december 2014 issue no 204 advent and ...static.squarespace.com/static/51dbe649e4b09506a9c... ·...

December 2014 www.cdd.org.nz Issue No 204

Advent and Christmas message

Advent and Christmas are always seasons of expectation and joy. I see Advent as embracing the Christ of the past, present and future. On the fourth Sunday of Advent the focus moves to the Christmas story and the joy of our Saviour’s birth. However, the preceding Sunday is known traditionally as ‘Gaudete’ Sunday as it anticipates the joy of Christ’s birth. (“Rejoice, O Jerusalem, with great joy, for there shall come unto you a Saviour.”)

It is with that joy I officially open our Diocesan Synod. Following the lead of Pope Francis, I pray that the joy of the Gospel will touch more deeply into your lives. My desire is that the Synod will be more experience centred, rather than event centred. In opening our minds and hearts more to God’s Spirit, that experience of joy will overflow into our lives. By that I mean we will radiate Christ’s presence more, or as Blessed John Henry Newman wrote: “Penetrate and possess our whole being so utterly that our lives may only be a radiance of yours.” What would that mean in practice? With that kind of joy, we will want to share it with others, and we can do that in a variety of ways: being more welcoming, greeting people at church, offering hospitality, visiting the sick and imprisoned, contributing to the food basket at church, volunteering some hours with St Vincent de Paul or

the mission shop, driving people to church or appointments, and many others. In such ways we preach, as John Henry Newman said, “not by words, but by our example; by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear for you.”

In these simple but effective ways, we are sharing the Good News – and there are many other examples. It is all part of sharing in the mission of the Church; that mission of God that had its human face in the baby born in a crib in Bethlehem. As Pope Francis expressed it, “The Church is missionary. Christ sends us forth to bring the joy of the Gospel to the whole world.”

I am grateful to our Synod committee that has been planning well for our ongoing experience. We do hope that you will pray the Synod prayer often, and I recommend it for your family prayers at home. (See page 4)

May the joy that filled the hearts of the shepherds and Magi at the birth of Our Saviour overflow in your lives this Christmas and New Year, and may its radiance reflect on all you meet in our busy world.

In the Spirit,= Colin

JoyThe

of theGospelDear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy…” (Matthew: 2,10)

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The Tablet December 2014

5Cans for 5kmsContributed by Lynlea Forbes (Area President SVDP)

People do not usually associate fun and exercise with food banks, but each of these was a major element in the recent ‘5Cans for 5kms’ challenge organised by members of the Dunedin St Vincent de Paul Society on November 6.

The project was initiated by Philippa O’Neill and the St Joseph’s Cathedral Conference to promote the work of the Society, and as a novel method to collect food for the SVP food bank in the period leading up to Christmas. The challenge was for people to walk or run 5 kms and to donate 5 cans as an entry fee. There was also a 2km option for 2 cans to ensure that children were included.

The idea was eagerly taken up by the other SVDP Conferences in Dunedin, and, during October, posters were distributed to many work places and community groups in the city. Conference members also ensured that our parishes, schools and friends knew about the event.

Businesses were approached and were generous with spot prizes. Several placed advertisements in our promotion double page spread in The Star Community Newspaper. The main message promoted here was that the St Vincent de Paul Society is an international organisation working in the local community to help as many people as possible. The success of its work is dependent on the generosity of those who contribute in many different ways.

When the big day came, we were blessed with a ‘taste of summer’ late afternoon. The Hill City-University Club kindly provided its clubrooms and assistance at the start and finish. St Vincent de Paul members were the marshals on the course which was around Logan Park. There were 217 runners and walkers, and the sight of them at various stages around the park was a healthy and colourful spectacle. Most reached the finish line within the hour.

Not only did we receive 1200 cans of food for our foodbank, but there were 70 spot prizes awarded to those participants lucky to have their race numbers drawn.

Philippa said afterwards, “We’re blown away with the support. This was the first time but it certainly won’t be the last.” If you did not join us this year you may wish to be there in 2015.

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The TabletDecember 2014

The Holy Father has appointed Fr Stephen Lowe as the next Bishop of the Hamilton Diocese. Bishop-Elect Stephen Lowe is the third Bishop of Hamilton, and succeeds Bishop Denis Browne whose resignation has been accepted by the Holy Father. This is the first appointment by Pope Francis of a New Zealand Bishop.

“We are grateful that Bishop-Elect Stephen Lowe has accepted the call to this special ministry, and on behalf of all the New Zealand Bishops I express our support and welcome as he becomes part of our New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference. We have no doubt that he will bring a valuable perspective to our discussions,” said Archbishop John Dew, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

In 1996, Bishop-Elect Lowe was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Christchurch, serving in parishes throughout the Diocese. He has spent the last six years serving at Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland, the national Catholic Seminary, as Director of Formation.

Hearing of the announcement, Bishop Browne said, “I am delighted that Hamilton will receive a Bishop with such pastoral sensitivities and expertise, both of which Bishop-Elect Stephen has. His pastoral experience in parishes, and his brilliant term as director of formation, will all serve him well, and he will be warmly welcomed to Hamilton Diocese.

For myself, looking back over nearly 38 years as a Bishop in three different Dioceses, I am grateful for the wonderful support and loyalty that I have received from clergy, religious and the laity.

As news of his appointment was announced, Bishop-Elect Stephen Lowe said, “It has been a humbling and overwhelming experience to have been called to be the third Bishop of Hamilton. I look forward now to meeting the people, religious, deacons and priests of Hamilton Diocese, and to work with and serve them as their Bishop. As I do so, I am conscious of Bishop Denis Browne’s faithful service

as bishop, and I look forward to learning from him and the Diocesan family as I take up my new ministry.”

BackgroundBishop-Elect Stephen Lowe was born in Hokitika, the youngest child of Milly and Frank Lowe, with two older sisters Margaret and Dorothy.

He was educated at Hokitika Primary School, then St Mary’s Primary School, and, because there was no Catholic College in Hokitika, he completed his secondary schooling at Westland High School.

Following school, he worked for the New Zealand Forest Service in Hokitika and Christchurch and the New Zealand Timberlands in Timaru. During this time he became involved in his local parish in Timaru North, where he was involved in a young adults group, and with youth in the parish. In 1989 he discerned the call to priesthood, and in 1990 entered Holy Cross College seminary in Mosgiel. He completed his final year of seminary study at St Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia during 1994-1995. Bishop-Elect Stephen Lowe was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Christchurch in his home town at Hokitika in 1996.

He served as the assistant priest in Mairehau, Ashburton and Greymouth parishes before being appointed parish priest of Timaru North. From 2005-2007 he completed a Licence in Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was appointed to Holy Cross Seminary in 2008, where he served as Formation Director until last month. While based at the seminary in Auckland, he served, for a time, as Parish Priest of Ponsonby.

When Father Steve was ordained in 1996 in his hometown of Hokitika, he issued a prayer card encouraging people to pray for him. The inspirational quote he chose was from the hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. It read: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” That quote sums up the man he is, and the life he lives.

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Hamilton

On behalf of the clergy, religious and laity of the Dunedin Diocese, I take this opportunity of extending our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the new Bishop-elect of Hamilton diocese, Father Steve Lowe. Father Steve is a West Coaster and has in recent years been on the staff at Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland. As well, we extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Bishop Denis Browne for his many years of service , and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.= Colin

Fr Stephen Lowe

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First Holy CommunionWintonFather Hamesh Wyatt, and religious educator Christine Leckie, with the 25 young people who received their first Holy Communion at St Thomas Aquinas church in Winton on 23 November. Families, parishioners and the local community shared in the special occasion.

Photo: Mary Witsey

Diocesan Synod Prayer

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Matters of Life and Death

Mary Potter Hospice History Mary Potter Hospice has been gifted a book, With You – The Mary Potter Hospice Story by Bee Dawson. It records the beginning of the Hospice movement in New Zealand, and the inspirational people who made the Hospice what it is today.

The book was commissioned by the Little Company of Mary and its launch coincides with the centenary of the Order arriving in New Zealand. It is the Order’s founder, The Venerable Mary Potter, whose name was given to New Zealand’s first Hospice.

Compassionate and quality careMary Potter Hospice cares for people and their family or wh-anau when illness is incurable and getting worse. Faced with a limited time to live, people experience a host of significant and challenging changes. We seek to be alongside them, supporting and assisting their quality of life, their dying and their bereavement. We work to ensure that those we care for experience the reality of our vision: “That people in our communities who need palliative care have access to compassionate and quality care, when and where they need it.”

Hospice services have been refined over the past 35 years to meet the diverse needs of our patients and their loved ones. Our wide-ranging care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team: doctors, nurses, occupational and physiotherapists, social workers and counsellors, spiritual carers as well as music and massage therapists. All have a part to play as we take a whole person – and whole family – approach.

Last year we looked after 850 patients and their families from our community bases in Kapiti, Porirua and Newtown. On any one day we have about 240 to 260 patients in our service and that number grows steadily with each passing year. Forecasts predict that the number of people needing specialist palliative care will continue to increase – people are living longer and we will have to manage more complex illnesses. Also, family units are changing, so there may be little family support when a family member becomes very ill.

Care of patients in their own homes is a critical part of our service and we work in partnership with other health providers to ensure that this care is wrapped around the patient and their family or wh-anau. The In-Patient Unit in Newtown (18 beds) supports the community care with short term acute admissions

for symptom and pain relief, for respite care and for end of life care.

Dignity and compassionIt is not easy to say when a person may die, even for doctors. Some conditions may take years before a person becomes critically ill and dies. Other people may live for months or only weeks. Over this time there may well be times when they need extra help to cope with the symptoms and complexities of their condition.

Palliative care considers a prognosis of up to 12 months as appropriate for admission to the Hospice service.

Palliative care improves the quality of life of patients and families who face life threatening illness, by providing pain and symptom relief, spiritual and psychosocial support from diagnosis to the end of life and bereavement.

Palliative care:

~ provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms ~ integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of

patient care ~ offers a support system to help patients live as actively as

possible until death ~ offers a support system to help the family cope during the

patient’s illness and in their own bereavement ~ uses a team approach to address the needs of patients

and their families, including bereavement counselling, if indicated

~ will enhance quality of life, and may also positively influence the course of illness

~ affirms life and regards dying as a normal process ~ intends neither to hasten nor postpone death

The Hospice focus is on ensuring comfort measures, managing symptoms, including pain relief, and to allow a natural death with dignity and compassion.

With You – The Mary Potter Hospice Story is available for $35, to mark 35 years of Mary Potter Hospice. Any donations above this will be acknowledged and receipted. For more information see

http://www.marypotter.org.nz/support-us/hospice-book/

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At the end of November, Pope Francis made an official journey to Turkey. On Sunday, 30 November 2014, in the Patriarchal Church of St George, Istanbul, he gave a significant address on Christian unity. What follows is an abridged version of that address.

Your Holiness, beloved brother Bartholomew,

When I was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, I often took part in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox communities there. Today, the Lord has given me the singular grace to be present in this Patriarchal Church of Saint George for the celebration of the Feast of the holy Apostle Andrew, the first-called, the brother of Saint Peter, and the Patron Saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Meeting each other, seeing each other face to face, exchanging the embrace of peace, and praying for each other, are all essential aspects of our journey towards the restoration of full communion. All of this precedes and always accompanies that other essential aspect of this journey, namely, theological dialogue. An authentic dialogue is, in every case, an encounter between persons with a name, a face, a past, and not merely a meeting of ideas.

This is especially true for us Christians, because for us the truth is the person of Jesus Christ. The example of Saint Andrew, who with another disciple accepted the invitation of the Divine Master, “Come and see”, and “stayed with him that day” (Jn 1:39), shows us plainly that the Christian life is a personal experience, a transforming encounter with the One who loves us and who wants to save us. In addition, the Christian message is spread thanks to men and women who

are in love with Christ, and cannot help but pass on the joy of being loved and saved. Here again, the example of the apostle Andrew is instructive. After following Jesus to his home and spending time with him, Andrew “first found his brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus” (Jn 1:40-42). It is clear, therefore, that not even dialogue among Christians can prescind from this logic of personal encounter.

It is not by chance that the path of reconciliation and peace between Catholics and Orthodox was, in some way, ushered in by an encounter, by an embrace between our venerable predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI, which took place fifty years ago in Jerusalem. Your Holiness and I wished to commemorate that moment when we met recently in the same city where our Lord Jesus Christ died and rose.

By happy coincidence, my visit falls a few days after the fiftieth anniversary of the promulgation of Unitatis Redintegratio, the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Christian Unity. This is a fundamental document which opened new avenues for encounter between Catholics and their brothers and sisters of other Churches and ecclesial communities.

In particular, in that Decree the Catholic Church acknowledges that the Orthodox Churches “possess true sacraments, above all – by apostolic succession – the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in closest intimacy” (15). The Decree goes on to state that in order to guard faithfully the fullness of the Christian tradition and to bring to fulfilment the reconciliation of Eastern and Western Christians, it is of the greatest importance to preserve and support the rich patrimony of the Eastern Churches.

Pope Francis on Christian Unity

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respect for this principle as an essential condition, accepted by both, for the restoration of full communion, which does not signify the submission of one to the other, or assimilation. Rather, it means welcoming all the gifts that God has given to each, thus demonstrating to the entire world the great mystery of salvation accomplished by Christ the Lord through the Holy Spirit. I want to assure each one of you here that, to reach the desired goal of full unity, the Catholic Church does not intend to impose any conditions except that of the shared profession of faith. Further, I would add that we are ready to seek together, in light of Scriptural teaching and the experience of the first millennium, the ways in which we can guarantee the needed unity of the Church in the present circumstances. The one thing that the Catholic Church desires, and that I seek as Bishop of Rome, “the Church which presides in charity”, is communion with the Orthodox Churches. Such communion will always be the fruit of that love which “has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (cf. Rom 5:5), a fraternal love which expresses the spiritual and transcendent bond which unites us as disciples of the Lord.

In today’s world, voices are being raised which we cannot ignore and which implore our Churches to live deeply our identity as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first of these voices is that of the poor. A second plea comes from the victims of the conflicts in so many parts of our world. A third cry which challenges us is that of young people. It is precisely the young who today implore us to make progress towards full communion. I think for example of the many Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant youth who come together at meetings organized by the Taizé community. They do this, not because they ignore the differences which still separate us, but because they are able to see beyond them; they are able to embrace what is essential and what already unites us.

Dear brother, very dear brother, we are already on the way, on the path towards full communion and already we can experience eloquent signs of an authentic, albeit incomplete, union. We ask God for the great gift of full unity, and the ability to accept it in our lives. Let us never forget to pray for one another.

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Christmas and Holiday Mass times (Dec 25th – Jan 25th) 2014-2015

ALEXANDRAChristmas: Vigil 11.00pm (Carols 10.30pm), 9.00amSundays: 9.00am

BALCLUTHAChristmas: Vigil 10.00pm (Carols 9.30pm), 10.00am Sundays: Dec 28, Jan 11, 18, 25: 10.30am Jan 4: Vigil 7.00pm

BLUFF(See Invercargill Central)

BRoCkviLLEChristmas: 11.00amSundays: 11.00am

CATHEDRALChristmas: Midnight (Carols 11.30pm), 7.30am, 10.00amSundays: Vigil 7.00pm, 10.00am

CRomwELLChristmas: Vigil 7.00pm, 11.00amSundays: Jan 4, 18: 11.00am Dec 28, Jan 11, 25: 9.00am

wanakaChristmas: Vigil 10.30pm, 9.00amSundays: Jan 4, 18: 9.00am Dec 28, Jan 11, 25: 11.00am

DUNEDiN NoRTHChristmas: Vigil 5.00pm (Children), Vigil 10.00pm, 10.00am (No 7.30am or 7.00pm on Dec 25th)Sundays: 7.30am, 10.00am, 7.00pm

DUNEDiN SoUTH PASToRAL AREA(St Aphonsus, St Bernadette’s, St Brigid’s, St Patrick’s)Christmas: Vigil 5.30pm St Patrick’s, South Dunedin, Children’s Mass Vigil 9.00pm St Alphonsus, Waverley (Carols from 8:30pm) 9.00am St Bernadette’s, Forbury 10.00am St Patrick’s, South DunedinSundays: Vigil 6:00pm St Patrick’s, South Dunedin 9.30am St Patrick’s, South Dunedin 11.00am St Patrick’s, South Dunedin

FoRBURy(See Dunedin South Pastoral Area)

GEoRGETowN - iNvERCARGiLLChristmas: Vigil 6.00pm, 9.00amSundays: Vigil 6.00pm, 9.00am

RimuChristmas: Vigil 10.00pmSundays: 11.00am

GoREChristmas: Vigil 10.00pm, 9.00amSunday: Vigil 7.00pm, 10.00am

GREEN iSLAND (AND moSGiEL)Christmas: Vigil 6.00pm (Children’s Mass), - Mosgiel Midnight - Green Island 9.00am - MosgielSundays: Vigil 6.00pm - Mosgiel 1st, 3rd, 5th Sat - Green Island 2nd, 4th Sat 9:00am - Mosgiel 10.30am - Green Island

iNvERCARGiLL CENTRALChristmas: Vigil 8.00pm, Midnight, 10.00amSundays: 7.30am, 10.00am

Te Tomairangi maraeChristmas: Vigil 10.00pmSundays: 10.00am

BluffChristmas: Vigil 6.00pmSundays: Vigil 6.30pm

iNvERCARGiLL NoRTHChristmas: Vigil 11.00pm, 9.30amSundays: 9.30am, 7.00pm

kAikoRAiChristmas: 9.30amSundays: Vigil 6.00pm

LAwRENCEChristmas: 9.30amSundays: Dec 28: 10.00am Jan 4: 11.00am Jan 11, 18, 25: Vigil 5.30pm

mATAURAChristmas: No MassSundays: 8.30am

miLToNChristmas: Vigil 8.00pmSundays: 9.00am

moRNiNGToNChristmas: Vigil 5.00pm (Children’s Mass) Vigil 9.00pm (Carols 8:30pm)Sundays: 9.30am

moSGiEL (SEE GREEN iSLAND)

NoRTH EAST vALLEyChristmas: Midnight (Carols 11.30pm), 9.00amSundays: 9.30am

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oAmARU (all Masses at Basilica unless otherwise stated)Christmas: Vigil 8.30pm (St Kevin’s Chapel) (Children’s pageant 8.00pm), 9.30amSundays: Vigil 5.00pm, 9.30am

kurowChristmas: Vigil 6.00pm (Carols from 5.40pm)Sundays: Dec 28, Jan 4, 18: 12noon

HampdenChristmas: No MassSundays: Jan 11, 25: 11.30am

omAkAUChristmas: Vigil 7.00pm (Carols 6.45pm)Sundays: Vigil 6.00pm

PALmERSToNSundays: 12noon (1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays)

waikouaitiChristmas: Vigil 7.30pmSundays: 12noon (2nd, 4th Sundays)

PoRT CHALmERSChristmas: 8.00amSundays: Vigil 5.00pm

QUEENSTowNChristmas: Vigil 8.00pm Midnight (Carols from 11.30pm), 10.00amSundays: Vigil 6.30pm, 9.00am

Arrowtown Christmas: Vigil 10.00pm, 10.00amSundays: Dec 28, Jan 4: 9.00am, 11.00am, Jan 11, 18, 25: 11.00am

GarstonChristmas: Vigil 7.00pmSundays: Jan 25: 11.15am

GlenorchySundays: Jan 11: 11.15pm

RANFURLyChristmas: 9.30amSundays: 5.00pm

middlemarchChristmas: Vigil 7.00pmSundays: Jan 25: Vigil 4.00pm

RivERSDALEChristmas: Vigil 7.00pmSunday: Jan 4, 18: 9.30am

BalfourChristmas: No MassSunday: Dec 28, Jan 11, 25: 10.30am

RoXBURGHChristmas: 11.00amSundays: 11.00am

SoUTH DUNEDiN (See Dunedin South Pastoral Area)

TAiNUi (See Dunedin South Pastoral Area)

TAPANUiChristmas: 9.30amSundays: Vigil 6.00pm

waikakaChristmas: Vigil 7.30pm Sundays: (No Mass)

TE ANAUChristmas: Midnight, 9:00amSundays: Vigil: 7.00pm

mossburnChristmas: 10.30amSundays: 9.00am

wAikiwiChristmas: Vigil 10.00pm, 10.00amSundays: Vigil 7.00pm, 10.30am

RakauhaukaChristmas: 8.00amSundays: 8.30am

wAvERLEy (See Dunedin South Pastoral Area)

wESTERN SoUTHLAND

NightcapsChristmas: 9.00amSundays: 11.00am

otautauChristmas: Vigil 7.00pmSundays: Vigil 7.00pm

RivertonChristmas: Vigil 9.30pmSundays: 9.00am

TuatapereSundays: Vigil 5.30pm

wiNToNChristmas: Vigil 8.00pm, 10.30amSundays: Vigil 7.00pm, 10.30am

DiptonSunday: Jan 25: 8.30am

wyNDHAmChristmas: 10.00amSundays: Jan 11, 25: Vigil 6.00pm

Christmas and Holiday Mass times (Dec 25th – Jan 25th) 2014-2015

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Contributed by Nicola Mountain

On the weekend 15th/16th November, Schola Cantorum, a choir from Christchurch, visited St Patrick’s Basilica, Oamaru.

Schola Cantorum, conducted by David O’Beirne, is in its 27th year and preserves and performs Mediaeval and Renaissance music specialising in sacred song ranging from mediaeval chant to slave spiritual. They perform in concerts and church services, either a cappella or with orchestras and mediaeval instrument groups and with other choirs.

At 9.30am Mass on Sunday 16 November, the congregation was treated to a beautiful rendering of Palestrina’s Missa Aeterna Christi Munera when they sang some of the Mass parts. After Mass, members of the congregation were able to meet the choir at morning tea.

In the afternoon, the choir performed a lovely concert including chants, spirituals and motets as well at the Palestrina Mass to a small but appreciative audience. At the end David thanked everyone and revealed that his great grandfather was Francis W. Petre, the Architect of St Patrick’s Basilica! After the concert, the audience was invited to join the choir at a delicious afternoon tea.

The weekend of the choir’s visit was Victorian Heritage Weekend so it was very appropriate that the choir should sing the Mass parts in Latin as in Victorian times the Mass would have been in Latin and often sung.

Many thanks to members of the choir for coming to Oamaru and sharing their talents! We enjoyed having them.

Also, thanks to all who helped with the morning and afternoon teas, including Jasmine Maret and Coleen Blackmore, and in particular a special thank you to Roseanne Sheridan who baked many delicious scones and pretty cupcakes for the teas and also decorated the Dean O’Reilly Lounge in Victorian style!!

A good time was had by all!

Visit by Schola Cantorum

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The birthplace of a Bishop is special, remaining so all of his life.

So when the Emeritus Bishop of the Dunedin Diocese, Bishop Len Boyle, came home to Nightcaps in November, the month of the Holy Souls, on the Feast Day of Christ the King, his visit was an occasion of celebration at the Church of Sts Peter and Paul, where in the small mining town he’d been born, and made his First Holy Communion.

Concelebrating Mass with Western Southland parish priest, Fr Vaughan Leslie, he welcomed the five children who had been prepared for their First Communion by Maria Vergeer, wishing them a continuing and deepening relationship with God through the Eucharist – the thanksgiving of faith, and food for our journey through life.

Those who made their First Communion, Jake Batrina, Harby Benzon, Adrienne Menor, Christian Maglaqui and Patience Sheed were blessed by Bishop Len who joined them and the parish community in a celebratory lunch next door at St Patrick’s school. The toast of the day was Colleen Duncan, whose quarter century association with the school was recognised by Bishop Len and Fr Vaughan with the presentation to her of an inscribed image of Our Lady, and a bouquet of beautiful flowers.

Bishop Len said 25 years was a long commitment and he hoped she could see her way to another 25 as her involvement at all levels was of vital and joyful interest to all.

But the man of the day was long term church sacristan, right hand of local priests, there to welcome visiting clergy, ever attentive to their needs and those of the church – Martin Klemick.

Bishop Len presented this servant son of the Church with the Benemerenti Medal, according him the papal honour, a gold medal on Papal ribbons of gold and white accompanied by a citation in ecclesiastical Latin with English sub titles in recognition and appreciation of Marty Klemick’s work with the church.

Memory has it that the first, and till now, only Benerementi medal presented in Western Southland was that given to loyal, long term Presbytery housekeeper, the late Julia Finn, some thirty plus years ago.

Bishop’s big day out at the ‘Caps…Pat Veltkamp Smith

Colleen Duncan honoured for 25 year involvement with St Patrick’s school next to the church.

Children receiving first Holy Communion left to right: Jake Batrina, Harby Benzon, Adrienne Menor, Christian Maglaqui and Patience Sheed.

Marty Klemick awarded Papal honour, the Benerementi medal and framed citation.

Fr Vaughan Leslie, parish priest Nightcaps church of Sts Peter and Paul – within Western Southland parish.

Emeritus Bishop Len Boyle was born and lived in Nightcaps and made his first Holy Communion here.

Photos taken by Alan Dykes.

12


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The Year of Consecrated LifePope Francis has asked the Church to observe 2015 as the Year of Consecrated Life. It began with Advent and we are looking in the diocese to begin the commemoration in the new year. I have asked our priests to include prayers for our religious and those in vows at our Sunday liturgies. We pray in gratitude for all our religious working in the Dunedin Diocese, and we pray that younger people may heed Jesus’ invitation to follow him in a religious life of faith and service through the evangelical counsels.

= Colin

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Loneliness is a part of all our lives from time to time. St. Raphael, thanks to his role in The Book of Tobit, is best known as Patron Saint of Happy Meetings, and is considered a special patron by single people looking for spouses. He can help lead us into new, wholesome relationships. If it is a relationship we seek, St. Raphael is there to help.

O Raphael, lead us toward those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of Happy Meetings, lead us toward those we are looking for! Amen.

~ 65 year old working widower, Southland based (not farmer), non-smoker, wishes to meet catholic lady for friendship, companionship.

Reply to “Raphael” c/- NZ Tablet Private Bag 1941 Dunedin 9054

Replies treated with respect, and in strict confidence.

SAiNT RAPHAEL CoRNER

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Rakauhauka Celebrates 120 Elly Baird and Frank Perriam cut the jubilee cake at Rakauhauka 2 November, celebrating the opening of St Patrick’s Church 120 years ago. Denise Beerkens watches on. Frank is the oldest parishioner attending the church and Elly is the great great great granddaughter of James and Bridget Murphy and James and Bridget Forde, who were early settlers in the district.Rev A A Harrison

Catholic Centre Shop

The Catholic Centre ShopMoran Building, 8 Octagon, Dunedin 9016.

Ph/fax (03) 477-6342 or email [email protected]

The ChriSTmaS STory Join the angels, shepherds and stable animals to celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth.Price: $8.90 + P/P: $2.90

Call in for your Christmas Books, Cards, Nativity Sets, Candles and other gift ideas.

a Bed for BaBy JeSuS Join the shepherd boy, Gabriel, on Christmas night as he goes in search of the newborn king. Each page of this highly engaging board book contains a “door” progressively smaller than the last.Price: $18.90 + P/P: $2.90

As we celebrate Advent and Christmas 2014, our thoughts turn to those in need. Our annual Advent Collection addresses some of these issues, and I would ask you all to again support it generously this year.

Some of the areas where we help will be familiar to you. Our contribution for them continues to give ongoing support, and nurture their work for the Kingdom.

I thank you sincerely for your support of the Advent Appeal and pray that as God our Father reached out to us in Jesus, we will reach out to others, especially those in need.In the Spirit

+ C D Campbell

Bishop of Dunedin

Advent Appeal 2014The donations made possible by your contribution from the 2013 Advent Collection are:New Zealand Refugee and migrant Service $2,000otago Community Hospice $1,000Southland Hospice Charitable Trust $1,000workplace Support Chaplaincy Services $1,000John Paul ii Centre for Life – Dunedin Branch $1,000Pregnancy Counselling Services, Dunedin $500Habitat for Humanity $500Dunedin Night Shelter $500

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PRAyERS & PETiTioNS

PRAYER TO THE TANGIWAI MADONNA

O Mary, you who experienced pain and sorrow in your own life, intercede for us that we may bear our suffering bravely, and have comfort and love in our time of need. You know what is good for us, in health and in happiness, in sickness and in sorrow, and so we pray through you to the Father in your own words of acceptance: Let it be done to me according to your word. Amen(Published on behalf of MRH, BFB)

SACRED HEART OF JESUSMay the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, honoured, adored and glorified throughout the world forever. Amen. (Say six times for nine days and promise publication.) (MOO, MW, PM, BFB)

DEAR HEART OF JESUSDear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, and I ask you for this special one. Take it, Dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your broken heart, where your Holy Father sees it. Then in His merciful eyes it will become Your favour and not mine. Say this prayer for three days, and promise its publication, and promise to publish many thanks for favours received. (Published on behalf of MW, BFB)

NOVENA TO ST JUDEOh, Holy St Jude, apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles. Near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need. To you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present, urgent petition (make request). In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and three Glorias. St Jude pray for me and all who invoke your aid, humbly in need of your intercession. Amen. This novena must be said on nine consecutive days. (Published on behalf of PM, BFB)

THANKSGrateful thanks to Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Dear Heart of Jesus, for prayers answered. (Published by MW, MOO)

PRAYERS FOR RECENTLY DECEASED, AND THEIR FAMILIES

May the souls of the following, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Sr Mary Aquinas Redmond RSMSr Mary Pauline Duncan RSM

Sister Mary Aquinas Redmond rsmSister Mary Aquinas died peacefully on November 11 2014 at Sacred Heart Home, Dunedin. Sister was a much loved member of Nga Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa, Sisters of Mercy New Zealand. Sister Mary Aquinas, entered the Convent of Mercy South Dunedin at the age of 18, making her vows on the 2 February 1943. Sister Mary Aquinas, began her teaching years at Saint Philomena’s College in 1942. She was the Teacher par excellence, highly intelligent, impeccable in her standards, teaching English, Mathematics, History, Latin and French to students from 3rd Form – 6th Form for over 30 years. As her health declined Sister was cared for at McAuley House and later at Sacred Heart Home, Dunedin. Requiem Mass was celebrated in Mercy Chapel by Father Gerard Aynsley on 15 November 2014. Many family members, carers, and ex pupils attended. May she rest in peace. Sister Regis rsm

Sister Mary Pauline Duncan rsmRequiem Mass for Sister Mary Pauline was celebrated by Bishop Len Boyle at the Little Sisters Chapel, Brockville, Dunedin, 11 November 2014. Sister Mary Pauline was born in Naseby, Central Otago, 20 April 1919. The family of five lived with their mother and father in Ranfurly and then at Mount Cargill Dunedin. Sister Mary Pauline entered the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy, South Dunedin at the age of 16 on 2 February 1938, teaching a few years later in several Mercy Primary Schools throughout Otago and Southland for over 30 years. Central Otago was her favourite place and she spent several years teaching in St John’s School Ranfurly. In her declining years Sister was cared for at McAuley House South Dunedin, then at the Chalet Ranfurly. Her last years were spent in the loving care of the Little Sisters, Sacred Heart Home, Dunedin. Many sympathy wishes and memories were sent from people in Ranfurly where she spent so many years, serving so many people as a joyful and dedicated Sister of Mercy. May she rest in peace.Sister Regis rsm

oBiTUARiES

The Tablet is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin300 Rattray Street | Dunedin

Please address all mail to: The Editor: Tony Hanning | The Tablet Private Bag 1941 | Dunedin 9054

Other contact detailsPhone (03) 474 5756 | Mobile 021 270 5999Email [email protected]

Prayers and petitions chargesPrayers and petitions are $10 for one prayer or petition and $5 foreach additional one in the same issue. Please state initials to be used for publication. If you require a receipt, please enclose your name and address. No charge for name and place of recently deceased. For other advertising rates please contact the Editor.

Deadline for the February issue is monday 26 January 2015.

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wHAT’S oN?The Catholic institute of Aotearoa New ZealandDunedin Campus Courses 2015 Holy Cross Centre 89 Church St. mosgiel

The four courses being offered this year are:

TH 101 Introduction to Catholicism Lecturer: Colin MacLeod ‘Face to Face’ Course Dates: 1-2 May (5pm – 8pm Fri & 9am – 4pm Sat) 5-6 June (5pm – 8pm Fri & 9am – 4pm Sat) Distance Education (with Tutorial support)

TH203 Understanding Church Lecturer: Rev Gerard Aynsley ‘Face to Face’ Course Dates: 1-2 May (5pm – 8pm Fri & 9am – 4pm Sat) 5-6 June (5pm – 8pm Fri & 9am – 4pm Sat) Distance Education (with Tutorial support)

TH 201/ Understanding SacramentsRE200 Lecturer: Sr Jan Ogilvy op ‘Face to Face’ Course Dates: 31 July-1 Aug (5pm–8pm Fri & 9am – 4pm Sat) 28-29 Aug (5pm–8pm Fri & 9am–4pm Sat) Distance Education (with Tutorial support)

SC 101 Introduction to the Old Testament Lecturer: Rev Damian Wynn-Williams ‘Face to Face’ Course Dates: 31 July-1 Aug (5pm–8pm Fri & 9am – 4pm Sat) 8-29 Aug (5pm–8pm Fri & 9am – 4pm Sat)

Courses are open to all and may be taken towards a qualification or simply for personal interest. For further information or enrolment forms please contact the Dunedin Coordinator – Susan HowardEmail [email protected] Telephone 474 1994 Ext 701

The Catholic institute Courses for the Dunedin Campus in 2015Course Synopsis

TH 101 Introduction to CatholicismWhat are the key distinguishing characteristics of Catholicism? How are they expressed today? In considering these questions, this course aims to provide useful background for those interested in exploring the question of Catholic identity.

TH203 Understanding ChurchThis course looks at the Catholic Church’s understanding of itself from the time of the Second Vatican Council, particularly as expressed in the document The Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium).

TH201/RE200 Understanding SacramentsThis course will give an overview of the theological understanding of the sacraments today and help participants view the sacraments more critically, renewing their own approach to and understanding of them.

SC101 Introduction to the Old TestamentWritten over a long period of time, the Old Testament describes God’s relationship with the Hebrew people. Who were these people? What was this relationship about? This course will introduce participants to the key events, dates, places and people of the Old Testament.

“We wish all our readers the joy and peace of

Christmas.”

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The commemoration of one hundred years since the begin-ning of World War I has led to the retelling of many incidents and experiences, and here is another that should never be forgotten. It is a tale of the power of Christmas. Today when there is so much war around the world it brings some feeling of hope that good can prevail over evil.

Much of December 1914 had been wet, but on Christmas Eve the temperature dropped and a sharp frost enveloped the landscape. A ‘white Christmas’ would provide the backdrop to one of the most remarkable Christmas stories in 2,000 years.

The shouting between troops turned into something more during Christmas Eve. Germans celebrate Christmas on 24 December more than they do on the day itself, whereas in Britain and France, 25 December is the main day of celebration. It is on the 24th that the Germans have a large meal with family and ‘Father Christmas’ delivers his gifts. So on the Western Front on Christmas Eve, German soldiers began to sing carols and place Christmas trees lit with lanterns above the trenches. As it was published in numerous UK newspapers: “Their trenches were a blaze of Christmas trees, and our sentries were regaled for hours with the traditional Christmas songs.”

Letter from Private H Scrutton, Essex Regiment, published in the Norfolk Chronicle on January 1, 1915: “As I told you before, our trenches are only 30 or 40 yards away from the Germans. This led to an exciting incident the other day. Our fellows have been in the habit of shouting across to the enemy and we used to get answers from them. We were told to get into conversation with them and this is what happened:- From our trenches: “Good morning Fritz.” (No answer). “Good morning Fritz.” (Still no answer).”GOOD MORNING FRITZ!.” From German trenches: “Good morning.” From our trench: “How are you?” “All right.” “Come over here, Fritz.” “No. If I come I get shot.” “No you

won’t. Come on.” “No fear.” “Come and get some fags, Fritz.” “No. You come half way and I meet you.” “All right.” One of our fellows thereupon stuffed his pocket with fags and got over the trench. The German got over his trench, and right enough they met half way and shook hands, Fritz taking the fags and giving cheese in exchange.”

This letter from Private Cunningham, of the 5th Scottish Rifles, to his friend Mr James D Gray, in Carluke, Scotland: “On Christmas Eve the firing practically ceased. I think both sides understood we were going to have a day off. Through the night we sang carols to one another. The German lines were only a hundred yards away, so we heard each other quite plainly. This went on all night. When dawn arrived we started putting our heads above the parapet and waved to each other. On our left was a brewery occupied by the Germans and to our surprise we saw a German come out and hold his hand up. Behind him were two rolling a barrel of beer. They came halfway across and signed to us to come for it. Three of us went out, shook hands with them, wished them a merry Christmas, and rolled the barrel to our own trenches amid the cheers of both British and Germans! After that it was understood that peace was declared for a day. We both got out of our trenches and met in the middle of the field, wishing each other seasons greetings. The Germans said: “A merry Grismas!”. Some of them were quite good at English. We had a most interesting day. The Germans got permission from our officers to bury some of their dead who were lying near our lines. “ (The Scotsman, January 5, 1915).

But, while the truce may have extended or been repeated until New Year’s Eve, it’s clear that most soldiers were reporting ‘business as usual’ by early January. Sadly, there is no such widespread repetition in 1915 or the following years.

The Christmas Truce Contributed by the Editor

december 2014 issue no 204 advent and ...static.squarespace.com/static/51dbe649e4b09506a9c... ·...

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