december 2017 CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN ISSUE 235 | DECEMBER 2017 ABLETcdd.org.nz Welcome, Christ Jesus, to this, our land A shoot will spring from the stock of Jesse; a new shoot will grow from his roots. Isaiah 11:1 Unuhia te rito o te harakeke, kei hea te kōmako e kō? Uimaikiahau, He aha te mea nui o te Ao?’ Māku e kī atu, ‘He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.’ If you remove the central shoot of the flaxbush, where will the bellbird find rest? If you were to ask me, ‘What is the most important thing in the world?’ I would reply, ‘It is people, it is people, it is people.’ Background painting by Darryn Tautari. the tablet Bishop Colin's Christmas message Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Has it ever occurred to you that certain times and seasons of the year often capture our attention regarding certain events happening in the world. I often think that the Christmas season is one where we think of those who are less well off than ourselves – the poor, needy, and marginalised. We are all aware our world faces the biggest refugee problem since World War II. Up to the minute T.V. and media accounts bring horrific stories of boat people drowning at sea, detention centres' desperation and conflicts in different parts of the globe. Our planet has experienced mass migration resulting in displaced people looking for shelter. While there have been good stories of countries accepting and welcoming the homeless there have been many refusals. That refusal for a place to stay calls to mind the Christmas story for ourselves when the holy family were refused entry at the inn in Bethlehem. Our human history abounds with cases of turning others aside and keeping them out. It is the weak and vulnerable who suffer most in these desperate situations. It calls to mind that chapter 25 of Matthew’s Gospel – the one I call Yours are the only hands the ‘crunch Gospel’ – whereby at the Final Judgment by Jesus Christ, people are separated to right and left, a sheep and goats scenario. It With which he can do his work…. is the people who helped others in need – feeding the hungry, giving Yours are the only eyes drink to the thirsty visiting the sick etc. – who are welcomed into through which his compassion the kingdom. Why? Simply because Jesus identifies himself with the can shine upon a troubled world. needy person they helped. (St. Teresa of Avila) I have been gratified to see in parishes the food baskets that are brought up at the time of offering in the Mass. It makes us realise that it is a practical and real way of helping the poor and marginalised in our communities. I realise, of course, the ongoing work of parishes in the diocese with market day schemes, free meals and food distribution, and all the work of our St Vincent de Paul and Catholic Social Services. Many of you may now have refugees in your neighbourhood; welcoming them and helping them to ‘feel at home’ are all aspects of living out the Gospel message. Let us pray that we all do our part to ensure that the door is never shut in the face of the one seeking help. May the Prince of Peace bring you that joy and peace this Christmas, 2017, and the new year of grace that awaits us. May his presence in our lives spur us on in our efforts to help those most in need. In the Spirit, = colin december 2017 Young Māori Achievers The Mana Pounamu Young Achievers’ Awards were brought about through the vision of the late Tāua, Alva Kapa, and were named as such because they were first held in the Year of Mana Pounamu (2001). The Awards are a Kāi Tahu initiative supported by Kā Papatipu Rūnaka ki Arāiteuru, the University of Otago, the Otago Polytechnic, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the Ministry of Education. The objectives of these awards are to: • Celebrate the success and achievement of rakatahi Māori • Encourage rakatahi Māori to participate in tertiary study • Identify leadership potential • Provide positive role models to rakatahi Māori. Representing Kavanagh College at the 2017 Mana Pounamu Young Achievers' Awards held recently in Dunedin were Tuakana: Aliya Tautuhi, (left) and Teina: Emily Kerr-Bell (right). On his own behalf and that of the diocese, from the archives – 100 years ago: new zealand tablet, thursday, december 20, 1917. Bishop Colin has sent the following Christmas message to Pope Francis: THE GARDENER (For the N.Z. Tablet) Muttering, he bends above his rows of seeds, Thanking his God for sunshine and blue air, Searching the plot and his own soul for weeds, While winds around the bean-flowers blow his prayer. Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin He names his land with lips that bleed and burn, Message to Pope Francis for Christmas In the grand sorrow of an exile’s wrong, Though faith has taught his nimble hate to turn Our prayers from these Southern-most Isles From famine days and youth’s rebellious song. Go with you. May the Prince of Peace Dear God! When Thou hast caught him to Thy breast, Strengthen and encourage you Remind him of this garden and this place, In your wonderful work That by his prayer we walk into our guest, For God’s kingdom. And meet him in the green fields of Thy grace. = Colin D Campbell EILEEN DUGGAN Bishop of Dunedin the tablet Congratulations to Jaewoo Lee on his Ordination as Deacon for the Diocese of Dunedin Jaewoo Lee, originally from South Korea, was ordained deacon by Bishop Colin Campbell at a ceremony held in St Peter Chanel Church, Green Island, on Monday, 4th December 2017. Priests came from across Otago-Southland for the ceremony, as well as parishioners and friends from parishes in which he has spent his time of preparation, including North Dunedin, Gore, Mosgiel and Green Island. The support of the Korean community was obvious by its strong presence, including beautiful liturgical dance by two dancers in Korean costume – mother and daughter, Elizabeth Suh and Heidi Choi. Deacon Jaewoo committed himself to service and ministry in the diocese, and thanked all who have assisted and supported him on his journey towards priesthood. december 2017 A new Bishop of Christchurch is appointed by Pope Francis the new zealand catholic bishops conference (nzcbc) made the following announcement on 6 december, 2017. Pope Francis has appointed Father Paul Martin SM as the next Bishop of the Christchurch Diocese. Bishop-Elect Paul Martin will be the tenth Bishop of Christchurch and succeeds Bishop Barry Jones who died in February 2016. Bishop Patrick Dunn, President of the New Zealand Catholic As news of his appointment Bishops Conference (NZCBC), said, “We are delighted that was announced, Bishop-Elect Bishop-Elect Paul has accepted the call to this special ministry. Paul said, “I’d like to express On behalf of all the New Zealand Bishops I warmly welcome what a privilege it is to be him to our New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. We chosen to serve in the Diocese know that he will bring a new voice and a valuable perspective of Christchurch as Bishop, to our discussions.” following in the footsteps of those before me. I am really Bishop-Elect Paul Martin SM was born in Hastings in 1967, looking forward to taking up one of five children. He entered formation for the Society this ministry and leading the of Mary in February 1985, and studied in theology and Diocese.” arts at Victoria University in Wellington. He completed a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology at the Angelicum University Bishop Dunn said, “I would from Rome and studied to become a teacher. Bishop-Elect like to take this opportunity Paul has taught English and Religious Education in New to express our sincere gratitude to Father Rick Loughnan who Zealand and has held the roles of Rector at St Patrick’s College has given us his dedicated service as Diocesan Administrator in Wellington and Deputy Rector in Pastoral Care at St Bede’s for almost two years. During this time he has worked tirelessly College, Christchurch. to support the priests and people of the Diocese, and has represented them well at our regular meetings of the New The Bishop-Elect has also served as President of the Wellington Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.” Secondary Schools Principals Association and was a part of the Marist community at the time it was working in Māori pastoral Father Rick Loughnan has been the administrator of the care at Rawene in the South Hokianga. More recently, he was diocese following the passing of Bishop Barry Jones last year. General Bursar for the Society of Mary in Rome. Commenting at the time of the announcement, Father Rick said, “We are delighted with the appointment by Pope Francis and Bishop Dunn said, “It is wonderful for Christchurch that look forward to welcoming Bishop-Elect Paul with open arms.” they will receive a Bishop who has worked with a range of communities, has extensive pastoral experience and comes to It is expected that his ordination will be in the first part of the role with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.” next year. Merry Christmas the tablet Silver Jubilee of Priesthood – Congratulations Father Martin Flannery Father Martin Flannery, Parish Priest of Cromwell and Upper Clutha, and farmer and representative sportsman in his youth, celebrated his Silver Jubilee Mass at St Peter's Church, Omakau, on Monday, 13th November, 2017. His sister, Maree, spoke at the Church, but, apart from Grace before an excellent dinner at the Commercial Hotel, the celebration, shared with family and friends, was speech-free, but certainly not speechless.