OUR STAR - A Christmas Blessing - Parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Howick
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
DECEM ER 2020 OUR STAR Parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Howick A Christmas Blessing
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
Christmas Eve—Thursday 24th December
* Carols 6pm—Vigil Mass 6.30pm (Family Mass)
* Carols 11.30pm—Mass midnight
Christmas Day—Friday 25th December
* Mass 9am only (Family Mass with Carols)
BEACHLANDS
Please note—no Christmas Mass at Beachlands
Our Lady Star of the Sea
Parish
18 Parkhill Road
Phone: 534-8710
PO Box 38 276, Howick
Fax: 535-7563
Email:
office@howickcatholic.org.nz
WEEKEND MASSES
Saturday:
* 8.30am—Confessions
* 5pm Vigil—Beachlands (Resumes 23 January 2021)
* 6.30pm Vigil—Howick
Sunday:
* 8am– Howick
* 9.30am—Howick
* 5.30pm—Howick
WEEKDAY MASSES
Tuesday to Friday: 9.15am—Howick
A bright light shone straight from the heavens, and with that heavenly light an angel
suddenly appeared. I trembled in fear because of this unexpected greeting, grabbing onto
my headscarf and thought of the future, and what would happen next.
“Highly favoured one, don’t be afraid! The Lord is with you, you’re blessed among
women” the angel said in a polite manner.
The angel continued, “Mary, you will have a child, who will be named Jesus, he is great
and son of the highest, and God will give him the throne of his father David, and his
kingdom will never end!”, “despite her old age, your relative Elizabeth will have a child as
well”.
I stopped clutching my scarf and looked up to the angel, “I am the Lord’s angel
disappeared with the light and everything returned to normal.
Writing and artwork by Kianna So, Rm 23, Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School
1
A Message From Our
Parish Priest
Well, what a strange old year it has been and know irst-hand the goodness and
I guess we all have many questions about generosity of the people of this parish.
what shape 2021 will take as well. Will we My prayer for you is the Prayer Before The
be able to visit our families in Australia or Crib that you will ind in front of the Altar in
further a ield in 2021? Will they be able to our beautiful Church over these days of
visit us without having to go into quarantine Christmas:-
for two weeks upon arrival here? Should I
Lord Jesus, you were born for us in the
get myself vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is
stable on Christmas Day. May Mother
available and what will that be like? Who
Mary and Saint Joseph who surround you
could have imagined having to ask these
with love, also surround our families and
sorts of questions at the end of 2019 as
friends as well.
2020 lay just around the corner?
Give us peace in our hearts and in our
But here we are: and the age old and ever
homes. Bless those who are sick or
relevant message from the Lord speaks
troubled or in any need. Keep us together
directly to our current situation: Be not
in the bonds of love, the strength of faith,
afraid! These were the words of the Angel
and the joy of hope.
Gabriel to the young woman Mary as he told
her she was to conceive and bear a Son. Lord Jesus, we love you and help us to
These were the words to her young husband show that love for all around us. Amen.
Joseph and he wondered what all this meant.
And these are the words addressed to us
both lovingly and insistently by God as we
Father John Fitzmaurice
face the world of Covid-19. Be not afraid!
PARISH PRIEST
As I prepare to begin a ifth year as your
Parish Priest and can only rejoice in the joy
it has been to share the ups and downs of
life with you (and you with me) these past
four years. The life of a priest is always a
beautiful opportunity to walk alongside the
people of God in joy and in sorrow and I
2
A Message From Our
Priest in Residence
Radio New Zealand has been telling us for very best Christmas
weeks now to think of ten things we are present of all. God has
grateful for. Do it every morning. For some come into our world and
people I am wondering whom they are transformed everything.
grateful to. Perhaps to the rest of the There is a meaning to it all that just wasn't
society that has gifted us with so many present before. God's Kingdom has been
wonderful things; from entertainment to inaugurated and God has come as King. No
medicine to technology and beyond. True; wonder the angels were singing; and Magi
and for us Christians we are mindful of the came from across the world worship; and
great generosity of God who turns even the the lowliest of the low were given a
bad news into Good News. Think of the personal invitation to the house where
cruci ixion. Christ was born. The shepherds discovered
that the new King was born in a simple one-
room house, just like theirs; and he was
We have had a very stressful year including
placed in a manger, just like they did
a pandemic. We have been through two
themselves with their babies.
lockdowns and have come out the other
end. Just recently we have been through the
trauma of looking at the Mosque shootings A Blessing comes from God. It is good for us
and the Whakaari eruption and seeing what in some way; it makes us a better person. It
happened, and what we did wrong. In both is good for the world in some way; it makes
cases we could have done better. the world a better place. It is grace,
unearned, undeserved, just God sharing
himself with us. That is what he does. May
Many of us are better off as a result; sadly
you all become more aware of God's
many are inding life is even harder.
Christmas Present to yourselves.
Some of us, as we look at our lives are
Father Terry Montgomery
inding that we are better people for it –
more compassionate, more generous PRIEST IN RESIDENCE
towards others, more appreciative of family
and Church and our extraordinary blessing
to be living in this country. A great
Christmas Blessing from our Father. Others
have been through really tough times this
year; we pray a Christmas Blessing on them
as well.
The real Christmas Blessing is the Child
who was born at Christmas. That was the 3
LEGACY PROJECT CAPTURES
PARISH ATTENTION
Our Lady Star of the Sea Church was of icially blessed and opened on Dec 6, 1960 by
Archbishop James Liston. 60 years later our Finance Committee was gradually reaching the
conclusion that because of deferred maintenance, some sections of the church were in need
of renewal. Initially the target was the plumbing and then the church kneelers - a project
completed in record time thanks to a generous anonymous parishioner. However, as
predicted, the stylish refurbished kneelers by comparison showed the pews in a poor light
and the committee’s focus turned to considering the possibility of restoring the 51 church
pews to their former glory. And of course this all happened as the parish was entering its
silver jubilee year, thankful for the many blessings and joy the parish and our church had
provided over six decades.
The Finance Committee appointed a group (Paul Gleeson, Paul Kay, Tony Gollin) to prepare a
feasibility study covering the myriad of matters that would have to be considered if such a
dream could come true. Charged with exploring all aspects of the proposed project the group
spent 6 months (during 2 lockdowns) visiting and discussing restoration projects with ive
other parishes who had recently completed their own restorations. They researched
companies who had successfully completed those projects and the options for creating
community support to raise the signi icant funds required. Their indings and
recommendations were tabled at a meeting in August and unanimously approved. They
included:
• The acknowledgement that the pews were in genuine need of renewal.
• The appointment of Dovetail Restorations to renovate the pews and acceptance of their
quote.
• The renovations would be the heritage project for the 60th Anniversary celebrations.
• The creation of a parish community fundraising appeal based on parishioner sponsorship
of individual pews.
Fr John Fitzmaurice launched the appeal on Nov 14 at all Masses when details of the project
and sponsorship opportunities were announced. The response was immediate, enthusiastic
and very generous – within three weeks all 51 pews were sponsored by parishioners. As
‘Our Star’ went to print ive of the restored pew are back in their previous positions in the
church – the renovated wood reveals its natural beauty and is exceptionally smooth to touch.
Two already have their plaques attached with ‘In Loving Memory’ plaques honouring our
irst parish priest Fr Antoine Marie Garin SM (1848-1850) and the deceased priests who
have faithfully served Howick parish. The other pews will be gradually restored by rotation
of ive pews every two weeks starting in the New Year.
4
Some inal comments from Fr John – “Our Lady Star of the Sea parishioners have an enviable
record of giving that has been established over many years. Time after time the parish has
proved to be incredibly generous in supporting special annual projects like the Lenten &
Caring Sunday appeals.
Although the Pew Fundraising Appeal was strictly a parish maintenance project the occasion
of the 60th Anniversary made it a much wider and highly successful parish campaign. It
provided the opportunity for parishioners past and present to collectively honour their
deceased relatives and friends and to leave a legacy for future generations of parishioners to
enjoy. Thank you everyone for supporting the appeal. Your enthusiastic response and your
generous contributions, big and small ensured the ultimate success - and we can all be very
proud of the result.”
Paul Gleeson
On behalf of the Parish Pew Committee
The Restoration Process The Restored Pews
The Restored Pew
The irst plaque in place
5
Passionist Family Groups
As this most unusual year of 2020 comes to an end, we think back on what the members of
the Passionist family groups were able to do and enjoy when the groups were able to meet.
We gathered together when we could, but this was de initely not monthly, as is our usual
practice! When we were not able to meet because of lockdowns or number restrictions, we
kept in touch with each other via phone call, text, email, WhatsApp. Modern technology is
indeed a wonderful thing.
All the groups managed to come together on a Friday night in October for Mass in the chapel
of the old school in Granger Road (traditionally this Mass is held in late March/early April –
but not this year!). On a Sunday in November all the groups came together for a sausage siz-
zle BBQ after the 9.30am Mass. All parishioners were invited to both these events. Over
the year, all parishioners were also invited to join whatever activities the groups were able
to do. These are always open invitations – all parishioners are always welcome to come
along to any activity that appeals to them or just to see what family groups are all about.
Anybody is welcome to join a group at any time. There are sign-up forms in the foyer. Pen-
ny on 272 2090 or Libby on 534 3183 are more than happy to talk to anybody who might
have questions or be interested in joining a group.
The leaders of our four groups meet every six weeks and are a cohesive group which works
together to further the aims of the Passionist Family Group movement in our parish. For us
as leaders, this leader group is like another family group we belong to – along with the
group we lead and are part of.
Blessings to you all for a Christ illed Christmas and every good wish from our families to
yours for a happy and healthy 2021.
Libby Giddey
On behalf of the Passionist Family Groups
6
From the...
St Vincent de Paul Society
As this most strange year draws to a close, As this publication goes to print, the
we once again thank you – our generous, amazingly talented SEMBLEMANDE group
caring, giving parishioners and our school and their friends from the CITY OF SAILS
community for all you have done to support BARBERSHIP CHORUS are putting on
our SVDP conference over the year. another evening of music for our listening
I’ve said this before – our small conference pleasure – all proceeds from the night to be
here in Howick could not operate our weekly gifted SVDP. Our grateful thanks to all
food bank without your support. This year involved in this concert who sel lessly give of
we were not always able to do this on a their time and talent to help those in need.
weekly basis because of lockdown As this publication goes to print, we are
restrictions. However, during those weeks of giving Kmart and Warehouse vouchers to the
total lockdown earlier in the year, all our families who come to us for food parcels so
food went to the amazing Young Vinnies that they can use these for Christmas
team in central Auckland who have worked presents for their children. We have also
tirelessly throughout the trying times of this purchased Countdown vouchers to give out
year to feed those in need. The number of at this time. Once again, all of this is only
food parcels given out by the SVDP centre in possible because of your generosity.
Otahuhu also hugely increased over this year. We thank you most sincerely for your
In ‘normal’ times, if/when we have a surplus ongoing support. ‘Whatever you did for the
of food, we pass it on to the centre in least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
Otahuhu for their food parcels. If/when less you did for me.’
well-off conferences in our district are short We take this opportunity to wish you all a
of food, they can also go to the centre for very blessed Christmas.
assistance. When you bring in household
items and furniture, we pass these on to the
centre. These items are either made Libby Giddey
available to people who come to the centre On behalf of our SVDP conference
for help, or are passed on to our SVDP shops
for onsale. The money raised in this way in
turn comes back to the centre to be used to
assist those in need in various ways.
Because of your monetary donations, this
conference is able to support the centre
inancially.
7PARISH LITURGY TEAM REPORT
The Liturgy Team has found this year quite challenging with the impact of the two
lockdowns on our worshipping community. The children in the Sacramental Programme
had in effect three date changes before they were able to receive the Sacraments of
Con irmation and 1st Holy Communion. It was a wonderful time of celebration when the
children could inally receive the Sacraments.
The ability to celebrate the Mass has been hindered this year, and as mentioned in the
previous parish magazine, we thank Fr John and Fr Terry for being proactive and providing
opportunities for us to participate in the Mass.
It is wonderful to be able to gather in worship as a parish community. As a precaution and
a means of protection for us all, the use of the Chalice has been withdrawn from the Mass.
This decision was not taken lightly but a considered one for safety reasons. We ask you all
to please ensure you contact trace either on the register at the doors or on your own
personal app as well as use the hand santiser provided on entry and exit of our church.
This is one way we can do our bit to keep each other safe and maintain the freedoms we
have in this Covid beseiged world.
We have been blessed with the presence of
Bishop Michael at the blessing of our new
statue of Mary and more recently the blessing
of the Grotto in honour of Mother Mary. The
Grotto is a witness to our local community of
Mary as Mother of God, patron of our Parish
and school as well as patron of our nation –
Aotearoa New Zealand.
Many activities have been postponed to 2021
i.e training programmes for Ministers of the
Word, Ministers of Eucharist, Altar Servers.
2021 will prove to be a busy year so rest up.
You will called next year... called to serve...
called to lead.... called to reach out.
Pope Francis reminds us that ‘Advent is the season for remembering the closeness of God.’
Please do take the time to stop and remember.
Wishing you all a safe, happy and holy Christmas.
Feliz Navidad!
Detta Fairweather
On behalf of the Parish Liturgy Team
8CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE
‘A Christmas Blessing’
Throughout the ages people have always had questions about their faith. Sometimes they
ask their teachers or priests, and sometimes they cut out the ‘middleman’ and go directly
to our living God...but when friends or acquaintances ask us about our Catholic faith it may
be useful to obtain, or direct them to, the Catholic Enquiry Centre’s free instruction
booklets which can easily be ordered through the website: info@catholicenquiry.nz or
freephone 088 328 437. Should social media be more your scene, the CEC director Fr Neil
Vaney SM has a Monday re lection on its Facebook page catholicdiscovery.nz and answers
any questions you might have.
During the past nine months of Covid-19 lockdown and general disruption to all our lives,
the Church has continued to nourish us and keep our faith alive. There have been on-line
masses from around the world, or Zoom masses with our own parishioners thanks to Fr
Terry plus many other spiritually uplifting articles and programmes, including our own Fr
John’s inspiring communications to his ‘ lock’. These have all been wonderful blessings, at
this time of uncertainty, and now as we in New Zealand are blessed to be celebrating the
birth of our Saviour together as a congregation, we can also look back with gratitude to our
hard working and caring clergy.
A blessed Christmas to all.
Helen Hammond
On behalf of the Catholic Enquiry Centre
POHUTUKAWA CAROL
Walking around Half Moon Bay the other day I was reminded of another Christmas Blessing, our
wonderful native Pohutukawa tree. Their delicate red blossoms herald the Christmas season and were an
inspiration to a young priest, Fr Ted Forsman, during World War 2 when he wrote the ‘Pohutukawa Carol’
while ministering to Kiwi soldiers overseas in December 1941. Fr Ted’s parents are buried in our Parish
cemetery.
Now crimson, crimson Christmas trees
Pohutukawas rim our seas Because a tree had brought us doom,
And lower in lame on every shore Was Jesus born of Mary’s womb,
For joy of him whom Mary bore. To blossom high on Calvary’s tree,
The crimson bloom that makes us free.
Chorus: Babe so poor and small,
Jesus God of all Long raise, O trees, about our land,
O with us abide Your crimson sign on every strand
This Holy Christmas-tide That we may tell each Christmas morn
Why Jesus was of Mary born.
Such trees gave wood to make His cot,
And all His toys from trees he got,
And when he came to ply a trade By Fr Ted Forsman, 1941
He shaped from trees the things he made.
9From the…
Health and Safety Committee
Well!
The lead-up to the Holy Season of Christmas is quickly turning to a sprint!
From a Health & Safety perspective we met an important milestone on 22nd November, by
achieving an excellent ‘pass mark’ of 2 minutes 30 seconds for our irst trial evacuation as
observed by our ex- ire ighter and Health & Safety consultant, Craig MacDonald.
We are normally required to hold two trial evacuations a year but have been hampered by
the Covid-19 virus pandemic. Instead, we have relied on an Epidemic Notice administered
by Fire & Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), our industry compliance entity, which
temporarily exempted us from bi-annual trial evacuations.
That exemption no longer applies, and the obligation to have bi-annual trial evacuations
continues.
Parishioners that attended the 22nd November 5:30pm Mass were largely (and
deliberately!) caught by surprise. The wardens present were given a short brie ing before
the beginning of Mass, including Father Terry as Priest celebrant and chief warden for
that Mass.
A foghorn blast initiated by Father Terry started the evacuation. The wardens present
collected and donned their emergency vests and guided parishioners to the relevant exit
doors for the church to be cleared within three minutes.
We learnt a lot from the process under Craig’s guidance. And he, in turn, briefed FENZ on
the outcome. Key learnings came out of the process, and many parishioners brought
observations and suggestions to the organisers, which we welcome.
For example, it was suggested that the corner grassed area under the Pohutukawa tree on
the corner of Picton Street and Parkhill Road would be a better common evacuation
assembly area.
Best wishes for a safe, holy, and happy Christmas.
Tony Gollin
(aegollin@xtra.co.nz for any feedback?!)
10Our Lady Star of the Sea School
Report
Who would have thought, in January, as we own children, adapting the online learning
were preparing for an exciting school year as best as possible when locked down at
ahead that we would be faced with the home. And what patience we all had!
challenges that this year has brought.
We were encouraged to see our academic
In a year, where we have lost the equivalent results still attest to progress and
of one term of face to face teaching and achievement levels that are strong, which
learning due to COVID 19 lockdown levels, have been well supported by the work we
we have also had many blessings. We have have done focusing on learning
learnt so much about ourselves, and our dispositions enabling our learners to build
children. I have been so impressed by the the skills and competencies that support
resilience of our young learners, their strong academic outcomes and it
tenacity and drive for learning which has seamlessly with our special Catholic
still taken place, whether learning from Character, all contributing to growing the
home or at school. whole child.
We are hugely blessed that our learning At the end of March I was thrilled to be able
community showed the ability to adapt to to share the results of the external review
the ever-changing alert levels which saw a undertaken by ERO (Education Review
rapid transition to school led learning from Of ice) just three weeks before the end of
home in March and then slowly moved into last year. The review team returned a
school being open for children of essential STRONG rating, which is the equivalent of
workers and then, two months later being the former 4 to 5 year review cycle.
open to all once again at level 2 for a time. The key strengths they identi ied were:
We were hugely proud of how our children
entered and exited school by themselves at • a learner-centred environment where
level 2, with alert levels meaning parents relationships and values foster and
were not able to be on site. promote equity and excellence for all
students.
Our teachers and support staff adapted
rapidly to the changing nature of the year, • an empowering leadership model that
supporting learners via distance learning supports and enables effective leadership
from March, then back at school under of learning.
Level 2 in May, then via distance learning • internal evaluation that is learner-
once again when we went back into Level 3 focused and priorities continuous school
lockdown in August for a time. improvement.
As a result of this disruption, our families
gained a whole new level of understanding
of what it is like to be a teacher of their
Continued on next page 11Our Lady Star of the Sea School
Report
We are part of the 20% of schools who are last week of the year, where members of our
sitting in this ‘strong’ category nationally. board, past teaching associates, parents,
pupils and representatives of the Catholic
We are hugely proud of the report, but more Diocese of Auckland came together to honour
broadly, we are hugely blessed and proud of a great woman who has given so much to
the amazing community that is Our Lady Star education in New Zealand and to Our Lady
of the Sea School and Parish. The Education Star of the Sea. The McKay legacy, where
Review Of ice could see that our Special Jane’s mentorship of staff, her commitment to
Catholic Character underpinned all that we the growth and learning of students, her
do. They could see the quality of leadership in Catholic character and, as wife of our dearly
the Board of Trustees, the Leadership Team loved past Principal Ken McKay, is woven into
and our skilled Classroom Teachers and the fabric of our school. We will miss her
support staff. They could see the committed dearly and wish her all the very best in her
parents who work in partnership with the retirement.
school for the growth of their children,
spiritually, socially and academically. They We have also been blessed with 30 years of
could see our amazing children; articulate, service to our school community by Mrs Sue
respectful, responsive individuals, working Yandell, our Executive Of icer which we
collaboratively, supporting and challenging celebrated in October. Sue continues to give of
one another with a strong values base sitting her time, expertise and energy, all with a
beneath all interactions. We already knew we smile.
had it all going on, and to have an external
review team see these elements so strongly is As this unprecedented year draws to a
hugely gratifying. conclusion, with lockdown levels changing
over the year and so many school activities
We have been blessed by the service to our and events cancelled due to COVID, I re lect
school by two members of our community on the blessings that we have seen; a hugely
who retired this year. resilient community of active learners (both
adults and children!) committed to
Firstly Mr Barry Vernon, who retired in the supporting each other and creating the
middle of this year after 23.5 years of service ultimate conditions for faith development,
to Our Lady Star of the Sea as our Reading engagement, learning and wellbeing.
Recovery teacher. Barry’s commitment to
education and to OLSOS was celebrated with
a farewell assembly and afternoon tea which God bless us all.
was attended by many past associates.
Secondly, Mrs Jane McKay who retired at the Louise Campbell
end of this year after 20 years of service at Principal
Our Lady Star of the Sea. We had a wonderful
farewell morning tea for Jane in the second to
12Blessings aplenty in Beachlands
Beachlands Catholic Community looks back on what has been, as for most of us, a
challenging year. Along with the challenges though, came many blessings and
opportunities.
We began the year looking for a new home as Te Puru Community Centre could no longer
accommodate us as they needed our time slot for other activities. Through the generosity
of the Anglican community here in Beachlands we were invited to share their church, St
Hilda’s, with them. This building is just large enough for our community, holding around
45 people, and the Anglicans have been most welcoming and helpful. Being a ‘proper’
church, it also makes it much easier for us to set up for Mass. No more shifting tables,
chairs, lectern, sound equipment required.
We hardly had time to settle into our new home when COVID-19 struck and we entered
Level 4 lockdown. This was a time when we were able to support one another by prayer,
phone calls and emailed Sunday liturgies for families to share at home.
As Auckland moved in and out of levels, we were only able to celebrate Mass in
Beachlands at Level 1, as St Hilda’s was too small for social distancing at Level 2.
The last several weeks have seen us settling back into our Mass routine and as Christmas
approaches it helps us realise and appreciate how blessed we are with the friendships
formed among the wonderful and devoted members of our faith community. We are also
blessed to have Fr John, Fr Terry and visiting priests, who make the 40km return trip
along winding roads to celebrate Mass for us every Saturday at 5pm, no matter the
weather or the other pressures on their time.
This year, unfortunately, we will not be able to hold Christmas Mass here in Beachlands,
as St Hilda’s is far too small for all those who would be likely to come. So, look out for us
at Christmas Mass, as many of us will be joining you in Howick to celebrate the birth of
Jesus Christ.
Christmas Blessings to one and all.
Kevin Saunders
On behalf of the Beachlands Catholic Community
Photo: Our devoted and caring community at Mass in Beachlands
13Colour me in!
14DID YOU KNOW OLSOS HAS A MEDITATION GROUP?
Yes we do. The group that meets every Wednesday evening at 6pm in the church prayer
room.
Origins. The roots of the Christian Meditation lie in the desert tradition of early
Christianity dating back to the 4th century. We follow the teachings of Fr. John Main an
Irish Benedictine monk (1926-1982), who started the irst Christian Meditation Centre
in London. In 1991, the World Community of Christian Meditation (WCCM) was formed
as a ‘monastery without walls’. WCCM is now in120+ countries. Individuals, weekly
groups and centres share the peace and compassion that are the spiritual fruits of
meditation.
Meditation may seem foreign in our Catholic tradition, but Gospel records make it clear
that there were times when Jesus had to be away on his own. He drew strength from
solitude and silence.
One of our major challenges in this 21 st century, in this secular / non-spiritual culture in
which God has placed us, is to ind a better way of being a disciple, of loving God and the
world.
Silence is within us. We don’t so much need to learn to be still and silent in mediation,
it’s already there. Mediation locates our inner room where we can learn to hear and see.
It’s another way of knowing.
Meditation is a universal spiritual wisdom and practice found at the core of all the great
religious traditions, leading from the mind to the heart. It is a way of simplicity, silence
and stillness. It can be practised by anyone, wherever you are on your life’s journey. It is
only necessary to be clear about the practice and then to begin – and to keep on
beginning.
Open to all ways of wisdom and drawing directly from the early Christian teaching John
Main summarised the practice in this simple way:
• Sit down. Sit still with your back straight. Close your eyes lightly.
• Then interiorly, silently begin to recite a single word – a prayer
word or mantra. We recommend the ancient Christian prayer-word
"Maranatha". Say it as four equal syllables – “Ma-ra-na-tha”.
• Breathe normally and give your full attention to the word as you
say it, silently, gently, faithfully and - above all - simply. If your
thoughts wonder, come back to the word.
• The essence of meditation is simplicity. Stay with the same word
during the whole meditation and in each meditation day to day.
Meditate twice a day, morning and evening, for between 20 and 30 minutes. It may take
time to develop this discipline and the support of a tradition and community is always
helpful.
If you’re interested, why not come along and give it a go, or if you’d like to ind out more,
contact John Cole on 027 836 4035, or you can visit the WCCM website – wccm.org/
15May the culture of life and love render vain the logic of death [St Pope John Paul II]
This year we observed that the “will of the people” does not always re lect right decisions
when it comes to attitudes towards life and truth by the majority in our nation. The hype,
fear and misinformation surrounding coronavirus created a smoke-screen for the advance
of the anti-life programme, which included the extension of abortion practice and the
legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide.
This played out in the fast-tracking of the unjust abortion law changes that I discussed in
the last issue of Our Star. We saw it again in the propaganda of a government agency
subtly promoting ‘Yes’ votes in the euthanasia referendum, supported by many in the
mainstream media.
Nonetheless, we can detect many signs of hope among these affronts to a truly just and
peaceful society.
A leading promotor of the law changes relating to abortion, law which now denies the
humanity of the unborn, was so intent on rushing the Act through Parliament before
government attention was turned to confronting the pandemic risk, that they missed a
procedural point relating to so-called “safe-zones” which were thus rendered ineffective.
As a result, for now, people of faith and goodwill may still gather in solidarity at places of
abortion to pray, offer help and present hope in the face of this terrible industry and
unjust law.
The euthanasia law will come into effect in November 2021, since a majority of two to one
citizens voted ‘Yes’, despite it lacking basic safeguards such as no requirement for
independent witnesses and no prescribed cooling-off period. Many people, among the
third of voters who recognised truth suf iciently to vote ‘No’, are already exploring
avenues for overturning, or at least limiting, the effects of this insidious and unjust law.
Dozens of our own parishioners stood up for life in Howick, Pakuranga, Beachlands/
Maraetai and Dannemora and distributed pro-life information to homes and institutions,
and engaged in public dialogue, leading up to the referendum. Perhaps it is no co-
incidence that the total ‘No’ votes in these areas, and others in which similar activity
occurred, far exceeded the national average of 34%.
The pro-life cause is by no means lost. Each of us is called to renew our efforts to make a
difference in our own circles of in luence. To be the light in the world around us [Matthew
5:14-16]. How might we do this? Jesus himself lays down the challenge - “... anyone who
follows me will not be walking in the dark but will have the light of life” [John 8:12].
Jesus invites us to follow him even more closely, despite the darkness around us – for
grace is always greater than sin [Romans 5:20].
Continued on next page 16One practical way is to be more attentive to the needs of those around us, especially
the elderly, the sick, the disabled and the lonely. Let us care for each other, treasure
one another, and build bonds of friendship and love. No-one needs get to the stage of
feeling compelled to make the anti-life choices offered by unjust laws.
Perhaps each of us has a hidden Christmas blessing in 2020 – the invitation to love, by
creating a culture of life in down-to-earth and practical ways [1 John 3:18].
Kevin McCormick
Parish Spokesperson on Euthanasia
My precious Lord, Jesus,
I adore You with profound love and rejoice in the celebration of Your birth.
Your love for us is unfathomable,
it is glorious
transforming,
awe-inspiring,
and deeply personal.
You chose to come and dwell among us,
being born into poverty, rejection and humility.
Yet Your mother knew whom she bore,
Her heart was filled with the tenderest love
as she adored her Child and her God.
Help me, dear Lord.
to come to love You with the heart of Your mother.
Invite me to adore You with St. Joseph and the poor shepherds.
Reveal to me the glorious power of Your birth
and change my life on account of this perfect gift of Yourself.
I love You, dear Lord Jesus.
Help me to love You with all my heart.
New-born Saviour of the World,
I trust in You.
Mother Mary and St. Joseph,
Pray for me and for all.
Amen.
To see more, visit: https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/christmas-prayer/
17A Re lection: We Count Our Blessings
We count our blessings
It’s the end of another year, yet, it has been anything but ‘just another year’!
Who could’ve known that 2020 would force upon us such an unprecedented journey? It
will be forever remembered as the year when a deadly pandemic drove us to surrender
our freedoms, time with loved ones, inancial security, and forced us into a global lock-
down. It had a domino-effect that seeped into various levels of the lives of everyday
people. An annus horribilis, the Queen would say. It has forever altered the course of life
for many.
New Zealand has come out better off than most, but the world is still hurting, still battling.
The vaccine is imminent and acts as a beacon of hope. Hope is in itself a blessing. And the
human race is a resilient force. This was evident amidst all the turmoil and above all the
casualties, as people tried hard not to worry over things that were out of their control and
started instead to focus on the blessings.
While time stood still, people learnt to notice and appreciate the nicer things in life and we
saw the best of human nature – the friendliness of strangers, kind gestures, the
sel lessness and dedication of the essential workers… we appreciated, smaller super-
market bills, quieter roads and cleaner air. The birds sang happier songs in greater
numbers and the night sky twinkled brighter while the earth healed itself.
For us as a family, our isolation was a rare and wonderful opportunity for serenity,
togetherness, contentment and contemplation. It helped us understand better who we are
and who God is; and gave us the space and time to appreciate both even more. And when
the dust started to settle, we realized just how little we need, how very much we actually
have, and the true value of family, friends and human connection.
As people of faith, we were called to recognise the hand of God in all that was happening
around us, to bide the time as he instructed – “Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut
the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by” (Is
26:20). And so we did.
From home to home, heart to heart, we are grateful for the warmth and joy of this season
which brings us together in spirit, gives us the opportunity to share love and pray for
God’s richest blessings this Christmas and throughout the New Year.
Sandie D’Mello
Parishioner
18From My Kitchen Window
Here we are just one week out from Dinner would be turkey, goose, and duck
Christmas Day and nearing the end of from the locks my Grandmother raised.
2020. What a year it has been, one that we She would sell them off each year and give
have not experienced before! Our beautiful the money to St Dominic’s School for the
country has survived the disaster that is Deaf in Feilding. One year they were all
Covid 19. Sadly, we had people who lost stolen which did not please my
their lives but with our number of cases Grandmother. The next year, my Uncle
being 2,092. When you look at what is Jimmy was given the task of spending the
happening all around the world where nights under cover to watch out for the
Covid is still spreading in vast numbers, thief. One night it was getting very late and
even to countries who had had it under the inevitable happened, Jimmy fell asleep!
control, we can be thankful and count our There was hell to play the next morning
blessings that the team of 5 million stayed when Grandmother went out to check on
strong and worked together with the good her lock to ind Jimmy still fast asleep and
leadership we had from the Government not a bird in sight!! How they got away with
and our Health experts. With a few it was a puzzle because turkeys especially,
restrictions, we are living a near normal life are noisy creatures! Grandmother, after
again and we’re able to celebrate Christmas that, did what Grandfather would say and
and the holidays with those we love. “gave bloody up”!! We had lamb after that!
Our daughter in Ireland and our son in I remember Christmases when our kids
London, have for the past 11 days been out were little. Coming home after Midnight
of lockdown after a month, though we Mass in Trelawn Place and them being too
heard today that the UK is going back into excited to go to sleep and being warned
lockdown from Monday the 14th. They now that Santa couldn’t come till they were
have the uncertainty of not knowing if the asleep. Their excitement the next morning
country will open for Christmas. They are when they found Santa had left them a pup
restricted to three family groups or ten tent. AND he had very kindly put it up with
people. Despite that, they still count their
the help of an Elf before going on to the
blessings that they themselves are next-door neighbours! Happy kids, VERY
surviving this ordeal together. tired parents! But my favourite memory is
I look back on Christmases when I was when we lived in Upper Hutt when Baby
growing up in the Manawatu, Every year Jesus and His Mum sat next to us in
My Mum and Dad and my sisters would Midnight Mass
spend Christmas day with my
Grandparents and Uncle on the family farm.
Continued on next page 19- our son, Mat was four I think—a Mum with her new-born baby (daughter,) with her
mother and sister. David, his Mum, and brother stood up so they could have their seats.
Mat was sitting next to me and I had Greg, who was two, on my lap. Mat was beside himself
with excitement and awe utterly convinced this was baby Jesus. His little face was glowing!
(Even as a toddler in his pushchair, we’d have to stop if there was a baby coming towards
us just so he could see! It’s a trait he’s never got over in his 49 years) Aren’t memories a
blessing! They are wonderful to recall whenever you want!
Christmas time is my favourite time of the year. I love going to the Mass on Christmas Eve,
seeing so many people we know, all squashed together like sardines on a usually hot sticky
evening and not caring one bit! All singing at the top of our voices! I love how our families
gather the next day with the most precious gift being time spent enjoying each other’s
company. Seeing the grandchildren playing together; their excitement when they open
their presents; the enjoyment of a delicious meal that we all have contributed to; relaxing
afterwards, stuffed to the gills or as my Mum would say “ lup”.
This year is the In-laws turn to have their family with them on Christmas day so we’re
having our Christmas gathering the Sunday before and, on the day, our son Liam and his
lovely iance, Summer, will spend the day with us (Summer’s family live in China). We are
hoping they will be able to come out next Christmas and have a Wylie Christmas at the
beach!
I thank God for our family, our friends, and our faith community. We are blessed with this
beautiful country of ours which, at this stage, is one of the safest places to be in the world.
May all the Blessings of Christmas be with you and all those you love.
PEACE, LOVE & JOY.
Jeannette Wylie
Parishioner
20A Re lection: The Circle of Life at Christmas
Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2013 and began a journey that would last over
three and a half years. At 77 he wasn't ready to go home to God. Dad endured
chemotherapy for three years, hanging onto life, wanting to grow old beside Mum.
December 2016 arrived and Dad was inally ready to go, he was at peace, just waiting for
God. Each time I saw him on my fortnightly trips to Christchurch, we would pray, and Dad
spoke of looking forward to the next life in heaven. By Christmas week he lost patience and
decided God had forgotten him, joking that God would suddenly remember on Christmas
day and muck up the day for everyone. On Christmas Eve we video called Dad, and
although he could no longer speak, as we told him we loved him and wished him God speed
to heaven, he grunted at each of our voices. Dad passed away early morning on Christmas
day 2016.
Mum seemed to cope and accept Dad's departure, sure in her faith that he was in heaven.
Early in December 2018, Mum felt unwell and went into hospital for a scan. She too was
diagnosed with cancer. As we sat with her while the specialist told her the news, she
transformed from a shy, quiet woman before our eyes into a peaceful, happy, con ident
woman. She accepted what the specialist told her, declined chemotherapy and was excited
that God was going to call her home.
Mum deteriorated very rapidly, and was in a hospice at her retirement village within the
week. All her children, grandchildren and newly born great grandchild lew into visit her.
All Mum’s friends came to say goodbye. Without exception, everyone left Mum’s bedside
commenting that they experienced a sense of peace, calm, and having felt the presence of
God.
On Christmas day I prayed the hours of the church with Mum, even when she was asleep.
When she awoke at lunch I asked her if she had heard me to which she responded “of
course I have”. Mum went into a deep sleep after lunch, a gentle smile on her face. Late on
Christmas night, after a 17 day journey, as my siblings and I were singing ‘Hear I am Lord’,
Mum passed joyfully into the loving arms of God—Christmas day 2018.
Earlier this year as we re lected and joked about whose turn it would be this Christmas, my
daughter announced her Christmas miracle. A new baby due on Christmas day 2020.
And so the circle of life continues.
Jan Waelen
Parishioner
21THE ADVENT WREATH
The Advent wreath is a circular garland of green branches, on which
four or five candles are typically placed.
During the season of Advent, one candle on the wreath is lit each
Sunday.
THE SYMBOLS
The Circle of the Wreath: God Himself, His eternity and His endless mercy, without
beginning, nor end.
The Green of the Wreath: Our hope of newness, renewal and eternal life.
Light of the Candles: The Light of God that came into the world through Christ to
bring newness, life and hope.
Lighting the Candles: The progressive departure of darkness from the world as the
more and more light is shed through the candles.
Four Candles: The four weeks of Advent, representing the four centuries between
the time of the Prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.
Three Coloured (purple or blue) Candles: A period of waiting, expectation and
preparation.
22The First Candle: A time of expectation and hope.
The Second Candle: The peace that is to come.
The Pink (or Rose) Candle for the Third Week: It symbolizes joy for the promise is
almost fulfilled.
The Fourth Candle: The love of God for mankind..
The Fifth White Candle (if applicable): Called the "Centre Candle", it is lit on
Christmas Eve or Day to display that the light of Christ has come into the world in
fulfilment of the prophecies
God of hope, who brought love into this world,
be the love that dwells between us.
God of hope, who brought peace into this world,
be the peace that dwells between us.
God of hope, who brought joy into this world,
be the joy that dwells between us.
God of hope, the rock we stand upon,
be the centre, the focus of our lives
always, and particularly this Advent time.
Read more at: http://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Advent.htm#ixzz5ZFumqrPu
23Parting words:
The next issue will be published: March 2021
Keep an eye out for the theme and calls for contributions in your emails, the
Facebook page or the newsletter! Share your stories, thoughts, re lections,
testimonies, artworks and ideas and send in reports, book or movie reviews or
photos.
You can send your contributions to: ourstarparishmagazine@gmail.com OR you can
drop them off at the drop-box in the parish centre!
New in our Parish?
Please ill in the yellow form on the notice board in the foyer.
When completed, place it in the box provided & we will send you further information
on our parish activities.
24You can also read
