Kete Kōrero Winter 2024 by Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, NZ

Kete Kōrero

BISHOP RICHARD LAURENSON

Recently, Pope Francis signed a new document called Dignitas Infinita. Written by others, but Francis approved, it is now part of the Magisterium of the Church. The Holy Spirit assures us that what the Pope deliberately teaches about the faith, and our relationships to God and each other, enjoys the charism of safety. (St John Paul II, General Audience of March 24, 1993). Therefore, we are to follow it.

Dignitas Infinita (DI) reaffirms the church’s ancient stance that every human person is created in the image of God, and is created with a God-given dignity that can never be taken away. This can be known by reason alone, but reason can be distorted by sin. By Revelation, we learn that the dignity of the human person is founded in our image and likeness of God and redemption in Jesus Christ. (DI §1)

Pope Francis reminds us that this dignity is not just a property of our souls, but that our bodies are also made in the

image of the creator. In all our diversity and stages of life, in sickness, injury, powerful or powerless, or in any other condition, we all hold “immeasurable value”. (DI§17) It is certainly true that in modern times there has been a call to promote the ‘dignity’ of one set of people at the expense of another. Labelling other groups of people with pejorative and innuendo, in an attempt to promote other groups. In doing this, some signal a type of ‘virtue’. Others do it to undermine perceived structures of power, which (if anyone knows their politics) is a marxist tactic.

Dignitas Infinita covers some grave violations of human dignity in the modern world. Some are familiar, like the scandal of poverty, the marginalisation of the disabled, the plight of migrants, trafficked peoples, and the horror of war. Further topics are covered in depth, including Euthanasia, surrogacy, the death penalty, and gender theory.

Our human life, in all its dimensions, is a gift from God to be accepted with gratitude, not to be rejected nor made into an object for others. We all receive God’s love, no matter how broken or unworthy we might feel, or (truthfully) be. What proves that God loves us is that while we were still enemies, Jesus suffered and died for us (Rom 5:10) to set us free and to reach out to him for help.

This issue of Kete is focusing on the Infinite Dignity of those in advanced years, with all their attending complexities.

A quick google will find Dignitas Infinita on the Vatican Website, it is a very small work by Pope Francis’ standards so I encourage you to have a look.

Christ by becoming human has shown us that individuals are even more “worthy” of our respect and love when they are weak, scorned, or suffering, even to the point of losing the human “figure” Christ has given life to institutions that take care of those who find themselves in disadvantaged conditions, such as abandoned infants, orphans, the elderly who are left without assistance, the mentally ill, people with incurable diseases or severe deformities, and those living on the streets. (DI §19)

GRAVE VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN DIGNITY: Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide & Disabilities (DI §51-54)

There is a special case of human dignity violation that

presents evil as a good. Laws permitting euthanasia or assisted suicide are sometimes called ‘death with dignity’ acts - a notion that euthanasia or assisted suicide is consistent with respect for the dignity of the human person. Suffering does not cause the sick to lose their dignity, which is intrinsically and inalienably their own. Instead, suffering can become an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of mutual belonging and gain greater awareness of the precious value of each person to the whole human family.

Certainly, the dignity of those who are critically or terminally ill calls for all suitable and necessary efforts to alleviate their suffering through appropriate palliative care and by avoiding aggressive treatments or disproportionate medical procedures. This approach corresponds with the “enduring responsibility to appreciate the needs of the sick person: care needs, pain relief, and affective and spiritual needs.”(CDF The Good Samaritan 14 July 2020) Even in its sorrowful state, human life carries a dignity that must always be upheld, that can never be lost, and that calls for unconditional respect. Indeed, there are no circumstances under which human life would cease from being dignified and could, as a result, be put to an end:

Assisting a suicide is an objective offence against the dignity of the person asking for it, even if one fulfils a person’s wish: “We must accompany people towards death, not provoke death or facilitate any form of suicide. Remember that the right to care and treatment for all must always be prioritised so that the weakest, particularly the elderly and the sick, are never rejected. Life is a right, not death, which must be welcomed, not administered. This ethical principle concerns everyone, not just Christians or believers.” The dignity of each person, no matter how weak or burdened by suffering, implies the dignity of us all.

Regrettably, our time is not known for such care; rather, a “throwaway culture” imposes itself. [This is especially true of those disabled by old age -ed] We must counter this trend, with that charity, which “is always a preferential love shown to those in greatest need; it undergirds everything we do on their behalf.” (cf DI 53-4)

Oh! Dear Lord three things I pray, To know You more clearly, Love You more dearly, Follow You more nearly day by day by day.

BISHOP’S LETTER DO NOT CAST ME OFF IN MY OLD AGE

EDITOR’S NOTE

MEN TAKING TO THE STEPS FOR CONVERSION SEMINARY APPEAL

A MISSION DEVOTED TO THE ELDERLY AD MULTOS ANNOS CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

FAITH AND SERVICE: DAME TERRY SCOTT STUDENTS BRING JOY TO CARE HOME RESIDENTS BRINGING TE ĀO MĀORI TO DEMENTIA HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM

HAERE MAI, KIA KITEA: SET FREE THE PRO-LIFE ESSAY COMPETITION COME AND SEE: HEAVEN COME HOME TO HOLINESS: FAMILY WEEKEND TRANSFORMING LIVES PEACE OF MIND TITUS TIDBITS

Publisher: Catholic Diocese of Hamilton

Editor-in-Chief: Kirsty Muir

Art Director: Taila Burton-Gollop

Proofreader: Patricia Parsons

Advertising: kete@cdh.org.nz

Online Kete articles: ketekorero.cdh.nz

Phone: 07 856 6989

Postal: PO Box 4353, Hamilton East 3247

ISSN number: 2357-2221

Deadline for content: 5th August, 2024 @catholicdioceseofhamilton youtube.com/CatholicDioceseofHamiltonNZ

Cover: Corpus Christi procession 2024, Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Photo by Taila Burton-Gollop.

Back cover: Image

Do not cast me oﬀ in my old age.

This year the fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly falls on July 28th, two days following the feast day of Saints Joachim and Anne. It was in January 2021, at the end of his Angelus, where Pope Francis announced the establishment of this dedicated day of celebration. The significance of the announcement, was it falling two days prior to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Pope Francis said, (in regards to Simeon and Anna’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah) “the Holy Spirit even today stirs up thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly…. old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young. Grandparents are often forgotten and we forget this wealth of preserving roots and passing on.”

New barriers are facing us every year, in recent years we have had extreme isolation with covid restrictions. Prior to that, was the devastating passing of the end of life bill in 2019. Pope Francis addresses the loneliness and abandonment of the elderly by way of political, economical, social and personal decisions, that fail to recognise the infinite dignity of each person, leading to the elderly considering themselves a burden, lonely and/or unvalued.

The theme for this year, which comes from Psalm 71, has been announced “Do not cast me off in my old age.” The resources given to us show a statue of Ruth and Naomi, Pope Francis refers to the sense of resignation described in the Book of Ruth, Ruth pressed to follow the society norms of the times should have left Naomi. Ruth chooses not to abandon Naomi and stay close with her. Just like Naomi and Ruth, we all receive the gifts and blessings that come forth.

Pope Francis concludes with this message, as well as a blessing and also reminds us to pray for him. “On this Fourth World Day devoted to them, let us show our tender love for the grandparents and the elderly members of our families. Let us spend time with those who are disheartened and no longer hope in the possibility of a different future. In place of the self-centred attitude that leads to loneliness and abandonment, let us instead show the open heart and the joyful face of men and women who have the courage to say “I will not abandon you”, and to set out on a different path.”

With a focus on Dignitas Infinita, which our Bishop encourages us to read, a preferential love to those in greatest need must be shown. It will inspire intense efforts to ensure that ‘everything is done to protect the status and dignity of the human person.’ The truth is that each human being, regardless of their vulnerabilities, receives his or her dignity from the sole fact of being willed and loved by God.

Resources for this day will be available on our website www.cdh.org.nz/elderly2024

‘INFINITE DIGNITY’

EDITOR’S NOTE

With Dignitas Infinita (DI) produced in April, we come sharing stories on the Infinite Dignity of Golden milestones, faithful service that covers many years, and we hear from those that reflect on the debilitating effects of dementia, but show with faith we have hope.

Sr Constance shares her living mission which is serving the elderly. Whether through her article or our primary school visiting the rest home next door, one thing is evident: giving our time to those in need nurtures and benefits the Infinite Dignity of all.

In the coverage of the Catholic Women’s League conference, Monsignor Frank talks of an article about building vocations, but tailored to suit the CWL membership. On the back of our seminary appeal, I encourage you to read the original, we must constantly pray for Vocations. What stood out was research showing almost 70% of men who entered the seminary, served at Mass as youth. Monsignor’s Leonard and Joe had plenty of coverage in the lead up to their Golden Jubilee in local papers, as we have done in this issue. They mentioned both serving as Altar servers in their earlier days.

We love seeing what our students have been up to, please

reach out, and so long as we have parents permission, we can share their stories too. Thanks to Bishop Edward Gaines and St Mary’s Paeroa for these Anzac Day service photos, it is great to see our tamariki active in the community.

This job really truly is a gift, thank you to all the people who

have shared their faith stories, for it grows my own every day.

PHOTO SUPPLIED: WIREMU, TANE, MANAAKI, MASSING AND HARRIE (NIO)

PHOTO SUPPLIED: STUDENTS FROM ST MARY'S IN PAEROA ATTEND ANZAC DAY SERVICE

MEN TAKING TO THE STEPS FOR CONVERSION

WAYNE O’HALLORAN

A movement is sweeping the world, men on their knees in cities around the world, praying the rosary in public. Hamilton has joined in, with a group of our men taking to the steps of the Cathedral on the first Saturday of the month. Head to our youtube channel homepage, where we have set up a ‘recommended watch’ showcasing the thousands of men taking part around the world. This follows Our Lady’s wishes given to us via the Fatima visionaries.

STHANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT

aturday 4th May at midday saw 25 men gather on the steps of the Cathedral to pray the Rosary as the first of our monthly assemblies. Those gathered were mainly young men accompanied by some in the grey hair category. We were blessed by Fr Joe Stack for allowing us to use a beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from WE HAVE RAISED $23,000 AND COUNTING!

A Psalm of praise from our Vocations Director, Monsignor Joe

O Lord, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world! Your praise reaches up to the heavens; it is sung by children and babies. You are safe and secure from all your enemies; you stop anyone who opposes you. When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places— what are human beings, that you think of them; mere mortals, that you care for them?

Yet you made them inferior only to yourself; you crowned them with glory and honor. You appointed them rulers over everything you made; you placed them over all creation: sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too; the birds and the fish and the creatures in the seas.

O Lord, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world!

St Patrick’s in Te Awamutu. Placing her on the top step in front of the main entrance to the Cathedral she was clearly visible, as were we, to vehicles and passers by from Grey Street and Victoria Bridge as we prayed the rosary.

Our next Rosary will take place on the 6th of July on the steps of the Cathedral. We would like to fill the steps up to the cathedral with many men, young and old, and enjoy each other’s company in honouring Our Blessed Mother’s wishes in praying the Rosary with the intention for the conversion of New Zealand back to Christ.

Men let’s take two knees for Our Lady, see you all on the 6th of July, 12 noon.

A MISSION DEVOTED TO THE ELDERLY

SR CONSTANCE CAROLYN VEIT

L.S.P. LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR, WASHINGTON, D.C.

I recently came across a video of a joyful sister from the Little Sisters of the Poor. If you were to give an example of the epitomised embodiment of faith in action, it would be Sister Constance. Her selﬂess commitment to serving others illuminates the essence of her religious vocation. Sister Constance, whose passion has been the elderly since she was 15, in her own words, shares her “convictions about the treasure that the elderly are and all the gifts they have to share with us.” Please pray for the sisters and their mission, you can search ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ and we have also referenced a few pages on our website under Kete Kōrero.

The Visitation, the scene from St. Luke’s Gospel in which Mary, after finding out she is carrying a child by the power of the Holy Spirit, goes in haste into the hill country to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who is also miraculously with child. I hope this image will help you remember what it is I wish to convey. This was the setting for Mary’s Magnificat, her great song of praise. The Magnificat is sung every day in every age and every land, by all those who pray the liturgy of the hours. This was a moment of unbounded joy. Images of the Visitation are often used in the context of pro-life work, but what we Little Sisters first see when we contemplate this mystery is a young woman propelled by love to come to the aid of her elderly relative in need.

This is the heart of our vocation — by our vow of hospitality we ‘visit’ the elderly poor in their need, welcome them into our homes and accept them into our hearts as members of our own family. We place ourselves at their service and become their ‘little sisters,’ but we also strive to be mothers to them, anticipating and trying to meet their needs, and accompanying them through the last stages of their life’s journey as they prepare to leave this world.

As you know, traditionally a midwife is someone who assists in bringing babies into the world. The goal of midwifery is a safe birth for both mother and child and a healthy baby. A priest-friend of ours has called us midwives of souls because, at the other end of life, we assist the elderly in our care to prepare for death by living as meaningful as possible so that they may achieve a peaceful passage into the loving hands of God. Such a death is an accomplishment, a triumph of sorts.

What made our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, give up her relatively peaceful life in order to welcome indigent seniors

Infinite Dignity

into her modest home as if they were members of her own family? What motivates us to devote our lives to this mission?

It is because Jeanne Jugan saw, and we see in the elderly, the suffering members of the Body of Christ. She often said to the young Sisters, “Never forget that the poor are Our Lord; it is Jesus whom you care for in them.” Today we give up everything to care for the elderly in what Pope Francis calls a throw-away or disposable culture because we see Christ in them, because we believe their lives have inviolable dignity and worth no matter how frail or disabled they may become. We devote our lives to the elderly because every human life, from the youngest to the oldest, is sacred and so worthy of love, care and reverence.

The contribution of the elderly is also something that Pope Francis talks about a lot. Bringing young people and older people together is a constantly recurring theme of his pontificate. I first noticed this during World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2013, soon after he was elected.

It was July 25, the eve of the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus, and this is what he said to young people from Argentina. Needless to say I was very surprised and beyond thrilled that he talked to them about the elderly:

“I think our world civilization has gone beyond its limits … because it has made money into such a god that we are now faced with a philosophy and a practice which exclude the two ends of life that are most full of promise for peoples. They exclude the elderly, obviously. You could easily think there is a kind of hidden euthanasia, that is, we don’t take care of the elderly; but there is also a cultural euthanasia, because we don’t allow them to speak, we don’t allow them to act. And there is the exclusion of the young. … This civilization … has led us to exclude the two peaks that make up our future. As for the young, they must emerge, they must assert themselves, they must go out to … fight for these values; and the elderly must open their mouths … and teach us! Pass on to us the wisdom of the peoples!”

The very next day, the feast day of Jesus’ grandparents,

the Pope said: “Children and the elderly build the future of peoples: children because they lead history forward, the elderly because they transmit the experience and wisdom of their lives. This relationship and this dialogue between generations is a treasure to be preserved and strengthened! In this World Youth Day, young people wish to acknowledge and honour their grandparents. They salute their grandparents with great affection and they thank them for the ongoing witness of their wisdom.”

I have always taken note of anything the pope says about the elderly, and I’d be willing to bet (even though I have a vow of poverty and no money) that Pope Francis has spoken about the elderly, his desire for strong relationships between the young and the old, more than John Paul II and Benedict XVI combined. I think years from now this will be seen as one of the hallmarks of his pontificate.

Pope Francis has continued to speak of the elderly at every World Youth Day and every other time he meets with the young … and in many other circumstances as well. In Amoris Laetitia he wrote, “How I would like a Church that challenges the throw-away culture by the overflowing joy of a new embrace between young and old!”

Most recently, in Christus Vivit, the Pope’s new apostolic exhortation following last year’s Synod of Bishops on Young People, The Faith and Vocational Discernment,

our Holy Father devoted an entire chapter to the need for young people to have strong bonds with the elderly. He entitled it Young People with Roots. The Pope asserts that it is impossible to grow and mature unless we have strong roots to support us and keep us firmly grounded. And how do we develop these roots? By remaining close to our elders so that we can benefit from their experience.

I have always felt strongly about involving young people in the life of our homes, because I believed it did a lot of good for the elderly. But from Pope Francis I have come to understand that bringing seniors and young people together is just as important, if not more so, for the young. As Pope Francis said, it is a genuine act of love towards them.

“If we journey together, young and old,” Pope Francis writes, “we can be firmly rooted in the present, and from here, revisit the past and look to the future. To revisit the past in order to learn from history and heal old wounds that at times still trouble us. To look to the future in order to nourish our enthusiasm, cause dreams to emerge, awaken the prophecies and enable hope to blossom. Together, we can learn from one another, warm hearts, inspire minds with the light of the Gospel, and lend new strength to our hands.”

For the last several years we have sponsored a livein service program where young women interested in consecrated life spend several weeks or months with us. This enables them to experience our apostolic, spiritual and community life. They are invited to write reflections about their experiences, and in these reflections they often mention how much they have learned from the elderly, even as they are helping to care for them.

One of these young women wrote the following after serving with us last summer: “I flourished in this apostolate. It was quite rewarding for the residents and me because they were able to teach me much about life, and I was able to share my experiences with them. That’s something that many people of my age have trouble doing. It was cool learning many of the residents’ background stories. We learned many things from each other, and I learned a lot about myself.”

Using the gifts God has given us. This brings me back to my image of the Visitation. When I was younger I only considered the gift that Mary brought to Elizabeth, because, after all, she was carrying Jesus within her and she brought him to her cousin. But now I also imagine all that Elizabeth was able to offer Mary, as someone in the same situation but older and more experienced. In this image I see the meeting of the generations, the sharing of dreams, as well as, perhaps, fears.

I see mentoring, accompaniment and the spirituality of encounter; I see spiritual communion, reciprocity and Pope Francis’ revolution of tenderness. In the Magnificat I hear the overflowing joy of these two women sharing their experiences, one quite young and one old, and the remembering of God’s mercies. In the Visitation we can imagine all the little daily acts of love and service Mary would have performed for Elizabeth, as well as the gestures of welcome that would have made Mary feel accepted in her cousin’s home. The Visitation really encapsulates all that I hoped to convey to you of the overflowing joy of a new embrace between young and old!

AD MULTOS ANNOS

KIRSTY MUIR

Ad Multos Annos was the heading used on May 12th 1974 in the Zealandia, meaning ‘May you have many years.’ 50 years on, Monsignor’s Leonard Danvers and Joe Stack have defined this phrase with their service of priesthood.

Monsignors’ Leonard Danvers and Joe Stack describe the week surrounding their anniversaries

as one of very ‘full on’ celebrations and as a wonderful affirmation from so many people. From entering the priesthood in 1974 when our area was part of the Auckland Diocese, they were founding priests of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in 1980. Between them they have served in a good number of our parishes. Mons. Leonard is currently Vicar General and Mons Joe, Vocations Director and were both recognised by his Holiness in 2022 and given the title of Monsignor. Each had celebrations in their parishes as well as the Jubilee Mass at the Cathedral. We share some of the photos and a reflection from them both.

DEACON LEON, FR RICO AND MONSIGNOR JOE SURROUND MONSIGNOR LEONARD AS HE CELEBRATES THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST.

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY REKORD LTD

150 YEARS - FR WAYNE HEALEY, MONS LEONARD, MONS JOE. PHOTO SUPPLIED BY REKORD LTD

WITH PARISHIONERS FROM ALL SAINTS BY THE SEA FROM WHERE MONS LEONARD SERVED IN THE MID 80’S. PHOTO SUPPLIED

BISHOP STEVE LOWE (AUCKLAND), FR WAYNE HEALEY (DUNEDIN), MONS LEONARD DANVERS, MONS JOE STACK, FR PAT BRADY (AUCKLAND), BISHOP RICHARD LAURENSON, BISHOP EMERITUS PATRICK DUNN (AUCKLAND). JUBILEE MASS 2024, CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF HAMILTON

WITH CURRENT DAY PARISHIONERS FROM CAMBRIDGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: AARON KEARNEY, FRED HANSEN, HELEN BONDOC, JACINTA O’CONNELL, BERNADETTE LION MANNING, MONICA WILLIAMS.

MONSIGNOR LEONARD’S JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS.

DELIVERING HIS HOMILY, GIVING THANKS TO THE LORD FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE.

ROMAN COX AND LEO DE VISSER, EITHER SIDE OF MONS JOE, AS THE FRANSEN FAMILY PRESENTS THE OFFERTORY GIFTS.

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY REKORD LTD

MONSIGNOR JOE CUTTING HIS CAKE AT HIS TE AWAMUTU CELEBRATIONS.

LEO DE VISSER AND MONS JOE

L-R: BISHOP RICHARD, MONSIGNORS JOE AND LEONARD, FR WAYNE (DUNEDIN) AND FR RICO PROCESS IN FOR MONS. JOE’S JUBILEE MASS AT HIS PARISH IN TE AWAMUTU.

MONSIGNOR LEONARD DANVERS

Looking back on five decades of service, what legacy do you hope to leave behind as a priest, and what is your prayer for the future of religious life?

Cardinal Delargey at my ordination spoke of a parish “coming of age” when it is able to give back to the Church something of what it has received through the ministry of the priests who have served them, and who now give one of their own to continue the work of the Church. My prayer is that God will continue to call people from all our parishes to be of service to the Church in a priestly or religious vocation.

Throughout your years of service, how have you seen the role of the priesthood change, and what enduring values do you believe remain at its core?

Prior to the Second Vatican Council the priest had a clear identity. He was seen as a sacred, Cultic figure who had a status and respect just because he was ordained. Following Vatican II there was a change in thinking with a rediscovery of the common priesthood of the people of God and the universal call to holiness. Priesthood is now understood above all else as a call to servant leadership - and there’s a fine balance between these two words.

The image of the priest in modern theology is so idealised that none of us could live up to it.

The priest has to be a brilliant preacher, an efficient administrator, a creative liturgist, a patient listener, a spiritual guru and good with both old and young alike. In the Letter to the Hebrews we have a model and theology of priesthood with the vision of Christ the High Priest, who is a sacred figure, who celebrates the sacred liturgy, but whose holiness doesn’t separate him from others. Pope Francis calls us to be shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.

*Editor note: To take on the 'smell of the sheep' means ‘to be out amongst the flock, engaged in the lives of the parishioners and those in the community, entrusted to the

priest.’ He must walk with them side-by-side.

A note of blessings and thanks.

The constantly recurring story as I look back over 50 years is the friends I’ve made in every parish I’ve been in. The great gift of love and friendship is what has sustained me over the years. It’s been great catching up with people from all the parishes I’ve served in - they represent so many others not able to be present at our different celebrations, but who have sent messages of good wishes and prayers.

MONSIGNOR JOE STACK

Gratitude to God, the parishes and the people “Listen now, House of David, are you not satisfied with trying the patience of mortals without trying the patience of my God, too?” Isa 7:13. This is heard in Advent and is from a conversation between God and Ahaz, a king who was ambivalent and inconsistent, namely obeying the will of God. It popped into my head as I sat to reflect on our Golden Jubilee about a month ago. It is clear that the overwhelming sentiment has to be one of gratitude - both to God and to people. And yet, I hesitated to say that lest it appear a cliche or worse. And even in that moment, I am aware that that is exactly what Ahaz was doing in supposedly not wanting to put God to the test! I recognise now, even afresh and anew, what a privilege was given me with training in the seminary and my ordination day. At the time it is not always clear that it is a privilege, and it is true that sometimes events and circumstances are not what they are supposed to be: for that we can be grateful too, because as everyone experiences, the rolling maul of life sometimes produces only a reluctant penalty try and all too often an unresolved collapse that is sorted out by a scrum! (The vocabulary of the rules of rugby is instructive on life, I consider.) Thank you for all your support - your hospitality, your receptivity to my ideas and initiatives, your encouragement and our successes, all of these pointed not towards my achievement or even our achievements, but rather to the mercy and generosity and patience of Christ. I acknowledge that not all has been as it should have been during these 50 years, and for the misdemeanours, catastrophes, failures and mis-steps that have adversely affected and even hurt or angered people and let them down, I apologise. For other less felicitous occurrences or where expectations have not been met, I am sorry. I crave your indulgence and forgiveness.

Some highlights

Travelling to Holy sites; experiencing parishes in the Solomons, Brazil, Boston, Worcester; being present at meetings of human rights and social justice groups in Asia; seeing the work that Caritas does in Bangladesh and India

is to name only a few. Momentous moments, for those who were there, (even if the world at large was content to ignore them), funerals; weddings; baptisms; house blessings even.

To see people engaging with the faith, and taking the opportunity at that time to ask God, through the ministry of the priest, to bless; strengthen and console them.

My prayer for you

A desirable outcome of Vatican II was that priests and people alike have become used to praying with the Psalms, these prayer-poems have a rich treasure with which to enhance our daily prayer. I’d like to conclude this reflection by praying for you a favourite, Psalm 8. Join me in praise and thanksgiving for the wonders God has done in this priest who heard His call and responded even imperfectly to what was asked of him. *

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

KIRSTY MUIR

With membership not only declining, but the average age increasing significantly, the treasurer of the Catholic Women’s League (Hamilton Diocese), reached out to the Kete team to see if we could feature a small part of their recent conference, effectively to give the CWL some much needed promotion. Primarily I was invited along to witness two special ladies being acknowledged with life membership. The conference was to run over Friday afternoon, through to the following afternoon at St Mary’s in Rotorua. First on the agenda was the life membership presentation, and then I was officially free to go, however the welcoming joyful members, the hot cups of tea over chats, the passion for the league and the opportunity to be involved, saw me not only stay for dinner, but return the following day.

Apreconceived notion on my part, Catholic Women’s League was a group of ladies that met up once a

month to be social. How wrong was I. The amount of work these ladies contribute has me now in awe, and, rightfully so, behind their call for new members. They have dedicated members to report on social issues, world union of catholic women’s organisations and mission involvements. They have submitted petitions to the Health Minister, the latest: the proximity of Vape shops to our schools. They have supported families through diabetes diagnosis and subsequent awareness, worked closely with schools and

donated many thousands of dollars to needy causes. They cater for funerals to raise funds, spend hours knitting and making preserves for their raffle tables.

Reverend Tom Poata from St Faiths Anglican Church was their guest speaker. He presented in such a way that was sombre and joyful in one. He said today’s world is frightening, our youth can know an ‘influencer’ with a million followers better than their own grandparents and have more, well, influence, on them. He still managed to present his message and get plenty of laughs out of the

PRESIDENT AND

L-R: MOIRA KILBRIDE

JOAN PIGOU FROM MORRISVILLE, MONSIGNOR FRANK (CHAPLAIN), MADELEINE MASTERS FROM ROTORUA, TERRY SCOTT FROM HAMILTON, TINI WETTING FROM WHAKATANE. (ABSENT: COLLEEN BUTCHER AND MARGARET BROWNSEY.)

room. His number one message - do not take your faith to the grave!

In the CWL life members are nominated by region, and once accepted have historically been presented with a badge and certificate. Not to change this protocol but to add to it, one member had a wonderful idea. Those who serve on the diocesean council or as a president of an area, wear yellow scarves to gatherings to help people recognise them. As badges are hard to see, why not have a scarf for the life members as well. The colour purple was very quickly vetoed for obvious reasons. The beautiful fabric you see in our pictures will now help you recognise the well deserved life membership of the Hamilton Diocese. The current members are Joan Pigou, Madeline Masters, Terry Scott and Colleen Butcher. Tini Wetting had been nominated and received her Life Time Membership badge, scarf and certificate at the conference. Margaret Brownsey was also set to receive hers also but was unable to be present.

In his closing speech Monsignor Frank gave a speech of

hope for the future of the Catholic Women’s League. He had recently read an article in ‘the Priest’ by Father Daniel J. Schmitmeyer who is the director of vocations for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

This article was obviously written for promotion of vocations. There were a total of 19 suggestions* But in the conclusion of the article, the writer had focused on three of the points. It was here that Monsignor Frank saw a link between this and promotion of the CWL. What applies to the priesthood could also be applied to our groups within Church life.

The first and most important is prayer, we must pray continually, everyday and never give up. We must pray continually that the League will grow - especially in our Diocese and Parishes.

The second was to not be afraid to ask. Don’t be afraid to invite someone along to a CWL meeting or to get involved, some people might just be waiting to be asked.

The third was to live out a joyful life, we ourselves must openly show the joy we experience in being a League member, the community, the friendships, the blessings, the opportunities we have to serve the Lord.

So Prayer, Participation and Joy. Heart and soul; willing and able; joyful hope - we can do this!

*This article is linked on our website on the Kete Kōrero page for those who want to read in its entirety.

SECRETARY,

Prayer, Ask and be a Joyful Witness.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CWL HAMILTON DIOCESE

PRESIDENT, TREASURER AND CHAPLAIN

HAMILTON DIOCESE CWL LIFE TIME MEMBERS, PICTURED WITH

CHAPLAIN.

(PRESIDENT),

MUSICAL TALENT AT JOHN PAUL COLLEGE (JPC)

As part of the entertainment on the Friday night for the CWL conference, a call was put out to JPC. Head of Music, Brenda Oakley rounded up five of her students and what a performance! These ladies all have bright futures ahead, and the support and nurturing they received from their teacher was evident in the evening. For a good half hour they played the piano and sang, for the Catholic Women’s League. One of the girls singing in her native Samoan tongue moved some in the audience to tears, with all performances ending with resounding applause.

These young ladies are all seniors at John Paul College, in years 11, 12 and 13.

They are involved in the music scene in many ways within JPC, as members of the choir, orchestra, chamber music groups and rockquest bands. Many of them are seasoned performers in their own right, and have been performing around Rotorua and beyond regularly. Jasmine is currently a member of the NZ Secondary Schools Choir, and Tadhg is currently

rehearsing for Les Miserables with Tauranga Musical Theatre after being part of The Phantom of the Opera here in Rotorua. Flossy has recently performed at the Rotorua Jazz Club’s NZ Music month concert as part of a group of JPC and ex-JPC students, and along with Tadhg has progressed to the Regional Finals of this year’s Rockquest competition.

PHOTO: FLOSSY SMITH, TADHG CAMERON, SARA SMITH, EILISH BEST, JASMINE HULTON-SO’OIALO, BRENDA OAKLEY (HOD MUSIC)

Faith and Service: Dame Terry Scott

KIRSTY MUIR

I first got to meet Terry at the Catholic Women’s League Conference (CWL) in May. Her life story fascinated me as we talked over dinner. Reﬂecting on Monsignor Frank’s conference closing remarks, this woman was the witness of the joyful life he referred to. Walking into her home, I was greeted with love and joy, not only by a woman with a smile that shows the Lord working in her life, but embraced by Padre Pio, Thérèse of Lisieux, the Infant Jesus of Prague, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady, St Joseph and more. There was no denying this was a home of a truly faithful Catholic

EARLY LIFE

As soon as she was born, Terry Scott embarked on a journey of faith that has spanned very close to nine decades (so far) and touched countless lives. Raised ‘down south’, her young family would become founding parishioners of Christ the King Parish, Burnside in 1959. The vibrant hub of activity that was their Catholic Women’s League had a whopping 99 members. Many were homemakers like Terry, a much younger demographic than the majority of our Leagues today.

FAMILY

Terry’s husband to be, Murray, was not Catholic. Theirs would be the first ‘inter-religious’ Nuptials at St Bernadettes where the shutters to the Altar were not closed. The next morning, Terry was on her way to Mass, as Murray also got ready to leave with her, she told him he didn’t have to come. His simple but affirming response - ‘united we stand, divided we fall.’ This was to be the beginning of his close relationship with the Catholic Church. One of their daughters even told a Nun, “my Dad is not Catholic” and because he was so involved with parish life, didn’t believe her. While he never converted, he would have regular visitations from Father Nicholas Hoogeveen during his stays in hospital. Refusing to ask for anointing every visit, it was 5pm one evening in January 1998 where he asked and received.* He passed away later that night. Unbeknown

to Terry, he had already organised his full funeral service at St Pius X with Fr Nic.

Terry and Murray, after raising 10 children, had moved to Hamilton in 1978. Nine of these children were biological, one was her younger brother, very close in age to her own children, whom she had taken in during a time where her own mother was unwell. What was meant to be a time of 18 months for her mother to convalesce, turned into at least 10 years.

Terry’s faith journey has been marked by moments of joy, and unwavering devotion. She said there have been plenty of times she should have felt sorrow, the passing of her husband in his early sixties, and the tragic loss of her son in his early twenties. But these are the moments she finds strength in her faith and a peace from knowing they are with the Lord. Our Lady is thanked every evening when she prays for her family, for being present always in all their

lives and at death.

ST PIUS X

Together they were an integral part of the Parish of St Pius X, Melville. In 2006 Fr Nic wrote a piece for the Jubilee book of his time in the parish (1995-1999). The first name in his list of people to thank was Murray, as the handyman he knew the ins and outs of that Church and was always there to ensure its upkeep and see through the alterations. Monsignor Frank adds “When I was appointed as the Parish Priest of St. Pius, Melville in 1992-94, the first person to meet me as I arrived was Murray who showed me through the presbytery and instructed me to ring him if anything needed to be repaired both in the presbytery and the Church. I did so constantly! Murray was always at Mass, even when Terry was away on CWL duties, as she was the National President at the time. I was in total shock two years later to learn that Murray was not a Catholic. I hadn’t picked that up! He loved the Church and made a mighty contribution to the Parish.”

PHOTO SUPPLIED: TERRY’S INVESTITURE, PICTURED HERE ALONGSIDE YVONNE QUINN, WITH BISHOP DENIS BROWNE AND REV FRANK EGGLETON

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

Of all her involvement in the Church, the CWL is the one true constant and rooted deep within her heart. She has served as both Diocesean and National President and Diocesean Secretary in her years. When she was National president, she met the fellow National president of Canada, and to this day they still keep in touch. Canada too has experienced a drop in membership, however not quite as drastic, they are down to some 80,000 members from 100,000.

As members drop and branches close around New Zealand, Terry says there is the obvious issue of mothers now working, but also believes branches are closing because the ageing members do not want to take on the roles required, having to use internet banking is an obvious concern for anyone looking to take on a treasurer position if they have limited experience with it. In places such as Hamilton the Cathedral branch of CWL has closed, and as it wasnt Terry’s parish she wasn’t there to be able to shoulder tap people to join when numbers were low. Promotion is needed in all facets to grow the CWL once more. The Frankton parish CWL too has closed, but Terry and three others still meet regularly for tea and to say the Rosary together.

RECOGNITIONS

Her Catholic service is not just confined to parish life and CWL. Terry was a Catholic Counsellor for many years, in fact it was this role that led to her getting her first cell phone under Murrays insistence (Terry is a whizz when it comes to technology). Likewise it is also not confined to the Church and Church organisations, Terry also served as a Justice of the Peace and was heavily involved in Rotary to name a few things. In fact both her and her husband were awarded the highest honour for Rotary, the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

In 2002, the year of the Queen’s Jubilee, she was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for service to the community. While members of the order (MNZM) are not permitted to use Dame and Sir titles, in true Terry fashion she got the Dame title she deserved and this time for service to the Church.

After her return from a well deserved break early in 2007, she was worried to have missed countless messages from Bishop Denis Browne needing to speak to her immediately.

She was wondering what she had done wrong and thought she was in trouble! He was over the moon to tell her in person, she was to be awarded with a Papal award, and Terry was in shock.

Monsignor Frank had been the one to suggest to Bishop Browne he should apply. During Mons. Frank’s second time as parish priest of St Pius X from 2002 - 2009, Terry was Chairperson of the Parish Council. He said “She was outstanding. The Meetings were totally positive. Terry, as leader, was absolutely self-giving, gentle, a listener and very proactive. The Parish was alive with joy and activities and Terry was at the heart of it.” Her service to the parish also extended to the school, as proprietor’s representative for nine years. It was not just for the parish and parish/ school involvement that Monsignor Frank suggested knighthood but for her work as national president of the CWL. On April 18th 2007, she was invested into the Order of St Gregory the Great. Yvonne Quinn, head teacher of St Pius School was also awarded with the Benemerenti Medal on the same evening.

INSPIRATION

As Terry reflects on her spiritual journey, she offers wise counsel to those who seek to follow her path: get involved, take the plunge, and always be willing to lend a helping hand. For Terry, faith isn’t just about attending Mass and saying her prayers—it’s about living a life of service and gratitude, a sentiment echoed in her Confirmation Saint, St. Bernadette.

As the sun sets on another day, Terry Scott’s final words before we wrapped up our chat, is to remind everyone to bring it all back to being grateful. She says she really is truly blessed. She remains a shining example of faith in action—a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who have been touched by her presence. But she still questions why people keep giving her awards.

*“If there is a danger of death... Catholic ministers may lawfully administer these same sacraments [penance, Eucharist, anointing of the sick] to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church … provided that they demonstrate the Catholic faith in respect of these sacraments and are properly disposed.”

(Code of Canon Law 844.4)

PRIMARY STUDENTS BRING JOY TO CARE HOME RESIDENTS

STEPHANIE FOSTER

Stephanie Foster is a Year 4 teacher at St Thomas More Catholic School in Mount Maunganui. She said their small school is exploring opportunities to share their faith with the wider community in meaningful ways. As part of Religious Education in the lead up to Easter, the children sang songs and performed drama based plays on the Easter story. Their neighbours at Somervale Rest Home were eager to have her class visit and share their faith with them.

Prior to our visit, I explained to our class that our goal is to spread joy and share the message about the

real reason for Easter. We were given a list of the residents’ names and designed Easter cards. It was heartwarming to observe the children show altruism and personalise their cards for the residents, they took their responsibility seriously and thought carefully about what to write.

The children were bubbling with excitement and nerves on the day of our performance.

“The experience was mutually beneficial for both the children and the residents.”

The children were buzzing after the applause from the audience, who called “encore”. We responded with an unplanned song by kiwi band, Six60, ‘Pepeha’. The childrens’ singing brought tears to eyes in the crowd.

We have been invited back to Somervale in December to perform a Christmas show.

ABOVE: READY FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE | BELOW: STUDENTS IN COSTUME DURING PERFORMANCE

“We were so happy that we can visit the people in Somervale and we know that they were full with joy because they were clapping and smiling.”

- Cassandra

“One of the people who was working there was crying happy tears. Then they gave us a yummy treat. I think we made their day. After, I felt harikoa.” - Claudia

“I felt nervous walking to Somervale because my class did a play, I was a disciple. My class also made Easter cards, I made one for ‘May’. I wrote ‘Dear May, I hope you have a amazing Easter, God bless you, have a good day’. On the front of the card there was a cross. I chose purple and red coloured paint. It was funny because Ruth made a card for (a lady called) Ruth, her name was Ruth too. My class sang ‘These hands’ and ‘Pepeha’. After doing the play I felt happy because I was going to not do it, but I did!”

- Juliana

ABOVE: TWO OF THE YEAR 4 GIRLS READY TO GO WITH THE CARDS THEY MADE

ABOVE: EXCERPTS OF THE CHILDREN’S WRITING ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE BELOW: CHILDREN SING ‘PEPEHA’

BRINGING TE ĀO MĀORI TO DEMENTIA MATE WAREWARE

BONNIE SAVAGE, SOCIAL ISSUES CONVENOR FOR CWL HAMILTON DIOCESE

In an interview with clinical neuropsychologist, Dr Makarena Dudley, we learn about the relevance, importance and benefit of the cultural practices of Māori and their inclusion alongside western medicine and science for those kaumātua (elders) with dementia or mate wareware. Dr Dudley talks about the healing aspects through culture.

The following korero (piece) is based on an article found inside the November 2023 edition of the Nathaniel Report.

any aspects of our culture provide proven protective factors against mate wareware.’

Unlike the negative diagnosis usually painted by having dementia according to Western medicine, mate wareware may be considered a time to connect with whakapapa (genealogy) and tūpuna (ancestors). This may also be viewed as a time of celebration and preparation for life after death. (Even within the experience of hallucination and delusional behaviour).

Māori may describe this condition as wairua or spirit at play rather than a grappling with a cursed affliction entirely. Dementia may show itself as tricky and difficult but kaimahi (staff) approach is to provide awhi (‘strength based support’).

Dr Ngaire Kerse, tohunga (expert) on bicultural ageing, conducted a study on octogenarians which showed Māori clients as misdiagnosed. The method of testing for dementia was based on western populations which meant Māori culturally based questions were not considered. In response to this omission, kaumātua were wanting to be questioned about their spiritual ora (wellbeing), considered fundamental. From a Māori reality, it is known ‘belief and values protect and provide a different way of being’ and so methods of healing could be drawn from Te Āo Māori (the Māori world).

A model named MANA (the Māori Assessment of Neuropsychological Abilities) tool has been developed for kaumātua. Simple questions lie alongside the standard western model template. These may be pepeha (identity), relationships with mokopuna (grandchildren),

manaakitanga (hospitality) and places of importance to them, like marae. Familiar foods requested like tītī (mutton bird) and kaanga pirau (rotten corn), two favoured delicacies prompt extremely positive food experience feelings. Childhood memories come to the forefront by taste, feel and smell inviting positive messages from the neurons in the brain. Stories have been shared more than once that when kaumātua visit marae and engage in whakawhanaungatanga (socialising), korero i te reo (speaking), karakia (prayer),waiata (song) and kai (food), mate wareware disappears. The neurons in the brain are triggered and activated when not normally the case. Dr Dudley admits mate wareware is not necessarily healed but the condition may be slowed down. Experiences such as those on the marae and the rituals they provide can generate long term memory, further surfacing the ability to speak te reo for example, even after being non-native speakers for many years. (Forbidden in some cases).

This report may have touched on a kaupapa (issue) considered a great tragedy. But reading Dr Dudleys article brings hope and dignity alongside tools like MANA. I am wondering whether it could further be adapted and tweaked to be of use for all cultures. Introducing te āo Māori to dementia, releases and opens the possibility to provide genuine support by being cognitive of the cultural significance that identifies our kaumātua. Wairua and aroha claim a place inside their hearts as a right. Dr Dudley empowers and honours their journey.

Happy Birthday Mum

JOANNA KEARNEY DIOCESAN PASTORAL SERVICES MANAGER

Joanna Kearney shares a living tribute to her mother, suffering with dementia. The moments we can find joy in our suffering, and the faith that dementia can never take away.

I have travelled cross country to visit my mother and celebrate her 90th birthday. No one is more surprised than Mum that it is her birthday. And her state of surprise persists even as we remind her, as often as she asks, why we are gathering. Thirteen years since the loss of her beloved husband, our Dad, dementia has slowly but inexorably imposed itself. And while she can often vividly recall details of her childhood, her short term memory fails her every few minutes. I can catch in her gaze the moments when the ensuing confusion turns into fear - and I gently take hold of her hand and smile. It is enough to reassure her for the present moment.

To my knowledge, this will be the first time that anything about my mum has ever been written, much less published. She has not lived the glamorous life that our secular culture reveres, nor has she contributed to the advancement of any groundbreaking technology or business. Rather, Mum has lived one of those quietly industrious lives, like millions of others throughout the ages, devoted entirely to the loving service of her family. Raising seven children in a series of dilapidated, draughty rentals, she would stretch Dad’s limited income as far as she could, sewing our clothes well into the nights on her Singer sewing machine, maintaining a large vegetable garden to supplement the nine meals she served up every evening, and generally going without any personal treats in favour of her children.

It would be easy to focus on the notion of unfairness that such a selfless life should draw to a close grappling with the complexities of dementia. However, our faith asks us to accept the mystery that is inherent in suffering and look to the cross of Christ and the hope of the resurrection. By that rubric, while praying for the relief of symptoms in the here and now for Mum, I also search for the ‘greater good’ - the deeper compassion that Mum’s situation arouses in me, and the patience and good humour with which the wonderful nurses in the specialist unit look after her. Indeed, Mum’s suffering calls us out of ourselves, and offers us the opportunity to grow in love and thereby come closer to the model disciples that our heavenly Father intends.

While dementia has robbed Mum of most of her independence, her gentle, unassuming character remains much the same. In more lucid moments, she can still giggle until her face turns red and tears squeeze from the corners of her eyes. She still finds delight in a flower garden, in visits from her children, and in old-time songs that have her dancing in her chair.

Her faith continues to provide solace and she will default to reciting a Hail Mary if she becomes confused or agitated. Moreover, while awkwardly reticent to express her love when we were little, the frail mother whose cheek I bend down to kiss while wishing her Happy Birthday and telling her I love her, whispers softly and naturally back, “I love you too”. As St Paul attested, it is at our most weak and vulnerable that God’s abundant Grace finds an opening and works its beautiful magic.

HAERE MAI, KIA KITEA Set Free 2024

Eliza is a Year 11 student at John Paul College and is part of the St Mary’s parish in Rotorua.

Attending set-free camps has been an enriching experience for me. This year marked my third camp, and each time I participate, I am reminded of the beauty of connecting with fellow Catholic teenagers. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone in navigating my faith as a teenager. These camps have broadened my perspective on expressing my beliefs beyond the confines of weekly church services. I eagerly anticipate moments of adoration, reconciliation, and worship sessions, along with hearing inspiring testimonies from our youth leaders. The Chapel masses, especially when shared with peers, create a profound sense of community, love, and belonging that resonates deeply within me.

Jacqueline Nankivell is head girl for Campion College and attended Set Free for the first time along with her younger brother.

He honore he kororia ki te atua, he maungarongo ki te whenua he whakaaro pai ki nga tangata katoa, Amine.

Tuatahi ka mihi kia koutou e panuitia tenei, nga mema o te Haahi Katorika, tena koutou me o koutou whakapono ki te atua.

Set Free had activities to cater for all, opportunities to make new friends, to strengthen our connection with God, and eat amazing food. I am so privileged to have had the opportunity to attend this event, and would recommend for any others thinking about it, to bring some friends along and go.

ELIZA CHAPMAN & JACQUELINE NANKIVELL

We were fortunate to have amazing keynote speakers such as, Mark Doyle; the Hamilton and Auckland Net Team; and many others. The theme, ‘Come and see, Haere mai, kia kitea,’ was expressed beautifully, sharing the Gospel message and invitation of Jesus. Highlighting perseverance, faith and love. Thank you to the keynote speakers, and to all who stood up to share their different perspectives and testimonies.

We were fortunate to celebrate our Catholic faith by celebrating Mass daily, and participating in Adoration, Confession, Miha Maori, and night prayer. The priests were amazing at connecting with us, relating to us, and informing us on why as Catholics we do certain things.

Throughout the festival we played games such as seaweed, cup games, jenga, jump jam, all that put smiles on peoples faces. The live music throughout the festival had songs that were sung beautifully, lifted the spirits and kept the energy high.

I would like to acknowledge our members who keep the spirit within our Catholic faith alive. Thank you.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF HAMILTON SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The Pro-Life Essay Competition is back for 2024 for students Year 10 - 13

“The acceptance of abortion in the popular mind, in behaviour, and even in law itself is a telling sign of an extremely dangerous crisis of the moral sense.” (DI §47)

This is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to research and gain an increased understanding of the Catholic teachings regarding the sanctity of life. They can then use this knowledge to defend life and advance the cause of pro-life in society.

It is hoped that our young people will acquire the knowledge of the issues so as to feel comfortable engaging in this subject matter.

Email prolifeessaycompetition@gmail.com to receive a copy of the essay questions and rules. Students can also talk to their schools DRS or RE teacher. Entries close Friday 9th August 2024.

The organisers acknowledge the valued sponsorship support received in this project from the Catholic Development Fund.

COME AND SEE Heaven Come 2024

ALLYSON MOURITS

Heaven Come is an annual festival run by the Diocesan Youth Office where young adults are invited to come together at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Cambridge for three days of input from inspirational speakers, the celebration of the sacraments, and wholesome fellowship with like-minded people from all over New Zealand. We hear from Ally Mourits, a parishioner of All Saints by the Sea, who normally is on the volunteer list, but 2024 saw her fully emerged as a participant.

There was an excitement and expectancy in the air as everyone gathered together on Thursday evening.

Leading up to this week I had spoken to several of my friends who all said, “I am so ready for Heaven Come, my soul needs Heaven Come” and I felt this too! We’d lived Lent with its discipline and structure, and celebrated Easter well with a return to music and Alleluias, but we had “fallen asleep” since then (it doesn’t take long!) and were in need of a reawakening. Usually, church events start off slow and shallow, dipping our toes in the water a bit, with subtle hints at the holy storm ahead, but Heaven Come hits different. We waste no time and dive right in with an impassioned call to open our hearts to what Jesus has in store for us in the next few days. I look around the room and everyone is nodding in agreement… they’re all on board! This only confirms to me that not just me and my friends, but everyone in that room needed Heaven Come.

We had a mix of speakers including Mark and Renee Doyle, a power couple from Australia, Father Frankie Cicero, a parish priest from Arizona, and our very own Jil Yong, Diocesan Youth Office extraordinaire. Coming from different places and different backgrounds, they all had the same message. Sharing openly and vulnerably about their lives thus far, they spoke passionately about what it means to be loved by God, to live constantly in His presence, to make decisions in our lives to follow where He leads, and the importance of calling upon the power of His Holy Spirit to get us there.

The intensity of the praise and speakers grows and grows until the Eucharistic Adoration session on the second night, a real, tangible encounter with Jesus that is hard to put into words. It is then that I look around again, and realise Heaven Come is more than just an event, it’s become a community of believers who set apart a weekend every April to encounter Jesus in a real, fiery, often unexpected way. As I approach the end of the ‘young’ part of my adulthood, I am struck by the disciples being formed in this community - this community that encourages vulnerability, authenticity, intimacy with the Lord, passion, and risk - all in the name of Jesus. If we continue to grow, support, nourish and empower this community of young believers - what could that look like for the future of our Diocese? For the future of the Church in New Zealand?

PHOTO: RENEE

HOME TO HOLINESS

CARRIE MCCORMACK

Family weekend was an absolute delight, surpassing all expectations with its enriching presentations

meticulously crafted, drawing from real-life experiences, Encounter School of Ministry material, resources from the Thomas More Centre and the richness of Church teaching and scripture, all animated by heartfelt testimonies, resonating deeply with everyone in attendance.

The journey started with returning to our core identity as sons and daughters of God, serving in our marriages and families from our true identity, not striving to prove our identity.

One participant said, “The authenticity and sincerity behind every word spoken reflected a profound connection to God, making the encounters truly transformative.” Another participant remarked, “The presentations were not merely informative but deeply impactful, stirring within us a sense of renewal and spiritual awakening, reminding us of our youthfulness.”

The middle session focused on virtue and the challenges of family life, resonating tangibly with participants. One attendee expressed, “It was truly amazing; I felt so seen and fulfilled in my vocation.”

“The family is, so to speak, the domestic church. In it, parents should, by their word and example, be the first preachers of the faith to their children; they should encourage them in the vocation which is proper to each of them, fostering with special care the vocation to a sacred state.” - Lumen Gentium 11.

A reﬂection from our key note speakers.

The final session addressed the socio-political atmosphere affecting families today. While the challenges are numerous, parents were equipped with resources and encouraged to lead beyond their homes, initiating the vital work of improving family policy. Additional resources were distributed, and plans for a follow-up session are underway.

We extend our prayers to all in the Hamilton Diocese and eagerly anticipate our next visit to serve.

TRANSFORMING LIVES

THROUGH THE 2024 BISHOPS’ LENTEN APPEAL

THE CARITAS TEAM

Aspecial thank you to all those in the Hamilton Diocese who supported the Bishops’ Lent Appeal 2024. Your

compassion continues to transform lives and we wanted to share a special story that highlights the impact of your support.

Mana Gertrudes (pictured) understands the value of hard work and caring for those around her, as almost half of the population live in poverty. Mana’s father died when she was just 12 years old. After his death, she helped her widowed mother with growing and selling vegetables at the local market and looking after the young family.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Mana Gertrudes joined Hamahon Feto Timor (HAFOTI), an agricultural training and enterprise group supported by Caritas. HAFOTI empowers Timorese women to be financially independent, giving them vital skills and opportunities to be leaders in their families and communities. Working across seven provinces in Timor Leste, HAFOTI is currently training approximately 800 rural Timorese women.

It’s been 10 years since Mana joined HAFOTI,and she has gone on to become a district co- ordinator. She loves how rural women are trained, motivated, and empowered to increase their income and decision-making abilities. With all the skills she has gained over the years; Mana Gertrudes now gets to share her gifts with others.

She is one of only a few HAFOTI members who provide training locally and internationally. Her time with HAFOTI has given her the skills, connections, and opportunities to provide for herself and her family. Mana now has enough money to send her children off to school; ensuring the next generation starts off on the right foot.

Strong partnerships with local community organisations like HAFOTI are at the heart of our mission. With your generous support, we are building on these existing partnerships and seeing more women like Mana Gertrudes thrive and live with dignity.

To learn more visit Caritas.org.nz/Winter. Multiply your impact by four today through our partnership with the New Zealand Government.

Peace of Mind

MARIAN GREENE, FUND MANAGER, CATHOLIC DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)

With people living longer than ever before, it makes it even more important to plan for your final farewell

and to ensure that this is not a financial burden on your family.

The CDF Funeral Savings Account is designed to help you prepare for your funeral expenses in advance. You have the flexibility to make a lump sum deposit when you open your account or make an initial deposit and add to it later.

This account is a funeral plan that allows you to ring-fence any deposit of up to $10K. This means that it will not be considered when the government completes a rest home subsidy assessment. We encourage everyone to consider doing this now, for themselves and/or their parents, before the need for residential care arises.

The CDF is based at the Chanel Centre, although we are happy to meet with you at a place of your convenience. We offer you a friendly, consistent and welcoming point of contact. To assist you with the establishment of your account, we work hard and consistently to meet your needs. This continues throughout your investment journey. Give us a call on 07 8566989.

We all know that life is much better when what we surround ourselves with what aligns with our personal values. The CDF is committed to investing in line with Catholic values and teachings, for example, avoiding companies linked to abortion. We offer you a morally based investment where the return of your funds is guaranteed by your Bishop –and we won’t charge you a cent for doing so!

At the heart of the CDF is the belief that what matters most is you, your faith, your values, your life, your family, and the greater good of your Diocese. CDF offers a range of products and unique investment opportunities that can be tailored to your needs, allowing you to prioritise what truly matters to you.

Of course, we love to receive donations, but this is not the focus of the CDF. Rather, we simply ask you to entrust us with your funds which we then reinvest. By allowing us to retain a margin on the interest we earn from the reinvestment of those funds, you enable us to make an annual distribution to the Bishop for the good of our diocese.

The CDF is the single biggest contributor to the funding of the Diocese’s operations, offering you a secure and impactful investment opportunity. In addition, the funds are used for such things as loans to the Catholic Integrated Schools Office and financial support of the pastoral and youth teams. Where appropriate, the CDF also offers sponsorship for worthwhile Catholic causes such as the Catholic Schools Pro-life Essay Competition and Catholic Schools Education Conference for leaders of religious education. Pop in see us at the Chanel Centre.

FUNERAL SAVINGS ACCOUNT

A planning account for people with better things to do!

— St. Gianna Molla

“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that he, in his goodness, sends to us day after day.”

15 AUGUST:

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

How many words can you make from the word

HOLY HIGHLIGHTS

3 - 5 words

6 - 10 words

11 - 19 words 20+ words

Bonus - there is one 9 letter word.

ASSUMPTION

BIG KIDS

There are actually over 500! There is a level for all ages, kids how many can you get?

The hint can be found on the bottom of the page: kids only!

Set a timer and see how many you can get in one minute! Try and get the 9 letter word with no hint! Challenge a friend! ?

Did you know in New Zealand there are only 2 extra days we HAVE to go to Mass during the week? Other than Sundays (because we always have to go on Sunday!), the 2 days of Holy Obligation are the Feast of the Assumption and Christmas Day. The feast of the Assumption is even more special because it is the patronal feast day for New Zealand. Mary Assumed into Heaven, Pray for Us!

The last weekend of July is an extra special weekend! We start on Friday 26th July, with the feast day of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne. Joachim and Anne were Mary’s parents. This makes them Jesus’s Grandparents! Then, Pope Francis has given our Grandparents and all the Elderly a special day just for them. It’s called World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly and we celebrate this two days later on the Sunday.

HOW TO CELEBRATE THIS LAST WEEKEND IN JULY:

• Plant a tree for those in Heaven

• Visit your grandparents or other relatives

• Bake cookies and drop them off with a note to a retirement village

• Get a group of friends together and organise a concert for after Mass

SAINTS

6. Patron of Animals: St ___ of Assisi

10. St Anthony of ___: Finder of lost articles

11. Patron of cancer victims: St ___

12. Patron of expectant mothers and childbirth: St ___

14. St Rita of Cascia: Patron of ___ cases

15. St Teresa of Avila: Patron saint against ___ DOWN