From the Editor’s Desk

Kia ora Tātou,

Ko Ngongotahā te maunga Ko Rotorua-nui-aKahumatamomoe te awa, Nō Te Arawa ahau, Ko McLeod tōku whānau.

E noho ana ahau i te rohe o Tainui/Kirikiriroa hoki, Ko Brigid Conroy ahau.

My name is Brigid and I come from the beautiful sulphur city of Rotorua, daughter of Stephen and Stella McLeod. I now live in Hamilton and am happily married to Patrick Conroy and also happy to be working for Bishop Steve Lowe at the Chanel Diocesan Centre.

You might have noticed our new look and wonder why I am here and why the change?! My usual day-to-day role is in the Pastoral Services team as the Diocesan Events Coordinator.

However, I write to you from home on Level 3 of the New Zealand lockdown and this has certainly meant a big shift in what I do day-to-day. I can’t wait until we can gather safely together again.

Mike Smith, editor of the Kete korero for the last seven years has resigned and the previous edition published was his last issue. Thank you, Mike, for your contributions to the life of the diocese! I am here as editor temporarily whilst this pandemic continues. Due to the restrictions on printing and distribution, this edition is only available online. With a background in communications, marketing and media, I will do my best to ensure Kete Korero’s purpose is upheld during my stint as editor.

Kete Korero, our local basket of stories, is a significant communication medium in the diocese. It assists Bishop Steve in the ministry of his Teaching Office, in the evangelisation and shepherding of his flock. Kete Korero also has a key role in connecting and supporting Parishes in sharing news and increasing communication across the Diocese. As a Catholic publication, it is also truly effective when it attractively presents the teachings of the Catholic Church in a way that leads to an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ.

I’ve enjoyed putting this edition together and would love to hear your thoughts on the new look and layout.

Editing this edition has also highlighted that a lot was happening across the diocese before we all went into lockdown. Despite the restrictions, there are some wonderful displays of creativity and generosity happening in this time. It gives me great hope that as a Catholic people we will come out of this pandemic more resilient and ready to share the gospel to those we will get to meet with, in-person very soon.

Happy reading! Brigid Conroy Pastoral Services Team Catholic Diocese of Hamilton e: kete@cdh.org.nz

Ana-Maria Richardson F U N E R A L S E RV I C E S

“Serving the community since 1999.”

Hamilton Catholic Diocese Parishioner

I am dedicated to providing Catholic families with genuine personal care consistent with traditions and practices of the Church.