Those parishes have organised supply priests, priests who are not in parochial ministry, to be available to celebrate the Eucharist in a parish on a regular basis.

The stipend for these supply priests is expected to be provided by the CTF.

The CTF says the policy of funding supply priests applies only when a legitimate reason exists such as when priests take annual leave, go on sabbatical, make a retreat, or attends course.

They say, "On 31 October 2013, a document titled 'A future full of hope - reimagining the future of the Archdiocese of Wellington' was promulgated."

"In announcing that some parishes would amalgamate to become a new parish led by a pastoral team, there is an expectation that the team will make provision for Masses, taking into account the number of priests appointed to the new parish."

"The CTF has become concerned that the challenge to review the Mass times and number of Masses, in line with the number of priests appointed to a parish, is being disregarded and avoided by those parishes which have organised permanent Mass supplies, expecting them to be paid by the CTF."

"This reduces the number of priests available for supply when emergencies arise, as well as making an unreasonable call on the CTF, and being counter to the spirit of 're-imagining the future of the Archdiocese'".

The Archbishop of Wellington Cardinal, John Dew, has asked that the policy suggested by the CTF be implemented as soon as practicable, and at the latest by 1 February 2016.

The move is part of the plan to centralise parish facilities on the Kapiti coast.

The parishes in Waikanae and Paraparaumu were merged just over a year ago to form the new parish of Our Lady of Kapiti

Parish development committee member David Sowry said the existing facilities are not up to earthquake standards and upgrading them would not be economical.

St Patrick's church and school land in Paraparaumu and Our Lady of Fatima church and land in Parata St Waikanae will be sold to help pay for the new development.

The Bunnings site is on the corner of Kapiti Rd and Milne Drive, behind a Z service station.

It has a direct view of the well known 14 metre high Our Lady of Lourdes statue.

The sale was unconditional and the parish would take over the site on Milne Dr at the end of June, Sowery said.

He said the parish had ambitious plans to create a complete catholic centre at an estimated cost of $15 million, for the parish and for the wider community.

It is hoped that the new complex will include a church, a 5 classroom year 1 to 7 school, a hall and a garden of reflection.

The parish would look to have a new school open by February 2017, and the school might have a new name, potentially Our Lady of Kapiti School in line with that of the parish.

Source

• Stuff.co.nz
• Kapiti News
• Image: Stuff.co.nz

In an open letter to Catholics in Wairarapa, Father Julian Wagg says all parishes in New Zealand face unprecedented challenges because of a wide range of factors and the Archdiocese of Wellington.

"As a result we are required to undergo the most dramatic changes since the Diocese was first formed 163 years ago," Wagg says.

The One Wairarapa Parish is to be united by February 1, 2015.

'"The approach is to be collaborative, a shared Mission of Evangelisation; the future of our local church depends on all the gifts in our parish communities being used for the good of the Body of Christ."

Representatives from all three parishes have formed a working group comprising clergy, lay pastoral leaders and chairs of the parish pastoral councils and finance committees.

To assist this group, and involve as many parishioners as possible, three subcommittees have been formed to discuss pastoral, communication and finance issues presented by the merger.

Two updates on progress have been released to the three parishes and a website and email address have been created to foster a two-way flow of information. Continue reading