To city and world Special Urbi et Orbi blessing - pg 9 - www.nzcatholic.org.nz
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020 1
The national Catholic newspaper April 5 - 18, 2020 • No. 586
To city and world
Special Urbi et Orbi
blessing – pg 9
www.nzcatholic.org.nz
2 NZ News NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Note from the Editor
I
New bishop f you are reading this, you ly as possible. We will also be future, but not return to our
p20 heads north are likely doing so using an posting stories to our website office, the present position is
electronic device. NZ Catho- and to our Facebook page that subscribers will not be
lic was two days away from go- regularly. It is important to billed for these editions. They
ing to press with its next print keep communicating as well as will be regarded as bonus is-
edition when the Ministry for possible as a Church communi- sues. If this changes, we will let
Culture and Heritage decided ty, especially at this time. Good you know.
that non-daily newspapers and communication is needed now This is an unprecedented
periodicals are not considered more than ever. situation, not only for the staff
essential services under the Since we are not produc- of NZ Catholic, but for the
news and media designation. ing print editions during the whole Church and the whole
NZ Catholic does not come un- lockdown, our normal admin- nation. We hope that we can
der the exemptions announced istration function is effectively return to producing a print edi-
by the PM on March 31. suspended. We will not be issu- tion as soon as conditions per-
p17 Rather than waste the edi- ing subscription renewal letters mit. But some conditions — for
tion we had largely prepared, and updating our subscriber instance the future supply of
we have made it into a free database until we are able to newsprint during the lockdown
electronic edition. This can be print the paper and are able to — may be beyond our control.
found on our website return to our office. Likewise, We wish all our readers well.
(www.nzcatholic.org.nz) and we are not sending papers to Please keep us in your prayers.
on others. We hope to produce parishes while churches are Keep safe and stay home. St
more of them during the lock- closed. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.
down. If we can produce a print St Francis de Sales, pray for us.
Please share these as wide- edition at some point in the — Michael Otto, Editor.
Mission expo
in capital Abortion law change disappointing
by NZ CATHOLIC staff well the coercive realities that drive many women
p5 Fundmentalist Bible interpretation to have an abortion that they later regret,” said
The New Zealand Catholic bishops are deeply Ms Piper.
disappointed that Parliament passed the Abortion “That is why we have argued consistently
p8 Family life at home in lockdown Legislation Bill at its third reading by a margin of that it is in women’s best interests that the legal
68 to 51 on March 18. That was the final vote on pathway to an abortion needs to be robust. This
p10 Dedicating nations to Mary the bill in Parliament. With the royal assent given law does nothing to help those women who, for
by the Governor-General on March 23, it is now a variety of reasons, choose an abortion because
law. they feel they have no other choice, whether that
p12 Gospel readings for Sundays “This [piece of legislation] totally ignores the is because of partner pressure or for economic or
fact that there are always at least two human lives social reasons.
involved in every pregnancy,” said a spokesperson “Neither does this law do anything to reduce
for the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, the overall number of abortions, something that
On the front cover: Pope Francis holds the mon- Ms Cynthia Piper. a majority of New Zealanders have consistently
strance as he delivers his extraordinary blessing “urbi “There is no longer any recognition of the said they want. It has been rushed through and is
rights of the unborn child in this new law,” said ill-considered in so many ways.”
et orbi” (to the city and the world) during a prayer ser- Ms Piper, a lecturer for the Church’s Te Kupenga – Furthermore, the bishops are absolutely dis-
vice in the portico of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Catholic Leadership Institute, speaking on behalf mayed that MPs voted down a host of sensible
on March 27. (CNS photo). of the bishops. amendments that would have made the new leg-
“That is a travesty of human rights. To hold islation much more compassionate, said Ms Piper.
that the foetus is not a legal person ignores the “These included amendments that would have
reality that a genetically unique human life has required babies born alive to be cared for like any
begun which is neither that of the mother or the other child, a ban on sex-selection abortions and a
father. That the law fails to recognise this does ban on disability discrimination abortions.”
not change what is a biological and human fact.”
Sadness at Msgr
The bishops’ conference also believes the new
Pompallier Diocesan Centre, 30 New Street, Ponsonby, law will fail many women.
Auckland. P.O. Box 147-000, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. “Those of us who have experience of support-
Phone: (09) 360-3067 or (09) 378-4380. ing women with so-called unwanted pregnancies,
Email: admin@nzcatholic.org.nz
Website: www.nzcatholic.org.nz
Publisher: Bishop Patrick Dunn
or women who have had abortions, know only too
Browne’s death
Editor: Michael Otto Journalist: Rowena Orejana by NZ CATHOLIC staff
Marketing and Administration: Claudia Cachay
Design & Advertising: Anne Rose Hamilton Bishop Stephen Lowe expressed
sadness over the passing away of Msgr Michael
Advertising enquiries contact:
Browne, brother of Bishop Emeritus of Hamilton,
design@nzcatholic.org.nz Bishop Denis Browne. Msgr Browne was 85.
NZ Catholic is published fortnightly. Subscriptions: One “The Lord has called Michael home at 10.20pm.
year, $73; two years, $135. Overseas airmail extra. The May he know the fullness of God’s love,” Bishop
contents of NZ Catholic are copyright and permission to Denis said in a text message to Bishop Lowe on
reprint must be obtained in advance. ISSN 1174-0086 March 3, 2020.
Member Australasian Religious Press Association and
Msgr Browne’s roles in Hamilton diocese
Australasian Catholic Press Association included being vicar for administration, Clergy
Trust Fund secretary, treasurer of the CTF and
Medicare Fund, member of the DFC, confessor
for the Tyburn community, member of the Priest
Council and College of Consultors, member of the
St Dominic’s Appointments Committee, Dean of the Hamilton
North Deanery, convenor of the Boundaries Com-
Catholic College mission — being a sub-committee of the Priest
Founded by the Dominican Sisters Council — and chancellor for diocese.
Catholic School For Girls Years 7-13 He retired in 2013, residing first in Papamoa
and then moving to Auckland.
• A wonderful cultural night on 13 March. CP1136-V2 Msgr Browne was ordained as a priest in 1959
by Archbishop James Liston, having been trained
• Six of the eight Polyfest groups completed their at Holy Name Seminary, Christchurch and Holy
NCEA dance standards on 21 March. Cross College, Mosgiel.
He was assistant parish priest in Onehunga
• See regular updates on our college website
Caring for you with warmth, (1959-1971) and Tauranga (1971-1975). He was
under COVID19 latest update. then assigned as parish priest of Tokoroa (1975-
• Follow our student leaders on Instagram:
honesty and compassion 1981), Gisborne (1981-1987), Matamata (1987-
1997), Fairfield (1998-2002), Fairfield and Te Rapa
St Doms2020.
Phone 0800 276 420 or 09 527 0266 (2002-2006) and Tauranga (2007-2012).
• We pray daily for all our college families. A requiem Mass was celebrated at the Cathe-
www.arohafunerals.co.nz dral of the Blessed Virgin Mary on March 6, fol-
www.stdoms.ac.nz lowed by burial at the Ohaupo Catholic Cemetery.
NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020 Coronavirus 3
Locked down Church community keeps faith
by ROWENA OREJANA face these challenges and not let fear
rule our heart,” he said.
“I feel like we are entering into Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn
another type of Lent.” encouraged families to celebrate
This was Dunedin Bishop Michael Sunday “as a domestic Church”.
Dooley’s reflection in his pastoral “Moving to Alert 4 sees all of
letter on March 22 as the New Zea- us self-isolating. Not just to keep
land bishops made the painful deci- ourselves safe, but those about us.
sion to cancel all Masses - starting This requires our church buildings
on March 20 and until further notice. to close. But not the Living Church.
The bishops had to make another We, the people of God, are still mis-
“heartbreaking decision” to close sionary disciples, praying for and
churches after the Government ad- supporting one another,” he said.
vised it was putting the country into With available technology, the
lockdown from 11.59pm on March different dioceses put links to
25 to prevent the further spread of streamed Masses on their websites.
the novel coronavirus/Covid-19. More prayer and reflection resources
The lockdown put a halt to had been made available online.
planned first confessions and com- Bishops Dunn, Lowe and Martin
munions throughout the country as celebrated online Sunday Masses,
well as to weddings and funerals. the links to which were posted on
their Facebook pages as well as
n Spiritual fasting on websites. Different priests also
“Reluctantly, we are ‘fasting’ celebrated daily Masses across the
from the Eucharist, but this can be country. A screenshot of Bishop Patrick Dunn celebrating Mass in his chapel.
a chance to appreciate the gift of it Bishop Lowe celebrated a Votive
more fully,” Bishop Dooley said. Mass, a Mass celebrated for a par- blindness was a punishment from on its National Liturgy Office web-
The bishops earlier gave people ticular need which, in this case, was God. Neither, says Jesus. This man’s site. The page has regular updates of
in their dioceses dispensation from protection from the pandemic. [blindness] is so that the works of links in New Zealand and overseas,
their obligation to attend Sunday “It’s bizarre for me to be preach- God may be made visible through including to the Pope’s daily Mass,
Masses and holy days of obligation ing before a camera. Whenever I him,” Bishop Martin stressed. held at 7pm New Zealand time.
in accordance with Canon 1248. preach, I get engaged with people Bishop Dunn reflected on how
Hamilton Bishop Stephen Lowe sitting in front of me and their re- the blind man came to see, while the n Unusual kindness
suggested “spiritual communion, action. Perhaps for you, it’s bizarre Pharisees became more and more Wellington Cardinal John Dew,
which is a rich part of the Church’s watching a homily from home, on a blind. in his reflection on March 26, called
spiritual wealth for those who can- laptop or computer or a phone. But “The big issue is, for the Phari- on the faithful to show “unusual
not receive Holy Communion”. this again is a time for us experienc- sees, did Jesus heal on the Sabbath kindness”.
He also asked people to be “sen- ing something new, something new day? For the blind man, and for us, “These unusual times call us to
sible and flexible”. coming to birth within us. It is my the issue is, did he help a man born respond with unusual kindness, to
“I ask you, please do not make hope that, at this time, as we pray blind to see again, whatever day of go out of our way to be kind to those
this a ‘political’ issue, but rather, the Mass together, me here in my the week it happened,” Bishop Dunn who are isolated, anxious, lone-
reading the signs of the times in the chapel and you, wherever you may said. ly, ill or suffering a bereavement.
light of the Gospel, look at this time be, that we’ll enter into the mystery “If that is the case, who is Jesus? It is good to look after our fellow
as an opportunity to grow in your of the Mass more deeply, and the And that’s the question that is in our parishioners, but we are people
own spiritual life and holiness,” he prayers,” he said. hearts as we journey called to mission. The
said in his pastoral letter. Bishop Martin, in his homily on towards Easter. people in our street,
Christchurch Bishop Paul Martin, March 20, warned against seeing the “As we continue workmates, extended
SM, also called on people to deepen
their spiritual life.
pandemic as God’s punishment.
“It’s a really dangerous way to see
our lenten journey,
we pray for the gift Click family and especially
those who are strug-
“This will certainly be a different God, and not one that measures up of sight that we can gling, all need ‘unusual
Lent than we have ever experienced to what Jesus Christ revealed to us see Jesus in our day here for kindness’.”
before. But we are people who be- about the nature and the way that to day life . . . and you He also suggest-
lieve in a God who loves us and
in whom we trust, through all the
God operates. Indeed, in the event
of the man who was blind, the Phar-
might even say in the
midst of the Covid-19
NZ Mass ed Catholics donate
financially, if not in
stages of life and whatever might
happen. Let us place our trust in him,
isees asked Jesus, who [it was that]
sinned — this man or his parents,
pandemic.”
The Church is post-
links goods, to foodbanks
and community organ-
pray for strength and courage as we because they considered that his ing online Mass links isations.
PM makes personal call to school board chair
by MICHAEL OTTO Among those who had tested positive was launching a Marist College Student Instagram
principal Raechelle Taulu. account as a way for our students to stay con-
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made a per- On March 27, Mr Dallow wrote on Facebook nected”.
sonal call to the chairperson of the board of an that “many are providing feedback that they “They will post messages, prayers, well-being
Auckland Catholic school which has been in the are well or nearly back to full health. For a lot, tips, and fun activities to do while in self-isolation
news as one of the novel coronavirus “clusters” the symptoms were mild. One case I reported and lockdown. If students are under 13 years
in New Zealand. as serious has come back negative, a reminder old, their parents can follow this account and
The chair of the board of Marist College in that there are normal change-of-season bugs out share messages/information with their daugh-
Auckland, Stephen Dallow, wrote on the school’s there as well.” ters.”
Facebook page on March 27 that he had “just re- A letter from deputy principal–pastoral care The letter noted that this would be a private
ceived a personal call from our Prime Minister”. Emma Coupar-Wanoa, posted on Facebook on account and would be overseen by the deputy
“She wanted to pass on her best wishes to March 27, stated that “the head girls will be principal-pastoral care.
our community at this time. She knows you are
all nervous and worried, but we will get through
this. Her heart is very much with us at Marist.”
Mr Dallow added: “We live in a pretty special
country when a Prime Minister, in the middle of a ST. PETER’ S COLLEGE
crisis, can still ring and discuss things directly.”
Earlier on March 27, the board chair had talk-
THE LEGION OF MARY EPSOM, AUCKLAND
A CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR BOYS
ed on a Facebook video post of hearing about To Jesus through Mary. Serving the Church.
a handful of students being out on the streets,
mixing with others. He strongly emphasised • All classes have now moved to
that this could not happen. “We have to stay Visit us online: online teaching
home,” he said, in order to stop the spread of www.legionofmary.org.nz
the disease. • James Alexander - Gold Medal
Before she sent her message to Mr Dallow, Ms Write to us:
at NZ Chemistry Olympiad
Ardern had been questioned about the students legionofmarynz@gmail.com
during a press briefing. The Prime Minister made • Daniel Sampaio - Silver Medal
a plea to the students involved to take the restric- “The harvest is rich but the
tions seriously, especially so as not to put those labourers are few.”
at NZ Biology Olympiad
whom they love at risk.
As of March 30, according to a Ministry of Join us today. ST PETER’S COLLEGE BUILDS OUTSTANDING MEN
Health update, there were 47 confirmed and
lom444
ST-PETERS.SCHOOL.NZ @SPCNOW
probable cases in the Marist College “cluster”.
4 Coronavirus NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020
Pastoral Letter to the Catholic People from the Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand regarding Covid-19
(March 28, 2020)
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the lives of the saints were read for fered throughout history by Indul- online, with links available from
personal formation and shared with gences, before our understanding of your parish websites, or this special
As we begin these weeks of lock- their children. these communicators of grace was National Liturgy Office page:
down in Aotearoa New Zealand, corrupted by misuse.
we are deeply aware of the shared In these days we hear that many of www.nlo.org.nz/news-and-events/
sacrifice for the protection of our you are praying more regularly in This is a beautiful opportunity to media-releases/celebrate-mass-on-
families, workplaces and the wider your homes using every means of know the mercy, forgiveness and line/
community both local and interna- support available, especially online love of Jesus Christ. How we might
tional. In these weeks the safety of streaming of the Mass and Stations receive these graces is detailed on Lent is traditionally a time of sac-
all people is our primary concern. We of the Cross, reading the scriptures the appended last page: When you rifice, but we are usually free to
are unable to leave our homes and privately or with your families and cannot receive the Sacraments be- choose what we will do and not
must remain isolated from everyone praying the Rosary and other devo- cause of Quarantine. do for Lent. This Lent, so much has
other than those with whom we live. tional prayers. We are inspired by changed unexpectedly, depriving us
your generous response to this unex- The Church has always responded of many freedoms. An unexpected
The current restrictions prevent pected Lenten penance and we are to people in times of need with penance has been imposed from
priests from leaving their homes, excited by the evidence that Christ is extraordinary generosity and mercy. outside. Yet these next few weeks of
even to minister to the sick and meeting you in your “closed room.” This is true in these days, with the lockdown offer us an unprecedented
dying, and therefore the sacraments Indulgence offered not only to those and extraordinary opportunity for
of the church are unavailable to God always provides for his peo- in danger of death, but to all people growth. Let us unite in embracing
parishioners. This an especially great ple. The sacraments, which are the who seek to rekindle their relation- this opportunity to grow together
suffering for both priests and people, primary communicators of the life of ship with Jesus Christ in the Catholic seeking greater maturity in faith
unprecedented in our lifetime. God within the Church, are not the Church. in Jesus Christ within the Catholic
origin of grace, nor do they have a Church.
But this lack of availability of the monopoly on it. God is the origin of Finally, we must remind you, please
sacraments is not unknown in the all grace and God freely chooses to stay true to the spirit and the letter Yours in Christ,
history of the Church in our land. reward virtue, good intentions and of the restrictions. Unless you work
Before the arrival of the first priests actions. in an essential industry, or need to ✠ Patrick Dunn, Bishop of Auckland
in Aotearoa in 1838, Catholic faith visit a supermarket, a doctor or a and NZCBC President
was growing in New Zealand with In these extraordinary days of chemist, do NOT break this lock-
families and small communities of lockdown, when we are unable to re- down. Stay in your own household. ✠ Stephen Lowe, Bishop of Hamilton
Catholics living with the strong desire ceive the sacraments we desire (Eu- Do not let visitors enter. and NZCBC Secretary
for the sacraments of Eucharist, charist, Reconciliation or Anointing),
At the heart of our faith is the fact ✠ John Dew, Cardinal Archbishop of
Confirmation, Reconciliation, and the Vatican, following the leadership
that in Jesus, God comes to us. We Wellington, NZCBC Vice President
Anointing that they were not yet of Pope Francis has communicated
able to celebrate. Even following the how we may obtain the graces usual- do not have to leave home to find
✠ Paul Martin SM,
arrival of priests many of our Cath- ly given through these sacraments. God. In these days, in Jesus, God is
Bishop of Christchurch
olic ancestors still found themselves coming to us, seeking to encounter
unable to participate in the Mass be- The healing and grace of these sac- us in the confines of our own homes. ✠ Michael Dooley,
cause of distance, but they embraced raments and more is still available to Bishop of Dunedin
the mission of forming their families you, directly and without the sacra- Your parish priests are available to
in faith with daily prayer together ments through a Plenary Indulgence. give counsel via the telephone and ✠ Michael Gielen,
and ensuring that the scriptures and This is the beauty of what was of- online. Mass is being celebrated Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland
When you cannot receive
the Sacraments because Maturity of faith during lockdown
of Quarantine by Fr JOHN O’CONNOR Perhaps we appreciate less fully that the sac-
raments are also a summit point of relationship
On 20 March 2020, The Apostolic Penitentiary is- This week’s pastoral letter of the New Zealand with Jesus Christ. The person who comes to a
sued a statement for people affected by the Covid-19 bishops invites the Catholics of Aotearoa to great- priest to confess sins, receive communion or to
lockdown. It gave a way (a Plenary Indulgence) for er maturity of faith in the face of the coronavirus celebrate marriage or anointing of the sick has
those in danger of death to be forgiven their sins and restrictions. decided before they meet the priest that they will
to be readied for eternity. The extract below clarifies When we began this Lent five weeks ago, we celebrate these sacraments. They live therefore
the necessary steps to prepare for and to receive this could never have imagined that we would soon with the desire for these sacraments, which has
abundant mercy of God. be confined to our homes and deprived of the already led to their decision to make the phone
For those unable to receive the sacraments sacraments of the Church, which we know to be call, send the email or to get in the car. These
(for example, Mass, Reconciliation): essential. people are already experiencing the grace of the
do any one of the following: The bishops write that they are inspired by the sacrament they seek.
• unite spiritually in Mass online, OR generous response of parishioners to this unex- The coronavirus lockdown awakens us to our
• read the Holy Scriptures for at least half an hour, OR pected lenten penance and are clearly excited by desire for the sacraments, precisely because they
• recite the Holy Rosary, OR the evidence that people are encountering Christ are unavailable to us. But the bishops are remind-
• do the Way of the Cross, OR within their own homes as they pray together, ing us that the desire we experience is itself the
• recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, following the live-streaming of Masses and other life of faith. Our deep longing for the sacraments
to implore from Almighty God the end of the epidemic, communal times of prayer, reading the Scriptures is proof that we do have faith and that the life of
relief for those who are afflicted and eternal salvation alone or with families, and praying the rosary and Jesus Christ is already vibrant within us.
for those whom the Lord has called to Himself, and to other devotional prayers. The bishops remind us that the sacraments of
pray for the Holy Father’s intentions. While it may seem as though our faith and the Church, instituted by Jesus, are the usual tools
And have the intention of going to sacramental con- mission is restricted and even confined in these of trade for the priest as minister of the grace of
fession and holy communion once these things are weeks, we know that we are united with people Jesus Christ. However, when a priest is not avail-
possible. of faith in every nation on earth who are also able (or when we celebrate a year of jubilee), the
deprived of the life-blood of the Church. Church enthusiastically takes extraordinary steps
For those who are sick: But we know too that the Church was born in to indulge those who seek God with an abundance
• recite the Creed and closed rooms where the first disciples gathered. of God’s mercy through indulgences.
• pray the Lord’s Prayer and It was in these confines that the risen Jesus broke In this situation, the Church is able to be even
• pray the Hail Mary, or other prayer invoking the through locked doors and fearful hearts to re- more generous with God’s mercy, and the method
intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and form the Church. for this mercy is the gift of the indulgence.
• pray for the intentions of the Holy Father offering We understand well that the sacraments are an Fr Merv Duffy, SM, writing in the Marist Mes-
this trial in a spirit of faith in God and charity to- indispensable source of relationship with Jesus senger a couple of years ago, concluded his
wards their brothers and sisters, with the intention Christ. Therefore we rightly do all we can to par- reflection: “Indulgences have a very long history
of going to sacramental confession and holy com- ticipate in the Mass every Sunday and take part in the Church. They have encouraged virtuous
munion, once these things are possible. in the sacramental life of the Church - ensuring actions and helped many people on their path to
For those who are dying: that children are baptised, and receive Eucharist salvation. . . . [I]ndulgences are a simple and con-
This indulgence is granted to them, provided that and reconciliation, and that the sacraments of crete support and encouragement for practices
they are well disposed and have recited a few prayers marriage and anointing of the sick are celebrated that should be part of the life of every Catholic.”
during their lifetime. The recommendation is that the whenever necessary. We understand well that the Fr John O’Connor is director of the National Liturgy
dying person be given a crucifix to hold or to look at. sacraments provide a beginning point for faith. Office.
NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020 Coronavirus 5
Fundamentalist biblical interpretation off the mark
In response to various statements from certain context of the late first century CE.
religious figures — mainly on the Internet — to the Its purpose is not to predict future events,
effect that the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic was catastrophes or world-shattering phenomena.
foretold in the Book of Revelation in the Bible, NZ Rather, it should be remembered that this work
Catholic asked Te Kupenga — Catholic Theology of literature belongs to a popular form of writ-
Institute Scripture lecturer Fr Kevin Waldie, SM, ing, known as Apocalyptic, and that its main aim
for comment. His response is below. was to give Jewish and Christian believers hope
for the present, despite many social difficulties
Fr Waldie: The title itself indicates how we and trials endured during this earthly existence
should regard this last book of the Bible. It is of ours. In that way, it served to encourage the
not, as I often hear, the book of “Revelations”. intended audiences to remain loyal and strong
It is a unified literary piece that presents God’s members of their faith tradition.
unfolding Word imaginatively by using layer upon With an emphatic focus on the risen Christ’s
layer of symbolism to convey its central message. victory over death present in passages like Rev
That symbolism takes many forms, like 1:12-20, 5:1-14, 19:11-21 and 22:6-21, its domi-
numbers, colours, animals and representative nant message is one of hope for our eternal future.
characters of good and evil. Because of its com- Of significance here too is how Revelation begins
plexity, the symbolism is often naturally difficult (chapter 1) and ends (chapter 22). For in these two
to fathom. And that warns against any kind of chapters, the author signals how to regard the
fundamentalist reading that is not respectful of whole book and hear a truly comforting message The last book in the Bible
the book’s literary genre set within the historical for our own time of trial and tribulation.
CWL cancels national conference Event cancellations by NZ CATHOLIC staff
by NZ CATHOLIC staff this lockdown as an opportunity to build strong
connections. To have courage and stay strong. Among the upcoming Catholic events in New
The national board of the Catholic Women’s Be positive. It is a challenge. Follow the rules. Care Zealand postponed or cancelled because of the
League has decided to cancel the league’s national for each other,” Mrs Dickson said. Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic are:
conference in July. She suggested league members take advantage n The Takirua 2020: Shaping the Mission con-
National president Susan Dickson said this was of the many prayer opportunities online and ference planned for Wellington for April 24-26 has
done with heavy hearts. via email, as well as diocesan websites that are been postponed until later this year because of un-
“We acknowledge the hard streaming Masses and scripture. certainties caused by the pandemic. The decision
work of the Hamilton Diocesan Mrs Dickson suggested sev- to postpone was made before setting a new date,
Council and thank the organ- eral other ideas in line with the to provide clarity and certainty for people around
ising committee for all their theme at this time — such as the April dates in the face of the rapidly changing
planning and efforts towards taking part in an Internet prayer pandemic issue.
making this conference a suc- circle; Activating an old-fash- The conference has been jointly promoted by
cess for us all,” Mrs Dickson ioned telephone or email circle Catholic Network of Marriage Educators and the
said. for all those who don’t use NZ Catholic Bishops’ Council for Young People.
She noted that all members social media; Setting up a “ring “We are working on alternative dates and, as
were looking forward to the for a chat” roster; Establishing soon as further decisions are made, we will be in
launch of the league’s 2020- a branch or parish Facebook touch via email, social media and on our website,”
2022 theme, which is tradi- page or group on Messenger; said Chris Duthie-Jung, director, Marriage, Family
tionally done at the biennial Having virtual meetings, cuppas and Young Church Ministries at the Archdiocese
conference. and challenges; Using Skype of Wellington.
But even though the confer- and video calling; Sharing pho- Registrations are refundable upon request, as
ence will not take place, a new tos and updates to encourage the conference cannot now happen on the origi-
theme has been shared. It is “Kia each other; Identifying who, nally advertised dates.
Kaha — Courage, Take Heart”. in branches and parishes, are “However, we encourage registered delegates
“Little did the board know most vulnerable or who lack a to consider waiting until new dates are announced
how apt this theme would be,” support network; Involving as before deciding to attend or seek a refund.”
Mrs Dickson said. many members and others with- Conference website: takirua2020.nz
“Our faith gives us such Susan Dickson in league members’ community n On his facebook page, Cardinal John Dew
peace and reassurance. One as possible. Another suggestion announced that the South Island Mission Expo
of our board members has commented that the was: “If knitting and sewing are your thing it could [scheduled for Garin College in Nelson on March
Holy Spirit must have been helping us in our be gloves for the homeless, or craft items for a 22] is postponed “until later in the year or early
deliberations.” fundraising stall, when this is all over.” next year due to the Covid-19 situation”.
Mrs Dickson cited Scripture passages such Mrs Dickson exhorted members to take the lead n The Christchurch March for Life organised
as Isaiah 35:4-10 and John 14:27 as examples to actively support others and to share news and for Saturday, March 28, was postponed in order
of a promise made throughout the Old and New encouragement. to comply with the Government’s Covid-19 re-
Testaments. “Don’t forget to have some fun,” she added. strictions. The March, organised by Cantabrians
League members were encouraged to find She said that Ministry of Health advice should for Life and supported and sponsored by Right to
similar passages. be followed at all times and that league members Life, will now be held at a future date.
“Make a list and use them as prayer and in- should keep themselves safe and well. n The Auckland CBD stations of the cross on
spirational starters during the coming weeks. In “May God keep you always within the palm of Good Friday, which usually goes from Albert Park
the coming weeks, it is imperative that we grasp his hand.” to St Patrick’s Cathedral, has been cancelled.
“I see the Church as a field
hospital after battle.”
POPE FRANCIS
Help us to be there on the battlefield for those who need it most. A Bequest to
St Vincent de Paul is a lasting way to help the most disadvantaged and needy
in our community.
If you would like to discuss a Bequest with us, please get in touch.
Society of St Vincent de Paul
Freepost 992, PO Box 10-815, Wellington 6143
TEL: 04 4995070 EMAIL: national@svdp.org.nz WEB: www.svdp.org.nz
6 Opinion NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020
Evangelising with Pope Francis
S
ome months ago, I was writing a letter to a
terminally ill friend living in North Canter-
bury. To my knowledge, he did not have any
religious affiliation, but, having known him for
more than 50 years, I knew he was, at heart, a good
person. I was looking for some words of assurance
that death is a new beginning, not an end, and
that God has plans for us that extend beyond our
earthly life. Not a simple task to do convincingly,
you will agree. It so happened that, as I wrote, a
copy of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christ
is Alive (Christus Vivit) was open on the desk beside
me at the page which has paragraph 112:
“The very first truth I would tell each of you
is this: ‘God loves you’. It makes no difference
whether you have already heard it or not. I want
to remind you of it. God loves you. Never doubt
this, whatever may happen to you in life. At every
moment, you are infinitely loved.”
This paragraph provided the assurance I was
seeking to give my friend, so I included it, and it
helped me with the rest of the letter. I also sug- less light. That is why Saint Paul could say: ‘If of this relationship? Pope Francis has the answer:
gested that he might find recitation of the Jesus Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile’ (1 “. . . if we do not feel an intense desire to share
Prayer (“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy Corinthians 15:7).” this love, we need to pray insistently that he will
on me”) a source of peace, as it had been for other Notice the simplicity of these statements and touch our heart . . . .”
friends of mine in similar circumstances. how they are focused on a personal relationship Catholicism has, over the centuries, through
In Christ is Alive, Pope Francis addressed with Christ (and God and the Holy Spirit). In in- a process of painstaking reflection and vigorous
his exhortation to young people, but point- troducing Christianity to someone who is not a discussion, developed a magnificent intellectual
ed out that youthfulness is not a matter of edifice expressing our human understanding of
years, but a frame of mind! Francis explains the mysteries of our faith. Additionally, there
that there are three great truths that all of us
need to keep hearing constantly. In addition Michael Pender is the Catechism, which has approaching 3000
headings explaining various aspect of our faith.
to paragraph 112, the other two are paragraph 118: However, I don’t think either of these is the
“The second great truth is that Christ, out of place to start evangelisation. It seems to me that
love, sacrificed himself completely in order to believer, or endeavouring to coax someone back developing the personal relationship with Jesus is
save you. His outstretched arms on the cross are who has drifted away, Francis emphasises that the first step. Once this is in place, it is possible to
the most telling sign that he is a friend who is our motivation must come from our own personal appreciate the bigger picture and start to explore
willing to stop at nothing: “Having loved his own relationship with Jesus which will be manifested the Catechism and our intellectual tradition.
who were in the world, he loved them to the end” in our joy, liveliness, patience, warmth, and a Recently I have been involved with our parish
(John 13:1)”. non-judgemental disposition. RCIA programme. I find it of interest that the
And then there is paragraph 124: Additionally, in his weekly general audience approach adopted is low key and based on Scrip-
“Finally, there is a third truth, inseparable for October 2, 2019, Francis said: ture. Similarly, if one examines the set of book-
from the second: Christ is alive! We need to keep “If there is no Holy Spirit, there is no evange- lets provided by the Catholic Enquiry Centre, the
reminding ourselves of this, because we can risk lisation, this can be proselytising, advertising. approach there is not focused on an intellectual
seeing Jesus Christ simply as a fine model from But evangelisation means letting the Holy Spirit understanding.
the distant past, as a memory, as someone who guide you, that he is the one that pushes you to And my friend? On receiving my letter, he wrote
saved us two thousand years ago. But that would announce, to proclaim with your witness . . . .” and thanked me for sharing my wisdom. After his
be of no use to us: it would leave us unchanged, So, it is not us but the Holy Spirit who does death his wife told me that he valued it greatly
it would not set us free. The one who fills us with the evangelising; our task is to respond to the and re-read it many times as his new beginning
his grace, the one who liberates us, transforms promptings of the Spirit when they arise. approached.
us, heals and consoles us is someone fully alive. As explained above, the “drive” for our evan- Professor Michael Pender is a professor of geotechnical
He is the Christ, risen from the dead, filled with gelistic efforts is the joy of our own personal engineering at the University of Auckland. He is a member
supernatural life and energy, and robed in bound- relationship with Jesus. What if we are not aware of St Michael’s parish, Remuera.
Ronald Rolheiser
Judgement day
W
e all fear judgement. We fear being seen that light, if they are willing, they see how far giveness with these words: “Punish me with a
with all that’s inside us, some of which we they have failed the only justice of loving one kiss!” Judgement day will be exactly that. We
don’t want exposed to the light. Converse- another. And yet, in suffering the light’s awful will be “punished” by a kiss, by being loved in
ly, we fear being misunderstood, of not being clarity, in seeing themselves within it, they see a way that will make us painfully aware of the
seen in the full light, of not being seen for who its forgiveness and its beauty and are consoled.” sin within us, even as it lets us know that we are
we are. And what we fear most perhaps is final In many ways, this wonderfully captures it: good and loveable.
judgement, the ultimate revelation of ourselves. When, one day, we stand in the full light of God, For those of us who are Roman Catholics, this
Whether we are religious or not, most of us fear stripped naked in soul, morally defenceless, with notion of judgement is also, I believe, what we
having to one day face our Maker, judgment day. everything we have ever done exposed, that light mean by our concept of purgatory. Purgatory is
We fear standing naked in complete light will, I suspect, indeed be a bit of hell before it not a place that’s separate from heaven where
where nothing’s hidden and all that’s in the dark turns into heaven. one goes for a time to do penance for one’s sins
inside us is brought to light. It will expose all that’s selfish and impure and to purify one’s heart.
What’s curious about these fears is that we inside us and all the ways we have hurt others Our hearts are purified by being embraced by
fear both being known for who we are, even as we in our selfishness, even as it will expose its op- God, not by being separated from God for a time
fear not being known for who we really are. We posite, namely, all that’s selfless and pure inside so as to be made worthy of that embrace. As well,
fear judgement, even as we long for it. Perhaps us. That judgement will bring with it a certain as Therese of Lisieux implies, the punishment for
that’s because we already intuit what our final condemnation even as it brings at the same time our sin is in the embrace itself. Final judgement
judgement will be and how it will take place. an understanding, forgiveness, and consolation takes place by being unconditionally embraced
Perhaps we already intuit that when we finally such as we have never known before. That judg- by Love. When that happens to the extent that
stand naked in God’s light, we will also finally be ment will be, as Berry suggests, momentarily we’re sinful and selfish that embrace of pure
understood and that revealing light will not just bitter but ultimately consoling. goodness and love will make us painfully aware of
expose our shortcomings but also make visible The one nuance that I would add to Berry’s our own sin and that will be hell until it is heaven.
our virtues. idea is a something taken from Karl Rahner. As a lyric by Leonard Cohen puts it: “Behold
That intuition is divinely-placed in us and Rahner’s fantasy of our judgement by God the gates of mercy, in arbitrary space, and none of
reflects the reality of our final judgement. When after death is very similar to Berry’s, except that, us deserving the cruelty or the grace.” He’s right.
all our secrets are known our secret goodness for Rahner, the agent of that judgement will not None of us deserves either the cruelty or the grace
will also be known. Light exposes everything. so much be God’s light as it will be God’s love. we experience in this world. And only our final
For example, here’s how the renowned poet and For Rahner, the idea is not so much that we will judgement, the embrace of unconditional love,
spiritual writer, Wendell Berry, foresees the final be standing in an unrelenting light that sears and God’s kiss, will make us aware both of how cruel
judgement: “I might imagine the dead waking, pierces through us, but rather that we will be we’ve been and how good we really are.
dazed into a shadowless light in which they know embraced by a love so unconditional, so under- Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher, and
themselves altogether for the first time. It is a standing, and so gracious that, inside that, we will award-winning author, is president of the Oblate School of
light that is merciless until they accept its mercy; know instantly all that’s selfish and impure inside Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be contacted through
by it, they are at once condemned and redeemed. us, even as we know all that’s pure and selfless. his website www.ronrolheiser.com Follow on Facebook
It is hell until it is heaven. Seeing themselves in Therese of Lisieux used to ask God for for- www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser.
NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020 Opinion 7
Singing the Lord’s The Habit
song in lockdown
“H
ow shall we sing the Lord’s song in a
strange land?”
This question in Psalm 137, from a
time when God’s chosen people were in exile,
echoes down the centuries to our time, when most
nations are in the very strange land of a coronavi-
rus/Covid-19 pandemic.
In New Zealand, restrictive measures have im-
plemented to slow the spread of the virus.
For Catholics, the greatest impact is being felt in
the cessation of Masses — announced by the New
Zealand bishops on March 20 — and in not being
able to visit churches to pray and spend time in
front of the Blessed Sacrament.
Writing before the Government announcement
was made about the country going into lockdown
— other than for essential services — the bishops
acknowledged the disappointment the decision on
cancelling Masses would bring to many. They also
noted that many would be pleased that this sacri-
fice was made in order to promote the public good.
It was only a few weeks beforehand that 3000
people had gathered in the Vodafone Events Centre
in Manukau for the joyous episcopal ordination
Mass of Bishop Michael Gielen.
At that time, many were well into their Lenten
preparations, looking ahead to Holy Week and the
Triduum and the celebration of the Resurrection
of the Lord.
But all of a sudden, a feast (even in Lent) became
a famine. Joy and expectation turned to anxiety
about what the future might bring. Then the nation
Letters
hunkered down into lockdown mode.
With God Obligation
“Yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion,” is now good and good can skill sets, job description
Psalm 137 also stated. Many Catholics will identify be classed as evil. etc. are prepared, mindful
with this verse at this time. We, in New Zealand, of all necessary canons.
We are weeping now — not only for the pain and are as guilty. Since the Candidates apply to a
suffering overseas we see with horror, but for the Peace be with you. “Ev- Our bishops have an- Contraception, Sterilisa- Human Resource Manage-
scattering of the Lord’s flock here and elsewhere. erything will pass away, nounced that the laity tion and Abortion Act ment (HRM) company. A
but my word will not pass are dispensed from the was passed in Parliament, short-list is compiled and
As the Book of Ec- some 500,000 babies have
away.” Christ spoke those obligation to attend Mass representatives of the hi-
clesiastes says, there is
Editorial indeed a time to weep.
But that chapter in Eccle-
words from his heart and
it’s true. Though the earth
shakes, the sky falls, the
each Sunday during the
Corovid-19 epidemic. I
don’t know just how long
been aborted in the abor-
tion mills here. There is
new legislation that has
erarchy, clergy, and laity
(for the latter all who must
be viri probati (married
siastes noted that no-one mountains melt, and even this requirement has been been passed . . . wait for men or single of proven
can fathom what God has done from beginning to the pandemic spreads like in place. But I do hope the terrible statistics that virtue)) undertake the pro-
end. It also stated that there is nothing better for fire, he is with us. He said that, when this epidemic will flow from that. cess of selection. Rome
people to do while they live than to do good. he will be. So we trust is over, they do not rein- The consequences for would have to confirm.
Catholics need only to look to their history, to him. He is mighty indeed. state it. the slaughter of the in- All institutions e.g.
their saints, to see the good that the Lord can raise He is powerful and strong. Things have changed nocents may well be cat- military, police, Correc-
up in dire circumstances of illness and disease. He will hear the cry of a lot since the obligation astrophic. St John Paul II tions, hospital boards.
There are the saints who actively tended to the the righteous and the was first introduced. It told us “we should shout NZRFU, etc., follow this
sick, or who arranged for their care. St Aloysius sinner. This is the time was a different era with it from the rooftops”. process. So why does the
to cry out to him. This is different challenges to Ted Downs, Church model remain so
Gonzaga, St Charles Borromeo, St Damien of Molo- Whanganui. different?
the moment to pour it all the Church.
kai, St Teresa of Kolkata — these are some of the out to the God who knew Those who now do n Abidged — Editor Qualities required: A
names that spring to mind. There are many more. this was going to happen attend Mass regularly do proven record of pastoral
Bishops
It would be useful to seek their intercession at this way before we even had so because we wish to, not experience, several ap-
time, in praying for the sick and for those caring any clue as to what is because we are obliged to. pointments exceeding five
for them. going on. I think that it is possi- years, prayerful, adapt-
Most Catholics in New Zealand will not be called So, sit back, relax, and ble to be a good Christian Once every three years, able, humble, approach-
to take such measures as these saints. In fact, all, pray. Sit back, relax, and and Catholic these days the episcopal conference able, a listener, can dele-
other than those providing essential services, enjoy each other’s com- without this obligation draws up a list of poten- gate, accesses scientific
should obey the Government directives to stay at pany. Sit back, relax, and and the threat of commit- tial replacement bishop data, understands HRM
home, acting as if they too had the virus. watch as God does mira- ting a mortal sin. candidates. methodology, and can
Catholics are usually called to be saints in their cles. You may have to sit, If the requirement is This is forwarded to determine when it is ap-
actually sit, to be able to reinstated, I believe it will the Apostolic See. The propriate to retire and not
own place, in their own time, in their own circum-
hear from God. To hear say much as to how the terna process (if a va- wait until age 75!
stances. For most during this time, that place will what he’s doing in your thinking of the Church cancy or need arises i.e. Julian Wagg,
be their own home, up until the lockdown ends. heart, or your mind, or hierarchy has changed in illness or an auxiliary is Otaki.
Some of the great names in the Church spent your spirit. the last 50 odd years. requested) commences.
Masses
long times in isolation or near isolation — for in- He won’t come into Michael Vanderpump, All the background work
stance, St Basil, St Gregory of Nazianzsus, St John your heart and home with- Palmerston North. is undertaken discreetly.
Chrysostom, St Jerome — and this was part of a out your invitation. If Rome concurs, there is
deliberately ascetic way of living the Lord’s call. I thank God for his a press release! “We have We would like to ex-
(Although the New Advent website notes that some
other hermits were not “models of piety”).
presence with us. This
chaos, this uncertain- Abortion a bishop.”
In past ages, such a
press our appreciation
to those in the various
Will Catholics today find it easier to be “models ty, this “new norm” we position could have been dioceses who are pro-
of piety” during the time of lockdown? If there have to live in are surreal. One can only wonder arranged, but in more re- viding the online daily
are many people in a home, it might be harder But, and there’s always a if this coronavirus that cent times an incumbent Masses during this time of
“but”, we are God’s peo- is spreading like wildfire proposes a preferred can- Covid-19 lockdown, a list
than usual to get away to a quiet place for prayer.
ple. We are his children. around the world is pun- didate. Agreed, it is not a of which is on the Nation-
Family tensions might be exacerbated. Patience We are sheltered under ishment on mankind for popularity contest! al Liturgy Office website.
will be called for. his wings. His wings are its crimes. Given the developing Our thanks to the
During the lockdown, Catholics will not have big enough to hold you, Our next generation synodal approach, could priests and videographers
the immediate consolation of the liturgy, of the and me, so come on in. is being aborted by the there be a variation to this concerned.
Eucharist, of many aspects of their normal, com- Mina Amso, millions and the act is process? The vacancy is Suzie and Pat McCarthy,
munity life as a Church. But as the New Zealand Christchurch. classed as a service. Evil advertised. The qualities, Beach Haven, Auckland.
bishops wrote in a pastoral letter, the life of Jesus
Christ communicated to us through the Church
remains open to us. There are still spiritual re- Except for our own edi- NZ Catholic welcomes readers’ letters, although receipt of a letter does not guar-
sources, streamed celebrations of Mass and social torials, opinions expressed antee publication. No correspondence will be entered into concerning publication.
interactions available online. in NZ Catholic do not neces- Letters should be no longer than 220 words and should be topical, to the point, and
And who knows what good will arise out of this sarily reflect the opinion of include the writer’s address and phone number. Ad hominem attacks are not welcome.
time of “lying fallow” as a Church community? the newspaper or of its own- Emailed letters should be sent as part of the text message — not as an attachment — to
We have to hope that, whatever inconvenienc- er, the Bishop of Auckland, editor@nzcatholic.org.nz and include the writer’s physical address. Pseudonyms are not
es, trials, suffering and tragedies arise out of this unless otherwise indicated. accepted, except by special arrangement.
pandemic, God will ultimately bring good out of it.
8 Features NZ Catholic: April 5 - 18, 2020
The unexpected gift while staying at home
by JOANNA KOHORST our kitchen sink) and fix things.
At times we are afraid and tell macabre jokes.
ROME (CNS) — I was video-chatting with my We pray and wish on stars, cry and regroup. We
childhood friend yesterday. We haven’t talked in put down our phones for a mental break and try
almost a year and we were organising a virtual not to obsessively check the news, only to hit
happy hour with our high school friends. refresh one more time. We have had two weeks
Why hadn’t we thought about doing this be- of successfully making it work because what else
fore? I told my friend we had to organise this are you going to do? You figure this out one day
now because I have sage advice to give about my at a time.
friends’ futures. The world is stopping, trying to save our
Right now, living in Italy means living at least most vulnerable. Your plans are cancelled. Our
one week and five hours ahead of people in the grandparents, cancer survivors, the immunocom-
United States. (Central European Time is five hours promised and now our front-line responders are
ahead of Eastern Daylight Time.) getting sick and dying. Our doctors and nurses,
March 23 marked the beginning of the third pharmacy, grocery store and delivery workers are
week of my family’s self-isolation at home, in at the front lines of this fight, desperately trying
line with the Italian government’s response to the to save lives and keep our society from collapsing.
Covid-19 pandemic. What can we do? How can we help? For most
As an American living across the ocean from of us who do not provide essential services, the
my family back home, I am well-versed in how to answer is: STAY HOME.
keep up a virtual social life and, with two small Are we overreacting? Are we doing enough? Are
children, it is rare that I get out to enjoy Rome’s we safe? I don’t know.
wonderful restaurant and night scene. I do know, however, that I am being blessed
That has helped make this massive transition with the privilege of time: Time to watch my kids
less overwhelming, but it does not make what is grow and play. Time to check in with family. Time
happening OK. to help my neighbours. Time to flatten the curve.
What is happening feels dystopian. Rome feels The whole world needs time.
like August when the city empties out and every- My friends and I are finally organising a virtual
one goes on vacation, but right now no one in the happy hour because, for once, our busy schedules
world is on vacation. have been abruptly cleared. We realised that this
Rome is silent, the sun is shining, the birds are precious time is important to share with those Joanna Kohorst’s young children paint a rainbow on a large
singing and there are bees on the flowers on my we love. piece of paper during the lockdown that began on March
balcony, but our hearts are not calm. Joanna Kohorst is the administrative assistant of the 10, 2020, in Rome because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the beginning, when the situation was rap- CNS Rome Bureau. This story was first published online Someone also drew on a wall, so the markers used are
idly changing, we would refresh the news almost on March 24. on a special lockdown within the lockdown. (CNS photo)
every minute, feverishly trying to understand what
Lockdown with children at home
was happening. Friends, family, colleagues and
parents were texting constantly, our eyes barely
left our phones. How were we going to make this
work? Are we overreacting? Are we doing enough?
Are we safe?
Living one week and five hours ahead of those by SHANNON ROBERTS one have a set role that is age-appropriate? Can
I love in America, I am sounding the alarms. This a younger child play alongside the project with a
is real. Please take it seriously. Don’t panic, but It is hard to get my head around the many im- toy version of what is taking place? Can a report
be smart. Wash your hands. Be safe. Ask for help. plications of this lockdown, with our three crazy be written up about how it goes? Make sure there
Help others. children all at home all the time. is a pre-decided reward for finishing and a real
Italy is entering its third week of mandatory However, I am also conscious that this will be a celebration of the work that has gone into what-
home isolation with only essential stores open golden opportunity for families to come together ever it might be.
throughout the country. We are blessed to be and enjoy a lot more family time than ever be- Take turns with your partner to have “time
able to telework with small kids underfoot. We fore. For some, this may be the most time they’ve off” from the kids if you can. Perhaps have some
plan virtual playdates and birthday parties, dance ever been able to spend with their children. As times when you have pre-agreed child-care shifts
and discipline, bake (homemade pizza and pasta) parents, while acknowledging many of us will find — especially if you are both managing work.
and wait in line for the grocery store, massage it very stressful to manage part- or full-time jobs Consider making family functions into a real
cracked dry hands, wear gloves and masks, and alongside caring for our children full-time, it could event which breaks up the week. One of the most
keep our distances, watch things break (currently also be a very special time of amazing memories popular reward-system “prizes” in our household
if we choose to treat it as such. is holding a “family movie night”. The kids get so
Here are some tips for living at home with a excited about getting to choose dinner or choose
young family I have thought of: dessert, and then all sit down together in the
Consider agreeing on a family contract/some lounge to watch a movie. If you have children
family rules which everyone agrees to over the who are able to cook, can you plan out a menu
period that you will all be at home together; and courses, with each child cooking some-
Set up structure and routine (one of my good thing? Could you use online cooking shows or
friends just sent me through a picture of her different cuisines for inspiration?.
schedule, clearly drawn up on a whiteboard for Consider what resources may be available on-
tomorrow so her 6-year-old son will know exactly line for older kids and yourself if you start to go
how the “school” day will unfold. Another friend crazy. Could you learn important skills as a family,
is considering making her son wear his school like First Aid, new soccer moves or even knitting
uniform for a shortened school day to help him to if you have the appropriate equipment? Duolingo
visually understand the transition between doing is also great for learning languages, and I’m sure
some schoolwork and free play time. Another there are lots of other extracurricular activities on
will still be packing lunch boxes for the day to offer virtually too.
ensure she isn’t eaten out of house and home too Could older children create a visual or written
quickly!). diary of everything you get up to, and make an
Make family exercise a part of your routine. It online photo-book of this time for printing? My
will be good for everyone’s mental health. Con- children love to take photos and videos. Speaking
sider how you can appropriately and responsibly of photos, if you can connect up your laptop to
get outdoors if this is an option available to you. the TV, this a great opportunity to finally have a
Consider skyping friends, or even having some viewing night for all the thousands of family pho-
virtual classroom sessions with friends. Can you tos and videos you likely have saved somewhere
virtually teach a lesson to all your children with in the cloud.
a friend and build a feeling of “we’re all in this We are our children’s first and primary teach-
together”? ers. The more hours of influence we have while
Remember that play is important learning for they are young and still within our care, the better
children too. Think of creative ideas for your off they will be in the long term.
house, or backyard if you have one, like a house- Parenthood should be regarded as a highly pro-
hold item or nature scavenger hunt.Consider fessional role, and this time is a great opportunity
whether there is a large project that everyone to become even more conscious of treating it as
can get excited about, and even young children such. I find intellectualising parenting problems
can play a part in. This could be a small building and tasks, just as a professional would, does great
project that you already have supplies for. Could things for my patience! “The days are long, but
you learn a family dance to pull out at your next the years are short.” Yes, the days might now be
party?! If it is the right season and you have ac- very long indeed.
cess to some seeds, planting a garden is always Shannon Roberts and her husband Marcus co-edit
rewarding. Consider planning out whatever it is, the Demography is Destiny blog on www.mercatornet.
almost as if it is a school project. Can one child com, which is where this article was first published. They
draw up plans? Can another figure out some maths live in Auckland and are parents of three young children.
problems associated with the project? Can every- The article is republished with permission.
You can also read
