Kete Korero February 2019

ketekorero February - April 2019

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The official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton February - April 2019

The impact of the Marists

Marriage joy in Mangakino Benefit Earth with Lenten intentions Fallow year for MÄ ori pastorate Fr Timmerman's 100th birthday Pilgrimage celebrates Bishop Pompallier

Murupara Mass

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In this issue...

ketekorero February - April 2019

bishop’s message

Read it online!

The Gift and Opportunity of Confession

hen was the last time you talked about or reflected on the way sin works in your life and your own sinfulness? Sin has gone out of fashion in our age. Many older Catholics will talk about the “Catholic guilt trip” and perhaps in days gone past and for some people sin was over-emphasised. But equally problematic is when we fail to reflect on and acknowledge our own sinfulness and instead are quick to point the finger at others, often justifying ourselves because we are in a righteous position.

Of course, this is nothing new. In the Book of Genesis, when God asked Adam, “Have you been eating of the tree I forbade you to eat?”

The man replied, “It was the woman you put with me; she gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”

Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman replied, “The serpent tempted me, and I ate.” Both Adam and Eve were quick to blame rather than admit their failing. (cf Gen 3:9-15). In the same way, when the crowd brought the woman caught in the act of adultery (just the woman, not the man!) before Jesus, they were ready to stone her. Jesus said to them, “If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (cf Jn 8:1-11). Blaming is destructive and this leads us to see how sin seeks to destroy individuals and the relationships we have with God, others, self and with creation. When we reflect on the way sin works in our lives and our own sinfulness, we are really looking to where the forces of destruction are operating in our lives.

Jesus, however, comes to liberate us from our sins and sinfulness. The readings of the 5th Sunday of this year remind us of ‘the liberating power of Jesus’. Peter, faced with the huge catch and a deeper recognition of who Jesus was, said: “Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” (cf Lk 5:1-11). In the readings of the same day, St Paul reflects with the Corinthians on his own path of conversion: I am the least of the apostles; in fact, since I persecuted the Church of God, I hardly deserve the name apostle; but by God’s grace that is what I am, and the grace that he gave me has not been fruitless (cf 1 Cor 15:1-11). And finally, there is the magnificent example of the encounter of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus said to her, “You are right to say, ‘I have no husband’; for although you have had five, the one you have now is not your husband.” (cf Jn 4:5-42). However, rather than condemn her Jesus built her up to be the apostle to her village. Jesus took sinners and transformed them in each of these cases. He built them up to be disciples and agents of communion rather than division.

Jesus often scandalised the leaders of the people when he said: “Your sins are forgiven.”

They were right when they said only God could forgive, but what they failed to recognise was that Jesus was the Son of God. And he took sin so seriously he embraced the cross as the source of our forgiveness of sins. But more than that, he wanted his ministry of forgiveness of sins to endure in his Church. On the night he rose from the dead he appeared to those who had denied and abandoned him. “He said to them, ‘Peace be with you’, and showed them his hands and his side…‘As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’ After saying this, he breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven: for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.’” (cf Jn 20:19-23).

Jesus took sin seriously and so in this moment of commissioning he gave us the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that through the ministry he has entrusted to his apostles and priests he might continue to forgive our sins in the complexity of our lives and world. If Jesus took sin seriously so should we. The coming season of Lent offers us the opportunity to reflect once again on the way sin works in our lives and our own sinfulness. It offers us the opportunity to reflect on whether we are finger pointers and destroyers or builders of communion and, in our own turn, agents of the Lord’s mercy. Make sure an appointment for Confession is in your diary this Lent!

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www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz Bishop’s Message The Gift and Opportunity of Confession

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Diocese National and Diocesan Collections

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Features Fallow year for Māori Pastorate With Hearts Burning in Gisborne Discerning the future of the Tauranga-Moana Parish Bell set to toll for church tower Pilgrimage north celebrates Bishop Pompallier Design features light up Tokoroa's St Piux X Murupara celebrates 60 years of the call to Mass

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School News Long-serving teachers taking new directions 2019 leaders and 2018 top achievers

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Parish News Good news families share stories Benefit Earth with Lenten intentions Our Parish tidings Beginnings and endings at Ngaputahi

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The Religious Life The impact of the Marist priests in the Bay of Plenty 13 A hundred years' celebration for Father Timmerman 14 Catholic Institute graduates 14 Deacon Mike and family honour 50 years of marriage15 Advertorial

The Kete Korero is an official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.

Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 9 April 2019 Kete Korero Magazine Chanel Centre, 51 Grey St, P.O. Box 4353, Hamilton East 3247 Editor: Michael R. Smith, 5 High Street, Rotorua 3010; P.O. Box 6215, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010 At: 07 349 4107, 0272096861, kete@cdh.org. nz Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/KeteFb Videos: http://tinyurl.com/ketekorero Sponsorship and advertising: David Barrowclough, Chanel Centre 0800 843 233 Fax 07 8567035 or email: cdf@cdh.org.nz Layout: Business Media Services Ltd, 5 High Street, Rotorua 3010 Design: Sandy Thompson, Advocate Print Ltd, 248 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010.

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Veil Over The Light

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Cover Photos (Top) Deacon Mike Jones and his wife Irene Jones. (Below from left) Valentin Nouguier and Daniela Perello married at Saint Joseph’s Church, Te Puna; Marist Fathers David Gledhill and David Moore; Sacred Heart College Proxime Accessit for 2018 – Katie Sullivan (left) and Aylish Walrdon dux; and Patricia Schicker (right) and Clare Hedge with newly baptised Jack Hedge.

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ketekorero February - April 2019

National and Diocesan Collections Fred Ralaimihoatra undraising, donations and bequests are usually difficult things to talk about. I hear the comment from time to time that Churches have too many collections. That may be true, so I thought I would outline the national and diocesan collections that are currently held in the wider Catholic Church each year.

Most people will be very familiar with the collections, although not necessarily fully aware of the good causes the appeals support. I have provided a simple calendar (see right) setting out the months when appeals are usually held.

I would like to stress nobody should feel pressured to give more than they can comfortably afford.

Your daily prayers are an equally good way to support a cause about which you are particularly passionate.

The wider Catholic community is renowned for being very generous with their support of time, expertise, funding and prayers hroughout society in most facets of life.

We are a people called by God to go into our communities to evangelise and that can be achieved in so many different ways.

Some of the fundraising appeals are scheduled on a particular day, such as Good Friday and Mission Sunday, where a focus is placed on the work carried out in these different apostolates and mission work. The calendar illustrates how they are spread across different months of the year. I stress there is no obligation to give to every cause, or to any for that matter, but it is hoped you are able to support the causes that you would like to see grow and flourish.

A brief summary of each of the appeals and causes is provided below for your interest: Caritas Lenten Appeal - This is a national agency of the Catholic

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Church which provides disaster relief and programmes and support in New Zealand and overseas. The appeal runs over four weeks during Lent.

Holy Places - Donations directly help in the care, protection and preservation of the sites associated with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus in the Holy Land. The practice originated in 1887 when Pope Leo XIII directed that a Good Friday collection be taken up in every parish church throughout the world for the support of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land.

Formation the Hamilton Diocese.

Mission Sunday - Baptism calls Catholics to participate in the mission of the Church, and calls them to share their faith as missionaries. World Mission Sunday gathers support for the pastoral and evangelising programmes and needs of more than 1,150 mission dioceses in, for example, Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and remote regions of Latin America. The funds

diocese are distributed in the Pope’s name by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith—a Pontifical Mission Society.

Should you have any query regarding any of these appeals and collections, please always feel free to contact me directly on: 021 24 999 52 or email fredr@cdh.org.nz Fred Ralaimihoatra Fundraising, Communication and IT Coordinator

Seminary - Donations directly support the Hamilton Diocese seminarians and the general running of the national Holy Cross Seminary in Ponsonby, Auckland.

A seminarian undertakes six-and a-half years of formation and formal studies through Good Shepherd College, at a cost of about $50,000 for each seminarian annually.

Peter’s Pence - Provides Pope Francis with the financial means to respond to those who are suffering as a result of war, oppression, natural disaster, and disease.

Your generosity allows the Pope to respond to our suffering brothers and sisters. Please continue to pray for Pope Francis and for all our brothers and sisters in faith who are facing adversity.

Caring Sunday - A day for Catholics across New Zealand to offer support to the caring ministries in their local area. It is the day that we ask parishioners to help individuals, families and communities facing difficult circumstances. This Appeal is on the Last Sunday of July.

Bishop's Appeal - Dedicated to providing the financial support for the evangelisation of the Diocese, including Catholic Ministries, Catholic Education, and Catholic

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ketekorero February - April 2019

parish news

Benefit Earth with Lenten intentions Kay Petchell I was pondering Lent coming up and considering my Lenten intentions this year. As an environmentalist and enthusiast of Pope Francis’s encyclical, Laudato Si, it occurred to me that I could combine the intentions of both Lent and Laudato Si in my choice of denial, fasting, giving and prayer.

Then I started considering how this could be done and I thought it would be wonderful if others did the same thing.

I started thinking of ways of denial which would also benefit the planet. Once I started talking to my family and friends about it, they too became enthusiastic. The following is a brief list of suggestions for Lent: • Don't get drinks in takeaway cups • Cutting shower times down to a

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strict 2 minutes Go cling wrap free

In terms of giving, people I spoke to felt that giving time was the most precious resource they had and suggested: • Joining one of the groups that clean up beaches or gully areas for a couple of sessions • Commit to staying and chatting to someone you haven’t previously talked to at one of the post-Mass morning tea sessions • Take a plastic bag and some gloves and go for a walk along a beach or in a park and pick up rubbish Kay has a longer list of Lenten intentions available to consider, and is happy for readers to email her at kay@pscomputing.co.nz

Our parish tidings Te Puna nuptials Valentin Nouguier and Daniela Perello (below) married at Saint Joseph’s Church, Te Puna on 19 January. Valentin is originally from France and Daniela from Argentina.

Te Aroha farewell the Cull whanau Lunch was held in the parish hall (above) in Te Aroha on 20 January to farewell the Cull whanau (Emalene, Anthony, Mikaere, Kahu and Terina), who will move to Tokoroa, where Em has been appointed as principal at Bishop Edward Gaines School.

Correction

Betty-Ann Kamp was the author of the articles Celebrating 25 years of feeding the Hungry and the article on the Dove Fellowship birthday celebrations in the November 2018 edition of Kete Korero. Apologies to Betty-Ann.

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Celebrating the Baptism of their grandson and great-grandson Jack Hedge on 24 November in St Patrick's Church Putaruru. Congratulations to Patricia Schicker (right) and Clare Hedge on a fourth generation in the parish! Pat is the past secretary of the parish (40 years) and past teacher at Parish School and Clare is a current teacher in the parish school.

Baptisms at the Mount Mount Maunganui welcomed into the Catholic faith Beau Karena who received the Sacrament of Baptism on 30 December and Sofia Mai Knight who received the Sacrament on 9 December.

Spanish Mass Father Bernard Dennehy from the Auckland Diocese will be in Tauranga to say a Spanish Mass for the Spanish-speaking residents. He will come each fifth Sunday, which, this year, will be 31 March, 30 June and 29 September.

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'Good News' families share stories Joe Hogan he sense that families are “good news” came through strongly at an event held in the Hamilton Catholic Diocese.

The event was called the “Family Weekend” with the theme carried over from the World Meeting of Families event in Dublin, Ireland entitled “Families are Good News”.

The Dublin event was held in August 2018, and the Hamilton one in November at the Hamilton Cathedral, Parish Centre and Marian Catholic School.

More than 200 people, made up of 39 families, attended the successful event in beautiful Hamilton sunshine.

Families came from the Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Auckland and Hamilton City parishes.

The theme that “Families are Good News” was lived and experienced by all. Parents were refreshed with youth and children happy. There was a real sense of unity and connection grown among all involved in the weekend.

The purpose was to celebrate families. It offered those attending a chance to step away from the challenges of life and experience the freedom, joy, and unity of family life refocused on Christ.

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The concept The concept came out of Family Camp weekends that the diocese had held over the past 12 years. Families came during the daytime only. We provided free accommodation at the Narrows Christian Camp for 14 families travelling to Hamilton.

There was great commitment and support by volunteers for pre-school care and age appropriate teachers to lead sessions for all family members.

The venues were excellent, thanks to the Hamilton Cathedral Parish and the Marian School facilities made available to us. Sacred Heart Girls College assembly hall was also made available.

Excellent speakers Chris and Linda Padgett from the Unites States and Denise McKenzie, a Hamilton marriage counsellor covered topics around marriage, family and conflict resolution.

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Alex Bailey - Pastoral Services Manager with Linda and Chris Padgett from the United States. the mums on Friday evening was full of friendliness and welcome.

The mums were enjoying having some of their own time together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Linda Padgett added to the occasion by her sharing what it is like to be a mother and how she lived out her Catholic faith with her husband, Chris, and their children. Mums got to ask important questions and had them either answered or talked about to find an answer. Chris Padgett spoke to fathers on his experience of being a dad and living out his Catholic Faith with his wife and children.

Later on Saturday morning, there was time for families together in the Cathedral, where Chris Padgett led the presentation. This was followed by adoration and a chance to go to reconciliation.

Parents experienced great sharing with a variety of married couples and Bishop Steve Lowe during the panel discussion time, including question-time from the mums and dads present. This was thoughtfully facilitated by Alex Bailey.

Sunday morning saw parents freed up to listen to marriage counsellor Denise McKenzie, who covered marriage relationships and conflict resolution.

After an excellent presentation on this topic, there was plenty of time for mums and dads to ask questions and have Denise answer them. A fruitful time was had by all. To wind up there was a final whole family session led by Chris and Linda.

Family friendships were strengthened over the weekend, and new families met each other and got to make connections.

An atmosphere of peace, unity and happiness abounded over a Sunday spit roast family lunch, held in the warm Hamilton sunshine. Families truly experienced themselves as being “Good News”.

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ketekorero February - April 2019

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features 'Fallow year' for Māori Pastorate

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he departure of Marist Fathers David (Rawiri) Gledhill and David Moore from the Hamilton Catholic Diocese has led Bishop Steve Lowe to set 2019 as a “fallow year” in the Māori Pastorate.

Fr David Gledhill SM is leaving the Bay of Plenty to move into semi-retirement at Ōtaki in the Archdiocese of Wellington, with some ministry to the Māori Apostolate in the Palmerston North Diocese.

Fr David Moore is moving to Wairoa, where he has told wellwishers he will be indulging a great deal more than has been possible in his passion for golf.

The Marist Fathers were the successors to the Mill Hill Fathers.

Pa Hemi Hekiera SM, and Pa Rawiri ushered in a new era to the Māori Pastorate in the diocese with the establishment of “Whaia Te Whaea”.

Pa Rawiri and Pa Hemi were known to some as the “dynamic duo”, with the former renowned for his highspeed trips around the diocese and beyond to fulfil his mission.

On the anniversary of the death of Bishop Mariu, Bishop Steve wrote to the diocese saying, “The departure of the Marist Fathers means the mission and ministry of Pastoral Care to Māori is now entrusted to us in the diocese.

“To help facilitate this transition, it has been envisaged that 2019 be set down as a ‘fallow’ year. In this way, we can respect this time of change and use it to our advantage as we look to and plan for the future.”

Bishop Steve has asked Fr Gerard Paterson, the Opotiki Parish priest and the Vicar for Māori, to make connections with the various parishes and communities/whānau related to them throughout the diocese. Rather than just keeping the same model of pastoral care

and mission Bishop Steve said, “I want the voice of Māori to be heard as we discern the best way forward in the midst of our changing and challenging times.

“This year of reflection gives us the opportunity to look to the past with gratitude for our tupuna in the faith, to embrace the present with a renewed enthusiasm and missionary zeal and to look forward to the future with confidence.”

The fallow year does not mean nothing happens. Instead the hui will provide Fr Gerard a helpful preparation for when he takes on his new assignment with the Māori Pastorate in 2020 and will enable details and practicalities to grow and emerge.

Discussions are underway on practical ways of supporting, as much as possible, those faithful whanau ministered to by the Marist Fathers in recent years.

“While there is much to be done and to learn, a reflective focus and pace ahead better serves our purposes at this time.

“Also vital is the ongoing support and participation of each and all as we move along, for ours is a shared endeavour and mission.”

Bishop Steve noted that this is a graced time of change and possibility.

Bishop Steve, in acknowledging the Marist Fathers’ work, also took the opportunity to thank the Society of Mary whose charism and missionary spirit has been present since the early growth of the Church in the diocese.

He also acknowledged the legacy of the Mill Hill Fathers, such as Fr Anton Timmerman, whose hundredth birthday was celebrated in January See separate story on the impact of the Marists in the Bay of Plenty page 13.

With Hearts Burning in Gisborne Ross Gregory ore than 120 parishioners and friends of St Mary Star of the Sea in Gisborne met during 2018 in 15 small groups to discuss the six modules of “With Hearts Burning” prepared by Bishop Steve. The groups were hosted in homes and led by parishioners.

We have asked the question “Why have people walked away from the Church?”.

We have discussed how we are present to people in our community and questioned how well we listen to others.

We have explored aspects of prayer, scripture, and the Mass. We have also examined how we can enhance our celebration of the Eucharist.

Our sixth module called us to action, and we asked the question: “How do we live the Mission?”

After 9 am Mass on Sunday 25 November, 40 people gathered in our Parish Lounge to discuss the issues raised during our year of studying the “With Hearts Burning” programme.

The meeting was opened with a reflection from the writings of Pope Francis focusing on evangelisers who take on the “smell of the sheep” and “the sheep are willing to hear their voice”. We asked the question, “how can this situation achieve good for the largest number of people and for future generations?”

Paul McGuinness facilitated the meeting and organised the group of 40 parishioners into ten groups of four to allow easy and effective discussion.

The groups accepted the task of sorting out the material into five main categories, as follows: • Things we have already implemented and are doing well.

• Things we could do immediately to strengthen our parish organisation.

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A Gift in Your Will is a Testament to Your Commitment to the Ministry of Jesus

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Things we could implement to strengthen our spirituality and connectedness to the parish and the Church.

How we could reach out to accompany others more effectively.

Things that we could suggest and refer to Bishop Steve for his consideration.

The groups worked to arrive at their priorities with a healthy buzz of discussion. After this first round, the people were grouped into five groups of eight to refine our process and finally into three big discussion groups. All this material was then further prioritised and displayed on whiteboards as our collective response to the material discussed.

People were asked to identify what we could do immediately, what we could achieve in the mid-term and what we needed to refer to Bishop Steve. Several parishioners identified the areas where they could help and committed to action these.

The parish has now produced a booklet “Parish Facilitation Meeting”, which records all the discussions and planned actions of our parish meeting. This booklet is available on line at St Mary Star of the Sea website and has been made available to parishioners in hard copy. For more info, go to: http://stmarysgisborne.co.nz The material is now being sorted by our Parish Leadership team and priorities that we can work on are being established. The leadership team has decided to focus on the liturgy as our first area for action and to look at music, prayers of the faithful and review our liturgies.

Our thanks to all those who have been involved in discussion groups, those who have hosted and led the groups and to those who have put their hands up to help with the transformation. A special thank you to Paul for planning and facilitating.

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ketekorero February - April 2019

features

Discerning the future Bell set to toll for church tower The bell is set to toll for the bell tower at St Mary of the Tauranga Immaculate Church, in the Tauranga parish of St Thomas Aquinas – and the parish needs to spend $50,000 to demolish it.

Moana parish Michael Smith he Parish of St Thomas Aquinas in Tauranga Moana has, for some time, been discerning the best way to meet the needs of a growing Catholic population in the area.

Faced with a costly bill for earthquake-related repairs, the church’s bell tower and a range of other age- related and remediation work, a majority of parishioners voted for an option to sell the existing property and build a new church opposite Aquinas College at Pyes Pa. Various issues need to be resolved, however, before a final decision can be made, including an investigation of how the Church acquired the land.

Late last year, the parish held a vote on four options involving the possibility of repairing the church on its current site; repairing and extending the church to meet future needs; rebuilding the church where it was; and, the new build option at Pyes Pa. The parish’s Capital Works Sub-Committee prepared a report drawing on work done by consultants and feedback from schools and church users. Although quite detailed, the report noted that it was solely for helping determine the preferred way forward.

The vision for the parish was one which was “In love with God and alive with joyful worship, active ministry and community outreach.”

The parish mission is stated as being to: • Celebrate the Sacraments • Nourish the Faithful • Reach out to the Lost • Serve the Poor • Build Community • Connect the Youth • Grow the Church Achieving the vision and mission required the parish centre to provide a safe place, one where parishioners could celebrate and participate in the sacraments. As well as being a centre for sharing, learning and spiritual development, it had to also be a place for socialising, outreach and evangelisation.

The church also had to be a place that reflected the identity, culture and diversity of its people, along with its history and geography. Wherever it was located, the parish centre had to also act as an access point or hub for pastoral care and assistance.

Even fully operational, facilities at the current site were challenged during feast days and special events, with little opportunity for significant expansion. In a city where driving has taken on Auckland-like frustrations, parking at the church is limited to 15 spaces.

Further reflecting the space challenge, the population in the area is expected to grow 67 per cent over the next 50 years to be about 200,000, largely within the next quarter of a century. It is estimated that about 10 per cent of the new residents will be Catholic and the numbers attending Mass weekly are expected to rise by up to 25 per cent to more than 1,300.

More than half of the growth is expected to be in the central, south and west of Tauranga, with

The bell tower was built in 1955, separate from the main church, but was later enclosed within the redeveloped building of 1991. Its brick and plaster building materials and construction method now represent an earthquake risk to a large section of the St Mary Immaculate Church complex, coming in at under 20 per cent of new building standard.

During the 2018 Christmas period, an “overflow” area was not able to be used to accommodate extra numbers swelling Tauranga’s congregation. As a result, some of the Masses at Christmas were held at the nearby Anglican church.

Demolition of the bell tower is likely to take place in March, and a service of decommissioning will be held before dismantling begins.

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Parishioners meet to discuss options for St Thomas Aquinas Church. three-quarters being in Welcome Bay, Ohauiti, Pyes Pa and Bethlehem.

Although currently part of the Bay of Plenty District Council area, Pyes Pa is expected to be included in the Tauranga City Council as it expands its boundaries to meet current and future needs as a metropolitan area.

Even if the parish decided to go with the options of repairing, repairing and extending, or rebuilding on the current site, none provides full resolution of the challenges facing the church.

The only option providing full resolution was to relocate.

A bonus of relocating to Pyes Pa was that the site was opposite Aquinas Catholic College, which has continued to grow with the population increases in the area. A major advantage for the parish was the expected increased interaction between the school and the church. Although St Mary’s Primary was closer to the current church, it does require buses for pupils to attend school Masses.

The plan was presented to parishioners at a meeting on 4 December, where a major concern of some questioners was around the importance of a Catholic presence in the city. However, it was not possible to have both sites in Church ownership due to the costs involved.

Aquinas College principal Matt Dalton explained to the meeting that, while it was difficult to quantify the likely increase in youth attendance at Mass, it was the college’s vision to develop future Catholic leaders.

“Part of our mission is to walk alongside our students and help them on their church journey and evangelise. A church on site would be to our advantage.”

The college currently hosted one class a week

Above, St Mary Immaculate Church in central Tauranga. Below, Aquinas College on Pyes Pa Road. Source: Google Maps 2019

in its chapel, so a church on its doorstep would help in developing youth ministry, retreats, and a much closer connection with the parish priests in a pastoral relationship.

The plan included a table of travel times between various parts of the city and outlying areas, including Pyes Pa. However, some elderly parishioners raised concerns about travelling out to Pyes Pa, with one saying that the cheapest option was not always the best and the parish risked losing a good percentage of parishioners.

While a total rebuild on the current site would cost $17.7 million, a repair and extension would cost about half that amount. The option of relocating to Pyes Pa could cost nearly $7 million, after the land sale and including funding risks.

Parishioners from College Year 9 and up were able to vote on their favoured option, utilising paper after four weekend Masses, electronic online voting via the parish website and parish app; and postal and drop-off methods.

The electronic method accounted for 386 votes, with 65 ruled invalid. A total of 315 paper votes were received, of which 72 were disallowed.

Alan Bickers, a Justice of the Peace, acted as an independent scrutineer in the counting process that found 54 per cent of voters preferred the option of selling the current site and building a new church at adjacent to Aquinas College.

ketekorero February - April 2019

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features Pilgrimage north celebrates Bishop Pompallier Bev Simpkins ts 10:30 am on Friday 11 January 2019 and five members of the St Mary of the Cross Parish roopu Rotorua and one from St Pius X Tokoroa, are all ready to head north for the hundred and eighty first celebration of Bishop Pompallier at Totara Point, where our own Bishop Steve Lowe will officiate, and our own deacon Ben Pomare will assist him along with other members of the clergy.

We are all given a blessing along with our van

by Father Eamon Kennedy and now it is time to go. Deacon Ben and his mokopuna Haki have gone on ahead and have arranged to meet us at Silverdale to regroup, but we keep in constant contact to ensure we know where each other are.

We travel bumper-to-bumper from the Bombay to the Wellsford turnoff everyone is heading off for the weekend.

We stop at Silverdale for a coffee break and it’s time to head off again as the last ferry from Rawene to Kohukohu leaves at 7:30 pm.

We stop at Ruakaka and Ben tells us there is no way we will catch the ferry, so we carry on to Whangarei to do our food shopping as we are staying at the Pomare cousin whanau beach house at Mitimiti.

We arrive at the Peita/Pomare whanau farm in Panguru where we enjoy a meal fit for a king.

Ben and his sister Mina Pomare-Peita (who is the principal of Te Kura Taumata o Panguru) then drive us along the metal road to our destination at the Mitimiti beach-house.

We are welcomed by the sound of the waves crashing on to the beach and a beautiful hot summer night. Three of us sleep out on the veranda under the stars with the smell of the sea air and the sound of the sea. The others retire inside.

The next morning, four of us decide to go for a walk on the beach and when we return Ben and Mina have arrived with a huge plate of fresh mussel fritters for breakfast which were demolished in no time.

We then went to visit Ben’s other sister, Lucy, who was on holiday from Australia at their whanau beach-house at Mitimiti.

Ben took us to St Peters Church in Panguru, where his grand-parents are buried. We then went to support Ben as he goes to pay his respects at his aunty’s tangi at Ngatimanawa Marae, Panguru.

It is now time to head out to attend the vigil mass at St Mary's church at Motuti, where the well-loved Pa Henare Tait has a position of status outside this church.

We waited for the local kuia Joan Daniels to karanga us into the church and, after welcoming speeches, the Mass begins, performed by a local katekite.

At the end of the Mass we had the privilege of being presented with the raising of the remains of Bishop Pompallier, which lay under the altar at St Mary’s church, a very moving and emotional experience to be part of. After each one of us lay our hands in prayer on his casket, it was lowered.

Sister Magdalen Sheehan and Joan Daniels gave moving renditions of Bishop Pompallier’s life history, from when he arrived here in 1838 and celebrated his first official mass on 13 January at the home of the Irish Catholics, Thomas and Mary Poynton, right up to the re-interment of the

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Pilgrims from the Hamilton Diocese with their Bishop Steve after the 181st anniversary Mass for Bishop Pompallier at Totara Point.

Bishop’s remains beneath the altar in April 2002.

In attendance at this Mass were a Dutch couple who shared their experiences. They were part of the hikoi who went to France and brought Bishop Pompallier’s remains back home, visiting different parts of Aotearoa with him then returning him to the Hokianga.

We went to pay our respects to Ben and Maria’s son, Peter, and Ben’s parents, and also to a very inspirational kuia Whina Cooper who said “not one more acre” at the time of the land protests in the 1970s.

Today is Sunday and we have breakfast and clean up, then we will go to say farewell to Ben’s wonderful whanau who embraced our roopu wherever we went.

It is time for the hundred and eighty first celebrations of this greatly loved, First Catholic Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier (18021871), who had the greatest respect of the Maori Catholic people.

This is endorsed by Bishop Steve throughout his homily and the blessing of the plinth which marks the location.

At this celebration there is the commissioning Join our regular giving programme today

Pictured outside St Peters Church in Panguru: Ben Pomare and Paula Robb, back; and Francie Watson, Joan Nygard, Mary Diamond and Sharon Claire, front. of local katekite

by Bishop Steve.

Bishop Steve and several clergy including Deacon Ben have officiated at this ceremony and there are about 200-300 people in attendance.

After the service, St Peters Church, Panguru there is a wonderful spread, contributed to by those present and enjoyed by all. Now it is time for our final farewell before we travel to Kohukohu to catch the vehicle ferry to Rawene on our journey home. We are the last car allowed on the 1:30pm ferry before the gate behind us is locked in place.

Haere ra e te iwi o Te Rarawa mai te rohe o Hokianga, Arohanui ki a koutou katoa. He roopu o Hato Mere o te ripeka o Rotorua.

Catholic Institute of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCI) New Zealand Certificate in Christian Studies Courses for parishioners and teachers

TH504 Catholic Social Teaching Starts March in Gisborne RE504 Teaching in a Catholic School Online course starts 4 March RE502 Spirituality for Teachers Starts May in the Bay of Plenty SC501 Understanding the Old Testament Starts 17 June online and in Hamilton Take up the challenge to grow your faith and understanding We welcome your enquiry.

Make a lasting difference

in the lives of those in need

www.caritas.org.nz 0800 22 10 22

Call Cynthia Piper TCI site Coordinator, Hamilton Diocese (0800 217 411 or c.piper@tci.ac.nz www.tci.ac.nz

www.tci.ac.nz for faith learning opportunities

8

ketekorero February - April 2019

features Design features light up Tokoroa's St Pius X Church Article courtesy of St Pius X Tokoroa t Pius X Catholic Church Tokoroa sits on one of the busiest corners in the Hamilton Catholic Diocese. Vehicles sweep past the corner of State Highway One and Mossop Road, which sheers off to the east of the main township and heads up to farm and forestry land.

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Patron The Parish patron is Pope Pius X, who was elected Pope in 1903. His pontificate was known for his decree urging the faithful to receive Holy Communion whenever they attended Mass.

Pre-St Pius X Parish In 1946, Mangakino was made a Parish, St Josephs, which included Tokoroa. Mangakino was at the beginning of a construction boom with the building of the hydro stations on the Waikato River. Tokoroa was previously part of Putaruru Parish served by Mill Hill priests.

The Parish was formed in 1954. The Schuler family donated two of the six acres (two hectares) of land for the new parish.

The then Parish Priest Father John O’Connor commenced construction of the hall, which was opened in 1956. The hall was used as the Mass centre and for a wide range of social and fundraising events.

Construction of the church started in 1959.

Auckland architect Stephen Jelicich designed the church to seat 500; engineering design was

by E Tenner Structural Engineers, Sydney.

The church was blessed and opened in 1962.

The church and hall were both built employing one paid carpenter Mr Tough and much voluntary labour, Catholic and non-Catholic. The pews are constructed from rimu timber.

Local people donated various fittings for the church – the Italian marble altar, baptismal font, Stations of the Cross, set of vestments and other items.

The Presbytery was built in 1968. In 1979, the church was modernised to reflect changes coming from the Second Vatican Council. The Catholic Māori Society opened Papa-o-Te-Aroha Marae in 1987 on land gifted by the Bishop. (See pic below.)

St Joseph’s Parish Mangakino was incorporated into the St Pius X Parish about 1997.

Over the years, parishioners have come from a wide range of places in New Zealand and overseas. This diversity of people has added to the life of the parish.

Stained glass windows The stained-glass windows are a significant art feature of the church and the South Waikato.

There are three sets of windows as described below.

East Windows The windows behind the altar were designed by M Luc and made by J Vosch of Brussels, Belgium. These three imposing windows depict the most important events in the life of Christ: The Nativity, Resurrection and Ascension.

Side Windows M Luc designed the 20 side windows, 10 repeated on each side. Five on each side depict Eucharistic symbols.

West Window The large window above the church entrance has the Trinity as its central theme. Not so visible are key themes drawn from the Old and New Testaments.

The window was designed and built by Martin Roestenburg. This window is best viewed when looking from the altar. Unfortunately, more than one-quarter of the window is not visible due to the way the church was constructed.

Mosaics The Last Supper mosaic is viewed from outside the church and is above and partially obscured by the front entrance canopy. Another six mosaics are attached to the old altar rails, which now form the guardrail on the disused loft. The mosaics depict New Testament symbols and were designed and built by Martin Roestenburg.

He also designed the window of St John the Baptist seen in the dressing room and two other small windows, which were previously part of the Crying Room. His works in our church are coloured glass panels, which have the images painted on the glass and then baked.

Martin Roestenburg and his family emigrated in 1951 from the Netherlands and settled in Taihape. It is understood the Catholic Church

Pictured at a recent Mass, left to right:Front row: Loretta Lepa, Helen Flintoff, Maria Portegys and Patsy Hill.

Middle row: Kevin Steiner, Dennis Ives, Gerry Portegys and Romel Flintoff.

Back row: Jenny Flavall, Jill Seerden, Father Fernando, Deacon Carey Talauta and Walter Flintoff. invited Martin to New Zealand. Martin died in 1966 aged 57 years and is buried in the Taihape cemetery.

Martin was commissioned to build numerous stained-glass windows for churches throughout the country. A few examples are the St Mary’s Cathedral Hamilton west wall ‘The Resurrection’; St Mary’s church Taihape, and St Werenfrieds Church Waihi Village. He was also the artist who sculpted the giant statue of Our Lady of Lourdes overlooking Paraparaumu.

Tabernacle The tabernacle that came from the closed church at Kihikihi, is in the form of a Māori food house, pātaka, mounted on a pole, where the Eucharistic food is stored. Surrounding the tabernacle is a tukutuku panel which depicts the stairway to heaven.

Stations of the Cross These plaster cast depictions show in relief format the 14 stages of Our Lord’s suffering and His death on the cross.

Statues/Quilts In the church, there are four main statues, important to Catholic believers, representing Christ’s death on the cross, Mary, Mother of Jesus, St Joseph and Pope Pius X. There are two quilts commemorating AD2000, the Liturgical quilt and the Cultural quilt.

A pamphlet is being produced on the church. For more details of Mass and Liturgy times see the newsletter and notices on the church door. You are welcome to attend.

The Parish Priest is Fr Vince Jones. He is also PP of St Patrick’s Putaruru where he resides.

St Patrick’s Ph 07 8837497.

St Pius X Ph 07 8865858 Parish Address PO Box 69 Tokoroa Email piustok.parish@xtra.co.nz

ketekorero February - April 2019

9

features Murupara celebrates 60 years of the call to Mass Michael Smith hen Sacred Heart Church at Murupara was moved off the Rangitahi Marae 60 years ago down the road to its present site, kaumatua Tūranga Te Mauparaoa strongly objected. A devout Catholic, he was in the habit of ringing the bell daily to summon whanau to Mass. The story goes that everybody had to be in the church when he had finished ringing the bell three times.

On 9 December last year, the sixtieth anniversary Mass of the church drew 73 people from the Bay of Plenty township and many other parts of the country.

Bishop Steve Lowe reminded those attending how the then parish priest had written to Archbishop Liston Quoting three letters drawn from the Hamilton Catholic Diocese archives, Bishop Steve told how the parish priest, Fr Adrian Geboers, had written to Archbishop Liston in 1958 to say how pleased he was to see how proud all the people were of the new church and how he was sure the archbishop would like it when he saw it.

The new church was the main topic of conversation in the town. The local people wanted to ensure it was the biggest day of the year and even the Ringatu tohunga wanted to take an active part in the preparations.

For the Catholic kaumatua, however, the old church had been his life. Bishop Steve said he could see how the kaumatua had not wanted to see the separation of the marae and the church.

“But in the end, this is just a building, but in our homes and during our holy karakia, we should be the same, because there is so much the same. We talk about our stories; we pass on our stories in the liturgy of the word that we do here; we share the kai around the table, and that gives us the strong sense of who we are.”

No matter the culture, the parishioners were Catholic, and that one faith brought out the best in them.

The priest subsequently wrote to Archbishop Liston to say how the church remained the “pride of Murupara”, and he thanked him for the honour he did in coming to Murupara for the opening.

“The congregation is still growing; the new church has done a lot of good already. Let us hope that it will continue to do so,” he told Archbishop Liston.

After lunch, Archbishop Liston would go to the marae where he would be welcomed and “there you will meet a man who I consider the greatest Catholic in the district. He is over 90-yearsold and, if it were not for him, there would be practically no Catholics in Murupara now.”

The man he talked about was the old catechist and kaumatua Tūranga Te Mauparaoa, who was the last Maori of the old faith. He opposed the moving of the church, and the people did not want to hurt him. The old church was his life.

“This old man was Catholic-Maori and MaoriCatholic – one flowed into the other,” Bishop Steve said. “He didn’t want to see the separation of the marae and the church. However, this was just a building.”

However, he said that there was much that parishioners did in their whare, or home, that they did in the church, including sharing kai

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Bishop Steve Lowe with parishioners gathered outside Sacred Heart Church Murupara after the blessing and Mass. Blessing the memorial plaque (below); enjoying a cuppa at the lunch (below).

around the table.

“That’s what gives us our strong sense of who we are, no matter what our culture. If our faith is authentic, it will bring the best of the culture out in us.”

Bishop Steve said it was still the hope 60 years on and that Murupara had a special place in his heart, he asked the parishioners if they could continue to say karakia for this hope of growing the congregation.

The reading from St Peter for that day spoke of “On this rock, I will build my church” and had also talked about how the rock could be a stumbling block.

Jesus Christ was the true tūpuna (ancestor) of every human person. From Him, the other tūpuna took their place as well, but it was Christ who came into the world and spoke the word that was the salvation of the world.

“He is the one that leads us to our true whare in heaven.”

Sacred Heart Church was a reminder, as it gathered parishioners together as one in Christ, of their ultimate home in heaven with all the tūpuna who had gone before.

The concept of the stumbling block was explained when Bishop Steve talked about how people struggled with the concept of Christ’s role.

“There is a whole lot of negative stuff going on in the world today, as the gap between rich and poor widens every day, when we see life not being valued, we lose sight of the mana of each human person, and we are not encouraged to grow in that true holiness of God. “That’s what we saw in the old kaumatua, the 90-year-old, where it was said that there wouldn’t be any Catholics here if it weren’t for him before the priest came. That is the challenge today. We haven’t got a resident priest here, but it is first of all the people that are here, building on the foundation of Christ and we have to keep on building and drawing people back to the faith.”

Parents and grandparents had to be bearers of the Word as living signs of the Eucharist, living love and speaking love. Recognising a baby in

the congregation, he said parishioners had to be like the mother holding the child and hold their love throughout their lives.

“So, as we come to celebrate 60 years on and we think of our tūpuna in the faith, remember that we have to be the apostles of our age,” Bishop Steve said.

As part of the ceremony, Bishop Steve blessed a plaque commemorating the sixtieth anniversary and blessed the church and those at the Mass.

Lunch was held under the shade outside the small church hall, where Venise Witerina Teddy (Penny - pictured), a great-granddaughter of the kaumatua Turanga Te Mauparaoa, told Kete Korero about how staunch he had been to the Catholic Church.

“Whether people came or not, he would still be here even if he was here on his own.”

She said he had had two daughters – her mother and her sister – and had also adopted a boy. Although it was long ago, Venise said what she did know about was his staunchness in going to church.

“Every Sunday he would walk to church, start waving his walking stick and call out “Haere mai, haere mai” and whether they came or not, he would just continue to come.”

She did not know the details around his opposition to moving the church but said according to the report he wanted it to be based at the marae where his people were.

The faith had had its ups and downs in Murupara and was on a bit of down.

“But slowly we are all trying to bring our children back, because we were all brought up around the church when we were little. We forgot to do the same to our kids, so we are slowly trying to bring our children back to the church.

Hopefully, it’s not too late.”

She said Murupara was a nice place to live; everybody watched out for each other. Stretching out an arm, Venise gestured to the vista of Te Urewera and the Galatea Basin.

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ketekorero February - April 2019

school news Long-serving Aquinas College teachers taking new directions

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hristine Inder has probably spent more time in Room 24 at Tauranga’s Aquinas College than any other room in her life.

The Year 7 teacher finished at the end of the 2018 school year after starting when Aquinas opened its doors in 2003. The Year 7-8 block was the first built when the college was launched.

Although she originally taught the broad range of subjects, she has focussed on the core subjects – English, Maths, Religious Education and Social Studies – and this has been refined during periods when she has taken leave for periods of study.

Starting with a trained teachers’ certificate, Christine upgraded to a Bachelor of Education through Victoria University.

This was followed by a series of papers in English as a Second Language, after which she decided to continue working part-time. With a year’s leave for study in 2012, she gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Teaching and Learning through Massey University.

Christine recalls how starting at the very beginning of the college was an adventure for the staff. The first principal, Brendon Schollum, was inspirational.

“We just got it going right from scratch, starting with little things and building the culture to what we see today.”

Christine had not previously taught in a special character school. She described it as being “a difference, but a really nice difference. I loved the change.”

The six college Touchstones were the first special elements to

incorporate as was learning the specially written College Prayer.

The school was put together in a relatively short time, the grounds being converted from a kiwi fruit orchard. Christine recalls, dust blowing into classrooms on hot summer days when windows were opened.

Christine was originally from Christchurch, where she attended St Mary’s College after Our Lady of Fatima. She attended Christchurch Teachers College and taught in the city for a year before coming to Bay of Plenty, living mostly at Pongakawa with her family.

Growing in faith Her years at Aquinas have seen Christine grow in her faith by being part of a close Catholic community. She learned along with her students in Religious Education lessons as well as planning and leading regular prayer.

The biggest change in teaching has been around the growth in technology in the learning environment.

Students are doing their learning increasingly via the internet at the same time as teachers face personal development in being required to use technology in the classroom.

Christine does see a challenge ahead; to attract the best young people to the teaching profession.

That will be for others to worry about, however, as Christine has no set plans at this stage, apart from enjoying life, spending more time with family and some tramping, yoga and travel.

Christine Inder (left) and Bernadette Egan ernadette Egan has played student was invited to come forward an important role in helping as their name was announced along Tauranga’s Aquinas College on its with the region where they came journey through te reo and tikanga from.

Māori.

“It was such a personable way Bernadette started at the school to present and acknowledge the in 2003 as a relief teacher. The students. On that day I felt that we following year, she was invited to be had all become the new family of a long-term reliever for one of the Aquinas college.”

Year 7 teachers going on maternity Bernadette has been the school’s leave, before taking on the Year 8 teacher of te reo Māori since 2006. role as a permanent staff member The learning of te reo is compulsory in 2005. at Aquinas in Years 7-9, becoming Originally from Taranaki, an option from Year 10-onwards.

Bernadette affiliates to Ngāruahine Bishop Denis Browne was keen and Ngāti Ruanui, and taught at for te reo to be promoted and this Hawera High school for 15 years. was reflected in the decision to She started as an assistant teacher build the wharenui at the school. of Te Reo Māori but taught across “Having the wharenui was a way a number of curriculum areas. of acknowledging that this was Bernadette was later appointed a special place where te reo and Head of Department Māori. tikanga could be taught.”

The family used to visit friends in Tauranga and enjoyed the place Māori community when they visited. So, moving to The local Māori community, Tauranga seemed an ideal choice. especially Koro Kihi Ngatai and But the move was also a significant his family and the Catholic Māori change for Bernadette, her husband group of Te Puna Tauranga Moana, Gary and their three sons, Thomas, was very supportive of the school Luke and Vincent. The two younger in the initial stages and this has boys were at St Joseph’s Convent continued through the years.

School in Hawera, in Year 6 and “They have supported me in my Year 8 and the eldest was at Hawera role as a teacher of te reo Māori High. Bernadette researched a in this region, and their guidance number of schools in the area and has been invaluable as well as their discovered that Aquinas College contributions during significant was opening in 2003, starting pōwhiri to welcome important with Year 7 to Year 10. Thomas dignitaries.”

Like many of the families coming was already in Year 10, so he was eventually enrolled at Tauranga to Aquinas, Bernadette and her family embarked on a faith journey Boys’ College.

Bernadette’s first impression of with their children through the Aquinas College was its freshness – school.

“This being the first Catholic new buildings, new uniforms, new students from Tauranga as well as school I have taught in, it from many other regions. Attending strengthened my knowledge and school events like Athletics Day in understanding of the Catholic the early months was a joy although character and its value as the the athletics field of the day wasn’t foundation of the school.”

Bernadette says she now wants very forgiving.

A special event Bernadette to step out of the teaching role and remembers was the liturgy to enjoy life, including continuing her welcome all the new students. Each journey in te reo Māori.

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ketekorero February - April 2019

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school news 2019 leaders and 2018 top achievers St John's College

Aquinas College

Left to right: Eric Leiataua and George Downey, Deputy Head Boys; Kees Mortleman, Head Boy, 2019 2019 Head Girl Lucy Maher

2019 Head Boy Fergus Lellman

2018 Dux and Head Boy Thomas Watene with Monsignor David Bennett, inaugural Dux and also Head Boy of St John’s College in 1961

2018 Dux - Lilli Scott

2018 Proxime Accessit Emma McDonnell

Sacred Heart College

2018 Proxime Accessit Reece Cately

2018 Dux: Thomas Watene (also Head Boy)

Campion College Niamh Stratton is the 2019 Head Girl; and Orlando Pedraza is the 2019 Head Boy

2019 Head Girl Tietie Kaninteang

2019 Deputy Head Girl Special Character Alyssa Bautista

2019 Deputy Head Girl Learning Jennifer Kim

Above: 2018 Dux Connor Gedye

Above: 2018 Proxime Accessit Morgan Kemp

John Paul College Proxime Accessit for 2018 – Katie Sullivan (left) and Aylish Walrdon dux

Age Quod Agis for 2018 Lushomo Thebe

Head Boy Kuljyot Lall and Head Girl Anna Douglas

Simon Smith, JPC 2018 Dux

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ketekorero February - April 2019

parish news Beginnings and endings at Ngaputahi

Fathers David Gledhill and David Moore on the porch of St Paul's Church, Ngaputahi. The plaque reads: "Hato Paora, opened Te Whaiti 10 February 1943; rededicated by Bishop Mariu 3 March 1996 at Ngaputahi.

Michael Smith he beginnings and endings of church life were highlighted by a ceremony during a Mass at the small church of St Paul’s at Ngaputahi on 8 December 2018.

Part of the Pastoral Area of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Rotorua, Ngaputahi is located on Ruatahuna Road in Te Urewera, out from Murupara.

As highlighted in a feature in the November 2016-February 2017 edition of Kete Korero, it is an area of quiet contemplation with parishioners drawn not only locally but also from those who have lived there in the past.

Baptisms, first Holy Communions and confirmations were the focus for the local families, but the Mass also provided an occasion to farewell Marist Fathers David Gledhill and Dave Moore.

The baptism and confirmation of Matthew Vincent Lam provided another dimension to the occasion.

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Matthew is a pupil at St Mary’s Catholic School in Rotorua, and his parents are Cambodian and Vietnamese.

Br Vincent Jury, who had been at Murupara but is now based in Rotorua, had taken Matthew through the necessary preparatory stages with Fr David Gledhill.

Both Fr Davids were present on the day and were also able to say farewell to parishioners as they prepared to leave the Hamilton Catholic Diocese, Fr Gledhill going to Otaki and Fr Moore going to Wairoa. With the late Pa Hemi Hekiera, the Pa Davids were responsible for implementing the “Whaia Te Whaea” programme to grow Miha Māori in the diocese.

Baptism and Advent In his homily, Fr Gledhill linked baptism to Advent, noting that the key to this season was repentance.

“When we are baptised, we are baptised into the task that Jesus

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gave us to do: To teach repentance and to heal people. That’s the task of baptism and the task young people being confirmed will take on as Christian adults.

“Repentance simply means pausing for a moment, renewing my personal conversation with the Christ, giving Him a chance to talk to you as you are.

“Not only that, he will talk to you about the ways of God. That is the most important thing in preparing for Christmas, preparing for choosing a partner in life, or choosing your business partners, and looking after your whanau, your iwi and the marae in the future.”

Addressing healing, Fr Gledhill said loneliness was the greatest evil among families currently.

“It’s how to deal with loneliness – you can see the beauty of a family gathering like this. How to see those you are not quite there and how to include them.

“That’s what healing’s all about – making a person feel they belong again.”

Br Vincent talked how it was decided that Matthew, 11, and Angelica, 15, should both be confirmed, and how permission was given by Bishop Steve Lowe for Fr Gledhill to do this task.

“I have had the privilege of going through the Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations with both Matthew and Angelica.

These two catechumens I present to you today for confirmation.”

Confirming the pair, Fr Gledhill said that they would now share in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit – “the Spirit sent by the Lord amongst his apostles at Pentecost and given

Maggie Dalton, St Mary's Rotorua, with Matthew Vincent Lam, being baptised by Fr David Gledhill.

From left: Angelica Te Kurapa, baby Wikitoria Hakopa Te Kurapa and God parent Te Anahera Heurea. (Obscured: God parent Aeron Mako)

From left, Muturangi Howden, baby Haylee Merania Howden and Rachel Sinclair. them and their successors to those who have been baptised.”

Receiving the Holy Spirit would make them more like Christ and help them to witnesses to His suffering, death and resurrection.

“It will strengthen you to be active members of the Church, to build up the body of Christ in faith and in love.”

Angelica and Matthew then came forward with their sponsors to go through the Confirmation ceremony.

As well as Br Vincent, Matthew was supported by staff from St Mary’s Catholic School.

ketekorero February - April 2019

13

the religious life The impact of the Marist priests in the Bay of Plenty

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he impact of the Marist priests on the Hamilton Catholic Diocese stretches back to the early years of Catholicism in Aotearoa New Zealand.

An article published by the Whakatane & Districts Historical Society in 1994 details their journey in the Bay of Plenty from the time of Bishop Pompallier until 1850 when Bishop Viard withdrew the Marists to Wellington after New Zealand was divided into two Sees – Auckland and Wellington.

The article notes how this withdrawal post-1850 meant all the Maori speaking priests were removed to an area where few Maori lived, adding: “Where the need was greatest the impetus was lost and that was long before the land war disputes and conflicts arose.”

The writer notes that despite their differences Pompallier and Viard remained firm friends for life.

“But Pompallier, for all his work and ideals, subverted a great opportunity in the Bay where the greatest concentration of Maori lived and where [the Marist priests] had toiled so diligently.”

About 170 years later, several farewells for Marist Fathers David Gledhill and David Moore were held at various locations throughout the diocese.

Br Vincent Jury, the Marist Brother who retired from service at Murupara last year, noted the impact made by Fr Gledhill, in particular at Ngaputahi in the foothills of the Urewera Range.

Speaking at a combined baptism, Holy Communion and confirmation service at Ngaputahi (see separate story), Br Vincent reminded the congregation how the church they were in used to be in the small settlement of Te Whaiti. About 22 years previously, Fr Gledhill had managed to get the church shifted to Ngaputahi in what would have been a massive logistical feat given the terrain.

“Most of you who came from Murupara or Rotorua today would have gone through that road, and this man got this church from Te Whaiti to here – only God knows how. He set it up here, and that’s why it is in this beautiful spot.”

Br Vincent, who came to the church from Murupara for all of those 25 years, recalled how Fr Gledhill would arrive at Mass in a bus, having come all the way from Wairoa, a 140 km drive on some of the most twisted, metal roads in the country.

“He would come each second Sunday of the month, and he was driving the bus. He would pick up

Well-wishers sing a waiata to farewell Father David Gledhill in the St Michael's Church crypt.

Andrew Paul (Mangakino) people from Tuai, Ruatahuna and Papueru and arrive here just in time to say Mass at eleven o’clock in this church.

“After a cup of tea and a biscuit, he’d gather his troupe up; they would get on the bus, turn around and go all the way back to Wairoa.”

Br Vincent said Fr Moore had also been over a few times when he was at Wairoa, although without the bus.

With Fr David Gledhill shifting his “centre of operations” to Otaki, this would be his last official visit to Ngaputahi. At the same time, Fr David Moore was going to Wairoa.

“So, you are all joining us here in a moment of history, because that association with this church, in particular, is finishing today.”

Opotiki-based Monsignor Gerard Patterson would in due course be consulting with iwi throughout the diocese on the way forward, and it was hoped Ngaputahi would be included in those discussions.

Fr Gledhill is renowned for his oratory, using both English and Te Reo Maori. He gave the sermon during Fr Moore’s last Mass at St Michael’s in Rotorua on 17 January.

Fr Moore has had a quieter but perceptive delivery.

One parishioner noted how he spoke in much the same way as he imagined Jesus Christ had during his time, quietly but insightful.

Reference: Vol. 47 No. 1 May 1994 Bay of Plenty Historical Review published by the Whakatane & Districts Father David Gledhill is farewelled by parish- Historical Society. ioners at St Therese, Bethlehem.

Rotorua Pastoral Area Parish Priest, Father Eamon Kennedy (left) with Father David Gledhill after a farewell Mass at St Michael's Church.

Parishioners from St Michael's Church Rotorua caught up with the Fathers David at a cafe after Sunday Mass and learned more about what the future holds for the Marists. From left to right: David Bergin, Fr David Moore, John Rush, Gerry Horgan and Fr David Gledhill.

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ketekorero February - April 2019

the religious life 100-year celebration for Father Timmerman

Back row: Msgr Bernard Kiely, Auckland, Bishop Steve Lowe and Emertus Bishop Denis Browne.

Front row: Fr Albert Williams Franciscan, Pa Mikaere Ryan, Fr Tim, Fr Anselm Aherne.

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nton Timmerman was born 19 January 1919 in Leiden, Holland to John Timmerman and Louise TimmermanLeroi, just at the end of World War I. He was one of 10 children, five boys and five girls. His father traded in timber.

With World War II beginning in 1939, Pa Tim was not able to go to Mill Hill seminary in London, but he continued his study for the priesthood in Roosendaal, Brabant, Nederland in the Mill Hill College there.

He was ordained on 9 December 1945 in the Convent Chapel Mariadal, Roosendaal and began his priestly ministry in parishes in The Netherlands until a passage could be arranged for himself and three other Mill Hill The young Fr Tim Missionaries to get them to New Zealand.

Fr Tim sailed with Fr Jan Dolphijn, Fr Jan van Tilborg and Brother Theophilus in a boat which could get them only as far as Sri Lanka. It was hoped they could get passage on to New Zealand from Colombo. But they were stuck there for several weeks before they could get a boat and, because they didn’t have much money, they had to rely on the manaaki of the Redemptorists who had a house there.

They arrived in Aotearoa on 25 June 1948. Pa Tim’s first appointment was for a year as curate to Pa Tewano (Fr O’Callaghan) in Waitaruke in Northland. In May 1949 he moved on to St Michael’s, Ohinemutu, Rotorua, as curate to Fr Bill Wardle.

In 1955, the parish of St Mary’s, Rotorua, was started and Fr Dan McKenna was appointed the first Parish Priest and he requested that Pa Tim should accompany him to be the curate.

For 12 years he looked after the taha wairua of Te Arawa and also the taha tinana, becoming

known as Pa Tim or Father Fixit, who could mend your plumbing and your soul or your buildings — and transport and convert surplus buildings into churches and presbyteries and classrooms.

From 1967 till 1971 he was Parish Priest in St Michael ’s until some much-needed home leave came up and he could travel back to Holland for some R and R for 12 months.

Pa Tim’s involvement with the Catholic Schools, both primary and secondary, in Rotorua was considerable, in the planning, building and maintenance.

Returning from leave he was curate again in St Mary ’s and after some years, Bishop Gaines asked him to form a new parish in Rotorua for Ngapuna and the Eastern Districts. So he bought a surplus army barracks and towed it 150 kilometres, all the way from Turangi, and from it made St Joseph’s Church and Presbytery. That was in 1983.

Mass and Maraei celebrations On the actual birthday, 19 January, Bishop Denis Browne celebrated Mass at 10.30am at Mercy Parklands where Pa Tim is a resident.

Concelebrating were Bishop Steve, Monsignor Bernard Keily (representing Bishop Pat), Pa Mikaere Ryan and Pa Anselm Aherne (both brother Mill Hill priests), along with other resident retired priests.

Bishop Denis was also assisted by Deacon Ben Pomare from Rotorua. Also, in attendance were his great-niece Eefje from the Netherlands, friends and well-wishers and parishioners from Rotorua.

In his homily Bishop Denis talked about Pa Tim’s love for the mission and the Maori people as well as reflecting on the rich legacy of the work of the Mill Hill fathers in the Diocese of Hamilton.

As numbers for the Mass were limited a larger number of Rotorua parishioners travelled to Auckland for a Mass at Te Unga Waka Marae the following Sunday.

Thanks to those who contributed this article and the photographs.

Catholic Institute graduates

Recent Catholic Institute Graduates Erin Clayton (right) and Rhonda McFarlane (middle) with Cynthia Piper from the Catholic Institute.

The Catholic Institute congratulates Rhonda McFarlane (DRS) and Erin Clayton from St Joseph’s Catholic School, Fairfield who graduated on 19 December at the school’s end of year Mass. Rhonda and Erin graduated with the Diploma of Religious Studies – Religious Education stream.

Erin is continuing her studies towards a Graduate Certificate in Catholic Leadership and Culture through The Catholic Institute and the Australian Catholic University.

Interested in participating in a Catholic Institute course?

For more information contact: Cynthia Piper, c.piper@tci.ac.nz or call: 0800217411

Matata farewells sisters

Sisters Margaret and Margaret Mary gave thanks to parishioners who have been part of their lives during our three years in Matata: "We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here and learnt a lot from all around us. We thank you for your warmth and acceptance of us and we carry away fond memories of our time here.

Gisborne welcomes Sr Adrienne

St Mary Star of the Sea - Gisborne welcomed Sister Adrienne Gaille into its community. Sister will be living with Sr Meg and assisting people in the Gisborne area who need guidance in money-management.

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the religious life Deacon Mike and family celebrate 50 years of marriage

Pictured above, back row left to right: Rachel Tatton, (family friend) Karri-Ann Vercoe-Black (daughter) Desrei Jones (Daughter) Breeana Ormand (grand-daughter), Jude Archer (Mike's sister) John Archer (Brother-in-law). Front row: Father David Moore, Deacon Mike Jones and his wife Irene Jones.

M

angakino’s St Joseph’s Catholic Church was the scene for the fiftieth wedding anniversary Mass for Deacon Mike Jones and his wife Irene on 16 December.

Father David Moore, in what would be one of his last Masses in the Hamilton Diocese before leaving for Wairoa, lit what he said was the third candle on the way to Advent.

After the couple had renewed their vows, Deacon Mike reflected on how the celebratory Mass held in Mangakino was very special, because it was where they were married.

Because his family was in the South Island and Irene’s was in the Central North Island, they decided to have a small wedding.

“We had two Josephine nuns and the priest.

We married with a small wedding and to come back now is wonderful.”

The couple’s daughter Desiree was also celebrating her fiftieth birthday on Christmas Day, so the family had gathered to celebrate with her as well.

In his Homily, Deacon Mike told a joke that, he said, reminded everybody to be cheerful. He referred to the second reading (Philippians 4:47) about not worrying and being joyful.

“Be cheerful, because we belong to the family

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Irene and Mike Jones renew their marriage vows in front of Fr David Moore with daughter Karri-Ann Vercoe-Black.

of God. We shouldn’t worry about anything; we should say ‘Lord, you know I need this, thank you for it’.”

He recalled going into a home which had a dirt floor and newspapers for wallpaper.

“It didn’t cost much to furnish. There were boxes to sit on, so there wasn’t a great cost in chairs and tables. But what happiness was there in the room; what happiness there was in the people who lived in that house.

“It reminded me that things don’t make us happy. Its people being together in love; caring for each other, nurturing each other. That’s what brings happiness. We don’t need things for that.”

The Gospel had seen the disciples asking the question “What must we do?” and Deacon Mike said that was the question parishioners had to ask themselves too.

“This is one thing I generally ask every morning in prayer: ‘Dear Lord Jesus, what do you want me to do today?’

“Every day, in whatever we work at, whatever we do in our life, we should each day ask Jesus, ‘Lord what must I do’,” Deacon Mike said.

After the Mass, the family gathered in front of the altar for photographs. A tableau of the Holy Family in the stable at Bethlehem was set up in

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Parishioners from Mangakino, Whakamaru and the surrounding area helped with the celebratory lunch after Mass. There we heard how the children’s nativity-based float had won first place in the Mangakino annual Christmas parade 2018.

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