‘Therese’ was still in shock as she folded her cleaner’s smock, turned and sadly left her workplace for the last time. Therese was taking part in a role play as a young cleaner who has just been unexpectedly sacked. She had no idea of her rights but neither did the boss who sacked her know her rights ‘ or his.
The key purpose of community development work is to bring about social change and justice. The challenge here is where to start. Having a clear sense of mission is not a simple task.
I was shattered when it was over but I was still off to Taranaki that afternoon. I gathered everything for the trip and sat in the car. I felt like asking ‘ ‘are we there yet?’ I hadn’t even left home.
It was a day of amazing grace and, while we were there to honour Fr Eddie, for me there was so much more. The day was powerful witness to the churches of Carterton/Greytown as People of God.
Trainees from both the Palmerston North and Wellington regions have come together for three days over the three months to explore the nature of families and ministry, look at where behaviour patterns start and the effects of major change in a family, and to learn how to listen sensitively and communicate compassionately.
A series of articles looking at some Greek words used in scripture and tradition. The New Testament was written in a version of Ancient Greek called koine, as was some liturgy and theology.
Like many New Zealanders, I lived for four years in the 1990s on a benefit. No one who has had to bare the unhappiest details of their lives for an impersonal ‘ and sometimes hostile ‘ government clerk can easily forget the humiliation.
The bishops have been asked why they have not publicly supported the three men who were charged with damaging public property at Waihopai. I think there are several reasons, and I am speaking only for myself.
What are the names of Mary’s parents? Did you know that St Joseph was an elderly widower with several children? That when Mary was a child her feet did not touch the floor as she walked? That the Christ child worked miracles to cover up his mischief?