Kete Korero February 2020

ketekorero February - April 2020

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The official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton February - April 2020

Bishop Steve: 40 years on Parishioners in Rome for beatification Waikato mission for life New Catholic student leaders Icons turn back time on worship Pa Te Awhitu and our way forward

Meeting God in the ordinary

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ketekorero February - April 2020

bishop’s message Forty Years on...

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n the 6th of March this year the Diocese of Hamilton celebrates its 40th anniversary. It was on that day that Bishop Edward Gaines was appointed the first Bishop of Hamilton. A lot of water has passed under the bridge during those 40 years. One can think of the members in our families who have been baptised, married, ordained (a day after the anniversary, Fr Michael Gielen, a son of the Diocese of Hamilton will be ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland) and buried in/or from the churches of our Diocese.

We remember all the students who have passed through our schools and all the parishioners, religious and priests in our parishes. The Diocese, as has the Church throughout the ages, lived in changing and challenging times.

In October last year representatives from the Amazon gathered in Rome for the Amazonian Synod. Regional Synods and Councils have been a feature of the Church from its earliest days. These were often called to face change and challenges. Our “regional synod” in this part of the world was the Oceania Synod which was held in 1998 when all the bishops of Oceania gathered in Rome with St Pope John Paul II. The resulting Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia In Oceania, was published in Rome three years later in November 2001. The opening words of Ecclesia in Oceania are worth revisiting, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary as the people of God in the Diocese of Hamilton...

The Church in Oceania gives glory to God at the dawn of the Third Millennium and proclaims her hope to the world. Her gratitude to God rises from her contemplation of the many gifts she has received, including the wealth of peoples and cultures and the wonders of creation. But above all there is the immense gift of faith in Jesus Christ, “the firstborn of all creation” (Col 1:15). In the past millennium, the Church in Oceania has welcomed and treasured this gift of faith, and has passed it on faithfully to newer generations. For this, the whole Church gives praise to the Most Holy Trinity.

From the earliest times, the peoples of Oceania were moved by the divine presence in the riches of nature and culture. But it was not until foreign missionaries came in the latter half of the second millennium that these original inhabitants first heard of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Those who migrated from Europe and other parts of the world brought with them their faith. For all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, received in faith and lived in the communio of the Church, brought fulfilment of the deepest longings of the heart, beyond any human expectation.

These two brief paragraphs remind us of the mysterious presence of God who surrounds and inspires all of us, even before coming to Christian faith, and the call to mission that belongs to all who profess faith in the Christ Jesus. In our time there is a growing trend of a lot of people who say they are spiritual but they do not profess faith in Christ or even a belief in God. We know this from our families and circle of friends. We know this in our schools and parishes. But even the statement that people say they are spiritual is a sign that the divine presence is active, for this is the seed bed for our proclamation of the Gospel. As we move towards our golden anniversary as a Diocese in the next decade our challenge is to activate or bring forth the life that the Spirit of God is engendering in our people. How do we do this?

The theme of the Synod and the subtitle of Ecclesia in Oceania was Jesus Christ and the Peoples of Oceania, Walking His Way, Telling His Truth, Living His Life (cf. 14:6). As the Holy Father writes, it recalls the invitation which he extends to all the peoples of Oceania: they are invited to meet him, to believe in him, and to proclaim him as the Lord of all.

It also reminds the Church in Oceania that she gathers together as the People of God journeying on pilgrimage to the Father. Through the Holy Spirit, the Father calls believers - individually and in community - to walk the way that Jesus walked, to tell all nations the truth that Jesus revealed, to live fully the life that Jesus lived and continues to share with us now.

Faith grows where there is a faithful lived and generous discipleship. As the followers of Christ we must not be afraid to walk the way of Christ, even if we are walking a different way to the society around us. The words discipleship and discipline are closely linked. So we need to commit to the discipline of prayer, reading the scriptures and Sunday Eucharist so we can grow in our love and knowledge of Christ in the same way a married couple have to be committed to the discipline of their marriage. As the followers of Christ we must not be afraid to talk about our faith. Faith is like love - it only grows if it is shared. Many parishioners have spoken to me about how they don’t talk about their faith or the importance of their faith to their non-practicing family members. If we cannot or do not talk about Christ alive in our lives and what he has done or is doing for us, we reconsign him to the tomb. As the followers of Christ we must not be afraid to live his life. One of the final dismissals at our Mass, is Go in peace glorifying God by your lives. We need to be joyful advertisements for Christ alive in us by the way we live our faith, hope and love.

Being a Catholic is not about being passive. It is about being active in Christ. As we begin the next 10 years in the story of our Diocese, I turn to some other words from St John Paul II, Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look forward to the future with confidence as we look to reflect the face of Christ for the life of the world.

In this issue...

Read Kete Korero online!

www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz Bishop’s Message

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Diocese Emergency lockdown measures being considered Alex Bailey appointed Council for Young People chair New priest in the making Michael Gielen's road to Auckland

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Features A Waikato mission to stand for life 6 Pa Te Awhitu - Katorika legacy for Whanau Maria Marae Taumarunui 8-9 Cardinal Dew on Waitangi Day 9 Icons turning back time on worship 10 Parishioners in Rome for St John Henry Newman’s Canonisation 12-13 Parish News Catholic Family Support quiz night success Catholic support agency plans Whanau Gala School News Top Catholic college students Prefects 2020 Sacred Heart College captures rich history with HERstory

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The Religious Life CHARIS meeting empowers leaders for action Brother and Sister return for family event Meeting Christ in the Ordinary Applications open for Religious Education youth worker fund Parishioners reach out to religious communities

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Advertorial

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

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 Website: www.ketekorero.cdh.nz Facebook: @ketekorero YouTube: Kete Korero 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.

Printing: Beacon Print Ltd, 5 Pohutu Street, Whakatane 3120 ISSN: (print) 2357-2221 & (online) 2357-223X Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA) and Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) Cover Photos (Top) Left, Parishioners in Rome for beatification; right, Waikato stand for life.

(Below from left) New priest in the making; Catholic college leaders; Icons turn back time, Pa Te Awhitu. (Bottom right) Meeting God in the Ordinary.

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ketekorero February - April 2020

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diocese Emergency lockdown measures being considered

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ew Zealand Police provided some guidance on lockdown procedures during a meeting with the Council of Priests in the Hamilton Catholic Diocese.

Recommendations to have come from the meeting, as below.

It was noted that New Zealand schools are having a security firm provide assessments and expert advice on their lockdown procedures.

Schools are assessed during a trial lockdown and suggested that their learnings could be shared with and considered for parish buildings and churches.

Although guidelines for parishes are not available at this time, key points below are shared for the interest of parishes, as follows.

Scenarios • an active shooter outside activate lockdown procedures • an active shooter inside activate evacuation procedures • potential offender on site - alert police and ask their advice, which may include lockdown and evacuation as appropriate Considerations for lockdown procedure • Cover windows (use curtains blinds, whiteboards etc), secure entry points, hide (identify where to hide to maximise safety - under pews, out of view) • Entry points that can be quickly secured • Consider holding dry food rations, water and buckets for a toilet (could be in lockdown for hours)

Training/Other Considerations • Important to rehearse - hold lockdown/evacuation practices, involving key people in the parish who can demonstrate the skills and confidence to step up and take control.

• Use greeters or welcomers, ushers, carpark attendants – i.e. people who know the regular parishioners and will enquire about or question the new and unknown visitors as they observe and assess church arrivals.

• Young people could be appointed to assist the elderly and disabled.

• Appoint somebody seated at the door with a phone ready to alert police.

• CCTV has been helpful, including identifying after hours offenders.

• Lots of glass can make the people vulnerable - consider using glass where you can see out, not in.

• Review entry and exit points and consider “crash bars” to aid a quick evacuation. Avoid fiddly locks, bolts and keys.

For example, a door handle may suit small spaces, whereas a crash bar may suit larger spaces - critical to open doors quickly and simply without any external aids and that emergency exits open immediately in the direction of flight and lead people to a safe area.

• Suggested that retired police or experts in the parishes might volunteer their time to assist with implementation.

Alex Bailey appointed Council for Young People chair

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lex Bailey of Hamilton is the new chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Council for Young

People.

Alex, the Pastoral Services Manager of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, has worked as the Youth Director and a youth worker for the diocese. He takes the chair from Dave Mullin of Palmerston North, who became the first chair when the Council was created in 2017.

The Bishops established the sevenmember Council to work with the Church, young people and those who

minister with them. It works with the dioceses and faith communities on national projects and a national vision for Catholic ministry with young people.

Alex looks forward to implementing elements of Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive), Pope Francis’ 2019 apostolic exhortation to young people; as well as helping to organise the Takirua 2020 joint conference of Catholic Youth Ministry and Marriage Educators, and coordinating a national pilgrimage to the 2022 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal.

Bishop of Hamilton Stephen Lowe, who liaises with the Council for the NZ Bishops Conference, says Pope Francis frequently emphasises the importance of accompanying young people on their journey of faith in life.

“Alex brings a real passion for young people and journeying with them as they grow in faith,” says Bishop Steve.

“He brings this alongside strong leadership and organisational skills. I am sure he will be a real asset to the work of the Council for Young People.”

New priest in the making

Seminarian Isaac Fransen received Candidacy from Bishop Steve Lowe at St Mary's Church in Rotorua on 8 December as the next step on his road to priesthood.

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ketekorero February - April 2020

parish news Michael Gielen's road to Auckland

Curriculum Vitae Bishop Michael Andrew Gielen Date of Birth: 2 June 1971 Place of Birth: Cambridge, New Zealand Baptised: 27 June 1971, St Peter’s, Cambridge Priestly Ordination: 29 November 1997 Diocese: Hamilton

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ope Francis has appointed Father Michael Gielen from the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton as the new Auxiliary Bishop for Auckland.

The appointment was announced in Rome at midnight New Zealand time on 6 January 2020.

Ordained as a priest in 1997, Bishop-elect Gielen served parishes in Gisborne, Hamilton and the Western Bay of Plenty before becoming Director of Formation at the Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland in 2014, helping to train new priests.

In his new role, he will assist the Bishop of Auckland, Patrick Dunn. The Diocese of Auckland has almost 40 per cent of New Zealand’s 471,000 Catholics.

“I will bring a 21st Century vision of the Church to my role,” says Bishop-elect Gielen. “That is the Church that I know.”

Bishop Dunn says he is thrilled by the appointment and knows that the new Bishop-

the

Lent appeal

2020

Bishop Steve Lowe, Bishop-Elect Michael, Maureen Gielen (Michael’s mother) and Deacon Henk Gielen (Michael’s father). elect – who is already well known in the diocese – will be warmly welcomed by priests and lay people alike.

Cambridge-born Bishop-elect Gielen (48) is the son of Henk and Maureen Gielen of Mount Maunganui, and is the eldest of six children. He is an ex-student of Edmund Rice College (John Paul College, Rotorua). He is a keen sportsman and enjoys cricket, rugby, cycling and golf.

“I am humbled by the appointment, because my whole priestly ministry has been during the time of our present bishops. My first thought was a feeling of unworthiness to stand in the shadow of these people in such a role.

“I now accept this new call in God’s service, aware of my need for God’s help, with thankfulness for this opportunity to serve alongside the people of the Diocese of Auckland.”

Bishop-elect Gielen will continue his work at Holy Cross Seminary until arrangements are made to replace him.

His Episcopal ordination was due to be held at 11am on Saturday 7 March 2020 at the Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland.

Forest View High School, Tokoroa 1992-1997: Seminary formation at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel 1992-1995: Bachelor of Theology, University of Otago 2005-2007: Master in Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, USA 2012-2014: Licentiate in Theology, St. Peter Favre Centre for Formators to the Priesthood and Religious Life, Gregorian University, Rome Priestly Ministry: 1997-2002: Assistant Priest, St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Gisborne 1999-2002: Member, Priests Council, Diocese of Hamilton 2001-2002: Chair, Gisborne Ministers Association 2002-2005: Parish Priest, St. Columba, Frankton and Holy Name, Raglan 2007-2012: Parish Priest, St. Thomas More, Mt. Maunganui and St. Patrick’s, Te Puke 2009-2012: Vocation Director, Diocese of Hamilton 2009-2012: Member, Priests Council and College of Consultors, Diocese of Hamilton 2011-2012: Dean of the Pacific Moana Deanery, Diocese of Hamilton 2014-2019: Director of Formation, Holy Cross Seminary, Auckland 6 January 2020: Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland

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ketekorero February - April 2020

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parish news

Catholic Family Support Services quiz night an outstanding success Janinne Thomas Budget Advisor Catholic Family Support Services eams from Hamilton and around the district put on their thinking caps in for the inaugural Catholic Family Support Service Quiz Night in November 2019.

The quiz was held in the Sacred Heart Girls’ School hall. Teams competed for a range of prizes donated by local businesses.

Intended to become an annual fundraiser to allow CFSS to continue to help those in need, the 2019 event was described as an outstanding success.

CFSS was amazed and humbled by the generosity shown by the community in donating to the cause.

“It seemed that as soon as business found out what we were about, out came the cheque book,” said Janinne Thomas, budget adviser Catholic Family Support Services.

In particular, the CFSS would like to pay special thanks to the Greenlea Foundation, which provides continued support to the organisation.

The Greenlea Foundation donated a $250 voucher for the winning team, which was given back to CFSS to purchase meat for the whanau we in-turn support.

Additional thanks go to Cater Plus catering services which very generously provided and served a fantastic supper; and Campbell Scott from Harcourts Hamilton, which kindly auctioned donated items as well as donating some Waikato Chiefs merchandise for auction.

With 2019 being hailed as such a success, it is hoped that this year’s event will be bigger and better. Organisers said next year they would like to have more teams from parishes throughout the diocese as well as the wider community.

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Full list of sponsors: Albert Court Motor Lodge, Hamilton Ana-Maria Richardson, Hamilton Award Engraving, Hamilton

Catholic Support agency plans Whanau Gala Janinne Thomas n inaugural Catholic Family Support Services Whanau Gala is planned for Saturday 28 March. The Whanau Gala will run 8 am to 2 pm at Te Ara Hou Village, 100 Morrinsville Road, Hamilton.

Catholic Family Support Services (CSS) is the social services arm of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton.

We provide family support services to individuals and whanau in need, available free of charge to all people whatever their beliefs.

As well as fundraising, the purpose of the gala is to bring together whanau we work with, and the community in which we live and go to school.

Our community includes parishes and schools throughout the Waikato Diocese, so the gala is important in helping us maintain connections.

The funds raised will help with a much-needed upgrade of the service’s out-of-date technology.

A large portion of our work is to interact faceto-face with at-risk clients, which means we rely on technology to help us manage client projects, keeping client records and keeping this information securely.

The gala also coincides with the 20th Anniversary of Te Ara Hou Village. The name, Te Ara Hou, meaning “The New Way” was gifted from Tainui and adopted as a place name.

It was formally opened on 10 March 2000 to operate as a multi-purpose and interdenominational social services hub in Hamilton City and Waikato Region.

The Whanau Gala will be a fun-filled day and jam-packed with activities for the whole family.

The event includes live music, side stalls and

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Campbell Scott, Harcourts Hamilton Cater Plus Catering Services Coffee Since Yesterday, Hamilton Fahrenheit Restaurant and Bar, Te Awamutu Gisler Architects, Te Awamutu Greenlea Foundation Grey Street Pharmacy, Hamilton Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Matamata Kaimai Cottage, Otorohanga Kiwi House, Otorohanga Lido Theatre, Hamilton Lilliputt Fun Zone, Hamilton Luxe and Co, Te Awamutu Vanessa Marris, Hamilton

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inflatable entertainment. An array of car boot sales and other stalls including food trucks, tea, barista-made coffee and Kapiti ice-cream will also be on site.

There will also be a range of cultural entertainment throughout the event.

Spaces for car-boot sales are available for $15 each. Spaces are limited, so pre-registering is essential and can be done by emailing events@ cfss.org.nz or phoning Janinne on 027 603 5033.

If your organisation would like to participate in or sponsor our Whanau Gala, please make contact.

Metro by Hoyts, Hamilton New World, Hillcrest NZ Quality Waters, Putaruru Office Products Depot Research Motors, Hamilton The Escapist Entertainment, Hamilton The Float Room, Cambridge The Flower Crate, Hamilton The Jandal, Hamilton The Warehouse, Hillcrest Tongan Football Team Waterworld Hamilton, Hamilton Yalla Yalla Café, Hamilton

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ketekorero February - April 2020

feature National March for Life 2019

A Waikato mission to Wellington to stand for life Sarah Cox Simon was a politician who said: “This place has become a place of death and darkness” (indicating to the parliamentary buildings). We are bringing hope and life. - Jesse, age 11 Alfred was a politician who had a small korowai representing all the New Zealand babies who had been killed by abortion. - Roman, age 8.

I went to the march for life so that babies won’t die.

Leo, aged 8.

There was a lady there called Naomi who told her abortion story. After she had been through the abortion she regretted it and has been suffering ever since. She has now helped another woman choose life for her baby, after explaining her own abortion story. She also has five children now, including a permanently fostered daughter.

Olivia, aged 10.

I enjoyed marching for life.

Dominic, aged 12.

I didn’t go for fun. I don’t like noise and crowds or too much fuss. I went to stand up for life. Willem age 14 I went and marched for life in Wellington because whether they be unborn, elderly or disabled, they are all human and deserve to live just as much as anyone else in the world.

Ephrem age 14.

I have been to the Hamilton March for Life three times. I thought the National March might be similar. However, marching to Parliament felt significantly different. To be able to make a stand for life in the place where decisions are made for our nation and lives and souls are won or lost in Aotearoa was moving and humbling.

In this year when our government proposes abortion on demand up to 20 weeks and up to birth with one referral, with no conscientious objection for medical staff, we as Catholics are called to action.

On occasion, it appears to me that marching doesn’t change anything or that writing a submission counts for nothing.

But I know that each of my actions are counted before God. That each day we can choose life, or we can choose death, in the way we speak, the way we treat each other, the sacrifices we make, the ideologies we allow into our families, the prayers we do or don’t pray.

It was therefore clear to me that I had to march in Wellington, because I have to be accountable before the Giver of life. It may count for little in the eyes of the world. But the people who marched, those of us who prayed and those of us who are LIVING the truth have a hope that what we do is worth something in the eyes of our Saviour.

We may lose this battle - the abortion bill may be passed in parliament - but we will not lose the war. Because we have Jesus Christ, who will continue to convert hearts, from hearts of stone

The marchers gather in Wellington. to hearts of flesh.

Marching in Wellington, made me examine my own heart. Where is there stone? Where is there a lack of holiness, when am I not clinging to Him? It is there that death wins.

We all need hearts of flesh, so we can hear the beating hearts of those threatened by abortion and euthanasia and its grave repercussions. We can only achieve this through our own rejection of sin and in clinging to Him who is the way and the truth and the LIFE. We will never stop speaking up for life:

A Diocese group of marchers.

Men of every creed and race, Gather here before Thy face, Asking Thee to bless this place, God defend our free land.

From dissension, envy, hate, And corruption guard our state, Make our country good and great, God defend New Zealand.

(Sarah, 39) Report of the march A group of us left for Wellington on the 6th of December at about 10am heading to Wellington for the national March for Life 2019. The Hamilton Catholic Diocese kindly sponsored the van for us to drive down. We also received kind donations from other people.

Our first destination was a Holy Mass at Saint Mary of the Angels, Wellington city centre.

The church was magnificent, and the choir was beautiful, the mass was offered by Cardinal John Dew. The church was full of people praying for the March and for an end to abortion in New Zealand.

We then drove to where we were staying in Otaki.

The next day we caught a train into Wellington for the March for Life.

We arrived at the Civic Center where the March was to start. There were hundreds of people and more arriving. There were bands playing and the Pacific Island choir and dancers. There were also people handing out signs and balloons, selling March for Life t-shirts and sausages and a bouncy castle. Soon a lady came forward and announced our route and safety instructions, then we were off! All 2500 of us!

The large crowd of pro-life marchers struggled to keep hold of their signs and balloons as the famous Wellington wind attempted to take

'Man of every creed and race' - same messages them out of their hands, determined to wrestle them from their grasp. At the head of the crowd were several people in blue pro-life t-shirts singing extremely cheerful songs, with a man accompanying them on the bagpipes. In the middle of the crowd a man blew on a horn made from a blue seashell.

The crowd was slowly making its way along the streets, up toward the beehive. As the crowd came near to the beehive, a large screen could be seen that had been showing live footage from the crowd, as well as from a large stage that had been set up next to the screen. Speakers came onto the stage, to give encouragement, talk about the negative impact of abortion on society and individuals, the positives of fostering and the positives of choosing life.

The speakers included politicians, a paediatrician and a pregnant mother who had her baby’s heartbeats broadcast over the crowd.

Afterwards hymns and the national anthem were sung as the crowd dispersed. We were all exhausted by the end of the day but happy in the knowledge we took a stand for life.

The Auckland March for Life is on 29 February 2020 and the National March for Life is again in Wellington on 5 December 2020. We hope to see you there. Love them both.

ketekorero February - April 2020

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school news

Top college students Aquinas College

John Paul College

Sacred Heart College captures rich history with HERstory

John Paul College 2019 Dux, Natalya Lee and Proxime Accessit, Christa Kurian

Aquinas top students from left – Jessica Wylie (the 2019 Dux) and Aimee Watene (Proxime Accessit)

Sacred Heart Girls' College Hamilton

Campion College

Sacred Heart Proxime Accessit Girls' College Shania Dux Bonenkamp Jasmina Singh Dux 2019, Rata Simperingham

Proxime Accessit Lily Fitzgerald

St John's College

Dominic Beaton, Dux, with his mother Jacquelin Beaton.

Sebastian Manning Proxime Accessit

Prefects 2020 Aquinas College

Student Executive: L-R: Darren De Mel (Deputy Head Boy with Special Character responsibility), Nic Scott (Head Boy), Hannah McGregor (Head Girl), Bridget Simpson (Deputy Head Girl).

Absent: Daniel Hurley (Deputy Head Boy. Sacred Heart Girls College Head Girl: Alisha Jacob Deputy Head Girl Learning: Lucy Muldowney Deputy Head Girl Special Character: Beth Ranapiri St John's College Head Student: Finn Lally DeputyHead Students: Dyrel Lumiwes and Daniel Coles Campion College Head Prefects: Nathan Proctor and Madelaine Ashworth John Paul College Head Girl: Orla Walsh Head Boy: Adam Wong-Toi Deputy Head Girl: Hozanna Lopez Deputy Head Boy: Ishan Nath

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acred Heart Girls’ College is creating an online resource to help capture the school’s rich history.

HERstory will trace the stories of the Hamilton college’s alumni throughout the years.

The desire is to create an online repository in which past and current students, teachers and their families can visit to reminisce and reconnect through the photos, articles and stories of the many generations of women who have and will become part of HERstory.

Access to the tool can be gained

at: shgcham.recollect.co.nz Visitors can initially view the site in public mode. Once they register, they will see and be able to interact with more archives.

This includes tagging people, suggesting corrections for files, and it also provides the ability for site members to upload their own historical material.

“Your support and contribution to HERstory is vital to its growth and success so please Register,” the school says.

HERstory began 135 years ago when the Mission Sisters

founded the College in 1884.

The site said the college is now digitally capturing this rich history, tracing the footsteps of alumni through the years and delivering it to you for your enjoyment.

“Our key objective is to create a repository in which past and current students, teachers and their families can visit to reminisce and reconnect through the photos, articles and stories of the many generations of women that have and will become part of our HERstory.”

Using the search tools visitors can easily explore the many photos, school magazines and collections available.

“You may also like to join our HERstory Facebook page as here we will keep you up to date with new site content.

“We also seek your input as we identify unmarked photos and memorabilia. “We hope you enjoy reminiscing and reconnecting with your HERstory.” https://shgcham.recollect. co.nz/users/register

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ketekorero February - April 2020

feature Pa Te Awhitu - Katorika legacy for Whanau Maria Marae Taumarunui and our journey forward

By Bev Simpkins November 2019 was the day the Katorika wahine and two kaumatua of Taumarunui decided it was time to share the unique history of the Whanau Maria marae, with others, embrace it and build on it “how do we do this”.

Invitations went out to the North and also to Rotorua for speakers at this hui, as well as the sharing from their own people.

Toia Lucas-Walden, a descendant from this marae, told how when she opened the doors of the marae that morning her tupuna were glowing at her from the wall, they were proud to be part of her korero.

The day started from the flag pole with a karakia from Maurice Walden and then the whanau Maria flag was hoisted along with the flag of Our Lady.

We all joined together in saying The Rosary at the Grotto. When that was completed, we had a morning tea break.

It was now time to get back down to business.

Introductions were completed. Sarah Leilua spoke about being part of the Taumarunui Maori Catholic Women’s League, which she believed was initiated about 2005 and was folded in about 2015. Their beliefs were Te Whakapono, Tumanako, and Me Te Aroha.

Maata Job-Rakena gave a very inspirational talk about her role as a katekita at Waiteruke and what was entailed in becoming a katekita. This caused great interest from the group as this may be a way forward for the future.

Maata also presented a photo of her relative, the first Maori whaea tapu no Aotearoa, Sr Kare Peterson sm (Kare Hoto Petera) and her hongi with Wiremu Te Awhitu the first Maori priest.

A lunch break and then back to hear about Wiremu Hakopa Toa Te Awhitu.

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Wiremu Hakopa Toa Te Awhitu Wiremu Te Awhitu was born on 28 July 28 1914 to Tamakaitoa (Toa) Te Awhitu and Katarina Toia Bell and he is the third of 10 children.

Wiremu Te Awhitu’s maternal grandfather is Alexander Bell (the first non-Maori permitted to settle in the King Country).

The man who influenced Wiremu Te Awhitu the most was the headmaster of Okahukura school R.A. Watson who later moved to Auckland, where Wiremu Te Awhitu attended St Patrick's College in Silverdale.

Mr Watson continued to privately tutor

Above left, Wiremu Hakopa Toa Te Awhitu as a young man; right, as an older man. ( Source: Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Go to the web site at https://teara.govt.nz or directly to: https://tinyurl.com/Pa-Te-Awhitu Wiremu until he became fluent in English.

On 17 December 1944, Wiremu Te Awhitu was to be the first Maori to be ordained a priest.

This took place in the St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Napier. Wiremu Te Awhitu celebrated his first Mass the next day in Pakipaki.

In 1958 he suffered a severe stroke and he was unable to speak. However, he resumed his ministry in 1966. Then, in 1989, he retired from the priesthood. In retirement, he provided the impetus to establish Whanau Maria at Okahukura. He died on 29 July 1994.

Maurice Walden Maurice Walden next discussed a panel created by Pa Te Awhitu of a niu pole, a symbol of the Pai Marire religion. The Marae has a Niu Pole in their urupa. “Karanga iti” Camino Pilgrimage Toia Lucas-Walden then gave a full account of her pilgrimage along the Camino in northern Spain. She completed 400 kilometres but on her certificate it states she completed 776 kms. Old villages were dotted along the route, with mostly nuns present but no priests. Toia had to get her Camino passport stamped everywhere she went.

She walked up the windy Pyranees and explained how saying the rosary and prayer took away the boredom of the walk. Each church she visited was different from the next, from very poor to very wealthy. Everybody had to walk the final 100 kms to attain their certificate of the Camino walk. This stretch took Toia three days to complete. Her companions on the walk were her daughter and her daughter’s friend and it took them two weeks to complete 400 km of the Camino.

Its now time for the afternoon tea break then back to hear about Bev Simpkins and her journey to the diploma in religious studies for pastoral ministry. A lot of interest was shown in this subject, with some very keen candidates for studies for next year.

A 2020 calendar for the courses available through TCI was shared and the day concluded

(Top) Attendees outside the Whanau Maria Marae, Taumarunui.

(Ab0ve left) Our group saying rosary before setting out.

(Above right) The group inside the whare nui (Toia) participating in our hui. with a closing prayer by Maurice Walden and a Waiata.

Waiata was sung throughout the day and a short miha practice also took place. During this miha practice, a Gospel reading and the reading for the day was read by Emily Gooch.

This reading sparked off all sorts of interesting discussions, healing and sharing.

I believe this day initiated inspiration for the tangata whenua, to foster future projects which will enhance the Katorika whanau beliefs. Lots of new options available now.

Translation by Maurice Walden: Te Whakapono O Rangimarie

Te ono o Noema he hui mo nga mana wahine o Te hahi Katorika kei Whanau Maria Marae, Taumarunui. He tono ki Tai Tokerau, Te Arawa, me Tuwharetoa kua tae mai. Ka timata he karakia kei te haki pou. E tu ana nga haki o Whanau Maria me Te Awhitu hoki. Katahi ka haere matou ki te “Grotto” (He maumahara mo Pa Te Awhitu) I reira e korero ana he Rohari mo te ra.

Whai muri he kapu ti.

Sarah Leilua Korero ana nga mahi o C.W.L. he nui nga korero ki te whakawatea ano.

I mua waenganui o te ra ka tu ana a Maata Job Rakena, ki te korero nga mahi o he kai katakita.

He korero tino humarire me hinengaro. Maata tukua he koha ki te marae. He whakaahua o he whanaunga Sister Kare Hato Petera me Pa Te Awhitu e hongi ana. Toia Lucas-Walden: korero ana te mahi o Pa Te Awhitu SM, tona koroua me ana mahi. Kei a ia te Pirihi Maori tuatahi o

ketekorero February - April 2020

9

parish news

feature

Putaruru celebratory announcements

The twenty seventh ofJanuary was a special day for several of Putaruru parishioners.

Congratulations to Mien and Bert van Bussel on celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Also, congrats to Anne Loijen who celebrated her 90th Birthday also on the 27 January.

Benemerenti Medal award

The Benemerenti Medal has been presented to Gisborne parishioner, Pat Hampson. Bishop Steve Lowe was due to present the award during the annual commissioning Mass for teachers, with a parish celebratory Mass to be held later.

Fr Michael Gielen remembers parishioners

Whanau Maria marae is located in Okahukura, 5 km north of Taumarunui off State Highway 4.

The wharenui is called Kataraina Toia and the waharoa (gateway) is called Opotiki.

The marae connects ancestrally to the waka, Tainui, and the awa, Ongarue. Whanau Maria is said to be alone as a marae in taking the name Maria/Mary as in Family of Mary. It was named by Pa Te Awhitu, and it is dedicated to Aotearoa. Ka tu a whanau Maria Marae mona.

I mua te kai o te ranui a Toia Lucas-Walden he korero o tona haerenga ki Spain. He 476 Km 2 wiki wairua hikoi. Tona tamahine Belinda me Kahurangi awhina Toia I reira, He kai waenganui o te ra.

I te ahiahi he korero o he manuhiri Beverley Simpkins mo diploma o nga tari mo te whakapono Katerika.

I roto te whare a Maurice Walden korero ana te mahi o te Pou Niu, te mahi o Pa Te Awhitu, kei a ia he Tohunga o nga whakairo. He Pou Niu I roto ta ratau urupa. He taonga o te whakapono Pai Marire.

Emily Gooche e korero ana he kaupapa mo te ra o te Paipera Tapu. Ia haora, Ia haora he nui nga waiata e waiatatia ana.

"He waiata hou” Whanau Maria He wahi pai Mihi mai, karanga mai ki a au me te Whanau O Te Awhitu Nga uri o Whanau Maria e tau nei Tuhua te maunga tapu Ongarue te Awa Ngati – Haua te Iwi Ko nga waka e toru Aotea, Tainui, Te Arawa Au! Au! Au –e, Ha I Te mutunga nga korero o nga mahi mo te ra.

He hui rangimarie mo nga wahine katoa.

He karakia whakamutunga.

Our Lady. This gives the marae a meaning as a place that serves religious, ceremonial, and social services. As such, it is only marae naming Our Lady in the Country - in the Catholic sense at least.

Key Information: Whare: Kataraina Toia Waka: Tainui Awa: Ongarue Community Trust: Trust Waikato Battalion: D Company – Ngāti Walkabout Rohe: Te Tai HauāuruIwi / Rūnanga: Ngāti Maniapoto Sources: Māori Maps

Max T. Mariu. 'Te Awhitu, Wiremu Hakopa Toa', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 2000. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/5t6/ te-awhitu-wiremu-hakopa-toa (accessed 12 February 2020)

Father Peter Fitzgibbon received the following message from Father Michael Gielen after he congratulated him on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland.

Dear Peter, Thank you for the kind sentiments.

I remember with fondness our time together in Tokoroa, a sure foundation for the years ahead.

Please pass on my thanks and prayers to the good people of Tokoroa. I will never forget all I received from that wonderful town.

Nga Mihi. Michael

Alpha in Rotorua

The Rotorua parish starts its next Alpha programme on 3 March as a day-time series.

Fr Eamon Kennedy had received good feedback from the first Alpha programme run last year. Another evening-time series will start in September.

St Vincent de Paul Tokoroa thanks Tokoroa St Pius X St Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank Parishioners who contributed recently to their Christmas appeal.

The response was overwhelming, and the items are due to be delivered to families in need this Christmas.

Cardinal Dew on Waitangi Day

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ew Zealand’s Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop urged New Zealanders on Waitangi Day to recommit to protecting the beliefs of followers of all religions and those of non-religious people.

While giving the homily at the interdenominational church service at Waitangi on 6 February, Cardinal John Dew recalled the Christchurch mosques massacre last March and said New Zealand’s tradition of religious freedom was first affirmed at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.

“It is time to recommit ourselves to protecting the faiths of all who live here – of Māori custom and spirituality, of the different Christian denominations, of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Bahai’i and many other faiths; and also the freedom of religion and conscience of those who profess no faith,” Cardinal Dew told the service, at Te Whare Rūnanga.

Cardinal Dew said much discussion in recent years focused narrowly on whether New Zealand was a secular country where religion was not part of the public sphere; or whether it was a Christian country where only one form of public prayer should be privileged.

But our heritage was religious tolerance, religious inclusion and religious acceptance.

“I am a Christian, I preach Christ, who offers and brings salvation to all humanity,” he said.

“Christians do not want to be less than we are; we do not want to be silenced or marginalised, to be told that the faith that gives us life is just a private matter. Neither do we want any other religious group, or people of goodwill who do not identify with any religion, to be marginalised, silenced or told their beliefs are only private matters.”

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ketekorero February - April 2020

feature Icons turning back time on worship Michael Smith e might see them when we go into churches or when we go to Mass. We may have a glance at one and think “that looks interesting” before passing by. Or maybe we will come upon another in a corner as we come back from Holy Communion.

“They” are icons.

Icons, as such, are more often associated with Orthodox churches rather than Western Christianity, which favoured statues over icons.

Nevertheless, they have long had a place in the Catholic Church.

The New Zealand artist Michael Pervan designed a “magnificent” icon of Mary for the inner foyer of the newly opened Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Hamilton.

Michael used the “time-honoured techniques of gold-leaf gilding and egg tempera as the paint medium.”

Tauranga’s Sandy Stewart (a contemporary of Michael Pervan at St Augustine’s College, Whanganui) has long-promoted the place of icons – local as well as traditional – in churches and homes.

Drawing on his own Greek Catholic heritage in his love for icons has led to him build a large collection from a range of cultures and religions. Many inspirations for his icons were developed during visits to ancient holy places and religious establishments in Eastern Europe and beyond.

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Icons as aids to prayer Sandy defines an icon as “an aid to prayer, parallel to the written word”. It is said in Polish, Russian, or Ukrainian that “we write icons” because icons tell a story of salvation within nations.

“The story is usually something biblical and saintly, and they are a reminder and an aid to the

Sandy's copy of the New Zealand Pompallier Icon.

Sandy Stewart with a small portion of his collection of icons. traditionalist he likes the way Michael Pervan writes his icons within the New Zealand landscape.

Many icons are either a triptych or a diptych form. While a picture or a series of pictures is painted on three tablets connected by hinges for a triptych, the pictures or art usually covers two hinged tablets for a diptych.

Icon panels are generally Sandy with a gold cross – gold foil hinged so they can be folded and is layered over a plaster cast. more portable when a family or importance of prayer.”

Icons are the Eastern church’s community must move elsewhere, equivalent of statues, Sandy says, or perhaps just go on a holiday. referring to the traditions of the about 24 Orthodox churches.

Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, the (Eastern) churches may not have the rosary, stations of the cross or statues, so icons fill the gap.

Many icons are known as “travelling icons”, reflecting their portability and the movement of the people from place-to-place and country-to-country throughout the centuries.

“Also, with icons, you can fit more of a story within them rather than statues.”

Although very much once a

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Family connections Sandy’s connection to icons and the orthodox churches comes through his family. His mother’s people (the Shapleski family) came from the north-east of Poland (Pomerania) and an area that is now Western Ukraine.

He recalls when growing up in Whanganui, his mother taking him meet the “old believers” community of the White Russian orthodox church.

He well remembers refugees attending Mass that were from Estonia and Latvia.

During his OE as a young man, Sandy was able to go to Zgorsk, northeast of Moscow, where he studied the making and interpretation of icons.

Sandy always wanted to own old icons, but they cost thousands of dollars. So why not make his own?

“They take so long to copy as these are usually highly complicated, in contrast to the Coptic Church which has much simpler images.”

As well as painting and restoring icons, Sandy collects them by trading with other overseas artists.

But here in New Zealand he often finds them in surprising places, such as rubbish bins and skips

Mary the Mother of God, Lviv, restored 1875, sterling silver icon from layers of black candle soot. where people have dumped them without knowing or caring about their true significance or beauty.

Restoring an icon is often painstaking work taking up to six months or a year to complete, using all the tools and resources he has acquired over many years.

Importantly, he learned a lot by sharing his own work with other iconographers overseas.

He is thankful for those of his fellow parishioners who have given him old strings of pearls and custom jewellery to enhance his restoration work.

Sandy believes there is a greater need for churches to better record their icons, as well as statues and holy artefacts.

“All parishes and organisations should have a register of their taonga.”

In the meantime, he is doing much through collecting and repairing the rich seam of religious history reflected in iconic works.

The Michael Pervan icon can be view at Hamilton’s Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary or online at: https://www.catholic.org.nz/ resources/icon-of-mary-2/

ketekorero February - April 2020

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the religious life CHARIS meeting empowers leaders for action

Helen Smithson

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mpowered for Action was hosted by Current of Grace Hamilton Diocese Service Team in December 2019.

Ann Brereton took those who came on a fivesession journey, based on “freely freely you have received, freely freely give, go in My Name and because you believe.....”. It was an opportunity to rekindle the gift of God within and be equipped with new fire to go and give “freely freely as you have received”. (https://www.hymnlyrics.org/newlyrics_f/ freely_freely.php) Ann is from Tasmania and served as Chairperson, Australian National Service Committee CCR for 10 years and Oceania Representative ICCRS Council for 7-plus years.

Current of Grace Hamilton Diocese brings together diocesan leaders of groups which have a charismatic spirituality and flows from Charis.

Charis is a service support network whereby all groups maintain their own identity and mission, but the leaders can support each other and provide opportunities for all people, throughout the whole diocese - whether they belong to a group or not- to come and receive.

About Charis Charis is the National and International service body - an initiative of Pope Francis, which brought the Charismatic renewal into the heart of the Catholic Church and under the Dicastery of Laity, Family and Life.

“The renewal is a flow of Grace, a renewing breath of the Holy Spirit, intended for all members of the church - lay people, religious, priests and bishops.

"We can all jump into the river of Grace and don’t need to tell others how to swim.”

I was privileged to attend the inaugural meeting of Charis at Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican in the days preceding Pentecost last June.

Saturday of Pentecost Vigil Pope Francis joined with us for a time of prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Then in his address he spoke very strongly about our need to change and our resistance to change.

“Our God is the God of newness. The new things of God are always a blessing because they flow from his loving heart.

"There is always a temptation to say: 'We are fine the way we are; things are going well, why change? Let’s leave things as they are; we know what we are doing'. This kind of thinking does not come from the Spirit.”

A group of Oceania Catholic Young Leaders representing every Diocese in NZ and delegates from Australia, Qatar and Japan.

This Summit was run and attended by young “What does the Pope expect from you? I expect leaders from every Diocese in New Zealand and this movement: • to share baptism in the Holy Spirit with from delegates from Australia, Qatar and Japan. everyone in the Church. It is the grace you have received. Share it! Don’t keep it to Speakers The keynote speakers were Matthew yourselves!

Humphries from Australia, Michelle D’Silva • to serve the unity of the body of Christ, the from Qatar (co-writer of the new Youth Life Church, the community of believers in Jesus in the Spirit Program) and Diana Ingle - New Christ. This is very important, for the Holy Zealand chairperson of Charis.

Spirit creates unity in the Church, but also From our diocese Hayden Graham, Sharna diversity Llorando and Jil Miller, presented excellent “His passion for youth leadership came workshops on - media and promotions, fostering through as he said “Young people are the future organic community and healing, and the Rhema of the Church. True enough, but they are also the of God Charis NZ is hosting Dr Mary Healy 20 June present: the present and future of the Church. in Wellington.

“I am pleased that you have given them a Dr Mary Healy is a professor of Sacred Scriphigh profile and a chance to exercise of the ture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit responsibility that is theirs, to see the present with a different set of eyes and to look to the and an international speaker on topics related to Scripture, evangelization, healing, and the spirfuture together with you.” itual life. She is a general editor of the Catholic Through baptism of the Holy Spirit we are Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of able to know God more through a personal two of its volumes. relationship.

The more we know Him, the more we come to Helen Smithson is the Hamilton Diocese Charis know how much He loves us, and we are able to Representative ; Chairperson Current of Grace return that love. Service grows out of this love. Hamilton Diocese Service Team This grace of the Holy Spirit is a current of grace that allows individuals, groups, communities, activities and ministries to express themselves in different ways with different forms of organisation. This is rather more like a fruit salad than a smoothie.

Oceania Catholic Young Leaders Summit Early December, the Oceania Catholic Young Leaders Summit, held at Sacred Heart College Auckland, was amazing and a first for Charis in New Zealand. The weekend included the launch and keynote talks from a new Youth Life in the Spirit program - a initiative from World Youth Day.

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ketekorero February - April 2020

feature Parishioners in Rome for St John Henry Newsman’s Canonisation Genevieve Arahill and Maria Carruthers - two parishioners of St Mary Star of the Sea Gisborne - made a special trip to Rome for the Canonisation of St John Henry Newman. The following is their report on the journey, the background of the canonisation and the places they went and the people they met while on their pilgrimage.

Genevieve Arahill and Maria Carruthers e went to Rome specifically for the Canonisation of John Henry Newman. St John Henry Newman was born in London on 21 February 1801 died in Birmingham on August 11, 1890. When he was canonised in Rome on 13 October 2019 by Pope Francis, he was the first English saint for more than 600 years.

He was honoured for his achievements in life rather than in death, but when Pope Benedict XV1 beatified the Cardinal in Birmingham, England on September 19, 2010, he said of him that he “continues to inspire and enlighten many all over the world " The first I heard of John Henry Newman was in 1958 when his cause for sainthood was put forward. My mother (née Newman) and her sister were discussing the prospect of a canonisation in Rome and who would go!

It was then that my mother, who had been a Catholic herself for 30 years said, for the first time, that if and when the cardinal was made a saint, someone must go.

My mother died 20 years later even before he was made Venerable (in 1991) still making us promise someone should please attend his canonisation. I am certain my mother had a hand getting us to Rome and back safely.

I had been to the Cardinal’s Beatification on my own but nine years older, I didn’t fancy doing it again. Rome seemed more difficult than England, but I still felt compelled to go.

I decided to consult a retired travel agent friend on my chances of flying direct to Rome from New Zealand, but I would still be travelling on my own.

With the cheek of old Nick I asked her, Maria Carruthers née Picone of Italian descent herself, if she would like to come with me.

Maria wanted to think about it, of course.

When Maria came back with a “yes” our pilgrimage was about to begin. Without delay I rang the Oratory in Birmingham for instructions.

We needed to register in order to get tickets which enabled us to have seats at the Mass.

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Photo of tapestry of St John Henry Newman hanging from balcony on the facade of St Peter’s Basilica.

St John Henry Newman

Photo of convent where we stayed just inside gate that leads to a very busy street.

Finding a Rome home Before we could go any further, we needed accommodation. At this point we decided to tell our parish priest Msgr Frank Eggleton of our intentions, although with the condition that we had to find accommodation before we could go any further. Msgr Frank suggested we contact Patricia Parsons of Hamilton.

We did. Patricia got back to us with three convents we could try: One was already fully

Geneieve and Maria with Fr Sam Fancourt taken outside cafe where we had our breakfast each morning.

Genevieve Arahill (left) and Maria Carruthers with tapestries of saints in background. booked, the second had one double room and the third just two single rooms left, just what we wanted. We had accommodation (thanks Patricia).

It was a perfect choice. The location, while in a very busy part of Rome was ideal. Once inside the gate to the convent, it was absolute peace.

The convent was bed-and-breakfast only, but we had our breakfast of fabulous pastries and coffee, or English breakfast tea, each morning at a lovely cafe two doors away.

Everything we needed was very handy. Maria shopped at the brilliant market across the road for our lunch food of dates olives blue cheese salami and fresh fruit. We ate well!

The bells ring out In the vicinity, not five minutes away, was the beautiful St Guiseppe church where we were able to attend Mass most days. The bells ring fifteen minutes before Masses all over Rome, such a wonderful sound.

The sisters at the convent are mostly from the Republic of Congo and despite our language difference we have been able to make ourselves understood.

The convent has a chapel, but Mass was offered on Saturday evening only.

A Congolese priest said the Mass, in Italian, and after Mass spoke to Maria and me in perfect English - he is learning Arabic so he can speak with Muslims.

Before we left New Zealand, I phoned Fr Aidan Mullholland who, when he was in Rome, was a good contact person for New Zealanders, to find out if there was a New Zealand priest we could get in touch with.

ketekorero February - April 2020

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feature

A large bronze sculpture of boat people is a feature of St Peter’s Square.

Brother and Sister return for family event Banners of those being canonised at St Peter's Square. Four women were canonized alongside St John Henry Newman: Mother Mariam Thresia, Marguerite Bays, Mother Giuseppina Vannini and Sister Dulce Lopes (Courtesy: Catholic News Agency).

Fr Aidan gave me the name of Fr Sam Fancourt from Taranaki. We loved meeting with Fr Sam, who was only too happy to help us in any way should we need it.

We had coffee and a long chat about church news in Rome and elsewhere in the world.

He is a lovely priest.

On 13 October, the big day has arrived.

The excitement and preparation of the past three months has all been worth it. We couldn’t believe we were actually there!

We took a taxi to the canonisation with two very nice English women who are staying at the convent.

The huge crowd in St Peter’s Square included 20,000 people from England alone.

We had good seats, still too far back to see much but we were close to a screen so we didn’t miss anything. It was just good to be there. I thought the security was extreme but is what we have got to get used to.

Besides John Henry Newman four great women were canonised, I didn’t know any of them, but they deserve a mention.

Lovely people We met many lovely people that day. After the Mass we thought we would wait while the crowd lessened only to find they were heading to the periphery to watch for the pope to pass.

We missed him because we were asking a

• •

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priest if he spoke English and what happens next to which he said he was English and England play New Zealand in the finals! We knew where his mind was!

This priest asked what part of New Zealand we came from. We said Gisborne - he was in Gisborne in 1982 when his Campion College played Campion College Gisborne!

The main attraction in St Peter’s square for me is the stunning bronze sculpture of a boat full of refugees - it could be any era in our history one could not help but be moved by it, the image will stay with me forever.

We decided to walk home after the canonisation but got hopelessly lost, we met yet another priest - priests are easily identifiable in Rome so they are targets for elderly women with questions to be asked - yes this priest spoke English but unable to help us find our way home because he too was lost!

This lovely priest was an Oratorian priest from South Africa, after a chat we went our separate ways, he to find the metro and we to hope for the best which as it happened was just around the corner! We’ve had an amazing two weeks but now it is time to say farewell to Rome its culture, people and language, Maria and I will never forget this wonderful experience.

I have to make sure Maria gets on the plane home with me because I think she would like to stay!

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R

eaders of Kete Korero may recall the lead article in the November 2018-January 2019 edition about the Kilkelly family in Rotorua.

Largely home schooled due to the family's wish to follow a direction dedicated to the Mass, the family were farewelling were catching up with son Josiah who was on his journey to become a brother in the Fraternity of Verbum Spei (Word of Hope) based in Mexico.

Brother Jonathan has since become a member of “Verbum Spei” and is based in Idaho in the USA. More recently, his sister Grace has become a member of the Sisters of Mary, Morning Star, based in Spain.

Grace took the habit on 6 January and was back in New Zealand with Br Jonathan in time to join the rest of the family to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of their parents Gabrielle and Matthew on 27 January.

While here, the "brother" and "sister" caught up with Father Mark Field in Morrinsville, pictured above.

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ketekorero February - April 2020

the religious life Meeting Christ in the Ordinary

By Maria De Luna od has millions of ways of surprising us and working as Parish Secretary at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Putaruru was a blessing that I wasn’t expecting. I’m grateful for all the doors that God has opened for me and I firmly believe that this opportunity came out at the perfect time in my life.

of love to the people. It’s great to have a job that brings you closer to Christ.

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It was a moment of Grace It was all part of God’s plan. My husband and I just moved to Putaruru during that time, and we attended a specific Sunday Mass at St Patrick’s where they announced that there was an opening for the Parish Secretary role. I still don’t know why but that really got me. Our Catholic faith is the foundation of a life well-lived. I knew I had to do it and it was something that I needed to undertake. I was and am now certain that it was Him speaking to my core and my only response to God during that time was to say “yes!”. I didn’t think much of where it could go but I know that He placed me in that position to elevate my personal experience of Him. Serving God brings me so much happiness.

I worked as a Fulltime Pastoral Worker, a Catholic Lay Missionary in the Philippines for four years and together with my husband, we are part of an evangelistic and missionary community called ‘Missionary Families of Christ’ where we actively serve our members in Rotorua.

For me, it was a great privilege to be involved with God’s evangelisation work and being able to still serve God through

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Maria De Luna

the Catholic Church in New Zealand makes me more thankful than ever. Honestly, I thought that when I grow older my little itch to do mission will eventually subside but to my surprise, the fire keeps burning, it keeps growing, and I cannot escape it. It’s part of my identity, its who we are as sons and daughters of Christ, - we belong to Him. And because my heart feels more, I was willingly gearing towards this path.

“I feel my mission is soon to begin, to make others love God as I do, to teach others my ‘little way’. I will spend my Heaven in doing good upon earth.” – St. Therese of Lisieux Humility goes a long way The Parish Secretary role has taught me so much about myself and it made me more open to growth. Having experienced doing the groundwork of the mission in different places was simply amazing but being on the other side of the scenario, doing the administrative work for the church was also incredible!

I love that there’s no glamour involved in it, you’re there because you want to help people. It’s not about gaining, it’s about giving. I was there to learn as much as I could and to strive for the best of my capacity to help out.

Unfamiliar paths push us to enhance our skills even more. If we’re going to stick with something that’s familiar to us, then we will not grow and flourish. God wants to stretch us and for us to seek our full potential. He wants to fix the posture of our hearts.

I thank God for those small moments of improvements, those daily reminders for me to feel more grounded and for the supportive learning environment in the parish. The lessons I’ve learned, they really echoed in my heart, and I continuously pray for God to use me in sharing His message

Hearts on Fire The real highlight for me was being able to meet Christ and recognising his abundant blessings in the ordinary.

It’s been wonderful to witness everyday people doing extraordinary things not only because of duty but because deep within they believe and truly love the Lord. They’ve been pouring their energy and expressing their passion through their service in the church.

I just feel so thankful that I got to work with such amazing people in the parish as well as in the diocese.

Of course, it’s been a pleasure to work with Father Vincent Jones – he’s got a lot of heart and compassion in what he does and to the people that God has entrusted him.

My absolute heartfelt thanks to Father Vince (my Spiritual Father), Lisa (my teacher), Adele (she’s a legend), Nola (the caring friend), Bernie and Katrina (the helpful servants), Deacon Jo (the man with the biggest heart), members of the Parish Council (for being so kind and welcoming) and for those who take actions in sharing the faith through their service in the church (those who are helping in the Eucharistic celebration and people who volunteered to clean the church), they’re all inspiring!

People have little lessons to share with you, so we must ask God to always set our hearts on fire especially in helping one another, making great efforts together, this is what’s going to keep us moving forward as one body of Christ.

Jesus changes people’s lives daily. He is a gift to every person we met; that’s why we must allow Him to use us as instruments of His love.

Volunteer on Faith If ever you have the opportunity to serve and use your unique talents and God-given abilities, or if you know that you are being called to a specific evangelisation work, all I can say is that what you’re pursuing is truly beautiful and you’re definitely doing something right. Surrender your heart to God and no doubt it will be awesome.

Life is all in the small moments we cherish.

Every decision we make together with the Lord is a mini stepping stone to whatever is greater.

I’m just thankful that I was able to contemplate God’s love this way. So, this is just a little gratitude note to all the wonderful people in the parish and I guess this is also my way of saying thanks to Him. Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me of your goodness in my life.

Beyond loved, Maria

ketekorero February - April 2020

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the religious life Applications open for Religious Education youth worker funding

A

charitable trust aimed at funding the teaching of the Catholic faith to young people in the Bay of Plenty area of the Hamilton Diocese is inviting applications.

History of the Trust The Pipe Charitable Youth Worker Trust Fund was set up by Father Richard Pipe with funds bequeathed to him by his parents, John who died on 3 November 2002 and Mary who died 1 June 2001.

John and Mary Pipe were very strong and committed Catholics.

Mary was one of the first CCD teachers in the Hastings parish where she and John lived and brought up their family. Their hope was for all young people to have the opportunity to learn and value their Catholic faith which they themselves appreciated so much.

CCD (which stands for “Confraternity of Christian Doctrine”) teachers are also commonly known as Religious Education or RE teachers.

The Trust has gradually built up funds through donations from many individuals but especially from parishioners in Mt Maunganui, Te Puke and Whakatane, where Fr Richard has served as Parish Priest from 2001 to 2009.

Trust funds are intended for use on a strict parish basis and to be

Application The trust’s application procedure is quite simple. Applicants are asked to set out their goals for a youth worker and complete the form available from trustees (see below).

The trust also asks for successful applicants to report back to it at the end of the year on the achievements made in their parishes though the use of the youth worker.

Mary and John Pipe in whose name Father Richard Pipe set up the Pipe Charitable Youth Worker Trust Fund. used only for the payment of wages relating to the evangelization of youth within a parish.

The first grant was made to the Frankton Parish in 2010.

Since then five more parishes have received grants. Total value of grants made up until 2019 totalled $60,500.

Should you know of any parishioner who would like to contribute to the growth and aims of the Trust by making a financial contribution to the Trust, please ask them to contact one of the Trustees (see list below).

Introduction The Trustees are very much aware of the impact a youth worker can

make on the life of a parish when working specifically with the youth and young people.

Unfortunately, the financial resources are not always available to enable this work to be undertaken.

Many parishes make impressive strides with the use of volunteers, but it is even more impressive when a paid youth worker is employed.

The trust’s experience has been that a part-time employee can make a tremendous difference to the work for youth in a parish.

A youth worker, even part-time, actually encourages more voluntary workers, add to this, a contribution from the parish’s own resources, and great things can be achieved.

Definitions A Youth Worker is defined by the trust as: A person of any age, paid to work with young people in a particular area of the parish.

The main thrust of the work is sacramental programs, children’s liturgies, RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children), and working with teenagers for “the Evangelization and growth of the Catholic faith of our young people”.

Current Trustees For more information, contact a trustee from the list below: Fr. Richard Pipe, 70 Grant Road Opotiki John Uden, 210/210 Maranui Street, Papamoa 3118 Maurice Hickey, Oceanshores Retirement Village, 86 Maranui Street. Maunganui 3116 Peter Mourits, 28 Sunrise Ave, Mt Maunganui 3116

Parishioners invited to reach out to other religious communities

P

arishioners in the Hamilton Catholic Diocese are being asked to become involved in moves to reach out to other religious communities.

A booklet produced by the NZ Catholic Bishops Committee (NZCBC) for Interfaith Relations was published before the 15 March Christchurch mosque attacks, but the movement has gathered greater urgency since then.

Dr Teresa Fernandez is the Catholic Representative on Waikato Interfaith Council and a representative on NZCBC for Interfaith Relations.

Teresa says the message of the booklet is profound, particularly regarding the importance of Interfaith dialogue.

• Dialogue of everyday life (sharing in events of daily life) • Dialogue of action (collaborating for common good, e.g. the environment)

• Dialogue of theological exchange (understanding and appreciation of one another’s beliefs and values) • Dialogue of religious experience (sharing of spiritual riches in terms of ceremonies and places of worship) Although each diocese has one or two representatives on the NZCBC for Interfaith Relations, each diocese is widespread, so local representatives will be necessary to help grow and spread news and information throughout the parishes.

“I do realise that there are many Catholics who are too far away to travel to Hamilton for an event in the evening or night,” Teresa says.

"Interfaith activities can happen in any region of the diocese, and I am happy to support that."

"It would be great if each Catholic Church in our Hamilton Diocese

could have a contact person dedicated to Interfaith who can liaise with me."

For more information, contact Teresa at: teresa.fernandez@waikato. ac.nz or mail Dr Teresa Fernandez, C/- Ms Andrea

Savage, Cathedral of Blessed Virgin Mary, 494 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216.

To download the Interfaith booklet, go to: https://www.catholic.org. nz/news/media-releases/newinterfaith-booklet-promotes-peaceand-understanding/

Ana-Maria Richardson F U N E R A L S E RV I C E S “Serving the community since 1999.”

Hamilton Catholic Diocese Parishioner I am dedicated to providing Catholic families with genuine personal care consistent with traditions and practices of the Church.

Phone:

07-211 4654 Email:

or

021 881 229

ana@ana-maria.nz

16

ketekorero February - April 2020

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