Lead Stories
WelCom Office
WelCom March 2023
The latest issue of WelCom is available to read here.
Appeals launched for Cyclone Gabrielle
The Catholic Church has launched two Appeals for donations to support those who have suffered ‘unimaginable damage’ in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A National Appeal is being organised by the Diocese of Auckland through its Catholic Caring Foundation. Funds donated to this Appeal will go to all areas affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Oceania bishops call for ‘deeper ecological conversion’
The Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania has spoken out on the need for ‘deeper ecological conversion’ and to embrace ‘the challenge of integral ecology’.
Pope: Synodal and Lenten journeys require effort, sacrifice, focusing on God
In his Message for Lent 2023, 22 February–6 April, Pope Francis highlights the relationship between the Lenten journey and the synodal journey, which are both rooted in tradition and open to newness.
Catholic College Dux and Special Character Awards 2022 and Student Leaders 2023
News
10 years with Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the bishop of Rome and the leader of the Catholic Church (2013–present) is the first pope from the Western Hemisphere, the first from South America, and the first from the Jesuit order. He was elected Supreme Pontiff on 13 March 2013. The 10th anniversary of his pontificate will be celebrated on 13 March 2023.
Honorary doctorate for university leader overseeing ‘oasis of peace’ for young Palestinians
The Australian Catholic University has awarded Br Peter Bray fsc an honorary doctorate for his commitment and inspirational work with students at Bethlehem University. Br Peter, from Waitara in Taranaki, recently undertook a speaking tour of Aotearoa New Zealand’s six Catholic dioceses.
Salvation Army State of the Nation 2023 report provides snapshot of social realities
Social pressures in New Zealand are rising, according to the Salvation Army’s sixteenth annual ‘State of the Nation 2023’ report.
These pressures are hitting people from several directions.
Diocesan News
Workshops explore The Letter – a message for our Earth
‘What is the relationship between ecology and evangelisation?’ Pope Francis asks in The Letter – a message for our Earth, a recently released film about climate action leaders who journey to Rome to meet the Pope to discuss with him his encyclical letter Laudato si’.
Waitangi Day Mass
More than 120 people attended the annual Waitangi Day Mass at St Mary of the Angels Church, Wellington, on 6 February. In his homily, Cardinal John Dew said the Mass was ‘to pray for this land and all who dwell here under the guardianship of the Treaty’.
Revised JPDE Commission envisioned
A Justice Peace Development and Ecology Commission (JPDEC) is a commission appointed by the bishop in each diocese to promote concerns about justice, peace, development and ecology in line with the Gospel.
International News
A sad anniversary
On 22 February 2023, almost a year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ‘the beginning of this absurd and cruel war’, the Pope at the General Audience dwelt on this ‘sad anniversary’.
One year of war in Ukraine, has seen Pope Francis’ sorrow and tireless appeals for peace.
Antioch largely destroyed in earthquake
The city of Antioch, where believers were first called Christians, has been all but wiped out by the February 6 earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
Thousands of refugees to be granted permanent visas
Thousands of refugees across Australia who have lived ‘in limbo’ for years will be eligible to stay in the country permanently as the Labor Government moves to enact a pre-election commitment.
Features
Tonga eruption one year on
The eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on 15 January 2022 caused widespread devastation across the dispersed island nation of the Kingdom of Tonga, Tongan Fakatu’i ‘o Tonga. Estimates indicated the disaster affected 85 per cent of Tonga’s population, with businesses, homes, workplaces, schools and telecommunications infrastructure impacted by the eruption or subsequent tsunami.
Caritas stands in solidarity with Turkey and Syria
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is accepting donations to help the people of south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria, seriously impacted by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks of 6 February. The earthquake destroyed thousands of buildings and killed over 50,000 people.
Cathedral corner: Both restoration and renovation in the story of stone
There is a big difference between restoration and renovation!
This is emphasised by French-born stonemason, Nicolas Piveteau, whose skill has engaged him with Sacred Heart Cathedral for the past year.
‘Restoration,’ says Nicolas, ‘is working to bring a building, or parts of it, back to its original condition. Renovation, is replacing whatever is beyond repair.’
Reflections
‘Speak the truth in love’
On 24 January this year, which is the Feast of St Francis de Sales, and in memory of this saint who is the patron saint of journalists and communicators, Pope Francis released the Message for the 57th World Day of Social Communications. The theme of the Pope’s message for this year is wonderful. It is: Speak from the heart. ‘Living the truth in love’ (Eph 4:15).
Keep the beginning in sight
Do you have a beginner’s mind?
A child starting school comes home excited by the newness of it all. The first days in a new job bring an eagerness and freshness to life. As a relationship opens to love, there is a profound joy that you can’t wait to share with the whole world.
Gospel Reading: Sunday 5 March 2023
Second Sunday of Lent – Matthew 17:1-9 1 Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured…
Young Church
Tuākana 2023 – Archdiocese Youth Ministers
The Archdiocese of Wellington has been running its Tuākana Youth Ministry programme since 2020. It is a year-long, paid programme where a team of young people are each assigned to one of the archdiocese’s nine Catholic colleges, to walk alongside students and support them on their faith journeys. During their assignments the Tuākana are a part of the archdiocese’s Young Church group and their work is coordinated by Louise Lloyd and her team.
Catholic Foundation Scholarships 2023
The Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Wellington congratulates the eight recipients of its scholarships for the 2023 tertiary studies’ year and wishes them well in their chosen courses. The scholarships worth $2,000 each, are awarded for the first year of a student’s tertiary study.
Come and see
Cardinal John Dew and Archbishop Paul Martin sm extend an invitation to young people to a vocations’ morning this month, which they will be hosting from 8.30am to 11.30am, Saturday 18 March. Called ‘Come and See, the morning will begin with Mass at Connolly Hall, Hill St, Thorndon, followed by a gathering that explores discernment and vocation.
What's on
Date and events – what’s on
WelCom March 2023
Dates and events – what’s on
If you would like your event listed free on this page, please send an outline to welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz including name of event, date, time, location and contact. Sunday 5–Friday 10 February…
Dates and events – what’s on
December 2022
If you would like your event listed on this page, please send an outline to welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz including name of event, date, time, location and contact.