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ABLETCATHOLIC DIOCESE OF DUNEDIN

I S S U E 2 2 6 | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6cdd.org.nz

“A Merry and Blessed Christmas greeting,to all People of Goodwill,

From the Southernmost Diocese in the World.”

From an original painting by Genny Hanning, artist member, Otago Art Society.

Kiwi kids play on a summer beach, While the Christ child makes his winter arrival. Yet, look for His footprints there in the sand; Find them you will,For he’ll be close at hand. The Editor

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Bishop Colin’s Christmas MessageJust recently, the Year of Mercy that Pope Francis had called for ended on the feast of Christ the King. As the door in Rome was officially closed on that year, so, too, was ours at the Cathedral in Dunedin and St Mary's Basilica in Invercargill. I am sure that you availed yourself of a visit to either place during this special year.

In the message to conclude the Year of Mercy, I spoke of the Gospel for Christ the King Sunday. In St Luke’s account of Jesus dying on the Cross, we have a wonderful insight into the mercy of God. As death draws near, He reaches out to bring the good thief into paradise. Here, at the very 11th hour, God never gives up in reaching out to others.

Pope Francis is single-minded and eloquent about the mercy of God. In a teaching earlier this year, he spoke about the parable of the Good Shepherd. Here the man leaves the 99 to go out and search for the one that was lost, until he finds it. Pope Francis’ words are riveting;

“..mercy to sinners is the style with which God acts and to this mercy he is absolutely faithful; nothing and no one can distract him from his saving will. God does not share our current throw-away culture; it doesn’t count to God. God throws no one away; God loves everyone, looks for everyone: one by one! He doesn’t know what “throwing people away” means, because he is entirely love, entirely mercy.We need to understand this well: to God, no one is definitively lost. Never! To the last moment, God is searching for us. Think of the good thief; only in the eyes of Jesus no one is definitively lost.”

This very mercy became so personal for all of us when Jesus was born into our booming, buzzing world on that night in Bethlehem. God’s mercy became incarnate in Jesus Christ, so we ought to be full of peace and joy. And for people to know that love and mercy, let us pray that they see it ‘in the flesh’ in our lives and that they, too, come to know the loving kindness and mercy of our wonderful God.

May this Christmas, 2016, bring you, your loved ones and the friends and strangers you meet, that grace and peace that only God can give.

In the Spirit,= colin

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Advocacy & Research Manager Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic Agency for Justice, Peace and Development, is currently seeking applications for the role of Advocacy & Research Manager.

To view the position description please visit: www.caritas.org.nz/get-involved/work-us

For further information please contact Catharina Vossen at MICAH Partners on phone: (04) 499 4749 or email your resume and covering letter to: CatharinaVossen@micahpartners.co.nz

This was the third year that Christchurch choir Schola Cantorum, led by its musical director David O’Beirne, has taken advantage of the beautiful acoustics of St Patrick’s Basilica to perform during the Victorian Heritage celebrations.

Because Schola Cantorum specialises in singing unaccompanied medieval and Renaissance music, much of the concert programme was made up of religious motets by composers like Thomas Tallis and Thomas Luis de Victoria. But the programme also included some traditional spirituals, and the Victorian theme was not forgotten with songs by Charles Stanford and Arthur Sullivan.

On Sunday, the choir also contributed to the music at the 9.30am Mass at St Patrick’s by singing the Latin Mass, Kyrie Deus Sempiterne.

Christchurch Choir Delights Oamaru Audience

Choral music, ranging from Latin plainchants, which date from the early years of the Roman Catholic Church, to a setting of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ by a contemporary Christchurch composer, Patrick Shepherd, was enjoyed by an Oamaru audience on Saturday during the Victorian Heritage weekend.

This year the choir sang from the Nuns’ Gallery above the sanctuary and this was a rare experience for all.

Choir members also sang ‘medical’ and Victorian songs on the street during the Victorian Fête on Sunday, and

entertained the residents and hospital staff in Takaro Lodge at Oamaru Hospital.

Thank you, Schola Cantorum, for coming to Oamaru again and sharing your wonderful music.

contributed by margaret lovell-smith and nicola mountain

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Craig Stoneman • Darrin Christie • Wilson Fraser Hamish MacPherson • Phil Llwellyn

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Dr Joel Poinsett, who was the first ambassador to Mexico, brought the bright red star-shaped flower to the United States. Hence, it was named as Poinsettia. It is also known as “Flame Leaf ” or “Flower of the Holy Night.”

The legend related to this delightful Christmas flower is Mexican, too. In one version of the story, the two small children are known as Maria and her little brother Pablo, while in another version, two cousins are mentioned by the names of Pepita and Pedro. Whatever their names, the story is worth telling.

There was once a brother-sister pair who were very poor. They lived in a small village and had barely enough to eat two full meals a day. As Christmas time approached, festivities, parades

and parties in the village attracted the children. The gaiety of the season in itself was wonderful. Moreover, a large manger scene was being set up in the village church, and all the children were eager to go to Baby Jesus and give him their best present. Mario and Pablo also wanted to give presents to the Holy Child. While all children were discussing what they thought was best for the baby and what they would buy as the gift for Him, Mario and Pablo knew that they had no money at all to buy any present and had nothing that they could give as a gift to the child.

They were determined to go to church and see the boy child, so, on Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for the village church a little earlier than the others to attend the service. Since they had nothing to give to the child, they

thought of picking some weeds that were growing along the roadside so as to make a soft bed for Baby Jesus and to decorate his crib. While they were still decorating the crib of the Baby, other children arrived. Now children can be very cruel when it comes to teasing and making fun of others; Mario and Pablo were almost in tears for shame and helplessness when a miracle occurred.

Suddenly, the weeds burst into bright red petals that looked like stars and were so beautiful that everyone was awestruck with their beauty. Everybody realized, and said that a gift of love is dearer to Jesus than the most expensive presents that money could buy. Ever since that day, Poinsettia flowers have become favourites for Christmas decorations.

The Legend of Poinsettia: A Children’s Christmas Story from Mexico

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Food for Critical Reflection

POPE FRANCIS

“I invite you, then, to pause before the Nativity scene, for there God’s tenderness speaks to us. There we contemplate divine mercy, made flesh so that we gaze tenderly upon it.”

For the Catholic Church, Nativity scenes are not simply decorative objects. They contain a powerful message.

POPE FRANCIS

“Jesus did not simply appear on earth, and did not dedicate just a little of His time to us, but, rather, came to share our life and to receive our desires, as He wanted, and still wants, to live here, along with us and for us. Our world, which at Christmas became His world, is important to Him. The crèche (crib) reminds us of this: God, in his great mercy, descended to us to stay with us.”

The Pope recalled that representations of the mystery of the Nativity are a proposition about the kind of life that Christians must lead.

POPE FRANCIS

“The Nativity also tells us that the Lord never imposes upon us with force. To save us, He did not change history by performing a grand miracle. Instead, He lived with simplicity, humility and meekness. God does not like the dramatic revolutions of the powerful of history, and does not use a magic wand to change situations. Instead He makes Himself small, He becomes a child, to attract us with love, to touch our hearts with His humble goodness, to draw attention through His poverty to those who worry about accumulating the false treasures of this world.”

Although it’s normal to take down a Nativity scene after Christmas, the Vatican traditionally keeps the one in St. Peter’s Square up until February 2nd. That day also marks the liturgical celebration of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. It leaves plenty of time to meditate on this scene.

Prayer of St FrancisLord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

In all of our churches, and in many of our homes, a Christmas crib, or nativity scene, is set up to remind us of the real event that we are celebrating. Some of these cribs will have been handed down through families, and have special stories worth recalling and sharing at this time. The tradition of the Christmas crib is said to originate from St Francis of Assisi in the thirteenth century.

Each year, during his meeting with the delegations who donate the Nativity scene and Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis has offered some words of reflection. Last year, when accepting the gifts, he offered the three following pieces of advice to think about during Christmas.

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Jo Krysa and her husband James Clark did an amazing job of organising the weekend by bringing people together to create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere for the couples to reflect on their upcoming journey of marriage. There were times of quiet, individual reflection and journaling, followed by time for the couples to come together to discuss how they will join together in the Sacrament of marriage.

Michelle and Pesamino Tili, and Jesse Lim and Augustine Chen joined Jo and James in offering personal reflections on the joys and challenges of marriage. Several others joined in for background support of cooking and childcare, which really enhanced the weekend’s special character.

It was a moving experience for all – the couples preparing as well as the couples presenting. And the children enjoyed the camp as much as anyone as they explored the natural surrounds while their parents shared their wisdom. The whole experience was a true witness of the Spirit of community joining together to offer love and support for those embarking on a lifetime of choosing love.

Relationship Encounter Weekendcontributed by amy armstrong

Tirohanga Camp near Outram was alive with love and joy, as four engaged couples gathered to learn about the ‘Decision to Love’ in an Engaged Encounter weekend at the end of November.

Moran Building | 8 Octagon | Dunedin 9016 ph/fax (03) 477 6342

email shop@fullofgrace.nz www.fullofgrace.nz

Dunedin’s Catholic Christian Store

St Joseph Sunday Missal 2017Finally arrived in store containing prayers, readings, and responses in a simple and continuous flow making it easy to use and understand for everyone. The Order of the Mass is included in two colours and large type with People’s parts in bold for easy praying. Over 90 popular Catholic Hymns are included in this Missal as well as some of the most rich and traditional prayers in the Catholic Faith.

Price: $15.50 + P/P $2.50

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The day of faith and fun activities centred on the theme of ‘Saints and Inspiring People’ challenged the students to not only think about people they admire in their own communities and internationally, but also to consider how saints of the church were inspired through the Holy Spirit to persevere when life was difficult.

The children participated in Prayer and Scripture activities and also made a delightful saint-medal necklace to take home. Many of the saint medals referred to individual projects the children had completed to present at the gathering.

As well as sharing in a fine lunch supplied from Rosmini House, St Peter’s College, the children and student helpers from the College participated keenly in a variety of tabloid relay games, which reinforced in a fun way that we do encounter challenges in everyday life.

Parent interests were ably covered by Katrina van de Water’s portrayal of Suzanne Aubert’s Journey Towards Sainthood and a Forum reviewing five years of Bushy School.

Notable thanks for their contribution towards another successful day must go to the willing adult leaders and Year 11 student helpers from St Peter’s College.

Further information and photos can be found online at http://www.cdd.org.nz/bushy-school/ or contact Susan Rowley at js.rowley@xtra.co.nz

Bushy School inspired by the Saints

Students at lunch – St Peter’s College Year 11 students Dakoda Conroy, Jacob Dickie, Daniel Hart, Marion Frei, Charlotte Cuttance and Hannah Weller take time out with Kyle Msajo, back left.

Senior Craft – Nicolas Roy, Lucy Weller, Denissie Manaese, Juliana Manaese and Andrin Frei display the saint-medal necklaces they made at Bushy School.

A bubbly atmosphere was apparent as a group of Bushy Schoolers drawn from Te Anau, Tuatapere, Tokanui, Invercargill, Riversdale and Balfour gathered on Sunday 6 November at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Gore.

Principal of St Kevin’s College, Oamaru, Paul Olsen, making a presentation to Mitchell Lowen, Dux of the College for 2016. Emma Middlemass was named Proxime Accessit to the Dux. Photo supplied by Catherine Keep.

Dux, St Kevin'sDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

After a time of consultation in the diocese, I have made the extremely difficult decision to disestablish the role of the General Manager, Gerald Scanlan, effective from December 23rd, 2016. This decision in no way reflects on Gerald himself, but is a consequence of the necessary restructuring to address our financial deficit. This restructuring will go on into the new year affecting other diocesan positions and property.

I sincerely thank Gerald for his dedication and commitment to the Church over the last two plus years. His energy and resilience have been complemented by hard work and steadfastness. He is a skilled facilitator and highly motivated in his work.

Please keep Gerald and the diocese in your prayers.

In the Spirit,

= colin

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

BalcluthaChristmas: Vigil 10.00pm (Carols 9.30pm), 10.00amSundays: Jan 1: Vigil 5.30pm Jan 8, 15, 22, 29: 10.30am

Bluff (See Invercargill Central)

BrockvilleChristmas: 11.00amSundays: 11.00am

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

CromwellChristmas: Vigil 7.30pm, 11.00amSundays: Jan 1, 15, 29: 11.00am Jan 8, 22: 9.00am

WanakaChristmas: Vigil 10.30pm, 9.00amSundays: Jan 1, 15, 29: 9.00am Jan 8, 22: 11.00am

Dunedin NorthChristmas: Vigil 5.00pm (Children), Vigil 10.00pm, 7.30am, 10.00am (No 7.00pm on Dec 25)Sundays: 7.30am, 10.00am, 7.00pm

South Dunedin (Mercy Parish, St Patrick’s Basilica)Christmas: Vigil 5.30pm, Children’s Mass Vigil 9.00pm (Carols from 8.30pm) 9.30amSundays: Vigil 6.00pm, 9.30am, 11.00am

Georgetown - InvercargillChristmas: Vigil 6.00pm, 9.00amSundays: Vigil 6.00pm, 9.00am

RimuChristmas: Vigil 9.00pmSundays: 11.00am

Gore Pastoral AreaGoreChristmas: Vigil 10.00pm, 9.00amSundays: Vigil 7.00pm, 10.00am

MatauraChristmas: No MassSundays: 8.30am

RiversdaleChristmas: Vigil 7.00pmSundays: Jan 1, 15, 29: 9.30am

BalfourChristmas: No MassSundays: Jan 8, 22: 10.30am

TapanuiChristmas: 9.30amSundays: (No Mass)

WaikakaChristmas: Vigil 7.30pmSundays: 9.00am (Service of Word with Holy Communion)

WyndhamChristmas: 10.00amSundays: No Mass

Green Island and MosgielChristmas: Vigil 6.00pm (Children’s Mass), – Mosgiel Midnight – Green Island (Carols from 11.30pm) 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, 9.30am (No 7.00pm Mass)Sundays: 9.30am, 7.00pm

KaikoraiChristmas: 9.30amSundays: Vigil 6.00pm

LawrenceChristmas: 9.00amSundays: Jan 1: 11.00am Jan 8, 15, 22, 29: Vigil 5.30pm

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), 9.30amSundays: 9.30am

Oamaru Christmas: Vigil 5.00pm (Carols 4.30pm), 9.30amSundays: Vigil 5.00pm, 9.30am

KurowChristmas: Vigil 7.30pm (Carols from 7.10pm)Sundays: Jan 1, 15: 12noon

HampdenChristmas: No MassSundays: Jan 8, 22: 11.30am

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

PalmerstonSundays: 12noon (1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays) (Please note no 12noon Mass on Christmas Day)

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

Christmas and Holiday Mass Times 25 Dec – 29 Jan 2016-2017

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Christmas and Holiday Mass Times 25 Dec – 29 Jan 2016-2017

Port ChalmersChristmas: 8.00amSundays: Vigil 5.00pm (Please note no 5.00pm Saturday Vigil on Christmas Eve)

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

Arrowtown Christmas: Vigil 10.00pm, 10.00amSundays: Jan 1: 9.00am, 11.00am, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29: 11.00am

GarstonChristmas: 11.15am

GlenorchySundays: Jan 8: 11.15 am

RanfurlyChristmas: 9.30amSundays: 5.00pm

RoxburghChristmas: 11.00amSundays: 11.00am

Te AnauChristmas: Midnight, 9.00amSundays: Vigil 7.00pm

MossburnChristmas: 10.30amSundays: 9.00am

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

RakahoukaChristmas: 8.00amSundays: 8.30am

Western SouthlandNightcapsChristmas: 8.30amSundays: 11.00am

OtautauChristmas: Vigil 7.00pmSundays: Vigil 7.00pm

RivertonChristmas: Vigil 9.30pmSundays: 9.00am

TuatapereChristmas: 10.00amSundays: Vigil 5.30pm

WintonChristmas: Vigil 8.00pm, 10.30amSundays: 10.30am

DiptonChristmas: No MassSunday: Vigil 5.00pm

As we celebrate Advent and Christmas 2016, our thoughts turn to those in need. Our annual Advent Collection addresses some of those 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.

= colin d campbell bishop of dunedin

Advent Appeal 2016The donations made possible by your contribution to the 2015 Advent Collection are:

New Zealand Refugee and Migrant Service $2,000

Dunedin Refugee Support $1,500

Otago Community Hospice $1,000

Southland Hospice Charitable Trust $1,000

Workplace Support Chaplaincy Services $1,000

John Paul II Centre for Life – Dunedin Branch $1,000

Pregnancy Counselling Services, Dunedin $500

Habitat for Humanity $500

Dunedin Night Shelter $500

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Top left - Adults: Father Pat McGettigan, Markelle WardTop row of children from left: Charlie Donaldson, Ana Flannery, Amelia Nicholson, Gabrielle Stratford, Kimberley DacostaBottom row of children from left: Danielle Dowling, Annajhay Waldron, Tadhg Reilly, Joshua Brown, Sophia Lyon, Mitchell McNally.

Photo – Donald Lamont

First Communion - St John the Baptist Parish, Alexandra

WOOMB NZ offers tuition in Natural Fertility, allowing women and couples to better understand, appreciate and so value their reproductive health. It employs Alicia Reeve (pictured), a Registered nurse, as their National Educator and Co-ordinator to offer this knowledge throughout New Zealand. This is her sixth successful year in this life-giving role. Alicia is an accredited Billings Ovulation Method ™ teacher: see our website www.billingslife.co.nz The Method is not dependent on regularity of the menstrual cycle (as in the Rhythm method) nor does it use temperature measurements ( as required by the Symptothermal method), but rather on daily charting of the cervical mucus symptom as a biological marker of ovulation. Ovulation only occurs once in a cycle with the egg surviving less than 24 hours.

This knowledge when expertly taught, along with the science of the rules of the Method, allows couples who need to delay having a child to postpone pregnancy. Alternatively, subfertile couples may benefit from this knowledge in achieving pregnancy naturally without recourse to medical interventions. As cofounder of the Method, Dr Evelyn Billings wrote” This is knowledge of her body that every woman ought to have.”

Women and couples interested in learning more are invited to email Alicia at info@billingslife.org.nz or telephone her on 0800 NZ Fertility (0800 693 378). She will be able to introduce them to an accredited teacher in their area or offer them a distance learning service if necessary.

Natural Fertility

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PartnersJoe O’NeillMike O’NeillPaul O’NeillTodd WhitcombeLauren PeggAssociateJo HambletonStaff SolicitorJared St Clair-Newman

Client parking available

433 Princes StreetPO Box 909Dunedin 9054Telephone 477 6801Website: www.ond.co.nz

Using the fingers on your hand, start with the thumb and pray these intentions in this order:

The thumb is closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a “Sweet Obligation.”

The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers.

The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God’s guidance.

The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even though it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers.

And finally, we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs, but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way.

Pope Francis’ Five Finger PrayerThis is a means to prayer that the Holy Father authored when he was still the Archbishop in Argentina. It is a lovely way to pray, and it showcases Pope Francis’ sense of simplicity, his priority for family, his love for the poor and also his recognition that prayer is powerful.

Readers may already know the prayer. It has been around for a while, but several sources are saying that it was written by Cardinal Bergoglio. I should note as well that it was attributed to him well before he became Pope Francis.

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Cardinal Dew was in Rome when news broke of the first earthquake. Pope Francis and local Italians, having recently experienced large earthquakes, expressed deep concern for the people of New Zealand.

“Pope Francis spoke to me at the closing Mass for the Year of Mercy. Despite speaking to many people, he came to me and said, very sincerely, that he was praying for New Zealand following the earthquake and expressed his concern for the welfare of people affected.”

“Kaikoura is part of my diocese, and while overseas I kept up to date with news and updates about the situation. I was very concerned, and wanted to visit with people when I returned, and there was access.”

“I will visit the priests based there, and the local Catholic parish and Catholic primary school, and Takahanga Marae which has been providing accommodation, meals and support in the days following the first earthquake. This weekend, I want to be with them

personally and let them know that we are with them in their time of uncertainty and anxiety,” 

“While there is much physical repairing to do, people are also feeling unsafe, uncertain and worried for their livelihoods and their homes.”

I plan to speak with them and hear how they’ve been affected, their fears and concerns, and see what we can do to support them practically too.” 

“I will be going with staff from Catholic Social Services, our Turanga Māori Adviser, and our national social justice & humanitarian agency, Caritas.

I also plan to do a Mass in Māori – te Miha Māori, and have some prayer time with them, to help bring some comfort in this difficult time.”

Bishop Colin extends prayerful support, on behalf of the people of Dunedin diocese, to Cardinal John, and the people of Kaikoura, as they adjust to the upheaval of their lives after the earthquake.

Cardinal Dew to bring message from Pope Francis to quake-affected Kaikouraprovided by simone olsen communications adviser, nz catholic bishops’ conference

Deadline for the February issue is

Monday 23 January

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The first thing that the St Mary’s Gore Young Vinnies do is prepare for their meeting with a prayer circle. They then work in groups to discuss what could be a good action for the coming term, The groups share their information and decide what, when and how they will make our world better. They have planted trees, grown vegies and flowers, cooked cakes and sold them after Church on Sunday. They also visit the lonely and the elderly. They are leaders in their school.

Young Vinnies started in 2015 in Gore and the students came to the meetings in their lunch time. There was a “sign in book” so the principal Mrs Annie Nelson and her staff could know

who was participating in the group. The school gave the Young Vinnies the library space for their meetings. St Mary’s students are hardworking and committed to making a difference. They are pleased to make our world a happier and better place. Sometimes, the Parish Priest Father Damian comes to the meetings.

When the Young Vinnies were growing Kowhai trees from seed he was amazed at the knowledge that the students had learned about Kowhai trees, Young Vinnies in Gore are happy, prayerful, kind and sharing students who are proud of their school being a Catholic one! They make a positive difference to Gore.

by the southland coordinator ann munro

St Mary’s School Gore Young Vinnies

St Mary’s School Gore is now 126 years old! Not many Catholic schools in NZ are that old! In this year of the school’s life they have produced a beautiful Cook Book! The students have been actively involved in making our world, and their world in Gore, a better place.

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Prayers & PetitionsPRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARYO most beautiful flower of Mt Carmel, fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me here thou art my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech thee from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand thy power. O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in thy hands (three times). This prayer must be said for three days and the prayer published. (Published on behalf of P.D., J.O.R. & W.F.H.)

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.) (Published on behalf of P.D. , J.O.R., W.F.H. & M.O’O.)

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. (Published on behalf of J.O.R.) Many thanks for prayers answered: M.W.

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 J.O.R., & W.F.H.) Thanks for prayers answered. M.R.D.

PRAYERS FOR THE HAPPY REPOSE OF THE RECENTLY DECEASED, AND THE COMFORT OF THEIR FAMILIESMay the souls of the following, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Anngow, Vivian C. (Viv) , Dunedin

Broadbent, Rev. Msgr John Wellington

Faid, Leonard C. (Leon), Christchurch

Fletcher, Rev. Fr Brian, Wellington

Heffernan, Robert (Bob), Christchurch

McBride, Sr Maureen RNDM, France

When you leave a bequest to the Church, you give a gift that lasts longer than your lifetime; a gift that will always be remembered.A bequest to the Church may be a specific amount, or a percentage of your estate, or a particular item of value. Big or small, your bequest will be greatly appreciated. If you have an existing Will, with the help of your legal advisor, you can make a simple modification to it.

SAMPLE WORDING FOR A BEQUEST“...to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunedin for the time being, to use for the general purposes of the diocese as he sees fit, I give and bequeath...”

An invitation from Bishop Colin...

REMEMBERING THE CHURCH IN YOUR WILL

The History of the Church Chair – Tuataperecontributed by rex hibbs

Patty Griffin bought the chair and got Pat Corkery to do it up before giving it to the church. On 30 April this year the Catholic Church in Tuatapere was decommissioned and in May I received the chair as well as the crucifix, which I had blessed. Patty Griffin was pleased to learn that both are now in my flat in Tuatapere.

Rex Hibbs in the “Church Chair.”

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What’s onCelebrating the Bi-Centennial

of the Foundation of the Marist Brothers (FMC)

By St Marcellin Champagnat, in France, 1817.

An event to celebrate the above will take place in Invercargill on

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March 2017.

Please note the date in your diary. Details will be announced in the new year.

Br Osmond FMC

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d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6

The Tablet is published by

the Roman Catholic Diocese

of Dunedin

300 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 5999

Email tablet@cdd.org.nz

Prayers and petitions chargesPrayers and petitions are $10

for one prayer or petition and

$5 for each 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 23 January

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For the last few years, our Diocese has not been represented with any students for the priesthood. We all know how our priests are essential for the life of our Church. At present we have two young men from Vietnam who are preparing to go to Holy Cross Seminary soon. Both Joseph and Suu (pronounced Shue) are delightful young men who desire to become priests of our Diocese. They have been staying with Fr. Mark at Holy Name Parish, learning English in preparation. Given that the training for priesthood over six and a half years is financially demanding, I am appealing to you all in the Diocese to help support these young candidates. This Christmas, I am asking our clergy to have an extra collection (as a one-off) to help support these young men. I take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your generosity with this appeal.

In the Spirit,= colin

Preparing for Priesthood – Special Christmas Appeal

Suu (Shue) and Joseph at Holy Name Church, Dunedin North Parish.

If you miss the Christmas collection and wish to donate, please send to:

Bishop ColinPrivate Bag 1941Dunedin 9054.

Include a note saying: “Seminarian Appeal.”

Donations over $5.00 qualify for tax rebate purposes, so please include address details for a receipt.

“Vocations are born within the Church. From the moment a vocation begins to become evident, it is necessary to have an adequate “sense” of the Church. No one is called exclusively for a particular region, or for a group, or for an ecclesial movement, but rather for the Church and for the world.” Pope Francis

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