Welcom Archive 2007-2026

WelCom is the monthly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Wellington. Print copies of the eight-page newsletter are free and available in parishes, and sent to parishes and schools in PDF form. The archive contains WelCom stories published from 2007 to 2026 (May).

Archbishop’s column: a renewed encounter with God's love

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 […]

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Editorial: The economy rocks?

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 […]

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Cathedral in global seismic study of heritage buildings

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 […]

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Brooklands parish waits on science

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’. […]

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The Francis factor: a new light shines

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 […]

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Mary and prayer in the third millennium

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 […]

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Gospel reflections: Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

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 […]

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Picnicking for justice

News March 2014 Teresa Homan The Wellington Justice Peace and Development Commission is inviting everyone to come to a picnic in the grounds of parliament in front of the Beehive on Wednesday 19 March 5.30 – 7.30pm. The event is timed to coincide with politicians’ tea break so they have a special invitation from Archbishop […]

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A fresh look for St Patrick's

Schools March 2014 Martin Elms The Presentation Sisters who founded St Patrick’s school Paraparaumu are planning to have the statue of the school’s patron saint restored in time for the feast day on 17 March and painted by a professional mural artist from Ireland. The sisters announced the makeover of St Patrick who is beginning […]

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Caritas Lent Appeal

Caritas Lent Appeal March 2014 How your Lenten donations help Providing healing and hope in the Pacific In Solomon Islands, diseases such as malaria and meningitis, coupled with poor health systems to treat ear infections, have resulted in a high rate of deafness. The situation is made worse by the unavailability of hearing aids and […]

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