Kete Korero July 2012

ketekorero

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton Issue 3 a.d. 2012

Year of Faith

Reflecting on the Second Vatican Council 4-5

Double Jubilee for Bishop Denis 35 Years as a Bishop, 50 years as a Priest 7

Assumption of the Blessed Vigin Mary Patronal feast day of New Zealand 20

and more...

In this issue...

Read it online! www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz Features

4 Year of Faith-50 years since Vatican II 16 First Holy Communion and Confirmation 18 Free, total, faithful and fruitful:

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-Ian and Nicola Lewis discuss the Vocation of Marriage

20 The Assumption of Mary 30 Book Review: Answering the New Atheism

Diocesan News

Catholic Youth Office Sports Night

6 International Eucharistic Congress in Ireland 7 Double Anniversary for Bishop Denis 11 National RCIA Gathering 12 Catholic Care Golf Tournament 13 New Director for Missionz

Our Parishes

8 Papal Award for Parishioner 9 St Patrick’s farewells Fr Michael Gielen 10 Catholicism Project in Katikati 13 Golden Jubilee for Fairfield Catholic Women’s League 14 Meditation Retreat in Whakatane

Young and Catholic

21 Winter Service Camp in Hamilton 22 Catholic Youth Office SonRise and Sports Night

Our Schools

6 Easter Reflections

18

Free, total, faithful and fruitful

15 Principals and DRS conference, New RE Adviser 24 Sacred Heart Day 25 John Paul College celebrates 25 years 26 A Tangle in Time: Te Aroha’s production.

27 St Thomas More Day 28 Silence at St Paul’s Ngaruawahia 29 Catholic Kids’ Corner The Kete Korero is an official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.

Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 25 October.

Kete Korero Magazine c-/ 51 Grey St, P.O. Box 4353, Hamilton East 3247 Tel: 07 8566989 kete@cdh.org.nz.

Sponsorship and advertising: David Barrowclough, c-/ Chanel Centre Tel: 07 8566989 Fax 07 8567035 email: cdf@cdh.org.nz Printed by APN Print, Wanganui

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Catholic Youth Office: Sports Night

16 First Holy Communion and Confirmation Cover: “Mary Assumed” Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hamilton Studio of John the Baptist

Bishop Denis’ Message

P

ope Benedict XVI has invited us to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Year of Faith that begins on 11 October.

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Bishop Denis Celebrates the anniversary of his Ordination

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Fr Michael leaves for Rome

I am delighted that there has been such a good response in this Diocese to the proposal that all of us make an effort to get in touch again with the teachings of the Second Vatican Council whose 50th Anniversary occurs on the 11 October. We have an opportunity to come together in clusters of parishes and discover again the brilliant teaching of the Second Vatican Council.

In a series of three gatherings, we will look again at the teaching of the Church regarding the Liturgy, Scripture, the Church and the role of the Church in today’s world.

Those gatherings will be led by very dedicated people who have been preparing assiduously to help all of us enrich our understanding of the action of the Holy Spirit through the Bishops of the Second Vatican Council.

This opportunity will enable us to remember again those wonderful days after the Second Vatican Council when changes in the Church enabled us to participate more fully in the liturgical and spiritual life of the Church. Being able to participate in the Mass in our own language was just one of the many blessings that came about as a result of the Second Vatican Council. There are also many other wonderful opportunities for all of us to participate more fully in the life of the Church.

As we enter into these weeks of prayerful and committed renewal, let us pray that the whole of the Diocese will be enriched as we discover again the teachings of Vatican II and apply them to the life of the Church in this Diocese of Hamilton.

I take this opportunity of thanking all of you for enabling me to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of my ordination to the Priesthood in such a wonderful way. The love and support of the priests and deacons, religious and lay people has been really uplifting. I remember you all gratefully in my Masses and prayers.

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God bless you Yours sincerely in Christ

Winter Service Camp in Hamilton

+Denis Browne BISHOP OF HAMILTON

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Year of Faith

The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. (Porta Fidei)

W

hen Pope Benedict XVI announced a special Year of Faith he wished not only to mark the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, but also to call us to “an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord, the one Saviour of the world.” (Porta Fidei). The Year of Faith will begin on 11 October 2012, the 50th anniversary of the Opening of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and will close on 24 November 2013.

The Holy Father wants “this Year to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope. It will also be a good opportunity to intensify the celebration of the faith in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, [...] At the same time, we make it our prayer that believers’ witness of life may grow in credibility. To rediscover the content of the faith that is professed, celebrated, lived and prayed and to reflect on the act of faith, is a task that every believer must make his own, especially in the course of this Year.” (Porta Fidei) For more information about the upcoming Year of Faith and our diocesan preparation “Joy and Hope” visit the Hamilton Diocese’s website: www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz

Joy & Hope A four-part series in preparation for the upcoming Year of Faith.

Session One: THE SACRED LITURGY & REVELATION Session Two: A LIGHT TO THE WORLD Session Three: THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD Coming to a parish near you!

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Cluster Points and Dates for “Joy and Hope”: Launch Mass times listed.

All evening sessions begin at 7.00pm Cathedral 15 July 10.30am 18 July : 25 July : 1 August Rotorua St Mary’s 22 July 10am 24 July : 31 July : 7 August Paeroa 29 July 10am 31 July : 7 August : 14 August Taumarunui 19 August 9.30am 21 : 28 August : 4 September Gisborne 9 September 9.30am 20 : 27 September : 4 October Whakatane 23 September 9am 25 September : 2 : 9 October Tauranga 30 September 10am 2 : 9 : 16 October Frankton 14 October 10 am 16 : 23 : 30 October Taupo 21 October 9am TBA : TBA : TBA

Launch of “Joy and Hope” O

n Sunday 15 July, Bishop Denis Browne officially launched “Joy and Hope”, a diocesan preparation for the Year of Faith. “Joy and Hope” is a four-part presentation focusing on the four constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and will be held in clusters of Parishes over the following months. At the Launch Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary Bishop Denis expressed his hope that these presentations will give the faithful the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and help them to “participate more fully in the life of the Church”.

The first presentation was held on Wednesday 18 July at 7pm at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hamilton. The session was well-attended, with around 160 participants gathering to reflect on Sacrosanctum Concilium and Dei Verbum. On 25 July participants returned for session two on Lumen Gentium. The series of presentations at the Cathedral will conclude on 1 August with Gaudium et Spes: “Joy and Hope”.

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Eucharistic Congress in Ireland L

ast month a group of eight pilgrims, mostly from the Hamilton diocese, accompanied Bishop Denis to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress held in Dublin, Ireland.

The Congress is an international gathering of Catholics held every four years and aims to highlight the importance of the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life� (Lumen Gentium 11). It began on Sunday 10 June, the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, with an opening Mass and over the following days pilgrims had the opportunity to participate in workshops and lectures organised around different themes such as Marriage and the family, Priesthood and Ecumenism.

The pilgrims described the Congress as a wonderful experience. Highlights included daily Mass with Bishop Denis, meeting different Bishops and Priests over dinner and having the opportunity to visit different places in Ireland, such as Newgrange and Glenstal Abbey.

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ketekorero Issue 3 2012

The group of pilgrims in Ireland

Like many Catholics in New Zealand, several of the pilgrims had Irish ancestry and were particularly moved by the history and faith-filled atmosphere in many of the places they visited.

The Congress closed with a final Mass on 17 June held at Croke Park, which also has an interesting New Zealand connection.

The Park was named after Bishop Thomas Croke who was an early Bishop of Auckland before being transferred back to Ireland in 1875.

The overall atmosphere of the Congress was described as positive and hopeful and the New Zealand pilgrims have returned home with many treasured memories, grateful for their experiences in Ireland.

Croke Park, the setting for the final Mass.

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50 Years of Faithful Service I

t was with great joy that the people of Hamilton Diocese gathered together in the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday 30 June to celebrate the double jubilee of both the Priestly and Episcopal ordination of Bishop Denis Browne.

Bishop Denis was ordained a Priest in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland on 30 June 1962, the same year as the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

He served in the Parishes of Gisborne, Papatoetoe and Remuera before being sent as a missionary to Tonga. In 1977 he was appointed Bishop of Rarotonga where he served from 1977-1983, before being installed as the tenth Bishop of Auckland in 1983. In 1995 he became the second Bishop of Hamilton.

Supported by Priests and Deacons from the Hamilton and Auckland Dioceses and as far away as Australia, Bishop Denis celebrated a Votive Mass of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest, in thanksgiving for his 50 years of Priesthood and 35 years as Bishop. The principal concelebrants were Bishop Charles Drennan (Palmerston North), Bishop Robin Leamy (Auckland) and Bishop Len Boyle (Dunedin).

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Bishop Denis with Nuns from the Tyburn Monastery.

Photo: John Fong

During the Mass Bishop Denis renewed the promises he made at his ordination and a special mention was also made of the other priests who were celebrating their golden jubilee this year. In his homily Mons. Des McCarthy acknowledged the important contribution of the Browne family to Bishop Denis’ formation and the life of the diocese.

Three of the six children, Michael, Denis and Neville, became priests, two, Margaret and Agnes, became Sisters of Mercy and the eldest child, Mary, married.

In his word of congratulations at the conclusion of Mass, Sir Peter Trapski thanked Bishop Denis for his care and compassion for the people of Hamilton diocese over the past seventeen years. A special letter of congratulations from the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI was also read.

The celebration was concluded with lunch, offering the people of the diocese the opportunity to personally congratulate Bishop Denis and thank him for his 50 years of faithful service.

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Bishop Denis and his family. Photo: John Fong

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Papal award for Parishioner O

n 24 March Joe Hughes received from Bishop Denis Browne the ‘Benemerenti Medal’ in a special celebration at St. Patrick’s Church, Whangamata. The ‘Benemerenti Medal’ is awarded by the Pope to members of the laity who have given outstanding service to the Church.

Joe has been a committed parishioner for many years, but over the last two years his total focus has been the rebuilding and extending of St. Patrick’s. Joe helped to coordinate the gaining of all permissions needed by Council and Church authorities. He was a driving force in the parish fund-raising campaign and acted as Clerk-ofWorks during the building phase. There were countless meetings with the architect, the builder and the Parish building committee. There were many trips to Hamilton and Thames to cost necessary materials. It was all-consuming. Joe, now well into his 80’s, gave it his all.

Joe Hughes and his wife Pauline with the Benemerenti Medal.

The parish community was thrilled when the refurbished and extended Church was reopened on the Feast of Christ the King last year. The icing on the cake has been to see Joe so well honoured.

Bishop Denis thanked Joe and all the community for successfully accomplishing a huge undertaking. He gave special thanks to Pauline, Joe’s very supportive wife.

Mons. Frank Eggleton

Bishop Denis presents the Medal

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Farewell to Fr Michael Gielen A

t Pentecost, St Patrick’s Parish, Te Puke, farewelled Father Michael. It was appropriate that a man so imbued with the Holy Spirit should be acknowledged on this day. At the first Pentecost, the followers of Jesus were emboldened to step out in faith and proclaim His importance in their lives.

Since his arrival as parish priest on 10th February 2007, Father has inspired us to do the same.

Very quickly we learned that we would have to ‘up our game’ when he began to outline his plans for the forthcoming World Youth Day 08, plans which actively engaged many parishioners in various groups and committees for prayer, fundraising and hosting. Having shown us what was achievable with prayer, strength, will, persistence and endurance, over the subsequent years Father introduced many and varied activities that would lead to growth in faith.

Karen Golder and Lee Higgins present an edible bouquet.

It represents the spiritual bouquet Father was given by the parish.

This chapter of our parish story has ended and Father will walk down a new and different pathway.

We wish him well, we thank him and we will pray for him.

Lee Higgins. Photo by Iona Donovan

These things don’t happen in a vacuum, and Father Fr Michael is currently studying in Rome. He will has been a huge support for the people in his spiritual return to take up a post at Holy Cross Seminary family who would follow through on his vision. in two years’ time.

“I

by my works will show you my faith.”

(James 2: 18)

Bishop’s Appeal Sunday, 23 September 2012 Please support the evangelisation and outreach work of the Hamilton Diocese. ketekorero Issue 3 2012

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Catholicism Project in Katikati E

arly in 2012 the Pastoral Team of St Pius X Catholic Church in Katikati recognised that there was a need for an adult education programme, so it was advertised within the parish and via local newspapers that anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith should register. Following an information evening held in the parish centre we received 39 registrations, 34 being existing parishioners and 5 people inquiring about the Catholic Church.

In consultation with our Parish Priest (Pa Hemi Hekiera) and the Diocesan Office (Jamie Cox) it was decided the DVD series “Catholicism� would be presented over a period of 11 weeks. Each participant reflects during the week on questions from a workpack which covers the current lesson, and we meet every Thursday evening as a large group in the parish to view the DVD, before breaking into small groups to discuss our understanding and responses and finishing with light refreshments.

Prayer forms a very important part of the programme; each evening session is started with the Sign of the Cross and a prayer in the large group, then within each small group all share a prayer at the start and end of their time together.

After each evening is completed, new work-pack questions for the next lesson are distributed to each participant. Currently we are into week 6 and have been averaging 28 participants per night. We would recommend this programme as it can be used in a private family environment or in a large group.

Lawrie and Colleen Gibbons

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Although the programme is very intense with a lot of depth, it has strengthened and given my Faith more focus. The programme does require considerable personal input however I have found this to be very rewarding as a convert to the Catholic Faith.

Bruce Macken Words that spring to mind about this course are: cerebral, heavy, enriching! Rev Robert Barron (presenter) is dynamic, eloquent and compelling and I have been enriched by the content.

Andrea Menhinic How pleased I am that I took up this invitation. The written material given to me to study has been challenging, adding so much depth to knowledge I already have. I am only half way through the programme but spend several hours each week pondering the material and I look forward to seeing the DVD which gives even further explanation.

Pauline van Rijen

40 Years in the Making 2012 marks 40 years since the reintroduction to the Church of the ancient Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). 40 Years in the Making – National RCIA Gathering 2012 celebrated this wonderful occasion.

T

he Gathering took place in Auckland from 20 to 22 July 2012. As always, with events such as this, anxiety takes hold – will the people show up? will the presenters ‘connect’ with the participants? will it be worth all the effort? Right from the arrival of the first people, these fears were allayed. It was a wonderful gathering of the Church at its best.

Five of the six diocesan bishops were in attendance, as well as people from Timaru to Whangarei, some 90 participants in total, all of whom shared a deep passion for the RCIA. The bishops weren’t there to tell us what to do – they wanted to sit among their people and LISTEN. The different diocesan and parish groups weren’t there to BOAST about how well the RCIA works in their neck of the woods – they were there to SHARE their stories, their resources and their challenges. At centre stage, to preside over the whole Gathering, stood the Book of the Gospels – Christ present in his Word. But we were there not just to tell stories; not just to sit with our bishops; not just to support one another – we were there to WORK. Over the course of the weekend three keynote addresses were given:

talks.

Excellent though it was, the RCIA Gathering was not about a solidarity weekend. It was about a journey, a ‘respectfully long journey’ as Monsignor Tonks put it.

In this diocese, the 20 participants present at the Gathering want to meet and to plan so as to ensure that the Church’s passion for the RCIA is once again captured by our priests, parishes and schools so that we can continue in the Church’s mission of welcoming new members.

Fr Trevor Murray

1. 40 Years in the Making, presented by Pat Lythe of the Auckland Diocese. In 45 minutes Pat took us on a whirlwind flight through 40 years on RCIA in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pat set the context for the Gathering.

2. Saturday morning saw Archbishop John Dew of Wellington and Monsignor David Tonks of Auckland take to the podium. Their shared topic was The Year of Faith and the RCIA – A Vision. This theme delved into the relationship between the RCIA and Pope Benedict’s calling for a Year of Faith in 2012. Wow!! Two different styles but one unified message – CHRIST. 3. The third presentation was given by Sr Mary Neven rsm, a Mercy Sister from Auckland, who tackled the difficult question of Forming A Community of Catechists.

All of these talks are in print and can be downloaded from www.rcia.org.nz. A digital recording is also available from the same site. It is well worth taking the time to read and/or listen to these excellent

THE RIV BARS & CAFE

in the Clyde St shopping complex in Hamilton East has been purchased by seven long-standing Hamilton Catholic families.

The Riv menu caters for all tastes at very moderate prices go to www.theriv.co.nz for details.

Evening meals after 6.00 pm Mass are a speciality.

On Tuesdays, dinner meals normally costing up to $20 can be had for $10.

Great facilities available for re-unions, parties and the like.

Visitors to Hamilton from throughout the diocese are very welcome for coffee or meals any day of the week.

The support of the Catholic community is greatly appreciated.

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Catholic Care Golf Tournament C

atholic Care Foundation 2012 Matamata Golf Tournament this year raised in excess of eight and a half thousand dollars to support the work of the many groups and organisations within our diocesan area. The support of this annual tournament is gratefully appreciated by the foundation as a very welcome source of funds and enables us distribute funds to very needy causes in our local area.

We must emphasise our grateful thanks to the sponsors for without their support we would not be able to hold this event. We also wish to thank the entrants for their continued support. Many players travel from as far afield as Taumarunui to join a day of fun and competition. The competition is very strongly contested. Bishop Denis Browne very kindly made himself available again to play in the tournament and to present the major prizes.

We congratulate these two champions and all the other prize winners on the day.

The Champion of this year’s tournament receiving the Father Pat Foy Memorial Cup was Mr David O’Sullivan. The winner of the Fr Paddy Griffin cup was Mrs Alison Morris.

Grateful thanks also to the many volunteers who help make this annual charity fundraising event such a success. We look forward to next year’s event which will be held on a Friday in early May 2013.

Bishop Denis and Lesley Donovan at the Catholic Care Golf Tournament.

Phone: 0800 843 233 Email: cdf@cdh.org.nz 12

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New Director for Missionz A

priest of wide international experience took over the national office of Missionz in June.

Fr Bernard Espiritu SVD received his warrant of appointment on the 4th of May from Cardinal Filoni who heads up the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples. He has been appointed for five years to promote and find support for the three Pontifical Mission Societies/Missionz in New Zealand. The search for a qualified replacement for Fr Paul Shannahan sm has taken over a year. Fr Espiritu brings many skills and much missionary experience to Missionz.

He originated in Bulacan just north of the Manila in the Philippines and grew up in a rich catholic culture. He was drawn to the Missionaries of the Divine Word (SVD). He spent some years in Brazil and had to learn the Portuguese language. Later he was sent to Australia and became a well known and thought of Parish Priest for six years of the Mother of God parish in the Wollongong Diocese.

For the past five years he has worked at the United Nations with an NGO called “Vivat” advocating for the SVD order along with their sister congregation – the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters (SSpS) His first task was to attend the annual international meeting of all the National Directors where the funds collected each year are approved for distribution to over 1,100 mission Bishops and for the projects they sent to the PMS offices in Rome.

Fr Bernard Espiritu SVD is the new Director of Missionz, the New Zealand national office of the worldwide Pontifical Mission Societies. One objective of Missionz is to generate spiritual, material and financial support for those working in mission and third world territories.

MISSION SEMINARIANS NEED YOUR HELP Your donation would enable the Pope’s Society of St Peter the Apostle to form African and Pacific students such as this one in Bangladesh.

Vocations are numerous but Bishops and Religious struggle to pay the bills.

Together we can build-up the Church.

Send a donation to -

Fr Bernard Espiritu SVD Missionz PO Box 12 322, Wellington 6144 Phone 04 472 2210 Website: www.missionz.co.nz

Catholic Women’s League Jubilee O

n Friday 18 May, Bishop Denis Browne, Fr. R. Laurenson, Fr. G. Alexander & Fr. Seejo concelebrated Mass for 65 past and present members of Fairfield Branch of the Catholic Women’s League and visitors from the Cathedral and Frankton Branches.

A Jubilee luncheon followed and past presidents including the first president Agnes Sklenars, Olive Cuneen, Heather Joyce, Beryl Holah & Bev Travaglia spoke of their experiences as members.

The Catholic Women’s League was founded in England in 1906 and in New Zealand 1931. It is a national Catholic body with parish branches throughout the country.

It’s motto is “Faith and Service”.

L-R: Judith Gilbert, Bev Travaglia and Bishop Denis at the jubilee celebration at St Joseph’s Fairfield.

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Prayer and Christian Meditation S

ome 32-35 faithful people gathered on 25 and 26 May at St Peter Chanel Parish, Whakatane, for a Prayer and Christian Meditation Retreat. The Spiritual Nourishment Retreat was “brought TO the faithful” by Gabrielle Daly-Fong, who has a ten year history of bringing such days of retreat and reflection to the wider Hamilton diocese and even further afield to other cities, towns and dioceses.

“There certainly are benefits from being calm” he wrote – “lowering your heart rate, staying peaceful, relaxing, emptying your mind of the pressures that have been concerning you, taking time to be as you would like to be and getting rid of negative or limiting thoughts.” Personally, he found those sessions of benefit and he will continue to try to use these ideas when he is feeling under pressure.

The sessions were well planned and contained a variety of prayer styles. Gabrielle began with an evening looking at the way we pray, encouraging people to be intentional and sincere as they pray, not to prattle, to mean each word and to make the prayerful gestures in deep love for God. On Saturday she introduced more contemporary ways to pray, including Taize chant, writing, breathing, and drawing.

People took advantage of the opportunity to communicate with each other and with God through the Holy Spirit. Comments indicated those who attended the retreat felt that it was well attended, beneficial and good for the parish as a whole.

The sessions catered for everyone’s tastes. One person himself gained from learning the techniques of meditation and just “being” in the presence of the Lord.

A Parish Retreat!

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LEAVING A LEGACY FOR THE FUTURE

Helps fund the Students Diocesan Youth experience Activities SetFree the person available from your Parish or from Festival for of Teenage Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, Chanel Centre, Hamilton Jesus Students Phone: 0800 843 233 Email: gregb@cdh.org.nz

Booklet Guide

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Principals and DRS Conference I

n May the Principals and Directors of Religious Education (DRS) of our primary and secondary schools attended the annual Hamilton Diocesan Principals/DRS Conference run this year at the Oceanside Resort, Mt Maunganui. All our 28 primary and five secondary schools were represented at the conference.

The keynote speaker for the conference was Charles Burford an Associate Professor in Educational Leadership from the School of Educational Leadership at the Australian Catholic University.

His paper on, “Moral Agency and Catholic School Leadership” was extremely well received. His message was a particularly timely for all those involved in educational leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand.

He stated that “educational regimes, including our Catholic systems, that place importance on high stakes standardised testing, league tabling and data systems as census and control mechanisms challenge authenticity; unless you are losing the plot! These forces can challenge educators to abandon transformational learning that goes to the heart of the children’s respect for themselves and for the institutions we hope will prepare them for a moral, spiritual, ethical and healthy life.”

L-R: Vince Shaw (Aquinas College), Pam Horsman (St Columba, Frankton), Paul Shannon (Secondary RE Advisor), Anthony Mills (St Thomas More), Rev. Michael Gielen.

The second day involved split sessions with Sister Sian Owens RSJ,(Leader of Adult Faith Formation, Diocese of Auckland, and formerly with the National Centre of Religious Studies) speaking to the primary participants on developing more creativity with their prayer. The secondary participants enjoyed a presentation from the Director of the National Centre of Religious Studies, Br Kevin Wanden on developments in the secondary curriculum with particular reference to the new NCEA Achievement Standards in Religious Studies.

The conference concluded with a Mass celebrated with Fr Michael Gielen at the parish of St. Thomas More, Mt Maunganui.

Paul Shannon

New Primary RE Adviser

D

ianne Porter, former principal at St Mary’s, Otorohanga, is the new Primary Religious Education (RE) Adviser for the Hamilton Diocese. Dianne is looking forward to her new role, providing support and RE resources to teachers and schools throughout the diocese.

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Sacraments of Initiation Bishop Denis and Mons. David have had a busy few months as children throughout the diocese received the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Here are some photos, stories and reflections from around the diocese...

My First Holy Communion and Confirmation

I

couldn’t believe it. The day I had waited for (since I don’t know when!) had finally come.

The day of my First Holy Communion was here.

I was sitting nervously in the van with Maryanne beside me patting my leg. Dad cut the engine. I opened the door and stepped out into the moonlight, shining down on me like a spotlight. I walked to the entrance of the church with Emily clutching the back of my dress.

I was wearing a traditional dress from our family that Sarah and Maryanne had worn before me.

Sarah had done my hair with a headband and a side mini pony tail. I had on fake diamond earrings that sparkled. Sarah had also put a thin layer of lip gloss on. My shoes were silver with a thick ruffle. They were the same as Melissa’s.

My sponsor, Craig, was... late!!!!! He turned up just as Mass was about to begin. I felt tremendously excited but I knew that I had to be serious. I felt very strong because I knew that very soon I would receive Confirmation and Holy Communion for the first time.

Father Richard announced the Laying of the Hands.

All three priests pressed quite hard on my head.

Then it was time for First Holy Communion. It gave me great pleasure to know that now I don’t need to place my hand on my heart and receive a blessing.

Now I can go up and receive Jesus.

I went back to my seat and started to thank God for my First Holy Communion.

Jennifer, age 8, St Peter Chanel Te Rapa.

The newly-Confirmed at St Peter Chanel, Te Rapa with Fr Seejo, Fr Richard, Mons. David and Deacon Leonard.

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St George’s Church, Te Kuiti

A

s one of the cards the children at our school made for Bishop Denis Browne mentioned: “He is a busy man”. We all agree because, on Sunday the 1st of July, the day after the Bishop was honoured for his 50 years as a Priest and 35 years as a Bishop, he celebrated a very special Mass at St George’s Church in Te Kuiti where 18 children were confirmed and received their first Holy Communion. There was no time for the Bishop to have a rest after what must have been a great celebration on the Saturday.

The children’s First Holy Communion and Confirmation concluded a comprehensive Sacramental Programme taught by Father Eamon Kennedy, who prepared the children extremely well for these very important ceremonies. The First Holy Communion and Confirmation are sacred and important moments for our young Catholics and are part of a long journey of faith development.

Accompanied by their sponsors the children went up to be confirmed by the Bishop who anointed them with Chrism. They also received their First Holy Communion, uniting them in a special way with Jesus Christ.

The Newly-Confirmed from St George’s Church, Te Kuiti

What’s happening in your parish or school?

Email us!

Karin Jury, Principal St Joseph’s Catholic School.

kete@cdh.org.nz

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www.christiansupplies.co.nz ketekorero Issue 3 2012 17

Free, total, faithful and fruitful Ian and Nicola Lewis were married in Whangarei in 1997. Currently living in Hamilton, the couple have eight children ranging in age from 16 months to 14 years. In this interview they discuss the joys and struggles of the vocation of marriage.

How and why did you decide to get married?

Ian: It sort of dawned on me one day when Nicola and I were going out; I remember thinking, I was so happy with her and maybe I could spend the rest of my life with her. You feel like you’re standing on the edge of this cliff, just teetering on the edge and if I leap, I don’t know what’s there and what’s going to happen, but it’s kind of cool too, kind of exciting, kind of scary.

How did you eventually jump off the cliff then?

Ian: I remember the proposal, because I’d talked about doing some amazing thing with a mate of mine. We had this amazing idea, we would get all these stakes and bits of cloth and spell out “Marry me” in the crater of Mt Eden. He’d cover it with petrol, and I’d take Nicola up to the top and he’d ping me on my cell phone, then he’d set it on fire.

Anyway, all these ideas ran through my mind and we went out for dinner one night, we were driving and I thought “I want to propose to her right now!”

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ketekorero Issue 3 2012

So I said “Let’s go for a walk up Mt Hobson, there’s a really nice view of the city up there”. We got to the top and there were cow pats everywhere, because it’s a grazing site and I was looking round going, ok! I would kneel, but I’m not going to kneel in the cow pats so, will you marry me!

Nicola: To the lowing of the cows and the romantic atmosphere!

Ian: Our marriage was very grounded right from the start!

What is the hardest thing that you have had to give up for your marriage or family?

Nicola: Sleep-ins!

Ian: Computer games. Self involvement.

What’s that?

Doing my own thing, but I’m glad I’ve had to give it up- not that I’ve completely given it up, there are things I love to do and Nicola’s constantly working on me and trying – it’s a work in progress and will end 24h after I’m dead! But to be honest, I’ve got far more from it than I’ve ever had to give up.

How has your relationship changed ?

I think you do learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We know that there are no “sacred cows”- if there’s something that you don’t like, say it. But we are getting better at it- in the early days we sort of –danced around each other- but it really is a process of learning how to approach things, how to say things. Sometimes it’s not the best time... you’ve got to pick your moments -wait ‘till we’ve had enough sleep!

What is the best thing about your marriage?

The best thing in this marriage is my wife- It’s cheesy but that’s true- she really is. (To Nicola) You don’t have to say the same thing!

The good things; It’s the family relationships, the fun stuff, doing trips, taking them to the park.

Do you think it’s important to have time alone as a couple?

Absolutely! We were talking with some other parents about what’s the most important thing in marriage, what’s the best thing for the kids, and a lot of people think it’s giving the kids lots of attention; Nope, it’s Mum and Dad. If Mum and Dad have a very happy relationship, tonnes of affection and lots of time spent together, the kids will just be happier than if you forget about each other and live for your kidsbecause you married each other, you didn’t marry your children. It’s vital to spend time together, but that time doesn’t have to be expensive honeymoon things away or 5 star dinners, it can be walk down to McDonalds and have a sundae together.

What would you never give up as a family?

Dinner together as a family at the table.

“Make it up” after fights- It isn’t a matter of giving up something, but you have to make that constant effort to make up. It’d be easy to say stuff you, Or you could just sweep it under the carpet and not apologise- But we do tend to dig it up, peel off the scab, squeeze out the mess, and clean it up- Thanks for that! But it is grotty, right?

Relationship things, you can let them scab over or you can deal with it. We try and deal with it.

We wouldn’t give up Prayer for Ian and I as parents, asking God to help us keep trying to do better for Him, for each other and for our kids.

It would be easy to get lazy in our relationship or to take it for granted: we need God’s help to last the distance.

Does your faith play a role in your marriage?

Both: Definitely!

We both have good formation about marriage, so we’re’re aware that it’s not just two people in our marriage, there are actually three! It plays a huge role with the kids and trying to bring them up to know God as well.

I pray for our marriage every day, and the marriages of our friends and our families at the same time. I’m conscious that it is something beautiful and precious that we need to protect and we need God’s help to protect it.

Do you pray as a family?

We go to Mass on Sundays, all together as a family when we can, and try to say a decade of the Rosary with the kids before they go to bed.

We go round the circle and everyone has their little intention, including the three-year-old who goes “I pray for granny and granddad, and all the people who died in the ‘salami’ and the earthquake and my friends and granny and granddad -Granny and granddad get lots of prayers!- it’s good though because they are quite open about it. We try make it normal, -it’s quite a normal and natural thingIt’s very reasonable to believe in God- you don’t have to be quoting the Bible every 5 seconds and spending every hour in the church but God is part of our lives, part of our everyday lives, not only on Sundays or only when we are praying- he is there at school, at work, even when we’re on the toilet.

What advice would you give to young couples considering marriage?

Nut out the hard questions; make sure you are really clear about the fundamental things of marriage. Find a good priest and get some good advice as a couple, then get married! Don’t muck around, don’t try and plan the perfect wedding just get married and start.

Think about a marriage not a wedding. God will give you the Grace to deal with whatever may happen.

Read the full interview online at www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz/kete

Ian and Nicola with Fr Merv Duffy on their Wedding Day.

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There’s something about Mary Many Catholics are shy of talking about Mary, as our love for her can be a stumbling block for our Protestant brothers and sisters. Yet, praying to Mary is not only beautiful, but reasonable and biblical.

Do you know the answers to these commonly asked questions?

Q: Do Catholics worship Mary?

A: No. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “Man commits idolatry whenever he honours and reveres a creature in place of God” (CCC, 2113). Mary is a creature, so don’t worship her, but we love her as Jesus did and ask her to pray for us. Many Christians have no problem asking their friends and family to pray for them: Catholics are the same, but we extend that to our friends and family in Heaven; the Saints, and especially Our Blessed Mother. If she was so close to Him on Earth, there is no doubt that she is close to Him in Heaven.

Q: Why can’t we just go straight to God? A: Of course we can go straight to God, but God in His Mercy chose to come to us through Mary, and to give her to us at the Cross. Mary in no way leads us away from Jesus, in fact, it’s the opposite; Mary is always pointing us to Jesus; “Do whatever He tells you!”. If God came to us through Mary, He does not mind if we ask her help to follow Him more closely.

Q: Why do we say Mary was Assumed into Heaven?

A: Mary’s Assumption is part of 2000 year-old Tradition of the Catholic Church. While there is no explicit reference to it in the Scriptures, the belief that Mary was taken up into Heaven, body and soul, doesn’t come out of nowhere; others have been assumed into Heaven, like Elijah who was taken up on a chariot of fire (2Kings 2:11). It is interesting that, unlike the other apostles and disciples, no-one has ever found her ‘grave’. It is not unreasonable to assume that this is because the Church’s living Tradition is the truth, and Mary is the woman in Revelation 12 “clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars”, her body and soul in Heaven with her Son.

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On 15 August we will celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patronal feast of the Church in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation which means that, where possible, Catholics are obliged to participate in the Mass (Code of Canon Law 1247).

Want to know more about Mary, or have other questions about what Catholics believe? www.kiwicatholic.com is an excellent apologetics resource, or email kete@cdh.org.nz with your questions and we will answer them in the next issue.

Winter fun and Service J

uly 6 – 13, 2012 was a busy holiday for 30 high school and university students who took part in an action-packed Winter Service Camp. What united the participants from Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington and Sydney was the desire to learn, have fun, and make a difference in the community. For one participant, “this has been the best holiday I have ever had. I don’t want to leave.”

In conjunction with the Refugee Orientation Centre (ROC) Trust, the girls ran a holiday programme for 28 refugee children at St Columba’s Church hall. Many of these children also participate in weekly numeracy and literacy activities organised by ROC and run by high school and university students from Rimbrook.

Participants volunteered to help with holiday activities at Enderley Park Community Centre and organised a “Scooby Doo meets Willy Wonka” holiday programme at Rimbrook Study Centre. One participant said that “I have resolved to try to notice the needs of others more and to think less about myself,” while another noted “I learnt so much, much more than I have given.”

Volunteers and children enjoying the sunshine at the Winter Service Camp.

The students also lent a helping hand at Interactionz, an organisation with three community centres in Hamilton serving people with disabilities.

The girls, who did an early spring clean at each of the centres and spent time chatting with everyone, commented that “I never imagined the impact a smile and a little bit of generosity could have on the lives of others.”

The service camp was organised

by Rimbrook Study Centre, a residence for university students at the University of Waikato. Rimbrook is a project of Education Sponsorship Trust, The activities of a spiritual nature are entrusted to Opus Dei, a personal Prelature of the Catholic Church which helps people find God in everyday life.

Students visited Eventide For more information about the Tamahere and Atawhai Mercy activities that Rimbrook offers young women, email Assisi rest homes to provide rimsc@xtra.co.nz. company and entertainment for residents.

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21

SonRise

S Waiting for the pancakes!

onrise is a youth group that takes place every Thursday morning during the school term.

Youth aged between 13 and 18 attend 6.30am mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is a fantastic start to the day! When Mass concludes at around 7am, we continue on to a hot breakfast supplied by Alex Bailey – the Catholic Youth Office director, and Karen Whyte – the Catholic Youth Office coordinator. We pray, eat and discuss what that particular day’s Gospel meant for us. There are around 30 teenagers who attend this weekly, which is a very large number considering the hour of the morning!

Sonrise is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, and make great life long friends. So if you are between ages 13-18 I recommend that you come along and check it out, you will not be disappointed!

SonRise at sunrise in the Cathedral Parish Centre

World Youth Day

T

he Hamilton Diocese has organised a pilgrimage to the international World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro Brazil!

Discover Brazilian culture and spirituality focussing on Saint Anthony the first Brazilian born Saint!

Experience ‘Missions Week’ where we participate in spiritual activities, works of solidarity with local communities, as well as missionary and cultural events.

22 ketekorero Issue 3 2012

Melissa Hughes

Take part in World Youth Day 2013 with our Holy Father Pope Benedict and over one million other young Catholics!

For the full itinerary and price information follow the qr code or visit: catholicyouth.org.nz email: alexb@cdh.org.nz

Sports Night

E

xciting, fun, competitive, and even a little dangerous are only some adjectives that could be used to describe the Sports Night that was recently held on the 24th of June at Boys High.

With over 100 participants the event was filled with loads of laughs and water breaks. Whether you took the event seriously and were in it to win it (like the glorious Dream Team) or were just there to dress up and make some awesome memories with your mates, it was a night that definitely was worth attending.

Catholic Ninjas!

The relays, charades and dodge ball gave a nice break from the standard sports the costumes and team themes were very creative ranging from Ninja Saints to Tigers who won best costume and deserved it. The leaders and refs were full of energy and welcomed participants from all over the diocese ranging from Taupo to Tauranga.

Everyone had a well-deserved sausage sizzle to end the night and I am sure the Dream Team is enjoying that fantastic trophy that they definitely earned.

Sports night was amazing and I cannot wait for next year! Will the 2013 winners be you?!

The Winning “Dream Team�!

Strong competition on the basketball court.

Karen

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Sacred Heart Day in Hamilton S

inging, dancing, and a little bit of dougie-ing* was on the agenda for this year’s feast day celebrations at Sacred Heart Girls’ College in Hamilton. After a Mass in the Cathedral, the students of Sacred Heart donned their house colours and danced their socks off. Jamie McDell, Erin Simpson, and three Chiefs players, Augustine Pulu, Maritino Nemani and Lelia Masaga even turned up to help judge the day!

*a type of dancing

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25 years of John Paul College

A hearty cheer in ‘80s gear...

J

ohn Paul College celebrated its 25th Jubilee on JPC Day on Wednesday 23 May. The day was an opportunity to reflect and rejoice in the amalgamation of Edmund Rice College and Mary MacKillop College and the establishment of John Paul College, Rotorua.

Following the Mass, Bishop Denis Browne blessed the Jubilee Garden of Remembrance, just inside the College gates and the college exploded with colours as past and present students and staff celebrated the anniversary in full 1980s costume.

Blessed John Paul the Second

The entire school, led by the Year 13 students continued the celebrations with fun activities, like the slip and slide, dance party, obstacle course, staff vs senior students’ soccer game and a concert to end the day.

In May 1987, John Paul College opened its doors to 687 students after the all-boys school Edmund Rice College merged with all-girls school MacKillop College. With a current roll of 1100 the JPC community can be proud of their achievements within the Rotorua community.

Students receive the Sacraments at Mass.

The Head Boy and Girl of John Paul College.

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A Tangle in Time in Te Aroha

O

n the 20th and 21st June St Joseph’s School, Te Aroha, presented a production called “A Tangle In Time”. All the children participated in the show.

Some of the dances performed were the Twist by the Beatles, the Moon Walk by Michael Jackson, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Queen’s Visit and Star Trek. In between all of this there were cultural performances from Samoa, New Zealand Maori and Holland. All the children were dressed in traditional costumes Brittnee, Room 5 The production was about a professor who had made a time travelling machine. Four children wanted to see what he was inventing, so when he went to sleep the four cheeky children hopped into the machine. As they travelled through time they saw many interesting things like different cultures and people in space. We performed three shows, two were evening performances and one was a matinee. These three performances allowed all the main cast to have an opportunity to take lead roles.

Taylor, year 8 All of the classrooms from Year 0 to 8 had their own bit to do. Room 1 and 2 performed Hiwi the Kiwi which was about how the kiwi became flightless.

Room 3 did “The Emperor’s New Clothes” reflecting on the fairytale in a different way. Room 4 performed “Starship Enterprise”. Finally, Room 5 acted and danced to the 1953 visit of the Queen, Beatlemania, Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Everest and the moon landing.

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Their finale was the 2011 Rugby World Cup success.

All the senior children were involved in a cultural performance. Some did the Sasa from Samoa, Maori Action Songs and Dutch Dancing. The children had the opportunity to audition for a position in the main cast. There were 7 parts. The professor, his assistant and the children. Casts were changed for night and matinee performances.

Libby, Room 5 The Production ended up being a huge success. The children enjoyed having their opportunity to act and dance on stage in front of a real live audience.

Helena, Room 5

Inspired by St Thomas More O

n 24 June St Thomas More Catholic School, Mount Maunganui, celebrated a school Mass to remember our patron St Thomas More. This Mass was also special because it was our first Mass with our new Parish Priest Father Darren MacFarlane.

The Mass was a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist. Our school students were involved in the Readings, prayers and the music. At the end of the Mass we performed our annual play about the life of St Thomas More. This fantastic play is a yearly tradition at our school because it symbolises our faith and teaches us the lesson of St Thomas More which is to never give up.

The setting of the play is Hampton Court where the grand divorce of Queen Catherine of Aragon and King Henry the VIII is about to take place. This very dramatic moment is interrupted by the Lord High Chancellor, Sir Thomas More, as it would end in England being excommunicated from the Catholic Church. King Henry got into a very bad state of mind about this and sent out his royal messenger to demand allegiance from the people in England.

If you thought that was too much to ask he also wanted them to give up authority of Rome and the Church. Thomas More was still very upset about this because he felt that what Henry was doing was not right in God’s eyes. He continued to object and was eventually sentenced to the ultimate punishment which was, sadly, death!

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Margaret

The cast of the St Thomas More play.

I personally believe that the play was a success when it came to our use of expression. As a cast we were also very committed in our role. So much that we even got a series of laughs throughout the whole play!

I would really like to thank the following people that were involved who dedicated this play to our Lord Jesus Christ: Max (Thomas More), Alex (King Henry), Isabella (Queen Catherine), Madison (Messenger), Jamie and Jessica (Guards), Ben (John Fisher), Carlos and Amy (Narrators), Tayla and Sage (Extras) and finally a massive thanks from everyone involved to Mr Anthony Mills.

Written by Max - Year 6

I have not been a man of such holy living that I might be bold to offer myself to death, lest God for my presumption might suffer me to fall, and therefore I put not myself forward but draw back. Howbeit if God draw me to it himself, then I trust in his great mercy that he will not fail to give me grace and strength.

-St Thomas More to Oliver Cromwell

Phone : 07 574 9365 Mobile: 027 693 2773 marg@athomecare.co.nz www.ahcdirectory.co.nz

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There’s something about Silence S

ilence dominates here.

It’s noon in room two at St Paul’s Catholic School and noise is everywhere else - the four walls are ablaze with colour, art and slogans; outside, the Ngaruawahia sun is laced with the din of schoolyard kids in play. Inside though, not a sound - the children are meditating.

The class of 14 six-year-olds is sitting in a close circle on the carpet with teacher Judy Craven the centrepiece on a chair. Her eyes are closed, too.

Minutes tick by until the session winds down with Margaret Rizza’s contemplative music on the stereo.

Every one of the school’s 132 students from year one to eight meditate for five to ten minutes every day. And it’s been going on quietly for the last five years.

Principal Catherine Readman says it’s a huge benefit to the kids, both spiritually and in a calming capacity.

The man who introduced her to it is Papakura parish priest Father Peter Murphy and he believes it could catch on in secular schools if it was packaged differently.

“It’s basically just entering silence and stillness,” he says.

“You can focus on the breath but we use a mantra [chant], slowly and silently. If you give your attention to that word it leads you to deeper silence and stillness. The whole idea of the mantra is to slow the mind down, give it something to do.”

The kids sit cross-legged - hands rest either on knees with thumb and forefinger touching or in laps with fingers interlocked.

Some, like little monks, are statue still, motionless, at ease.

Others struggle. Their faces bear its mark - crimped noses and pursed lips, nodding heads and the odd eye flickering open.

In their minds they’re slowly chanting, “mara natha, mara natha” (“come, God”).

28 ketekorero Issue 3 2012

With kids, he describes the mind as a tree full of monkeys.

“Well, what do you do with the monkeys? You give them something to do so that you can do this work. You are not your monkeys, you are not your thoughts -the kids catch on to that.”

Now, Father Murphy says, more than 60 church-based groups of adults across the country are meditating regularly and he thinks more schools should try it. It has been in New Zealand schools now for 10 years and Fr Murphy says they were “very hesitant” at first - then they saw the kids’ reactions.

His thinking has shifted from asking, “should we be doing it?” to a confident, “why are we not doing it?”.

Abridged: article and photos reprinted with permission from the Waikato Times

Catholic Kids Corner When you are about 7 years old you have your First Holy Communion. Maybe that was this year for you!

Or maybe you can remember it from another year. It is a very special moment; you receive Jesus for the first time. He comes to show you he loves you by giving Himself in the bread and the wine, His Body and Blood.

The True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist This craft project helps you remember that Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. Although Jesus is hidden, He is truly there. The Host (bread) in this craft opens to reveal Jesus.

Instructions 1. Print out the outline of the Host, Chalice, rays and image from www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz/kete or draw your own.

2. Colour in the Chalice and rays and carefully cut them out.

3. Glue the Chalice and rays onto a piece of coloured cardboard. Decorate with glitter or sequins.

4. Cut out and glue the picture of Jesus on top of the Eucharistic ray circle.

With a small piece of clear tape attach the Host over top of the picture of Jesus to create a door that opens.

Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary

494 Grey St Hamilton East Phone: 07 856 6486 www. rosamystica.co.nz

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Thanks to everyone who entered the quiz competition in the last issue! The winner of “The Easter Story� by Joy Cowley was Sophie from Marian School in Hamilton.

Congratulations Sophie!

Thanks again to everyone who participated. Keep an eye out for more competitions in the next issue!

Opening hours: 8.00 am - 4.00 pm Thur & Fri

- after Mass on 1st Sunday of the month and for special events in the Church calendar

ketekorero Issue 3 2012

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Dawkins Dethroned Book Review: Answering the New Atheism; Dismantling Dawkins’ Case Against God,

by Scott Hahn and Benjamin Wiker (2008).

I

f you are one of that dwindling number of book enthusiasts who still prefer browsing in Whitcoulls and Paper Plus to purchasing books online you will have noticed, prominently displayed, a collection of books with titles like Breaking the Spell (David Dennett), The God Delusion (Richard Dawkins) and God is not Great (Christopher Hitchens). They are best sellers which deride religion and champion atheism.

The most popular atheist today is Richard Dawkins.

He interviews well, he can hold the attention of a television audience and his writing has the intensity and gusto which hooks readers. Take this line for instance: ‘The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving controlfreak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, racist, infanticidal, genocidal, filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent bully.’

Small wonder Dawkins has no shortage of readers!

Hahn and Wiker, alarmed at the influence Dawkins is having on young minds, have written an elegant and succinct refutation – the book runs to only 150 pages - of Dawkins’ arguments. Anyone with an interest in the ‘Existence of God’ debate should read it.

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ketekorero Issue 3 2012

Dawkins places great faith in Darwin’s theory of evolution. Our brains are materially determined by physical laws and our capacity for thought is driven by the need to survive. If a particular development in our intelligence is useful for survival it is retained, if not it is lost. The problem, however, is that evolution cannot explain human intelligence for the simple reason that our intelligence far exceeds anything that would be necessary for our survival.

Human beings ponder all manner of things from black holes and multiverses to perfect numbers and whether Goodness is the same as Beauty, none of which has the remotest bearing on our survival.

Dawkins believes that life came about by blind chance. All it requires for complex life like our own to appear is tiny mutations over billions of years.

In other words, given long enough, anything in the natural world becomes possible and the need for an Intelligent Designer can be dispensed with.

But there lies the catch. Science now believes the universe had a definite beginning – 13 ½ billion years ago – and the simplest cells arose on earth 3 ½ billion years ago. Dawkins claims the odds of DNA arising on earth are a billion to one. Hahn and Wiker point out that DNA is functionless without the cell (protein) so the probability of both has to be calculated.Taking into account all the variables they calculate the odds as follows: for the cell, 20100 and for DNA 4100. When these staggering odds are translated into time they would require the universe to be much older than it is. So, the origin of DNA and the cell is more than improbable: it’s impossible.

The last chapter constructs the way society would look if Dawkins’ ideas were given a practical and political application. It makes chilling reading. But if Christians want to arm themselves with rational arguments against this society, which in many respects is already upon us, then no better starting point could be found than this book.

Richard Turnbull

Upcoming Courses Understanding Church The Church’s ongoing call to renewal as expressed during Vatican II Tuesdays 5.30pm-8.30pm 14 August – 18 September John Paul College Rotorua Early Church History 20-21 & 28-29 September St Mary’s Parish Centre, Gisborne.

Introduction to Theology October St John’s College, Hamilton Contact Cynthia Piper: cynthiap@cdh.org.nz

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Thank you for your feedback!

Thank you to all those who took the time to fill out and return the questionnaire in the back of the last issue of the Kete Korero. We received lots of interesting and helpful feedback and enjoyed reading what you had written.

Feedback is always welcomed: email kete@cdh.org.nz Keep an eye out as we begin to make use of some of your suggestions, such as making the Kete Korero more interactive or having more ‘people’ stories.

God bless, Jessica Jackman (Editor)

Wit and Wisdom Only where God is seen does life truly begin. Only when we meet the living God in Christ do we know what life is. We are not some casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary. There is nothing more beautiful than to be surprised by the Gospel, by the encounter with Christ. There is nothing more beautiful than to know Him and to speak to others of our friendship with Him. Pope Benedict XVI

You know you’re Catholic when...

• • • • • • • • • • •

You almost genuflect before entering your seat at the movies.

You can only recite the Creed when around large groups of people.

You have an overwhelming compulsion to say, “And with your spirit” when Yoda says, “May the Force be with you.”

Someone asks you your favourite Madonna song and you say “Hail, Holy Queen.”

You pray a Hail Mary when you hear a fire truck or ambulance siren.

You have a rosary hanging from your rear-view mirror.

Your son calls home after being gone and the first thing you ask is “have you been going to Mass?”

One of your crucifixes has five years worth of dried-out palms stuck behind it.

You measure your life by the number of Popes who have come and gone.

Your friends don’t whisper “Flying low!” but “Your scapular is hanging out!”

Your co-workers point out that you have something on your face and as they go to wipe it off for you, you duck and scream, “No, they’re my ashes!!”

ketekorero Issue 3 2012

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Contact us now: Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Ltd PO Box 13 483 Tauranga 3141 Ph: 07 578 7852 Fax: 07 577 1987 www.crombielockwood.co.nz

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Tyres, Batteries, Wheel Alignment, WOF, Mechanical Repairs

WHITE ROSE CHAPEL

75 Cook Street Hamilton 180 seating, catering facility

Offices:

138 Grey St, Hamilton 3247 Telephone: 07 856 5129

Email: pellows@funerals.co.nz www.pellows.co.nz

> Free Quotes > All tyre brands > A Hamilton family based business since 1921 Contact: 409 Anglesea Street, Hamilton Ph: 07 839 2015 Fax: 07 838 9048 Email: tyre&auto@ahfranks.co.nz

ketekorero Issue 3 2012 Printed by APN Print.Wanganui