24 june 2001

24 June 2001 Posted By: leon@xtra.co.nz Sun Jun 24, 2001 10:52 am  | Options

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. We praise your greatness as we honour the prophet who prepared the way before your Son. You set John the Baptist apart from other men, marking him out with special favour. His birth brought great rejoicing: even in the womb he leapt for joy, so near was man's salvation. You chose John the Baptist from all the prophets to show the world its redeemer, the lamb of sacrifice. He baptized Christ, the giver of baptism, in waters made holy by the one who was baptized. You found John worthy of a martyr's death, his last and greatest act of witness to your Son. In our unending joy we echo on earth the song of the angels in heaven as they praise your glory for ever. (Preface of Saint John the Baptist) **************************************** Dear friends, Did any 'kiwicath' member attend the Mercy Healthcare conference, just ended? If so, could you could write us a couple of lines about it please.. Pope John Paul has begun his visit to the Ukraine where he will beatify the Catholic martyrs of the Nazi occupation during World War II and of the Communist era which followed it. Under Communism, the Greek Catholic Church was supressed, but continued to exist underground until the end of the Soviet era. During his visit the Pope will celebrate Mass several times according to the Latin (Roman Catholic) rite and the Byzantine (Greek Catholic) rite. The Catholics of the Ukraine are overjoyed at the visit, but it is also a controversial one because the principal Ukrainian Orthodox Church, in communion with the Moscow patriarchate, regards the visit by the Pope as an invasion of its territory. You can follow the events in text, video and audio reports and photos via the links on the bishops' News page at: http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/news/frnews.html You might also like to read first-hand reports in the Kjiv Post, the Internet edition of an English-language daily newspaper published in the Ukrainian capital Kiev: http://www.kpnews.com/data/main.html Mike Leon 'kiwicath' forum manager ************************** PASTORAL LETTERS Two more pastoral letters by our bishops are on the Web site. You can open them from the 'What's New' page at: http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/frwhatsnew.html >From 'Honouring Volunteers ', a letter marking the United Nations International Year of Volunteers: "... we asked ourselves the same question: where would we be without those who volunteer their gifts and talents and precious time to the many forms of ministry that make up the life of the Church?... Ministers of Word and Eucharist, musicians, altar servers and those who decorate and give visual expression to the feasts and seasons of our liturgical life... those who administer our finances, maintain our churches and property, serve in our caring apostolates, in RCIA and sacramental preparation, in family support, in marriage preparation and enhancement groups, assist those who are bereaved and those making new beginnings..." (Links to the IYV Websites of the UN and the New Zealand Dept of Internal Affairs, and to Catholic Overseas Volunteer Service) >From 'Christ's prayer for unity: A statement on Ecumenism': "To work for Christian unity, therefore, belongs to our very calling as Christ's disciples. That is why the Catholic Church is irrevocably committed to this work. It doesn't require uniformity in everything. But true unity cannot exist without unity in the profession of the same apostolic faith, the same sacraments and acceptance of the same teaching authority..." ************************** FROM THE CATHOLIC PRESS After a break of one year I'm happy to report that articles from the Wellington and Palmerston North diocesan newspaper 'Wel-com' are once again available on the Internet, at: http://catholic.org.nz/wellington/Wellington/Pastoral/Communications/latest.html >From the June issue of 'Wel-com': 'St Bernard's College Old Boys to the fore' In recent months we have heard of the success of some of the Old Boys of St Bernard's College in the business world. We offer our congratulations to them and to the College which gave them such good foundations. In a completely different area, we hear of even more success as outlined below...... (four related links) 'Miraculous Transformation in Christian-Jewish Relationships' Growing up in New Zealand today, it is difficult to appreciate how deep were the feelings of animosity directed at Jewish people until fairly recent times. Speaking in Wellington last month, Rabbi Professor David Rosen said the transformation that had taken place over the last fifty years, and especially over the last thirty years, has been nothing short of miraculous.... (link to the International Council of Christian and Jews and to Vatican II's 'Nostra Aetate' on relations with non-Christian religions) 'Fostering spiritual development through creative ministry' Monica Brown is one of Australia's most highly respected composers. A teacher, she was born and educated in Sydney and gained an honours degree through Australia's Catholic University. Her thesis was on spiritual development, something which has become the focus of her life's work. Her special expertise is with religious education, liturgy and spirituality through the integration of creative process, ritual and scriptural imagery... (link to Australian Catholic Univeristy) 'Marian Mothers celebrate 20 years' Celebrating the past but looking to the future was the mood when a group of former and current Marian Mothers gathered at St Teresa's Church in Karori on Anzac Day to celebrate 20 years since the movement first began. The current coordinator, Fr John Craddock sm, marked the occasion by announcing a new outreach to women in the Wellington area and plans to ensure the movement would match the changing needs of mothers in 2001 and beyond. (link to Marian Mothers Website) ******************** >From 'NZ Catholic' http://catholic.org.nz/cathcom/press/nzc/front.html 'Change in Catholic view is welcomed by rabbi' A rabbi preaching in a Catholic church would have once been "unthinkable", Rabbi David Rosen told a St Patrick's Cathedral congregation at Mass on May 6. The president of the International Council of Christians and Jews, Rabbi Rosen has experienced inter-faith contacts in South Africa, Ireland and Israel.... 'Vatican issues new directions for translating liturgical texts' The use of inclusive language and the choice of appropriate vocabulary for liturgical translations are addressed in a new Vatican instruction, entitled Liturgiam Authenticam, which calls for a new era in translation of liturgical texts. The following is a summary of main points from the document, published by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.... (Links to the full text of "Liturgiam authenticam" and to the New Vulgate: 'Editio Typica' (the Latin Bible) 'Sanctions on Iraq must stop' - Caritas Caritas Aotearoa-New Zealand has protested to diplomatic representatives of the United States and United Kingdom over their countries' support for economic sanctions against Iraq.... >From NZC's Think Page for young Catholics: http://www.catholic.org/newzealand/cathcom/press/nzc/Think.html 'Where is God? ' Ever asked yourself that question? Oh go on - be honest! Have you ever watched the news and asked, "Where is God?" Ever failed a critical university exam by two per cent and asked, "Where is God?" Have you ever had a friend die, and stopped and cried out "Where is God!?!?!?!" Mother Teresa once spoke about how noisy the world is, and how difficult it is to hear the voice of God . . . . He's still there and speaking, we just can't/won't or don't listen. ... ******************************** FROM THE SECULAR PRESS 'Agreement Secures New Premier Park In Hillsborough' Press Release: Auckland City Council http://www.scoop.co.nz/archive/scoop/stories/05/0a/200106201631.9bd2012a.html Auckland City Council has reached agreement with the Catholic Diocese of Auckland to buy about 5.1 hectares of the Diocesan property at Hillsborough, which includes the former Pah Homestead, also known as Monte Cecilia House. [Under the agreement] allowance is made for the current emergency housing facility in the former Pah Homestead to be relocated by the Diocese over the next 12 months or more and the Council will undertake significant remedial work in order to protect access, security and privacy for the residents of Liston Village.... **************************************** EVENTS & COURSES 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 30 June 2001 'Logos 3', McAuley High School, 26 High St., Otahuhu. 4pm-10pm Praise and worship, music, workshops, giveaways, games, prayer and Scripture "'Logos' is an Auckland Catholic organisation celebrating our youth and our heritage". Tel. Frs Pat, Joe or Kevin at (09) 625 1250. E-mail: logosproject@hotmail.com 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 '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 ) 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 ******************************

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17 june 2001

17 June 2001 Posted By: leon@xtra.co.nz Sun Jun 17, 2001 9:18 am  | Options

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. At the Last Supper, he sat at table with his apostles, he offered himself to you as the spotless lamb, the acceptable gift that gives you perfect praise. Christ has given us this memorial of his passion to bring us its saving power until the end of time. In this great sacrament you feed your people and strengthen them in holiness, so that the family of mankind may come to walk in the light of one faith, in one communion of love. We come then to this wonderful sacrament to be fed at your table and grow into the likeness of the risen Christ. Earth unites with heaven to sing the new song of creation as we adore and praise you for ever. [Preface II for the Mass of the Holy Eucharist] **************************************** FROM THE CATHOLIC PRESS 'The Far East' June 2001 http://www.columban.org.au/TFE/TrevorTrotter/FarEast.htm ['The Far East' is the monthly magazine of the New Zealand and Australian members of St Columban's Missionary Society] 'Respect for creation' (Editorial) Those who believe that God the Creator has given creation to us as a gift are moved to reverence at such kindness. Tobias prayed, "Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever" (Tb 8:5) and Isaiah (6:3) said "... the whole earth is full of his glory."....... 'Our great friend, Earth', by Fr Sean McDonagh On January 1, 1990, Pope John Paul II published an important document on the environment, entitled 'Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All Creation' * . The Pope acknowledged that "faced with the widespread destruction of the environment, people everywhere are coming to understand that we cannot now use the goods of the earth as we have in the past".......... 'How green is my Church?', by Fr Michael Gormly The Year of Jubilee was a tremendous opportunity for our church communities to make a fresh and sustained commitment to ecology and to the integrity of creation. This was a time to affirm a strong missionary and spiritual dimension in the environmental debate........... 'Requiem for a rainforest', by Fr Niall O'Brien Recently I read a very beautiful book called Vanishing Treasures of the Philippine Rainforest. In 1907 we had a rainforest cover of 70%. By 1992 it was down to 8%. The sound of chainsaws still goes on. There are also maps of the island of Negros, equally depressing, showing a few tiny green spots in the north and in the bottom end of Negros and nothing else. Still they chop with government approval. A future generation will surely weep over this and wonder what was wrong with us........ * http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/peace/documents/hf_jp-ii\ _mes_19891208_xxiii-world-day-for-peace_en.html ******************************** FROM THE SECULAR PRESS 'Advertising scam turns up in Capital ' The Evening Post 11 June 2001 http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/index/0,1008,826059a1701,FF.html A scam that targets businesses and charitable organisations - including a Christchurch convent of Carmelite nuns - has hit the Capital. The scam, which could involve more than $100,000, works by billing organisations and groups for advertisements they never ordered, then using debt collectors to make them pay....... **************************************** EDUCATION NZ Catholic Education Office. 'Lighting New Fires': Issue 2 2001 http://catholic.org.nz/nzceo/lightingnewfires.htm News, advice and resources for teachers in Catholic and other integrated schools. ***************************************** 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 30 June 2001 'Logos 3', McAuley High School, 26 High St., Otahuhu. 4pm-10pm Praise and worship, music, workshops, giveaways, games, prayer and Scripture "'Logos' is an Auckland Catholic organisation celebrating our youth and our heritage". Tel. Frs Pat, Joe or Kevin at (09) 625 1250. E-mail: logosproject@hotmail.com 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 '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 ) 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

10 june 2001

10 June 2001 Posted By: leon@xtra.co.nz Sun Jun 10, 2001 9:39 am  | Options

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

3 june 2001

3 June 2001 Posted By: leon@xtra.co.nz Sun Jun 3, 2001 10:10 am  | Options

(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 ************************************************

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