News March 2014 The oldest parish in the archdiocese, Otaki, has joined with Levin to form the parish of Ss Mary and Joseph under the administration of Marist Fathers. Fr Percy Kimble sm was installed as parish priest on 9 February in a celebration that drew more than 400 parishioners of Otaki, its adjunct, Kuku, […]
News March 2014 On 29 January the Palmerston North Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, together with Bishop Charles Drennan, hosted the national coordinator of the Living Wage Network, Annie Newman. Representatives from the Anglican and Methodist Churches, together with Union and Employers Representatives, met at the diocesan centre to learn more of the work of […]
Catholic Social Services February 2014 ‘Family violence in our communities is one of the most significant moral, spiritual and social challenges we currently face as a country. As communities of faith in Aotearoa New Zealand, we believe it is our responsibility to take a stand and address this challenge.’ From a national statement on 10 […]
Opinion March 2014 Archbishop John Dew A parish is the People of God continuing the work of Christ in a certain area and in conjunction with the whole world. Parishioners of St Pius X Parish Titahi Bay wrote these words in 1968. I had great pleasure quoting these words at the parish’s Golden Jubilee Mass […]
Opinion March 2014 Cecily McNeill New Zealand’s economy has acquired international ‘rock star’ status with unusually high growth projected for 2014, but at what cost? Our child poverty figures are shameful with a quarter of all children living below the poverty line. Some commentators say the country’s economy has never recovered from major economic policy […]
Feature March 2014 Sacred Heart Cathedral is among 11 churches in Wellington set for specialist attention from an international group of seismologists and engineers. The two-year, Earthquake Commission-funded project will see scientists from New Zealand, Italy and Portugal develop a seismic vulnerability index for unreinforced masonry churches and historic buildings to help with decisions on […]
Feature March 2014 Syd Wells Parishioners of St Philomenas are expecting an engineer’s report this month that will be key in their decision on the future of their church, devastated by fire on 5 January. The fire started in the mid-afternoon and witnesses say the speed and ferocity of the flames were ‘a frightening sight’. […]
Feature March 2014 Fr James Lyons reflects on the first year of Pope Francis’ papacy. From the moment he walked to the balcony above St Peter’s Basilica and, bowing low, asked the crowd of about 100,000 that had been waiting in the Square and the millions watching around the world to pray for him, I […]
Scripture March 2014 Kieran Fenn fms There are three major types of prayer to Mary: invocation, praise, a remembrance. Prayers of invocation call on her as a prominent member of the communion of saints for help. Those prayers that recall Mary’s memory or praise her plunge us into the mystery of the church and bring […]
Reflection March 2014 Veronica Lawson RSM Matthew 6:24-34 This Sunday’s gospel ends, ‘Today’s trouble is enough for today!’. We are ‘not to be anxious’. Rather, we are invited to be single-minded in our commitment. The challenge of this gospel is to live in the present, in right relationship and connection with the whole Earth community […]