Fifth Gospel Living: God’s People Sharing Food for Faith has something for everyone. The seeker, the regular Mass goer, the half-in – half-out Catholic hoping for bigger Church change than apologies and those that see themselves as people of faith but no longer participate in a faith community.
Pope Francis has declared 2025 as a Year of Jubilee with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, giving voice to his desire for the year to foster a greater sense of global sisterhood and brotherhood, solidarity with the poor and caring for the environment.
‘Genuine renewal of the Church will not be generated at the desks of bishops or in councils…; it requires powerful spiritual impulses, through theological reflection, and the courage to experiment.’
This strong opinion expresses the heart of a new book by a Czech priest, theologian, scholar and pastor, Tomáš Halík, The Afternoon of Christianity, which he dedicates to Pope Francis.
Oversimplified headlines have been giving the impression that Pope Francis has spoken definitively on the matter of women deacons. That is not my understanding. I understand that wider possibilities for the sacrament of Holy Orders need to be explored first, and simply latching on to the existing structures could further delay the wider discussion that needs to take place. We may lament the time this takes, but we can hardly dispute the need.
Fr Denis O’Hagan sm made a life’s work out of companionship and compassion, said Fr Tim Duckworth sm in his homily at the Requiem Mass for Denis in August.
Timothy Ross Faith of Ōtaki died on 20 September 2024. ‘Tim’ was a well-known personality, especially for his 33 years’ service at the local New World.
WelCom’s Season of Advent calendar is for whānau to reflect on each day during Advent Season, 1–24 December 2024.
This month, our Hīkoi Whakapono | Journey of Faith, visits the parish of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart | Te Ahurewa o te Ngākau Tapu. Geographically the parish encompasses Thorndon, Wadestown and north Wellington Central, although being the site of the Cathedral it is home to all in the Archdiocese of Wellington.
The parable of the Good Samaritan1 underscores the need to help those in need. The Greatest commandments2 – loving God and loving our neighbour – require similar humane attitudes and actions.
The annual Support Life Sunday, promoted each October by the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand, reflects the active work Catholics need to do to help people facing significant life decisions.