Category: Uncategorized

Almost 2,000 years ago, a prisoner on the island of Patmos fell into a deep trance and had a series of visions. He gives his name as John (one of the few times the writer of a New Testament work gives his name).

Pope John XXIII was rumoured to be ill when he closed the first session, but after a short period of hospitalisation was back to work within weeks. He probably knew death was near but, cheered by the success of his idea coming to fruition in the first session, determined to leave the church his last will, so to speak.

Difficulties managing debt are a major cause of homelessness, including debt caused by playing pokie machines that are a big curse for people on low incomes.

‘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.

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.