Kete Korero August 2014 by Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, NZ

ketekorero August - October 2014

The official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton August - October 2014

The pilgrimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pilgrim Project hope New deacons

Art and faith

ketekorero August - October 2014

bishop’s message Pastoral plan progress

s the Diocesan Pastoral Plan “Who Is My Neighbour?” continues to unfold, I write again to keep you up to date with the progress that has been made so far. Firstly, I wish to express my grateful thanks to the Planning Committee who have successfully launched the Pastoral Plan - Monsignor Trevor Murray, Father Darren McFarlane, Ms Carole Fleming and Mr Greg Schmidt. This Planning Committee has been very generous in launching the Pastoral Plan and also for attending the regional meetings throughout the Diocese. We should all be grateful for the way in which they have helped us to address serious pastoral challenges that must be met. Now that the Planning Committee has completed its task, I am asking them to remain on as the group of consultants who can be considered for assistance as the plan unfolds further. I am grateful for the responses that have been made by the Priests, Religious and Laity as they have come together in their different regions. Some of the new collegial areas are already well advanced in putting the Pastoral Plan into effect. It is my intention to appoint someone as a coordinator to be of assistance to the different parishes as they implement what is called for in the Pastoral Plan. To assist in the continuing process I am asking the collegial areas to come together for a general meeting in Rotorua on Saturday the 6 September beginning at 10.00am at St Mary’s Church. This exercise which will involve representatives from each of the collegial areas that have made progress will consist of some members of each of those areas. It will be an opportunity for us to listen to the progress that has been made and to learn from each other as this challenge continues to be presented to us. There does seem to be a special challenge for the parishes of Hamilton with the Parishes of Ngaruwahia, Huntly and Raglan. I have granted those parishes an opportunity to get together and present to me changes that they would recommend for the Pastoral Plan concerning that area. For that reason, I have granted those parishes permission to have their completion time extended from December 2014 to December 2015. It is my intention to establish a development group of people who are involved in the process already and are also involved in being able to supply resources. We are at a very important time in the life of the Diocese as this Pastoral Plan takes effect. I thank you for the strength of your faith and for the commitment that we all share in ensuring that the life of this Diocese will remain vibrant and strong. God bless you

Read it online!

www.proudtobecatholic.org.nz Features The pilgrim’s pilgrim Art and faith - Mining a strong vein of faith Art and faith - Windows shine new light on church

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Parish News Project Hope departing sister’s legacy Training brings new deacon closer to scripture CWL Paeroa 75th Anniversary Mercy sisters farewell Tokoroa cross repaced What is the Catholic Institute of Aotearoa Parish Snippets History of Ohaupo settlement

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School News Industrious Young Vinnies Sacred Heart Girls’ Stage Challenge School Briefs

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Short Story Father Terrence (Eamon Walsh) All at Sea (Loren Skudder-Hill)

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Kete Archives Little prophets, little houses - the early years of the Hamilton diocese (Judith Collins)

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The Kete Korero is an official publication of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. Deadline for contributions to the next issue is 4 October 2014 Kete Korero Magazine c-/ 51 Grey St, P.O. Box 4353, Hamilton East 3247 Editor: Michael R. Smith, P.O. Box 6215, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3010 Tel: 07 349 4107, kete@cdh.org.nz Videos: http:/tinyurl.com/ketekorero

Yours sincerely in Christ

V Denis Browne BISHOP OF HAMILTON

Humble church for Morrinsville St Joseph’s Parish Morrinsville has been faced with issues associated with the existing church failing to meet the building earthquake standards. The cost of rectifying the issues well exceeded the cost of constructing a new church. As a result, after considerable parish consultation, and a request for parishioners to pledge what they could for a new church, plans were developed to match as much as possible the parishioner’s requirements and the funds that the parish could commit to. The result has been a design for a new church which has the approval of the parish and the diocese, and which very much exemplifies the values promoted by Pope Francis of the humble Church, active and alive in its community. Designnetwork of Hamilton have designed a church that will easily accommodate 310 people, with a further 50 able to be accommodated in the foyer and a further capacity to utilise the parish centre which will be attached to the new church. The project is being undertaken in stages, stage 1 being the construction of the new

In this issue...

church, with offices and an ablutions area. Stage 2 will be a sealed car parking area, and the final stage will be a refurbishment of the parish centre. “The parishioners have dug deep and made a significant commitment to the new church,” parish priest Father Mark O’Keeffe says. “It is a further tribute to the parish the both stages 1 and 2 will be able to commence this year,” he said. The design enables the church to become a beautiful and sacred place of worship. Particular attention has been placed on the modern liturgical requirements while ensuring that many of the fittings from the previous church can be utilised. This will see the sanctuary furnishings all being accommodated in the new church. A new altar is being constructed from the deconstructed former altar to enhance the continuity from old to new. With the old church having been demolished earlier this year the site is

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ready for work to begin. The projected timeline is that preliminary site works will start in late July, tender will be let mid-August with construction starting late August. If all proceeds to the projected timeline, the parish will celebrate Christmas 2014 in their new church, having been camping out in the parish centre since mid-2013. The costs of stage 1 are $1,100,000 and stage 2 has a budget of $150,000.

ketekorero August - October 2014

feature

The pilgrim’s pilgrim P

atricia Parsons can be described as “the pilgrim’s pilgrim”. Through her ministry, Patricia reckons she has guided about 300 people in the past dozen years on journeys through the Holy Land and to the shrines in Eastern and Western Europe. Patricia had previously been on three pilgrimages; two run by a company in London, and one on her own. Patricia named her minstry Mir Pilgrimages, as Mir is the Croatian Word for ‘Peace’. Patricia first visited Bosnia during the civil war there, and subsequently organised her first ‘Peace Pilgrimage’ to the area visiting, among other

things, that phenomena known as Medjagorje. “When I did these pilgrimages, I didn’t see many New Zealanders around and the New Zealanders who were there were going through overseas tour companies. So I felt called to come home and start my own pilgrimages for other New Zealanders.” Working with local travel agencies, the Hamilton-based Patricia learned the logistics of planning, advertising and putting together groups for the trips. “I had been on pilgrimages and my experience was as a pilgrim, whereas there are agencies offering pilgrimage packages as another tourism option, but haven’t experienced pilgrimage themselves.

“Somebody who has been on pilgrimages several times knows what it is like to be a pilgrim and so I regard myself really as the pilgrim’s pilgrim.” Patricia has a definite idea of what constitutes a pilgrimage. “There are a lot of people who travel to a lot of different shrines and they might do that as tourists within a wider tour. So that’s like shrine-hopping, which to me is not a true pilgrimage.” Asked what being a pilgrim means to her, Patricia says it is all-encompassing. “So the journey is part of the pilgrimage, and that’s something you have to instil in pilgrims before they leave home in the before-pilgrimage part of it. “The journey – the long, long, tiring, exhausting journey – is part of the pilgrimage. Standing and waiting for your coach to arrive when it is late. You’re hot and your coach doesn’t arrive on time – that is part of your pilgrimage.

“Staying in accommodation which isn’t fivestar and having to wash your own things in a basin, because there isn’t a washing machine – that is pilgrimage. “It’s all-encompassing and taking time out completely from all the everyday worries we are all burdened with and setting time aside between just you and God. So it’s a very personal journey but, while you are still undertaking it with others, it is personal.” Asked how people react on such prolonged travels, Patricia says friendships develop and they learn to understand one another. They share lots of things going on their lives and they share experiences together. “There is something going on inside each pilgrim that is personal and that’s going on at the same time. Pilgrims are encountering each other and sharing amazing experiences and also having an encounter with God in a special way personal only to them.” Mir Pilgrimages specialises in taking a couple of small groups of people every year, with no more than 25 in a group. Half of the 300 people who have completed the pilgrimages are repeat pilgrims, with some even repeating the trip four times. Patricia has also been to Israel and endeavours to incorporate Assisi and Rome into the trips. While she cannot account for every pilgrim, Patricia agrees that it is a life-changing event for many. “I always say to pilgrims – the group I take away with me is completely different from the group I bring back. They have some incredible experiences that you can’t even begin to go into. “Some of them have life-changing experiences. One person who said they wanted to do another one in three years wrote to me recently to say they didn’t want to wait as it ‘has changed my life completely’. “The changes can be both spiritual and emotional. The burdens people carry are lifted as they find a kind of peace, and not temporarily but really lifted.”

ketekorero August - October 2014

parish news Project Hope departing sister’s legacy By Michael Kilkelly The Social Justice Committee of Rotorua’s St Mary of the Cross recently farewelled an integral figure in Sr. Monica Costello RSM but her legacy remains in the committee’s latest venture “Project Hope”. In response to high rates of youth unemployment, Project Hope was launched by the committee to find sensible and achievable solutions to the problem. The resultant plan formed by the committee was presented to Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick. Tony Jaques, a committee member, has been involved throughout the project’s development and is passionate about its potential. “Every society’s success is based on education and its ability to provide work. Schooling is achieved fairly well but after school no one is waiting to take care of those entering the job market.” The project’s title came from Sr Monica’s desire to see a “structure of hope” established for young people to succeed in society. Project

School News August 2014 Te Aroha-Paeroa News: It was wonderful to see so many families at Mass on a recent Sunday and thanks to the families who made an effort to attend. The children sang well and read their prayers and readings beautifully. The Mass is integral to celebrating our Catholic faith and it is also the opportunity to create closer connections with our Parish community. This year we have quite a large number of children taking part in the Sacramental programme. This is a very positive sign of the spiritual health of our school. Beth Richards, Manager Mike McKeown, Assistant Manager

Hope suggests numerous changes to the current system which will enable students to access sensible and accurate guidance upon entering the job market. One suggested area of improvement is ensuring careers advisors working in schools have an accurate knowledge of the trades which are in demand and ensure students are informed of the likelihood of finding employment in their desired career. An ERO report from 2012 found that out of 44 surveyed high schools, only four provided high quality careers advice to their students. The project also addresses the need to provide skills trainings to young people so they have the necessary grounding before entering into apprenticeships or a trade.

Mayor Chadwick has welcomed the committee’s input, and will discuss the proposals with a taskforce being set up to challenge this growing problem. The Rotorua District Council says it is developing a system very similar to the one proposed by the committee. Mr Jaques said the project was born out of the committee’s desire to “pick achievable goals” and tackle issues contributing to social injustices which were within their power to influence. He said Project Hope was a representation of the commitment of the Catholic Church to social justice. “The Catholic system works because it has survived over 2000 years.” He also praised Sr Monica’s encouragement and support saying: “She encouraged the idea. She was the one who ensured we had the courage to see it through to the conclusion.”

On our recent teacher only day, the staff attended a very worthwhile day with Father Elio Capra learning about the privileges and responsibilities of working in a Catholic school. We were privileged to have Pero Cameron visit our school. The children welcomed him with a powhiri and then he talked about his life with the Tall Blacks and his achievements. He especially emphasised the importance of goal setting and having a good education. Afterwards the children had a goal shooting competition with Skye winning and receiving tickets to the Waikato Pistons game in Hamilton.

Campion College celebrated the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat on 6 June. The Year 9-13 students celebrated with a College Mass in the college gym. The Year 7 and 8 students celebrated the day with a liturgy on Friday. During this we remembered the legacy of St Marcellin Champagnet, his vision and the work of the Marist Brothers.

At St Joseph’s Te Aroha - Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award - Congratulations to Tyla Burge who has been presented with this award. She has been recognised for her leadership skills and commitment to school and community activities. Mrs Kristine Turner from Westpac Bank presented this award to Tyla. We are very proud of Tyla’s achievement and look forward to other students following her role.

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ketekorero August - October 2014

parish news Training brings new deacon closer to scripture

oing through the process of becoming a deacon has given Brian Whitlow a deeper understanding of scripture. Brian, of Otorohanga, and David Hotere of Cambridge, were ordained as Deacons on 5 and 6 July respectively. He and his wife Pua have been in Orotohanga for 18 years this year and Brian has taught in local schools, including 10 years as principal at St Mary’s Catholic School. At the time he was first approached by then parish priest Father Eamon Kennedy about five years ago, Brian had been a member of a liturgy group. Although the process didn’t go anywhere after the initial interview, a year later the idea was again raised and this time he went on to start training. His background as a teacher in a Catholic school and involvement in liturgy groups helped when it came to the serious study required during the deaconate courses. Going through the process of becoming a deacon has affected Brian’s faith in several ways. “If it hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t

have interpreted the scriptures in the way I do will find himself taking “little jumps” into the now.” unknown. Previously, he listened to scripture as read by Although he admitted to moments of doubt in the priest and reflected on it very briefly. the lead up to the ceremony, he says members of “During our training we looked at scripture the community, including his Rotary club, were so much, prepared homilies, and then delivered very supportive and sincere in their comments to them to the other trainees. If we had not done him. that, and deepened my faith, I would not have done as much reflecting on scriptures.” This was important, because he has had to think and reflect about the meaning behind the scriptures and the Gospel, something that may not have happened. He felt that it was a beginning for him. As a deacon, he will assist the priest at the altar during Mass, preaching the Word, delivering the homily and working in the community, some of which he already does. “But to a large degree, I am going to be starting at square one, not having assisted at the altar or been part of baptism or marriage ceremonies.” New Deacon Brian Whitlow (left) with Bishop So becoming a deacon will require another Denis Browne and Fr Philip Billing. step up in terms of commitment where he

CWL Paeroa 75th Anniversary by Ann Belay

n 8 May Catholic Women’s League in Paeroa celebrated our 75th anniversary. Back in 1939, a small group began our journey. Some of their daughters and relatives, together with members of our region and invited guests, came to join us. Our day began with morning tea, ably served by St Joseph’s PTA, registration, and the renewal of friendships took place. A Thanksgiving Mass, celebrated by Monsignor Frank Eggleton, Diocesan Chaplain was then said in St Mary’s Church. Members of our League took part in the various ministries. Father Joseph was to join us later, after his Te Aroha Mass. From St Mary’s, we made our way to the Paeroa Bowling Club for lunch. But first came

the lighting of candles and the cutting of the Anniversary Cake by Life Member Rose Pennell and President Maureen Handley. Monsignor

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ketekorero August - October 2014

parish news Mercy sisters’ farewell By Michael Kilkelly The Sisters of Mercy have been farewelled after 56 years as an integral part of the Catholic community in Rotorua. The sendoff was tinged with sadness, as Rotorua parishioners gathered to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving and a farewell dinner as Srs. Monica Costello and Agnes Browne, the last two Mercy Sisters in Rotorua, prepared to leave for Auckland. Bishop Dennis Browne (brother to Sr Agnes) celebrated the Mass at St Michael’s Church alongside many priests blessed enough to work with the Sisters during their time in the community. They were joined by over 30 Mercy Sisters from around the country, expupils, colleagues, and friends. The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Rotorua in 1958 and the convent was blessed and opened by Archbishop Liston. Throughout their time in the district they founded St Michael’s School, became involved in parish and family life, eventually serving as Pastoral Assistants. During the Mass, a beautiful carving was unveiled to represent the service of the nuns and the continuing presence of the Mercy charism in the pastoral area. In his homily, Bishop Browne acknowledged the sadness of the occasion but encouraged the community to find joy in the legacy left by the Sisters of Mercy. He thanked the Sisters for their commitment in their teaching ministry saying: “The planting of the seed and the further nourishment of the seed has been well and truly done and carried out magnificently.” He also praised their “humility in carrying out any task the Lord asked of them” Many former students paid testimony to this humility, thanking the Sisters for bringing Catholic education not only to the classroom

Tokoroa cross replaced by Margaret Brownsey

Pic: Carpentry Class of Waiariki Institute of Technology on the day of installation of the cross, with tutor Jim Putoko at far left.

Sisters Monica and Agnes in St. Michael’s School grounds.

View videos of the sisters at - http:/tinyurl.com/ketekorero but also to their doorsteps. On behalf of the Sisters of Mercy order, Sr. Katrina Fabish, thanked the people of Rotorua expressing the “appreciation and thanksgiving” of the order for the love expressed by the Rotorua community, gifting a beautiful portrait of a Maori Madonna with Child to St Michael’s School. Both Srs. Agnes and Monica took the opportunity to express their gratitude to the parishioners. “The spirit of warmth and welcome is as evident as it was when I arrived,” said

Parishioners of St Pius the Tenth parish in Tokoroa once again have a large cross in the grounds of the property adjacent to State Highway One, thanks to the skills of a class from Waiariki Institute of Technology. The original large crucifix complete with the figure of Christ and standing about two metres tall which had been donated by a parishioner, was removed just after Easter 2011 and the theft has not been solved. Parishioners petitioned the Pastoral Council to restore a cross in time for Holy Week 2014. The Carpentry Class of Waiariki which is based in the Tokoroa campus, and whose tutor is Jim Putoko, responded to the challenge.

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Sr Monica, who spent over 20 years in Rotorua. “The people here are capable of doing many wonderful things; I thank them from the bottom of my heart.” A quote from the Sisters of Mercy foundress, venerable Catherine McAuley, on the order of service summarised the beautiful witness given by the sisters over their 56 years: “We belong to God – all in us is His.”

Parishioners were generous with donations for materials and the 15 students did the rest, including erecting it in time for Good Friday. It was formally blessed by parish priest, Fr Vince Jones on the feast of Corpus Christi.

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ketekorero August - October 2014

art and faith

Mining a strong vein of faith

strong vein of gold runs through Waihi. Gold is today mined on a grand scale and features in the town’s promotional material. The town also has a strong vein of art and Kete Korero editor Mike Smith visited the Hauraki Plains town to interview two artists with links to the Catholic Church. The Waihi area has a population of about 4500 people, or about a quarter of the Hauraki District population. Con Kiernan has the NZ Mosaic Art Studio in a quiet, bush-clad area of nearby Waikino; in a commercial area of town, Nicholas Brumder runs Waihi Metal Studio.

Con Kiernan’s Quiet Place Whereas Waihi Metal Art works runs to the sound of the forge and the hum of the generator, the mosaic art studio is in a quieter place. The loudest noises are likely to be the high notes from opera broadcast on the Concert Programme. Set in the bush on Old Waitekauri Road, Waikino,

Con Kiernan’s studio is about seven minutes from Waihi. Visitors can take a ride on a heritage train with Goldfields Railway from Waihi to this eastern end of the Karangahake Gorge. Con (short for Considine) was a priest in the Auckland diocese where he was the director of religious education for the diocese, which then included Hamilton. In 1983, he decided he was going to leave after giving 18 years of his life. After taking a sabbatical in the United States, where he did art, Con and his wife Diane started their own graphic design and print services company. About the time he reached 60 years of age, Con saw a fellow New Zealander doing mosaics in the ground in the UK. That fitted in quite well with his work in graphic arts, although Con determined he would prefer to do wall mosaics rather than on the ground. Twelve years on and demand for Con’s mosaic work has become increasingly strong

with a good book of orders now running through most of the year. Most of his work comes in the form of private commissions, with the occasional public work. In the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Wellington, for example, he has done the ambry, where the holy oils are stored in the sanctuary wall. Another example is the baptismal font at Waihi Beach church. Showing his work at galleries often results in commissions or people see him working at a venue and end up commissioning him to do a piece for them. The gallery shows offers people the opportunity to get to know Con and view the works, often as they are being made. Con recently completed a project involving paving stones inlaid with coloured glass for the Wellington Botanical Gardens. He is currently working on a series of three panels for display measuring 5120mm x 1500mm at Baradene College in Auckland. The themes for his work early on usually involved nature and how it can help us see about God, His

ketekorero August - October 2014

art and faith work and the world and beauty in all its forms. “Independent of the human characteristics of life, New Zealand nature really does have an originality about it that gives this country its focus. So we are benefitting amazingly from what nature provides.” More recently, Con has become involved in reflecting on Waihi and Waikino’s mining heritage. So recent creations, for example, have been about men hard at work, which it is hoped will lead to public commissions around history of the area. He describes his work in the studio, with the Concert Programme on in the background, as being very meditative. “I am constantly working out how to do a particular item - an image using glass or tile - and in the meditativeness of listening to the music and doing this thing that is trying to say something about this person through art, all that is just part of my humanity, their humanity and the essentialness in what we do reflecting something good for the world.” The mosaics he has done about working men are positive in the way they reflect the hard work they were doing in the mines, often in poor condition for little pay, to do the best for the families. “Faith is about how we are here to be redemptive, to be people who can help make things new and better. If I can with my art say something about that, then that’s really good.” A recent work which won a national exhibition award is entitled “Y BOTHA” and portrays a girl and a boy at the beach with a boat. The sense of boredom portrayed in the picture talks about the lack of a real working future and the casualisation of the labour market. His work is now recognised internationally and he has contributed to reviews of mosaic artists overseas. Con says the technical work he undertakes in setting up a mosaic means he gets very close to his subject. “I have to pare away the externals and get to the heart of the matter; if it’s a human face I have to see what it is that gives it its inner life. What goes to the heart of this person; makes the person real and says something to others? “Hopefully I can convey a goodness to others looking on interpreting what I have done. It is another way Christ’s redemptive action takes place in the world; my challenge is to be as open as possible to him in what I do to let his redemptive act take place.”

Nicholas Brumder: The Art of the Forge Nicholas Brumder has been in Waihi for only a short time but seems right at home. After operating his Brumder Ornamental Iron Inc in Georgetown, Texas, for 40 years, Nick and wife Ellen and their family relocated to Waihi. Nick’s wrought iron works are now making a mark on public places in Waihi even as he continues to supply customers in the United States and grow his presence in this part of the world. A blacksmith since he was a teenager, today the artistry of his work means the studio is highly prized by architects, designers and clients.

A turning point came when Nick and Ellen decided to set up a cemetery for their parish of St Helens in Georgetown. Their vision was of “a beautiful, faith-filled cemetery of consolation, peace, and natural beauty.” Having received all the necessary approvals, they started Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown. The cemetery has been in existence for more than a decade now and includes sacred art and monuments, fields of flowers and signs of love and care-taking. (For more details, go to http:// www.austindiocese.org/article/14380/ cemetery-georgetown-celebrates-10thanniversary) Nick says once the cemetery was completed they started to produce crosses for various purposes such as burials and as indictors, including a 21 foot (6.4 metres) tall crucifix and a number of different statues. The Brumders were attracted to come to New Zealand by the gardens and variety of landscape, so have settled in Waihi. Only two of their five children have New Zealand residency with them (Theresa, 21, and Lucia, 18, in Wellington studying or cheffing). Son Nicholas, 28, is also an artist blacksmith and on a year’s visa was able to help create the Miner’s Memorial Bench. He plans to return to New Zealand soon as a student at NZ Welding School. A fifth, Pheonix, has to qualify to be able to come in on a work permit. The Waihi Metal Studio is in Roberts Street among industrial and commercial buildings and is full of all the tools Nick and apprentice William Rea need to fashion a large range of metal work objects. Nick Brumder had his first public installation of artwork in New Zealand in October last year with the design and construction of a new work for the Miners’ Reflective Area in Gilmour Lake, Waihi. The park is adjacent to Union Hill, a historic mining area, and work there has been sponsored by Waihi Heritage Vision, an independent subgroup of Waihi Community Vision. The sculpture is approached on a pathway lined with young kowhai trees planted in commemoration of the 29 miners who died at the Pike River Mine in Greymouth. The base of the work consists of a seat made out of a large slab of swamp kauri, with a plaque which includes the wording “Erected by the Waihi community in memory of our miners whose lives sustained our families and helped build a place we call home”. Towering above this is a five metre tall forged metal kowhai tree complete with tui competing for flowers. The Miners’ Reflective Area where the sculpture is located looks up towards a grove of tree on a slight rise, which will eventually include a memorial to the miners who served in World War I. The New Zealand Engineers Tunnelling Company Memorial has been designed by Nick and will be a T-shaped structure of 7.5 metres. Nick is off to the US a couple of days after the

interview, but he has time to reflect on the nature of art and faith. In this he quotes St Thomas Aquinas around the idea that you would not achieve the kind of wisdom it takes to live well on your own but rather you can borrow it. “I am always a supplicant looking for some help. I have different levels of success but I find that this comes over time – sometimes the inspiration is very quick but other times it takes a long time to finally connect. “I’ll tend to immerse myself in the various traditions – like the decorative forms that relate to the particular subject to hand – and try to incorporate some continuity with the subject.” Ultimately, the volume of his work, focused on crosses and other burial features, puts him into a special position with people and their families. “Really, beauty is what has most inspired me to be receptive to religious works. I found it overwhelmingly sweet. Like music, this has great resonance and has a language of its own. So I’m very attentive to the ordinate, beautiful forms and the craftsmanship to support that. “So the beauty, the message and the craftsmanship are the three components of art, I think.”

MinersÄ Memorial

ÅErected by the Waihi Commun whose lives sustained our famil we call home.Ä

ketekorero August - October 2014

art and faith

Windows shine new light on church B

ringing to life the stories of Mary and Jesus through stained glass windows in the St Mary of the Cross Rotorua Catholic Church has been a labour of love for those involved.

Father Mark Field (who is now the parish priest in Tauranga) described as a “series of happy coincidences” the project that has seen 40 stained glass windows installed. His own interest led Fr Mark to do a course in leadlight windows in Rotorua and he dabbled with the art form for a couple of years, giving away much of his work. Parishioner Henk Buissink, a parishioner and expert leadlight window-maker, remarked to Fr Mark how the church would look great with lead light windows. True to parish priest style, Fr Mark said the parish couldn’t afford them but Henk was not to be put off and said he would make them and people would be willing to pay for the windows and materials. Henk has worked off paintings and drawings from artist John Skudder, in what Fr Mark describes as “a wonderful four years”. “It’s been this great labour of love on Henk’s part and that of John.” He described Henk as being besotted with leadlight windows. “But the people too, they have come to love them. They’ve often expressed their love for people who’ve passed through the dedications that they’ve made in the windows. “It’s been a wonderful four years from go to whoa and he’s done over 40 windows in the church. That’s a lot of glass, a lot of time and a lot of dedication.” The project began around telling Mary’s story on one side of the church, with the story of Jesus on the other side. A year on and further windows were added at the back of the church, based on the four Gospels. A further seven windows have been added in the foyer commemorating the seven sacraments; six windows were then added at the other end of the foyer as the six days of creation, before God rested. “So it was really fitting the story into the spaces.” Fr Mark spent three weeks in Italy in June, and says he was continually struck by the faith of the people who were in those places. “A lot of the people were just there to look at the art – the stained glass windows, the statues and the frescoes – but I am sure there were varying levels of faith those people were bringing.” An example was when in Milan to view

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Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” on a tour with others and having been told the history and the theology, “as soon as we stood in front of that fresco, it really struck me that people were there not just to look at a piece of art work but also to enhance or to confirm and deepen their faith.” Viewing the St Mary’s windows may not be quite up there with da Vinci – although the Last Supper window is modelled on the master’s – Fr Mark has noted the same thing with people coming in. “For some people it’s very pronounced (with a sharp intake of breath) if they haven’t been in the church before, or been in for a long time, and they suddenly see these leadlight windows. I see children in church sometimes just looking around at the pictures up there; and sometimes people at the end of Mass or during the week, just wandering around and looking at them.” A new crucifix installed in the church has also been powerful for people as well, with people praying before the crucifix and saying they can see His face and see His crown. “I have no doubt that good art enhances faith and I think a lot of good art comes from faith too.” The crucifix was purchased from a second hand shop in West Auckland, where the owner said people used to come upon it and just go quiet as it spoke to them of suffering and sacrifice.

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With concerns about earthquake risk involved in some churches, the question now arises over the impact of this on the construction of churches, and whether it might be tempting to build churches like secure boxes. Fr Mark believes this will be a very interesting period for church architecture. He points to the two Catholic churches in Rotorua as demonstrating the result of vastly different approaches. St Michael’s in Rotorua, for example, was built 50 years ago in what is known as the cruciform design, having the shape of the cross. It is highly adorned with religious art, including Maori religious art in the form of tuku tuku panels and carvings. St Mary’s, on the other hand, was built 26 years ago and was very different in its form and, to a large extent, unadorned, having a small crucifix, a couple of statues and the stations of the cross. Since being involved in the leadlight windows, a significant number of people have told Father Mark many times that the parish now has a church.

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ketekorero August - October 2014

parish news What is The Catholic Institute of Aotearoa New Zealand?

he Catholic Institute of Aotearoa New Zealand [TCI] was established by the New Zealand Bishops to provide tertiary education and formation for Catholics, and for anyone interested in learning more about their faith. The Bishops have a vision for an informed laity, supported by qualified people working in ministry. This includes teachers, all those involved in the various parish ministries and those interested in learning about the Catholic Church’s teachings, history and traditions. The courses are open to people of all faiths and religious tradtiions - you don’t have to be Catholic to attend TCI courses. TCI provides certificate and diploma level papers in pastoral ministry, liturgy, spirituality,

scripture, theology, chaplaincy, and youth ministry. These courses are offered in Hamilton, Gisborne, Tauranga and Rotorua. In 2015, TCI’s Hamilton campus will be offering the Certificate in Parish Life. The programme can be parish based with activities designed to meet the needs of individual ministries. For example; someone involved in children’s liturgy, CCD, or RCIA will be able to focus in their course selection on their specific ministry; i.e. sacramental programme and/or RCIA leaders would find TH103 History of the Sacraments very useful. Anyone wanting to make a start this year can enrol in one of the foundation introductory courses on the New Testament being taught in Hamilton by Deacon Peter Spiller in September. The Bishops are particularly concerned about the religious education of children and their teachers. In their recent statement, Catholic Education of School-Age Children, the New Zealand Bishops said that the ‘education and

formation of teachers in Catholic schools are critical in ensuring that the formation offered to students is authentically Christian and Catholic.’ [CESC, 2014 : 48] TCI has been commissioned by the Bishops to provide accessible courses for teachers and trainee teachers to ensure they are well qualified to teach Religious Education in Catholic Schools and are able to engage in ongoing professional development. Upcoming courses in Hamilton include: Introduction to Theology; Church HistoryThe Middle Ages; The Liturgical Year; and Introduction to the New Testament. Other courses offered in 2014 are Maori Spirituality (Rotorua); and the Gospel of John (Gisborne). For information about any of these courses phone 0800217411 or email c.piper@tci.ac.nz. TCI’s approach to education can be summed up in three words: Information, Formation and Transformation.

Parish Snippets August 2014 Parish priests from around the diocese gathered at Okoroire for a week in early July. Guest speaker, Father Gerald O’Collins SJ, deepened their understanding of “collegiality”, which is underpinning the new collegial areas being shaped throughout the diocese. Fr. Michael McCabe, parish priest of Our Lady of Kapiti Parish (formerly Parapaaraumu and Waikanae) shared some of his insights regarding the amalgamation of parishes. Te Aroha-Paeroa Paeroa CWL Cake Stall. The CWL would like to thank everyone who supported their cake stall last Sunday. They raised $255 for their ‘At Home’ appeal which is ‘Elder Abuse Aged Care’. Your support was very much appreciated. Foodbank Collection for the Year for Paeroa Neighbours from St Mary’s was $1404.70. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support for this during the year. Thank you to John and Colleen O’Neale for their work with the food and furniture bank throughout the year. If there is anyone who would like to assist with this work in the wider community CONTACT JOHN on 078628571 Cathedral

URGENTLY NEEDED: Need donations of furniture for Afghan Interpreters recently arrived in Hamilton. Dining tables and chairs, beds (single and double), household goods, bikes, lounge furniture, bedroom drawers and dressing tables, vacuum cleaners, lawnmowers, desks, etc. Contact Haidee 849 0285 or email Haidee.Kalirai@refugeeservices.org.nz CONGRATULATIONS to those Ecumenical Volunteer Chaplaincy Assistants being recognised, by Waikato District Health Board, for their faithful and dedicated service in our hospitals: Peter Godbaz (15 years), Margaret Bartles (20 years) and Mary Satherley (10 years). Thank you for your commitment to visiting the sick. Father Augustine Han has been welcomed into the diocese. Father is from Korea and is the replacement for Fr. Joachim Kim. His special mission is to minister to the Korean Catholics of our Diocese. Father Augustine will be based in Cambridge but will be frequently with us because of the size of our Korean community. The weekly Mass in Korean will continue, as it has been, on Sunday evenings at 6.30pm in the Church. Father Augustine is fluent in Korean, English, French, German and Spanish. For many years he worked as a professor at a major Seminary in Korea so comes to us with a wealth of knowledge. He has worked in El Paso, USA, and studied in Switzerland for several years. He is a most interesting person to talk to. The Korean Church is very generous to gift him to us for four years. Welcome Father Augustine.

School News August 2014 continued Aquinas’ Top Netball and Rugby Teams Make History - For the first time in the college’s history the 1st XV has won the its way through to First Division rugby, and the Aquinas Premier 1 netball team bet the League 1 team from Tauranga Girls’ College. Aquinas Music Department News - In The Big Sing Competition held on 6 June at Bethlehem Performing Arts Centre, Aquinas College Elles Chante (girls) choir won a High Commendation for excellence across all of the competition criteria. Conductor Evelyn Falconer was really pleased with the girls’ performance. This was extremely rewarding as it was the result of a large number of hours put in by all in rehearsals.

ketekorero August - October 2014

parish news History of Ohaupo Settlement In 1860, settlers originating from Bohemia (Germany) aboard the ship Lord Burleigh arrived in New Zealand. The party comprised Martin and Emily Krippner with children, Fritz, Herman, Rudolf and Mary, a niece, Marie Krippner, a brother, Johann (Hans) Krippner. Josef and Margaret Pancratz, Dorothy and Joseph Scheider and Elizabeth Turnwald completed the new arrivals. Emily Krippner’s brother, Pynson Longdill already lived in Auckland New Zealand. They had decided in 1859 to join Emily’s brother and family, and so lived with them in Symonds Street, Auckland when they arrived. Johann (Hans) Krippner was married to Elizabeth Turnwald at Owera by Father W McDonald on 5 August, 1861. This marriage was registered at St Patrick’s Cathedral Auckland on the 15th August 1861. This was the first marriage between two German Bohemians in New Zealand. Martin subsequently wrote to his brother Michael, who lived in Mantau, Bohemia, of land available in New Zealand for settlers. A group of 83 German Bohemians arrived in Auckland on the War Spirit on 27 June, 1863. After a journey in a cutter (boat) up the coast to Waiwera, they were taken up the Puhoi River by Te Hemera’s tribe who lived at the mouth of the river. Two whares erected for them stood in the middle of the bush. This was the start of their life in Puhoi, New Zealand. Like many others at the time, Martin Krippner joined an army raised in about 1863 in order to protect settlers’ interests. On 6 February, 1864, Michael Krippner, Hans Krippner, Joseph Karl, Anton Turnwald and John Rauch walked to Owera and enlisted as well. They were offered Waikato land grants as part of their signing up arrangement. The men trained at Albert Barracks in Auckland and later at Otahuhu Barracks before being shipped to “Camp Pukerimu” in the

Congregation attending St Michael’s Catholic Church, Ohaupo 23 February 2014 Waikato with the third Waikato Regiment. They were able to take the time to start clearing their land in Ohaupo, then Anna Turnwald arrived in time for Christmas in 1864 with her six sons and all their belongings. Some of the sons herded a milking goat and some geese overland to their new home, a rapau whare. A few days later Elizabeth, arrived to be with her husband, the now Sergeant Hans Krippner, Anton Turnwald being the brother to Anna, Karl and Elizabeth Krippner. So, in 1864, Ohaupo village was born with a mixture of cultures of the soldiers of the Third Waikato Regiment. Martin Krippner was a Captain in the third regiment that went to Ohaupo and, therefore, became known as the founder of Puhoi north of Auckland and Ohaupo in the Waikato. Rangiaowhia (or Hairini) gained a whare karakia (church) in June 1845. A hui was held that lasted eight days and was attended by all Waikato Maori. The second church, a large wooden structure, opened in the early 1850s. A third church was built by Father Luck in the 1890s, according to an article in Kete Korero, April 2010. As there was no church in Ohaupo, whenever the priest would visit (perhaps once a month), Mass would be celebrated in the home of Michael and Barbara Krippner. At other times they would walk to Ragiaowhia through the swamp. 150 years later, in 2014, people, gathered in Ohaupo at St Michaels Church celebrating the founding of Ohaupo.

Finding the Chalice Those involved say, the finding of a historic chalice had to be God’s will. Jeanette Krippner had been organising what was required from Bishop Denis Browne (retiring Bishop of Hamilton) celebrates our 150th the Te Awamutu Parish for the Mass with Father John Allardyce and Megan Becht as altar server Ohaupo Church service.

She asked Father Joe after Mass for extra chalices. As he went through the cupboard, he came across an engraved one, which had the following words: “From the Krippner Family in memory of their parents John and Mary Krippner 1938”, (from their children: Arthur, Frank, Cecilia, Charles, Margaret, George and William). What a treasure to find a 76-year-old chalice presenting itself in time for our 150th celebration. If we had known that this chalice was around, we would have been using it every year at our annual celebrations. Celebrants for our 150th Mass were our local, retiring bishop, Bishop Denis Browne of Hamilton, and Father Allardyce, a German Bohemian descendant of the Russek family, who this year celebrates his 50th anniversay as a Marist Priest. His first Mass was in St Mary’s, Mt Albert, Auckland, on 5 July 1964. In his homily, Father Allardyce mentioned a woman named Rose. However, unbeknown to Father, she was the sister of Mary Krippner. Everyone enjoyed his thoroughly entertaining story and will always remember to view life through rose coloured glasses! It’s so amazing how everything was connected to this particular family on the day!

Credit: Christine Krippner and Karen Camp

Syrian refugees in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. Photo: Cordaid/Evert-Jan Daniels.

“We Want to go home” say syrian refugees living in lebanon

More than one million people added to a population the size of New Zealand, in a land area less than that of Northland. While they wait and pray for peace to come, they need our solidarity and support.

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ketekorero August - October 2014

school news Industrious Young Vinnies by Gillian Cook. The Young Vinnies group at John Paul College is an industrious group. Aged mainly between 11 and 13 years, they innovatively turn their hands to many tasks, to assist those in our community most in need. The group meets every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at lunchtimes. Anyone at John Paul College can join and members only need to come when they can. Some students just come in for fellowship, to socialise and share a prayer and their lunch over cheerful conversation and to encourage the regular workers. We have worked tirelessly on the usual tasks this year, such as advertising and collecting for the SVDP Food Bank and Fulfill Van, making and delivering get well and Easter cards for some of our local hospital patients and Cantabria residents and are at present starting to make our annual quota of Christmas cards for two prisons, the elderly residents of Cantabria retirement village, a Christmas lunch for the elderly in a neighbouring parish, (many of whom have had grandchildren attend John Paul College when the hostel was taking boarders, just a few years ago) and more cards for the hospital. Clever stitchers worked together to make a special blanket for the family of Tara Chapman, a young child in our parish who fought a brave battle with cancer and sadly passed away recently. They have since been working on two prayer blankets to be donated to two unwell children in our community at Starship Children’s Hospital. Many hours go in to blanket stitching edges, writing out scripture patches and sewing on all of the colourful designs. These really are a labour of love! Kind family members of our school community have donated irons and an ironing board for us to use to adhere our designs with, as well as numerous kinds of fantastic sewing

notions. Still on the sewing thread, the Vinnies also sew polar fleece baby sleep bags and blankets for newborn babies through to toddlers. A grandma of the Vinnies knits cute little ‘fish’n chips’ singlets for the babies too. This year we donated these items to the School for Young Parents. Enthusiastic Young Vinny food bank collectors have been quite literally running all around the school during morning form times, two mornings a week, collecting tins of food, soups and spreads for the SVDP Food Bank situated at St Mary’s Church and also for the Fullfil Van. We ended up collecting so much food by the end of term three last year that we were able to support two SVDP Food Banks for a brief time, thanks to all the families and extended families of John Paul College who have donated food for this collection. St Mary of the Cross has been an inspiration to the Young Vinnies to “see a need” and stretch out a loving, helping hand to a range of people and organisations, in our own personal way. Luke, in the book of Acts tells us that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

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Sacred Heart Girls’ Waikato Champions Stage Challenge 2014 Sacred Heart Girls’ College was placed first overall for Stage Challenge 2014 in the Waikato. This is a huge endeavour when you consider the number of other school completing for the top prize. This also includes winning 12 out of the 15 awards available for set, costumes, and choreography. We would like to thank all the people involved, including the students, staff, sponsors, and the wider community for the dedication and hard work that was involved. We are very proud of this achievement. The theme, “Cancer: an issue no one should ever face alone” was chosen by the girls, who put together a moving and poignant dance/ drama performance showcasing their talents.

ketekorero August - October 2014

short story Father Terrence by Eamon Walsh Eamon Walsh took out equal second place in the Kete Korero Short Story Competition for senior students in the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. Eamon is a Year 10 student at John Paul College. It took me several painstaking years to work out our school Chaplain and religious education teacher. Father Terrence was a crusty and wiry old man with a slight stoop and lazy leg which meant he was inevitably late to classes giving us an extra ten minutes to mess about. Many boys thought that was the best part of his lessons, but l knew better. Fr Terrence was affectionately called the ‘fossil’ by senior students given that he had taught many of their fathers and even grandfathers. His bushy grey hair, weathered-lined face and ancient clothing gave him a look of antiquity. However, for those who chose to look a little closer there was a playful dance in his piercing blue eyes and a story to tell in his every grin. His faith emanated from his lived experiences of God rather than a showy display of clerical dress. It was generally accepted at St Anslem’s that Religious Education was not taken seriously by most, except those who had mysteriously caught a passion for Jesus and those who had no passion for anything who fell into it by default. Religion gave the school a veneer of respectability and pleased many of the elderly donors who, nearing the end of their mortal coils, eased their consciences by giving a small portion of their ill gotten gains for the religious instruction of young men. Fr Terrence took a pragmatic approach to his lessons. They were a fusion of gospel stories, Irish wit, childhood memories and sage advice for teenage boys. Religious education classes were often a sobering experience for us and Father Terrence. He frequently began the lesson with a confession. “I’ve overindulged in nature’s nectar and my head is paying the price.” The remainder of the lessons were an erratic discourse on sin, human weaknesses and God’s all-embracing forgiveness, which we knew was more for his benefit than ours. It did mean, however, that the sins of incomplete homework, rude words, calling out, were in turn forgiven by Father Terrence. John Brachovich thought Father’s behaviour was disgraceful and threatened to tell his dad, who happened to own a large winery and made generous gifts of his products to Fr Terrence. A number of senior boys got wind of his impending treachery and had a strong word in his ear. They were taught by Fr Terrence on Monday afternoons when he often fell asleep in his chair,

allowing them to escape to pursue their romantic endeavours with the girls from St Catherine’s. In my last year of school, the academic competition heated up and Sebastian Forbs Hamilton, a close friend, vied for the ‘number one spot’. Sebastian’s father was keen that his son was not corrupted by less worthy elements in the school, namely the students from Ford Block who gained entry on charitable scholarships. Sebastian himself was indignant about the presence of what he called the sponge kids saying “You can spot them straight away. They even walk differently from us.” We found out later that the tip toe walk by Ford Block students was caused by tight shoes since their parents could only afford a new pair of shoes every two years. It was about this time that Sebastian and I had an unhappy coincidence. Our beloved dogs became ill, mine with crippling arthritis, his with a tumour. Sebastian’s father reacted quickly to spare his son any upset, having the dog put to sleep while he was at school and purchasing a beautiful new puppy on the same day. Sebastian made a quick recovery from his emotional turmoil. Fr Terrence picked up the signals in class of my unhappy state and offered to walk me through this difficult experience. He persuaded me to spend time with Sandy, my beautiful golden Labrador and constant companion, before putting her down. He also suggested I be with her at the

vets when the last moment came and to bury her at home. His parting words on the subject were, “Take up your cross and carry it, it will give you strength for the heavier crosses ahead.” In my final year at St Anslem’s I managed with great effort to achieve third place. I failed, however, in my efforts to gain entry to medical school. Despite the bitter disappointment I took up physiotherapy instead, which I now thoroughly enjoy. Fr Terrance aptly explained at the time that I could see this as a cross to bear or God calling me in another direction. I chose the latter path. Sebastian gained an impressive second place but was declined entry into law school which he and his father had pinned their hopes on. His sense of loss was exacerbated by the fact that John Filiopo from Ford Block became Dux and was accepted into law school. A few months later I received the dreadful news that Sebastian had taken his own life. His suicide note which his father let me read ended with a sentence that struck a chord with me: “My failure to achieve my dream and disappointment in myself is a cross to0 heavy to bear”. I closed my eyes and gave thanks to God for that old fossil, Fr Terrence.

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ketekorero August - October 2014

short story All at Sea by Loren Skudder-Hill Loren Skudder-Hill took out equal second place in the Kete Korero Short Story Competition for senior students in the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. Loren is a Year 11 student at John Paul College. I sat wearily on a bed near the end of the

including these steel sheets. Obviously some care

dormitory, flicking through pages of my old and

needs to be taken in rough waters with a ship in

tarnished journal.

this condition, but we should be fine.

For many years now, this

book had captured each of my sailing voyages.

On my way back to the cabin I passed Dave, the

Night after night at sea, I carefully retold each

ship’s skipper. “Hey Dave,” I said. “Hi Emma”.

day’s happenings; thin black script held stories of

“Are you okay?” I asked. Dave’s face was pale

countless adventures and exciting journeys.

and sickly. “I’m fine. But I’ve just had news that

Just as I was about to settle down and write

we’re headed in for a huge storm stirring up the

another account, Becket jumped onto my bed, and

whole of the Tasman! Go inside Emma, it’s going

forced me to get up after scratching my leg. Poor

to be a long and rough night; we may need your

dog. I had wanted a pet ever since I was only six

help later”. This news did not ease my fear of the

years old. When mum finally gave in and bought

growing winds at all, and after calling for Becket, I

home a puppy, I was overjoyed. But many years

grabbed her and ran into the ship’s cabin. James,

sailing and long hours of work on the farm had

the ship’s cook and my brother, Sam, were sitting

not aged Becket well. She was now twelve years

around the dining table playing cards on either

old, and her once long, white and glossy fur had

side of a battery-operated radio. I could tell their

become grey and matted around her ears and legs.

minds were not on the game in which they were

Despite her aged appearance, Beckett was still as

playing, but instead on the every word of the

the edge of the ship, and played witness to the

healthy and energetic as ever, and proved this to

broadcaster. As I sat down, they both looked up

ominous, black ocean rising up in an enormous

me after quickly fetching a lazily-thrown tennis

and smiled, and then returned to the melancholy

tidal surge, to hit the starboard hull. In a huge

ball along the deck.

expression which I knew masked anxiety and fear,

movement sideways, I was thrown over the edge

As I followed after her, my hand ran along the

for what the ship was facing up ahead. Outside,

of the ship and whisked under the water.

side of the ship dipping in and out of grooves along

the wind was picking up speed, howling against

I plunged downwards, further and further…

the rail, my hair being tossed by the unusually

the glass window panes and smacking against the

I sat up, panting, a thick layer of sweat coating

high winds at this time of day. Night was quickly

sails. I called to Becket who was whimpering in

my back. Mum was sitting on the corner of my

falling, only another few days until we reached

the corner of the kitchen and began stroking her

bed. I looked around, no longer aboard the Spirit

Sydney, and I could go home and see all the

head. Yells from Dave and Grant were lost in

of New Zealand, but in my own bedroom, with the

friends I had left behind. I saw Grant towards the

the ruckus of wind, rain and waves. In an effort

tarnished journal resting on my bedside table. I

stern of the ship, and hurriedly walked to catch

to soothe the tension, I grabbed the radio and

realised that I had been dreaming. “Nightmare?”

up to him. Within me being just a few feet away,

switched it onto a music station. Dave rolled his

asked Mum. I smiled. “You were screaming;

he turned and smiled, “Hey Emma,” he said. “Hi

eyes. “Stuff this,” said Sam, and walked outside.

something about a ship,” she continued, “I don’t

Grant,” I replied and joined him in leaning against

I followed, with Becket behind me, “No Sam! It’s

think you should sail tomorrow.” “Me neither” I

the ship’s rail. “The wind’s picking up,” he said,

too dangerous!” I screamed, but I couldn’t even

said. That dream was far too real to be stepping

“the waves are looking pretty rough as well – I

hear myself amongst all that was going on. Large

aboard another ship anytime soon. Becket was

hope we aren’t headed for a storm” “Yeah, me

waves were thrashing against the ship, and the

panting at my doorway. With a smile, mum left.

too. I had dreadful sea sickness last time we were

shear noise emitted from both these waves and

sailing against heavy waves.” Together we bent

the heavy rain alone was absolutely deafening.

over the stern and looked down into the sea.

Up above me, I could see the masts moving to and

My eyes skimmed over the surface of the

fro, and the sails being pulled way beyond their

water, which reflected the words engraved on the

limits. Rips coming from the bow of the ship told

ship; “The Spirit of New Zealand” in silver. My

me that two of the gibs had been torn in half. A

gaze turned back to the hull of the ship, where

huge wave knocked me off my feet, and spilled

I noticed long and deep scratches, dents and

more water onto the already drowning deck. I

corrosion into the steel. “How did this happen?” I

looked around for help, but nobody seemed to be

asked, pointing to a particularly large abrasion in

there – except Becket who was trying to sit up a

the metal. “That’s the result of a careless boatman

few yards away. I screamed again and could hear

in Auckland Harbour,” said Grant. It’s also part

more sails being torn, this time from the large

of the reason why we’re going to Sydney – this

ones directly above me. Squinting through the

ship’s getting old, we need to replace a few things,

thick rain and darkness, I could only just see over

Quietly, I lay back in bed, and let sleep engulf me once again, like rough ocean waters.

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ketekorero August - October 2014

kete archives

Little prophets, little houses - the early years of the Hamilton diocese

by Judith Collins

n 2015 the Diocese of Hamilton will be 35 years old. Not long by ecclesial standards, but long enough for many early memories to fade or be forgotten altogether, which would be a pity because many amazing, creative and dedicated people played a part in the emerging story of the first decade. During the ‘vision years’ of the diocesan

The number of staff grew rapidly to meet the

quite spacious, and I was blessed with a room

consultations Assembly 81 and Vision 81, the wind

expanding needs of the diocese, and the village

with a door to the garden. Bishop Edward came

of the Spirit blew strongly and continued to do so

structure became impractical.

to live on site, and was often to be seen on his

during the renewal programme Renew (1984-

Chanel Park on the Morrinsville Road in 1990 and

87). Gifted people, passionate about their faith,

the centralisation of administration and resources

The move back to town to Chanel Centre in

stepped up in schools and parishes, all eager to

made a huge difference to the ‘culture’ of the

Grey Street changed things again, with small

contribute to the growth of the new diocese, and

diocesan centre. The informality and cosiness

work stations the norm for most staff. I still

to explore new roles in education, liturgy, social

of the little houses was lost. We no longer had a

worked for the diocese, but was able to contract

justice, youth ministry and many more.

constant stream of visitors dropping in, children

my communication role and work from home, so

In the early days we coined the phrase ‘little

of staff couldn’t come after school as they often

never had to adapt to the disciplines imposed by

prophets’ for those who, whether working at

had in Beale Street. We missed the little kitchens

the limited space. The early days remain a happy

parish, school or diocesan level, truly lived the

where we prepared impromptu lunch parties.

memory, and many of those ‘little prophets’ went

Gospel vision and understood the meaning

This wasn’t as indulgent as it sounds, as much

on to give decades

of mission, including many women who were

valuable discussion and planning took place

service to the Hamilton diocese.

taking on leadership roles that would have been

during those gatherings.

The move to

ride-on mower.

of dedicated and faithful

At Chanel Park, work practices had to be

unthinkable a decade before. Bishop Edward ‘called’ the first diocesan

standardised, procedures followed. The changes

Judith Collins worked for the Diocese of Hamilton

staff in much the same way that Jesus called his

were necessary, but some of the original creativity

from 1981 – 2006. At different times she worked

followers. He simply approached a few people

was lost. In many ways it was a lovely place to

in the Pastoral Resource Centre, the Social

he knew or knew of, and invited them to work

work, and the facilities were excellent – a tiered

Justice office, and Catholic Communications.

with him – no formal selection processes, wage

conference room, large ‘cafeteria’ and of course

negotiations or job descriptions. Starting with

the beautiful chapel. Most of our offices were

the appointment of his secretary Valerie Mildon, Clasien Truijens in social services, Sr Constance Hurley and myself in education, staff were added as the need arose, and much was also done on a voluntary basis. We were assigned spaces in various houses around

the

cathedral,

provided

with

assortment of basic equipment, much of it second hand, and left to get on with it. I remember Sr Connie and myself chopping a path through the grass and thistles in the garden of the Beale Street cottage that was to become the Pastoral Resource Centre. There were no formal budgets and money was scarce. Good ideas were funded on request, but for many day-to-day needs we relied on items that were surplus to requirements in schools and parishes, for example an ancient Gestetner copier that covered us with ink. But it wasn’t long before carpets were laid, and a couple of phones installed. We stayed in that cottage for several years till it was taken over by the Schools Office and we moved next door. Social services were located in another house in Clyde Street.

Please support the evangelisation and outreach work of the Hamilton Diocese

Sunday 28 September 2014

ADVERTORIAL

ketekorero August - October 2014

Catholic Care Foundation PO Box 955, Hamilton 3240 “The Person who is most high among us must be at the service of the other” (Pope Francis, March 2013) With this quote Pope Francis stresses the need for us as a Catholic Community to serve others in whatever way we can. Catholic Care Foundation is privileged to support the caring works of numerous groups and organisations within our diocesan area, This support is provided with the gift of financial help from our incredibly generous donors. In 2013 grants of $112,948 from the Foundation were made on your behalf to 27 different organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, Catholic Family Support Service, Hamilton Christian Night Shelters, Pregnancy Counselling, Food Banks, Budgeting Services, Prison Chaplaincy and Youth Groups. There are many professional and wonderful volunteers working in our communitiies to assist those needing a hand up and it is our mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to make grants on donors’ behalf, to ensure groups and organisations in our area have funds to support their work. Of course there are many other groups and organisations we would love to assist in their missions of care and perhaps you may like to support this work with your donations to Catholic Care Foundation, PO Box 955, Hamilton. For further information on the grants process, or to receive our newsletters regarding groups and organisations working with financial support from parishioners through Catholic Care Foundation, please email cathcare@xtra.co.nz or phone Liz on 07 839 9045