******************************

Dear readers: The Catholic Church in New Zealand is broadcasting the celebration of Mass via the Internet during the current health emergency. The links to the broadcasts are on the following page of the National Liturgy Office, which will be regularly updated:  https://bit.ly/33Chc53

You can also watch the Sunday Mass being celebrated on these Websites:
https://thesundaymass.org/  (on Sunday our time)
https://www.wordonfire.org/daily-mass/ (on Monday our time)

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NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz

All NZ Catholic Mass services suspended to help fight Covid-19 pandemic (20 March 2020)
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/mass-suspended-to-help-fight-covid-19/
New Zealand's Catholic Bishops have announced the suspension of all celebrations of Mass until further notice in response to the strong Government restrictions on public gatherings to counter the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic ...

Bishops' Pastoral Letter to parishioners regarding the Covid-19-related suspension of Mass (20 March 2020)
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/bishops-pastoral-letter-to-parishioners-regarding-the-covid-19-related-suspension-of-mass/
Even though we walk in the dark valley, we fear no evil for you O God are with us giving us courage. In recent weeks we your bishops have communicated to you the people of our Catholic community in Aotearoa New Zealand the professional advice from the Ministry of Health on how to keep ourselves and all people, especially the most vulnerable, safe and protected from this virus...

NZ Catholic bishops deeply disappointed at abortion law's disregard for rights of unborn (19 March 2020)
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/nz-catholic-bishops-on-new-abortion-law/
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops are deeply disappointed with the Abortion Legislation Bill passed by Parliament last night by 68 votes to 51. "This Bill totally ignores the fact that there are always at least two human lives involved in every pregnancy," said a spokesperson for the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference, Ms Cynthia Piper...

NZCBC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pg/CatholicNZ/posts/

**  Links to NZ Mass online this weekend

** Masses suspended.

** A post from Bishop Pat Dunn about the Coronavirus epidemic.

** Statement by the bishops on the Abortion Legislation Bill.

** The 2020 NZ Catholic Directory will be ready soon.

**********************************

LENT 2020:

The Lent Appeal on behalf of the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference enables Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to continue working to heal and support those overcome by poverty and justice around the world.

Each year, Caritas creates a Lenten Reflection Programme to support parishes, communities, families and individuals as they pray and spend time with the gospels during Lent. The programme's booklets are available free on the Caritas' Website: https://caritas.org.nz/lent

*******************************

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Catholic mass cancelled throughout New Zealand
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12318581
New Zealand's Catholic Bishops have announced the suspension of all celebrations of mass until further notice in response to the strong Government restrictions on public gatherings...

Churches suspending services to comply with 100-plus ban
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/churches-suspending-services-comply-100-plus-ban
Catholic, Anglican and many other churches are suspending traditional services to comply with a Government ban on gatherings of more than 100 people.

Patient six shared communion chalice at south Auckland church
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/120317684/coronavirus-patient-six-shared-communion-chalice-at-south-auckland-church
The sixth coronavirus case in New Zealand shared communion with several others at a mass days before he tested positive. Five parishioners sipped communion wine from the same chalice as the man at the morning service at St Mary's church in Papakura, south Auckland on Sunday March 8.

Givealittle page launched to raise money to refurbish St Joseph's hall
https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/120299675/givealittle-page-launched-to-raise-money-to-refurbish-st-josephs-hall
A New Plymouth church has launched a Givealittle page in a bid to raise money to renovate its community hall.
The Catholic Parish of New Plymouth has a goal of raising about $27,000 to refurbish St Joseph's Community Hall, which has been in use for 50 years.

*************************

NEWS OF THE SCHOOLS

Schools seek talks on possible closures
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12316854
School principals are seeking urgent talks with the Ministry of Education over contingency plans for closing schools if the coronavirus pandemic worsens.

****************************************

INSPIRED WORD

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3-dG1A3neGPJ041T9vjVw  (Under: Created playlists)

John 9 : Jesus and the man born blind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inq5QcXdnaA&list=PLeDNiKpHSQBDAIAYJEHi42R7ctvsFuTEU&index=19&t=0s
A reading and commentary with Sister Stephanie Kitching.

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STATION XV

http://station15.co.nz/

Episode 148 — COVID, Cardinal, Celebration, Commemoration (March 16, 2020)

The news has been coming thick and fast on the COVID-19 pandemic, including as it relates to Masses and other public gatherings. Anna, Don, Gavin and James try to keep up with it all in this month's episode. They also look at what happened at the High Court of Australia last week with Cardinal Pell's attempt to overturn his sexual abuse convictions. In happier news, a new Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland has been ordained, with his deacon father assisting at the Mass — a rare occurrence indeed. Elsewhere in New Zealand, the first anniversary of the Christchurch mosque shooting has been marked. All that, plus some Lenten advice, on this show.

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CRUX - Edited by John L. Allen Jr. and Inés San Martin

http://cruxnow.com

On Pope Francis, the bishops and the politics of a plague
https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2020/03/on-pope-francis-the-bishops-and-the-politics-of-a-plague/

One hopes that no one would consciously set out to take partisan advantage of a global pandemic which, so far, has claimed more than 10,000 lives and left some northern Italian towns piling up corpses because they've exhausted the capacity to bury their dead.

Yet there's no sense pretending there isn't a risk that discussion of the Church's response to the coronavirus can't be swept up into the same ideological dynamics that dominate so much else about Catholic conversation these days. The situation presents itself in especially acute form right now in Italy, which has claimed the world lead in terms of coronavirus fatalities, but we're also beginning to see it in English-language discussion...

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EVENTS

Practically all public gatherings have ceased due to the present health emergency.

**********
EMPLOYMENT
**********

Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised on the Website of the Education Gazette: https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/?Keywords=catholic#results

Vacancies in the Catholic Overseas Volunteer programme:
https://www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/catholic-volunteers-overseas

Job vacancies in the Catholic diocese of Auckland: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/administration/staff-vacancies/

******************************************************

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

https://www.catholic.org.nz/

***********************
New Zealand Commentaries
on the Sunday Readings
***********************

Fr Frank Bird sm. Living the Word: Sundays of the Year: Discussion Guide - http://livingtheword.org.nz

Marist Messenger. Daily Reflections" https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/

Fr Kevin Waldie sm. Sunday Reflection:
https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/category/sunday-reflection/

***********************
New Zealand Catholic
Periodicals & Newsletters
***********************

'NZ Catholic' is a national newspaper published by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland. http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. 'Kete Korero'. https://issuu.com/search?q=%22kete+korero%22

Catholic Dioceses of Palmerston North and Wellington. 'Wel-com'  http://www.welcom.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. 'Inform'  https://chchcatholic.nz/?sid=25 (Latest news - Latest Inform)

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin. 'The Tablet' https://catholic-diocese.squarespace.com/back-issues

The Nathaniel Centre. The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre. 'The Nathaniel Report' http://www.nathaniel.org.nz/

NZ Catholic Education Office. School News Update  https://www.nzceo.org.nz/network-update/

St Columban's Mission Society. 'The Far East' https://www.columban.org.au/media-and-publications/the-far-east-magazine/archive/

Society of Mary. 'Marist Messenger' http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul NZ. News in Brief:  https://bit.ly/2EFXF82

'Tui Motu Interislands'. An independent Catholic magazine. http://www.tuimotu.org/

*********
Facebook
*********

NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/

Catholic Discovery NZ (Catholic Enquiry Centre)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/catholicdiscovery.nz/posts/

'NZ Catholic' newspaper
https://www.facebook.com/NZCatholic/

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
https://www.facebook.com/caritasaotearoa/timeline

Holy Cross Seminary
https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrossNZ

Marist Seminary, Auckland NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Marists

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Society-of-St-Vincent-de-Paul-in-New-Zealand-1065775963583004/

*****************
News of the Church
in NZ and the World
*****************

http://cathnews.co.nz/category/new-zealand/

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

https://www.romereports.com/en/  (video)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rome+reports&sp=EgIIAw%253D%253D

Morning Catholic Must Reads : https://bit.ly/2TILT2N

http://www.cruxnow.com

http://www.lastampa.it/vaticaninsider/eng

******************************

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz

NZ Catholic Church restricts some Mass practices as Covid-19 coronavirus precaution
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/covid-19-coronavirus-precautions/
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops and the National Liturgy Office today received important new advice from the Ministry of Health regarding practices at Mass during this time of Covid-19 coronavirus precautions. The new advice cautions against the use of shared holy water, communion on the tongue, and shaking hands for the Sign of Peace during Mass.  Accordingly, the Bishops and the NLO have sent this notice to all parishes in New Zealand ...

Bishop Dunn says parishioners being contacted after Covid-19 diagnosis at St Mary's Papakura (14 Mar 2020 |)
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/covid-19-diagnosis-at-st-marys-papakura/
The Catholic Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Patrick Dunn, says he was advised today that a parishioner at St Mary's Church in Papakura has been diagnosed with the Covid-19 coronavirus, some days after attending the 8.30am Mass last Sunday...

NZCBC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pg/CatholicNZ/posts/

**  Papakura virus event (14 March)

** Interview with Cardinal John Dew on the effect of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on parishioners in New Zealand (13 March)

** Corona virus update: Guidance to diocese and parishes (12 March)

**********************************

LENT 2020:

The Lent Appeal on behalf of the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference enables Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to continue working to heal and support those overcome by poverty and justice around the world.

Each year, Caritas creates a Lenten Reflection Programme to support parishes, communities, families and individuals as they pray and spend time with the gospels during Lent. The programme's booklets are available free on the Caritas' Website: https://caritas.org.nz/lent

**********************************

'NZ CATHOLIC'

Website: http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NZ-Catholic/262886647205656
Full text articles: https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/2020/

In issue no. 584, March 8-21 2020: Married priest issue still up for discussion ... Planting the seeds for future church leaders ... Tips for music ministers from across the ditch ... Sue Jones: A spiritual refreshment in parish life ... Editorial: Catholic identity ... Bishop Stephen Lowe: Querida amazonia - a reflection ... Pope Francis' Lent message for 2020 ... Church agencies call for action on income, housing ... Cathedral meals help out Hamilton's needy ... Catholic Masses well attended at 22nd NZ Scout Jamboree ... Fun and faith with a medieval theme: Silverion Summer Camp 2020.

*******************************

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Coronavirus: Auckland Bishop says don't 'fear' going to mass as other gatherings cancelled
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/03/coronavirus-auckland-bishop-says-don-t-fear-going-to-mass-as-other-gatherings-cancelled.html
The Catholic Bishop of Auckland says churchgoers shouldn't fear going to mass despite a newly-confirmed coronavirus patient attending a service last Sunday. It took three days after the man arrived back in New Zealand for him to become unwell and then be assessed for the virus. However, before then, he attended an 8:30am service last Sunday at St Mary's church in East St, Papakura ...

Coronavirus: Churches make changes to holy communion practices
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12314855
Churches around the country are making changes to traditional worship practices - including holy communion - in light of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. The Catholic church says it is monitoring the situation closely and will take immediate action if the Ministry of Health advises so.

Catholic Bishops' Interfaith Committee Letter On Christchurch Tragedy Anniversary
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2003/S00170/catholic-bishops-interfaith-committee-letter-on-christchurch-tragedy-anniversary.htm
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Aotearoa New Zealand, At this time in particular we feel the powerful call to be people of peace. This beautiful concept is foundational in all religions, and in our shared Abrahamic tradition it is richly expressed through words such as Salaam and Shalom. If we allow it, the call to peace crosses all divides and draws not only our thoughts and actions towards non-violence, but also our hearts and prayers towards God. It is at such times as this that as people of faith we particularly consider what it means to be people of God ...

Appointment of new bishop for Palmerston North could take some time
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/120130193/appointment-of-new-bishop-for-palmerston-north-could-take-some-time
The Archbishop of Wellington will remain the head of the Catholic Church in Palmerston North until a new bishop can be appointed.

Heritage protection granted
https://times-age.co.nz/heritage-protection-granted/
Two Wairarapa places have received special Heritage New Zealand protection. Featherston's World War I War Memorial is now a Category 1 historic place, and Riversdale Beach's St Joseph's Church is now a Category 2 historic place.

RNZ. Sunday, with Jim Mora
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/20200315
11:30 Kiwi forced to close the gates at Bethlehem University
New Zealander Brother Peter Bray is the Vice Chancellor and CEO of Bethlehem University, the only Catholic university in the Holy Land. He joined the show earlier in the year to share his fascinating story. On Thursday, he was forced to send out a notice to say the university will be closed until further notice due to the Covid-19 outbreak, with Bethlehem itself now also in lockdown.

Hamilton foodbanks face challenge as demand for help continues
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/north-island/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503932&objectid=12315714
The Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank is experiencing high levels of demand for food help at a time of year when it would normally be levelling off following the Christmas rush and "back to school" expenses, says Methodist City Action Manager Maxine Campbell. HCCFB is one of Hamilton's major providers of food parcels and food help. It is supported by Anglican Action, Catholic Family Social Services, Desert Spring Ministries, Methodist City Action, St Vincent de Paul, Te Whanau Putahi and the Pukete Neighbourhood House ...

Obituary: Josephine Hariata Takarangi-Firmin a tireless worker for health, Iwi
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/maori/news/article.cfm?c_id=252&objectid=12313402
Our mum was one of 19, born to Te Ngene Weraroa Takarangi and Wiki Kataraina (nee Blackburn). This was a time of large Catholic families and Mum's was certainly one of them. Her faith was very important to her and remained so throughout her life...

Levin is getting ready to welcome Colombian refugees
Horowhenua Chronicle
https://pressreader.com/article/281479278475746
Three or four families from Colombia will be coming to Levin this winter. They have spent years in refugee camps and have been without a place to call home for much longer. Rachel O'Connor, General manager Migration for the New Zealand Red Cross, said "we have found they are quick to make friends and get involved in their new communities. In Nelson the Colombian community put a float into the Santa Parade. Many of them are Catholics and get busy with church activities too" ...

*************************

NEWS OF THE SCHOOLS

Reigner School, Napier: Learning to sail
Napier Courier
https://pressreader.com/article/281539408003557

St John's College, Hastings: Triathlon: Promising teen Lachie McGregor ticks all boxes
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=12316477

St Joseph's, Balclutha: Facilities to get makeover during meet
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/south-otago/facilities-get-makeover-during-meet

****************************************

INSPIRED WORD

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3-dG1A3neGPJ041T9vjVw  (Under: Created playlists)

John 4:5-15 Jesus and the Samaritan woman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAVal8CMoG0&list=PLeDNiKpHSQBDAIAYJEHi42R7ctvsFuTEU&index=4
A reading and commentary with Very Rev. Frank Nelson and Rev. Canon Jenny Wilkens at St Paul's Cathedral, Wellington..

*******************************************

CRUX - Edited by John L. Allen Jr. and Inés San Martin

http://cruxnow.com

** Churches, chaplains, nuns have unexpected role in COVID-19 crisis
https://cruxnow.com/church-in-europe/2020/03/churches-chaplains-nuns-have-unexpected-role-in-covid-19-crisis/
As of early March, Bergamo was the Italian province with the highest number of deaths related to the coronavirus and one that saw some of the earliest cases. Helping minister to those patients was Sister Anna Maria Marconi, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Most Holy Child Mary, and a volunteer for the chaplaincy of a local hospital. Marconi told Vatican News she had to stop helping people because she was now in isolation. She lives "in a community of 100 sisters, 70 of whom are sick ...

** Coronavirus scare has bought the Vatican some time … how will they use it?
https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2020/03/coronavirus-scare-has-bought-the-vatican-some-time-how-will-they-use-it/
In a nutshell, that's the situation for Pope Francis and his Vatican team today: Facing a ticking clock on several fronts, the coronavirus has bought them some time. The question is how they'll use it. Here are at least five fronts where the question is especially urgent...

*******************************************

EVENTS

Hui Aranga, Wellington, 9-14 April 2020.
Further details to follow.

Takirua 2020: Shaping the Vision
InterContinental Hotel, Wellington, April 24 - 26 2020.
https://takirua2020.nz/
The combined Takirua 2020 Conference will incorporate the best elements from each of two well-established national gatherings: conferences for youth ministers and those involved in marriage ministries. Takirua 2020 will bring together a broad range of innovative ideas and practical tools to both equip and challenge those involved in contemporary Catholic pastoral ministry and marriage education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

****************
 EMPLOYMENT
**********

Hospital chaplain, Wellington Hospital, Archdiocese of Wellington
https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Hospital%20Chaplains
Details in 'NZ Catholic' February 23 - March 7, p.20, and from reception@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz
Applications close 20 March 2020

Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised on the Website of the Education Gazette: https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/?Keywords=catholic#results

Vacancies in the Catholic Overseas Volunteer programme:
https://www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/catholic-volunteers-overseas

Job vacancies in the Catholic diocese of Auckland: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/administration/staff-vacancies/

******************************************************

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

https://www.catholic.org.nz/

***********************
New Zealand Commentaries
on the Sunday Readings
***********************

Fr Frank Bird sm. Living the Word: Sundays of the Year: Discussion Guide - http://livingtheword.org.nz

Marist Messenger. Daily Reflections" https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/

Fr Kevin Waldie sm. Sunday Reflection:
https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/category/sunday-reflection/

***********************
New Zealand Catholic
Periodicals & Newsletters
***********************

'NZ Catholic' is a national newspaper published by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland. http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. 'Kete Korero'. https://issuu.com/search?q=%22kete+korero%22

Catholic Dioceses of Palmerston North and Wellington. 'Wel-com'  http://www.welcom.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. 'Inform'  https://chchcatholic.nz/?sid=25 (Latest news - Latest Inform)

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin. 'The Tablet' https://catholic-diocese.squarespace.com/back-issues

The Nathaniel Centre. The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre. 'The Nathaniel Report' http://www.nathaniel.org.nz/

NZ Catholic Education Office. School News Update  https://www.nzceo.org.nz/network-update/

St Columban's Mission Society. 'The Far East' https://www.columban.org.au/media-and-publications/the-far-east-magazine/archive/

Society of Mary. 'Marist Messenger' http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul NZ. News in Brief:  https://bit.ly/2EFXF82

'Tui Motu Interislands'. An independent Catholic magazine. http://www.tuimotu.org/

*********
Facebook
*********

NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/

Catholic Discovery NZ (Catholic Enquiry Centre)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/catholicdiscovery.nz/posts/

'NZ Catholic' newspaper
https://www.facebook.com/NZCatholic/

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
https://www.facebook.com/caritasaotearoa/timeline

Holy Cross Seminary
https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrossNZ

Marist Seminary, Auckland NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Marists

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Society-of-St-Vincent-de-Paul-in-New-Zealand-1065775963583004/

*****************
News of the Church
in NZ and the World
*****************

http://cathnews.co.nz/category/new-zealand/

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

https://www.romereports.com/en/  (video)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rome+reports&sp=EgIIAw%253D%253D

Morning Catholic Must Reads : https://bit.ly/2TILT2N

http://www.cruxnow.com

http://www.lastampa.it/vaticaninsider/eng

******************************

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz

NZCBC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pg/CatholicNZ/posts/

** Three photo albums of the episcopal ordination of Bishop Michael Gielen (7 March)

** A video about Hato Paora College, the Catholic Maori boys' boarding school near Feilding, (3 March)

** Covid-19 coronavirus update: (2 March)

**********************************

LENT 2020:

The Lent Appeal on behalf of the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference enables Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to continue working to heal and support those overcome by poverty and justice around the world.

Each year, Caritas creates a Lenten Reflection Programme to support parishes, communities, families and individuals as they pray and spend time with the gospels during Lent. The programme's booklets are available free on the Caritas' Website: https://caritas.org.nz/lent

*******************************

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Holy theft: Auckland church hit by Jesus statue burglary targeted again
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12313617
An Auckland church targeted by a Jesus statue theft has been struck again with two more religious items taken. Royal Oak's Carmelite Monastery hit headlines in November after a man and a woman broke into the sacred site, stealing a Sacred Heart Jesus statue and a smaller Infant Jesus of Prague statue.

Mass returns to St Andrew's Church in Whangaehu near Whanganui
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/north-island/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503932&objectid=12313399
St Andrew's Catholic Church at Whangaehu has reopened its doors, with a blessing and first service since it was relocated to a new site. The constant threat of flooding meant the church was moved 500 metres by truck in December 2018 to sit next to the Whangaehu Hall.

Rob Mcgowan: Medicine man's life dedication to Mother Earth
Bay of Plenty Times7 Mar 2020
https://pressreader.com/article/281852940623107
Before you get to know Rob Mcgowan, you must first get to know his plants. Wild and outstretched, they tickle the sides of your vehicle as you creep up his long, gravel driveway. Mcgowan or Pa Ropata as he's also known, lives on a 2.3ha native "forest" with glow worms in Tauranga's Welcome Bay. He is a former Catholic priest, author and a leading authority on rongoa¯ (traditional Ma¯ori medicine).

Keeping RSE workers cosy
Te Puke Times
https://pressreader.com/article/281513638202203
There will be fewer shivering RSE workers in Te Puke this kiwifruit season. For the fourth year, Te Puke Anglican Church has mobilised the community to donate blankets, duvets and sleeping bags, sheets, pillows and pillow cases that have been made into packs for the visiting workers. Last Friday members of the congregations of the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches spent the morning making packs — with over 100 made up from donations.

High demand for food
Hamilton News
https://pressreader.com/article/281603832517746
The Hamilton Combined Christian Foodbank is experiencing high levels of demand for food help at a time of year when it would normally be levelling off following the Christmas rush ...

*************************

NEWS OF THE SCHOOLS

Manawatu robotics teams off to United States for world championships
https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/119990385/manawat-robotics-teams-off-to-united-states-for-world-championships
Two Manawatu teams have qualified to go to the world VEX robotics championships in the United States. The Feilding High School team and SPC Bots Apollo from St Peter's College, Palmerston North, have both qualified to go to the world championships in Louisville, Kentucky, at the end of April after shining at the national championships at Auckland at the weekend.

Catholic school planned for Pa¯p¯amoa
Bay of Plenty Times
https://pressreader.com/article/281500753304835
(Click the three dots to the right of the headline and select Page View to see the first paragraphs)

****************************************

INSPIRED WORD

Matthew 17:1-9 The transfiguration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub7kwmQipLM&list=PLeDNiKpHSQBCBkgGtJ8PkooBg6ajG0C--&index=23
A reading and commentary with Zenaida Savill and John Teariki.

*******************************************

CRUX - Edited by John L. Allen Jr. and Inés San Martin

http://cruxnow.com

Author: Catholic women shouldn't be afraid of the 'F-word'
https://cruxnow.com/interviews/2020/03/author-catholic-women-shouldnt-be-afraid-of-the-f-word/
An interview with Sue Ellen Browder, a former pro-choice feminist who is now a Catholic pro-life feminist.

Baltimore priests working to reverse decline in confession in novel ways
https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2020/03/baltimore-priests-working-to-reverse-decline-in-confession-in-novel-ways/
Confessing our shortcomings - on social media, in the therapist's office and elsewhere - is more popular than ever. But seeking absolution and greater connection with God? Not so much. That's why some priests are pushing back against empty confessionals in novel ways. It's time for confession to make a comeback, they say ...
*******************************************

EVENTS

Takirua 2020: Shaping the Vision
InterContinental Hotel, Wellington, April 24 - 26 2020.
https://takirua2020.nz/
The combined Takirua 2020 Conference will incorporate the best elements from each of two well-established national gatherings: conferences for youth ministers and those involved in marriage ministries. Takirua 2020 will bring together a broad range of innovative ideas and practical tools to both equip and challenge those involved in contemporary Catholic pastoral ministry and marriage education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

****************
 EMPLOYMENT
**********

Prison chaplain for Rimutaka and Arohata prisons, Archdiocese of Wellington
https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Prison%20Chaplains
Details in 'NZ Catholic' February 23 - March 7, p.20, and from reception@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz
Applications close 13 March 2020

Hospital chaplain, Wellington Hospital, Archdiocese of Wellington
https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Hospital%20Chaplains
Details in 'NZ Catholic' February 23 - March 7, p.20, and from reception@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz
Applications close 20 March 2020


Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised on the Website of the Education Gazette: https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/?Keywords=catholic#results

Vacancies in the Catholic Overseas Volunteer programme:
https://www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/catholic-volunteers-overseas

Job vacancies in the Catholic diocese of Auckland: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/administration/staff-vacancies/

******************************************************

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

https://www.catholic.org.nz/

***********************
New Zealand Commentaries
on the Sunday Readings
***********************

Fr Frank Bird sm. Living the Word: Sundays of the Year: Discussion Guide - http://livingtheword.org.nz

Marist Messenger. Daily Reflections" https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/

Fr Kevin Waldie sm. Sunday Reflection:
https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/category/sunday-reflection/

***********************
New Zealand Catholic
Periodicals & Newsletters
***********************

'NZ Catholic' is a national newspaper published by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland. http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. 'Kete Korero'. https://issuu.com/search?q=%22kete+korero%22

Catholic Dioceses of Palmerston North and Wellington. 'Wel-com'  http://www.welcom.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. 'Inform'  https://chchcatholic.nz/?sid=25 (Latest news - Latest Inform)

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin. 'The Tablet' https://catholic-diocese.squarespace.com/back-issues

The Nathaniel Centre. The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre. 'The Nathaniel Report' http://www.nathaniel.org.nz/

NZ Catholic Education Office. School News Update  https://www.nzceo.org.nz/network-update/

St Columban's Mission Society. 'The Far East' https://www.columban.org.au/media-and-publications/the-far-east-magazine/archive/

Society of Mary. 'Marist Messenger' http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul NZ. News in Brief:  https://bit.ly/2EFXF82

'Tui Motu Interislands'. An independent Catholic magazine. http://www.tuimotu.org/

*********
Facebook
*********

NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/

Catholic Discovery NZ (Catholic Enquiry Centre)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/catholicdiscovery.nz/posts/

'NZ Catholic' newspaper
https://www.facebook.com/NZCatholic/

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
https://www.facebook.com/caritasaotearoa/timeline

Holy Cross Seminary
https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrossNZ

Marist Seminary, Auckland NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Marists

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Society-of-St-Vincent-de-Paul-in-New-Zealand-1065775963583004/

*****************
News of the Church
in NZ and the World
*****************

http://cathnews.co.nz/category/new-zealand/

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

https://www.romereports.com/en/  (video)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rome+reports&sp=EgIIAw%253D%253D

Morning Catholic Must Reads : https://bit.ly/2TILT2N

http://www.cruxnow.com

http://www.lastampa.it/vaticaninsider/eng

******************************

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz

Catholic bishops warn proposed abortion law removes tenuous rights of unborn babies (19 Feb 2020)
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/abortion-law/
New Zealand's Catholic bishops are concerned that unborn babies will lose their existing tenuous legal rights if Parliament passes the Abortion Legislation...

NZCBC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pg/CatholicNZ/posts/

** Vatican News has interviewed Te Kupenga lecturer Cynthia Piper on the implications of the Abortion Legislation Bill (29 February)

**  Ash Wednesday also saw the launch of the 2020 Lenten appeal for Caritas on behalf of New Zealand's Catholic Bishops (28 February)

** Cardinal John Dew on Jean Vanier (February 27)

**********************************

LENT 2020:

The Lent Appeal on behalf of the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference enables Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to continue working to heal and support those overcome by poverty and justice around the world.

Each year, Caritas creates a Lenten Reflection Programme to support parishes, communities, families and individuals as they pray and spend time with the gospels during Lent. The programme's booklets are available free on the Caritas' Website: https://caritas.org.nz/lent

*******************************

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Life of prayer and people: South Taranaki priest looks back on 25 years in ministry
https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/119792302/life-of-prayer-and-people-south-taranaki-priest-looks-back-on-25-years-in-ministry
In 25 years of marrying couples Father Craig Butler has only once mixed up the brides' names. "One bride was called Karen and the other was Catherine - do I need to say any more?" Butler, who just celebrated his quarter century milestone at a special Mass at St Joseph's in Hawera, said he never planned to be a priest, but it's a way of life he wouldn't change.

Teresa Noble-Campbell, an orphan who was 'mother' to hundreds of school children
https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/119260675/teresa-noblecampbell-an-orphan-who-was-mother-to-hundreds-of-school-children
During Europe's coldest winter of the 20th century, Teresa Noble-Campbell and her family made a perilous escape from a forced labour camp in Russia to the Caspian Sea. By the age of seven, the young orphan had endured far more than most would in a lifetime. But Noble-Campbell was a survivor and, despite growing up motherless, she managed to mother hundreds of children during a long and celebrated teaching career...

Brian Dempster Mellar QSM January 13, 1933 – January 28, 2020
https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/119827417/obit-brian-dempster-mellar-qsm-january-13-1933--january-28-2020
Brian Mellar, who has died aged 87, was a man who lived his life following a seemingly simple but, in his case, far-reaching Christian principle. At the time he was awarded in 2007 the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) for services to his community Brian told the Waikato Times he had, as a youngster, been influenced by a Bible passage in the book of Matthew that described Jesus preaching about feeding the hungry and housing the homeless. "I tried to model my life on that," he said simply.

*************************

NEWS OF THE SCHOOLS

Final fundraising push for new $2.5 million sports and community centre at Timaru school
https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/119790107/final-fundraising-push-for-new-25-million-sports-and-community-centre-at-timaru-school
A new $2.5 million sports and community centre at Roncalli College is nearing completion with just the $132,000 job of laying down astroturf to go.

135 international students officially welcomed to Timaru
https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/119684230/135-international-students-officially-welcomed-to-timaru
More than 130 international students have been welcomed to the region. The 135 students, mostly from Asian countries, here to study and improve their English, are staying between three months and a few years. Twenty-two of the students will attend Roncalli College.

****************************************

INSPIRED WORD

Matthew 4:1-11 The temptation of Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HOVtwZ96-U&list=PLeDNiKpHSQBCBkgGtJ8PkooBg6ajG0C--&index=4
A reading and commentary with Violet Kudzotsa and Stephen Ready.

*******************************************

CRUX - Edited by John L. Allen Jr. and Inés San Martin

http://cruxnow.com

** Tech heads join Vatican in 'clarion call for a new generation of ethics'
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2020/02/tech-heads-join-vatican-in-clarion-call-for-a-new-generation-of-ethics/
As the digital age enters a new phase of technological advancement with the ushering in of an era of artificial intelligence, top representatives of major tech giants and the Vatican have joined voices in calling for a clear system of ethics to guide developments as they happen.

** Is Vatican anti-abuse task force 'Tale of Two Cities' or 'Remembrance of Things Past'?
https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2020/02/is-vatican-anti-abuse-task-force-tale-of-two-cities-or-remembrance-of-things-past/
Anyone watching the Vatican under Pope Francis try to come to grips with the clerical sexual abuse crisis could be forgiven for feeling themselves trapped in A Tale of Two Cities, constantly oscillating between the best and worst of times. Friday brought another chapter in that long-running drama, as the Vatican presented a new high-level task force intended to help national and regional bishops' conferences around the world, as well as religious orders, to develop and update guidelines on child protection and the fight against abuse...

Church intersects with Sci-Fi in 'A Printer's Choice'
https://cruxnow.com/interviews/2020/02/church-intersects-with-sci-fi-in-a-printers-choice/
[An interview with W. L. Patenaude, the author of a science fiction novel that blends popular genres with faith and philosophy.]

*******************************************
EMPLOYMENT
**********

Prison chaplain for Rimutaka and Arohata prisons, Archdiocese of Wellington
https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Prison%20Chaplains
Details in 'NZ Catholic' February 23 - March 7, p.20, and from reception@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz
Applications close 13 March 2020

Hospital chaplain, Wellington Hospital, Archdiocese of Wellington
https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/Hospital%20Chaplains
Details in 'NZ Catholic' February 23 - March 7, p.20, and from reception@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz
Applications close 20 March 2020


Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised on the Website of the Education Gazette: https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/?Keywords=catholic#results

Vacancies in the Catholic Overseas Volunteer programme:
https://www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/catholic-volunteers-overseas

Job vacancies in the Catholic diocese of Auckland: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/administration/staff-vacancies/

******************************************************

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

https://www.catholic.org.nz/

***********************
New Zealand Commentaries
on the Sunday Readings
***********************

Fr Frank Bird sm. Living the Word: Sundays of the Year: Discussion Guide - http://livingtheword.org.nz

Marist Messenger. Daily Reflections" https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/

Fr Kevin Waldie sm. Sunday Reflection:
https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/category/sunday-reflection/

***********************
New Zealand Catholic
Periodicals & Newsletters
***********************

'NZ Catholic' is a national newspaper published by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland. http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. 'Kete Korero'. https://issuu.com/search?q=%22kete+korero%22

Catholic Dioceses of Palmerston North and Wellington. 'Wel-com'  http://www.welcom.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. 'Inform'  https://chchcatholic.nz/?sid=25 (Latest news - Latest Inform)

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin. 'The Tablet' https://catholic-diocese.squarespace.com/back-issues

The Nathaniel Centre. The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre. 'The Nathaniel Report' http://www.nathaniel.org.nz/

NZ Catholic Education Office. School News Update  https://www.nzceo.org.nz/network-update/

St Columban's Mission Society. 'The Far East' https://www.columban.org.au/media-and-publications/the-far-east-magazine/archive/

Society of Mary. 'Marist Messenger' http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul NZ. News in Brief:  https://bit.ly/2EFXF82

'Tui Motu Interislands'. An independent Catholic magazine. http://www.tuimotu.org/

*********
Facebook
*********

NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/

Catholic Discovery NZ (Catholic Enquiry Centre)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/catholicdiscovery.nz/posts/

'NZ Catholic' newspaper
https://www.facebook.com/NZCatholic/

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
https://www.facebook.com/caritasaotearoa/timeline

Holy Cross Seminary
https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrossNZ

Marist Seminary, Auckland NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Marists

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Society-of-St-Vincent-de-Paul-in-New-Zealand-1065775963583004/

*****************
News of the Church
in NZ and the World
*****************

http://cathnews.co.nz/category/new-zealand/

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

https://www.romereports.com/en/  (video)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rome+reports&sp=EgIIAw%253D%253D

Morning Catholic Must Reads : https://bit.ly/2TILT2N

http://www.cruxnow.com

http://www.lastampa.it/vaticaninsider/eng

******************************

Dear readers,
A very short News & Notes is all I can manage this week. Back to normal in a week's time.
God bless,
Mike Leon

**********************************

LENT 2020:

The Lent Appeal on behalf of the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference enables Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to continue working to heal and support those overcome by poverty and justice around the world.

Each year, Caritas creates a Lenten Reflection Programme to support parishes, communties, families and individuals as they pray and spend time with the gospels during Lent. The programme's booklets are available free on the Caritas' Website: https://caritas.org.nz/lent

**********************************

'NZ CATHOLIC'

Website: http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NZ-Catholic/262886647205656
Full text articles: https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/2020/

In issue no. 583, February 23 - March 7 2020: Change of venue for ordination of Michael Gielen; Wgtn conference to look at ministry to youth and families; Amazon document a challenge for NZ; Abortion bill process panned by pro-life groups; Coronavirus  crisis prompts prayers at Mass; Royal Commission to look at redress issues; Editorial: Biblke lessons have a place; the Lent appeal 2020 (2-page feature); Catholic school open days (4-page advertising feature); Book review: See, Judge, Act: Training Catholic activists in New Zealand; Anniversary celebration at Jerusalem on the Whanganui River; Helen Luxford's Family Matters: Coronavirus;

*******************************

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Catholic Bishops Warn Proposed Abortion Law Removes Tenuous Unborn Rights
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2002/S00158/catholic-bishops-warn-proposed-abortion-law-removes-tenuous-unborn-rights.htm
New Zealand's Catholic bishops are concerned that unborn babies will lose their existing tenuous legal rights if Parliament passes the Abortion Legislation Bill in the form proposed by a select committee. And unborn babies with a fetal disability will have even less protection than under the current law, the bishops note...

Public showdown coming on Central Otago plan for Olive Leaf building
https://www.stuff.co.nz/otago/119734969/public-showdown-coming-on-central-otago-plan-for-olive-leaf-building
Attempts to avoid a council hearing over a controversial Olive Leaf church proposal in Central Otago have been rejected and the plan will go to a public showdown in May. The developers have described the leaf-shaped church building as a "gift" to the Catholic parish and wider community in Arrowtown.

An enduring affair
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/central-otago/enduring-affair
Celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary today are Bernice and George Beckwith, of Alexandra.
The couple met in Dunedin and married at St Mary's Catholic church in Dunedin in 1955.

School lends helping hand in Gore
https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/dairy-news/dairy-general-news/school-lends-helping-hand-in-gore
A school in Gore has lent a hand in the Southland clean-up effort. When Dairy News visited, Darren Jack, deputy principal of Gore's co-ed Catholic secondary school, St Peter's College, was mucking in with a vanload of about a dozen of his students, clearing debris from fences on a dairy farm bordering the Mataura River a few kilometres south of Gore.

St Mary's College student assaulted on school grounds by former student
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/119723180/st-marys-college-student-assaulted-on-school-grounds-by-former-student
 On Thursday afternoon, a student from St Mary's College was assaulted by a former student on school grounds.

******************************

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz

NZCBC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pg/CatholicNZ/posts/
** Pope Francis has issued his "Querida Amazonía" (Beloved Amazon) Apostolic Exhortation in response to the Amazon Synod held at the Vatican last October (13 February)

**********************************

'NZ CATHOLIC'

Website: http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NZ-Catholic/262886647205656
Full text articles: https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/2020/

In issue no. 582, February 9 - 22 2020: West Coast memorial to past worship site blessed ... Caring and advocacy in a spirit of compassion (Sr Catherine Hannan QSM) ... Kiwi-Filipinos now papal knight and dame ... Youth on fire at Hearts Aflame ... First Mass in NZ waters was 250 years ago (2-page photo feature) ... Milestone for Dunedin's last Christian Brother ... Keeping hope alive at Bethlehem University ... Long confession queues at convention (Chaldean Eastern Catholic Church in Australasia).

*******************************

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Demand for Catholic education high, as parish numbers dwindle
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/118909389/demand-for-catholic-education-high-as-parish-numbers-dwindle
Although he is a man of faith, Father Simon Story can still feel dismay. As a senior Catholic priest in Taranaki, families approach him for the religious endorsement required to get into a Catholic school.  However come Sunday morning Mass, those same families are often nowhere to be seen. "It definitely is disheartening when parents seem to think that attending a Catholic school is all that is required to demonstrate a Catholic faith," he says.

The story of a Catholic brother who took his own life
The playwright Dean Parker remembers the Marist Brother from Napier with a dark past.
https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2020/02/10/1023220/brother-who-took-his-own-life#
I went to primary school at Napier Marist, whose famous old boys were Paddy Donovan, lightweight boxing bronze-medallist at the Empire Games in Cardiff, and John Gillies, Machine-Gun Murderer of Bassett Rd - the terror of the Standard Twos. There was a Marist Brother there who was a great movie fan and would tell us the story of the latest movie he'd been to: Hitchcock thriller, Rogers & Hammerstein musical. Which was totally against the rub of the time because we were all being brought up on sport ...

Church apologises after schools learned of priest's conviction through media
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/119432999/church-apologises-after-schools-learned-of-priests-conviction-through-media
The Catholic Church has been forced to apologise to outraged parents who only learned their parish priest had been convicted of sex offences through a story on Stuff. Sosefo Sateki Raass quit the priesthood after pleading guilty to indecent communication with a person under 16 in March 2019.

Former Catholic Brother admits sex offences in Wairarapa in 1970s
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=12307963
A former Catholic brother and school teacher has admitted historic sexual offending.
Stuff reported that Kevin Healy, 81, appeared in Napier District Court on Wednesday and admitted four charges of indecency between a man and boys aged 12 and 13, and one of indecency with a girl aged under 12. The offending occurred when Healy was a member of the Marist Brothers, in 1976 and 1977, in Wairarapa. Healy was also a school teacher at the time. He will be sentenced in March.

*************************

NEWS OF THE SCHOOLS

St Joseph's. Pleasant Point: Cerebral palsy no barrier to 8-year-old with a love of sport
https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/119536304/cerebral-palsy-no-barrier-to-8yearold-with-a-love-of-sport
Charlotte Walker has her sights set on this year's Halberg Games as her next step to realising her dream of donning the silver fern at the Paralympics. The 8-year-old Timaru girl with cerebral palsy was the first to cross the finish line in the Challenge Wanaka adaptive event on Thursday.

Three of a kind and a pair back to school (photo caption)
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/three-kind-and-pair-back-school
St Joseph's Cathedral School pupils (front from left) twins Ben and Liam Davis (9), and (back from left) triplets Dylan, Matthew and Brayden Arlidge (10) are in the same class, Toroa, this year. The year 6 pupils are the only sets of twins and triplets in the school. School principal Jo Stanley said it was the first time they had all been in the same class.

Transfer signed and sealed
http://www.oamarumail.co.nz/community/transfer-signed-and-sealed/
The ownership of an Oamaru secondary school has been signed off by the Ministry of Education. Ownership of St Kevin's College, which had been run by the Christian Brothers since 1927, was transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin at a special ceremony at the school's chapel in late 2019.

St Kevin's offers $5 dinners
https://www.oamarumail.co.nz/community/st-kevins-offers-5-dinners/
Bargains are hard to come by these days. But with meals prepared by a qualified chef for $5, St Kevin's College appears to be offering one.

AgriKids And Young Farmer Of The Year Winners Announced
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2002/S00161/waikato-bay-of-plenty-agrikids-and-fmg-jr-young-farmer-of-the-year-winners-announced.htm
A trio from St Mary's Catholic School in Putaruru have been announced as the Waikato Bay of Plenty AgriKids winners. Called "Mixed Breed", the team was made up by Isaac Farrell, 11, Liam van der Heyden, 12 and Genevieve Farrell, 12. They have been invited to Christchurch to compete in the Grand Final, along with second place getters from Waikite School and third place, also from St Mary's Catholic School.

Manawatu teen gets ticket to canoe polo World Championships
https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/119355416/manawat-teen-gets-ticket-to-canoe-polo-world-championships
Being the youngest player in the New Zealand under-21 canoe polo squad hasn't fazed Manawatu teen Alyssa Shepherd. The 16-year-old has just been named in the New Zealand under-21 team going to the World Championships in Rome in September. Manawatu's Kelsey Wilde and Georgia Wheeler were also picked in the squad, but Shepherd, who is year 12 at St Peter's College, is the only one in the team still at school.

A dab hand in the show ring
https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/rural-people/dab-hand-show-ring
Jared Rutten, (16), of Invercargill, has been showing calves most of his life and doing well at it. A Verdon College pupil, Jared  comes from several generations of dairy farmers, and has been mainly showing milking shorthorn calves at A&P shows since he was about 5.

****************************************

INSPIRED WORD

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW3-dG1A3neGPJ041T9vjVw  (Under: Created playlists)

Matthew 5:17-37 Teaching about the law
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdH_HXi0V7U&list=PLeDNiKpHSQBCBkgGtJ8PkooBg6ajG0C--&index=7
A reading and commentary by Very Rev. Frank Neslon and Rev. Canon Jenny Wilkens at St Paul's Cathedral, Wellington.

*******************************

STATION XV

http://station15.co.nz/

Episode 147 — Exhortation, Celebration, Consecration and Conversion (February 15, 2020)

Two big moments from Pope Francis — his new apostolic exhortation Querida Amazonia and his decision to turn a Roman palace into a homeless shelter feature in this month's episode of The 15th Station. Two New Zealand issues fall in between those: Cardinal John Dew's case for religious freedom and the decline in the number of religious sisters in the country, although that picture is complicated. What's also complicated is a decision to grant "ethical vegans" the same rights as people of faith. Join Anna, Don, Gavin and James for a typically robust discussion ...

*******************************************

CRUX - Edited by John L. Allen Jr. and Inés San Martin

http://cruxnow.com

Mixed reactions to Querida Amazonia from Brazilian bishops
https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-americas/2020/02/mixed-reactions-to-querida-amazonia-from-brazilian-bishops/
São Paulo - The post-synodal apostolic exhortation published by Pope Francis on Feb. 12 generated mixed reactions from the Brazilian episcopate. While some expected more radical transformations, other bishops believe the document reaffirmed the paths for change that had been opened with the preparatory works for the October 2019 Pan-Amazon synod ...

Why did Francis punt on married priests in his Amazon document?
https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2020/02/why-did-francis-punt-on-married-priests-in-his-amazon-document/
Querida Amazonia, Pope Francis's 16,000-word apostolic exhortation concluding the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, which has been the object of speculation and fevered expectations ever since the gathering of prelates that occasioned it concluded last October in Rome. During the summit, debate over the viri probati, meaning tested married men who could be ordained as priests to serve isolated rural communities, was the most contentious issue, and ever since people have been wondering how Francis would rule. In the end, what we got is the sound of silence. The pontiff opens by saying, "I will not go into all of the issues treated at length in the final document" of the synod, and proceeds to ignore the debate over married priests altogether. Advocates of the viri probati would be perfectly within their rights to point out that he doesn't say "no," but opponents would be equally justified in insisting that he also doesn't say "yes" ...

**********
EMPLOYMENT
**********

Catholic Social Services, Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington. Theraputic Social Worker
https://wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz/counselling%20and%20social%20work
Details in 'NZ Catholic' February 9 - 22 p.20, at https://www.seek.com.au/job/40834227 and from reception@wn.catholic.org.nz; tel 04 385 8642
Applications close 27 February 2020.

Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised on the Website of the Education Gazette: https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/?Keywords=catholic#results

Vacancies in the Catholic Overseas Volunteer programme:
https://www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/catholic-volunteers-overseas

Job vacancies in the Catholic diocese of Auckland: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/administration/staff-vacancies/

******************************************************

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

https://www.catholic.org.nz/

***********************
New Zealand Commentaries
on the Sunday Readings
***********************

Fr Frank Bird sm. Living the Word: Sundays of the Year: Discussion Guide - http://livingtheword.org.nz

Marist Messenger. Daily Reflections" https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/

Fr Kevin Waldie sm. Sunday Reflection:
https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/category/sunday-reflection/

***********************
New Zealand Catholic
Periodicals & Newsletters
***********************

'NZ Catholic' is a national newspaper published by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland. http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. 'Kete Korero'. https://issuu.com/search?q=%22kete+korero%22

Catholic Dioceses of Palmerston North and Wellington. 'Wel-com'  http://www.welcom.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. 'Inform'  https://chchcatholic.nz/?sid=25 (Latest news - Latest Inform)

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin. 'The Tablet' https://catholic-diocese.squarespace.com/back-issues

The Nathaniel Centre. The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre. 'The Nathaniel Report' http://www.nathaniel.org.nz/

NZ Catholic Education Office. School News Update  https://www.nzceo.org.nz/network-update/

St Columban's Mission Society. 'The Far East' https://www.columban.org.au/media-and-publications/the-far-east-magazine/archive/

Society of Mary. 'Marist Messenger' http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul NZ. News in Brief:  https://bit.ly/2EFXF82

'Tui Motu Interislands'. An independent Catholic magazine. http://www.tuimotu.org/

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Facebook
*********

NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/

Catholic Discovery NZ (Catholic Enquiry Centre)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/catholicdiscovery.nz/posts/

'NZ Catholic' newspaper
https://www.facebook.com/NZCatholic/

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
https://www.facebook.com/caritasaotearoa/timeline

Holy Cross Seminary
https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrossNZ

Marist Seminary, Auckland NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Marists

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Society-of-St-Vincent-de-Paul-in-New-Zealand-1065775963583004/

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News of the Church
in NZ and the World
*****************

http://cathnews.co.nz/category/new-zealand/

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

https://www.romereports.com/en/  (video)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rome+reports&sp=EgIIAw%253D%253D

Morning Catholic Must Reads : https://bit.ly/2TILT2N

http://www.cruxnow.com

http://www.lastampa.it/vaticaninsider/eng

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NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz

Cardinal John urges New Zealanders to reaffirm protection of religious beliefs (6 February 2020)
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/cardinal-john-waitangi/
Cardinal John Dew is urging New Zealanders on Waitangi Day to recommit to protecting the beliefs of followers of all religions and of non-religious people ...

Call to everyone with Mission Expo 2020 – Whakaaturanga Mihana 2020 (4 February 2020)
https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/mission-expo-2020/
The Wellington Archdiocese is dedicating 2020 as a Year of Mission, to be launched with Mission Expo days in March at Bishop Viard College in Porirua and Garin College Richmond Nelson ...

NZCBC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pg/CatholicNZ/posts/
** Cardinal John Dew's message on religious tolerance; Mission Expo 2020 (6 Feb)

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FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Cardinal urges NZers to reaffirm protection of religion
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2002/S00123/cardinal-urges-nzers-to-reaffirm-protection-of-religion.htm
New Zealand's Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop is urging New Zealanders on Waitangi Day to recommit to protecting the beliefs of followers of all religions and of non-religious people.

Basilica closed after wind damages dome
 https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/basilica-closed-after-wind-damages-dome
One of Invercargill's oldest churches will remain closed for at least another week after high winds damaged its dome.
Invercargill South Pastoral Area parish priest Fr Pat McGettigan said gale-force wind of 150kmh damaged the dome of St Mary's Basilica church last week.

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NEWS OF THE SCHOOLS

Three of a kind and a pair back to school (photo caption)
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/three-kind-and-pair-back-school
St Joseph's Cathedral School pupils (front from left) twins Ben and Liam Davis (9), and (back from left) triplets Dylan, Matthew and Brayden Arlidge (10) are in the same class, Toroa, this year. The year 6 pupils are the only sets of twins and triplets in the school. School principal Jo Stanley said it was the first time they had all been in the same class.

Transfer signed and sealed
http://www.oamarumail.co.nz/community/transfer-signed-and-sealed/
The ownership of an Oamaru secondary school has been signed off by the Ministry of Education. Ownership of St Kevin's College, which had been run by the Christian Brothers since 1927, was transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Dunedin at a special ceremony at the school's chapel in late 2019.

AgriKids And Young Farmer Of The Year Winners Announced
https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2002/S00161/waikato-bay-of-plenty-agrikids-and-fmg-jr-young-farmer-of-the-year-winners-announced.htm
A trio from St Mary's Catholic School in Putaruru have been announced as the Waikato Bay of Plenty AgriKids winners. Called "Mixed Breed", the team was made up by Isaac Farrell, 11, Liam van der Heyden, 12 and Genevieve Farrell, 12. They have been invited to Christchurch to compete in the Grand Final, along with second place getters from Waikite School and third place, also from St Mary's Catholic School.

A dab hand in the show ring
https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/rural-people/dab-hand-show-ring
Jared Rutten, (16), of Invercargill, has been showing calves most of his life and doing well at it. A Verdon College pupil, Jared  comes from several generations of dairy farmers, and has been mainly showing milking shorthorn calves at A&P shows since he was about 5.

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INSPIRED WORD

Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UXznB5EEEM&list=PLeDNiKpHSQBCBkgGtJ8PkooBg6ajG0C--&index=6
A reading and commentary by Sister Stephanie Kitching rsm

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CRUX - Edited by John L. Allen Jr. and Inés San Martin

http://cruxnow.com

Intersection of faith and science focus of program aimed at high school students
https://cruxnow.com/interviews/2020/02/intersection-of-faith-and-science-focus-of-program-aimed-at-high-school-students/
[An interview with Chris Baglow, Director of the Science & Religion Initiative of the McGrath Institute for Church Life, and Professor of the Practice of Theology in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. His leadership of the Science & Religion Initiative involves the creation and direction of programs that assist Catholic leaders in bringing the Catholic faith and modern science into dialogue for the sake of the New Evangelization ...

Pope Francis says international debt can't be paid at 'price of unbearable sacrifices'
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2020/02/pope-francis-says-international-debt-cant-be-paid-at-price-of-unbearable-sacrifices/
Speaking at a summit in Rome with some of the world's most powerful financial officials, Pope Francis said the fact that five million children under five will die this year due to extreme poverty is something that should motivate the world to act. He also alluded to the situation in his home country of Argentina, which is facing a renegotiation of debt with the International Monetary Fund that could save the country from a default. "These are solvable problems, there is no lack of resources," Francis said on Thursday ...

Forum examines religious persecution 75 years after Auschwitz liberation
https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2020/02/forum-examines-religious-persecution-75-years-after-auschwitz-liberation/
As the world recognizes the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazis' infamous Auschwitz concentration camp, the vows of "never again" after the Holocaust's horrors became known threaten to be swallowed up by religious persecution against Christians, Muslims and other groups, said panelists at a Feb. 5 forum at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum ...

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EMPLOYMENT
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National Treasurer, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul  New Zealand (voluntary role)
https://www.svdp.org.nz/
Details in 'NZ Catholic' January 26 - February 8 2020 p.20, and from: national@svdp.org.nz

Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised on the Website of the Education Gazette: https://gazette.education.govt.nz/vacancies/?Keywords=catholic#results

Vacancies in the Catholic Overseas Volunteer programme:
https://www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/catholic-volunteers-overseas

Job vacancies in the Catholic diocese of Auckland: https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/administration/staff-vacancies/

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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

https://www.catholic.org.nz/

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New Zealand Commentaries
on the Sunday Readings
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Fr Frank Bird sm. Living the Word: Sundays of the Year: Discussion Guide - http://livingtheword.org.nz

Marist Messenger. Daily Reflections" https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/

NEW:
Fr Kevin Waldie sm. Sunday Reflection:
https://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/category/sunday-reflection/

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New Zealand Catholic
Periodicals & Newsletters
***********************

'NZ Catholic' is a national newspaper published by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland. http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. 'Kete Korero'. https://issuu.com/search?q=%22kete+korero%22

Catholic Dioceses of Palmerston North and Wellington. 'Wel-com'  http://www.welcom.org.nz

Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. 'Inform'  https://chchcatholic.nz/?sid=25 (Latest news - Latest Inform)

Catholic Diocese of Dunedin. 'The Tablet' https://catholic-diocese.squarespace.com/back-issues

The Nathaniel Centre. The New Zealand Catholic Bioethics Centre. 'The Nathaniel Report' http://www.nathaniel.org.nz/

NZ Catholic Education Office. School News Update  https://www.nzceo.org.nz/network-update/

St Columban's Mission Society. 'The Far East' https://www.columban.org.au/media-and-publications/the-far-east-magazine/archive/

Society of Mary. 'Marist Messenger' http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul NZ. News in Brief:  https://bit.ly/2EFXF82

'Tui Motu Interislands'. An independent Catholic magazine. http://www.tuimotu.org/

*********
Facebook
*********

NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNZ/

Catholic Discovery NZ (Catholic Enquiry Centre)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/catholicdiscovery.nz/posts/

'NZ Catholic' newspaper
https://www.facebook.com/NZCatholic/

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
https://www.facebook.com/caritasaotearoa/timeline

Holy Cross Seminary
https://www.facebook.com/HolyCrossNZ

Marist Seminary, Auckland NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Marists

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ
https://www.facebook.com/Society-of-St-Vincent-de-Paul-in-New-Zealand-1065775963583004/

*****************
News of the Church
in NZ and the World
*****************

http://cathnews.co.nz/category/new-zealand/

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

https://www.romereports.com/en/  (video)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rome+reports&sp=EgIIAw%253D%253D

Morning Catholic Must Reads : https://bit.ly/2TILT2N

http://www.cruxnow.com

http://www.lastampa.it/vaticaninsider/eng