Catholic Women’s LeagueAotearoa New Zealand

Te Ropu Wahine Katorika o AotearoaNational Quarterly Newsletter August 2017

National President – Kay BlackburnFor the past 12 months, I have had written into my diary a quote from Pope Francis that goes like this: - ‘Pastoral ministry seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says, “We have always done it this way”. I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelisation in their respective communities’.This quote has travelled with me to Diocesan Conferences, to Board meetings and to my Branch meetings. It has been a constant reminder to me to let go of complacency and accept this invitation to be bold and creative.At your invitation, I have been privileged to experience this boldness and creativity in abundance at your Diocesan Conferences. We are evangelisers in our communities. We are ‘out there’ in our communities. We are leaders in our communities.

Something that made a huge impression on me on my Conference journey was the way in which members and parishioners in some Dioceses were involved in the preparation and presentation of workshops. We need to tap into the skills and knowledge of our members and community leaders.Thankyou for the thought and preparation that went into planning your Conferences.Thankyou for the hospitality extended to me and other Board members.Listening to reports at Conferences has reassured

me that the Service part of our Motto is being addressed in many creative ways. CWL members are out there in so many areas serving our communities.Branches are closing but some regions are reporting a growth in membership. We are attracting women about to or just retired. These women come in with a heap of experience and fresh eyes.

Since my announcement at the Diocesan Conferences earlier this year, that the Capitation Levy would be raised to meet the rising costs of running CWLANZ, we have received generous donations from many Branches. Thankyou. Your generosity benefits all of us.

In the last year, I have spoken a lot about change. Something I have discovered on my Diocesan travels is that change is not the same for everyone. We have unique cultures in each of our six Dioceses which throw up different needs and different ways of meeting them. We need to be ‘awake’ to these cultural differences, to nurture and grow them. That is where change will happen. One size does not fit all.This quote from Pope Francis appeared on the NZ Bishops’ Election Statement brochure.“Nothing else will change the world but people who fight for justice and human dignity. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes”. Spring is on the way. Put on your walking shoes!

Arohanui,

From the Diocesan PresidentsPalmerston North – Rae O’GradyOur three branches – Napier membership 32, Inglewood 14 and New Plymouth 53 are working hard to keep CWLANZ relevant in our parishes and wider community.The Diocesan Conference at Palmerston North in April was successful and speakers inspired and encouraged us to keep on with our work. We had a speaker from PARS as the Pillar’s speaker was unavailable. His enthusiastic presentation has encouraged PN members to have closer contact

with the PN branch of PARS. The members have established a connection with the local Probation Service by catering for their special morning and afternoon teas. Recently their manager spoke of the work of CWL for Pillars to a group of volunteers being thanked for their work at the Justice Dept. Members have received an Information leaflet on theLife and work of Margaret Fletcher. Members recently assisted with the Care Alliance nationwide campaign by signing postcards with 10

key questions which were sent to MPs to prompt them to think carefully about the End of Life Bill.Assistance was given to the Right to Life organisation to collect signatures on their petition to Parliament to block the move to decriminalise abortion.The PN branch has shipped 21 boxes of almost new primary school books to their mission school in Fiji. They were obtained from a closing school and the packaging and shipment was arranged and paid for by a generous supporter of CWL in Hawera. The branch sent stationery and a gift for the sisters and paid the wharf and transport costs in Fiji.PN recently held a fashion show as their At Home Appeal fundraiser. The Manager of the Black Pepper shop arranged the show at the July meeting and members were transformed into fashion models.Members host the parish weekly Community Café following Mass once a month.The first luncheon for parishioners following midday Mass continues to be a successful

fundraiser. The President speaks briefly at the conclusion of Mass and this often results in a donation of appreciation for a specific cause.Inglewood hold a soup and buns fundraiser for parishioners following Mass through the winter months. They continue to support their Solomon mission community with generous donations. They informed parishioners in the parish newsletter of the At Home Appeal. This resulted in donations for Pillars from the parish community.Napier have been informed by and enjoyed interesting speakers. Kath Eagan spoke of her work at the Napier Family Centre and on Christian Meditation.Michelle Barnes spoke of her voluntary work as a registered nurse on the Mercy Ship. This charity brings hope and healing to Africa’s poorest people.We are in good heart and faith and service remain central to our purpose.‘A kind heart is a joy to everyone who comes in contact with it’ – Suzanne Aubert

Auckland – Colleen PetricevichWe have had a new Diocesan chaplain appointed by Bishop Pat Dunn. He is Father James Mulligan and is residing in St Joseph’s Parish Takapuna. Our Annual Mass was held last week at Papatoetoe, in conjunction with Carmelite Day. The Mass was concelebrated by Father Leo Doyle and our new Chaplain, so we were doubly blessed. It was a very successful day, lots of ladies present, including four from the local Anglican Women’s Group. Our speakers, Sr Ann Hurley, who visits the Women’s Prison in Wiri, and Brother Colin Devine and a co-worker, Greg, who visit the Paremoremo and Wiri Men’s Prisons, were very interesting. Brother Colin mentioned ‘ a bonding day with fathers’ where they play board games and sing along with guitars and their children. There are several initiatives to help the prisoners back into society. Our Diocesan Conference will be held in

Papatoetoe (not far from the airport) next year on Saturday 21st April 2018. More details later.I want to tell you formally about the changes to personnel in our Diocesan team. I am the new President, Colleen Petricevich, and my Secretary is Colleen McMurchy, Treasurer is Pat McQuillan. We have a new Rep for Region North, Margaret Cornforth, and a new Rep for Region South, Christine Black. Anne White and Pat McQuillan are our two new Vice-Presidents.CWL members turned out in force to celebrate the opening of St John Vianney Home for priests, which has been upgraded and four new units built. This is a house for the retired priests of Auckland and Hamilton Diocese, where they have companionship, medical help and nutricious meals. God bless you all. Yours in faith and service

Hamilton – Joan PigouCelebrating 80 years of dedicated Faith and Service with two branches has been the highlight in recent times. I attended Matamata and Te Awamutu's 80th birthdays, both very joyous occasions. It was so heartening to see and hear how highly our League is regarded and appreciated.Matamata shared their celebration with the 40th anniversary of our Diocesan Chaplain, Emeritus Bishop Denis Browne as a bishop. Mass was

followed by lunch to which the parish and the extended community were invited. CWL received high praise from the Bishop during his homily and also from guest speakers. A cake, made and iced by Regional Rep Noeline Gibbons, was cut by the Bishop and long serving member Lalla Loeffen. Noeline had also made colourful banners, each letter lovingly stitched.

Members participated in all ministries at Te Awamutu and again the homily focused on League’s foundation and mission. Father Joe Stack sent out an appeal to younger parishioners to consider joining up. Lunch followed at a local restaurant where members old and new reminisced and enjoyed each other’s company. A cake made by Diocesan treasurer & Regional Rep Val Townley and iced by Jane Usmar, was cut by two Life members, Marie Carey and Kath Sheehan. Special guests were presented with floral sprays and each person was given a hand made little box depicting the CWL logo containing handmade chocolates. All the work of Ruth Wilson [Secretary]. Several 'Mothers and Daughters' were present. It was an honour and a privilege to be associated with these celebrations.Preparations are underway for the four regional days, invitations have been extended. Central ‘kick off' on the Feast of St. Margaret Clitherow, August 30th. in Te Aroha. South follows the following week in Rotorua. Diocesan Council continues to meet in Rotorua, and I thank secretary Kathy for her hospitality in making her home available for our

meetings. Kathy has agreed to be our Diocesan WUCWO convenor, a position that has been vacant for some time. Thank you for your generosity in taking on this role, Kathy.

As often happens during winter months attendance at branch meetings drops off and sickness takes its toll. Sadly, several branches have lost long standing members or spouses during this winter. I offer my prayerful sympathy to the families and the branches in their sad loss. May they Rest in Peace.Many branches use the cooler weather as an opportunity to meet and knit for a variety of organizations – schools [beanies and slippers] Newborn unit, Pregnancy Counselling, Blankets etc to name a few.

October sees the Annual General Meetings of branches and again I implore members in Hamilton Diocese to seriously consider taking office. It's not difficult and can be such fun!

In Faith and Service,

Dunedin – Tui PascoDunedin Diocesan CWL branches continue to uphold the motto of Faith and Service. Some of our branches are finding it difficult to meet in any great numbers because of illness and age, but they continue to support their Mission communities and to answer the call when approached for assistance in their Parish.Over the past few weeks one of our branches has lost two very loyal members. Our prayers and thoughts are with them at this sad time. The members have been reminded about the many concerns we should be addressing as members of CWL namely:The retention of present members and the promotion to gain new members.The state of finances of the National Board.The aging population of our members.The loss of branches in the Diocese.The Euthanasia Bill. Two successful regional meetings have been held in the Diocese in August. The first one was held in Invercargill for the Southern region. 29 members attended with 6 apologies. The branches each gave their report. The highlight from these was in Gore report. The branch has been in existence for 53 years and have just produced a flyer to encourage new members. The flyer is entitled “Team for the Future”.

Lynda Harding from Pillars spoke to the group about the work this organization does. Pillars exists to create a positive future for the children of prisoners. Some suggestions for how we can assist the organization were Easter/ Christmas presents for Pillars children up to 16 years. Goodie bags for Mums (most have not been given a gift for themselves)QUOTE: CHILDREN ARE A LIVING MESSAGE THAT GOES FORWARD TO A TIME WE WON’T SEE.The second meeting was held in South Dunedin. About 30 people attended the meeting. A discussion was held about the finances of the Board. This is to be further discussed at Council. Reports from the three branches were varied. There is great work being achieved even though we do not have large numbers. All branches reported they have good support in the communities they live and work in. Oamaru Branch reported that they had recently appealed for car seats through the primary school newsletters. They were amazed at the response they received. A speaker from Family Works spoke about the work she does with young women who have been released from prison, some with young children, and the support that they need to get back into the community. A suggestion was made that the Dunedin branches might be able to help in some way, perhaps similar to Oamaru’s car seat appeal. It is heartening to attend the meetings as Diocesan

Both of these meetings showed how members are still enthusiastic about League and willing to assist in any way where there is a need.

President and to be in the presence of such inspiring women.

Wellington Archdiocese – Christine Paterson Tena koutou katoa,With our celebration of our Patroness, St Margaret Clitherow in the near future, may you and your Branch members be blessed with a strengthening personal Faith, growing commitment to each other, especially those who find themselves at the peripheries of society, and to all of our families. Wellington CWL members will gather at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Tawa on the 25th August for 11am Mass, a shared lunch, followed by Speakers from Prison Fellowship NZ telling us about their support for the families of prisoners. Wellington Archdiocese will gather in September for Synod 2017 with representatives of Parishes meeting to consider the theme “Go you are sent …”. CWL members have met in groups and in Parish groups to discern the needs of people at the peripheries, leaders for the future, young people, bi-cultural relationships, creation, fellow Christians, marriage and families, forwarding their ideas to the Synod organisers.Generous, skilled CWL members have been knitting! A large bag of TV slippers and beanies have been given to some of our decile 1 Catholic schools endeavouring to keep pupils warm and well. These were very well received and knitting continues. Another Branch made a substantial donation to a Catholic College to ensure that girls have access to sanitary protection, after hearing that some girls have to miss college during their periods because they have no sanitary products to help them cope confidently with the school

day.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE, 2018, NEWS Plans for the National Conference are under way, details as follows –Dates - Opening Mass on Wednesday 25th July, 2018, Conference Thursday 26th July, Friday 27th July and Saturday morning 28th July.Venue - Brentwood Conference Centre, 16 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie. Phone 04 920 0400.The Booking Reference Number for the Conference is 78459The Brentwood offers free transport to and from the Airport. In the downstairs area Baggage Claim you will be able to use the Freephone to request a Brentwood Shuttle to collect you from the exit door of Baggage Claim area.Another advantage of this venue is that the accommodation being held for CWLANZ is on the same level as the Conference Rooms. The double room cost is $149.50 per night.It is a short walk to the Kilbirnie shops and also the Aquatic Centre which has a new treatment pool for arthritic problems, or you can swim in one of the other pools.Opening Mass will be celebrated at the Brentwood early in the evening of Wednesday 25th July. We hope that Cardinal John Dew will be available. Time being arranged.Registration Forms are being prepared and will be sent out as soon as possible.Enquiries – phone Christine Paterson 04 479 6274. Email chrispatcwl@gmail.com

Christchurch – Val LangleyThis year we held a Diocesan evening to hear Verna speak on our At Home Appeal. Sadly, the only time she was available was in the middle of July. Like so many places, this winter has not been kind to us but the people who attended were impressed with Verna, saying what a vibrant person she is. The raffle we had was, as usual, well supported, a good base for our collection. Following this, a non CWLANZ lady rang me congratulating us on supporting Pillars. When I asked how she found

out she said she had read it in her parish newsletter. It is important we let our communities know what we are doing.Lincoln Branch celebrated 50 years of Faith and Service. At afternoon tea, they transported us back 50 years with lovely fine cups, tiered cake plates and dainty food. Our Diocesan Chaplain, Fr John Morrison, celebrated 50 years as an ordained priest. Fr John has been our Chaplain for 19 years. We are fortunate to have his input and wise counsel.We continue to have good support with our Sister

Churches. It is so important we know what each other is doing.This is a time of year I enjoy as the Regions have their AGMs. It is an opportunity for me to share fellowship with them and be amazed at what these dedicated and committed women do for their Parishes, Communities and Missions. Like all Dioceses it is getting harder to encourage members to take office. Several of our branches are sharing positions. I think we need to think outside the square and adapt to the needs of our members. Our Associate Member under the guidance of our convenor, Pat , is in good heart.

We are currently looking at venues for next year’s conference. We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic committee.Later on this year, we are holding a fund raising film afternoon; a remake with a good cast; ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. Last time we did this we got a good response from people living on their own as we held it on a Sunday afternoon.As I write this report there is still no news of a Bishop for our Diocese. May I ask you all to keep us in your prayersI feel our Diocese is in good heart as we go forward with a spring in our step towards the end of another year.Blessings.

From the Executive OfficersWUCWO – Stephanie SwannThe July 2017 “Women’s Voice” magazine has the theme “Women, Builders of Bridges.”There are many interesting and informative articles in this edition that link well with our theme; CWLANZ: a Face of Mercy in Creation, and provide a good resource for personal and group reflections and discussions.President General, Maria, says Women, Builders of Bridges represents the icon of WUCWO.Women who, wherever we live and act, contribute to building up communities in which dialogue and encounter are the fundamental features. As WUCWO Women we sum this up well in living our motto, “Faith and Service”.Along with the many articles looking at “Women, Builders of Bridges” in different contexts, is an article by WUCWO Board Member, Jennifer Hammond, based on the umbrella, and she says that such a simple thing as an umbrella symbolises the blanket of security and love in almost every part of our lives. We have the umbrellas of family, community and faith, fundamental in all we do as Christian Women. How can we be an umbrella or provide an umbrella for those in need?The latest WUCWO newsletter (available on the website www.wucwo.org provides information about the planning for the General Assembly in

Dakar, Senegal, next year, plus a photo and report on the water well that was built in Senegal from WUCWO Day donations last year. Thank you all for contributing to this great effort.I encourage you to reflect on the 2017 WUCWO prayer for suffering women as it relates to the women of Aotearoa New Zealand. – -For the abused, violated, oppressed (domestic violence, child abuse, those living in poverty, sleeping in cars and on the streets) -For adequate clean drinking water and sanitation – while we generally have safe drinking water and sanitation, things can go wrong, such as the recent incident in Havelock North.-Sufficient food and health care for their families (the food banks and associated services are being called upon in greater numbers than ever. Unable to afford to purchase sanitation products for young girls/women hinder their ability to attend school)-For women who are equal in ability, have equal rights (there is still a lot of work to do to ensure that women are paid equally with men,)-Human trafficking, arranged marriages of children and young girls, (we did not think that this would happen in NZ, but we now know that it does)What will you do to be a Woman, Builder of Bridges?

Mission Secretary – Jenny MuschampAfter a very cold and wet winter, spring is on its way. You can see new life coming into the trees and spring flowers in the garden and wee lambs in the paddocks. What a beautiful sight it makes and you can’t help smiling. Hoping you all have been able to get through winter in good health and those who were not well are back on the road to recovery.

not many Branches have applied this year. This fund is there to help your Communities and if we don’t use this money it could be redirected to something else for the missions. So, if your Mission Community could use some funds for educational needs, I have forms. I know not everyone was able to hear a speaker from Pillars but I hope you were able

The Mission Education Fund still has some money in it aschildren whose parent is in prison. In Christchurch, we were fortunate to have Founder and CEO Verna McFelin speak to us, a very inspiring woman. Some Regional meetings will have been held and some still to come, these meetings are a great time to catch up with other branches in your Region. It won’t be long until your AGM’s and your branch Treasurers will be busy getting their balance sheets together. Wishing you all the best for successful meetings. To contact me, please use this email address: sjmuschamp@xtra.co.nz Thank you.

to hear someone speak on the work that different organisations are doing to support the I recently read this in a book on Christian Courtesy for Catholic Girls from 1937Conversation“The art of conversation is a most important social grace. Most of us talk a great deal to each other every day, so polite conversation is an art well worth acquiring. Avoid silly, giggling ways and aim at acquiring a pleasant voice and musical laugh. Loud talking and boisterous laughter are most undesirable.”How times have changed over the last 80 years.

Social Issues – Susan Dickson

Faith and Service, Catholic Values and the General ElectionThe bishops are urging us to think carefully on where to cast our vote. I am trying to make sense of the policies which relate to our theme, especially those around our environment, and our Catholic social teaching. I must say that I find this a challenge. I thought to vote Green as they seem to be the only party who is prepared to make the hard decisions around the environment but the recent scandals around their leadership has ruined them for me. The idea of a water tax seems to make sense but I hear from our local farmers that that would bankrupt them and there is no guarantee it will work as it takes little note of the problem of urban sourced water pollution. The recently released paper by the Salvation Army, "Taking Stock", on the state of social housing in NZ makes for very thought-provoking reading. New Zealand needs to build a minimum of 2000 social houses a year to fix the situation that has left Kiwi families living in unsanitary, unsafe and unhealthy housing. The Salvation Army estimates that New Zealand will need to build between 2000 and 2500 additional social houses each year, for at least the next decade. “The present New Zealand stock of 82,000 social housing units needs to be expanded to over 100,000 over the next decade”, says The Salvation Army.  Almost half of the increase in social housing needs to be in Auckland. The full report can be accessed through their website. I am looking at the statements being made by our local candidates and the party policies. There

doesn’t seem much to address low wages, child poverty, and the problems faced by the DHBs. No one party or candidate neatly fits our values. Hopefully, it will all become clear over the next couple of weeks. The David Seymour Bill was drawn from the members' ballot but did not have its first reading before the end of this parliament. Several members have asked me what will happen to it. My understanding is that so long as it has a sponsor, David Seymour is re-elected or if not, someone else takes up the sponsorship, the bill remains on the table for the next parliament to deal with. It does not disappear. It is expected that early in the new parliamentary term this bill will have its first reading.You have all been wonderful in the way you have responded and supported the anti-euthanasia and anti-assisted suicide campaign. Unfortunately, saying ‘no’ once is not enough. We need to keep our opposition to the forefront and continue to strive to educate and encourage others to do the same. The Care Alliance website and Euthanasia Free have analyses of politicians’ positions on this issue. These may help us decide where to put our vote. Thank you to those who have given me feedback on the NCW conference minutes. The one concerning post event mental health support created some discussion. This remit came from my Christchurch branch. Mental health services and the lack there of is big news in Canterbury. Issues around mental health are related to our current and previous two At Home appeals.Keep up the good work. Remember, if an issue comes up in your local area don't be afraid to speak out. Revolutions are brought about by the combined effort of a lot of individuals.

From the Board Chaplain – Sr John Bosco KendallWith elections looming closer and closer, and the political scene becoming daily more complicated, there’s a lot to think about in terms of the relationship between faith and politics, isn’t there?Doctrine of the Church, is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the Common Good. I cannot wash my hands….. We all have to give

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Those who say religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion is.”Pope Francis says, “Politics, according to the Social

non-violence, forgiveness and love of enemy, Justice and generosity towards the poor and the outsider,

something! ..... Catholics facing difficult political choices must study the issues, pray about the election and then vote according to their consciences.”The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that ‘co-responsibility for the Common Good make it morally obligatory to exercise the right to vote’. In their recent election statement, our own Aotearoa New Zealand Bishops listed 10 ‘ideals and realities’ related to the Common Good that we really need to think about carefully before we place our votes. They are all covered by what Fr Richard Rohr, internationally renowned spiritual author and lecturer, calls ‘the non-negotiables of Jesus’ teaching’:

inclusivityWe have an obligation to weigh carefully what policies each political party and the individual candidates in our own electorate promote in relation to these ‘non-negotiables’ of Jesus’ teaching which are all directed to the Common Good. As members of CWLANZ, let us heed the urging of our bishops and “stand up, uphold the Common Good of our nation, choose wisely, [so that our] vote will be a blessing for our nation”.Living God, show us the way,Steer us toward your truth,You who are our constant hope.

National Secretary – Carolyn Johns National Treasurer – Anne LumbWebsite – www.cwl.org.nz

Posts to the website since last newsletter include: -

Media/News; Matamata Branch and Bishop Browne’s anniversaries, Oamaru Branch anniversary and bus trip, Alexandra Deirdre Jolly Queen’s birthday honour, Te Awamutu Betsy Reymer’s Papal honour

WUCWO; International newsletter

Dioceses; Dunedin Regional Reports, Palmerston North Conference, Wellington Report to Board

National President; Kay’s 2017 Diocesan Conferences presentation.

There are some articles waiting for further information before being posted. Please keep the news coming in and be patient as there are some changes to the website being planned. All articles prior to 2016 will be deleted unless I get instructions from the appropriate person to leave it.

Please use the calendar. Send me your activity dates and as much information as possible.