier boy on the support, the comfort that they is inviting us to pray this prayer the , there are a few of us around.” both offered up 30 days before I even as we look to the future of the started. What a great way for me to Christchurch diocese. At every meeting since, they have begin a new and complex role. At shown what people of quality they are. nearly every meeting, they reinforced After you have read this Issue, I still have a letter from them on my those kind words, words which were please pass it on to others you desk thanking me - the sort of letter very powerful for me. know who may connect with its you can’t just file away. At 86, George articles and stories. who only just stepped down from the Rest in peace George, love you, the Maryville Board, still provided financial work you have done and the way advice. In fact they were both at the you have gone about it. I will think of In Christ, recent Business Lunch offering their you as we have a drink at the end of much needed loyal support. They every board meeting, as we discuss were consistently among the first the best bank investments, and at the people I thought of whenever we had beginning of every future business Ken Joblin, Editor events - they add class - old school event we organise. Caitlin Godfrey, Assistant Editor 3 Bishop’s O ffice Ecce Tabernaculum Dei Cum Hominibus Here God dwells among his people The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch was established by papal brief on 5 May 1887 and John Grimes SM was appointed bishop to the new See.

Within a few years, Bishop Grimes “had the idea of devoting [his] energies…to the building of a suitable temple for the worship of God”1. He received his first donation, from local priest Fr Foley, for “the noble work”2 of a Cathedral Fund. And later, following an Ad Limina visit to , +Grimes credits Leo XIII as “the prime mover in forwarding the work of the cathedral”. Encouraged by the Pope’s support, Bishop Grimes sought donations wherever he went in Europe and America. On his return to Christchurch he had raised £3,000 in total. Although initially favoring a Gothic building, to rival the Anglican Cathedral, Bishop Grimes was persuaded by architect Francis Petre to give up the gothic design in favour of a . Francis Petre, was contracted to design the Cathedral. He had previous experience in using concrete, and this allowed him to utilize innovative methods during construction such as pouring walls of concrete, then sheathed with stone. The Cathedral was built by Jamieson and Sons who had built other ecclesiastical and municipal buildings through . Their skill and innovation was partly responsible for the relatively short construction timeframe for the Cathedral. Fifty men were employed on the site, and in excess of 3,400 cubic metres of stone, 110m³ of concrete, and 90 tons of steel were used in the construction. Many issues arose while the Cathedral was being built, including the structure’s subsidence in the soft ground, increasing costs especially in the supply of suitable

friday 27 & saturday 28 septeMber 2019 Venue: burns lodge, Mosgiel, (the former Holy Cross Seminary) WHO IS THIS FOR? lay pastoral leaders, pastoral workers, clergy, reGistration cost: $150 (excluding accommodation) pastoral staff , parish youth leaders, parish pastoral council members and leaders of faith communities limited accommodation on site - bed and breakfast $60 per night

Keynote speakers Kitty McKinley Founder /Project Manager of Challenge 2000 Daniel Ang Director of Evangelisation, Diocese of Broken Bay www.pastoralconference.cdh.nz

4 Here God dwells among his people Bishop’s O ffice limestone from Oamaru, and the prices of zinc and steel for coatings. With subscriptions and donations struggling to offset the increased costs, the Cathedral building was nearly abandoned in 1903. New Zealand Premier, Richard John Seddon, promoted a bill through Parliament that allowed the diocese to raise a loan for £20,000, thus securing the funds to finish construction. The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was opened and dedicated on 12 February 1905, with much pomp and ceremony. It had cost just over £52,213 and left the diocese with a debt of £20,483. Subsequent decades of neglect resulted in a major project to restore the Cathedral and reorder the interior, which took place in the 1960s/70s. Earthquake strengthening work was completed in 2004. The 7.1 earthquake on 4 September 2010, resulted in damage and the closure of the Cathedral to the public, to allow for further strengthening and repair. The earthquake on 22 February 2011, however, caused significant damage to the building. The two bell towers at the front of the building collapsed, bringing much of the front facade down with them. Risk to neighboring properties subsequently resulted in the being removed. Though the temple was no longer suitable, on the remaining facade Bishop Grimes’ inscription remains: Ecce Tabernaculum Dei Cum Hominibus - Here God dwells among his people.

1 The Press, 11 February 1905 2 Bishop Grimes’ 1899 Pastoral Letter

Cathedral Update from Bishop Paul You will have just read the brief I want to reassure you that when we The original building cost £52,000 history of our Cathedral of the Blessed build a new Cathedral it too will be which is the equivalent of $50 million Sacrament in Barbadoes Street. It is a a place that has a beauty which lifts today; it was a huge undertaking. reminder of the faith and vision of our our hearts to God. It will be a place We too will need to undertake forebears and their desire to have a for prayer and we will line it with our something of a similar nature if we are sacred place for prayer and witness prayers and presence at the Eucharist to do justice to our faith and to build to belief in God and the Good News and other liturgies that will take place something that will meets the needs of Jesus Christ for all humankind. We there. We will make it our home of now and the future. were very blessed to have had this and also a witness to the people holy place for so long. of Christchurch of the presence of Let us be generous in our thoughts, Christ’s followers in the city and prayers and finances as we The decision to deconstruct this beyond. I want our Cathedral to be a continue our life and witness as Cathedral was a sad one to make as the place where people gather constantly Catholic people in our diocese of Bishop. So much of our faith history and for prayer and that in the surrounding Christchurch. experience as a diocese was centred facilities for many other activities that there. Like all our churches they lead to the build up of the faith of the become lined with the prayers of so people and also outreach to those many holy people who gather to praise seeking Christ or in other sorts of need. God and to receive the Sacraments. It is why we take our churches seriously This is our time now to build for future + Paul Martin SM and treat them as holy places. generations, just as our forebears did. 5 Bishop’s O ffice

BISHOP’S PROPOSED PLAN Our Faith, Our Future Pentecost Sunday saw Bishop Paul announce his proposed plan for the diocese. This is a significant proposal and one which has evoked a range of responses from people. Bishop Paul is conscious of the shock and the sadness that some people are feeling.

The area meetings have been held in each of the seven we exist as a church

areas of the greater Christchurch area. Over 1100 people and what more a pastoral letter to the faithful of the christchurch Diocese attended the meetings where Bishop Paul spoke about can we do to share pentecost sunday, 9th June 2019 his vision, Tony Sewell (Diocesan Property Office Manager) the good news spoke about the property aspects and then a panel of Jesus Christ in answered questions about the proposal. Thank you to all today’s world? How do we engage those who took the time to attend these meetings. those young people and families in our Catholic schools not connected to our parish communities? Having fewer The feedback process is continuing and at the time of parishes (and buildings that currently need significant writing there are around 230 online responses received maintenance and strengthening) enables more resources along with a number of hard copy submissions. to be used for mission (one example is the employment of pastoral staff in parishes). So what is the rationale underpinning the Bishop’s proposal? The answer is that it is not one particular thing. Sunday Mass and the Eucharist is foundational for our faith. Bishop Paul has a desire to see a greater level of vibrancy The bishop’s vision is deeply grounded in mission. Why do in our parishes from Monday to Saturday, providing opportunities for a wide range of people to support their faith life. We cannot rely on Sunday Mass as the only opportunity to support the faith life of people in our current While the focus of the structural change is in secular society. Christchurch City and the greater Christchurch Having a bishop appointed from outside the diocese has area, my vision for vibrant parishes is for the whole enabled him to come with a fresh perspective to our post diocese. earthquake diocese. Having demolished 10 of our own In these parishes people and priests work together churches after the earthquake this is an opportunity to not in vibrant communities of faith, people have a put things back as we had prior to the earthquake but think personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ, people carefully about our needs into the future. are welcomed, loved and cared for, and feel a part of a community that nourishes and supports their Parish leadership will look different in our future parishes faith at every phase and stage of life. Flourishing with priests and laity working in new ways. In 10 years’ time parishes are filled with young people and young we will have 12 priests incardinated in the diocese under 75 families. Lay people are given the opportunity to (plus any new ordinations). We are grateful for the priests on use their talents and gifts and priests too are given loan who serve us from overseas and the religious orders the opportunity to work out of their strengths and who staff our parishes.The bishop’s proposal takes into experience the joy of working where they are gifted. account the reducing number of clergy into the future from In these communities every member has a strong what we have had in the past. commitment to social justice and to the poor. These Following the feedback process, it will be analysed and parishes are permanently on mission, places so a report provided to the Bishop. At this stage we hope attractive, that people from the wider community to provide online a summary of feedback that has been are drawn to them and experience there, the provided. Subject to feedback received, the Bishop will welcome and love that Christ offers them. announce the outcome. Sunday Mass is absolutely foundational for our faith life. I also want us to consider what we are doing For more information on the bishop’s proposal please visit from Monday to Saturday to support the faith life of www.ourfaith.chchcatholic.nz. people and help those with the struggles and joys This is a challenging time and one which needs our prayer of their lives. How might we provide greater support as we continue to focus on the future of the local church for young families, the elderly and young people? here in Christchurch. St , patron of My desire too is that all parishes will be led by a Christchurch Diocese, pray for us. parish team. Mike Stopforth Bishop Paul Director - Bishop’s Pastoral Office Pastoral Letter Pentecost Sunday 2019 6 Bishop’s O ffice

Above: St Mary’s Special Choir perform a 12th Century Gregorian Chant setting of ‘Ave Verum’, directed by Assistant Director Caitlin Godfrey. Right: Ken Joblin at the organ as Bishop Martin welcomes everyone to Jubilate 2019.

June 24th is the Feast of St John the Baptist and is the patronal feast day for the Christchurch Diocese. On that morning, 320 students from 16 of our Catholic schools converged on St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Christchurch for Jubilate 2019, our Catholic primary schools music festival. This is the fourth year of Jubilate and the second at which Bishop Paul Martin SM called our children together in song. We simply cannot have this sacred music programme In his opening remarks, the bishop set the scene. “It’s a without the support of your principals and teachers and it is special feature of our diocese to hold this annual Jubilate. appreciated.” He concluded that “All of you know Ken Joblin, We are the only Catholic diocese in New Zealand to bring our Sacred Music Advisor. He and his guide dog, Nelson, our schools together in this way each year. It’s a wonderful visited you all in the weeks leading up to today and we are opportunity for you to sing some of the musical treasures proud of his work.” of our Church. In Jubilate, we are creating a sacred sound track for you, a playlist that will be with you throughout your Jo Barlow is Principal of St James School, Aranui. She lives. You will not get tired of it or grow out of it. commented that Jubilate 2019 was “an amazing experience! Our kids were so pleased with their achievement and all credit The Church teaches that music is of value beyond our to the choir leaders who certainly have the choirs excelling.” imaginations and that its value is higher than any other art. O’Neill is Principal of St Mary’s, Manchester Street. So our Church music is of real importance and its beauty Before the children left the Pro-Cathedral, he encouraged matters. Sacred music is among the best ways we can them to keep singing. “All of you sound absolutely amazing. glimpse heaven and when we sing to God, our voices unite I urge you, special choirs from all over the diocese, please with those of the , the whole company of heaven.” stay in your choirs. The gift of singing which God has given This year, Jubilate reflected the words of St John found in you, please use it to glorify his name. At St Mary’s, when our Scripture. Singers recalled that St John points directly to Jesus, special choir sings, it lifts the rest of the school. Sometimes, baptises Him, encourages us to prepare a way for Jesus in it’s a lot of hard work, but when we hear all these voices our hearts, and calls us to behold Jesus, the Lamb of God together, it’s amazing, it’s worth it, it’s fantastic!” who takes away our sins. They also sang to Mary our Mother Before the final blessing, Bishop Martin observed that and of our belief in Jesus present to us in his Body and Blood. “When we sing, we are not just singing songs, we are The hour-long programme drew from the tradition of the actually expressing our faith. One of the great things about Church and more recent compositions, all of which have music is that when we sing songs, we remember the words. a timeless quality. Along with English, students sang in Those words that you have sung will stay in your head Latin to highlight the universality of the Church and te reo much longer than other things. May these hymns, these Maori, reflecting the place of Aotearoa in the Asia Pacific sacred songs, touch your heart and be a part of who you are in the future. The only sad thing about Jubilate is that so region. The Special Choir of St Mary’s Manchester Street many other people do not get to hear you sing and pray for offered two settings of “Ave Verum Corpus”: a 12th century us. But one day, we will have a cathedral which can fit lots Gregorian Chant setting before Mozart’s famous setting. of people to hear you.” A three-part choir from St James School, Aranui sang a modern sacred song, “Saviour I Heard Thy Voice Gently Say.” In response to the Bishop’s words, the children sang “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness” based on Catholic jazz composer Before a rousing rendition of Sebastian Temple’s “Prayer Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five”, the words of which sum up of St Francis”, Diocesan General Manager, Andy Doherty, Jubilate, “Come then all you nations, sing of your Lord’s said that “This Jubilate is definitely the best we’ve had so goodness, melodies of praise and thanks to God. Ring out far. Hearing you sing with such joy and enthusiasm and the Lord’s glory, praise him with your music, worship him in such numbers is a highlight of my year. It’s really good and bless his name.” to see so many of our schools represented by you today and to see the value your schools are placing on Jubilate. Inform Editorial Team 7 Bishop’s O ffice Diocesan Inquiry Convened

Earlier this year, a formal diocesan inquiry into the cure of a New Zealander through the alleged intercession of Venerable Suzanne Aubert was held in Christchurch. While the details of the inquiry together with the name of the person who has been cured are confidential and cannot be disclosed until such time as Rome advises, we can tell you that the exhaustive inquiry was held over Sr Josephine Gorman (co-ordinator), Sr Margaret Ann Mills (Congregational leader of the three days in March. The findings of Sisters of Compassion), John Bergin (Notary), Bishop Paul Martin, Sr Maria Casey RSJ the inquiry together with all witness (Promoter of Justice), Fr Maurice Carmody ( for the Cause). Not in picture was statements and supporting medical Fr Kevin Clark (Episcopal delegate) evidence were then sent to the Congregation for the Cause of Saints Sr Margaret Anne went on to say "In woman who accepted 'all creeds and 1889 Suzanne asked Bishop Grimes none'. She did not turn anyone away in Rome for further investigation and for permission to fundraise for a new as she recognised the dignity of all consideration. church in Hiruharama/Jerusalem. She people. This was her way of being Sr Margaret Anne Mills is the was real; she knew how to ask God and she stuck to it despite tempting Congregational leader of the Sisters for help. The community had total opportunities. For example, she turned of Compassion. She said, "While not confidence in Suzanne Aubert's faith down a generous financial donation wanting to raise hopes, we are truly and did not doubt that healing would from a wealthy benefactor as he grateful that the circumstances of take place. Healing has taken place on stipulated that the money was only to this particular case allowed for the many levels for the person concerned assist Catholics. Suzanne has given us inquiry to be undertaken and the and for the praying community. I the way to pray and a way to be with comprehensive file to be referred witnessed the depth of people's faith all people." and in turn my faith is stronger. To see to Rome for consideration as a Sr Margaret Anne met with Cardinal and know that the people of Aotearoa/ possible miracle through Venerable Giovanni Becciu, the Prefect for the New Zealand have a way to pray, by Suzanne Aubert's intercession. It was Causes of Saints during her visit to a humbling experience to hear of how asking a woman of our land, Suzanne Rome in May. If the findings of the a community united in prayer and Aubert, to intercede, is remarkable." inquiry are accepted by the Pope, then trusting in God's divine mercy, has Sr Margaret Anne recalled that "The the can be referred been impacted through the journey inquiry concluded while we were in to as Blessed. It only then requires that this particular family has been on. shutdown because of the massacre the acknowledgement of one more What I witnessed was the depth of at the two mosques. It was the most miracle through their intercession to the faith of all the people who gave uneasy feeling to be working with be declared a Saint. "What happens in testimony. As the praying community, the material when it was very clear Rome is important and it is exciting," those who gathered at Christ the King what was happening in the streets said Sr Margaret Anne, "yet the faith Church for nine evenings, praying very close to Washington Way. My of the people who contributed to the the novena for healing through the thoughts were for all the affected inquiry was my highlight." intercession of Suzanne Aubert was people and their families on Friday an experience of faith. The community 15 March. At the same time I asked Taken from "Suzanne Aubert News" had found a very real way to pray. They Suzanne Aubert what is this all about. published by the Sisters of Compassion. knew that Suzanne Aubert was a holy I received a strong message "Margaret For more on Venerable Suzanne woman who had walked the streets this is my time". Wow! It was like Aubert's cause: and breathed the air of Christchurch." 'wake up' because Suzanne was a www.suzanneaubert.co.nz.

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8 Light In The World Weekend Bishop’s O ffice CFC Oceania Conference, 26-28 April

Live as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8) and be a light to others as we overcome darkness in our homes, community and the world. We are asked to Awake, Arise and Fulfill our ministry by radiating the fragrant aroma of Jesus in the way we live our lives and give service to Him.

This is the main message of the recent primary place where we experience couples in Auckland 25 years ago to Couples for Christ (CFC) Oceania fully the love of God and find our the establishment of five chapters in Conference held in Auckland. The true identity as children of God. The Auckland alone and a solid presence occasion was officially opened by next two talks were given by Global in several parts of both the North and CFC-NZ National Director Allan International Council member, Joe Sadsad. Over 600 delegates from Yamamoto and Country South Islands. It is present in all 6 New Zealand, Australia and American Coordinator, Alan Baino, which dioceses in New Zealand with mission Samoa gathered for this conference. reminded us of our true calling. We areas in Samoa, American Samoa, the Among them were CFC attendees are to live as children of light so that Cook Islands and Tonga. All the areas from Christchurch, Rakaia, Ashburton, we can fulfill our ministry and shine were very well represented and have brightly as examples of “goodness, Timaru, Geraldine, Temuka, and shared their talents either by singing or Waimate. All were looking forward to righteousness and truth”. “Be the dancing. The presence of the Lord is a spirit-filled weekend and stimulating Light” is the title of the last talk by fellowship with brothers and sisters New Zealand Country Coordinator, truly in our midst as we stand witness from different parts of Oceania. Steve Maningat. We should rekindle to a victorious conference. our gifts, be active evangelizers of the Although it has been a big sacrifice good news and fulfill our ministry with Noel Descalzo for most to come, when they finally Jesus’ light shining through us. arrived at the venue there was Couples for Christ New Zealand an overflowing display of joy and CFC New Zealand has come a long National Council Member fulfilment. The auditorium was filled way from a mere gathering of a few Church Relations and Pro-Life with laughter, jubilant singing and powerful praise and worship. It was total elation and ecstasy to witness Fr John (Christchurch Diocese) and Fr Fredy Permentilla (Dunedin Diocese) everyone in a state of total surrender to the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit. The weekend was opened by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, offered by Fr Benito Velasco, Parish Priest of Papanui. He is CFC Spiritual Advisor for the Christchurch Diocese. The weekend culminated on Sunday with the Divine Mercy Prayer. CFC Mission Head for Asia and Oceania, Bong Arjonillo, delivered the first talk by highlighting the importance of the home as the

9 in the d iocese Celebrating and Growing Great Marriages Dio Date Night Getting dressed up, finding the different ways in which men babysitters, and going out on a cold and women approach things. They night - especially to something gave guidance on nurturing and unknown - can take us out of our strengthening marriage relationships comfort zone. Couples who attended through inevitable rocky patches. Their the first ever "Dio Date Night" felt their light-hearted presentation was deeply effort was well and truly rewarded. appreciated by couples married just They were welcomed into a 'wedding one year, through to those married for themed' venue, treated to delicious fifty years. food, live music from Gareth Castillo At evening's end, attendees were and entertainment from singer, Phil spontaneously composing their Hines and a delightful MC, Philip Bell. "invitee list" to ensure that their friends During the evening, gifted marriage don't miss out on the enjoyment at Marriage educators Francine and Byron Pirola educators Francine and Byron Pirola the next John Paul II Centre Dio Date shared their practical wisdom about Night. National Memorial Service to Honour the Life of Jean Vanier On Saturday 8 June over 100 people Jean Vanier's last weeks and the Rev Paul Martin and Rt Rev Peter joined with the L'Arche (Kapiti), Mount peace he felt within as he made his Carrell washed each other's hands and Tabor (Auckland), Marralomeda journey home. Mr Treanor movingly prayed together. (Christchurch) and Faith & Light read Jean Vanier's last message to his Quotations from Jean Vanier were read communities to honour the memory friends. by some of the young people present of Jean Vanier who died in on The sacrament of the washing of before we concluded with "Christ 7 May. Participants in the service feet is very central to life at L'Arche, be Our Light" and had fun batting included people from all Christian Marralomeda and Faith & Light... balloons to each other. After the faiths with and without intellectual a ritual that reminds us that Jesus service we shared hospitality together disability. A joyous atmosphere calls us to serve one another. After and continued to meet each other and prevailed as the symbols and banners a reading of John's Gospel by Silke build community. came up the aisle in procession and Carter and Norelle Pemberton from Mt then a quiet moment as we watched Among his memorable quotations, Tabor, the Gospel was presented as a a video presentation on Jean Vanier's Jean Vanier said: "If you can meet me moreime by Mary de Leijer and Karen life and message, followed by a as a human person then things begin Robson from Faith & Light. Everyone moment's silence. to change. Meetings..... to meet each in the congregation then washed each other. You are a child of God; I am a Speakers included Anne-Marie other's hands in pairs and shared a child of God. What is important is that Pike, founder of the Marralomeda blessing/prayer together. A beautiful we can meet and in meeting we can Community, about the history of the moment and powerful symbol of transform each other." New Zealand Connection with Jean ecumenism was when Christchurch Vanier; Candice Wilson, community Catholic and Anglican bishops Most leader of L'Arche Kapiti, about the Anne-Marie Pike significance of the Washing of Feet in Founder of the our communities; and David Treanor, Marralomeda Community Envoy L'Arche International, about

10 A Further Step Towards Ordination For Christchurch Seminarian in the d iocese On 7 May our fourth-year seminarian, Monty Bamford, was instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte by Most Rev , Bishop of Auckland. This step towards priesthood took place during the annual Founder's Day Mass for Holy Cross Seminary. The acolyte is instituted for service at the altar and to assist the priest and deacon. It is his place principally to prepare the altar and the sacred vessels and, if necessary, to distribute the Eucharist to the faithful as an extraordinary minister. The acolyte may also expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament for public adoration. Please keep our Alfred Tong (Archdiocese of ), Kirkeby Christchurch seminarians: Monty Bamford, Tang Phan (Hamilton Diocese), Bishop Patrick Dunn and Monty Bamford (6th year) and Huong Dinh (3rd year) in your prayers as (Christchurch Diocese), after Founder's Day Mass at Sacred they continue their formation. Heart Church, Ponsonby.

Hope Project Adds ACC Child Safety Programme to Support St John of God Waipuna is delivering victims of abuse, the need for one- delivering the in-home assessments. the ACC Make Your Home a Safety on-one support is even higher to The safety devices we are installing Zone programme in Christchurch, help navigate government services, are incredible, and hugely invaluable, expanding its range of services for especially when it comes to accessing but the ability to get in and deliver young parents as part of the HOPE private rentals. A lot of our clients incidental community health advice social housing programme. don't have rental references or even around child safety is an amazing know they are eligible for rental opportunity." The HOPE programme provides supplements, they don't have the a vital role for vulnerable young resources to pay deposits or have the Another significant aspect of HOPE parents, supporting access to wrap tools to put themselves forward in the is linking clients with social workers around services like social work and right way. We work closely with leasing and wrap around support services pregnancy and parenting education agents and providers alongside our at Waipuna. The Young Parents services, as well as supporting them to clients to create solutions that work for Development Team are also able to navigate and access housing services everyone." support young parents with individual via the Ministry of Social Development. social work support as well as The ACC funded programme aims Along with the managed installation pregnancy and parenting education to improve child safety in New of safety equipment like child safety courses available at the site. Zealand homes as well as promote gates and furniture brackets, the injury prevention and child safety to HOPE team is uniquely placed to The HOPE Social Housing Programme communities. support families with injury prevention receives philanthropic funding from and health promotion advice relating a number of funders including the Since March 2019 St John of God to child safety. "My favourite part of Diocese Hoatu Fund and the Tindall Waipuna has provided 19 in-home the ACC programme is going in and Foundation. safety assessments including funded installation of 254 safety devices. Sieni Afamiliona, HOPE Project Worker, said that the HOPE Project is continuing toYour trusted legal experts offer an essential service in providing YourYourYour trusted trustedtrusted legal legallegal experts expertsexperts safe and stable environments for Your trusted legal experts With overWith 90over years 90 years of experience of experience we’ll we’ll quickly quickly children in Christchurch. "We are WithWithWith over over over 90 90 90 years years years of of ofexperience experience experience we’ll we’ll we’ll quickly quickly quickly get toget the to heart the heart of your of your legal legal needs needs and and explain explain meeting young parents at a crisis point getgetget to to tothe the the heart heart heart of of ofyour your your legal legal legal needs needs needs and and and explain explain explain in life and the support we provide is everythingeverything to you to inyou simple in simple terms. terms. That’s That’s our our job. job. everythingeverythingeverything to to toyou you you in in insimple simple simple terms. terms. terms. That’s That’s That’s our our our job. job. job. critical. We're seeing mums sleeping • Banking• Banking • Immigration• Immigration • Resource• Resource on couches, eligible for high priority • •Banking• Banking Banking • •Immigration• Immigration Immigration • •Resource• Resource Resource • Business • Litigation ManagementManagementManagementManagement housing, but knocked down the list as• Business• •Business• Business Business • Litigation• •Litigation• Litigation Litigation Management they are classified as 'housed'. With • Employment • Property • Trusts•• •Trusts TrustsTrusts • Employment• •Employment• Employment Employment• Property• •Property• Property Property • Trusts Call our friendly HOPE we can be there, make the calls • Wills CallCallCall ourour our our friendly friendlyfriendly friendly • Estates•• •Estates EstatesEstates • Relationships•• •Relationships RelationshipsRelationships• Wills• •Wills• Wills Wills team today to MSAID, take them to appointments, • Estates • Relationships teamteamteamteam today todaytoday today and support them to access the right service when it’s needed.” (03) 379 9940 (03)(03)(03)(03) 379 379379 379 9940 9940 9940 www.cavell.co.nzwww.cavell.co.nz "If clients have historical issues with www.cavell.co.nzwww.cavell.co.nz government services or have been 11 in the d iocese St John of God Helps Disabled Residents Experience Life The team at St John of God Halswell and The Granada Centre recently hosted a series of events in the 2018 summer featuring a giant 70m water slide. Along with providing a fun activity for residents and volunteers and caregivers, the activity stems from our resident-focussed Model of Care, aimed at supporting people living with disabilities to live and experience life. Every day as we live, work, and play, we expose ourselves to variable levels of risk to achieve important goals and experiences in life. For people living in residential care, risk is often something understandably eliminated in the interests of health and safety management. Our giant 70m waterslide is just one way we support residents to engage in activities that expose them to elements of managed risk, to help them reap the rewards of the challenge and the experience. The giant water slide is the product of the service's My Life Model of Care, supporting residents living with disabilities to live and experience life. Search St John of God Hauora Trust on YouTube to see the activity and the truly interdisciplinary team who came together to make this activity a fun day for residents. www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyPN_B2ffJ0

George Anderson - National Manager Fundraising & Marketing St John of God Hauora Trust

A Holy Car and a Divine Cake When Hornby Parish Priest Fr Paulo Filoialii bought his brand new car, he had it delivered to Cathedral House in Washington Way. He followed the tradition of serious Catholic motorists and summoned the services of Fr John O'Connor to have his newly acquired transport blessed. Cathedral House staff shared in Fr's excitement at owning his first brand new, automatic car. This sacramental event was then celebrated with the sharing of an offering from the Divine cake shop. A Holy car for a holy priest. Our cars are insured, but are they blessed?

20th - 22nd March 2020 To register visit: www.sjr.school.nz/jubilee-2020 or contact the school (03) 444 9514 or 027 266 1758 12 Catholic Women's League - Christchurch Diocese

The Catholic Women's League (CWL) in Christchurch is

divided into four Regions which encompass all of Canterbury. in the d iocese Region One: Addington, Halswell, Hoon Hay, Inner City and Lincoln. Region Two: Bryndwr, Burnside, Papanui, St Mary's and Sockburn. Region Three: Ashburton, Methven, Rakaia and Timaru. Region Four: Greymouth and Hokitika. The motto of the CWL is 'Faith and Service” which I believe is expressed perfectly in a quotation from St Teresa of Calcutta. "Faith in action is love and love in action is service." The CWL is the largest organisation of Catholic women in the world. It is open to all women, Catholic or non-Catholic, young or old, who share our ideals. Many of us joined the League during our twenties and continue in our endeavour to live up to our vision as 'vital, visible and vibrant’ Catholic women. There may be a few more silver threads creeping into our hair nowadays but with these, go many years of active faith and service of which we are very proud. Younger members are, of course, always very welcome so that they Catholic Women's League Christchurch Diocesan Council. too can carry on the ideals of the CWL in future. Standing: Dorothy Faid, Maree O'Neill, Jenny Muschamp, Marie Kelly, Faith is the assurance of things we hope for but have not yet Colleen McKay, Val Langley, Liz Roche, Fr John Morrison, Chaplain. received. Faith comes before a prayer is answered. Faith is Sitting: Mary Slattery, Secretary; Sylvia Mellish, President; Gloria confidence, belief and trust in the unseen. By displaying our Topliss, Treasurer. Absent: Rose McKenzie, Joan Lawn. faith in action we share our faith with those we meet. 'interesting’ rendition of the gumboot song, a successful Service to others speaks louder than words. Each branch of collection was taken up around the venue. The conference the CWL raises funds to support its own mission station in Dinner on Friday night was a great occasion with everyone the Pacific Islands. We assist with relief in times of disaster singing and dancing to toe-tapping music. Saturday was an both at home and away. We are ecumenical in our ideals, extremely interesting day with speakers from the national joining with our sister churches in prayer services and safeguarding guidelines, the Diocesan archives and the fellowship. We offer prayers for numerous intentions when very enthusiastic youth team followed by Fr Alister Castillo requested to do so. We serve in our communities by visiting on World Youth Day. A lovely reflection on Light over and arranging outings for the lonely and the elderly. We Darkness from Region 2 representative, Colleen McKay, invite interesting speakers to talk to us so that we can keep was a highlight. National president, Susan Dickson then informed on social and topical issues that affect women addressed us offering plenty of food for thought and setting in particular. We then act on them by writing submissions challenges for us to take on board. if appropriate. It is also important that we join together socially, to support each other, to celebrate special The AGM resulted in the retiring president, Mrs Val Langley occasions and to have fun - even for no particular reason. presenting incoming President, Mrs Sylvia Mellish with her badge of office. Mrs Langley was thanked sincerely for her The annual Diocesan conference of the CWL was held commitment and work for the League for the past four years. recently in Christchurch and we were privileged to hear from some very inspiring speakers. The scene was set Our theme this year is 'Women Welcoming Change’. On every beautifully on Friday morning with Bishop Paul Martin SM road in life there are bends. We can either choose to stop or concelebrating the opening Mass with Fr John Morrison, to move on to see what is around the corner. Change is not our Diocesan chaplain, Fr Dan Doyle from Ferrymead always easy but it is inevitable. In fact God is the only constant and Fr Denis Nolan from Ashburton. Friday afternoon was in our lives. Take a moment to recall the challenges you have business as usual and it was great to hear the amazing faced since you were born. How have you reacted to them? reports from the regions about the work they do. Friday We need to take time out from our busy lives to be still, to was also gumboot day and many members had brought listen to God's word, to feel his presence and to ask him to their gumboots with them in support of this cause. After an help us along this journey of life so that ultimately, it will lead to eternal life. For more, visit our website: www.cwl.org.nz

Sylvia Mellish CWL Diocesan President

Women Welcoming Change" On every road in life there are bends. We can either choose to stop or to move on to see what is around the corner. 13 lincoln opening

Blow the Trumpet, Gather the Assembly, St Patrick’s is Going Home

The has a beautiful our neighbours. The trumpet sounded way of leading us into the dedication and called us all to prayer to dedicate and opening of any new church: the new church by offering within it the “As every structure highlighting the sacred significance sacrifice of Christ. of the life in Christ which will take “May we open our hearts and minds place there. We prepared for the Rite to receive his word and with faith; may is aligned on him, of Dedication by gathering in the new our fellowship born in the one font church on the night before for Evening of baptism and sustained at the one all grow into one Prayer: singing and praying the psalms table of the Lord become one temple and canticle and Magnificat for the first of his Spirit, as we gather round his time in the church. Sacred Scripture holy temple in the Lord; altar in love. Let us go rejoicing to the proclaimed: “As every structure is house of the Lord,” proclaimed our aligned on him, all grow into one holy bishop. and you too, in him, temple in the Lord; and you too, in him, are being built into a house where Bagpiper Alastair Winter began are being built into a God lives, in the Spirit.” (Eph 2:22) the procession, followed by the beautiful rhythm of Kerala drums as house where God lives, Parishioners of St Patrick’s in Lincoln parishioners more recently arrived have been able to celebrate Mass from India and the community in St Stephen’s Anglican Church for processed down Gerald Street for all in the Spirit.” more than six years until our new to hear and see. church could be designed and built. It seemed fitting to begin our journey to In our Catholic tradition we pray our new church from the grounds of not only in words and gestures, but through symbols. This procession embodied the living Christ in our Bishop and musicians, singers and clergy, elders and toddlers, athletes and those needing the steady arm of a neighbour; Catholic and Anglican ministers bearing witness that Christ is present and very visibly moving within the Lincoln community. “I really enjoyed the procession and so glad we chose that option. It was joyous and symbolic both in the journey the Parish had taken but also our place in the community now that we hold an important corner in the township.” said Tim Hogan.

(Left) Fr Job Thyikalamuriyil opens wide the doors for all to enter. 14 lincoln opening

Parishioners more recently arrived from India lead the procession with the beautiful rhythm of Kerala drums.

Blow the Trumpet, Gather the Assembly, Altar Servers Shaneli and Dineli fill the holy water fonts with the water blessed St Patrick’s is Going Home by Bishop Paul at the beginning of Mass.

At the entrance to St Patrick’s, the church, followed by Roy Morgan, the Bishop Paul third Building Committee Chair Tim first Committee chair who presented blessed the Hogan addressed Bishop Paul, the the keys to the bishop. The bishop in water, praying: Parish of St Patrick’s, and the Lincoln turn entrusted these keys to Fr Job “May all here today, community, calling them to rejoice on Thyikalamuriyil who opened wide the and all those in days to come, who the completion of this church. doors for all to enter. As the procession will celebrate your mysteries in this began, Eileen Kortegost and Myles church, be united at last in the holy “This is the second Catholic church on Rea rang the bell which accompanied city of your peace.” Holy water gently this site and has been located in a new this parish from their origins on Shands fell onto those gathered, upon the corner position to create prominence Road. walls of this new dwelling and lastly, within the town. The design is a timber upon the altar to be consecrated. structure with timber cladding which “There are lots of unforgettable sits in the architectural tradition of the moments that stands out for me, but Bishop Paul then presented the newly churches of the towns and localities of one that stands out a bit more for restored Lectionary to the community, the Canterbury plains. We have carried us is that we finally have our OWN having been recovered from St Paul’s, forward furnishings from our previous magnificent new church. When Bishop Dallington following the earthquakes of church into the new. This continuity Paul declared the church to be ours, 2010 and given to the archives, restored is our legacy as a community of God it was truly a magical moment and we and now serving a new community. and to acknowledge those that have are truly blessed to have it. For myself, worshipped here and on earlier sites in the new church means a lot. It is like “May the word of God always be heard the Parish. The bell which rings today our second home and we always in this place, as it unfolds the mystery started at the New Headford Mission feel that God is with us through every of Christ before you and achieves your on Shands Track, three kilometres step of the way, no matter what,” said salvation in the Church,” prayed Bishop from here 110 years ago. We return by Shamina. Paul. procession to this Church to worship after nearly nine years adrift. We thank the Anglican community for sharing their churches with us over that time. As this district grows we hope to be a strong anchor of faith and mission within this diocese.” Robert Finch is the second Building Committee Chair. He presented Bishop Paul with the legal documents allowing him entrance into his new

(Right) Members of the St Patrick’s Parish Planning Group. L-R: Mike Wilson, Colin Bunting, Helen Gallagher, Ray Morgan, Bishop Paul, Tricia Smith, Joe Hindley, Fr Job Thyikalamuriyil. (Missing: Fr Frank Kelly, Doreen Holt, Tim Hogan, Robert Finch, John Doocey, Chris Baugh, Myles Rea, Monty Bamford, Jack O’Donnell, Tom Coughlan, John Ryan) 15 lincoln opening

"Bishop Paul anointed the altar so gently and carefully; it reminded me of the women anointing the body of Jesus after his death." - Mari (parishioner)

and for me I felt there was a sense of people visited the church, meeting continuity from then through to the members of the parish community. dedication.” said Dave. The parish welcomes you to join them in prayer. The church was filled to capacity with overflow seating in the parish centre. A new choir was created for the occasion and included Patricia Anthony, Luzmary Dunick, Tio Elly, Mass Times “My reflections of the day were that we Georgia Finch, Katrina Finch, Leanne are truly a Sacramental Church. The St Patrick’s Church Fitzpatrick, Doreen Holt, Stephanie building was blessed with holy water, 31 Gerald Street, Lincoln Kitto, Gill McNoe, Mary Moore, Bob the altar and walls were anointed with Munang, Jeanette O’Donnell, Yvonne holy oils. It then became a church and Saturday: 5:30pm Otto, Mary Reynolds, Joan Thomas God’s dwelling place. The Sacrifice with Rana McGurk as organist. Julian Sunday: 8:30am of the Mass took place and the True Chu-Tan served as Choir Director and Presence became reality. We were Cantor. Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am back home but realised that settling in would take time. In 1942 as a family we The following Sunday the parish held Confession: Saturday 10-10.30am began worshipping at the Cathedral an open day in which more than 200

16 Homily Of Bishop Paul Martin at the opening of the new St Patrick's Church, Lincoln A new home for our faith Sunday 19 May 2019

In the past fifteen months, I have dedication of a new Catholic church; a and struggling human reality. lincoln opening discovered that one of the great joys surprising choice since we prefer to hear So my heart-felt encouragement to for a bishop is the privilege of opening from a gentle Jesus, meek and mild. a new parish church. These years you, your families and friends, your Yet in this Gospel we hear Jesus in a have been a challenging time for our neighbours, work colleagues and social moment of sternness and anger, making Catholic diocese of Christchurch and acquaintances and all the people of a whip out of cords, driving all from the our parish of Lincoln. The loss of so this place, my strong exhortation to temple and overturning tables shouting much life, livelihood and property as every one of you, is that now that you "get these out of here! Stop turning a result of the earthquakes has been have this beautiful church, USE IT! my father's house into a marketplace!" a deep suffering for us, but today this Jesus is teaching us that a church is a Use it for precisely what it is for, not as beautiful new church of St Patrick is sacred space, a holy place, a building one more secular town venue among visible testimony to the endurance dedicated to God. There are many other many, but as a sacred place, a prime and new hope that is a sign of the occupations that are good and there place of encounter with Jesus Christ. presence and action of Jesus Christ is nothing wrong with the marketplace Do whatever you can to maintain this among us. My joy today is in seeing and the business and social worlds, but church as an open church, a place what people of faith can do when they these are the activities for another place, work together with and for God. where every day the doors are open a place literally "profanum" to use the for any person who seeks to take a few In a relatively small community the Latin, that is, outside the temple. moments to be still and pray. task of building a new church can Now this beautiful new church, this seem too big a challenge when we Come to this church for the Mass, new temple will be a new home for our understand that a Catholic church especially the Sunday Mass. Perhaps faith. This is the place where people is not simply a roof and walls to you know someone who has not been will enter the life of God in baptism. keep us dry and warm for Mass and to Mass for many years. Tell them that Here you will experience God's mercy the sacraments, but that a Catholic in the Sacrament of Penance. Before they now have a new church and invite church in its very design, furnishing this altar, couples will begin their them and bring them. and finishing is an unmistakable sign married lives. Please God young men directing us to God and leading us Use the confessional often. Perhaps will be ordained to the priesthood in to God. With this in mind we have you have not celebrated this this church. Many of you along with appreciated that a Catholic church sacrament of God's forgiveness for your friends and neighbours and needs to be a place of beauty, and many years. Let the opening of this families will be buried from this church. then we perhaps began to wonder And most centrally, every Sunday this new church be a new beginning for if it would be easier to borrow a hall church will fill with people who know your experience of Jesus in the midst once a week for Sunday Mass? We their need to experience the reality of of your struggle and sin. are deeply grateful to the Anglican God-with-us in the Mass. communities of Lincoln, Springston Use this church for weddings as and Rolleston who have generously In the past few days I have been people who desire marriage not as shared their churches with us. I ask pondering what I would say today in a casual and temporary contract but Venerable Mark Barlow and associate this homily asking myself: what is the an awareness that God has brought priest Christine Allport (both with most important message I want to give you together in love for life, in a fruitful us for this dedication today) to take as your take-home thought from this relationship that is centred on Christ to your communities our gratitude Mass. Yes, I want you to celebrate that and is hope-filled. Use this church and assurance of our prayer for your you have worked together cooperating in times of grief for funerals, not just growth into the future. Worshipping with God to build this beautiful church. to celebrate an earthly life, but to together has deepened our friendship Yes, I thank you for appreciating that commend the one you love into God's and our experience of the one baptism a Catholic church building must be a we share and we are very grateful. visible and beautiful sign that points kind keeping with the beautiful funeral us and leads us to God. But most of all rites of the church. Every time you drive We can celebrate today because in I want you to know that God is today or walk past this church you might take this church-building project we have giving you a new beginning. a moment to remember that Jesus been cooperating with God. We have is with you in the midst of your own (and can rightly and proudly say) been has said that we no longer joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties, co-creators with God because there live in an era of change but in a change is no reason for building a church of era. I am encouraged when I hear perhaps renewing an old Catholic apart from God. We have not simply this since there is so much that can custom of making the sign of the cross built another community gathering prevent us from embracing the present whenever you pass a Catholic church. facility. As we will pray in the prayer of and moving into the future. But in Speak about your new parish church Dedication of a Catholic church in a every moment Jesus is giving us a new with pride and enthusiasm, proud to few moments: O God, "today we come beginning, a new start, a spring-time be Catholic and grateful that in the before you, to dedicate to your lasting of faith. This is why the sacramental Eucharist God in Jesus Christ comes service this house of prayer, this system which is at the heart of our not only to us, but INTO US. temple of worship, this home in which Catholic understanding of life with we are nourished by your word and God is so important to us. In Jesus God And may God, who has begun this good your sacraments." And it is significant comes to us, and in every sacramental work in you, bring it to completion, in that the Gospel reading for this Mass is celebration this bridge is used by God the name of the Father, and of the Son, the passage most often chosen for the again to come to into our often messy and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. 17 aroun d the parishes

Celebrating the Heritage Status of Ashburton's Church of the Holy Name

The Church of the Holy Name and adjacent presbytery, both the work of Dean O'Donnell.

On Sunday 5 May, Ashburton parish obtained to strengthen the building who are associated with them. We priest Fr Denis Nolan unveiled a two years before the Canterbury have seen this very recently with the plaque commemorating the heritage earthquakes occurred. outpouring of emotion following the status of Ashburton's Church of the Blue heritage plaques are an initiative fire at Notre Dame des Paris. We saw Holy Name. of Historic Places Mid Canterbury, it with the Cathedral in the Square in Christchurch, and with our own The church was built in 1931 under the local branch of Historic Places the leadership of Dean James Joseph Aotearoa. Partly funded by the Cathedral in Barbadoes Street. O'Donnell, Ashburton's parish priest Ashburton District Council, they are Why are churches considered for 52 years. It was designed in the being used to recognise significant special? No matter whether they Lombardy Romanesque style by structures throughout the district. are , churches, chapels, architect Henry St Aubyn Murray who Speakers at the unveiling were Fr mosques, synagogues or temples, designed a large number of Catholic Nolan, Hanrahan who spoke these buildings are the places where churches and schools, as well as civic about the history of the church, the people, who are of course the buildings. councillor Selwyn Price representing actual church, come together to The church has had a Heritage Ashburton's Mayor and Nigel worship their supreme being, their NZ category one listing for many Gilkinson, vice-president of Historic God. Because of this a lot of care and years, the only building in the town Places Mid Canterbury. attention is paid to their architecture of Ashburton with that listing. It In his speech, Church Historian and their decoration. also has a category A listing in the and Ashburton parishioner Michael On the foundation stones of many Ashburton District Plan. This level of Hanrahan commented that "Churches churches you will see the words "To acknowledgement of the church's are special buildings that create a the Glory of God", or on many Catholic heritage enabled funding to be great deal of feeling among those churches you will see "AMDG" - Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam - To the greater Glory of God. For Catholics the church has an additional special meaning. It is truly the house of God, the place where God is physically present - the doctrine of the Real Presence. As the inscription on our Cathedral in Christchurch says, "Ecce Tabernaculum Dei Cum Financial Advisers to the Catholic Diocese Hominibus" - Behold the place where of Christchurch since 2005 God is among us." "Finally, the ones who deserve the Please contact us for a major credit for us being here today personalised investment strategy are the thousands of parishioners who, over many years, have provided the jbwere.co.nz 0800 555 553 wherewithal to build and maintain the Church of the Most Holy Name of Jesus." 18 aroun d the parishes

(Photo credit: Clare King)

Former Inform Editor Turns 25 "Today (Sunday 7 July) we celebrate with Fr Chris Friel the 25 year anniversary of his ordination. We Dear Fr Christopher, share this with his mum and family, fellow priests, seminary class mates, Congratulations on your ordination Christophoros, what a suitable name, and friends. Some of them have anniversary. I was surprised hearing you truly carry Christ in your heart. To travelled a distance to be with us you have 25th ordination anniversary. be short, I am sure we all agree you today. It seems to me you have been a priest are blessed and very close to God and for a century at least. Not because of I have also the evidence: there is no Fr Chris served as a deacon and your young age but because of your other explanation of why Mary always newly ordained curate at St Paul's knowledge and experience. Although finds you a nice parking space." Dallington with Fr Paddy Cahill. based on your energy, I would say you He was assistant priest at Christ were ordained only yesterday. Syd Kennedy the King Burnside with Mons Bill Middleton and parish priest at Coming from the other side of the Ngahere, St Bernadette's Hornby, globe, I did not know what to expect. St Anne's Woolston and St Thom's' Looking back, the welcome that I Timaru before coming to us at St have received from you was the most Mary's Pro-Cathedral in 2012. Fr Chris unexpected and comforting thing I has a music interest and attends needed at the time. I was a stranger orchestral concerts, opera and the and you welcomed me. You even Court Theatre. He plays bridge like knew where my small country is. a master and is a rarely heard talent on the piano. He is often a pilgrimage I still admire your great relationships tour guide to the Holy Land and with so many different people and the Oberammergau Passion Play in one can tell that every single one is Germany. He has a very sharp eye for important to you, part of the family. It detail when organising events and was immediately clear to me that you liturgies at parish and diocesan level." are a true shepherd of your flock and you even knew how to deal with my "A few years ago he saw a young shy kids. man here in the Narthex. It was Grega, a young architect from Slovenia and Thank you for your kindness you the winner of the design competition showed to me and my family. It was for the Earthquake Memorial Wall. always interesting to be with you, Many here today became friends with especially because I had to think twice Grega and looked after him on his my normal speed just to keep up with many visits to Christchurch. Grega your pace. You are always an example has sent me a message to read, and it for me how to be natural, loving and Fr Chris with his encapsulates all the many things we good at what you do and how to do it Mum Theresa Friel know and love about Fr Chris. with passion. (Photo credit: Clare King) 19 aroun d the parishes

43 Years of Secretarial Experience When a new parish secretary took up her position in the St Thomas of Canterbury Parish in Mid Canterbury on 14 June, there were 43 years of secretarial experience present at the hand-over function. Karen Meehan, (centre), retired after seven years in the job of parish pastoral secretary. At the left is the new parish secretary, Anna Aguila and at the right is Karen's predecessor, Maree O'Neill who served 36 years in the position.

Michael Hanrahan

Making All Things New The city of Rome is at once breath- The architecture of the Pantheon is inscription etched into his marble taking in its beauty and dirtiness, its extraordinary. Its roof is an unreinforced sarcophagus: "Here lies , by colour and chaotic streets. It was a concrete dome, the largest of its type whom nature feared to be outdone wonderful setting for my time of prayer, in the world. The top of the dome, the while he lived, and when he died study and refreshment over the months oculus, is open to the sky and at thirty feared that she herself would die". of my sabbatical earlier this year. feet wide is the only source of light for the building. Through the day, the All this art, beauty and religious history One of the first churches I entered after light washes through the oculus and arriving in Rome was the Pantheon. has given me pause for thought. around the interior illuminating the art It was built at the beginning of the While the world seems to have largely and altars within. second century as a temple to all the forgotten, the entry of God's only Son gods of ancient Rome. In those days There are a number of famous people Jesus Christ into the world was the people feared the wrath of the gods (as interred in this church, including the most dramatic moment of human finally happens with all pagan deities) first King of - Victor Emanuel II. history. While the pagan gods of the and so a temple that covered all the When the King marched on the Papal Greco-Roman empires were at best 'options' was a good act of insurance. states, Pope Pius IX excommunicated disinterested in human beings and at Not only could a pagan god inflict him. But he was reconciled to the worst, despised them, now the full truth injury on a mere human, the mythology Church on his deathbed and was of God has been revealed to the world. had it, but the gods would fight each granted the honour of burial in the other as well. So it was always wise Pantheon. As well, the talented artist God loves us. The Lord longs to give to back the most powerful god if you and architect Raphael is buried there. us a fresh start. If only we would were to get through life unscathed. Pope Gregory XVI had a beautiful let Him! Our human story, even our history abounds with breath-taking stories of new beginnings. Even the Pantheon received a new beginning after its pagan origin. Now it has been transformed, a baptism of sorts. In the very place where pagan sacrifices were offered, Holy Mass is now celebrated. Or consider King Victor Emanuel II who found himself excommunicated from the Church, but whose greatest prayer was answered with his death-bed restoration to Jesus in his Church.

This is the beauty of our faith - our life in God and our friendships with each other can indeed be restored and renewed. A fresh start is waiting around the corner for you and me. And today is the day to claim it.

Fr Simon Eccleton

20 Passionist Family Group Day

Another inspiring and worthwhile afternoon was enjoyed by around 50 people on Saturday 11 May. People from eight parishes in our diocese plus our national coordinators from Wellington, joined together at Our Lady of Victories (OLV) to explore the aroun d the parishes themes of 'belonging' and 'teams'. Fr Brian Traynor CP from Australia had intended leading the event but was unable to do so due to the sudden death of Fr John Pearce CP, parish priest of Star of the Sea parish in Marlborough. Fortunately Fr Brian's brother, Paul Traynor from Wellington From L-R: Bob Arthurs, Kelvin McGirr, John Leen, Jo McGirr, Murray Straight, was able to 'be subbed off the bench' Pamela Arthurs, Mary-Ellen Leen and Aileen Straight. and did a great job of presenting his brother's material and generating lots coordinators of the Passionist Family of discussion. Many stayed on to join the parish Group Movement in the Christchurch for the vigil Mass and share a meal Several people arrived early to share Diocese. We also formally farewelled together afterwards. It was great to lunch together and meet new faces. Aileen and Murray Straight from see some other OLV parish families During the afternoon, Jo and Kelvin the Hornby-Darfield parish as they join us for that too. McGirr from OLV were commissioned stepped down from the role of South together with Pamela and Bob Arthurs Island coordinators. They do so after from Sancta Maria parish as regional 14 years of enthusiastic service. Pamela Arthurs

Update on Timaru Basilica

Earthquake Strengthening work continues to Sacred Heart Basilica, Timaru. The church's eight bells have also been removed to allow the bell-tower to be internally braced and strengthened The bells will also be cleaned before they are replaced. The windows in the dome have been removed to enable the frames to be painted with rust resistance paint and then the glass will be returned.

21 A rchivally S peaking

From the Diocesan Archivist Continuing our series of Bishops’ Biographies, here is an abridged biography of Bishop , who was our bishop from 1944 until 1950. The full story can be viewed on our website.

The Diocesan Archives wishes to thank National Services Te Paerangi at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa for their Helping Hands Grant, which enabled us to buy boxes and Tyvek to house some of our textile collection.

Check out our Facebook / Instagram feeds for posts highlighting items in our collection - and the occasional behind the scenes view. www.archives.chchcatholic.nz

Bishop Patrick Lyons (1944-1950) He might have been labelled Edward the Unwilling, for Fr was Former students of Catholic secondary straight - the way Australians do! aghast when notified of his appointment as the fourth Bishop of Christchurch. schools associate the name of Bishop The bishop used to remark how Lyons with debating and public he loved visiting the West Coast speaking competitions. The Bishop because there he was closest to Lyons Shield has long been contested Australia. He was delighted to pick annually by Catholic high schools in up some Australian radio stations on the Christchurch Diocese. But what The Coast. Mons Liddy points out about the bishop himself? Although that Lyons longed to return to the an interesting character, it seems little land of his birth, even to the extent is known of him today. Photographic of lobbying ’s Cardinal Gilroy portraits are of little use in revealing for a position in his archdiocese. The because, at the tender age of 20, his true nature. Round, horn-rimmed cardinal at last relented. He appointed he was sent to Rome where he spectacles dominate an enigmatic Lyons as one of two auxiliary bishops completed a Doctor of Divinity degree. visage. He appears youthful, and of Sydney. And so the six-year term He was ordained in Rome in 1927. rightly so - he was 41 when appointed as Bishop of Christchurch ended. Returning to Australia Lyons served in bishop. Not that Wellington’s Archbishop several parishes in Victoria. The talents Melbourne-born Patrick Francis Lyons, Peter McKeefry or Auckland’s Bishop he demonstrated led to appointments Bishop of Christchurch from 1944 would have minded. in the late 1930s as Cathedral to 1950, was every bit an Australian. Liddy claims that Lyons had already Administrator, secretary to Archbishop Hand-written reminiscences of him, “fallen from grace” with these senior Mannix, Chancellor of the Melbourne penned by insider Tom New Zealand church figures and with Archdiocese and Vicar-General. The Vatican’s Apostolic Delegate to Liddy, are stored in the Christchurch If Bishop Lyons’ progress thus far Australasia, Archbishop Paul Marella. Diocesan Archives. They reveal Lyons was rapid, his next step was more as committed but ambitious, a stickler Leaving a Christian Brothers’ high complicated. The death of Bishop for detail but with a caring attitude school in Melbourne, the young of Christchurch towards the troubled and unfortunate, Lyons studied for the priesthood meant the remaining New Zealand unpopular with some people but in seminaries at Springwood and bishops had to select a successor. The comfortable with those who talked Manly. He must have shown promise bishops chose Monsignor Ormond, but he suffered a breakdown, so his appointment could not proceed. At this point the Vatican’s Apostolic Delegate to Australasia, who was then Archbishop Panico, stepped in. He knew and valued Lyons, who was by then a Monsignor and recommended him to the Holy Father for appointment as Bishop of Christchurch. Monsignor Lyons was consecrated a bishop by At John Rhind we are proud of our heritage, having served the families of Archbishop Mannix on 22 July 1944. At John Rhind we are proud of our heritage, having served the families of Canterbury for over 130 years. We understand that it’s the small personal Mons Liddy writes that he believed Canterbury fordetails over which130 years. matter We when understand arranging that a it’sfuneral. the small personal details which matter when arranging a funeral. Archbishop Panico was aware that With FDANZ approved pre-arranged and pre-paid funeral options, let one of Bishop Lyons “was very attached to With FDANZour approvedcaring team pre-arranged help you arrange and pre-paid a memorable funeral service.options, let one of our caring team help you arrange a memorable service. his own country”. He assured Lyons he would not have to stay long in New Zealand. However, Panico was soon after transferred to Peru. This shift caused Lyons to become “desperate 22 about his return to Australia”. He then began to “make approaches” through Cardinal Gilroy. The new Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Marella, visited New Zealand shortly after taking up the position. According to Mons Liddy, Marella “made it very clear to Lyons that he was persona-non-grata”. Liddy S peaking A rchivally gives no reason for the antipathy that clearly existed between Lyons and Marella. Whatever the cause of Marella’s dislike for Lyons, a later event may indicate that it lasted as long as Lyons was in New Zealand. As Lyons prepared to leave Christchurch he drew up a list of issues for the incoming bishop, Fr Edward Joyce, to address. One item related to a Canterbury student at Holy Cross College in Bishop Lyons Farewell Mass Mosgiel. The college rector had “more - 28 May 1950. than once” recommended this “very talented and completely satisfactory be most concerned,” Liddy writes. of dispensation from abstinence for student” for advanced studies in Rome. Boxing Day in 1947, “owing to difficulties He urged Lyons to put the case to An instance of the bishop’s kindness that may arise in keeping the law”, Marella, as Apostolic Delegate. was a donation of £2000 from his surely is a sign of his humanity. personal funds to the Christchurch The case was duly made - and just Diocese. Such an amount would Lyon’s curt manner and sometimes as duly dismissed. Marella said no be worth hundreds of thousands of excessive attention to trivial matters vacancy existed for a New Zealand dollars today. When Bishop Lyons left did cause resentment among his student in either the 1948-49 or Christchurch, Bishop Joyce paid back clergy. This led to approaches being 1950-51 year. However, Bishop Lyons part of his donation, saying he would made to the Apostolic Delegate, subsequently learned a Wellington remit the remainder when possible. who sent a senior Australian priest student was now heading for study However, Lyons insisted the money in Rome. Lyons admitted his “regret” on an Apostolic Visitation to assess was a gift and not a loan. at this outcome. The student who the problem. The result was a missed out was eventually ordained Closer to home, Bishop Lyons’ recommendation that Lyons be shifted and served in the Christchurch kindness can be sensed in his letters from Christchurch. Diocese. Recommended again for to people who had approached Bishop Lyons’ ability with words may study in Rome, he was accepted. He him for help in matters material explain in part his impatience with was Fr , later to become and spiritual. They received full and Archbishop McKeefry. He describes Bishop of Christchurch! considerate replies, showing the how the tedium of a speech by the bishop to be a caring pastor of his Bishop Lyons showed strength of archbishop put some people to sleep, flock. In his letters generally, Lyons character to persevere in this difficult while others started conversations wrote in meticulous and elegant atmosphere. But the question among themselves. More profound English. To illustrate the extremes he remains: what sort of man was he? reasons for the mutual dislike between encountered, one man wrote to Lyons Mons Liddy’s descriptions offer only Lyons and the North Island bishops seeking contacts in Australia who ambiguity. “Bishop Lyons was at heart have proved hard to find, though could arrange importation of an apple a simple, not over-intelligent but kind rumours persist of his distaste for coring gadget that he had invented. person. At a personal level he could a northern “old-boys club”. I fancy Another was a Lyons, unlike McKeefry, would not lapsed Catholic, have countenanced people talking now claiming to be or sleeping while he was speaking atheist, who had a to them. But neither would many yearning to return people have wanted to tune out from to the Church but just couldn’t take his masterful management of words. the step in faith. One might conclude that the power of Bishop Lyons’ language shows On the other hand, the aptness of his name being linked some of Bishop with secondary schools’ debating and Lyons’ letters to public speaking contests. his own priests contain acerbic Acknowledgments: Michael Crean; and dogmatic Images from the Catholic Diocese responses to of Christchurch Archives - Archives their queries References: 2018.19 Papers of Bishop and reports. And Lyons; Unaccessioned Photographic Telegram regarding Lyons’ consecration in Melbourne, 2 July 1944. yet, his granting collection 23 A rchivally S peaking

(Formerly ) AntonioHoly Name Seminary, 265Hall Riccarton A photo album was donated to the Road, opened in 1947 and was staffed Diocesan Archives by John Shone, by three Australian Jesuit priests whose brother was a seminarian with an initial roll of 40 pupils. In from 1963-65. It presents a pictorial 1954 Philosophy was added to the insight into the life of a seminarian in curriculum and secondary school 1964. Also shown are two examples classes were phased out, allowing of the outstanding art of Monsignor Holy Name Seminary to become a James Harrington RIP, who designed major seminary in 1959. A decline in the stained glass windows in the student numbers led to the closure of chapel, which stands derelict but not the seminary in 1978 and the transfer damaged by the fire. Many thanks to of seminarians to Holy Cross College, Peter Fleming for his permission to Mosgiel. use these images.

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386 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. 03 379 0588 24 The Little Company of Mary Prayer Ministry religious Invitation to Inform Readers

The Little Company of Mary (LCM) terrorist attack in our city, prayer was their daily lives. Both Associates and Sisters invite Inform readers and being offered. Founder Venerable Affiliates commit to daily prayer for the others to join their Prayer Ministry for Mary Potter set aside Fridays between suffering and dying. They pray through the suffering and dying in our troubled 12.00pm and 3.00pm for a special time the intercession of Mary as she stood world. Families and friends experience of prayer for the dying. beneath the cross with her dying Son great shock and distress at the sudden on Calvary. death of a loved one. It is a consolation Today we call our prayer companions to know that somewhere in the Associates and Affiliates together the For more details on how to become a world prayer is being offered for the Greater Company of Mary. Associates member of the Greater Company of dying by LCM Sisters and members are women and men who are drawn Mary, contact Janine Schwartfeger of the Greater Company of Mary. On to the LCM spirit and desire to 03 372 9224 or email: 15 March at the time of the mosque incorporate their spirit and vision into [email protected].

Sisters of Mercy Celebrate Jubilees of Profession Sisters of Mercy gathered on Saturday "To perpetuate Mary's memory as with adults and young people and 4 May to celebrate jubilees of Jesus asked us to do is to fill the whole wherever these sisters were called to profession of Sr Marie Poff (70 years), world with the perfume of God's love; live and to answer the cry of the poor Srs Bernadette Fitzgerald and Mary a love that is totally self-giving; like and the cry of the earth. Gleeson (60 years) and Sr Monika Mary, let us pour out the best perfume Mo'ale (25 years). Sr Pauline O'Regan we can." All were reminded of being Sr Mary Catherwood RSM RIP was remembered throughout the blessed and being able to bless; and day as she was in the 75th year of her of ministry as anointing the poor, the profession when she died on 2 May. afflicted and the little ones - to fill the whole world with the perfume The jubilee celebration began with of God's love. Eucharist in Te Manawa Atawhai Catherine McAuley Centre. Fr Kevin Following the Eucharist, Burns reflected in his homily on sisters adjourned the Gospel reading of the anointing for dinner together of Jesus by Mary of Bethany (Jn during which tributes 13) where Jesus claims Mary's were offered to each discipleship calls future followers to jubilarian celebrating remember her and remember what Mercy lives and she has done and to do likewise. Fr ministry in communities Burns pointed out that Blessed John in the dioceses of Henry Newman had seen in this Christchurch and Tonga; action of Mary of Bethany a symbol in spiritual formation and of discipleship and a symbol of the leadership, in education church's ministry. Fr Burns continued, and pastoral situations,

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RSMPauline; CBE; DCNZ M O'Regan

Sr Pauline O'Regan RSM died peacefully at Essie Summers Retirement Village on 2 May 2019. She was 96 years old and in the 75th year of her religious profession.

Pauline was born on 28 June 1922 in Sr Pauline taught in Greymouth, to impoverished areas in Aranui, Reefton on the West Coast. She grew Timaru and Christchurch. At the age of Burwood and Parklands. up in Cronadun, the youngest of four 28 years she was appointed Principal siblings. She attended the local state of Villa Maria College where she She began writing her autobiography, primary school before boarding at St remained for 17 years. She also spent "A Changing Order" in 1986. She went Mary's College in Greymouth. At 14 time as boarders' mistress at Villa on to write a further three books and years old, she decided she was not Maria as well as having leadership co-authored another two. Sr Pauline going back to school and spent the roles within the Sisters of Mercy. was a gifted teacher, educator, author rest of the year helping her mother at While teaching full time, Sr Pauline and broadcaster. She was passionate home. Before entering the novitiate of completed her Master's degree in about the Gospel and took part in the Sisters of Mercy in Timaru on 23 History. many political actions on behalf of the January 1942, Pauline taught on the powerless and oppressed. In the 1960's, the second Vatican West Coast. Council called religious orders to look Sr Pauline faithfully lived out her She was professed on 5 September at themselves and ask whether they motto, "You did it unto me," a quote 1944. In the early years of her ministry, were being true to the spirit, the ideals from Matthew's Gospel. In every and the example of their founders person she met she saw Christ and and foundresses and to the spirit of treated them with the greatest respect the Gospel. So, in 1973, Sr Pauline, and love. She was a great enabler of together with Srs Teresa O'Connor and conversation, a good listener with a Helen Goggin moved to Aranui in the sharp intellect and a wonderful sense East of Christchurch to form the Aranui of humour. Sr Pauline's long ministry Community of the Sisters of Mercy, has been one of affirmation, challenge, where Sr Pauline lived and ministered encouragement and empowerment, for 44 years. During that time, as the especially of women. She was deeply breadwinner for the community, she also taught English and History at loved by many people from all walks Aranui High School for 7 years. of life. In 1978, Sr Pauline received After communal discernment and a grant from the Churchill prayer, in May 2017, Sr Pauline moved Foundation to study to Essie Summers Retirement Village. Community development Srs Helen Goggin and Marie McCrea models in . eventually joined her. There they Once she returned to continued their community life with a Christchurch, she applied new focus for their ministry as Sisters her newly learnt skills of Mercy.

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Zinca Limited T: 03 686 0041 E: [email protected] Postal address: PO Box 213, Timaru 7940 26 Catholic Schools Day 2019 S chools Extending Christ's Call to love, to be, to do Kia rangiwhawhatia ta te Karaiti karanga: kia aroha, kia tuturu, kia mahi

In late May Catholic Primary and Service and sports activities were at St Joseph's students then completed Secondary schools nationwide the forefront of other celebrations. a variety of stem challenges in their celebrated Catholic Schools Day. Our Lady of Assumption, Hoon Hay family groups. St Patrick's Waimate The theme of the day was Extending and St Teresa's Riccarton joined for celebrated by reminding each other Christ's Call: to love, to be, to do - Kia a day of prayer, fun and community what being Catholic meant and looks rangiwhawhatia ta te Karaiti karanga: spirit. Together they made get-well like. Following a period of prayer, the kia aroha, kia tuturu, kia mahi. cards to be distributed to those who school community shared food as a are in hospital. St Bernadette's School family together. The Year 6 students Schools in the Christchurch Diocese Hornby focused on their Mercy value at St Joseph's Fairlie prepared and led observed the day in a variety of ways. of service. Their day was filled with a liturgy followed by fun filled games A common thread was the celebration pricing and sorting donated goods for all. of the Eucharist and/or student lead at the Hornby St Vincent de Paul prayer celebrations. New Brighton One final activity which highlights how store, creating food parcels at the Catholic School followed their school welcoming our Catholic Schools are: Salvation Army and making pumpkin liturgy with a walk up along New St 's Special Character soup and scones to serve to the wider Brighton Beach where the students Leadership team led the school in school community. They also spent participated in Christian meditation. On prayer and welcomed new students. time caring for the environment by their walk back to school, the students Each student received a Bible. The collecting rubbish at the local park. developed the theme of the day by school community hopes this Bible This was Pope Francis' message delivering handwritten messages of will be treasured by each one of them found in "Laudato Si" flourishing in the Christ's love into all the letterboxes in and their families as they continue on outer suburbs. Christ the King (CTK), the streets surrounding the school. their faith journey. St Albans Catholic and St Patrick's Collaboration and a sense of Bryndwr junior school joined together Congratulations to all of our Catholic community was also a common for a games afternoon, while the schools. It is wonderful to see the theme with some of our secondary students from the middle schools of variety of ways that you celebrated the and primary schools celebrating the all three of these schools took part in theme of the day - Extending Christ's day together. Senior students from St an 'Amazing Race Game.' The Parent Call. Thomas of Canterbury and Villa Maria Councils and teachers from CTK and Colleges lived out their call to serve St Patrick's cooked a barbecue lunch others by shepherding the students for the children. The senior children from Our Lady of Victories school in from CTK and St Patrick's went to QEII a range of activities. They created a for a fun afternoon. YouTube clip that can be viewed on the Let's not forget the Catholic schools Diocesan Facebook page. Take a look! from further afield. St Patrick's At Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sumner, Greymouth started the day with a liturgy was held with past pupils in prayer and followed up with a super attendance. Students and teachers sausage sizzle and fun games. St from Catholic Cathedral College also Mary's Hokitika began the day with took part. They shared thoughts and a liturgy followed by House Group ideas about what it is like to be at a activities organised by the senior Year Catholic school. They celebrated all 7 and 8 students. Parents joined the the wonderful gifts given to them by whole school for a potluck 'Catholic God. The senior students from Sumner Schools Day' feast. St Joseph's then shared a slide show about the Ashburton celebrated Mass with Our Missionary Sisters who started the Lady of the Snows, Methven. Our school in 1928. Afternoon tea then Lady of the Snows then stayed for followed. morning tea before returning home.

“They celebrated all the wonderful gifts given to them by God.”

27 schools

The Call and Intercession of St I recently visited St Peter Chanel School school playground under construction. service group would fundraise to in Samoa. What a valuable experience. They are so grateful to the community support a particular development I wished to strengthen ties with the of St Joseph's for the donations which project before travelling to visit the school. I was able to spend time made the playground project a reality. school and undertake the project's with every class and their teachers. work. Along with supporting the Students from St Joseph's Rangiora Options for obtaining the passage school, it will give our students a had written letters to each of the of a shipping container full of school unique cultural experience, gain students of St Peter Chanel and I'm resources is our next big goal. We sound priorities and a heightened blessed to return with letters of reply. hope to call upon others in the appreciation of the blessings in their wider community to collect school own lives. As expected, Jesus is central to the life furniture, stationery, ICT, books, sports of this school, and his Gospel is boldly equipment and other relevant items Ben Gorman personified in the words and actions we can then transport to Samoa and Principal, St Joseph's Rangiora of the tamariki. The response from give to the community of St Peter St Peter Chanel School's teachers Chanel. Students of our two schools to a suitcase of junior reading books hope to learn from each other. As made me feel guilt for the wealth of well as maintaining ongoing pen pal resources afforded to schools in New relationships, we hope to organise a Zealand. group of students, staff and parents It was fantastic to visit Don Bosco from St Joseph's to visit St Peter Technical School and see their new Chanel School every two years. This

With just the bell tower peeking out at the top, we’ve gift- wrapped the new Chapel at St ’s, ready for the big reveal in a month or two. It’s going to be worth the wait! 28 Make The Big Sing Finale Villa Singers S chools Villa Maria College's reputation for Villa Maria College's Con Brio and current standard. Con Brio is a choir exceptional musical talent has been Vivace choirs took to the newly consisting of 53 girls from Year 10 to confirmed once again with two of the opened Town Hall stage in June in Year 13. It is always such a pleasure to College's choirs selected for The Big the Canterbury regional competition watch the less experienced students Sing Finale. and clearly wowed the judging panel. grow throughout the year and to Both choirs were given the nod for the watch the more experienced students The Big Sing is a nation-wide choral Finale but as a number of girls sing in help to lead the group," said Mrs Hnat. competition, hosted by the New both choirs, the College will enter the “I really enjoyed the experience of Zealand Choral Federation. It sees larger choir, Con Brio, into the Finale. the Regional festival this year. It was choirs from the country's secondary absolutely fantastic to be performing schools compete in regional contests, The College is proud of all the in our beautiful Town Hall once again, before a list of the nation's best of the hard work that the girls have put in with its brilliant acoustics. For the vast best is released, and those choirs are during the year in the lead up to this majority of the students, performing invited to the televised national finale, competition and acknowledge the as Con Brio was the first time they in search of Gold, Silver and Bronze guidance and dedication of Choir had ever been on that stage and medals. Director, Mrs Naomi Hnat. you could tell that they were happily "I am very proud of all our choir surprised with the way the acoustics students. They have worked very hard treated their sound." to be able to sing together at their

Villa Girls Deliver Kindness In The Community Students of Villa Maria College have treated to informative talks from been undertaking acts of kindness Pilot Andy Shearer and Intensive in the community, showing support Care Paramedics Corey Milnes and and giving thanks to a wide range of Shane Lynch. Another group of Other examples of kindness in the deserving recipients. students delivered bags of goodies community have included a food One group of students visited the and personal notes to the nurses donation for the City Mission and Westpac Rescue Helicopter base on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit beautiful handwritten notes sharing to deliver home-made baking for at Christchurch Hospital to thank positive messages left on cars parked the team to enjoy. They were in turn the nurses for the work they do. at the Bush Inn Shopping Centre.

(Below and left) Congratulations to forty-six students from Saint Thomas of Canterbury College, who received their Sacraments of Initiation at the College’s Feast Day Masson July 5th, concelebrated by Bishop Paul Martin and Father Dan Doyle.

29 young a d ults

Young People, We Want to Hear You!

Last Inform, we briefly mentioned feelings and ideas on the changes leaders that this is not the case. The the Pope's new Apostolic Exhortation proposed for our communities. bishop wants to hear from adults, "Christus Vivit - Christ is Alive". The Yes, young people may have been but he also really wants to hear pope challenges the young people part of our community for a short from young people and families, as of the Church and the world to make length of time, but they are the ones individuals as well as groups. the most of their youth. He also who will hopefully be here for the challenges the Church to listen to and longest period of time. They and their During July CYT rolled out resources, embrace its youth and re-discover a communities are the ones who will including videos and youth group spirit of youthfulness. He encouraged be most impacted by the decisions programmes, to assist the Church the Church to also ensure She has now being made, both financially and to communicate the bishop's vision appropriate places and spaces where pastorally. to our young people and encourage young people feel welcome and The diocese has created wonderful them to share their voice through the comfortable and where they feel they material for the launch of the vision, belong. feedback platform on the diocesan aimed at encouraging people to website. If you know of any young These words and challenges were still understand the vision, reflect and pray, people in your community who fresh in our minds as we listened to and then give feedback. However, have not yet taken the opportunity Bishop Paul launch his vision for the CYT has already heard young people to reflect on the vision and to share future of the diocese. We are strongly feeling like it is the feedback and aware of the fact that our youth are a ideas of adults that will matter and not their feedback and would like some vital, if at times an overlooked, portion their own. Bishop Paul has asked us assistance in this process, contact of our faith community and we need to as a ministry to be very clear with the the Diocesan Youth Office before 30 hear our young people's voices, their young people and their community August.

Young Adults Meet Their Bishop For Dinner In Late July Top row: Shaun Hickland, Theresa Fitzpatrick, Rachel van der Plas, Talia Steiner, Lauren James, Celine Bergonia, Albin Mathew, Bishop Paul Martin SM, Emily Billcliff, Jo Casey, Ben Smart. Bottom row: Olivia Giffney, Avina Gonsalves, Elizabeth O'Sullivan, Frances Ogier, Hazel Billcliff, Maddy Frew. (Photo courtesy of James Bryant, Catholic Youth Team (CYT) Manager)

30 young a d ults

at Firepower Youth Rally

The Catholic Youth Team (CYT) is always working on of young people from Ashburton and Rangiora for the its vision to reach out to a broader section of our youth evening. community. With this in mind, our recent June Firepower A fun-filled evening saw activities such as great giveaway youth event saw the team try lots of new elements. The prizes and a mixture of positive popular music. The amazing theme for the night was "Whanaungatanga - You Belong" youth band was one of the highlights of the night but so and our regular young people were encouraged to was the sharing by our speaker, Thomas Saywell. The bring along friends and family members who might not standout moment of the night was a powerful 'spoken word' otherwise come along to one of our usual youth events. It on the theme given by Carmela Nepomuceno, some of was wonderful to see lots of new faces including groups whose words conclude this article.

"You belong in the deepest intricacy of creation, flowing passed the rushing winds and warm waters of that lush greenery claimed only by the great land we call Aotearoa. Or in the lines of our mother's palms, rooting back to the ancestors she carries, all traced in detail, all woven, all there, stars aligning to you, for you. Maybe you belong in the deep melody of your friend's laughter, fresh waves of air and joy unwavering, unfaltering, but deep and embraced. Or my father's chest as he breathes in life and out comfort, in my woes and out the security of what we can call home. If home is where I belong, maybe home is where I hear the song that reminds me of my worth. When I come before the Father, in brokenness and fears, during the comfort of my prayers."

The Catholic Youth Team (CYT) Mission Team have been having a great term two of ministry. We have had weeks of retreats at four of the high schools in our diocese where we explored faith and life with hundreds of our young people. We also had the privilege of joining Catholic Cathedral College for their feast day with a beautiful Mass and lots of fun and celebration. Our highlight this term was the first Firepower of the year, where we had heaps of fun activities, meeting people from throughout the diocese and dancing and praising with our band. To balance out our busy ministry, the team took a wonderful trip to Hanmer over the long weekend. The CYT staff continue to give us extra support through ongoing formation and pastoral care. I really encourage young adults who are interested in a year on Mission Team to find out more about this amazing opportunity. Applications for Mission Team 2020 are open now at www.cyt.org.nz/what-we-offer/mission-team

Olivia Giffney Mission Team 2019 31 Prayer to the Holy Spirit Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. R. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Catholic pilgrimages by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders. THE PASSION PLAY 2020 A quarterly SMALL GROUP PILGRIMAGE TOURS from NEW ZEALAND newsletter published Registrations NOW OPEN for the Passion Play - May to September 2020. by the Catholic Bishop 10 different touring and river cruise itineraries. Bookings for individuals & groups. of Christchurch Passion Play tour option #1 Please attach your high resolution images or send us a link to a file Italy, Austria & Germany. sharing website. Do not embed images in your article. Escorted tour includes… JPEG format is most suitable for Milan, Lake Garda, Sirmione, Verona, Passion Play tour option #2 photos. , Italian & Bavarian Alps, Danube cruise. Please identify people featured Bolzano, Munich, Innsbruck, Dachau, Escorted tour includes... in images and where images are Berchtesgaden Eagles Nest, Munich, taken. Budapest, Eztergom, Bratislava, Oberammergau and the 2020 Passion Vienna, Durstein, Melk Abbey, Linz, Deadline for next issue: Play. Ref: OBH20 Friday 20 September 2019 Salzberg, Aschach, Regensburg and Contributions may be sent at any Passau, then to Munich and into the time to: Bavarian Alps to Oberammergau and The Editor, PO Box 4544, the 2020 Passion Play. Ref: OBD20 Christchurch 8140. 3) 595 5934 Phone: (0 (Editor) Ph: 0800 356 728 [email protected] www.chchcatholic.nz www.thetravelwarehouse.co.nz/passion-play-2020 Email: [email protected] OBP20 0219 32