Lead Stories
WelCom Office
WelCom May 2023
The latest issue of WelCom is available to read here.
Restoring taonga
When Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating floods tore through properties and homes across many parts of the North Island on 14 February, thousands of people were left homeless or with badly-damaged houses and properties, and ruined personal possessions. Among the most treasured but damaged personal items for some were their precious family Bibles, which had been passed down through generations. Within days a number of people were in contact with Bill Tito, master craftsman and book-repair specialist, asking for his help to mend and restore their rescued but near-ruined Bibles.
Hands up for New Zealand Sign Language
New Zealand Sign Language Week, from 8–14 May 2023, is organised by Deaf Aotearoa to raise awareness of the language and culture of New Zealand’s Deaf community. The theme for NZSL week 2023 is: ‘Together we can make NZSL thrive’ and the tagline is: ‘Hands up if you’re ready to sign with us!’
He Oranga Taurikura – Growing Thriving Lives in the Pacific and Asia
Out of the lingering economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the face of the growing impact of climate change, Caritas partners across the Pacific and Asia regions are working to provide food and water security, build healthy lifestyles, and strengthen agriculture and income-earning opportunities.
‘Where true Charity is dwelling, God is present there’
Many WelCom readers will know that for me, Easter 2023 was very different from all other Easters in my almost 47 years of priesthood. Just a few days before Holy Week I underwent surgery on my spine, and thanks be to God, it has been very successful and has brought about much relief from what I have had to contend with for the last 12 months.
News
NZ Bishops welcome Vatican’s rejection of ‘Doctrine of Discovery’
The Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand strongly support the Vatican’s repudiation of the colonial-era concept of the ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ used by European powers to take over many lands from their indigenous owners.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: 21 May–28 May 2023
Do good; seek justice.’ – Isaiah 1:17
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ecumenical Christian observance celebrated internationally. This year it is celebrated from 21–28 May 2023 in New Zealand.
‘Government has ultimate responsibility for ensuring everyone has enough money to meet basic needs, and enjoy adequate housing’
– Archdiocese EJP Commission
The Wellington Archdiocese Commission for Ecology, Justice and Peace has been taking a close interest in the government’s forthcoming Budget, to be delivered on 18 May.
Diocesan News
New Catholic Parish of Buller and Inangahua
Two of the oldest parishes in the archdiocese are amalgamating. Sacred Heart parish, founded 1874 and based in Reefton, and St Canice’s parish, founded 1867 and based in Westport, are to become the ‘Catholic Parish of Buller and Inangahua.’
Blessing of the Oils during Holy Week
During Holy Week at special Chrism Masses in diocesan cathedrals and churches around the globe, oils to be used in the Sacramental life of the Church, are blessed and distributed to representatives to take back to their parishes and faith communities.
Waipatu Māori Catholic Club
Waipatu Māori Catholic Club,are a local group, generally based out at Waipatu Marae, north of Hastings, and we are about to celebrate our 75th birthday. We too are the organisers for our annual hui aranga for 2024 to be held here in Heretaunga or Napier. We are currently looking to secure a venue.
International News
Pope visits in Hungary rallying for a unified, welcoming Europe
Pope Francis began his three-day visit to Hungary last month, praising the country for its traditional values and making a forceful appeal for European unity, decrying the rise of nationalist populism he faulted for a breakdown in multilateralism.
Women to vote in Synod assembly for first time
The Synod of Bishops will include female voting members for the first time, Synod organisers revealed last month in a landmark development for the Church’s Synod process.
The Secretariat for the Synod announced that 70 ‘non-bishop members’ appointed directly by the Pope – half of whom will be women – will be able to vote at the Synod General Assembly in October.
Christian leaders appeal for peace in Papua
In a rare gesture, Catholic and Protestant leaders in Papua have come together to appeal to Indonesian President Joko Widodo to stop military operations in the crisis-hit province following the latest move to implement a ‘combat alert operation’.
Features
National Vocations Awareness Week
30 April–6 May 2023
National Vocation Awareness Week is an annual week of the Catholic Church dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew prayers and support for those considering these vocations.
International Nurses Day and Hospice Awareness Week – Called to Care
Whilst the contribution of other nurse leaders was significant to the development of the profession here in Aotearoa New Zealand, most nurses acknowledge Florence Nightingale as a having an influence on nursing in our country and worldwide.
International Nurses Day and Hospice Awareness Week – Embracing Catholic Social teaching and Hospice philosophy
As a Sister of the Little Company of Mary, I learned as a young Religious to embrace wholeheartedly the founding principles of both Catholic Social teaching and the Hospice philosophy. They have framed my life span. Jesus’ superb declaration above states unequivocally the intrinsic dignity of every human being, whatever their origin or orientation.
Reflections
Awesome work of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost Sunday – 28 May 2023
Pentecost occurs 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and ten days after his ascension into heaven. Because Easter is a moveable feast and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between 10 May and 13 June. This year, Pentecost Sunday is 28 May.
Prayer for Ascension Day
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, Right before your Ascension into Heaven you told your apostles to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth upon receiving the Holy Spirit. May…
Gospel Reading: Sunday 7 May 2023
Fifth Sunday of Easter – John 14:1-12 ¹ Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me….
Young Church
St John’s College Junior Canoe Polo team crowned national champs
St John’s College, Hastings, Junior Canoe Polo team were crowned national champions, and its senior team captain won top scorer at the 2023 New Zealand Secondary School Championship and Cup held in Hawke’s Bay, 24–26 March.
Stratford Taranaki Shakespeare Festival
The SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival takes place annually. [SGCNZ is the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand.] Hundreds of students take part in regional events around the country.
Challenge 2000 – growing young potential
Challenge 2000 is a Catholic, Gospel-based professional and dynamic youth development, community and family social work agency. The Challenge whānau of over 40 staff work mainly throughout the Wellington region, providing services and programmes to children, young people, families and community groups.
What's on
‘Love is a decision’
‘Love is a Decision’ is a programme, offered to engaged couples over two consecutive Sundays in June, by the Archdiocese of Wellington’s Marriage Ministry’s Church Mission Team. The course covers…
Sacred Heart Cathedral Fundraiser
Winter concert with Fr Chris Skinner sm, 2pm–4pm, Sunday 11 June at Ss Peter and Paul Church, Lower Hutt. Tickets $30 plus booking fee online at www.trybooking.co.nz/NHZ
World Refugee Day celebrations
Changemakers Resettlement Forum invites you to join celebrations for World Refugee Day, Saturday 18 June, 11.30am–3.30pm, at South Wellington Intermediate School, 30 Te Wharepōuri St, Berhampore. Children’s activities, cultural food,…