Justice at the core of today’s feast

This June publication of Wel-com coincides with the great feast of Corpus Christi. In Eucharist, we are challenged and nurtured by the Word, consume that Word as food and drink, and are sent to transform our world. ‘The Eucharist commits us to the poor’ (

Mary Hepburn rsm

This June publication of Wel-com coincides with the great feast of Corpus Christi. In Eucharist, we are challenged and nurtured by the Word, consume that Word as food and drink, and are sent to transform our world. ‘The Eucharist commits us to the poor’ (Catholic Catechism #1397). It calls us ever forward and deeper into the heart of the world, urging us to work for a more just world order, to understand here and now God’s vision and concerns.

Justice is so integral to the Eucharist that we celebrate in our communities every Sunday! The Wellington Justice Office is here to help all of us grow in that understanding. There are some exciting opportunities ahead, and I invite you to think seriously about broadening your horizons and making good use of them.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

CST has often been referred to as ‘the Church’s best kept secret’. We have such a rich treasure – through the Scriptures, universal and local writings, experience of individuals and communities. There is a six-week course in which we can share some of these treasures and nurture our faith, on Tuesdays from 4 July – 8 August, 5.30 – 8.30pm, at the Catholic Centre. Enquiries about registration to Veronica at 496 1718 or v.gray@wn.catholic.org.nz. Enquiries about the course to Mary at 496 1701 or m.hepburn@wn.catholic.org.nz

Judette Gallares, a Cenacle Sister from the Philippines, will speak on ‘The Liberating Word – Social Justice in the light of the Gospels and Today’s World’, at The Soup Kitchen, 132 Tory St, Wellington on Sunday 25 June,  5 – 9pm. See notices in your parish. This is of special interest to all those involved in justice.

Barbara Reid, a Dominican Sister and Professor of New Testament studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, presents ‘Biblical Foundations for Mission’, a day of scripture, at Te Rau Aroha, Palmerston North Diocesan Centre, Saturday, 17 June, 10am – 5pm. Enquiries to Dominican Sisters in Palmerston North or Wellington.

Sacred Earth Seminars, facilitated by Sr Noelene Landrigan SSJ and Fr Peter Healy SM, will be held in the Wairarapa, Kapiti Coast, Hutt Valley, and Wellington from June – August. There may be a possibility for more in the South Island. Watch your parish bulletins and notice boards!

I look forward to meeting many of you and sharing our journey in faith together! Mary Hepburn, 496 1701, m.hepburn@wn.catholic.org.nz