Welcom Archive 2007-2026

‘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.