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

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz/news/fx-list-articles.cfm?ctype=MRART&loadref=50

Abortion ruling a step backwards, say New Zealand Catholic Bishops (2 June 2011) (full text)

The New Zealand Catholic bishops are very disappointed at the Court of Appeal decision which upheld a High Court ruling that unborn children do not have a right to life. The decision comes about after pro life group Right to Life appealed a 2008 ruling by Justice Miller that the right to life does not extend to foetuses. Spokesperson for the Catholic bishops, Fr Michael McCabe, says it is a very sad day for the unborn children in our community. “The right to life is fundamental and is the foundation of any just and moral society,” said Fr McCabe. “Every year more than 17,000 young New Zealanders die because we do not accord them this right.” “People on both sides of the abortion debate agree that there is an urgent need to reduce the number of abortions. This latest legal decision is a step backwards in finding common ground for the good of the unborn and their parents”.

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

'NZ CATHOLIC'

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

In issue no.367, June 5 - 18 2011: Vaccination incentives questioned ... Faith-based prison unit closure looms ... Government on notice for Budget impacts ... Australian bishop told to quit ... Joy as Faith and Light celebrates 40 years .. Advertising feature: Priestly and religious vocations (9 pages)

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

************************************************
Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society investigation
************************************************

Police and SFO investigating fraud allegations at Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society (SFO press release)
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1106/S00044/police-sfo-investigating-fraud-allegations-at-hibernian.htm
New Zealand Police and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) confirmed today that they are jointly investigating allegations of employee fraud at the Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society (Hibernian).

$1m fraud suspected at Catholic society
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/5090867/1m-fraud-suspected-at-Catholic-society

Hibernian Friendly Society defrauded of $1M
http://www.3news.co.nz/Hibernian-Friendly-Society-defrauded-of-1M/tabid/423/articleID/213619/Default.aspx

Ex-staffer suspected in big credit union fraud
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10729616

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

Court of Appeal: Unborn Children do not have a Right to Life
Press Release: Right To Life New Zealand Inc
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1106/S00050/court-of-appeal-unborn-children-do-not-have-a-right-to-life.htm
Unborn children do not have a right to life according to a decision of the Court of Appeal. Our counsel presented to the Court a detailed submission in support of the recognition of the humanity and right to life of unborn children. The Court in its judgment did not address the substance of this submission holding this not to be necessary...

Quake damage echoes artist’s theme (photo)
High Country Community Herald
http://tinyurl.com/3kemse9
Life is a tough road – joyful at times, but often painful. Help is at hand, but death is inescapable. Geraldine artist John Badcock’s latest series, The Stations of the Cross, communicates this, but he did not consider that its first public showing at the Christ Church Cathedral would be called to a halt by an event that echoed his sentiments so clearly.

Bohemian families gather to celebrate (photo)
Rodney Times
http://tinyurl.com/3rnsckt
It could be called a Bohemian rhapsody – an enthusiastic meeting of Puhoi’s oldest Bohemian families.

New project targets Inequality in New Zealand
http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/06/new-project-targets-inequality-in-new-zealand/
Leaders from NZ's major churches are supporting the launch of a new project today, aimed at reducing the gap between the rich and the poor in this country.


Saint statue still missing from church (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/east-bays-courier/5084810/Saint-statue-still-missing-from-church
One of the oldest surviving Catholic churches in the country is celebrating its 150th anniversary – without the statue of its patron saint. The Church of St John the Baptist Parnell, which was opened on May 12, 1861, will be celebrating its long history on June 12 with a mass by Bishop Patrick Dunn and brunch afterwards.

Catholics hail Mary, the quake-surviving statue (photo)
Waikato Times
http://tinyurl.com/3nt4oah
A statue of the Virgin Mary that turned 180 degrees during the February earthquake in Christchurch yesterday went full circle as part of a May procession.

More turning to food bank (photo)
Kapi-Mana News
http://tinyurl.com/3eb9zsr
St Vincent de Paul is much more than a food bank and second-hand store. Nestled among the small group of shops in Mungavin Ave, it has been operating in Porirua for 26 years now.

*******************
News of the Schools
*******************

St Thomas More, Mount Maunganui : Raising funds for life changing surgery (photo)
http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/local/news/raising-funds-for-life-changing-surgery/3953515/
A fund-raising campaign is under way to help a Papamoa girl get to New York for a life-changing operation. Zahnee Campbell's family is still waiting to hear if their bid for government funding from the Special High Cost Treatment Pool - money set aside for one-off treatments not otherwise funded by the public health system - has been successful.

Parents look overseas to fix daughter's eyesight (video report)
http://www.3news.co.nz/Parents-look-overseas-to-fix-daughters-eyesight/tabid/817/articleID/213667/Default.aspx


Monte Cecilia, Auckland: Trustees expect conflict over shift (photo)http://www.nzherald.co.nz/education/news/article.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10729671

Sacred Heart College, Auckland: Coach hits player in schoolboy soccer clash http://www.nzherald.co.nz/soccer-football/news/article.cfm?c_id=86&objectid=10729609

Sacred Heart College, Auckland: Sacred Heart's steely purpose wins Cup http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10729424

Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt: Skater wins golds (photo) The Hutt News http://tinyurl.com/43h4tf6

Sacred Heart Girls' College, New Plymouth: Sacred Heart on mission to retain cup at home Taranaki Daily News http://tinyurl.com/3tey3j9

St Joseph's School and Parish, Upper Hutt: Events mark parish century Upper Hutt Leader http://tinyurl.com/42cypgz

St Joseph's, Invercargill: Piggy banks (photo caption) The Southland Times http://tinyurl.com/3wq2upo

St Joseph’s, Pukekohe: Metal for camp funds Franklin County News http://tinyurl.com/3df9tzn

St Joseph’s, Temuka: Movin’ and a groovin’ (photo) High Country Community Herald http://tinyurl.com/3hagern

St Joseph’s, Waitara: Making the most of a soggy field (photo) North Taranaki Midweek http://tinyurl.com/3tcb8zt

St Mary’s, Blenheim: Blenheim teacher heading for Globe (photo) The Marlborough Express http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/5085258/Blenheim-teacher-heading-for-Globe

St Patrick's College, Silverstream: Wayward Silverstream pupils miss triumph (photo) http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/5088540/Wayward-Silverstream-pupils-miss-triumph

St Patrick's, Inglewood: School grateful for community support (photo) North Taranaki Midweek http://tinyurl.com/3p65nzu

St Patrick’s, Taupo: TV personality back for ski fundraiser (photo) Taupo Times http://tinyurl.com/3el6f4f

St Peter's College, Auckland: Synthetic drug easy for kids to buy http://www.nzherald.co.nz/health/news/article.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10729825

St Peter's College, Auckland: Flying start to season for St Peter’s Waikato Times http://tinyurl.com/3ljp3u9

St Peter's College, Palmerston North: Depression fuels teens’ theatre act (photo) Manawatu Standard http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/5072422/Depression-fuels-teens-theatre-act

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

INSPIRATIONAL TV

http://inspirationaltv.net

'Go, therefore'
Matthew 28:16-20 : a reading and commentary by Sr Stephanie Kitching.

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

NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC PODCASTS

http://station15.libsyn.com

** 15 Minutes with the Bishop: Ascension and Pentecost (June 4, 2011)

Here we are on the eve of two of the great feasts in the Church’s liturgical year: Ascension and Pentecost. Bishop Patrick Dunn talks with Gavin this week about those feasts, what they celebrate and their importance to the life of the Church in the first century and still today.

** Catechiwi: The Commandments, Episode 2 (June 1, 2011)

In this month’s Catechiwi episode, we continue our series on The Ten Commandments started last month. Fr Merv Duffy, SM, talks to Gavin about the third and fourth commandments: Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day and Honour your father and mother. What do those commandments call us to, beyond the literal words? How do they play out in a society about 3000 years removed from the passing on of the Commandments?

Ignition: Talk 3, Part 4 (May 31, 2011)

In this week’s episode of Ignition, we share some questions and answers following Bishop Anthony Fisher’s talk “Catholic Conscience in the 21st Century”, given as the inaugural NZ Catholic Lecture in 2007. Check the Ignition archives to listen to the three-part serialisation of the lecture.

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

'BEING FRANK' - New Zealand Catholic blogs

http://www.beingfrank.co.nz

*** Matrimony and ordination (two ordinations and a wedding)

** “Sono abitato dai fantasmi di diecimila maiali morti” (Milan, 'The Last Supper' and 'The Lost Symbol')

** The hunt continues (.. for a new blogger; plus Gavin Abraham on planking)

** Half Time (at the mid-point of the year)

** It’s not that bad – seriously, look who’s got the Moascar Cup (sport and Catholic schools)

** On a whim or a prayer (possible closure of schools because of a lack of priests)

** Taking a mental health day (mental states and sick leave)

See also Gavin Abraham's blog 'The Catholic Soapbox:
http://catholicsoapbox.com

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

NEW ZEALAND COMMENTARIES ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

Living the Word - Fr Frank Bird sm http://livingtheword.org.nz

Reflect - Veronica Lawson rsm http://www.welcom.org.nz/?sid=394

Daily Reflections (right-hand column) http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

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

ALL THINGS CATHOLIC - John L. Allen Jr

http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic

Church/state relations, Vatican smiles, and Libya
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/churchstate-relations-vatican-smiles-and-libya

Lucas Davenport is a fictional detective who's the hero of John Sandford's "Prey" series. (He's also, by the way, a lapsed believer but still Catholic to the core, whose best friend and dispenser of psychological insight is a nun.) Davenport has this rule of thumb for working a case: You're starting to get a handle on things if you can make an accurate prediction. On that note, here are three predictions about what the rise of the global South in Catholicism will mean for church/state relations in the 21st century ...

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

FACEBOOK

Pompallier's People: The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Church-in-Aotearoa-New-Zealand/149916141686808

Bishop Patrick Dunn
http://www.facebook.com/bishoppatrick?sk=wall

Catholic Discipleship College
http://www.facebook.com/cdcnz?sk=wall

'The Fifteenth Station'
http://www.facebook.com/station15

SMNZ Marists - the Society of Mary in New Zealand
http://www.facebook.com/Marists

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

WORLD NEWS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

http://www.romereports.com (video)

http://www.youtube.com/vatican (news of Pope Benedict - video)

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/author/luke/page/14/

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

EMPLOYMENT

[Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Vacancies section of the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz ]

Pastoral and Spititual Care Coordiantor, St Catherine's Rest Home, Ponsonby, Auckland.
http://www.eldernet.co.nz/Facilities/Rest_Home_Care/St_Catherine_s/Service/DisplayService/FaStID/1937
Details in 'NZ Catholic' no.366, May 22 - June 4 2011 p. 23, and from Dennis Horton, Director of Missio, tel (09) 360 7874, PO Box 6015, Wellesley St., Auckland 1141

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

'WEL-COM' - May 2011

http://www.welcom.org.nz

** News **

The euthanasia debate: Dignity is dying naturally. Sian Owen rsj and Cecily McNeill
'The Euthanasia Debate – Why Now?' Conference on April 8, 'People in pain have a right to fully adequate pain relief treatment. But that does not entail endorsing euthanasia as pro-euthanasia advocates propose.'

Birds model for disaster recovery programme: Stormbirds programme helps people in Australia and NZ deal with grief. Esther Saldanha
This non-denominational, educative programme is designed by Good Grief, Australia (the parent company of Seasons for Growth) to help relieve suffering and bring hope to communities recovering from natural disasters which leave individuals feeling vulnerable.

Social justice at the gospel's heart: Writing competition focuses on social justice. Patrick Horan
This year competition entrants will be asked to address the question, 'Is social justice at the heart of the gospel?'

** Columns **

Editorial: Budget belt-tightening rebounds on children: Children most vulnerable least protected. Cecily McNeill
This country already ranks the lowest of 29 countries for child health outcomes in a 2009 OECD report and has the third highest income discrepancy of those 29 countries. One in five New Zealand children lives in poverty.

Verbum Domini - Mary as mother of God's word: Articles 27 and 28. Kieran Fenn FMS
Mariology requires a sound theological basis; Mary is not an end in herself – she points us to her son. In the words of John XXIII, 'The madonna is not pleased when she is placed before her son.'

Archbishop's column: A Shoreless Ocean. Archbishop John Dew
In New Zealand we watched with growing anxiety as we thought of Pacific islands like Kiribati, Tuvalu and Tongatapu where people have no higher ground to run to.

** Schools **

Otaki children lead in water safety lessons
St Peter Chanel school promotes swimming safety 5 May 2011 Principal Maia Williams says though maintain a pool is expensive, she feels it is important children can swim. 'Water safety is a huge part of what Otaki is about because there are so many waterways here.'

** Features **

Anzac trumps Easter in battle of the gods
All of them are dead. The bones of Jesus buried deep in Palestine and Kiwi soldiers in Turkey. Although we post-moderns might like to believe we don't venerate relics, there's an annual resurrection attempt every Easter and Anzac Day. Two festivals that usually jostle for space in New Zealand but this year have collided head-on.

Beyond the quake is the hope of a new creation
When the spotlight is removed from some areas of need and many people are left to manage shrinking resources, when hope boundaries diminish for many people and wellness is compromised, what will our radical hospitality look like?

Marriage course helps couples stay off the rocks
As we shared with other couples how we came to be here, we realised the most important gift offered by this course was the chance to be with people who truly understood.

** Palmerston North **

Whanganui youth team wins Delargey award. Msr David Bell
Their vision has been to provide a fortnightly social occasion that appeals to the young people in a safe yet challenging environment outside the usual family or school milieu – allowing young people to explore, witness to, experience and strengthen their Catholic faith while having fun together.

Josephites come together: Federation meeting in South Australia. Anne Burke rsj
The trafficking of women was a primary area of concern for the 24th annual meeting last month of leaders of the Australian-Aotearoa/New Zealand Federation of the Sisters of St Joseph gathered at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. m

Living in the moment. Fr Kevin Neal
No one could wish for anything better in the past but I don't dwell there. The same goes for the future. It looks remarkably good but who knows?

** Reflect **

Fourth Sunday of Easter - Year A: John 10: 1-10. Veronica Lawson rsm
My brother and sister-in-law woke up one morning to find that all the sheep had disappeared from their Riverina property. It seems that some enterprising thief had managed to load the sheep on to ...

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Cathedral choir returns (full text)
The Press
Despite losing both its home in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and music library in the adjoining Music Centre, the CBS choir and orchestra sing on. The choir's director, Don Whelan, singers and musicians are now based in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Manchester St where they performed J S Bach's St John's Passion on Good Friday. The CBS choir and orchestra will now present a performance of Mozart's Requiem on Saturday June 25 at 7.30pm in St Mary's. Whelan will conduct with soloists Sue Densem (soprano) and Chris Whelan (baritone). The concert also includes Mozart's Symphony No 29, the solo cantata Exsultate Jubilate and Regina Coeli.

Mum raises cash for life-changing surgery
Bay of Plenty Times — A003 — 27 May 2011
A fund-raising campaign is under way to help a Papamoa girl get to New York for a life-changing operation.
Zahnee Campbell's family is still waiting to hear if their bid for government funding from the Special High Cost Treatment Pool _ money set aside for one-off treatments not otherwise funded by the public health system _ has been successful. Zahnee's school, St Thomas More Catholic School, will hold a mufti day and sausage sizzle next Friday to raise money, Aquinas College has a mufti day in the works, and Jade challenges other schools to do the same.

Reds star Ioane on a wing and a prayer
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/5067977/Reds-star-Digby-Ioane-on-a-wing-and-a-prayer
Prayer hands adorned with rosary beads are tattooed into his neck. Then there are the giant angel wings on his back and numerous other designs on his stomach, chest and arms. Digby Ioane's love for getting ink done is nothing to do with trying to look like a member of a heavy metal band or biker club. Instead the 25-year-old, Wellington-born, Australian-raised Catholic says they are his way of showing his respect to God.

Caritas and Auckland Catholic Justice & Peace Commission withdraw from post-Budget Rally
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00438/catholic-groups-withdraw-from-post-budget-rally.htm
Two Catholic organisations who had been planning participation in tomorrow's post-Budget rally in Auckland have withdrawn their support following a New Zealand Herald story about the civil disobedience intentions of some participants.

Helping hand for church (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/press-communities/5058474/Helping-hand-for-church
A chance glance by a Project Employment head while driving along Bower Avenue, turned into a boon for the Korean Catholic community who lost their church groundsman in the post-quake exodus.

*******************
News of the Schools
*******************

Carmel College, Auckland: Planking pupil disciplined (photo) The New Zealand Herald http://www.nzherald.co.nz/connect/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501833&objectid=10727835#

Carmel College: After-balls back on as company gets in on act http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10728597

Garin College, Nelson: Garin College band wins two in a row (photo) The Nelson Mail http://tinyurl.com/3ebar8d

Garin College, Nelson: Garin look to finals (photo) The Leader Richmond-Waimea http://tinyurl.com/3ercz57

John Paul College, Rotorua: Police targeting boozy after-balls http://www.nzherald.co.nz/vaimoana-tapaleao/news/article.cfm?a_id=367&objectid=10727423

John Paul College: Review Get all shook up in 50s show The Daily Post (Rotorua) — A002 — 27 May 2011

Monte Cecilia, Auckland: Council refuses to back out of deal (photo) The New Zealand Herald http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10727854

Monte Cecilia, Auckland: Trustees split on moving school (photo) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/education/news/article.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10727590

Roncalli College, Timaru: Craighead allowed roll increase http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/5039465/Craighead-allowed-roll-increase

Sacred Heart Girls College, Hamilton: Rock-paper-scissors triumphs http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/slider/5045427/Rock-paper-scissors-triumphs

Sacred Heart School, Invercargill: Bird watchers Southland Times — News — 26 May 2011 — 3

St Joseph’s, Te Aroha: Book reviews lift quake funds Piako Post http://tinyurl.com/3pgtkg9

St Kevin's College, Oamaru: An invitation from the Principal Clutha Leader http://tinyurl.com/3lyhb9o

St Mary's, Blenhein: Modern school gets blessing (photo) Marlborough Midweek http://tinyurl.com/3lmnbgm

St Peter's college, Gore: Helping your child achieve their potential Clutha Leader http://tinyurl.com/3lyhb9o

St Thomas of Canterbury College, Christchurch: Catholic cathedral gets ‘virtual’ rebuild (photo) Christchurch Mail http://tinyurl.com/43nwvst

Verdon College, Invercargill: Verdon cast delivers on show’s promise (photo) The Southland Times http://tinyurl.com/435kedr

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

INSPIRATIONAL TV

http://inspirationaltv.net

'You will live'
John 14:15 - 21 : a reading and discussion with Stephen Ready and Sr Stephanie Kitching.

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

NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC PODCASTS

http://station15.libsyn.com

Ignition: Talk 3, Part 3 (May 23, 2011)

In this week’s episode, we conclude Bishop Anthony Fisher’s address for the 2007 NZ Catholic Lecture entitled “Catholic Conscience in the 21st Century”. At that time, Bishop Fisher was preparing for World Youth Day in Sydney the following year, as he mentions in his talk. Bishop Fisher is now Bishop of Parramatta. We’ll start the serialisation of a new talk next Monday.

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

'BEING FRANK' - New Zealand Catholic blogs

http://www.beingfrank.co.nz

** Retreat (Jesus-free school retreats)

** “Thank God, It’s Doomsday” (the ‘Rapture’; what to pray for)

** WWJD? He’d be on Facebook (call for new 'Being Frank' team members; social media and vocations)

** A Global Sabbatical (a Sabbath for our planet)

** I did it my way? (forms of the Our Father in the liturgy; appropriate vestments)

** World is ending – again (the writer of this blog confuses 'The Rapture' with the Second Coming' - ml)

** What to hold on to? (belongings: what's important and what's not)

See also Gavin Abraham's blog 'The Catholic Soapbox:
http://catholicsoapbox.com

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

NEW ZEALAND COMMENTARIES ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

Living the Word - Fr Frank Bird sm http://livingtheword.org.nz

Reflect - Veronica Lawson rsm http://www.welcom.org.nz/?sid=394

Daily Reflections (right-hand column) http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

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

ALL THINGS CATHOLIC - John L. Allen Jr

http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic

Benedict's 'Quiet Revolution', and a check-up on Catholic health care
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/benedicts-quiet-revolution-and-check-catholic-health-care

A funny thing has happened as the story of a recent Vatican crackdown on a legendary monastery in Rome has made its way into the English-language press. I mean that literally -- the story has been turned into a joke, thereby obscuring its real significance. For those with eyes to see, the suppression of the Cistercian abbey at the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, one of the traditional seven major pilgrimage sites in Rome, rates far more than placement in a "news of the weird" column. Instead, it's the latest chapter in what might be called a "Quiet Revolution" under Pope Benedict XVI, referring to a reform in clerical culture beginning in Rome and radiating beyond...

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

FACEBOOK

Pompallier's People: The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Church-in-Aotearoa-New-Zealand/149916141686808

Bishop Patrick Dunn
http://www.facebook.com/bishoppatrick?sk=wall

Catholic Discipleship College
http://www.facebook.com/cdcnz?sk=wall

'The Fifteenth Station'
http://www.facebook.com/station15

SMNZ Marists - the Society of Mary in New Zealand
http://www.facebook.com/Marists

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

WORLD NEWS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

http://www.romereports.com (video)

http://www.youtube.com/vatican (news of Pope Benedict - video)

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

EMPLOYMENT

[Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Vacancies section of the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz ]

Pastoral and Spititual Care Coordiantor, St Catherine's Rest Home, Ponsonby, Auckland.
http://www.eldernet.co.nz/Facilities/Rest_Home_Care/St_Catherine_s/Service/DisplayService/FaStID/1937
Details in 'NZ Catholic' no.366, May 22 - June 4 2011 p. 23, and from Dennis Horton, Director of Missio, tel (09) 360 7874, PO Box 6015, Wellesley St., Auckland 1141

Dear readers,

I recommend this excellent article in 'Envoy' magazine - http://tinyurl.com/44qfsbu - for clarification about the concept of 'The Rapture' which is propagated in fundamentalist Christian circles. In particular, it's important to know - and many people may not be aware of this - that when people talk about 'the Rapture', they are not referring to the Second Coming of Christ, a doctrine shared by all the principal Christian denominations, but to something else entirely - Mike L.

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

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz/news/fx-list-articles.cfm?ctype=MRART&loadref=50

Political and social commitment needed to change abortion situation (20 May 2011)

The New Zealand Catholic Bishops say that the recent example of a 16 year old girl having an abortion without the knowledge or consent of her parents is a disturbing example of the law letting down our young people and undermining family values...

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

'NZ CATHOLIC'

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

In issue no.366, May 22 - June 4 2011 : Double ordination joy ... One Our Father canned Fr Terry Dibble saw, judges and acted .. A rocky road to the priesthood .. The beatification of Pope John Paul: three feature articles .. Bin Laden killing poses questions ... Escape from shaken cathedral

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Social activist priest (photo)
The Press
http://tinyurl.com/3d79qxs
On a Saturday afternoon in July 1981 as Father Terry Dibble stood in the middle of Rugby Park, Hamilton, more than a few were paraphrasing King Henry II. ‘‘Will no-one rid me of this troublesome priest,’’ Henry said of Thomas a Becket, and people wanting to watch a Springbok game that day would have applauded the sentiment.

Good news from Palestine (photo, video interview with Br Peter Bray)
http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=26510
Unlike most media reports from Israel/Palestine, this interview relates a good news story from that strife-torn region. And the interviewee is a very unlikely advocate for the Palestinian people.

Government put ‘on watch’ for welfare changes and future policy - Caritas
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1105/S00334/govt-on-watch-for-welfare-changes-and-future-policy.htm
Catholic social justice agency Caritas has put the government ‘on watch’ for the true impact of ‘re-prioritised spending’ and welfare changes expected later this year, following the 2011 Budget.

New Zealand Catholic Church says it will not have to change its policies (full text)
Radio New Zealand Newswire — 17 May 2011 : 14:07:33
The Catholic Church in New Zealand says it will not have to change its policies following a letter from the Vatican telling bishops around the world to report abuse by clergy to the police. The letter says bishops should report the abuse of children by priests directly to the authorities in line with their local law. The New Zealand church's director for Professional Standards, John Jamieson, says the letter deals with offending against people aged under 18, who make a complaint within 20 years. He says the church would take that sort of case to the police immediately, but in the last 30 years it has only had reports of historical abuse. Mr Jamieson says he has dealt with many cases where the offender has died. He says he personally revised the guidelines for the church in New Zealand, so if a current case was reported, it would be handled well.

Lack of priests threatens schools (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5006844/Lack-of-priests-threatens-schools
The bell may be tolling for some lower North Island schools and churches, as a nationwide shortage of priests forces the Catholic Archbishop of Wellington to consider their closure.

Falling In Love With God On His Lunch Break
The Dominion Post
http://tinyurl.com/6x7u45z
The young accountant was jetting across Europe, living a party lifestyle with friends. There were sights to see and sleepless nights, and a lot of money to spend. At some point in between beers that Matt Crawford sat down and thought to himself "I'm not happy".

Doomsday hour arrives: world survives
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/161521/doomsday-hour-arrives-world-survives
The prediction of an American religious leader who declared Judgement Day would arrive first in New Zealand at 6pm today has been proved less than accurate. Evangelical broadcaster Harold Camping has predicted a massive earthquake will strike the earth, unleashing the Apocalypse, first upon New Zealand, then around the world.

And that's the end of the world news :-)

*******************
News of the Schools
*******************

Principals fear job cuts as pupils stay away
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/education/news/article.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10726076

Monte Cecilia, Auckland: 170 have say on proposal for Monte Cecilia School (photo)
The New Zealand Herald http://www.nzherald.co.nz/education/news/article.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10726283

Roncalli College, Timaru: College girl attacked by pack
http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/5011872/College-girl-attacked-by-pack

St Bede's College, Christchurch: St Bede's dominate in ideal conditions
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/rugby/5007021/St-Bedes-dominate-in-ideal-conditions

St Joseph's, Arrowtown: Decision opens way for new campus to proceed (photo)
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/queenstown-lakes/161208/decision-opens-way-new-campus-proceed

St Joseph's, Queenstown: Pupils learn business of raising cash for school (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/5006980/Pupils-learn-business-of-raising-cash-for-school

St Mary’s, Carterton: Pupils get taste of principal’s job (photo)
Wairarapa News http://tinyurl.com/6ff84vn

St Patrick's College, Silverstream: Silverstream won't have it all their own way
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/college-sport/5016918/Silverstream-won-t-have-it-all-their-own-way

St Patrick's college, Wellington: Technology meets old-school values in long-running sporting clash
The Dominion Post http://tinyurl.com/696yt5e

St Patrick’s, Inglewood: Vandals target school (photo)
North Taranaki Midweek http://tinyurl.com/6zjor26

St Patrick’s, Taupo: Cricket grant well caught (photo caption)
Taupo Times http://tinyurl.com/3p6zxc6

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

INSPIRATIONAL TV

http://inspirationaltv.net

'Anxiety'
John 14:1-12 : a reading and discussion with John Teariki and Malia Vito-Tupai.

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

NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC PODCASTS

http://station15.libsyn.com

19 May 2011
15 Minutes With the Bishop: Deaconate
15 Minutes with the Bishop: Marriage

17 May 2011
Ignition: Talk 3, Part 2
In this week's episode of Ignition, we release part two of Bishop Anthony Fisher's talk "Catholic Conscience in the 21st Century", given as the 2007 NZ Catholic Lecture. We will complete the lecture in the episode released next Monday.

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

'BEING FRANK' - New Zealand Catholic blogs

http://www.beingfrank.co.nz

** Never see a need without doing something about it (a Christian presence for the Eastern Suburbs of Christchurch

** From the Being Frank archive (Catholics and the 'Erotica' expo

** Why Holy Images? (holy images as an invitation and aid to prayer)

** Let’s knock this anti-Traditional Mass stuff on the head now shall we? (on the implementation of “Summorum Pontificum.” )

** Parents Out, Counsellors In (abortions for schoolgirls)

** Defining ‘Christian’ (does that include Mormons?)

See also Gavin Abraham's blog 'The Catholic Soapbox:
http://catholicsoapbox.com

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

NEW ZEALAND COMMENTARIES ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

Living the Word - Fr Frank Bird sm http://livingtheword.org.nz

Reflect - Veronica Lawson rsm http://www.welcom.org.nz/?sid=394

Daily Reflections (right-hand column) http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

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

ALL THINGS CATHOLIC - John L. Allen Jr

http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic

Four titles from a bumper crop of Italian books
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/four-titles-bumper-crop-italian-books

On a per capita basis, Italy probably churns out more books on the Catholic church each year than anyplace else on earth. Given the boost created by the May 1 beatification of Pope John Paul II, this spring has been an especially busy period for the Italian market, generating several titles that will likely make their way into translations and shape Catholic conversation around the world. This week, I’ll offer brief sketches of four such titles to emerge from the recent bumper crop...

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

FACEBOOK

Pompallier's People: The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Church-in-Aotearoa-New-Zealand/149916141686808

Bishop Patrick Dunn
http://www.facebook.com/bishoppatrick?sk=wall

Catholic Discipleship College
http://www.facebook.com/cdcnz?sk=wall

'The Fifteenth Station'
http://www.facebook.com/station15

SMNZ Marists - the Society of Mary in New Zealand
http://www.facebook.com/Marists

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

WORLD NEWS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

http://www.romereports.com (video)

http://www.youtube.com/vatican (news of Pope Benedict - video)

CatholicHerald.co.uk - Morning Catholic must-reads:
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/author/luke/page/14/

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

EMPLOYMENT

[Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Vacancies section of the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz ]

Pastoral and Spititual Care Coordiantor, St Catherine's Rest Home, Ponsonby, Auckland.
http://www.eldernet.co.nz/Facilities/Rest_Home_Care/St_Catherine_s/Service/DisplayService/FaStID/1937
Details in 'NZ Catholic' no.366, May 22 - June 4 2011 p. 23, and from Dennis Horton, Director of Missio, tel (09) 360 7874, PO Box 6015, Wellesley St., Auckland 1141

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Vinnies go to Christchurch (photos)
Hamilton Press
Pages one and two: http://tinyurl.com/3hcugcc
Page three: http://tinyurl.com/3obt3am
The FullFill van, part of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (Vinnies) Good Neighbour Project, spent five days in Christchurch in April visiting people in need...

From James Smiths to Antarctica (photo)
The Wellingtonian
http://tinyurl.com/3q7qx26
Joseph Romanos talks to Wellington identity Beverley Benton about her new job, her trip to Antarctica and her time at James Smiths.

Top award for scout leader (photo)
Kapiti Observer
http://tinyurl.com/3sanhz3
Paraparaumu’s Joan O’Dea has been awarded Scouts New Zealand’s highest award.

Hundreds farewell city father (photo)
The Press
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/5002097/Hundreds-farewell-city-father
Hundreds farewelled Christchurch property developer, philanthropist and ‘‘city father’’ Maurice Carter at a funeral service yesterday. Among the mourners at St Mary’s Catholic Church in central Christchurch were Mayor Bob Parker, former mayor Garry Moore and Christchurch MPs Gerry Brownlee and Jim Anderton.

From carpenter to construction magnate (photo)
The Press
http://tinyurl.com/3s7v8oy

Christchurch mourns patriarch
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=196343

Tornado widow ‘heartbroken’ (photo)
The Dominion Post
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4997656/Auckland-tornado-widow-heartbroken/
The widow of Auckland tornado victim Benedict Dacayan says planning her soulmate’s funeral reminded her of planning their wedding. ‘‘But now, instead of joining me he will be joining God,’’ she told the congregation at his funeral at St Joseph’s church in Takapuna, Auckland, yesterday.

Tornado death: Widow talks of anger (photo, video)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4995418/Tornado-death-Widow-talks-of-anger

Tornado widow farewells love (photo)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10725279

Art for Christchurch (photo caption)
North Taranaki Midweek
http://tinyurl.com/3dj5bpq
New Plymouth artist Jan Huijbers with his piece called The Annunciation, which he is selling to raise money for the Caritas Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Hopes high for cathedral (photo)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10724741
Hopes are high that one of New Zealand’s best-known and sacred buildings can be restored, and perhaps even improved, after being badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes. But those working to repair the internationally recognised Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament say the extent of the damage, and the required costs, will not be revealed until the large dome sitting atop the cathedral is removed.

*******************
News of the Schools
*******************

School approved by Environment Court
http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/queenstown/160251/school-approved-environment-court
A school for 112 primary school pupils will be built on Speargrass Flat Rd, near Arrowtown, if the $3 million-$5 million project is not challenged again by neighbouring opponents of the development.

Catholic Church victorious in Speargrass school scrap (photo)
http://www.scene.co.nz/catholic-church-victorious-in-speargrass-school-scrap/288004a1.page

Marian College, Christchurch: Quake no bar to Othello performers (photo) http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/4997928/Quake-no-bar-to-Othello-performers

Pompallier College, Whangarei: Marsden juniors in national squad http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/sport/news/marsden-cyclists-in-national-squad/3951556/

Rosmini College, Auckland: Rosmini wrap up Harbour sevens title (photo) North Shore Times http://tinyurl.com/3pbnq95

Sacred Heart College, Auckland: Street singers back cancer kids (photo) East and Bays Courier http://tinyurl.com/44wdtz2

Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Hamilton: Cervantee Wild on her trip to Turkey Taranaki Daily News http://tinyurl.com/4y9bxuf

Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Hamilton: Sacred Heart to the fore (photo) http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/4987042/Sacred-Heart-to-the-fore

Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Hamilton: Students step into wider world (photo) Hamilton Press http://tinyurl.com/3ff942m
Sacred Heart Girls’ College, Hamilton: Young goalie making waves (photo) Waikato Times http://tinyurl.com/43xk7fl

St Anne's, Manurewa: Hard work pays off for teacher (photo) Manukau Courier http://tinyurl.com/3d3y9ct

St Joseph's, Kaikoura: St Joseph’s goes red (photo caption) Kaikoura Star http://tinyurl.com/3s7ogss

St Joseph's, Queenstown: Book sale hopes to net $20,000 (photo) Queenstown Mirror http://tinyurl.com/3ovqvc7

St Patrick's College, Silverstream: Defending champs in right form (photo) The Dominion Post http://tinyurl.com/3okob5f

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

INSPIRATIONAL TV

http://inspirationaltv.net

'Opening the Gate'
John 10:1-10 : a reading and discussion with Sister Stephanie Kitching

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

NEW ZEALAND CATHOLIC PODCASTS

The Fifteenth Station:
http://station15.libsyn.com

** Ignition: Talk 3, Part 1 (10 May 2011)
In this new series from Ignition, we serialise the 2007 NZ Catholic Lecture, given by Bishop Anthony Fisher OP. Bishop Fisher was then an Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney; he is now Bishop of Parramatta. This talk was entitled Catholic Conscience in the 21st Century. Part two of Bishop Fisher's talk will be released next Monday.

** 15 Minutes With the Bishop - Episode 3: Verbum Domini (5 May 2011)
Late last year, Pope Benedict XVI released the apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini, which was his bringing together of the various recommendations and conclusions of the 2008 Synod of Bishops on the Word of God. In this week's episode of 15 Minutes with the Bishop, Bishop Patrick Dunn offers some insights into the document, which can be accessed on the Vatican website.

** 15 Minutes With the Bishop: Celibacy (5 May 2011)
In this week's episode of 15 Minutes with the Bishop, Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland talks with Icon Media's Gavin Abraham about the origins of priestly celibacy, the tradition of it in the Catholic Church and its practice today. New episodes of this new show are uploaded every Friday.

** Ignition: Talk 2, Part 6 (2 May 2011)
In this week's episode, Fr Michael Gielen of Hamilton diocese concludes his talk on evangelisation given at the 2010 Hearts Aflame Summer School. If you haven't heard them already, you can download the five previous episodes of this talk from our archive. Tune in next Monday as we commence the serialisation of a new talk.

** Catechiwi May 2011 (1 May 2011)

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

'BEING FRANK' - New Zealand Catholic blogs

http://www.beingfrank.co.nz

** Canonizing people of other faiths (a story of three martyrs from two denominations)

** "It’s your child versus mine..." (favouritism, lessons from American Idol)

** Over and Out…. (blogger Filia Day signs off)

** Double Downs and Double Acts Going Down (eating responsibly, and honour in sport)

** Younger men seeking ordination again (in Europe and the U.S.)

** More on Blessed PJP II

** Reason to Believe (from the Eucharistic Convention)

See also Gavin Abraham's blog 'The Catholic Soapbox:
http://catholicsoapbox.com

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

NEW ZEALAND COMMENTARIES ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

Living the Word - Fr Frank Bird sm http://livingtheword.org.nz

Reflect - Veronica Lawson rsm http://www.welcom.org.nz/?sid=394

Daily Reflections (right-hand column) http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

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

ALL THINGS CATHOLIC - John L. Allen Jr

http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic

A triptych on Benedict’s papacy, and hints of what lies beyond
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/triptych-benedict%E2%80%99s-papacy-and-hints-what-lies-beyond

Three Vatican stories which unfolded during the past week, taken together, form a sort of triptych. They’re like three scenes in a single work of art, illustrating different features of the same subject. Those stories were: A shake-up in the Roman Curia ... A May 7-8 papal trip to Venice ... A May 7 retrospective on John Paul II in Spoleto. I’ll sketch these panels in turn, because each tells us something interesting about the papacy of Benedict XVI -- and each, perhaps, may offer just a hint or two about what might lie beyond...

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

FACEBOOK

Pompallier's People: The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Church-in-Aotearoa-New-Zealand/149916141686808

Bishop Patrick Dunn
http://www.facebook.com/bishoppatrick?sk=wall

Catholic Discipleship College
http://www.facebook.com/cdcnz?sk=wall

'The Fifteenth Station'
http://www.facebook.com/station15

SMNZ Marists - the Society of Mary in New Zealand
http://www.facebook.com/Marists

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

WORLD NEWS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

http://www.romereports.com (video)

http://www.youtube.com/vatican (news of Pope Benedict - video)

CatholicHerald.co.uk - Morning Catholic must-reads:
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/author/luke/page/14/

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

EMPLOYMENT

[Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Vacancies section of the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz ]

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

'NZ CATHOLIC'

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

In issue no. 365, May 8 - 21 2011 : 1 million at beatification of JPII ... Little miracles in Christchurch schools ... Easter celebrations in Rome ... Advertising feature: NZ Catholic Education (5 pages)

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Some charities sitting on a heap of assets
http://tinyurl.com/3zn3rrl
Many charities are amassing wealth rather than using it to further their charitable ends, says a charities sector researcher. Independent researcher Dr Michael Gousmett, also chief executive of the St Vincent de Paul Society in New Zealand, said an analysis of the financial position of the top 10 charities ranked by assets and excluding universities reveals they hold $1.8 billion in investments, or 39% of their total assets of $4.5 billion.

He waits for me in heaven : Tornado widow speaks (photo)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10724007
On Tuesday, Jeanette Dacayan's world collapsed. Now she faces the agonising task of rebuilding it on her own

Cathedral's fate remains unclear (text, photos, video)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4969039/Cathedrals-fate-remains-unclear
The dome on the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament may be down in four weeks, but the fate of the Christchurch landmark is still unclear.

Church fundraiser (full text)
Eastern Courier
http://tinyurl.com/3jcd326
St Luke’s Catholic community in Flat Bush needs a new church. At present the weekly Sunday Eucharist is held in the Sancta Maria College auditorium while other church services are held in the chapel. The number of parishioners has been growing since they started five years ago and they now have more than 600 every Sunday. They are hosting a choral concert at the college gymnasium at 7pm on May 6 to fundraise for the new church. Tickets at $10 are available from Nanette Ferian on 269-7055.

Parish hall solid as ever on new site (photo)
Cambridge Edition
http://tinyurl.com/4yhygkv
This Sunday, the St Peter’s Catholic community will celebrate their parish hall’s new life with an official blessing and opening.

Christians unite at Easter (photo)
The Hutt News
http://tinyurl.com/453msyr

Sale boosts church funds (photo)
Hauraki Herald
http://tinyurl.com/3cwa8ru
A monster garage sale on Saturday attracted a good turnout and raised funds for the restoration of two country churches. Hikutaia’s Catholic and Community churches were built around 1912 to 1914.

Fire disrupts classes (full text)
Waikato Times — News — 3 May 2011 — 3
An empty classroom at Hamilton East's Marian Catholic School received minor damage yesterday after a fire started in a fluorescent lightbulb. Fire safety officer Kevin Holmes said the block of classrooms was evacuated about midday. The room was not in use at the time.

Fire victim renowned for her caring (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/kapiti-observer/4951638/Fire-victim-renowned-for-her-caring
More than 100 people, including the Philippine Charges d'Affaires, attended the funeral of Roselle Ramirez on Thursday. Ms Ramirez died in a Paraparaumu Beach house fire on April 13, after a laptop re-charging in the lounge caught fire.

Concern at removal of items from Teschemakers (photo)
http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/north-otago/157848/concern-removal-items-teschemakers
The removal of historic items from the chapel at the former Teschemakers girls' boarding school has upset former pupil Susie Scott, who wants them returned because the property's future is now assured.

Dominican sister 'devastated' chapel items gone (photo)
http://www.odt.co.nz/regions/north-otago/158295/dominican-sister-devastated-chapel-items-gone
A Dominican Sister who taught at Teschemakers College has raised concerns about the removal of statues and other items from the chapel at the former Catholic girls' boarding school.

Churches mark beatification of Pope John Paul
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/74119/churches-mark-beatification-of-pope-john-paul
The Catholic church in New Zealand has marked the beatification of Pope John Paul II at ceremonies around the country.

*******************
News of the Schools
*******************

Integrated schools get more money
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/4962879/Integrated-schools-get-more-money
More money and pupils are going to integrated schools, with one of New Zealand's oldest and most exclusive schools a step closer to joining the system.

Carmel College, Auckland: Teachers on mission to help needy (photo)
North Shore Times http://tinyurl.com/43sevfr

Liston College, Auckland: Operation success for impaled boy
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10723995

Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt: Peace Day planned. Bullying in focus
The Hutt News http://tinyurl.com/3d3fveb

St Bernard's College, Lower Hutt: Visual symphony from a spray can (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/4950054/Visual-symphony-from-a-spray-can

St Joseph's School, Timary: History, stone carving, ignite cultural spark (photo)
The Timaru Herald http://tinyurl.com/3c6nu88

St Patrick's College, Wellington: St Pat's team reach goal at national tournament
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/college-sport/4957042/St-Pats-team-reach-goal-at-national-tournament

St Peter's College, Palmerston North: Speaking of an argument... (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/4954077/Speaking-of-an-argument


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

INSPIRATIONAL TV

http://inspirationaltv.net

'The Road Ahead'
Luke 24:13-16, 28-35: a reading and discussion with Sister Stephanie Kitching

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

'BEING FRANK' - New Zealand Catholic blogs

http://www.beingfrank.co.nz

** Viewing religion through political eyes (shifting apologetics from the political to the spiritual)

** “In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary... (the death of Bin Laden)

** A little perspective please (Bin Laden: the reaction in America)

** Death… and celebration? Bin Laden: is the signing and dancing a bit too much?)

** When in Rome, do as the bloggers do (a conference of Catholic bloggers at the Vatican)

** Against Easter Trading Laws

** An eventful weekend (the Beatification, the Wedding, the Eucharistic Convention ...)


See also Gavin Abraham's blog 'The Catholic Soapbox:
http://catholicsoapbox.com

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

NEW ZEALAND COMMENTARIES ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

Living the Word - Fr Frank Bird sm http://livingtheword.org.nz

Reflect - Veronica Lawson rsm http://www.welcom.org.nz/?sid=394

Daily Reflections (right-hand column) http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

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

ALL THINGS CATHOLIC - John L. Allen Jr

http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic

What to do about Sodano?
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/what-do-about-sodano

In Rome and in Catholic circles around the world, a question is quietly circulating which only Pope Benedict XVI can answer: What to do about Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Pope John Paul II's former Secretary of State, who still holds the post of Dean of the College of Cardinals? ...

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

FACEBOOK

Pompallier's People: The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Church-in-Aotearoa-New-Zealand/149916141686808

Catholic Discipleship College
http://www.facebook.com/cdcnz

'The Fifteenth Station'
http://www.facebook.com/station15

SMNZ Marists - the Society of Mary in New Zealand
http://www.facebook.com/Marists

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

WORLD NEWS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

http://www.romereports.com (video)

http://www.youtube.com/vatican (news of Pope Benedict - video)

CatholicHerald.co.uk - Morning Catholic must-reads:
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/author/luke/page/14/

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

EMPLOYMENT

[Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Vacancies section of the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz ]

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

NZ CATHOLIC BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

http://www.catholic.org.nz/news/fx-list-articles.cfm?ctype=MRART&loadref=50

Beatification of Pope John Paul II (28 Apr 2011)

Pope John Paul II will be a step closer to sainthood when he is beatified this Sunday 1 May, after which he will be known as Blessed John Paul II. His beatification will be celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter's Square in Rome. Watch the beatification ceremony live at Pope2you.net, with coverage from 6.30pm New Zealand time. The beatification ceremony will commence at 8pm New Zealand time. Pope John Paul II is the only Pope to have visited New Zealand and spent three days here in November 1986...

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

Catholics mark John Paul's beatification
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4944768/Catholics-mark-John-Pauls-beatification
Wellington Catholics will lead the global celebrations of the beatification of Pope John Paul II tomorrow. Pope Benedict XVI will officiate at a ceremony in Rome at 8pm (NZ time). Wellington Catholics, however, will commemorate the event early with a mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thorndon, at 10am, celebrated by Archbishop John Dew...

Big turnout for lively priest (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/4933083/Big-turnout-for-lively-priest
Auckland's political establishment - from the Left and the Right as well as the avowedly apolitical along with the religious - have turned out today to farewell Father Terry Dibble.

Catholic Convention To Focus On Pope John Paul II
International Catholic Speakers This Weekend in Takapuna:
Talks on Pope John Paul II, Conversion and Faith
http://www.voxy.co.nz/lifestyle/catholic-convention-focus-pope-john-paul-ii/5/88698
Incredible conversion stories by an American junkie-turned priest and a legendary Aussie TV broadcaster, talks by the Papal Nuncio, and a special focus on Pope John Paul II are planned for the Eucharistic Convention (29 April-1 May).


***********
EASTER 2011
***********

Resurrection of interest in Easter services (photo)
Waikato Times
http://tinyurl.com/3mmnl3c
Record numbers of Hamilton faithful found their way to places of worship over Easter Weekend and local church leaders hope the trend will continue...

Walk for Witness (photo)
Waiheke Marketplace
http://tinyurl.com/3nwu7bx
Despite the threat of rain there was a good turnout for the traditional Good Friday Walk for Witness. The procession of young and not so young started outside the Presbyterian Church, walked around Oneroa and finished at the Catholic Church. Dave Graham carried the cross which Robert Gray from the Presbyterian Church says symbolises God’s grace to the world.

Leading the way at Easter (photo)
Piako Post
http://tinyurl.com/3jcm3fw
Good crowds again attended the traditional Procession of the Cross around churches in Piako on Good Friday. The Te Aroha march, pictured right, started outside St Joseph’s Catholic Church at 9.30am, finishing with a service in the domain after stops along Whitaker St. In Morrinsville the Way of the Cross got under way at Morrinsville Baptist Church, photo above, in Moorhouse St at 10am, stopping at Knox Presbyterian Church, St Matthew’s Anglican Church, St Joseph’s Catholic Church and ending with morning tea in Morrinsville Methodist Church on Thames St.

*******************
News of the Schools
*******************

John Paul College, Rotorua: Rotorua Anzac Day Service (photo)
The Daily Post — A005 — 26 April 2011
http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/have-your-say/news/youngsters-introduced-to-past/3949546/

Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt: Duffy dynasty reigns in Hutt netball (photo)
The Hutt News
http://tinyurl.com/4yzuth7

St Joseph's School, Pleasant Point: St Joseph’s pupils enjoy rural romp (photo captions)
High Country Community Herald
http://tinyurl.com/3na7hyd

St Patrick's College, Silverstream: St Pats’ team set to make a splash
The Dominion Post
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/college-sport/4930076/St-Pats-team-set-to-make-a-splash

St Peter's College, Auckland: Luck of the Irish saves Stephen after balcony fall (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4922206/Luck-of-the-Irish-saves-balcony-fall-victim

St Peter's College, Palmerston North: Quick learner enjoys success on the hills (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/sport/4927068/Quick-learner-enjoys-success-on-the-hills/

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

INSPIRATIONAL TV

http://inspirationaltv.net

'Return'
John 20:19-31: a reading and discussion with Rev. Dr Raymond Pelly and Very Rev. Frank Nelson at St Paul's Cathedral, Wellington.

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

'BEING FRANK' - New Zealand Catholic blogs

http://www.beingfrank.co.nz

** Decisions, decisions, decisions… (loving God in and out of season)

** “Hey, you lost your money fair and square! I didn’t scam nobody!” (Lisbon taxi drivers)

** Etiquette fit for the Queen but not the Lord (Catholic liturgical etiquette)

** A growing empire (Icon Media's new projects)

** Exhortation and Kohima (liturgies in Rome this Easter)

** Christ, Our Liberator, Lives! (reflecting on the reason for the season)

** Let the feast begin (celebrating the liturgical year)

See also Gavin Abraham's blog 'The Catholic Soapbox:
http://catholicsoapbox.com

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

NEW ZEALAND COMMENTARIES ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

Living the Word - Fr Frank Bird sm http://livingtheword.org.nz

Reflect - Veronica Lawson rsm http://www.welcom.org.nz/?sid=394

Daily Reflections (right-hand column) http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

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

ALL THINGS CATHOLIC - John L. Allen Jr

http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic

Towards the beatification of John Paul II
http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic/towards-beatification-john-paul-ii

This morning, what one Roman priest has defined as the “spiritual marathon” surrounding John Paul II’s beatification began. The opening act, so to speak, came with the removal of the late pope’s casket from its tomb, in preparation for its eventual placement in the chapel of St. Sebastian in the heart of St. Peter’s Basilica...

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

EVENTS

Eucharistic Convention 2011
April 29 - May 1 2011, Westlake Boys High Auditorium, Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland
http://www.eucharisticconvention.com

Jesus 4 Real Camps, 2011, Palm Grove Christian Camp, Paraparaumu
http://www.jesus4real.org.nz
Years 11 - 13 : Wednesday 27 April - Sunday 1 May
("Early Bird" Registrations close 16 March, All Registrations close 13 April)

Years 9 - 10 : Wednesday 12 - Sunday 16 October
("Early Bird" Registrations close 31 August, All Registrations close 28 September)

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

FACEBOOK

Pompallier's People: The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Church-in-Aotearoa-New-Zealand/149916141686808

Catholic Discipleship College
http://www.facebook.com/cdcnz

'The Fifteenth Station'
http://www.facebook.com/station15

SMNZ Marists - the Society of Mary in New Zealand
http://www.facebook.com/Marists

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

WORLD NEWS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

http://www.romereports.com (video)

http://www.youtube.com/vatican (news of Pope Benedict - video)

CatholicHerald.co.uk - Morning Catholic must-reads:
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/author/luke/page/14/

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

EMPLOYMENT

[Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Vacancies section of the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz ]

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

FROM THE CATHOLIC PRESS

Pope's Easter Mass to be on NZ TV channels on April 25
http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz/viewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=2107
Triangle and Stratos Television are to help Catholics celebrate one of the most important events in their religious calendar by broadcasting the Easter Papal Mass and message from St Peter's Square, Vatican City on both channels this Easter Monday (April 25) at 10:30am New Zealand time... [Also on the Internet at http://www.ecasttv.co.nz/channel_detail.php?program_id=&channel_id=177 - ML ]

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

FROM THE SECULAR PRESS

***********
EASTER 2011
***********

A time to imagine what might be
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10720638
An Easter message from the churches of Auckland

Crossing Paths At Easter (photo caption)
The Dominion Post
http://tinyurl.com/42l7bn6
Churchgoers literally had their own cross to bear as they gathered together for an ecumenical Good Friday procession. The 90-minute march began from St Mary’s Anglican Church in Whitby at 8am yesterday and ended at St Teresa’s Catholic ..Church in Plimmerton.

Store to flout law on Easter trade
Marlborough Express
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/4914967/Store-to-flout-law-on-Easter-trade
Blenheim New World is to open on Easter Sunday, defying a Department of Labour ban on trading on the day.

Disasters prompt religious revival
Churches see lift in numbers on pews (photo)
http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/local/news/disasters-prompt-religious-revival/3949290/
Tauranga churches are expecting large congregations this Easter because of a resurgence in the popularity of religion.

Island churches expect good Easter turnout (photo)
Waiheke Marketplace
http://tinyurl.com/3fhsh6k

Walk to mark Easter
Hauraki Herald
http://tinyurl.com/3voj4fa

The Walk of the Cross (photo)
Kapi Mana News
http://tinyurl.com/3gds4bv

***********
OTHER NEWS
**********

For God's Sake (photos)
The Dominion Post — Your Weekend — 23 Apr 2011 — 8
Pages one and two: http://tinyurl.com/3bhpcjj
Pages three and four: http://tinyurl.com/3pesmrj
Pages five and six: http://tinyurl.com/3qgf9gl

When was the last time you talked with your mates about God? As members of a secular society, many New Zealanders consider their faith a private matter. This Easter, Sarah Catherall talks to Kiwis (*) about what they really believe and finds a diverse spirituality.

* Sir Paul Callaghan, scientist; Warren Maxwell, musician; Lynley Webster, real estate agency administrator; Celia Wade-Brown, Wellington mayor; John Dew, Catholic Archbishop Of Wellington; Hamish Carson, athlete; Bob Parker, mayor of Christchurch; Mary Denton, Federation of Islamic Associations of NZ


Historic Lyttelton churches hurt (photo)
Christchurch Mail
http://tinyurl.com/3je8ocq
The fate of Lyttelton's historic St Joseph's Catholic Church hangs in the balance ...

Surgery quest for brave girl (photo)
http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/local/news/surgery-quest-for-brave-girl/3949306/
A Papamoa family desperate for their daughter to receive life-changing eye surgery unavailable in New Zealand is hoping to obtain money for the operation to be performed in New York.

Priest honours relative (photo)
North Shore Times
http://tinyurl.com/3w26wbk
A newly ordained priest who’s leading an Anzac Day service in Glenfield says it is a chance to honour relatives who in fought in World War Two. Father Brian Lange, who became a priest in May last year at age 63, says his father and uncle both fought in the war.

Catholics get together for messages of inspiration
North Shore Times
http://tinyurl.com/3fxu4ou
Legendary Australian journalist Michael Willesee is one of the main speakers at a Catholic convention on the North Shore.

Farewell Peter Keenan (photo)
The Horowhenua Mail
http://tinyurl.com/3hr7l5q
About 300 people gathered at St Joseph’s Church on Monday to celebrate the life of Horowhenua councillor Peter Keenan, who passed away on Wednesday of last week after a long battle with cancer.

Positive music earns scholarship reward
Horowhenua Mail
http://tinyurl.com/3c4ajm4
Horowhenua songstress Teresa Hoskins has again been rewarded for her musical talents, scoring one of 15 Whitireia Polytechnic scholarships.

Innovative nun’s focus on making a difference (photo)
The Press
http://tinyurl.com/3hxln46
In 1972, three nuns of the Order of Mercy stunned Christchurch Catholics by resigning from teaching at Villa Maria College and moving to Aranui. The initiator was Sister Teresa O’Connor. Described by colleague Sister Pauline O’Regan as a visionary, O’Connor planned a community development scheme among the needy in new housing areas of north-east Christchurch.

Golden celebration for couple's milestone (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/4898952/Golden-celebration-for-couples-milestone
Fifty years of marriage has just "flown by" for Jane and Tom Coughlan. The pair celebrated their anniversary in style this weekend, with friends and family travelling from as far away as Auckland to attend the festivities at Sacred Heart Basilica.

Church welcomes special visas for religious workers (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4902895/Church-welcomes-visas-for-religious-workers/
The Catholic Church is welcoming the development of a special priest's visa, saying current immigration laws discriminate against religious workers for responding to a "calling", not a job advertisement.

Dedicated to good works (photo)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/obituaries/4907476/Dedicated-to-good-works
One of the last of the handful of Invercargill women who set up the National Council of Women in Southland half a century ago was farewelled in a Requiem Mass at St Mary's Basilica in the city last week. Kathleen Patricia Hall died at the age of 91 in Hamilton, where, following the loss of her husband, Len, she had made her home with her son, David.

Traffic stopped for former officer
Cambridge Edition
http://tinyurl.com/3m7j4yz
William Max Riley died last Tuesday, April 12, at Resthaven aged 72.

*******************
News of the Schools
*******************

Garin College, Nelson: Garin faces off with Golden Bay (photos) The Leader Richmond-Waimea http://tinyurl.com/3ko2kjz

Kavanagh College, Dunedin: Kavanagh College expansion begins (photo) http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/157016/kavanagh-college-expansion-begins

Marian College, St Bede's College, Christchurch: Marian and St Bede’s to share site till end of year (full text) The Press http://tinyurl.com/3v9jcua

McCauley High School, Auckland: Govt foolish to sniff around school nursing for savings New Zealand Herald — A013 — 18 April 2011 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10719995

Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt: Julianne Alvarez confident of another top showing (photo) http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/golf/4902725/Alvarez-confident-of-top-showing

Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt: Quartet signs off with a splash as Sacred Heart claim bronze medal (photo) The Dominion Post http://tinyurl.com/3qddnvt

Sacred Heart College, Lower Hutt: Sacred Heart looked likely (photo) Hutt News http://tinyurl.com/3lx2s5f

Sacred Heart College, Napier: Culinary cool (photo) The Napier Mail http://tinyurl.com/3mrhfxm

Sacred Heart Girls College, Christchurch: Warm memories were unexpectedly evoked (photo) The Dominion Post http://tinyurl.com/3jfqbck

St John’s College, Hamilton: Students enchanted by Winn’s spell (photo) Waikato Times http://tinyurl.com/3pr3gjd

St Joseph’s School, Picton: 1000 daffodil bulbs put in ground (photo) The Marlborough Express http://tinyurl.com/44gnmw5

St Patrick's College, Wellington: Sacked St Pat’s staff member admits theft (photo) The Dominion Post http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/4898715/Sacked-St-Pats-worker-admits-theft

Verdon College, Invercargill: Teacher returns to inspire (photo) http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/4898900/Teacher-returns-to-inspire

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

INSPIRATIONAL TV

http://inspirationaltv.net

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

'BEING FRANK' - New Zealand Catholic blogs

http://www.beingfrank.co.nz

See also Gavin Abraham's blog 'The Catholic Soapbox:
http://catholicsoapbox.com

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

NEW ZEALAND COMMENTARIES ON THE SUNDAY READINGS

Living the Word - Fr Frank Bird sm http://livingtheword.org.nz

Reflect - Veronica Lawson rsm http://www.welcom.org.nz/?sid=394

Daily Reflections (right-hand column) http://www.maristmessenger.co.nz

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

ALL THINGS CATHOLIC - John L. Allen Jr

http://ncronline.org/blogs/all-things-catholic

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

EVENTS

Eucharistic Convention 2011
April 29 - May 1 2011, Westlake Boys High Auditorium, Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland
http://www.eucharisticconvention.com

Jesus 4 Real Camps, 2011, Palm Grove Christian Camp, Paraparaumu
http://www.jesus4real.org.nz
Years 11 - 13 : Wednesday 27 April - Sunday 1 May
("Early Bird" Registrations close 16 March, All Registrations close 13 April)

Years 9 - 10 : Wednesday 12 - Sunday 16 October
("Early Bird" Registrations close 31 August, All Registrations close 28 September)

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

FACEBOOK

Pompallier's People: The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Catholic-Church-in-Aotearoa-New-Zealand/149916141686808

Catholic Discipleship College
http://www.facebook.com/cdcnz

'The Fifteenth Station'
http://www.facebook.com/station15

SMNZ Marists - the Society of Mary in New Zealand
http://www.facebook.com/Marists

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

WORLD NEWS OF THE CHURCH

http://www.nzcatholic.org.nz

http://www.romereports.com (video)

http://www.youtube.com/vatican (news of Pope Benedict - video)

CatholicHerald.co.uk - Morning Catholic must-reads:
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/author/luke/page/14/

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

EMPLOYMENT

[Teaching vacancies in New Zealand Catholic schools are advertised in the
Vacancies section of the Education Gazette: http://www.edgazette.govt.nz ]