Alleluia! A word that has been, like us, in lockdown! It’s out again as Lent retreats and bursting with life. We give you thanks and praise, O God. Alleluia! He is risen! Death, though it separates us from those we love, cannot destroy love or separate us forever. The resurrection of Jesus is our victory Read more
In their Easter Pastoral Letter, the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand say that during the lockdown New Zealanders have realised that they have been seduced by busyness, the pursuit of trivial things and of taking for granted the important things of life. They hope and pray that post lockdown people will work together to build Read more
The Government has responded swiftly and robustly with various economic packages, health advice, new measures and health-based restrictions that have created a new normal in Aotearoa. But action in the area of debt and financial hardship has been quite muted and lacks strategy the Salvation Army says. In a report published last Thursday, they say: Read more
Entities that are registered charities are eligible to receive money from the government’s seven billion dollar wage subsidy scheme. Stuff reports that churches in New Zealand have received “more than $1.5 million”. Among other Catholic entities that have received money, the Catholic Diocese of Auckland received $618,338 for 94 staff. The Catholic Diocese of Hamilton Read more
The Pub Charity gives out tens of millions of dollars in community grants each year – but its business model has come to a complete stop. It has no revenue because bars and clubs are not operating and there is no money going through gaming machines. Read more
Catholic newspapers and magazines in New Zealand have resorted to posting digital editions because the lockdown has made it impossible to provide print versions. The latest magazine to do this is the Nathaniel Report. Click here to read it. The Nathaniel Report is produced by the Nathaniel Centre, the NZ Catholic Bishops’ bioethics centre.
Sancta Maria College, in Flat Bush, has used social media to allow their Big Band to perform together during the current lockdown. In the week before the lockdown, the school decided to cancel all music rehearsals while students also faced the potential cancellation of the most significant events in their school calendar. Inspired by a Read more
Alongside your crucifix and lighted candle (or lamp), place a world atlas. If you do not have an atlas, write the name of as many countries you can recall and lay the list in the centre of your sacred space. Giving thanks for this new day God of the universe. All life comes from you Read more
Catholic groups big and small are sharing many innovative resources to help New Zealand Catholics celebrate Easter in lockdown. But most of them require access to the internet or satellite television, resources that some elderly, less affluent and rural people may not have access to. A 2019 survey revealed that in 85% of decile 1-3 Read more
A Sikh volunteer group is among the many volunteer groups delivering food to people self-isolating. They have reported that one family, they have helped had not eaten properly for days. Auckland-based organiser Harpreet Singh said the group had recruited volunteers and planned operations in Auckland, Christchurch, Napier, Whangārei and Hamilton. Singh said the group, a Read more