CEC is reaching out to new audiences through social media, video and special events. This year it sponsored Vatican Observatory Director and world-renown astronomer, Br Guy Consolmagno in a nationwide tour. In addition, it has developed a new social media brand, Catholic Discovery and is working closely with Catholic agencies and schools in spreading the Read more
New Zealand
Caritas welcomes stronger focus on vulnerable in first wellbeing Budget
Thursday, June 6th, 2019Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes a stronger focus on New Zealand’s most vulnerable people and indications of a long-term, integrated approach to climate change in this year’s Budget. “Earlier in the year, we supported the intergenerational wellbeing approach being taken in this year’s Budget,” said Caritas Director Julianne Hickey. “It is good to see a Read more
Garage sale to raise funds for Timaru’s Sacred Heart Basilica
Thursday, May 30th, 2019
A garage sale was held in Timaru last Saturday to raise money for the Sacred Heart Basilica’s earthquake strengthening project, which began in early March. The project cost is $3.9 million. The parish and its community must raise $1.6m of this. Parish priest, Father Brian Fennessy, said that so far just over $1m has been Read more
Father Anton Timmerman dies at the age of 100
Thursday, May 30th, 2019
Father (Tim) Anton Timmerman died last weekend in Auckland just four months after celebrating his 100th birthday. He was a priest for 73 years and served in Rotorua for over 60 years. He retired in 2008. Originally from the Netherlands, Timmerman studied to be a priest there, being ordained in 1945. In 1949 he came Read more
Islam – Christianity: The beginning of a long journey
Thursday, May 30th, 2019
Christian groups have reacted in vastly different ways in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attack – some reaching out with offers of support while others continue to see Islam as a threat. Former Methodist leader Keith Rowe says church groups haven’t gone far enough in accepting Islam. Overall, Rowe says, the Christian response was Read more
France accepts blame for nuclear tests illness in French Polynesia
Thursday, May 30th, 2019France has officially acknowledged that French Polynesians were effectively forced into accepting almost 200 nuclear tests conducted over 30 years and that it is responsible for compensating them for the illnesses caused by the fallout. The French parliament issued the admission in a bill reforming the status of the collectivity of 118 islands in the Read more
Latter-Day Saints buy site for first Auckland temple
Thursday, May 30th, 2019The Church of Jesus Christ of the Later-Day Saints has purchased a multi-million dollar Manukau site for its new temple. The site is on Redoubt Rd, beside the Southern Motorway and between two other properties the church owns. Russell Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said: “I am pleased to Read more
‘Egg Boy’ gives donations to survivors of Christchurch shooting
Thursday, May 30th, 2019An Australian teen who has come to be known as ‘egg boy’ after he”egged” a far-right senator over his offensive comments about the Christchurch mosque attacks says he has donated almost Aus$100,000 (US$69,000) raised for his legal defence, to the victims of the shootings. William Connolly, nicknamed “Eggboy”, made international headlines when he cracked an Read more
A change of heart about the End of Life Choice Bill
Monday, May 27th, 2019
Claire Freeman’s active and carefree life was destroyed at just 17. She was permanently physically disabled in a car crash caused by her mother. It was a moment in time that changed both their lives forever and caused Claire to try to end hers on many occasions. But after decades of difficulties and depression, shes Read more
Statue of St Barbara installed at Pike River mine entrance
Monday, May 27th, 2019
A statue of St Barbara, the patron saint of miners, has been mounted near the portal of the Pike River mine. It is a gift from Pike River Re-entry Minister Andrew Little. He presented it on May 3, when re-entry of the mine was planned and then abandoned because of the oxygen levels. “There has Read more