Sunday, June 10, 2001

10 june 2001

10 June 2001
Posted By: Sun Jun 10, 2001 9:39 am  |
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
We joyfully proclaim our faith
in the mystery of your Godhead.
You have revealed your glory
as the glory also of your Son
and of the Holy Spirit:
three Persons equal in majesty,
undivided in splendour,
yet one Lord, one God,
ever to be adored in your everlasting glory.
And so with all the choirs of angels in heaven
we proclaim your glory
and join in their unending hymn of praise.

(Preface for the Feast of the Holy Trinity)

Dear friends,

Many thanks to all of you who brought 'kiwicath' back to life this week
with the variety of your posts.

During the week Trevor, Freda and Anthony mentioned the recent
commemoration in Rome of the life of Pope John XXIII (Angelo Roncalli,
1881-1963) who called the historic Second Vatican Council and was known
in his lifetime as "good Pope John" by people of all denominations and
none. Here are some links:
Two portraits:
http://www.safran-arts.com/pope.html
http://listserv.american.edu/catholic/church/papal/john.xxiii/john.xxiii.info.ht\
ml

A biography:
http://www.mcs.drexel.edu/~gbrandal/Illum_html/JohnXXIII.html
Pope John XXIII's pastoral writings:
http://listserv.american.edu/catholic/church/papal/john.xxiii/john.xxiii.html

Trevor also referred to the Christian Life Communities movement, and he
and Molly wrote about the 'Renew' programme which is starting up again
in three dioceses. The Christian Life Community New Zealand Website is
at: http://catholic.org.nz/clcnz The Hamilton diocesan Web site has a
first-class set of pages on the Renew programme, starting here:
http://www.catholic.org/newzealand/hamilton/renew/index.html

Mike Leon
'kiwicath' forum manager

**************************
PASTORAL LETTERS

In the past fortnight our bishops have published two related pastoral
letters: 'Giving Life, Giving Love: a pastoral letter discussing
contraception and abortion'; and a background paper to 'Giving Life,
Giving Love' entitled 'Chemical contraception: the dangers and
fallacies'. The two letters are accompanied by a copy of a pastoral
letter of the Scottish Catholic bishops: 'The Morning-After Pill'.

The letter on chemical contraception is quite technical and based on
thorough research with comprehensive footnotes. In the copy on the
bishops' Website, many of the footnotes are hypertext links to the
documents they refer to. The letter would be a useful resource if anyone
is writing a paper on the subject.

You can find direct links to the New Zealand pastoral letters (each of
which has a link to the Scottish one) on the bishops' 'What's New page'
at: http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/frwhatsnew.html

********************************
FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

'Celebrating order's 125 years in NZ '
ODT 2 June 2001
http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=02Jun2001/edi\
torial/content/GV944B0731EC.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial

Christian Brothers always "gave the impression of being happy within
themselves", remember Graeme Donaldson and Norman Gillies, celebrating
their order's 125-year jubilee in Dunedin this weekend.....

'Educationalist, bishop receive Queen's honours '
Waikato Times 4 June 2001
http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,817132a1600,FF.html
Hamilton educationalist Norman Kingsbury and the city's Roman Catholic
Bishop, Denis Browne, both become Companions of the New Zealand Order of
Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours announced today...

'Stories flow at school reunion '
Otago Daily Times 4 June 2001
Plenty of old school stories were swapped in Dunedin this weekend. The
125th anniversary of the Christian Brothers' arrival in New Zealand and
the founding of their first school in Dunedin were celebrated in the
city. Catholic Kavanagh College is on the site of the original Christian
Brothers School. With about 600 registrations from throughout New
Zealand and from Australia, Neil Paget, who handled the registrations,
was delighted with the turnout. It had been a "marvellous weekend", he
said. The strongest reunion interest had come from people who were
pupils in the mid-1930s to mid-1960s. A lot of catching up took place,
with plenty of old stories being told. The jubilee Mass, at Holy Name
Church, was attended by an estimated 400-500 people.

'To the priesthood - the Pacific way ' (photo)
The Nelson Mail 6 June 2001
http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,820237a1932,FF.html
Emani Soane once wanted to be a fisherman on a deep-sea trawler.
Instead, he is on the way to becoming a Catholic priest. This Sunday he
will be admitted to candidacy by Cardinal Williams at St Mary's Church
in Nelson.......

'Couple committed to each other and the community ' (photo)
ODT 9 June 2001
http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=09Jun2001/edi\
torial/content/H794768712RJ.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial

A strong sense of community spirit was the driving force in the life of
former St Kilda mayor Ivan James Lawson. And by his side for more than
60 years was his wife, Eileen Stewart Lawson. Described by their
children as "two halves of a whole", the couple, aged in their 80s, died
within a week of each other last month........

****************************************
EDUCATION

'Faith Central' is a resource Web site, with numerous links and
full-text documents as well, for teachers and students in New Zealand
Catholic Secondary Schools. Faith Central's latest set of resources - on
all aspects of Ecumenism - is at:
http://www.faithcentral.net.nz/inclass/ecumenism.htm

*****************************************
EVENTS & COURSES

22-23 June
Mercy Health Care Conference 2001, Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland.
The focus of the conference will be how Catholic health and aged care
services can uphold the dignity of human life while setting realistic
limits to the care provided. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 8 April 2001 p.19
and from the Conference Organiser, Te Tairere Oranga, PO Box 109 025
Newmarket, Auckland. Website: http://www.mercy.co.nz/

29 June-1 July
6 July-8 July
Discipleship Training Course, St Michael's Church, Ohaupo, Hamilton
Cost $80, accommodation can be arranged.
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from Eleanor Ranum, PO Box
358, Putaruru. Tel: 07 883 3037

'Art and Faith' Competition for paintings of a spiritual nature
sponsored by 'NZ Catholic' newspaper, Lillias McLean and Creative
Communities [Auckland City] Committee. Details in 'NZ Catholic' May 20
2001 p.23 . Entry form from NZ Catholic, PO Box 147-000, Ponsonby,
Auckland 1034. Email: catholic@iconz.co.nz or artel@xtra.co.nz. Fax:
(09) 360 3065 or (09) 524 8322 Closing date: 31 August 2001

23-27 July 2001
Churches' Education Commission. State school chaplaincy training course,
Auckland
C.E.C. is the educational agency of the churches, established "to
stimulate, service and co-ordinate the concerns of member denominations
and related organisations for Christian and general education in New
Zealand".
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from the Commission, PO
Box 26-679 St Heliers Bay, Auckland 1005. Tel: 09 622 0664; in
Wellington tel; 04 384 3587. Website: http://www.cec.org.nz/
Closing date for applications to enrol: 30 June 2001

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

(Vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancies )

Tertiary Education Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in 'NZ
Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23, in 'Wel-com' May 2001 p.19 and from
Bishop's Office, Private Bag 11012 Palmerston North, tel 06 357 1980.
Applications close 12 June 2001.

Executive Officer, Aotearoa New Zealand Catholic Healthcare.
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from John Topp. Wheeler
Campbell Consulting Ltd, tel; 04 499 1500, fax: 04 499 1600

Chaplain, Mt Eden Prison Women's Division, and Auckland Central Remand
Prison.
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from Sister Judith Leydon,
Vicar for Religious, Tel 09 378 4380. Applications close 25 June 2001

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



Sunday, June 3, 2001

3 june 2001

3 June 2001
Posted By: Sun Jun 3, 2001 10:10 am  |
(Adapted from the Solemn Blessing for Pentecost Sunday)

This day the Father of light
enlightened the minds of the disciples
by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
May he bless us and give us the gifts of the Spirit for ever.

May that fire which hovered over the disciples as tongues of flame
burn out all evil from our hearts
and make them glow with pure light.

God inspired speech in different tongues
to proclaim one faith.
May he strengthen our faith
and fulfil our hope to see him face to face.

May almighty God bless us,
the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Dear friends,

Our bishops have published a pastoral letter on abortion and
contraception - 'Giving Life, Giving Love' - which is on the Web site
now, minus some footnotes which I hope to supply later. You can open it
from the What's New page: http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/frwhatsnew.html

Happy Pentecost,
Mike Leon
'kiwicath' forum manager
********************************

FROM THE CATHOLIC PRESS

The following stories from this weekend's 'NZ Catholic' newspaper will
appear on its Web site in the next day or two, at:
http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/press/nzc/front.html

'$126,500 casino costs bill dropped'
Bishops, pensioners and city councillors are relieved and happy that the
Casino Control Authority is no longer seeking $126,500 court costs from
them. The CCA reversed its decision last Monday, only weeks after it
announced it would pursue the recovery of costs in respect of High Court
and Court of Appeal hearings relating to Riverside Casino Ltd......
[Link to the Casino Control Authority]

'RCIA group "adopts" death-row prisoner'
For six and a half years Sr Kathy Lynch RSM of Auckland has been
corresponding with a prisoner on death row in the United States - who
this past week became a Catholic. Steven Miller received a death
sentence in 1991. According to Sr Kathy, he has consistently maintained
his innocence. Appeals have been fruitless.....
[Link to Steven Miller's Web page]

'Two schools to be run in partnership'
Two Southland Catholic schools, 70km apart, have teamed up to share
resources, ideas and management. At a Mass celebrating Mother's Day on
May 13, the partnership was made between St Patrick's School in
Nightcaps and St Joseph's School in Invercargill......

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

CORRECTION

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 2001 (Vatican Information Service) - In the May 25
article on the Pope's trip to Ukraine, it was inadvertently reported
that there are 5 seminarians in Ukraine. Rather, there are 5 seminaries.

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

'Catholics object to pig's head on statue '
Otago Daily Times, Monday, 28-May 2001
http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=29May2001/edi\
torial/content/GSH14L9726JC.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial

Complaints have started to flow about the propriety of a concrete
sculpture of a pig's head atop a former cemetery statue of the Virgin
Mary. The sculpture by Otago Polytechnic first year fine arts student
Don Hunter (32) was exhibited in the Dunedin Botanic Garden at the
weekend..... (photo of Dunedin Diocesan administrator Mons. Vincent
Walker)

'Drizzle after prayer service '
ODT Tuesday, 29-May 2001
There were a few spits of rain after the Prayers for Rain service at St
Mary's Church in Timaru yesterday but organiser Terry Kennedy is hoping
the Almighty will send down some more. The lunchtime service, conducted
by South Canterbury Archdeacon Philip Robinson, Fr Matthew Cosgriff of
Sacred Heart Parish, and Rev Peter Wishart, from Chalmers Church,
attracted about 150 people including several other clergy, people from
outlying areas and Timaru district councillors. Entitled The New Life
from the Drought, the service began with the singing of Oh God, We Come
to Honour You, a hymn about the drought written by St Andrew's Kathy
Drinnan. Mr Kennedy said the prayers were not for a deluge or a flood,
just a gentle rain. "The question now is whether the Almighty hears our
prayers . . . it looks a bit threatening out there at the moment . . ."
A light drizzle had set in last night. - NZPA

'Rival Catholic schools to vie for cup '
ODT 1 June 2001
http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=01Jun2001/edi\
torial/content/GVH59G8636SM.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial

Kavanagh College will need to make use of its home ground advantage when
it meets Oamaru's St Kevins College in the annual Brother O'Connor Cup
game at Kettle Park, Dunedin, tomorrow.......

'Order's reunion a family affair '
ODT 2 June 2001 (photo)
http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=02Jun2001/edi\
torial/content/H1J54J8646LG.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial

The 125th anniversary of the Christian Brothers' arrival in New Zealand
and the founding of their first Kiwi school, in Dunedin, is being
celebrated in the city this weekend by about 400 people from around the
country and Australia.......

'Win for Kavanagh'
ODT Saturday, 2-June 2001
http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=28May2001/edi\
torial/content/GRF15F6794ES.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial

Politicians take note - the debaters of tomorrow are sharpening their
skills and the prospects look encouraging. Four Catholic schools -
Kavanagh College, St Kevins College, St Peters College and Verdon
College - vied for provincial debating supremacy in Dunedin over the
weekend..........

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

EVENTS & COURSES

22-23 June
Mercy Health Care Conference 2001, Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland.
The focus of the conference will be how Catholic health and aged care
services can uphold the dignity of human life while setting realistic
limits to the care provided. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 8 April 2001 p.19
and from the Conference Organiser, Te Tairere Oranga, PO Box 109 025
Newmarket, Auckland. Website: http://www.mercy.co.nz/

29 June-1 July
6 July-8 July
Discipleship Training Course, St Michael's Church, Ohaupo, Hamilton
Cost $80, accommodation can be arranged.
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from Eleanor Ranum, PO Box
358, Putaruru. Tel: 07 883 3037

'Art and Faith' Competition for paintings of a spiritual nature
sponsored by 'NZ Catholic' newspaper, Lillias McLean and Creative
Communities [Auckland City] Committee. Details in 'NZ Catholic' May 20
2001 p.23 . Entry form from NZ Catholic, PO Box 147-000, Ponsonby,
Auckland 1034. Email: catholic@iconz.co.nz or artel@xtra.co.nz. Fax:
(09) 360 3065 or (09) 524 8322 Closing date: 31 August 2001

23-27 July 2001
Churches' Education Commission. State school chaplaincy training course,
Auckland
C.E.C. is the educational agency of the churches, established "to
stimulate, service and co-ordinate the concerns of member denominations
and related organisations for Christian and general education in New
Zealand".
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from the Commission, PO
Box 26-679 St Heliers Bay, Auckland 1005. Tel: 09 622 0664; in
Wellington tel; 04 384 3587. Website: http://www.cec.org.nz/
Closing date for applications to enrol: 30 June 2001

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

EMPLOYMENT

(Vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancies )

Weekend Nurses, Vincentian Home and Hospital, Berhampore, Wellington
Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and form Alison Crowe, 2a Stanley
Street, Berhampore, Wellington Tel: 04 380 0294 or 04 380 0581

Accounting Officer, Archdiocesan Development Fund, Wellington. Details
in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and from Chris King, Administration Manager, PO
Box 12-407, Wellington. E-mail: invest@adf.org.nz

Tertiary Education Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in 'NZ
Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23, in 'Wel-com' May 2001 p.19 and from
Bishop's Office, Private Bag 11012 Palmerston North, tel 06 357 1980.
Applications close 12 June 2001.

Executive Officer, Aotearoa New Zealand Catholic Healthcare.
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from John Topp. Wheeler
Campbell Consulting Ltd, tel; 04 499 1500, fax: 04 499 1600

Chaplain, Mt Eden Prison Women's Division, and Auckland Central Remand
Prison.
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 3 June 2001 p.23 and from Sister Judith Leydon,
Vicar for Religious, Tel 09 378 4380. Applications close 25 June 2001


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



Sunday, May 27, 2001



May almighty God bless us on this day
when his only Son ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us.

After his resurrection, Christ was seen by his disciples.
When he appears as judge, may we be pleasing forever in his sight.

We believe that Jesus has taken his seat in majesty at the right hand of
the Father.
May we have the joy of experiencing that he is also with us to the end
of time.

May almighty God bless us, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

(Adapted from the Solemn Blessing for Ascension Day)
*******************************************************

Dear friends,

A couple of weeks ago New Zealand's Catholic bishops concluded one of
their regular meetings and I contacted the Bishops Conference Executive
Officer, Terence Oliver, to ask for a few details to send to our forum.
Better late than never, I have received a summary of the more
interesting decisions made at the meeting (see below), and I am hopeful
that having established a precedent, I may be able to do the same in
future a bit closer to the event.

The meeting in Rome of nearly all the world's cardinals ended last
Friday our time. In the Thursday bulletin of the Catholic news agency
Zenit, there are a number of items giving a useful overview of the
event: http://zenit.org/english/archive/0105/ZE010524.htm

This Weekend's Tablet has a somewhat more critical view:
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/cgi-bin/citw.cgi

God bless,
Mike Leon
'kiwicath' forum manager
********************************

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

Decisions taken at the recent week-long meeting of NZ's Catholic bishops
in Christchurch ...

Pax Christi
All the NZ bishops have given their support to the anti-nuclear policies
of Pax Christi by submitting their names to a statement of its aims.
Bishop R W Leamy SM has accepted the role of representing the bishops.
[Pax Christi in the NZ Catholic directory:
http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/directory/direct3m.html#15
Pax Christi's International Website:
http://www.paxchristi.net/ ]

Solomon Islands Clergy Formation
Many Pacific island dioceses have great difficulty funding the education
of their seminarians and have requested help from the NZ bishops.
Initial financial help will be given for this year and our bishops will
look at alleviating the problem with other approaches in the future.

Catholic Network of Marriage Educators
The Network requested support for declaring a National Marriage Week
which the bishops readily agreed to. The bishops asked for specific
recommendations on how National Marriage Week can be celebrated.

Youth Council
The bishops agreed to subsidise the travel of 2 NZ delegates to the
Toronto World Youth Day in 2002.
[ National Council for Young Catholics:
http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/directory/direct3m.html#5
World Youth Day:
http://www.wyd2002.org/ ]

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

'Comprehensive churchgoing survey '
Otago Daily Times 21 May 2001
Sydney: New Zealand churchgoers yesterday took part in the largest and
most comprehensive survey of church life in the world. The 2001 National
Church Life Survey will research church attitudes, beliefs and practices
in 17,300 congregations in Australia, the United States, England and New
Zealand. Congregation members from 18 denominations in the four
countries were asked to complete the written survey forms yesterday and
for the rest of this week. Chair of the international steering
committee, the Rev Dean Drayton, said the survey aimed to provide a
unique snapshot of the churches at the start of the new millennium.
"This project is unprecedented in its size and scope," Dr Drayton said
in a statement. "For the first time we will be able to compare four
countries in detail, using the largest database in church life in the
world." Dr Drayton said participants would receive reports of their own
results through their congregation but results would also be available
on an interactive web site - http://www.ncls.org.au/

'Universities' role of interest to church '
The Southland Times 26 May 2001
http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,806023a1943,FF.html
It is unlikely the ongoing argument about university councils has
attracted much attention in church circles, Invercargill First
Presbyterian Church minister, the Rev Simon Rae says in Religion and
Life. However, the issue is important and religious bodies do have an
interest in supporting the role of the universities in our society....

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

EVENTS

22-23 June Mercy Health Care Conference 2001, Waipuna Conference Centre,
Auckland The focus of the conference will be how Catholic health and
aged care services can uphold the dignity of human life while setting
realistic limits to the care provided. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 8 April
2001 p.19 and from the Conference Organiser, Te Tairere Oranga, PO Box
109 025 Newmarket, Auckland. Website: http://www.mercy.co.nz/

'Art and Faith' Competition for paintings of a spiritual nature
sponsored by 'NZ Catholic' newspaper, Lillias McLean and Creative
Communities [Auckland City] Committee. Details in 'NZ Catholic' May 20
2001 p.23 . Entry form from NZ Catholic, PO Box 147-000, Ponsonby,
Auckland 1034. Email: catholic@iconz.co.nz or artel@xtra.co.nz. Fax:
(09) 360 3065 or (09) 524 8322 Closing date: 31 August 2001

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

EMPLOYMENT

(Vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancies )

Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant, St Mark's Parish, Pakuranga
Auckland. Details in NZ Catholic May 6 p.23 and from the Parish Office
tel 576 7959; fax: 576 7905. Applications close 1 June 2001

Weekend Nurses, Vincentian Home and Hospital, Berhampore, Wellington
Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and form Alison Crowe, 2a Stanley
Street, Berhampore, Wellington Tel: 04 380 0294 or 04 380 0581

Tertiary Education Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in 'NZ
Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23 and from Bishop's Office, Private Bag 11012
Palmerston North, tel 06 357 1980. Applications close 12 June 2001

Tertiary Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in Wel-com May 2001
p.19 and form bishops' Office, Private Bag 11012 Palmerston North, Tel:
06 357 1980. Applications close 12 June 2001

Accounting Officer, Archdiocesan Development fund, Wellington. Details
in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and from Chris King, Administration Manager, PO
Box 12-407, Wellington. E-mail: invest@adf.org.nz

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


Sunday, May 20, 2001



Dear friends,

"A peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you" (John 14:27)

It seems a peace the world cannot give - a miracle of grace - is the
only thing that is going to bring peace to Jesus' Homeland, where two
communities live in fear and anger in the same house, so to speak.
Please keep the tormented people of the Holy Land in your daily prayers
and if possible have prayers for peace included in the Prayers of the
Faithful at Mass.

Over the next four days the College of Cardinals (including Cardinal Tom
Williams I assume) will be meeting in Rome. According to the Italian
press, they have a seven point agenda to discuss:
* how best to convey the message of Christ in a world of religious
pluralism;
* whether the Church is projecting holiness "in all its evangelical
radicality";
* how to defend the Church and the "originality of its sacraments" in
the face of New Age sects offering an alternative spirituality;
* how to tackle world poverty and globalisation;
* whether there is a discrepancy between the views of ordinary Catholics
on sexual and family matters and prevailing Catholic doctrine;
* how the world's mass media can be better used to convey Christian
values;
* and how church bodies such as the Curia (the Vatican bureaucracy) and
the Synod of Bishops could be "made to function better".

A tall order for a four-day meeting, and when the Cardinals return to
their own countries they are just one bishop among others. However
everyone present at the consistory will be aware that one of their
number will most likely be Pope John Paul's successor, so each of the
Cardinals will have an opportunity to "size up" their colleagues
intellectually and spiritually.

You can read daily reports about the cardinals' assembly via the links
to the Catholic and secular press on our bishops' News page:
http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/news/frnews.html

God bless,
Mike Leon
'kiwicath' forum manager
********************************

EDUCATION

Around nine New Zealand Catholic schools have opened Websites recently.
You can see the names of the new sites on the bishops' What's New page
http://catholic.org.nz and click 'What's New' - and links to all the
Catholic school sites I've been able to track down, here:
http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/education/schools.html

********************************
FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

'Lee's Decision Not To Rate Churches Welcomed'
Press Release: United Future NZ Party Thursday, 17 May 2001
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0105/S00352.htm
United Future leader, Hon Peter Dunne, has welcomed the decision by
Local Government Minister Sandra Lee not to change the current rating
regime for churches.....

'Costs stun casino battlers '
Waikato Times 18 May 2001
http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,797825a11,FF.html
The Casino Control Authority has dropped a bombshell by seeking costs of
$126,500 against a group which includes church leaders, pensioners,
Hamilton Mayor Russ Rimmington and city councillors...

'Dialogue: Politics irrelevant for this apostle ', by Garth George
NZ Herald Saturday, 19-May 2001
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?thesection=news&thesubsection=&storyI\
D=189206&reportID=53510

I have a huge amount of respect, reverence even, for Pope John Paul II.
Whether, as the Catholic Church tells me, he is the Vicar of Christ on
Earth, I'll leave to the dogmatists, but he has shown time and time
again that he is chosen of God, for he has always had about him a
Christlikeness and the older he gets the more Christlike he
becomes........

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

EVENTS

22-23 June
Mercy Health Care Conference 2001, Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland
The focus of the conference will be how Catholic health and aged care
services can uphold the dignity of human life while setting realistic
limits to the care provided. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 8 April 2001 p.19
and from the Conference Organiser, Te Tairere Oranga, PO Box 109 025
Newmarket, Auckland. Website: http://www.mercy.co.nz/

'Art and Faith' Competition for paintings of a spiritual nature
sponsored by 'NZ Catholic' newspaper, Lillias McLean and Creative
Communities [Auckland City] Committee.
Details in 'NZ Catholic' May 20 2001 p.23 . Entry form from NZ Catholic,
PO Box 147-000, Ponsonby, Auckland 1034. Email: catholic@iconz.co.nz or
artel@xtra.co.nz. Fax: (09) 360 3065 or (09) 524 8322
Closing date: 31 August 2001

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

EMPLOYMENT

(Vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancies )

Tertiary Education Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in 'NZ
Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23 and from Bishop's Office, Private Bag 11012
Palmerston North, tel 06 357 1980.
Applications close 12 June 2001

Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant, St Mark's Parish, Pakuranga
Auckland.
Details in NZ Catholic May 6 p.23 and from the Parish Office tel 576
7959; fax: 576 7905. Applications close 1 June 2001

Weekend Nurses, Vincentian Home and Hospital, Berhampore, Wellington
Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and form Alison Crowe, 2a Stanley
Street, Berhampore, Wellington Tel: 04 380 0294 or 04 380 0581

Tertiary Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese.
Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and form bishops' Office, Private Bag
11012 Palmerston North, Tel: 06 357 1980. Applications close 12 June
2001

Accounting Officer, Archdiocesan Development fund, Wellington.
Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and from Chris King, Administration
Manager, PO Box 12-407, Wellington. E-mail: invest@adf.org.nz

Sunday, May 13, 2001

Dear friends,

You might remember an item in 'News and Notes' a couple of weeks ago about our bishops' meeting in Christchurch. A press report said that they might discuss a proposal by the Catholic Church in England and Wales to have all seminary candidates vetted by the police. Last week I spoke to Terence Oliver, the Executive Officer for the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference. He told me that the bishops had discussed routine administrative matters and the British plan didn't come up.

A number of our members mentioned EWTN this week. That's the US-based international Catholic television and radio broadcasting network. Quite apart from any re-broadcasts of EWTN on local TV channels, you can watch the EWTN TV programme live on its Web site and listen to its international radio broadcast there too. The link is: http://www.ewtn.com/audiovideo/index.htm

In a media release, the bioethics agency of the NZ Catholic Bishops? Conference (The Nathaniel Centre ) welcomes the government's intention to call for new draft legislation on the use of genetic biotechnologies. Full text at: http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/news/news.html#art

And to all Mums, a very happy Mother's Day.

God bless,
Mike Leon
'kiwicath' forum manager
********************************

NATIONAL CATHOLIC DIRECTORY
http://catholic.org/nz/cathcom/directory/frdirectory.html 'National Offices & Associations: M to Y' has been updated from the 2001 National Catholic Directory, so that's that for another year! Our Web edition of the National Catholic Directory has sections on: Apostolic Nunciature ... Catholic Bishops of New Zealand ... Catholic Publishers Chaplains & Workplace Support ... National Offices & Associations A to L and M to Y ... Religious Orders ... Personal Prelature of Opus Dei ... Seminaries, Theological Colleges & Formation Houses ... Ukrainian & Melkite Eparchies ...

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

FROM THE CATHOLIC PRESS

'The Far East' May 2001 (monthly magazine of the New Zealand and Australian Columban Missionaries) http://www.columban.org.au/TFE/TrevorTrotter/FarEast.htm

Editorial - 'Signs of the Spirit' Australians and New Zealanders are justly proud of our missionaries. They are the men and women who have given themselves to spreading the Gospel "to the ends of the earth." Their effort, seen in purely human terms, is admirable but limited and even sometimes ambiguous. Through the eyes of faith we perceive the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives and work and all of us are touched by it......

'Defender of the exploited' The author, Hank Zyp, and his wife Tillie have known Fr Shay Cullen for about 25 years and have worked with him on some development projects. They admire him as a friend who is committed to doing everything possible to improve the lives of the poor and especially to save children from exploitation. In this account they give us a glimpse into the life of a missionary who was horrified at what he saw around him and dedicated himself to doing something about it.......

'The Aetas? journey' When Mt Pinatubo erupted in June 1991, the indigenous people, the Aetas, who lived on its slopes lost their homeland to the lahar that covered the whole region. The volcanic ash destroyed everything and made the area uninhabitable. The Aetas have been struggling since then to find land to cultivate and establish a future for themselves. Many Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Church bodies have been helping them to establish their rights and to take charge of their lives.....

'Columban Sisters in Chile', by Sr Ita McElwain As a Columban Sister, I love being here in Chile and feel privileged to be part of this vibrant local Church. Our Sisters are located in different regions of the country. In the first region, our Sisters have responsibility for one of the Basic Ecclesial Communities, Our Lady of Fatima, a part of Holy Spirit parish in the city of Iquique......

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Manager to negotiate new school for diocese Waikato Times 10 May 2001 http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,788446a1601,FF.html Hamilton's David Beirne has been appointed by the Catholic Church to spearhead negotiations for a new secondary school in Tauranga, a major goal for the Diocese of Hamilton.....

Two Catholic schools team up (photo) The Southland Times 12 May 2001 http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,790120a1940,FF.html St Joseph's School in Invercargill, and St Patrick's in Nightcaps, both integrated schools, defined by their "special character," are teaming up to share resource material, ideas and some teaching staff. Eventually they will share their board of trustees.......

Editorial: Pope puts a crack in religious wall NZ Herald 12.05.2001 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=188387&thesection=news&thesub\ section=general Where the Pope goes, so does history. When John Paul II announced his intention to follow the steps of St Paul to Greece, Syria and Malta, he said it was a personal pilgrimage. He hoped nobody would "attach other meanings to this plan of mine." Some hope ........

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

EVENTS

22-23 June Mercy Health Care Conference 2001, Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland The focus of the conference will be how Catholic health and aged care services can uphold the dignity of human life while setting realistic limits to the care provided. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 8 April 2001 p.19 and from the Conference Organiser, Te Tairere Oranga, PO Box 109 025 Newmarket, Auckland. Website: http://www.mercy.co.nz/

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

EMPLOYMENT

(Vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancies )

Co-ordinator, Christian family Life Education, Auckland and Hamilton Dioceses Details in 'NZ Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23; Therese Verheyn, tel: 09 378 4380; theresev@cda.org.nz

Youth Minister, St Michael's Parish, Remuera. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23 and from Craig Dunford, 5 Beatrice Rd, Remuera Tel: 09 520 1226

Tertiary Education Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23 and from Bishop's Office, Private Bag 11012 Palmerston North, tel 06 357 1980. Applications close 12 June 2001

Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant, St Mark's Parish, Pakuranga Auckland. Details in NZ Catholic May 6 p.23 and from the Parish Office tel 576 7959; fax: 576 7905. Applications close 1 June 2001

Weekend Nurses, Vincentian Home and Hospital, Berhampore, Wellington Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and from Alison Crowe, 2a Stanley Street, Berhampore, Wellington Tel: 04 380 0294 or 04 380 0581

Tertiary Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and from bishops' Office, Private Bag 11012 Palmerston North, Tel: 06 357 1980. Applications close 12 June 2001

Accounting Officer, Archdiocesan Development Fund, Wellington. Details in Wel-com May 2001 p.19 and from Chris King, Administration Manager, PO Box 12-407, Wellington. E-mail: invest@adf.org.nz

Sunday, May 6, 2001



Dear friends,

A warm welcome to our new forum member Terry and many thanks your
introduction. You wrote:

>
> My interests are aircraft, although I no longer fly, amateur radio, and
photography ...
>

Did you read this item? ..........
****************************************
'Community farewells West Coast pioneer aviator and true character'
(photo)
Otago Daily Times 12 April 2001
http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=12Apr2001/edi\
torial/content/0411474372.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial

One of South Westland's legends, Des Nolan, was farewelled by nearly 300
family and friends yesterday in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, at
Okuru, south of Haast. Mr Nolan died recently, aged 81. Earlier this
year, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to
aviation and the community ...
**************************************

Thank you also to the forum member who sent me the link to the Daily
Mass Readings, at:
http://www.easterbrooks.com/personal/calendar/select.html

The New Zealand Bishops' post-Easter meeting has just ended in
Christchurch so I would expect a press release or two and reports in the
Catholic press in the next week or so. Any I hear about, I 'll mention
in 'News & Notes' - unless someone beats me to it :-)

God bless,
Mike Leon
'kiwicath' forum manager

*******************************
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST PAUL: Papal Pilgrimage 2001

So far so good. Pope John Paul's visit to Athens took place in a far
better atmosphere than many dared to hope. Now John Paul is in Syria (
inspiring the Syrian tourism ministry to publish a poster reading: "Have
a vision! Take the road to Damascus!!") My impression is that in Syria
Latin and Greek Catholics are a minority within a minority but all
reports say the same thing: all Syrian Christians regard the Pope as
their representative to the Moslem majority; they can't afford
denominational strife. Consequently the Orthodox community will also
welcome him warmly. The Syrian part of the pilgrimage will be quite long
- four days altogether and then the Pope is off to the Catholic island
nation of Malta.

You can follow the pilgrimage on the bishops News page -
http://catholic.org.nz and click the News button. The U.S. Catholic
broadcaster EWTN has a special feature about the pilgrimage at:
http://www.ewtn.com/footsteps/index.htm and the Vatican Web site is
publishing the text of the Pope's principal addresses and homilies here:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/travels/sub_index/trav_greece-syr\
ia-malta-2001.htm


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

NATIONAL CATHOLIC DIRECTORY
http://catholic.org/nz/cathcom/directory/frdirectory.html

Getting there! I am now onto updating the National Offices and
Associations section of the directory, the last and biggest of the
sections on the bishops' Web site. The A-L section is finished: 27
organisations, most with associated Websites. Next week: M-W.

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

JUSTICE , PEACE & DEVELOPMENT

The annual report of Caritas Aotearoa-NZ - full-text and illustrated -
is on Caritas' Web site at:
http://caritas.org.nz/publications/AnnualReport2001/ar2000_0_index.htm

Caritas Aotearoa-NZ is the New Zealand Catholic bishops' agency for
justice peace and development, part of an international network of
Catholic aid agencies. Its Web site has extensive information about its
activities in New Zealand and around the world, and resources for social
justice education in schools. Four times a year the newsletter CARITAS
Update reports on the work of the Caritas international aid network in
photographs and articles and this is also published on their Website:
http://caritas.org.nz

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

FROM THE CATHOLIC PRESS

The following stories from 'NZ Catholic' newspaper, Sunday 6 May 2001,
will appear on its Website in a day or two:

'Consistency seen as key in handling school bullying'
"Common-sense and hard work go a long way to making and keeping schools
safe, says the principal of an Auckland school which has dealt with a
bullying problem. Helen Kermode was appointed to St Pius X Primary
School in Glen Innes at the beginning of last year. She said consistency
in discipline was a key for safety, but maintaining consistency demanded
continual effort...."
[Links to the Websites of the 'Keeping Ourselves Safe', 'Kia Kaha' and
'Cool Schools' programmes]

'Schools are urged to question teachers' values'
"Catholic schools should strongly question prospective teachers about
their values before hiring them, says the chief executive of the New
Zealand Catholic Education Office, Br Pat Lynch. Br Lynch told the
Dominican Educators' Conference in Auckland last month that children
came to understand goodness when they saw goodness acted out. "This is
why hiring teachers who are committed to the values of the school is a
fundamentally necessary employment practice,"...
[Link to NZ Catholic Education Office]

'Caritas aids major work in E. Timor'
"The lives of East Timorese people became a bit easier in the past year,
thanks in part to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2000 annual report
of Caritas says the agency funded three major projects in East Timor
during the year ...
[Link to the full text of the annual report, illustrated]

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

EVENTS

22-23 June
Mercy Health Care Conference 2001, Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland
The focus of the conference will be how Catholic health and aged care
services can uphold the dignity of human life while setting realistic
limits to the care provided. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 8 April 2001 p.19
and from the Conference Organiser, Te Tairere Oranga, PO Box 109 025
Newmarket, Auckland. Website: http://www.mercy.co.nz/

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

EMPLOYMENT

(Vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancies )

Co-ordinator, Christian family Life Education, Auckland and Hamilton
Dioceses
Details in 'NZ Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23; Therese Verheyn, tel: 09
378 4380; theresev@cda.org.nz

Youth Minister, St Michael's Parish, Remuera. Details in 'NZ Catholic'
22 April 2001 p.23 and from Craig Dunford, 5 Beatrice Rd, Remuera Tel:
09 520 1226

Tertiary Education Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in 'NZ
Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23 and from Bishop's Office, Private Bag 11012
Palmerston North, tel 06 357 1980.
Applications close 12 June 2001

Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant, St Mark's Parish, Pakuranga
Auckland.
Details in NZ Catholic May 6 p.23 and from the Parish Office tel 576
7959; fax: 576 7905. Applications close 1 June 2001



Tuesday, May 1, 2001

Dear friends,

The New Zealand Bishops' post-Easter meeting has just ended in Christchurch so I would expect a press release or two and reports in the Catholic press in the next week or so. Any I hear about, I 'll mention in 'News & Notes' - unless someone beats me to it :-)

God bless, Mike Leon 'kiwicath' forum manager

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

NATIONAL CATHOLIC DIRECTORY http://catholic.org/nz/cathcom/directory/frdirectory.html

Getting there! I am now onto updating the National Offices and Associations section of the directory, the last and biggest of the sections on the bishops' Web site. The A-L section is finished: 27 organisations, most with associated Websites. Next week: M-W.

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

JUSTICE , PEACE & DEVELOPMENT

The annual report of Caritas Aotearoa-NZ - full-text and illustrated -is on Caritas' Web site at: http://caritas.org.nz/publications/AnnualReport2001/ar2000_0_index.htm

Caritas Aotearoa-NZ is the New Zealand Catholic bishops' agency for justice peace and development, part of an international network of Catholic aid agencies. Its Web site has extensive information about its activities in New Zealand and around the world, and resources for social justice education in schools. Four times a year the newsletter CARITAS Update reports on the work of the Caritas international aid network in photographs and articles and this is also published on their Website: http://caritas.org.nz

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

'Community farewells West Coast pioneer aviator and true character' (photo) Otago Daily Times 12 April 2001 http://www1.odt.co.nz/cgi-bin/search-display-story-online-new?PATH=12Apr2001/edi\ torial/content/0411474372.html&WORDS=catholic&DB=Editorial One of South Westland's legends, Des Nolan, was farewelled by nearly 300 family and friends yesterday in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, at Okuru, south of Haast. Mr Nolan died recently, aged 81. Earlier this year, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to aviation and the community ...

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

FROM THE CATHOLIC PRESS

The following stories from 'NZ Catholic' newspaper, Sunday 6 May 2001, will appear on its Website in a day or two:

'Consistency seen as key in handling school bullying' "Common-sense and hard work go a long way to making and keeping schools safe, says the principal of an Auckland school which has dealt with a bullying problem. Helen Kermode was appointed to St Pius X Primary School in Glen Innes at the beginning of last year. She said consistency in discipline was a key for safety, but maintaining consistency demanded continual effort...." [Links to the Websites of the 'Keeping Ourselves Safe', 'Kia Kaha' and 'Cool Schools' programmes]

'Schools are urged to question teachers? values' "Catholic schools should strongly question prospective teachers about their values before hiring them, says the chief executive of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office, Br Pat Lynch. Br Lynch told the Dominican Educators? Conference in Auckland last month that children came to understand goodness when they saw goodness acted out. ?This is why hiring teachers who are committed to the values of the school is a fundamentally necessary employment practice,?... [Link to NZ Catholic Education Office]

'Caritas aids major work in E. Timor' "The lives of East Timorese people became a bit easier in the past year, thanks in part to Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2000 annual report of Caritas says the agency funded three major projects in East Timor during the year ... [Link to the full text of the annual report, illustrated]

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

EVENTS

22-23 June Mercy Health Care Conference 2001, Waipuna Conference Centre, Auckland The focus of the conference will be how Catholic health and aged care services can uphold the dignity of human life while setting realistic limits to the care provided. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 8 April 2001 p.19 and from the Conference Organiser, Te Tairere Oranga, PO Box 109 025 Newmarket, Auckland. Website: http://www.mercy.co.nz/

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

EMPLOYMENT

(Vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancies )

Co-ordinator, Christian family Life Education, Auckland and Hamilton Dioceses Details in 'NZ Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23; Therese Verheyn, tel: 09 378 4380; theresev@cda.org.nz

Youth Minister, St Michael's Parish, Remuera. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23 and from Craig Dunford, 5 Beatrice Rd, Remuera Tel: 09 520 1226

Tertiary Education Chaplain, Palmerston North Diocese. Details in 'NZ Catholic' 22 April 2001 p.23 and from Bishop's Office, Private Bag 11012 Palmerston North, tel 06 357 1980. Applications close 12 June 2001

Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant, St Mark's Parish, Pakuranga Auckland. Details in NZ Catholic May 6 p.23 and from the Parish Office tel 576 7959; fax: 576 7905. Applications close 1 June 2001