NEWS
Archbishop John Dew
7 February 2011
Many in the archdiocesan community are concerned at apparent divisions following changes in the Samoan chaplaincy and misreporting in a number of community newspapers has added to people’s confusion.
Contrary to erroneous newspaper reports, I met Archbishop Alapati Mata’eliga on October 24 last year and subsequently accepted in writing his offer of two Samoan priests to work in the archdiocese. Reports that I had stopped masses in Newtown are simply untrue.
This whole sad situation came about when I appointed a lay pastoral leader to the Samoan Chaplaincy in the middle of last year. I explained to the catechists and leaders of the aulotus (Samoan communities) that I needed to appoint the Samoan priest to a parish as I had previously appointed the Tokelauan and now the Filipino chaplains to parish ministry. Many did not accept this decision and have continued to reject the new arrangements I have put in place.
The catechists refused to attend an initial meeting I called on May 26; they did not attend the commissioning of the lay pastoral leader or the chaplaincy mass on December 5.
At a meeting of the catechists on January 28 this year I have put those catechists who have rejected the lay pastoral leader’s appointment on indefinite leave from their duties. I have asked all the catechists to undergo a period of ongoing formation. I have also announced that I will be working with a group of Samoan parishioners to review the Constitution of the Chaplaincy and the Catechists’ Handbook.
WelCom December, Issue 389
WelCom December 2020 is in parishes and schools as our monthly printed newspaper.
WelCom November 2020, Issue 388
WelCom November 2020 is in parishes and schools as our monthly printed newspaper.
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