The sale includes the now-empty Catholic Centre, the Archbishop's residence, the parish house, and surrounds.

Earlier, Wel-Com, the Archdiocesan newspaper, reported that PwC is managing the process.

Ideally placed and considered one of the best locations in Wellington, the property is across the street from Parliament, close to the Central Business District, and up the road from the city's train station and central bus hub.

The Archdiocese says the site is underutilised commercially, so one objective is to unlock some of the capital tied up in the property.

The Hill Street site has been with the Archdiocese since the time of the first bishop, Philippe Viard.

Wel-Com reports that the property is considered very important for the archdiocese's future.

Poor seismic report

The Catholic Centre closed in April 2022 after a seismic report rated some key structural elements at just 20 per cent of the New Building Standards (NBS).

"Once the peer review is received, we will be in a position to make decisions around whether the Catholic Centre can be strengthened and we can one day return there, or whether our move out of the Centre needs to be permanent" said then Archdiocesan General Manager John Prendergast.

The peer review assessed the building at 40% NBS.

At the time, Prendergast said that the archdiocese's offices would be back on the site and incorporated within any redevelopment the archdiocese undertakes.

Prendergast has since resigned and taken up a position at Trust House in the Wairarapa.

The staff who worked in the former Archdiocesan headquarters now work at 204 Thorndon Quay.

The archdiocese has a four-year lease on the Thorndon Quay property with the right of renewal for another year.

CathNews understands several developers have expressed interest in the Hill Street development.

Sources

• CathNews
• Wel-Com

The captivating comment that shed light on the role of priests within the Church was made on Saturday, by Monsignor Gerard Burns, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Wellington, during the installation ceremony of Catholic Archbishop Paul Martin at St Teresa's pro-Cathedral.

Speaking on behalf of the clergy, particularly priests of the archdiocese, Burns utilised a metaphorical approach, comparing the clergy to an 'Ensalada Mixta' or mixed salad.

"We've got some fresh green lettuce among us.

"We've got some salty olives.

"We've got some crunchy carrots, some tomatoes.

"And as I look around, quite a bit of shredded chicken.

"But we're not the main course.

"We (priests) are here to help bring savour to the main course."

Standing near the Baptismal font, Burns emphasised the significance of baptism as the starting point for all believers.

He stated, "So it was right that we started with a welcome from those living their baptismal vocation as laity and as religious. And all of us gathered here.

"We all start with baptism.

"So I'm so delighted to be standing here saying these words close to the baptismal font because that, as disciples of Christ, is where we all officially begin."

Burns highlighted the shared mission of followers and disciples of Christ.

"We're all in this together.

"Followers of Christ, disciples of Christ, sent to carry that light as is entrusted to us at our baptism, to others," he said.

In his welcoming speech, Burns also highlighted that the Archdiocese of Wellington has developed as a synodal archdiocese with successive archbishops and over several decades.

He referenced the Second Vatican Councilbwhere, rather than the other way around, the Council's focus initially centred on the community of the Church, eventually leading to a deepened understanding of the collegiality between bishops and the pope.

Furthermore, Burns noted the archdiocese's appreciation for Lectio Divina prayer as a cherished method of discerning the ways of God.

He also mentioned the archdiocese's commitment to caring for the environment and fostering encounters with others, aligning with the teachings of Pope Francis in his encyclical "Fratelli Tutti."

Burns spoke on behalf of the clergy, particularly the priests of the archdiocese, at Martin's installation as the Catholic Archbishop of Wellington.

Martin recently reappointed Burns as Vicar General of the Archdiocese.

Source

• Archdiocese of Wellington

"If the Church is going to do anything, it has to be us who do it," he said, emphasising the importance of individual and collective responsibility in the Church's mission.

"The church doesn't exist in some ethereal domain without bodies and people who have lives and with all the joys and sorrows that make it up."

He dismissed the notion of waiting for some magical 'other' to effect change, asserting, "It's us. You and me, with all our hang-ups and foibles, our talents and skills."

He also told the congregation that living in challenging times requires great hope and trust that God is at work in our world and in each of us.

"The good news is still with us," he reassured the congregation.

Martin made the comments to a 600-strong congregation at his installation as Archbishop of Wellington.

The ceremony was held at St Teresa's pro-Cathedral in Karori, Wellington.

Reflecting on the various stages of his priestly journey Martin said that, other than diaconate, he has never been ordained in a Church.

Sacred Heart, his parish church in Hastings, was burnt down, so he said he was "slam-dunked into the priesthood" in the St John's College gym.

Then when it came time to be ordained bishop so that we could fit everyone in, he was ordained in the Christchurch Boys High School auditorium.

Taking his reflection further on the role of buildings, Martin said in Christchurch there was no cathedral so he was installed in the pro-cathedral, and now in Wellington he is being installed in the Archdiocese's pro-cathedral of St Teresa.

"I think one of the things for me that it highlights is that places are important, but actually in the end, they aren't the key thing.

"The key thing is people and faith," he said.

Martin says he wants Sacred Heart Cathedral open and the archdiocese to have a home. If we can, he wants to see the Archdiocese in good places and for local people to have a place to call home.

But in the end, Martin said it all comes back to faith and that today, again, he wants to thank God for that.

"I really do look forward to journeying with you in faith and trust, whatever lies ahead," he said.

At times emotional, Martin used the opportunity to thank many people.

He began his speech by thanking his parents - Ron, who died 28 years ago, and Carmel, who was in the congregation.

"You both show me what a life of faith looked like.

"You provided me with a really stable environment of love.

"And you enabled me to be able to respond to God's call to me.

"And you've been a great support to me, Mum, ever since.

"But also allowing me to be free to do what's been asked of me.

"And I'm really grateful to God for all of it."

Martin also acknowledged the diocese of Christchurch, where he was extremely fortunate to lead and to learn what it meant to be a bishop, and his episcopal forbears.

He said he is very aware of the faith and witness of those who have gone before him.

He said he remembered some years back sitting in the cathedral and looking at the names of the bishops around the pulpit.

He acknowledged with gratitude Cardinal Tom Williams and Cardinal John Dew.

Martin told the congregation that he never wanted to be a bishop but now God has asked him to follow these "men who have led bravely and well."

"And now God has asked that of me."

Then committing himself to the people of the Archdiocese of Wellington, he said the Archdiocese is now his home, and its people are the ones on whom he will focus his care, concern and energy.

Source

• Archdiocese of Wellington

These are the results of the Archdiocese of Wellington's just-released two-year review of its ethnic communities.

"The Review was a response to the recommendation from the 2017 Synod," says Maya Bernardo, the Archdiocese's Launch Out Programme Formator and Manager.

The two-year Review, hampered by Covid and lockdowns, was conducted under the Office of the Vicar General, Monsignor Gerard Burns. It targeted Catholic migrants and ethnicities apart from European and Maori.

The Review sourced demographic data from the Government, from a survey, and included interviews and discussions.

Results show the Archdiocese's parishes are diverse and growing in diversity. About 25-30 percent of parishioners are neither Maori nor Pakeha.

The Review found 76 percent of migrant Catholics are under 60; 85 percent feel actively involved in their parishes; 69 percent were born overseas; 90 percent live with families. Most young Catholics are from migrant families.

The Review heard immigrant Catholics have different theological perspectives and views of church history.

"My understanding of the Church, as I now experience in the Archdiocese of Wellington, is synodal by nature. How then do we bring people together?" Bernado asks.

Immigrant families tend to live differently, too.

Bernardo says the 90 percent of Catholic migrants who live with family is significant. The way they live suggests their faith life is shared and expressed as a collective. It's different from the individualistic western-world view.

Knowing who immigrants live with can guide us in the way we encourage and facilitate participation, Bernardo says.

The Review found many young people are moving to other Christian churches or the secular world within families; they find it hard to connect and be nourished by the liturgies and feel left out in the ministries.

What does it say about the future of our parishes, their effectiveness in reaching out to the young and what it is that keeps the young away? asks Bernardo.

The way parishes prepare migrant communities for parish and diocesan leadership is important, the Review discovered.

The Review also raises a question about how Parish Pastoral Councils reflect the diversity in Church pews.

"Encouraging participation is not a one-strategy; one-size-fits-all.

"It also means challenging behaviours that denigrate someone's race and including migrant voices in shaping the parish.

"How we can encourage participation and grow leadership among the migrant communities? What can we do to understand each other better?"

Migrants straddle different worlds, Bernardo says.

"New Zealand does not understand our suffering," participants told the Review.

They reported feeling misunderstood, lonely and disconnected from the mainstream Catholic community. Language barriers can be a big issue. Translation can be difficult.

Parishes need to consider ways to grow as a community aware of each other's presence and those still in the peripheries.

More is not necessarily 'the merrier' but could be ‘the messier'. This is the way the Church has always been: intrinsically diverse.

Finding a way through Review statistics and commentaries is not easy, Bernardo says.

"The Review only reveals an unfinished business, leaving perhaps more questions than answers ...[but it] hopefully helps us ask better questions.

Source

• Launch Out Letters - Launch Out Formation Programme‘s newsletter and journal for lay leaders and ministers

He made the announcement in a newsletter to priests and lay pastoral workers.

Last year Dew welcomed the news of Martin's appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop, however, only occasionally in the Archdiocese, Martin resided primarily in Christchurch where he functioned as 'Administrator' until a new bishop was appointed.

While in Christchurch, and where Canon Law allowed, Martin continued to work on the preparations for building a new Cathedral and combining Christchurch city's smaller parishes into four larger communities.

Although not yet formally installed as Bishop of Christchurch, Michael Gielen took up his appointment immediately.

When appointed, Gielen was quick to praise the work done by the previous Christchurch bishop and apostolic administrator, Paul Martin.

Gielen says he is looking forward to continuing Martin's work to consolidate the city's parishes.

"The work he has done in paving the way for the consolidation and strengthening of our parishes and schools stands the diocese in fantastic stead going forward," Gielen said.

In a newsletter to priests and lay pastoral leaders, Dew says he is confident Martin will be welcome permanently to the Archdiocese and is urging parishes and schools to look for opportunities to invite him to be among them.

Sources

• Supplied
• CathNews

Back in 2020, Levin's Reverend Sandra Williams had a vision for helping everyone - adults, young people and children - whose lives are impacted by change, loss and grief. She wanted them to know "they do not need to walk that journey alone and that the impact of their grief need not stop them living full lives and becoming the best they can be," she says.

She found a suitable programme - Seasons for Growth. It's described as "a robust educational programme from Australia, helping people of all ages to process experiences of trauma, loss and grief."

Cardinal John Dew holds the licence for its delivery in New Zealand where it has been running successfully for over 20 years. It works on the peer support principal and reflects St Mary MacKillop's call: "Never see a need without trying to do something about it".

The archdiocese also provided Trainer/Coordinator Katrin Eickhorst to facilitate the programme for Williams.

She is responsible for making the Seasons for Growth available in the archdiocesan area (which includes Levin) and training those delivering the programme (companions).

All companions are police-checked and endorsed by an agency, such as a school or parish.

Williams is among those who have trained as a companion. She operates as regional coordinator where companions work with 12 primary and secondary schools.

"Requests for companion training typically come from Social Workers and Learning Support Co-ordinators (LSCs), specially qualified educators for students with specific learning needs," she says.

"Local whanau suffer significant loss through COVID, family breakups, redundancy, substance abuse, violence, death and suicide. Self-harm is increasing amongst students.

"LSCs see Seasons for Growth as a valuable tool against increasing anxiety. The safe setting allows students to learn that change is normal, and sharing their stories increases trust. They "make better choices, develop empathy and emotional regulation. Their parents and whanau appreciate the outcomes".

About the programme:

Initially developed for children and young people, Seasons for Growth has now been adapted for adults as well.

"It is based on the principal of peer support and delivered by trained facilitators (companions) in small groups of four to eight participants. The Children and Young People's programme is usually implemented in schools over eight weekly sessions," says Eickhorst.

People working with young people are positive about the programme, especially now: "… under the circumstances, ie having just had the lockdown and knowing some of our students at college, the need for this programme will be even more urgent".

Anecdotal evidence suggests everyone's benefiting already.

Children' comments include: "it was awesome, it really helps me" (age 10); "there is always someone there for you" (age 10); "it can help you with a lot of worries" (age 9).

Parents appreciate the "safe environment for my child" to process their experience.

Adult participants appreciate the safe peer group setting for sharing their experiences and discovering their own resources in navigating the grief process.

Source

• Supplied

The Centre's management says the Detailed Seismic Assessment Report issued in February rated some of the Centre's key structural elements at just 20 per cent of the New Building Standards.

A peer review of the engineer's report has been commissioned, so decisions about the building's future can be made.

At that stage, options will include whether to re-strengthen the building, demolish and rebuild, or demolish and redevelop the Hill Street site.

Nimble and flexible

The Archdiocesan Centre is the nucleus of operations for Cardinal John Dew and a range of diocesan tenants from several national church offices.

"Once the peer review is received, we will be in a position to make decisions around whether the Catholic Centre can be strengthened and we can one day return there, or whether our move out of the Centre needs to be permanent," says Archdiocesan General Manager John Prendergast.

"Whichever decision ends up being taken though, it seems very likely that we will need to be in alternative accommodation for at least the next 12-24 months."

Making new arrangements "provides an opportunity for us to be nimble and flexible, and to rethink the way we operate in responding to the challenge."

Prendergast says there are two options currently on the table for relocating the Centre.

One is the "all together" model. This would identify office accommodation in one place that could house all the Archdiocese's staff and possibly also all the tenant staff.

The other option is the "distributed" model, where archdiocesan and tenant staff would be housed in teams but in separate accommodation.

Project Stronger

The report surprised some, because, after the Christchurch earthquake, the Archdiocese in 2012 initiated "Project Stronger," an assessment process that determined which of the Archdiocese's buildings were at risk.

With a price-tag of more than $3 million just to complete the assessments and decide on remedial work, 25 churches, 4 halls and 7 presbyteries were assessed at less than 34 percent of the national building standard.

In 2014 a team of international experts began a study of New Zealand's churches to assess which are the most vulnerable to earthquakes.

In February 2014, Project Stronger's David Mullin told Stuff that their research identified buildings that did not meet current standards.

In July 2018, the adjacent Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart was classified earthquake-prone and closed due to safety concerns.

In August 2020, work to strengthen and restore the Cathedral began. With more than $11 million of the $16.5 million required to complete this project now secured, efforts are underway to raise the remaining $5.5 million.

Sources

• Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington
• Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington
• Supplied - Wellington Archdiocesan Centre
• Stuff
• Stuff
• Cathedral Campaign

The programme - Seasons for Growth - aims to help emotionally and socially grieving children aged 6 to 18.

These young people are dealing with major life changes such as death, divorce and significant losses.

Using the metaphor of seasonal change, the programme teaches them to explore the impact change and loss is having on their lives and learn new techniques to deal with these changes.

The programme works with small groups of children in eight one-hour sessions.

Each child gets a journal to complete throughout the experience.

"Young people learn that they are not alone in dealing with the effect of change, loss and grief," Seasons for Growth says.

"They build their communication, decision-making and problem solving skills within a supportive peer group."

Many New Zealand agencies, including Catholic Social Services, offers Seasons for Growth programmes.

Volunteers say they get a lot out of contributing.

Called "companions," volunteers are trained adults who facilitate the small group programme.

In these, "participants support each other in age appropriate and engaging activities," Seasons for Growth says.

One volunteer wanted to "give back" after experiencing grief within her own life.

"I love being there when the children come in," she says. "Sometimes they even ask to come back during the holidays!"

Another says the grief and loss programme teaches children fundamental skills.

These include resilience and self-reflection.

"I've seen many positive transformations in the children during their time with us," he says.

Yet another volunteer says she thought the programme would use a good combination of her teaching skills.

"One child complained a lot the first two sessions," she says. "In the third one, they'd zoomed in - so happy to take part."

It's like being strangers on a train, she says.

"We are companions to the children on this particular journey. Then we part ways."

Candice Thum, who is the area coordinator in Auckland's Flat Bush area, says accompanying children is "very rewarding."

It's not for everyone though.

There is a selection process. During this, potential volunteers are vetted and must attend a weekend training session.

As Season's for Growth demand from local schools in Flat Bush is increasing, they are especially looking for volunteers within and close to that area.

"Volunteers can give as little or as much as they have," Thum says.

She's "continually humbled by the skills and compassion of our volunteers," she says.

Source

• Times online

The financial situation has been made worse because of the cathedral's temporary closure and Covid-19.

The church says it has no option but to restructure, and if the current plan is put into action, it will see the Cathedral lose its director of music, Michael Fletcher.

The restructure has shocked the choir, some parishioners and others in the local community.

Music and the choir were both highlighted in the Cathedral's promotional re-opening campaign video.

Debbie Matheson, the church's parish leader, says the proposal was put to various parish communities for consultation.

As a result of those conversations, the church made changes to the proposal, she says.

"We are holding further consultations before making our final decisions."

She will not, however, elaborate on "private employment matters."

The enforced closure of the cathedral has scattered the cathedral's communities far and wide from their spiritual home, Matheson notes.

"Our aims and prayers are to be able to carry on and meet the needs of our parish in a pastorally sensitive and financially viable way."

However, a strongly worded email sent to the parish on behalf of the church choir calls the move "ignorant, demoralising, condescending and cruel."

Speaking for the 'choir collective', an Upper Hutt parishioner at the Cathedral, Clare O'Flaherty Thomas says she is "appalled" at the proposal.

She says it is disrespectful, is causing "unbelievable feelings of grief and pain".

She expects "more from a Catholic organisation."

O'Flaherty Thomas asks how those whose positions maybe dis-established will be able to financially survive.

Are "food parcels in the offering?" she asks.

O'Flaherty Thomas says the intention to downsize the department shows senior church staff have no idea of what constitutes a professional level of "sacred" music, "let alone understand[ing] a director of music's training and qualification requirements."

To request prayers for the music department while effectively "demoralising them, causing stress and trauma" is "very condescending", says O'Flaherty Thomas.

She says that if these proposals go ahead the life of the cathedral will irrevocably change.

"The silence when the cathedral reopens will be deafening. No music, no community."

O'Flaherty Thomas did not suggest how the ongoing unsustainable losses might be overcome.

The cathedral has been closed since July 2018 due to earthquake risk.

Work began last August to strengthen the building, but it's uncertain when it will reopen.

The Cathedral, a Category 1 heritage-listed building received $8.5m from the Government's "Shovel Ready" Infrastructure Fund.

The total cost of strengthening is $16.5m.

Including the Government money, the Cathedral fundraising campaign has raised $11m.

$5.5 million is still required to complete the interior and exterior restoration and refurbish the historic Hobday Organ.

Source

• Stuff
• Cathedral reopening campaign
• Image: Archdiocese of Wellington fund-raising promotional video

The appointment was announced in Rome overnight and comes into effect immediately.

Archbishop of Wellington, Cardinal John Dew says he is delighted with the appointment, which comes at a time of a heavy workload in the Wellington Diocese.

"He is well known to clergy and many people of the diocese, and will be warmly welcomed by all," says Dew.

"I am fully confident that he will lead the diocese into the future with new vision and energy."

As a coadjutor archbishop with papal appointment, Archbishop Martin is a collaborator with Dew in the governance of a diocese, with authority to substitute for Dew in his absence and a right to automatic succession upon Dew's death, resignation, or transfer. (Canon 403).

On May 5, 2021, Dew turns 73, and at age 75 is required by Canon Law to submit his resignation to the Pope.

The appointment came as a surprise to Martin.

"I will be sorry to leave the diocese of Christchurch and the work we have been doing. However it is a privilege to take up this role in the Church of Wellington and I look forward to being with the people in the Archdiocese again," he said in a statement from Catholic Communications.

Martin will maintain his southern connection by acting as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Christchurch until the Pope appoints a new bishop.

Born in Hastings in 1967, as a Marist priest, Martin worked in several New Zealand dioceses and for a short while in Rome as Bursar General for the Society of Mary.

However, when consecrated Bishop of Christchurch Martin said, "I am no longer a wandering religious, Christchurch is my home".

Once he got his 'feet under the desk', Martin developed a reputation for tackling big jobs and made the decision to demolish the earthquake-damaged Catholic cathedral in Christchurch and as part of a $500m "North of the Square" development, build a new cathedral in the centre of the city adjacent to Victoria Square.

At the time Martin called the new development a community and commercial collaboration between the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch, Crown regeneration company Otakaro Limited and big-city developers, the Carter Group.

The decision to demolish the cathedral and re-site it in the middle of the city is still seen as controversial by some.

An editorial in The Press agreed "the loss of the magnificent Barbadoes St basilica will be mourned" but adds " its remoteness from city life, will not."

Then, faced with a shortage of clergy, in another significant decision, Martin decided to adopt a five "super-parish" model for Christchurch city parishes.

Criticised by some, for the way he made the super-parish decision, Martin said he took on board the concerns to the proposed changes but that after consultation with the people he thought most people were prepared to step into the new era.

"I believe there is a majority support and enthusiasm for the proposal outlined and a clear direction has emerged," he said.

In a statement on Christchurch Catholic website, Archbishop Paul asks that the people of Christchurch keep him in their prayers as he will keep the diocese in his.

Martin's appointment leaves two dioceses, Palmerston North and now Christchurch without a diocesan bishop.

The Palmerston North diocese has been without a bishop since October 4, 2019, and it took nearly two years before Martin's appointment, succeeding Bishop Barry Jones was announced.

Sources

• Supplied: Catholic Communications
• CathNews
• CathNews
• Stuff
• Canon Law of the Catholic Church

The move come in response to the strong Government restrictions on public gatherings to counter the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Bishop of Auckland Patrick Dunn, President of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference, said the bishops met this morning to carefully consider what needed to be done with Mass and other public liturgical gatherings.

"We decided that all Masses must cease until further notice," said Dunn.

"The bishops are acutely aware of the seriousness of the measures taken by the Government and health authorities in recent days to try to stop Covid-19 from spreading in the New Zealand community."

Dunn said churches have been told they may stay open for parishioners to visit for private prayer and reflection, but in very small numbers; those attending must follow Ministry of Health social-distancing guidelines and stay at least two metres apart.

"Funeral services may continue but they must be brief, with only small numbers of close family and friends allowed. Those attending must also follow the guidelines for social distancing," he said.

Baptisms, weddings and other public liturgical gatherings already planned will be allowed to proceed, but again, only with very small numbers of close family and friends present, and following the social-distancing guidelines.

Similar services not already scheduled must be postponed.

"While some of our parishioners, priests and lay Mass helpers will be disappointed by this announcement, others will welcome it, because of the growing community concern about the pandemic and the need particularly to protect those most vulnerable," said Dunn.

The move by the New Zealand bishops follows similar moves by Catholic bishops in many other countries.

Pope Francis is himself setting the international Church example by not celebrating public Masses, instead live-streaming his daily private Mass in the Vatican.

Dunn says the New Zealand Church is moving quickly to provide live-streaming, but that the primary concern of the Church is the welfare of the public and the safety of all our parishioners, clergy, families, friends, staff and visitors.

Dunn says the Bishops are again, today emphasising to all parishioners the importance of good practices of hygiene, including regular washing of hands, covering coughs and sneezes with elbows not hands, staying at home if sick, and keeping a reasonable distance from other people when in public.

Cardinal John Dew

Earlier in the morning, the Archbishop of Wellington, and Administrator of the Palmerston North Diocese, Cardinal John Dew announced he was suspending all Masses along with a range of other church services.

The Cardinal sent separate letters to the Archdiocese and Palmerston North diocese but essentially said the same thing.

The letter to the Archdiocese reads:

In the current COVID-19 emergency it is very important that we play our part as good citizens.

It is our Christian duty to do everything we can to protect ourselves and others from harm.

As Catholics, we have many gatherings and practices which potentially pose a risk this situation, especially to the elderly and those whose health is compromised in some way.

The government's restriction of indoor gatherings to 100 people requires us to take action immediately.

For the duration of this health emergency, the following instructions are to be implemented in all parishes and chaplaincies (and where they apply, in schools) throughout the Archdiocese of Wellington.

Masses and public liturgies

All public Masses and liturgies in the Archdiocese are suspended from 20 March until further notice, both weekday and weekend Masses.

Some churches will be open for private prayer, and social distancing should be observed if people are doing this.

A dispensation from the diocesan Bishop releases Catholics from fulfilling their obligation to attend a Sunday Mass.

Since public Masses are suspended in the Archdiocese until further notice, all Catholics in the Archdiocese are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass (Canon 1248).

You should stay home for your safety and the safety of others.

Many people may feel sadness at not being able to participate in the Mass, but you should not feel guilty for not going to Mass.

We are looking into livestreaming some Masses but it may be even more fruitful for families and households to gather together to reflect upon the readings for Sunday and to make their own forms of worship.

I have asked all the priests of the Archdiocese who can to celebrate Mass every day privately for the intentions of the people and the alleviation of the crisis.

Funerals
The immediate family of the deceased (which must be fewer in number than 100 or the Ministry of Health's future minimum number) may gather for the funeral rite, taking great care to practice social distancing.

There are to be no prayer vigils the day before a funeral.

The Rite of Committal will take place at the cemetery with the immediate family only.

There will be no Requiem Masses at this time.

Marriages and Baptisms
Marriages without Mass and Baptisms may take place with immediate family members, provided they follow the regulations established by the Ministry of Health.

Marriage preparation courses are suspended.

Parish activities
All parish gatherings are suspended.

This includes meetings; sacramental programmes; the conferring of First Holy Communion, First Reconciliation and Confirmation; Lent programmes; RCIA programmes; and the Second Rite of Reconciliation.

Reconciliation will be available by appointment or at set times if it can be conducted in a safe way.

Visits to the sick and housebound
Your pastoral team will make arrangements to ensure that those who are sick or housebound receive spiritual care.

They will also keep in contact with those who are in self-isolation, and you should advise them if you are in this situation.

Parish Offices
Parish offices may make their own decision about remaining open, but must enforce social distancing with any visitors.

If necessary the office may be closed to visitors but be accessible through its phone and email systems.

There will be a way to contact a priest.

This is a Lenten journey without precedent. In all its challenges there will be opportunities for spiritual growth as a community; for finding new ways of being Christ to one another; for caring for those who are marginalised or disadvantaged; for the discovery of new gifts in our midst; for rediscovering the heart of community and family.

For each of us personally, there may be opportunities for discerning what is really essential in our spiritual journey; for finding a new appreciation of those who are very familiar; and for deepening our prayer and the ways we pray.

You are all in my prayers. Please look after yourselves, and care for one another and your neighbours.

Earlier today

Earlier this morning CathNews published a story "Virus causes cancellation of Sunday Mass"; it is still available.

Other dioceses include Manila in the Philippines and Bangui, the Central African Republic, to United States' Boston and Europe's Madrid and Paris.

The aim for the World Day of the Poor is to create opportunities for encountering, dialogue and acts of practical assistance.

The Archbishop of Wellington, Cardinal John Dew, said that this "is an invitation to each parish, community, school organisation and family to consider ways you can reach out to people."

Activities scheduled for the week include:

• A Mass at St Michael's in Taita, Lower Hutt, at 10.30am on 18 November
• Pop-up free stores run by St Vincent de Paul in Wellington and the Hutt Valley on Saturday 17 November and Porirua on 19 November, with free clothing offered alongside hospitality and friendship
• At Bishop Viard College on 17 November, Challenge 2000 will host a gathering of social justice workshops, speakers and liturgy with the theme ‘Better Off Together - He Waka Eke Noa'
• Parishes sponsoring meals at the Compassion Soup Kitchen
• Collecting and distributing meat packs and items for local food banks

Cardinal John says whether people are currently living with poverty or exclusion in any of its forms, or have not yet experienced poverty and exclusion, "the World Day of the Poor is for all of us.

"It is an opportunity as a community to listen and learn from the experiences of people in our communities who are missing out and to reach out to each other."

Click here for further information or contact Lisa Beech, Archdiocese Justice & Peace Advisor, tel. (04) 385 8642

Source

• Supplied: Amanda Gregan Communications Advisor - NZ Catholic Bishops/Te Huinga o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa
• wn.catholic.org.nz
• Image: Supplied

An invitation to a workshop for Synod 2017 saw over 300 parishioners from the Wellington Archdiocese's North Island parishes working together on Sunday.

This was the second Synod workshop for the Archdiocese. South Island parishes met in Nelson last week.

After opening the workshop with prayer and reflection, Cardinal John Dew provided a context for the Synod process and the topic workshop participants would reflect on.

Diocesan Synod's are "noble institutions in which priests and laity co-operate with the bishop for the good of the whole church - in this case the church in the Archdiocese of Wellington," he explained.

"We all need to learn how to work together, and to draw others into the life of our communities.

"We need to be in communion with one another, recognising the light of the Trinity shining in the faces of each other, to share joys and sorrows, see what's positive in others and see gifts as gifts from God.

"Everyone can be involved and use their gifts. We're all responsible for finding new ways to travel together through prayer, reflection and revelations from the Holy Spirit".

"Not everyone can take part in the Synod in September as we are limited to 350 participants, but everyone can take part in the participation process. This process will decide what the Synod will consider, so it is very important."

He explained during the workshop participants would come together in small groups using a "discernment process", which would offer everyone an opportunity for "journeying together".

This involved everyone considering what a parish that fully embraced the Synod theme 'Go you are sent' would look like, asking themselves what the Holy Spirit was saying to them, sharing the outcome and listening to others.

It is important to listen "inwards" before speaking - and to realise that when group ideas converge the Holy Spirit is active and present.

This is the process parishioners are being asked to use in reflecting upon their input to the participation process and participants will use during the Synod.

Summaries of group discussions at the workshops have been collected, and will form part of the input to the participation process which will decide the Synod agenda.

Source

• Plain English Limited
• Archdiocese of Wellington
• Image: Plain English Limited

Parishes have been sent information about the number of participants they should select to attend the Synod.

Guidelines for selecting the participants were included with the numbers. They include the demographic and socio-economic diversity of the parish and personal qualities of the people being considered.

Other people will also receive letters of invitation to participate in the Synod because of their role in the Archdiocese.

In his newsletter Cardinal Dew said "The Synod is not a place for pushing agendas, or re-litigating parish amalgamation issues. We need to understand that the Archdiocese is the local Church, and that each parish is part of the local Church not an entity unto itself."

"The Synod will be a discernment process, listening to the Spirit and to one another as we seek to understand where God is leading us, which is why we need prayerful, listening participants."

"Imagination on is also important, as it is a powerful way in which the Holy Spirit can introduce us to new ways of understanding and acting."

The topics for a diocese-wide participation process which begins in May are:

• Leadership
• The peripheries of society
• Relations with Maori
• Ethnic diversity
• Our own (Church) peripheries
• Refugees and migrants
• Care for creation
• Ecumenism
• The young Church
• Marriage and family

A booklet to enable individuals and groups to reflect on and provide input on these topics will be sent out in early May.

It will also be available online. There will be a variety of ways in which respondents can submit their input.

Source

• Supplied Synod Update 2
• Image: wn.catholic.org.nz
Wellington Synod - selection of participants begins]]> 92538 https://cathnews.co.nz/2016/05/10/benefit-impact-advocacy-service/ Mon, 09 May 2016 17:00:29 +0000 http://cathnews.co.nz/?p=82564

Cardinal John Dew, the Archbishop of Wellington, celebrated Mass on Tuesday May 10 to launch a Wellington Archdiocese initiative, Benefit Impact. Benefit Impact assists and advocates for those in the Wellington region on a benefit. St Joseph's Parish in Upper Hutt will welcoming beneficiaries to the event being hosted by the parish from 10-13 May. Benefit Impact Read more

Benefit Impact - advocacy service launched by Cardinal Dew... Read more]]> Cardinal John Dew, the Archbishop of Wellington, celebrated Mass on Tuesday May 10 to launch a Wellington Archdiocese initiative, Benefit Impact.

Benefit Impact assists and advocates for those in the Wellington region on a benefit.

St Joseph's Parish in Upper Hutt will welcoming beneficiaries to the event being hosted by the parish from 10-13 May.

Benefit Impact is jointly supported and run by Wellington Catholic Social Services, Hutt Valley BEST (Benefit Education Service Trust), and Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.

Benefit Impact makes sure families living in poverty are receiving all the assistance available to them.

"We know that many families in our parishes and communities face real material hardship and often find it very difficult to ask for help," says Dew.

"We see this as a very practical way to assist and also to better get to know people in need."

People receiving a social welfare benefit will be able to check their benefit details with a trained benefit advocate.

Those seeking help are invited to visit the parish between 10am and 2pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, 10-11 May.

Where it is helpful, beneficiaries may be asked to come back for an appointment with Work and Income staff on Thursday and Friday, 12-13 May.

Hutt Valley Work and Income offices are putting on additional staff for the week in anticipation of the Benefit Impact event.

Dew says the Archdiocesan Benefit Impact is a contribution to the Jubilee of Mercy called by Pope Francis this year.

"By reaching out to struggling households in our communities, we are being true to our mission to become a ‘poor church for the poor'."

Source

• Supplied: caritas.org.nz
• Image: caritas.org.nz
Benefit Impact - advocacy service launched by Cardinal Dew]]> 82564 https://cathnews.co.nz/2014/04/22/holiness-papal-saints/ Mon, 21 Apr 2014 19:19:37 +0000 http://cathnews.co.nz/?p=56941

'Holiness, a message that convinces without the need for words, is the living reflection of the face of Christ'. Pope John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte (At the Beginning of the New Millennium). These words have always appealed to me, challenged me and inspired me to try to be a ‘living reflection of the face of Christ'. Read more

The holiness of papal saints... Read more]]> 'Holiness, a message that convinces without the need for words, is the living reflection of the face of Christ'. Pope John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte (At the Beginning of the New Millennium).

These words have always appealed to me, challenged me and inspired me to try to be a ‘living reflection of the face of Christ'.

I suppose they are words that we could use to describe a saint.

I am sure that when John Paul wrote them in 2001, he would not have dreamed that just a little over 13 years later he would be one of the canonised saints of the church.

On Sunday, two popes of our time will be declared saints, Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II.

In that same letter John Paul wrote of holiness: ‘Holiness, whether ascribed to popes well known to history or to humble lay and religious figures from one continent to another of the globe, has emerged more clearly as the dimension which expresses best the mystery of the church' (NMI 7).

Both popes are being recognised for their holiness and for their incredible contribution to the church.

It is their holiness that tells us something about the church, as does the holiness of people from our families, friends and wonderful devoted and prayerful parishioners. Continue reading.

Archbishop John Dew is archbishop of Wellington, and President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops' Conference.

Source:

• Wel-Com
• Image: Catholic Community Network
The holiness of papal saints]]> 56941 https://cathnews.co.nz/2013/06/10/fr-edmund-little-dies-in-takaka/ Sun, 09 Jun 2013 23:10:19 +0000 http://cathnews.co.nz/?p=45327 Fr Edmund Little, of the Archdiocese of Wellington, New Zealand, died on Sunday 9th June at the Takaka Hospital. Thomas Edmund Little was born on 15th Dec 1941 in Romford, Essex, England, son of Thomas James Lewis and Muriel Claureen Jones. He was educated at St Mary's Prep School, Havering Road School, and the Royal Read more
Fr Edmund Little dies in Takaka... Read more]]> Fr Edmund Little, of the Archdiocese of Wellington, New Zealand, died on Sunday 9^th June at the Takaka Hospital.

Thomas Edmund Little was born on 15^th Dec 1941 in Romford, Essex, England, son of Thomas James Lewis and Muriel Claureen Jones. He was educated at St Mary's Prep School, Havering Road School, and the Royal Liberty Grammar School, in Romford, Essex.

He obtained B.A. (Hons) in Russian and French at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London in 1964, a Ph.D (Lond) 1972 in Russian Literature and B.Theol (Otago) in 1986.

He lectured in Russian Literature including Medieval period, Russian language and Orthodox Theology at the University of Hull, 1968 - 83.

Baptised into the Church of England soon after birth in 1941, he was received into the Catholic Church in November 1960 at Romford, Essex.

At London University he took active part in the University's Catholic Society, serving as its Vice-President 1962-1964. In 1982 he came to Wellington for a teaching stint at Victoria University and while here sought to commence studies for priesthood for the Archdiocese. He began studies at Mosgiel in 1983.

Edmund was ordained to priesthood on 20 December 1986 at St Martin de Porres, Avalon, by Cardinal Thomas Williams. He worked at St Patrick's, Masterton, and the Cathedral, in between lecturing in association with Massey University and the former Wellington Catholic Education Centre over many years.

He was Parish Priest at St Mary's, Nelson from Feb 2001 to Jan 2006, and Parish Priest of Takaka from Feb 2006.

Edmund's Vigil will be held at Sacred Heart Takaka on Thursday 13^th June at 5pm, with Requiem at St Mary's, Nelson, on Friday 14^th June at 11am. He will be buried at the Takaka Cemetery at 3:30pm.

Fr Edmund Little dies in Takaka]]> 45327 https://cathnews.co.nz/2013/05/17/parishes-in-wellington-archdiocese-to-be-re-organised/ Thu, 16 May 2013 19:30:41 +0000 http://cathnews.co.nz/?p=44222

In the Archdiocese of Wellington, New Zealand, Archbishop John Dew has drawn up a plan - A Future Full Of Hope - to reduce the number of parishes in the Archdiocese. The plan, based on an extensive two-year review, was recently presented to parish priests, parish leaders and school principals at meetings held at Viard Read more

Number of parishes in Wellington Archdiocese to be reduced... Read more]]> In the Archdiocese of Wellington, New Zealand, Archbishop John Dew has drawn up a plan - A Future Full Of Hope - to reduce the number of parishes in the Archdiocese.

The plan, based on an extensive two-year review, was recently presented to parish priests, parish leaders and school principals at meetings held at Viard College in Porirua and in Nelson.

These meetings are part of a process of consultation in which Dew is inviting parish communities to discuss and reflect on the proposals and provide him with constructive ideas and feedback.

Under the proposal, two or more parishes in each pastoral area would combine to create a completely new parish, with one shared council and finance committee. The administration would be set up in one building, with most existing churches retained as 'mass centres', Archbishop Dew said.

Source

• Stuff.co.nz
Number of parishes in Wellington Archdiocese to be reduced]]> 44222