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NZ Catholic: May 31 - June 13, 2020 1
The national Catholic newspaper May 31 - June 13, 2020 • No. 590
VENI SANCTE SPIRITUS
www.nzcatholic.org.nz
2 NZ News NZ Catholic: May 31 - June 13, 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pro-Cathedral used as testing site
by Fr RON BENNETT
They say every cloud has a silver lining.
When St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral Church in Karo-
Principal ri, Wellington, closed its doors for Masses at the
for newest beginning of the lockdown, parishioners expected
Catholic school p5 it would not be used again for quite a while.
However, the Karori Medical Centre were look-
ing for a suitable venue to conduct a Covid-19
community-based assessment centre, primarily
to screen and assess people for testing, and test
those who meet the criteria. Dr Jeff Lowe, from the
medical centre, said that one Saturday morning
Translation they were doing swabs at the centre carpark. It was
p20 work wet and windy and they realised they couldn’t car-
needed in ry on like that. They looked around for a suitable
venue and found St Teresa’s Church to be ideal
lockdown St Teresa’s proved to be a perfect match — with
a driveway up one side of the church, a covered
drive-through next to the church foyer, which
p17 allowed people to be tested in their cars, then to
either park and rest, or continue to exit down the
other side of the church. A sort of McDonald’s
drive-through, as one wit commented.
It was important for the medical centre as they
wanted to do their testing where there was more
space, and easy movement, and to keep poten- Fr Ron Bennett in the foyer of St Teresa’s pro-cathedral
tially well people away from potentially unwell with medical centre staff nurse Jacqui and Dr Nick.
Seafarers people. The foyer also had two doors, which
meant it was possible to have a “clean” area and using St Teresa’s was a godsend. Since tests be-
helped a “dirty” area for staff to work in. As well as the gan on April 6, more than 629 people have been
at Lyttelton foyer, another room was available if needed. tested, between 30 and 40 a day, some coming
Dr Lowe mentioned that the battle to beat from outside the area because of the convenience.
Covid-19 was being fought out in the communi- For the parishioners of St Teresa’s, there was a
p4 Opt-in RE for Catholic schools opposed ty and out in general practice, in people getting real feeling that their church was being used for
swabs and identifying Covid early, and places a good purpose. Testing began on April 6 and
p8 Catholic reaction to the Budget such as St Teresa’s were perfect for this. He said concluded on May 22.
p9 Women in seminaries debate
Cathedral parishes open doors
for limited access during level 2
p12 Finding a different path to fruitfulness
On the front cover: A scene from Pentecost is depicted in by MICHAEL OTTO St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Christchurch was
a stained-glass window at St. Mary of the Isle Church in open for prayer and Reconciliation each day from
Long Beach, N.Y. (CNS photo) Cathedral parishes in New Zealand’s dioceses Monday, May 18 between 11am and 12.30pm
opened their doors to varying degrees during the and between 4pm and 5pm, with the restrictions
first days of Covid-19 alert level 2. outlined above.
People entering cathedrals — and other Cath- In a message posted on facebook on May 14,
olic church buildings that opened for private it was announced that St Joseph’s Cathedral in
prayer — were made aware of requirements for Dunedin would be open every day from 9am to
hand washing and sanitising, recording atten- 5pm, under similar restrictions to those above.
Pompallier Diocesan Centre, 30 New Street, Ponsonby, dance for tracking and tracing purposes and of Reconciliation was available on Saturdays be-
the need for physical distancing. Typically, no tween 4.30pm and 5.30pm, with this taking
Auckland. P.O. Box 147-000, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144.
more than 10 people at a time were allowed into place in the sanctuary to meet social distancing
Phone: (09) 360-3067 or (09) 378-4380. a building for private prayer. requirements.
Email: admin@nzcatholic.org.nz Information was also given about cathedrals In Auckland, St Patrick’s Cathedral was open
Website: www.nzcatholic.org.nz and other churches being thoroughly sanitised for Reconciliation only on Tuesdays and Thurs-
Publisher: Bishop Patrick Dunn each day. days between 5pm and 6pm. Similar restrictions
Editor: Michael Otto Journalist: Rowena Orejana The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in to those above applied. People were asked to enter
Marketing and Administration: Claudia Cachay Hamilton opened its doors from 9am to 5pm from at the main cathedral doors.
Design & Advertising: Anne Rose May 14, the first day of alert level 2. As well as The parish leadership of the Metropolitan Ca-
Advertising enquiries contact: following the requirements outlined above, peo- thedral of the Sacred Heart in Wellington decided
design@nzcatholic.org.nz ple were required to use pews within a cordoned that, under the circumstances, the cathedral com-
-off area. Reconciliation was available for two plex could not reopen in the initial conditions for
NZ Catholic is published fortnightly. Subscriptions: One
hours on Saturday mornings. alert level 2. It was hoped that future conditions in
year, $73; two years, $135. Overseas airmail extra. The In Palmerston North, the Cathedral of the alert level 1 might see an absence of restrictions.
contents of NZ Catholic are copyright and permission to Holy Spirit opened for two hours each day from The cathedral itself was closed in 2018 because
reprint must be obtained in advance. ISSN 1174-0086 Sunday, May 17. People were able to visit the of seismic risk.
Member Australasian Religious Press Association and cathedral, under the restrictions outlined above, Many other parish churches throughout New
Australasian Catholic Press Association between 12pm and 1pm and between 4.30pm and Zealand also opened their doors for various time
5.30pm each day. periods.
St Dominic’s
Catholic College Hard times in Hazaribag The lockdown in India is bringing hard serious. If Covid 19 becomes rampant
Founded by the Dominican Sisters
Catholic School For Girls Years 7-13 times to out-of-work labourers who have in the area a bad situation will be even
returned from the cities to their rural worse. So far, the Mission has diverted
homes in Jarkhand State. This is over NZ $30,000 from school funds to
• See regular updates on our college website happening all over India. help feed the people and prevent the
In the Hazaribag Province in which the spread of the virus. If you are able to
under COVID19 latest update. Jesuits serve, the Mission is heeding help support this urgent Mission appeal
the call to divert from their usual you can by donating to New Zealand
• Follow our student leaders on Instagram: focus of providing schooling for the Jesuits in India Trust, Westpac Bank,
underprivileged Dalits and Tribal people, 03 0259 0068602 00.
St Doms2020. to feeding the hungry. For the last 6 If you want more information, contact
weeks all schools have been closed Kerry Moore, 16 Isleworth Road,
• We continue to pray for families affected and the Jesuits have been working Bishopdale, Christchurch 8053
by the pandemic in any way. with school staff, Red Cross and local or email: nzjiit@gmail.com
government to feed hungry families. Donations are tax-deductible. Cheques
With no social security back-stop and no can be sent to the above address.
breadwinner the families’ plight is very - Kerry Moore NZJIIT nzjiit@gmail.com
jii590
www.stdoms.ac.nz
NZ Catholic: May 31 - June 13, 2020 COVID-19 3
Public Masses resume with restrictions
by NZ CATHOLIC staff
Public Masses have been allowed to resume Pastoral Letter on Leaving the Closed Room
as of May 29 in New Zealand, with a limit of 100
people present, but each parish’s leadership will - from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops - May 26
decide if its own Masses are held on Sundays
and/or weekdays or not at all under the current Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, have to determine how it will offer Masses while
conditions. ensuring health guidelines are kept. This may
On May 25, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern an- Kia tau te rangimārie ki a koutou – Peace be with mean some churches will not open immediately.
nounced that limits on numbers present at public you.
gatherings — such as religious services — could It may mean that there are more people wanting
rise from 10 to 100 under Covid-19 alert level 2. to attend Mass than can be accommodated. We
This would start from noon on May 29.
In these days between the risen Lord’s Ascension ask you to be patient and understanding while
In a May 25 statement, New Zealand Catholic into heaven and Pentecost the apostles returned your parish leadership determine what will hap-
Bishops Conference secretary Bishop Stephen to the closed room. There they joined in continu- pen in your parish. With the Government, we ask
Lowe said that “each parish will decide what is ous prayer, together with several women, includ- those who are vulnerable to the virus, those who
manageable and safe for their community, includ- ing Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his broth- are afraid and anyone who is not well to stay at
ing whether any particular weekday or Sunday ers (cf. Acts 1:12-14). It was from the closed room home. All people continue to be dispensed from
Mass resumes”. that the Church was brought to birth as the Holy
Bishop Lowe acknowledged that “not all pa- the obligation to attend Sunday Mass during this
rishioners will be able to attend Mass because of
Spirit came down upon the apostles and impelled time.
the restrictions of numbers”. them to go out and proclaim the Good News.
“Others will not attend due to health rea- As we emerge from our “closed room” we hope
sons, concerns or fears. For these reasons, the This year Christians around the world entered a and pray that the Lord will pour out his Spirit
dispensation [from] attendance at Sunday Mass “closed room” due to the pandemic. For some of upon us, guiding us to work for a better, more
continues.” you this has enabled a graced time of prayer and caring society. We hope and pray that the Spirit
He added that live-streamed Masses will con- reflection. For others it has been a time to refo- will inspire our faith communities, our parishes,
tinue to be offered for these people. cus and put lives in order. For some the “closed
The bishop noted that the guidelines for the schools and chaplaincies, to re-vision themselves
room” has led to family tensions or concerns towards a revitalised spiritual life, a renewed ef-
reception of Holy Communion and health prac-
tices during the pandemic will remain in place. about future employment. For others still this has fort towards welcome and evangelisation and to
These include distributing Holy Communion only been a time when they have allowed their faith a deeper awareness of and response to the needs
in the hand, not on the tongue, and not from the to drift. Now the “closed room” of our churches is of the wider community.
chalice. coming to an end.
On May 26, the New Zealand bishops issued a As we look towards Pentecost may we be in-
pastoral letter “on leaving the closed room”, re- With you we rejoice that we are able to take spired by the early Church that emerged from the
ferring to the closed room in which the apostles these first steps towards returning to some
and others, including Our Lady, prayed between “closed room” so long ago. Like those Spirit-filled
semblance of normality. The sacrifices we have disciples, may we too take the risen Christ to the
the Ascension and Pentecost. (The text of the
letter is to the right).
made as a nation have averted what we have world.
The bishops wrote of rejoicing in taking steps seen overseas. As we emerge from our “closed
returning towards some semblance of normality, room” and return to our churches and communi- Yours in Christ,
and of joy at being able to celebrate the Eucharist ty engagement we take this opportunity to thank
together again. those who protected and supported our sick, ✠ Patrick Dunn, Bishop of Auckland
But the various restrictions for the good of vulnerable and, indeed, all of us throughout the and NZCBC President
the vulnerable and elderly were acknowledged, lockdown. We thank all those in our faith commu-
as was the likelihood that some churches will not ✠ Stephen Lowe, Bishop of Hamilton
open immediately.
nities who have worked tirelessly to connect with
parishioners offering spiritual support. Again, we and NZCBC Secretary
“We ask you to be patient and understanding
while your parish leadership determine what will have been delighted by the creative initiatives
that have arisen and the way the risen Lord has ✠ John Dew, Cardinal Archbishop of Wellington,
happen in your parish,” the bishops wrote.
Government advice for such gatherings is to used these to bestow his graces. NZCBC Vice President
maintain hygiene standards and meet existing
✠ Paul Martin SM, Bishop of Christchurch
record-keeping requirements for contact tracing. We share your joy at being able to celebrate Eu-
charist together. However, we still have to live un- ✠ Michael Dooley, Bishop of Dunedin
n Comment der the restrictions that are there for the good of
The May 26 letter came after two weeks of our vulnerable and elderly. Each parish is going to ✠ Michael Gielen, Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland
communicating with authorities and public
comment by the bishops after the Government
backtracked on an initial alert level 2 limit of 100
for gatherings — indicated by the Prime Minister
on May 7 — to a maximum of 10 announced five Cardinal John Dew, Bishop Patrick Dunn, the event was not technically a “gathering”. But the
days later. This was on the grounds that close director-general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Ministry of Health reiterated that no more than 10
fellowship among churchgoers would be a greater and leaders of other faiths on May 13. The Prime people could attend public gatherings, including
risk of spreading the virus than the same number Minister stressed the need to wait a little longer church services.
of people in a cinema or restaurant assembling in as the country was still at a very vulnerable stage. The Catholic bishops wrote a strongly worded
groups of 10, but without intermingling. Within a few days it emerged that the New letter to the Prime Minister on May 22, urging that
The 338 Catholic churches in New Zealand Zealand Police had issued guidelines to officers the Cabinet raise the limit of numbers allowed at
were permitted to open their doors for private indicating religious services could proceed with religious services to at least 100.
prayer under certain conditions from May 14. larger numbers, provided people sit in groups It had been signalled that an announcement
With the Anglican bishops, the New Zealand of 10, with each group two metres apart from would come on May 25, after Cabinet met. But
Catholic bishops wrote to the Prime Minister and others and a register being kept of those attend- there had been some hints that the limit would
this resulted in a Zoom conference between her, ing. The Police guidance stated that such an be raised to 50 only.
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4 Features NZ Catholic: May 31 - June 13, 2020
Opt-in RE in Catholic schools opposed
by MICHAEL OTTO “Where religious instruction is pects of local Māori culture, knowl-
the foundation of a school’s special edge and world view, which include
Concerns from New Zealand’s Catholic educa- character, it is counter-intuitive Māori spiritual custom and practice.
tion sector over the wording of a bill concerning that parents of students in those APIS supported “recognition
religious instruction in state schools and how this schools should have to expressly of the partnership of Te Tiriti o
might affect integrated schools were heard by a opt in,” it noted. Waitangi and the emphasis in the
parliamentary select committee earlier this year. The submission also requested bill on engaging student learners
In a submission to the Education and Workforce that the bill be reworded so that it and raising the engagement of all
Committee about the Education and Training was clearer in this area. learners to be more successful,
Bill, New Zealand Catholic Education Office chief Mr Ferris told NZ Catholic that without diminishing the obligation
executive Paul Ferris stated that the way the bill when the NZCEO appeared before to provide equal outcomes for Mao-
was drafted was ambiguous, to the extent that the the select committee, some com- ri students”.
provisions that would apply to state schools and mittee members noted the points Mr Ferris told NZ Catholic that
religious instruction would also apply to integrated that were made and no-one argued “we supported much of the Māori
schools. with them. world view, but noted that the wid-
Among other things, the bill changes the cur- A submission on the same bill er integrated sector might struggle
rent “opt-out” provision for religious instruction by the Association of Proprietors Paul Ferris with such an expectation when
in state schools that offer this outside of school of Integrated Schools, of which Mr aspects of Māori spirituality might
hours to an “opt-in” one, whereby children can par- Ferris is also chief executive, made similar points, challenge their special character”.
ticipate only if their parents request this in writing. but expressed concerns around provisions that While the majority of integrated schools have
The NZCEO submission did not offer an opinion school boards of trustees be required to ensure Catholic affiliations, a significant number have
on reversing this onus for state schools. that “students are given a Māori world view includ- their own special character, including Anglican,
But it stated that “under the current drafting, ing spiritual custom and practice”. Methodist, Presbyterian, Adventist, Jewish, Mus-
it appears that state-integrated schools would be “APIS records that a focus on the spiritual and lim, Steiner, Montessori and non-denominational
subject to the opt-in provision . . . “. This appeared cultural practices of Māori may at times conflict Christian.
to be an oversight in the drafting. with the faith-based programmes of state-integrat- Mr Ferris said he thinks that the committee
It added that parents sending their children ed schools . . . .” members saw that this area of the bill — and
to state-integrated schools is, in fact, a form of The APIS submission noted that, in state-inte- that around opt-in for religious instruction in
“opting in”. grated schools, “the proprietor has the statutory integrated schools — needed to be tightened up
“Making state integrated schools subject to the right to determine what is necessary to preserve and clarified, so the issues named do not present
opt-in provision creates unusual consequences, and safeguard the special character of the school”. themselves.
is inconsistent with other parts of the bill and is It also pointed to an inconsistency in the bill But he said the Covid-19 lockdown could well
not supported by Ministry of Education guidelines as it stands requiring that religious instruction be have distracted the committee from this work.
around religious instruction,” the submission permitted only where parents opt in, as against a “We have no updates to report, nor have we seen
added. requirement that the curriculum must reflect as- the final draft.”
Many challenges for emergency housing provider
by ROWENA OREJANA housing. an added, but necessary, cost. Previously, cleaning
“Because of lockdown level 4, we couldn’t a unit was done by volunteers.
The need for emergency housing is expected take people in. Our last client was the day before Now, however, they are not sure when the vol-
to rise after the Government’s temporary housing lockdown level 4. They came to one of our offsite unteers can come back to help.
schemes during the pandemic finish. properties,” she said. “We’ve also not got any volunteers back as yet,
De Paul House manager Jan Rutledge said there “Under level 3, we did take a family that was because we need to take care of them. A lot of them
are roughly 200 households on the North Shore living in a garage into one of our smaller bedsit are retired,” she said.
(Auckland) that have been housed in motel rooms units.” She said this family was living in a garage “And they work in teams. Volunteering should
when the country went into level 4 lockdown. that got flooded when Auckland had one day of be sociable as well as delivering services for us.
De Paul House is a Catholic emergency housing heavy rain. They are actually friends that would work in teams
and family support organisation. In level 2, De Paul House has been able to ac- to sort linen and sort food. It isn’t safe for them
“Government departments acted with speed, quire a new house in Glenfield, into which a family to come back at the moment.”
but they (homeless families) are in motels or in which had been living in a car moved on May 15. The suspension of Masses and closure of
temporary placements. So, they’ll come back to One family moved out of DPH under level schools also cut them off from their usual food
our wait-list once those placements get cancelled 2. This brought to the fore a new cost that the supply.
or deferred,” she said. emergency housing provider hadn’t had before: “With the Masses closing, that avenue of food
During the lockdown, Ms Rutledge said De Paul commercial grade cleaning. donation completely stopped. Usually, Carmel and
House still received 37 calls for assistance with Rosmini (Colleges) do an end-of-term food bank
n Pandemic impact drive for us. We missed out on that because the
Ms Rutledge said, when the Government de- lockdown came in so quickly for them as well as
clared level 4 lockdown, the DPH staff and clients for us. So, our food bank was under-resourced right
had to make decisions on the spot. from the beginning,” Ms Rutledge added.
“At the beginning of lockdown level 4, we had She said, because they still do not have volun-
just over 90 children and 40 adults. Those people teers, they are not going to take in donations of
had to make really rapid decisions about who they clothing simply because there is no one to sort
wanted in their bubble,” she said. them out.
“Some of the young mums, in particular, de-
cided they would create a bubble of two smaller n Essential workers
families just to give each other the support, which Ms Rutledge said what she finds ironic and sad
was a sensible and really good solution. They be- is that most of their clients who have no housing
came really good friends throughout this whole are essential workers.
lockdown.” “These people are essential workers now living
Ms Rutledge said other clients were in the in transitional housing because they cannot find
middle of relationship breakdowns, which made or afford permanent housing. But they are out
their situations complicated because of custody there supporting communities. They are working
arrangements. But the clients managed to sort out in supermarkets, working as cleaners or in elder
these arrangements promptly. care homes. So they are essential to what’s being
“I had been really impressed with the families provided during Covid -19, but they are living with
living with us,” Ms Rutledge said. us. I find that sad to be honest,” she said.
The staff had to make rapid decisions as well. What the health crisis did, Ms Rutledge ob-
The number of staff dropped from 21 to 3, which served, was make people more compassionate.
CP1136-V2
included herself. “People that previously had never had to apply
“We had some staff members with health issues for [a] benefit, had never had housing risk, are
and so we asked them to move straight to home,” feeling what our people have felt all the time. So,
Ms Rutledge said. it increased the compassion,” she said.
Their social workers were able to stay in touch Ms Rutledge said they still have amazing sup-
Caring for you with warmth, with their clients throughout levels 4 and 3. The port from their parish communities, particularly
staff had to become familiar with new technology St Joseph’s, Takapuna, and St Mary’s, Northcote.
honesty and compassion and applications. She added they received fresh vegetables from
Kiwi Harvest.
Phone 0800 276 420 or 09 527 0266 n Less support What they need at the moment, she said, is
The pandemic hit the emergency housing pro- practical support in terms of canned food, single
www.arohafunerals.co.nz vider in unforeseen ways. duvets and financial help.
Ms Rutledge said hiring commercial cleaners is See www.depaulhouse.org.nz
NZ Catholic: May 31 - June 13, 2020 Features 5
Principal appointed for NZ’s newest Catholic school
by MICHAEL OTTO
An establishment principal has
been appointed for New Zealand’s
newest Catholic primary school.
The Establishment Board of
Trustees announced the appoint-
ment of Anthony Mills as establish-
ment principal of Suzanne Aubert
Catholic School in Papamoa in the
Bay of Plenty.
Mr Mills will begin his role on
June 8.
According to a report in Hamil-
ton diocese magazine Kete Korero,
Suzanne Aubert Catholic School is
a new, years 1-6, Catholic primary
school that will open in February,
2021. The initial intake will be 100
pupils.
The maximum roll will be 250 pu-
pils by the end of 2024, according to Anthony Mills Looking east along Papamoa Beach. (Wikimedia Commons)
The Education Gazette. The school is
situated in Papamoa East and serves The facebook page for Suzanne by the Royal Society of New Zea- very excited about the opportunity
a large, emerging suburban popu- Aubert Catholic School posted on land, where he specialised in marine to lead the vision and development
lation. It is part of All Saints by the May 13 that Mr Mills is currently science. of our new Catholic school in beauti-
Sea Catholic parish, Papamoa Coast, assistant principal at St Mary’s “He has held a variety of other ful Papamoa, and is looking forward
which was created in 2018 from Catholic School in Tauranga, and teaching and leadership positions to connecting with our community”.
the amalgamation of Mt Maunganui was previously director of religious during his 16 years in education.” According to a report on The
and Te Puke parishes. The parish studies at St Thomas More Catholic The post also stated that Mr Mills New Zealand Herald website earlier
already has one primary school — St School in Mt Maunganui. “is an active parishioner in the All this year, Graeme Roil, the Schools
Thomas More School in Mt Maun- He has also held the position Saints by the Sea Parish, where he Property and Finance manager
ganui. of Across School’s Coordinator, leads music ministry. He is a keen at Hamilton diocese, first began
According to the Kete Korero ar- where he has worked with local musician, artist, sportsperson and scouting locations for the school 10
ticle, “Suzanne Aubert School and St Catholic schools in the Bay of Plenty enjoys surfing at his local Papamoa years ago, eventually buying the
Thomas More School . . . will be key faith-based Kahui Ako (Community beach”. land for the school at Papamoa five
parts of the ministry of the parish”. of Learning), the facebook post He is married to Amie-Lee, who years ago. Government approval
“We see both schools developing added. is also a teacher and together they for the school was given earlier this
a very close relationship and build- It was also noted that Mr Mills is have five children. year.
ing on the existing family relation- a graduate of the Science Teaching As establishment principal of Su- Building the new school is report-
ships within the parish.” Leadership Programme facilitated zanne Aubert Catholic School, “he is edly a “multi-million dollar project”.
First time school named after Suzanne Aubert
by MICHAEL OTTO goodness,” Sr Josephine said. the Waikato and towards the Bay of
The sisters were approached Plenty.”
The Sisters of Compassion con- by Hamilton Bishop Stephen Lowe Sr Josephine added that she
sider that having a school named last March “asking for our opinion thought Suzanne Aubert “would be
after their foundress is an honour. regarding having the new school in happy to have a school named after
Although other schools have named his diocese named after our tipuna”. her because she had a special love
classrooms and class houses after “Since then, the trustees of the for children, as shown by her actions
the Venerable Suzanne Aubert, this school have done research on Su- and her care of them”.
is the first time a whole school has zanne Aubert, to enable them to “Besides nursing, Suzanne taught
been so named. focus and assist them in forming the children, and reminded the sisters to
Sr Josephine Gorman, DOLC, told charism of the school.” love them and to give them a home,
NZ Catholic the sisters “are happy Sr Josephine said she did not a place where they will be safe. Su-
knowing Suzanne Aubert’s spirit know if Suzanne visited Papamoa, zanne would hope that the children
and legacy will live on in the minds but “between 1863-1865 she visited will be inspired by her to live the rest
and hearts of the teachers, pupils outlying Māori tribes”. of their lives showing a good way of
and parents at Papamoa and be- “It is certain that she visited the living, with a special love and care
yond”. Waikato often enough to be thor- for people who are disadvantaged.”
“Our hope is that the school will oughly familiar with its flora and The Catholic Parish of Wellington
imbibe Suzanne’s spirit of faith and with the dialect of its tribes. Most South will name the parish after Su-
love for God to reach out to people of these journeys had to be made zanne Aubert when she is beatified,
with compassion, kindness and on foot, and extended throughout Sr Josephine said. Suzanne Aubert
“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: May 31 - June 13, 2020
A time of spiritual reckoning
A
s part of his extraordinary “Urbi et Orbi” and, if we lie to ourselves and to others, then we
blessing on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica cannot expect to find truth and reality whenever
in March, Pope Francis delivered a power- we happen to want them” (Merton, New Seeds of
ful meditation on the coronavirus crisis that is Contemplation 25).
confronting the world. Reflecting on the Gospel In the long shadow cast by this global crisis,
of Mark (4:35-41), the disciples’ fear and Jesus’ the culture of self-sufficiency has been unmasked
calming of a storm, the Pontiff characterised as incapable of reflecting the divine image in
this moment of history as a time of spiritual which we are made. Nevertheless, in his patience
reckoning. and mercy, the call of God continues to echo in
He proclaimed of God, “You are calling on us our day.
to seize this time of trial as a time of choosing. In this moment there are many in spiritual
Now is not the time of God’s judgement, but of motion, searching for a safe harbour and a lasting
our judgement: a time of choosing what matters future, as they confront what has been all too
and what passes away, a time to separate what is
necessary from what is not”.
Seated in solitude within St Peter’s Square, the
Pope claimed this unfolding crisis as a decisive
event for humanity. Life has lost its outline and
Daniel Ang
the affairs of this world no longer seem safe or
certain. Our pre-packaged ideas, personal proj- provisional or else taken for granted. As Yeats
ects, habits and priorities have been overturned owns up, “Now that my ladder’s gone/I must lie
with no promise of an end in sight. down where all the ladders start/In the foul rag
Amidst the vulnerability of this new world and bone shop of the heart” (The Circus Animals’
that we have been forced to inhabit, Pope Francis Desertion).
urged an inner awakening on the part of human As people search the heavens for answers, it is Pope Francis arrives for a prayer service in an empty St Pe-
society – a rediscovery of our faith and hope in a moment that calls from the Church a prophet- ter’s Square at the Vatican on March 27, 2020. (CNS photo)
Christ, the one who suffers upon the cross and ic witness of solidarity and hope. Pope Francis
is risen at Easter, and of our common belonging encourages us as Christians to a faith marked by shattered by a pandemic that respects no border
as sons and daughters of God. fortitude, “capable of giving strength, support or claim to exceptionalism. The façade of contem-
and meaning to these hours when everything porary “community” has been tested and found
n Mirror seems to be floundering”. wanting, as evident as grocery aisle scraps.
The current turmoil has exposed a funda- As an Easter people we recognise that Christ is
mental forgetfulness of these dual realities, for n Threshold living by our side. Whatever may come, this per-
we have long been “anesthetised” with ways of We can gainfully engage this moment by rec- sonal hope and belonging to Christ as one body
thinking and acting that cannot nourish the soul ognising that, while our post-Christian culture transforms an aching absence into the consolation
or produce a truly human society. Shaken neither may define itself against tradition and dismiss of presence, the grip of isolation and fear into the
by wars nor injustices across the world, we have faith as a timeworn cliché, it cannot shrug off the courage to abide with one another in love and,
lived as if we were invincible and set apart from existential ache that persists and asserts itself in like those first imperilled disciples, to entrust
these suffering “others”, only to now find our- this threshold moment. To echo the observation ourselves to the Lord who provides every blessing
selves vulnerable, isolated and without always of the English writer Julian Barnes, as a culture and strength we will need.
the inner resources to confront adversity. “we may not believe in God, but we sure miss Daniel Ang is the director of Parish 2020 in
This spiritual diagnosis by Pope Francis calls him”. In a sense, like the tearful crowds of France the Archdiocese of Sydney. This article was first
to mind the words of Thomas Merton who warned before the ashes of Notre Dame Cathedral, we may published in The Catholic Weekly. It is republished
in another century, “We can be ourselves or not, be resistant to religion, but we are still haunted here with permission.
as we please . . . We may wear now one mask and by Christian memory. Daniel Ang is the director of Parish 2020 in the
now another, and never, if we so desire, appear Seeking progress without presence of God or Archdiocese of Sydney. This article was first published
with our own true face. But we cannot make neighbour, this world crisis has now recalled us in The Catholic Weekly. It is republished here with
these choices with impunity. Causes have effects to both. The pretence of individualism has been permission.
Ronald Rolheiser
Fever
J
ohn Updike, after recovering from a serious to higher levels of maturity and wisdom. Once, the route to glory? And why might we not receive
illness, wrote a poem he called, Fever. It ends during a lecture, he was asked: “Why do we grow the glory even if we do drink the cup?
this way: “But it is a truth long known that through the disintegrating experiences such as The cup, as is revealed later, is the cup of suf-
some secrets are hidden from health.” falling ill, falling apart, or being humiliated? fering and humiliation, the one Jesus has to drink
Deep down we already know this, but as a per- Would it not be more logical to grow through during his passion and dying, the cup he asks his
sonal truth this is not something we appropriate the positive experiences of being loved, being Father to spare him from when in Gethsemane
in a classroom, from parents or mentors, or even affirmed, being successful, being healthy and be- he prays in agony: “Let this cup pass from me!”
from religious teaching. These just tell us that ing admired? Shouldn’t that fire gratitude inside In essence, what Jesus is telling James and
this is true, but knowing it does not itself impart us and, acting out of that gratitude, we should John is this: There is no route to Easter Sunday
wisdom. Wisdom is acquired, as Updike says, become more generous and wise?” except through Good Friday. There is no route to
through a personal experience of serious illness, He gave this response: Ideally, maturity depth and wisdom except through suffering and
serious loss or serious humiliation. and wisdom should grow out of experiences of humiliation. The connection is intrinsic, like the
The late James Hillman, writing as an agnostic, strength and success; and maybe in some in- pain and groans of a woman which are necessary
came to the same conclusion. I remember hearing stances they do. However, as a psychiatrist, all I to her when giving birth to a child. Further still,
him at a large conference where, at one point in can say is that, in 40 years of clinical practice, I Jesus is also saying that deep suffering will not
his talk, he challenged his audience with words have never seen it. I have only seen people trans- automatically bring wisdom. Why not? Because,
to this effect: Think back, honestly and with cour- formed to higher levels of maturity through the while there is an intrinsic connection between
age, and ask yourself: What are the experiences experience of breaking down. deep suffering and greater depth in our lives,
in your life that have made you deep, that have Jesus, it would seem, agrees. Take, for exam- the catch is that bitter suffering can make us
given you character? In almost every case, you ple, the incident in the Gospels where James and deep in bitterness, anger, envy, and hatred, just
will have to admit that it was some humiliation John come and ask whether they might be given as easily as it can make us deep in compassion,
or abuse you had to endure, some experience of the seats at his right hand and left hand when forgiveness, empathy and wisdom. We can have
powerlessness, helplessness, frustration, illness, he comes into his glory. It is significant that he the pain, and not get the wisdom.
or exclusion. It is not the things that brought glo- takes their question seriously. He does not (in Fever! The primary symptom of being infected
ry or adulation into your life that gave you depth this instance) chide them for seeking their own with the coronavirus, and having Covid-19, is a
and character, the time you were the valedicto- glory; what he does instead is redefine glory and high fever. Fever has now beset our world. The
rian for your class or the time you were the star the route to it. He asks them: “Can you drink the hope is that, after it so dangerously raises both
athlete. These did not bring you depth. Rather cup?” They, naïve as to what is being asked of our bodily and psychic temperatures, it will also
the experience of powerlessness, inferiority, is them, responded: “Yes, we can!” Jesus then tells reveal to us some of the secrets that are hidden
what made you wise. them something to which they are even more from health. What are they? We don’t know yet.
I recall too as a graduate student sitting in naïve. He assures them that they will drink the They will only be revealed inside the fever.
on a series of lectures by the renowned Polish cup, since eventually everyone will, but tells Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser, theologian, teacher,
psychiatrist, Kasmir Dabrowski, who had written them that they still might not receive the glory and award-winning author, is president of the Oblate
a number of books around a concept he termed because being seated in glory is still contingent School of Theology in San Antonio, TX. He can be
“positive disintegration”. His essential thesis was upon something else. contacted through his website www.ronrolheiser.com
that it is only by falling apart that we ever grow What? What is “the cup”? How is drinking it Follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/ronrolheiser.
NZ Catholic: May 31 - June 13, 2020 Opinion 7
The Habit
Problem of suffering
points to Jesus
A
s New Zealand loosens restrictions that ap-
plied during the lockdown initiated by the
coronavirus pandemic, many questions are
being asked.
What does the future hold? Will the economy
recover? What does it mean for my family and my
community? Was our response the right one?
There are many questions and many answers
— but often those answers are not immediately
available.
Even people of faith are among those asking
questions. Underneath all of these is a fundamental
question. Where is God in all of this?
It goes back to one of the great mysteries — the
mystery of evil and suffering. Many answers have
been proposed down the centuries — for instance,
suffering is a test or a trial; suffering is punishment
for sins. It is not a new problem.
As writer Mark Dowd pointed out in the Jesuit
publication Thinking Faith earlier this month,
many an ingenious solution has been proposed
under the heading of “theodicy”.
While these questions certainly have their place,
Dowd wrote, the answers to them are “condemned
to fall short”.
Instead, one arrives back at the Book of Job,
where “the haplessly virtuous but tormented fig-
ure asks God to make sense of all his trials and
misfortunes”. God does not give Job an answer
but points to the divine instigation of the great the emergence of a “New and hand washing, why
breadth and depth of creation, which is beyond
human comprehension.
Letters World Order” — to dooms-
day predictions.
is the Government putting
the health of vulnerable
What will we think women in great jeopardy
However, a key aspect that can be taken from
Ordination
other symbols. once this is all over? Will by permitting prostitu-
the Book of Job is not that God explains suffering Frances Mazur, we have learned? Will we tion and the opening of
to Job, but rather God is with him in his suffering. Manurewa, Auckland. admit we have a gullible brothels?
This points to an even greater “being with” human- n Abridged —
Editor. propensity for predicting How does the Govern-
ity by God that is yet to come. Regarding the episco- the worst? ment expect prostitutes to
Jesuit Father James Martin, writing in The pal ordination of Bishop I suspect that we will maintain social distancing
New York Times
earlier this year,
Michael Gielen at Voda-
fone Events Centre on Rebellion move on, forget about it
except when we encounter
with their clients? Every
life matters and the health
Editorial explored similar
problems and
March 7 (NZ Catholic,
March 22). It was truly a After some weeks in
adverse effects ahead.
Then will we be in-
of prostitutes and their cli-
ents should be of concern
splendid and memorable lockdown, we started to clined to assign blame and to the Government.
questions. Like celebration embracing all rebel, and fuelled by a fail to remember that we Ken Orr,
Dowd, he found that the mystery of suffering is cultures and ages. desire to break out of our just may owe our lives to Christchurch
“unanswerable”, but if this is the case, where can My congratulations “bubbles”, we began find- the benevolence of others?
Debate
the believer go in times like this? . . . to the organisers for ing fault with . . . the very Barbara Hines,
“For the Christian, and perhaps even for others, selection and setting up system so valiantly trying Auckland.
the answer is Jesus,” Fr Martin wrote. of the venue, for the effi- to do everything in its
This is apt in many ways, even in the times of
this pandemic. We look upon the image of a cruci-
ciency of the traffic war-
dens and ushers, the wel-
power to protect us.
We were frustrated Brothels I have been following
with interest the various
fied and suffering God on the cross, who breaths come and accommodation and angry, our nerves debates and comments
of everyone, enhanced by frazzled, fearful for our Why has the Govern- on social media about the
his last and gives up his Spirit. the use of the big screen future, our jobs and our ment approved the open- fact that religious services
This is in a time when stories have been in me- and technology of sound. economy, to the extent ing of brothels but closed in the first part of alert
dia throughout the world about patients fighting Looking about me at that the threat of impend- churches? Is it that pros- level 2 can only have 10
for breath, oxygen levels, ventilators and the like. the tiers of people in cul- ing demise diminished. titution is considered an people attending, whereas
Fr Martin wrote that Jesus is divine, so knows all tural attire, our clergy, We needed to find a essential service but not the limit for certain other
things, but he is human so has experienced human the many choirs in dif- scapegoat . . . and we churches? commercial activities is
things — even being starved of oxygen. ferent colours, the school railed against hasty laws It would be helpful if 100 — with appropriate
And this reflection is most apt at Pentecost, uniforms, the faces of so set in place to help control the Government could social distancing.
where, as Benedict XVI preached in 2011, the Holy many nations, I realised the spread of the disease. explain to the commu- While debate is healthy
Spirit is portrayed in John 20:22 as the breath of that was the true picture We resorted to count- nity why gatherings of and Catholic laity have a
of our diocese — alive, er-productive behaviours more than 10 persons are right to make their views
the risen Jesus. At the same time, the Spirit is the involved, joyful and par- bearing the marks of ir- prohibited at a church to known to their pastors,
one who makes us recognise the Lord God in Jesus. ticipating in the life of rationality, fuelling our worship God and pray, care should be taken
The Spirit prompts us to speak the profession our faith. latest obsession; to hold but gatherings of 100 are that comments are made
of the Church’s faith: “Jesus is Lord.” Surrounded by Fili- someone — anyone — to permitted at restaurants respectfully. Most have
“Lord”, Benedict preached, “is the title attribut- pinos, Indians, Iranians, account. Self-righteous- and bars. been, but a few have been
ed to God in the Old Testament, a title that, in the Dutch and others all ness, thinly veiled as Is it that the Govern- sailing a bit close to the
interpretation of the Bible, replaced his unpro- speaking in their own righteous anger, stand- ment trusts those who wind.
nounceable name. The Creed of the Church is language, plus the Deaf ing up for our “rights”, attend the local bar or Our leaders did make
nothing other than the development of what we with sign language, my preposterous projections restaurant to be respon- their case to Government.
thoughts went to Pente- of imagined probabilities, sible but not those who Some people think they
say with this simple affirmation: “Jesus is Lord”. way into the future. attend church to worship should go on making that
cost and the speaking in
The words “Jesus is Lord” can be interpreted in many tongues by Jesus’ Tired of restrictions, God and to pray? case over and over again
two ways, Benedict continued. followers. we demanded relief and Religious freedom is a in public protest. That
“They mean: Jesus is God, and, at the same At my age, this is the began to believe that we right that is not subject to could well work against
time: God is Jesus. The Holy Spirit illuminates fifth such ceremony I have were being deceived into the state. We have a duty the Church in the long
this reciprocity: Jesus has divine dignity and God attended. The camera thinking that we had ever to God to come together run. The court of public
has the human face of Jesus. God shows himself work and close-up shots been in danger! Or that as a community to give opinion is not likely to be
in Jesus and, by doing so, gives us the truth about allowed us to share in the risk was minimal, the honour and glory to God kindly disposed — and
ourselves. Letting ourselves be enlightened by those intimate moments measures taken excessive and to pray for the nation. that will play against the
this Word in the depths of our inmost being is the and actions unseen before or draconian. In view of the Gov- voice of people of faith
— the placing of the ring “Experts” emerged ernment’s desire to pro- being well heard on future
event of Pentecost.” on Bishop Michael’s hand, with explanations ranging tect the community from issues.
As Dowd wrote: “How very apt that, in these the presentation of the from outrageous conspir- Covid-19, with the empha- S. Maitland,
Covid-19 anxious times, we vouch faith in a God Book of the Gospels and acy theories — including sis on social distancing Auckland.
who does not ridicule us or abandon us in our
suffering, but in a God who sends his son to die
through asphyxiation on a cross.” Except for our own edi- NZ Catholic welcomes readers’ letters, although receipt of a letter does not guar-
“A God who says — this is not the end of the torials, opinions expressed antee publication. No correspondence will be entered into concerning publication.
tale. Put your hand in mine. Walk through the dark- in NZ Catholic do not neces- Letters should be no longer than 220 words and should be topical, to the point, and
ness of the tomb and prepare for the unexpected sarily reflect the opinion of include the writer’s address and phone number. Ad hominem attacks are not welcome.
— the new life of resurrection. the newspaper or of its own- Emailed letters should be sent as part of the text message — not as an attachment — to
er, the Bishop of Auckland, editor@nzcatholic.org.nz and include the writer’s physical address. Pseudonyms are not
“We look through a glass darkly. I believe, Lord.
unless otherwise indicated. accepted, except by special arrangement.
Help my unbelief.”
8 Budget Reaction NZ Catholic: May 31 - June 13, 2020
Budget an encouraging start but some omissions
by NZ CATHOLIC staff and unsupported child’s benefit.
“We are, however, disappointed by the choice
Auckland diocese’s Justice and Peace Com- not to increase the base rate for social welfare
mission believes that, with its 2020 Budget, the assistance, or to extend payment of the living
Government has made an encouraging effort to wage to state contractors. The divide gets bigger
meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable in the as these people on the margins continue to be
Covid-19 crisis, but there were some omissions. neglected.”
The commission prefaced its reaction to the A Government move to fund a community clear-
Budget by noting Government responsibilities to ing house to enable access to justice for the vulner-
foster the common good and support the poorest able was described as “a very helpful initiative”.
and most vulnerable, while facing the challenges The commission added that more assistance was
of such an unprecedented time. needed in other areas of prisoner rehabilitation
Moves in the Budget to address the housing and working with offenders with drug and alcohol
crisis were applauded by the JPC, specifically the issues, as well as more support for programmes
provision of 8000 more public and transitional to improve prisoner health and literacy.
housing units – but this is over an unspecified The numbers of people seeking Jobseeker Support ben- The JPC welcomed a continued emphasis in
time period. The commission noted that there were efits has risen sharply. the Budget on sustainability and nurturing the
14,000 families on the public housing waiting list environment “while assisting people to continue
before the Covid-19 crisis, and the pressure in this Also welcomed was the $37million fund to sup- in employment and build a more sustainable and
area is likely to increase. port community groups, with a particular focus fairer society, particularly through the $1.4billion
“We believe a much more substantial pro- on helping Maori, Pacific, refugee and migrant trades and apprenticeship training and the $1.1bil-
gramme of decent affordable house construction, communities in coping with the crisis. lion environmental jobs schemes.
state and private, is still urgently needed, and Extension of the School Lunch programme and Also applauded were a boost to Department of
would be a great provider of jobs and assistance an allocation of $32million to reimburse food- Conservation funding and the introduction of the
to business through the substantial flow-on effects banks was praised. $200million jobs-for-nature programme.
through the economy,” the commission stated. “We identify a need in Auckland and Northland But “it would have been useful if the Budget had
The affordability of private rentals needs to be to put in place a collective strategy to address provided more support for incentives for sustain-
addressed urgently, it added. immediate food needs of so many families,” the able land use, robust assistance to transition to
The commission also welcomed the $137mil- commission added. electric vehicles, improve water quality for rural
lion increase in Whanau Ora funding which will Also praised were the Wage Subsidy Scheme and urban communities, and work on a system
help many vulnerable families facing the health and the $25-a-week increase in social welfare as- to adequately rate and label goods in terms of
and socio-economic effects of the Covid-19 crisis. sistance for foster care allowance, orphans benefit country of origin and environmental standard”.
Significant welfare system shortcomings at critical time
by NZ CATHOLIC staff nificant shortcomings in our welfare system at a Ms Beech said that, instead of addressing the
time when unprecedented numbers of people are inadequacy of benefit levels, Budget 2020 instead
Wellington Archdiocese ecology, justice and entering the system for the first time, she noted. supports the charitable sector delivering emergen-
peace advisor Lisa Beech welcomes Budget 2020, The Wellington Ecology, Justice and Peace cy food support through schools and foodbanks.
which significantly increases Government spend- Commission submitted to the Finance and Expen- “The best way to overcome food insecurity is
ing to protect and create jobs, deliver heathcare, diture Select Committee in February that the Gov- to raise benefit levels so families can buy food
build houses, support community organisations, ernment implement the Welfare Expert Advisory themselves. Our inadequate social safety net will
and create environmental projects during the Group’s Recommendation 19, that main benefits inevitably see more people in poverty. We will
Covid-19 health and economic crises. be raised to cover a higher proportion of people’s continue to advocate that fundamental issues in
“After four decades in which ideas that the mar- living costs, reducing reliance on other forms of our welfare system must be addressed through
ket will deliver social and economic wellbeing have assistance. the Covid-19 response.”
predominated, we strongly welcome the recogni-
Social services need further boost
tion in Budget 2020 that a core role of the State
is promoting the common good of all,” she said.
However, despite the greatest increase in
Government spending that many will see in our
lifetimes, the Budget still does not address sig- by NZ CATHOLIC staff change to the benefit system increasing funding for the social
so that those who need welfare service sector and for building
The New Zealand Council of receive enough income to meet up the sector’s capability to
Christian Social Services praised their basic needs. This would ensure community and social
additional funding for a wide
Auckand’s Catholic range of support services in the
reduce the overall demand for
crisis support and social ser-
service organisations are well
positioned to meet the increas-
Funeral Specialists Budget, saying that it would be
of great help to those who suffer
vices, it said. ing needs going forward, notably
“NZCCSS is disappointed when increased unemployment
Covid-19-related hardship. that the structural change that and hardship are forecast.
Davis Funerals has been NZCCSS executive officer is needed in the welfare system “While this Budget delivered
caring for Catholic families Trevor McGlinchey said the has not been implemented. The significant additional funding
for over 80 years. We are a funding would help social ser- Budget has maintained the ben- into areas such as family vi-
family managed business vices “step up to provide the efit status quo, with only small olence services, food rescue,
that has proudly provided support families, whānau and increases in income. As a result foodbanks, rural communities
over three generations of communities need”. of this lack of change, many and public housing, only a small
professional and personal But the Budget did not in- more New Zealanders will be amount of funding was provid-
service to our Catholic troduce some moves that the impacted by poverty and hard- ed to support organisations to
community. NZCCSS had hoped for. ship”, McGlinchey said. address current and historic
Prior to the Budget, the The council added that an cost pressures,” Mr McGlinchey
It’s our privilege to help you NZCCSS called for structural ongoing process is needed for said.
through this important time.
Innovative investment needed for fairness
We have 16 Funeral
Directors all trained and
experienced to help our
Catholic families. by NZ CATHOLIC staff omy, putting resources back into from home.
the hands of iwi to encourage Caritas also welcomed New
Contact us today to discuss
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand employment for their people, Zealand’s continuing commit-
your options, or organise
welcomed the Budget’s overall and ensuring that existing in- ment to overseas aid, especially
a free pre planning
direction as being a foundation equalities are overcome must to Pacific nations. It called for
consultation. of hope, but called for innovative be a high priority, Caritas noted. ongoing transparency in the al-
investment to help everyone cre- It also called for a low-carbon location of those commitments.
ate a fairer society. economy and added that invest- “Now is the time for bold and
A “reset” following on from ment decisions to generate jobs decisive investment to build our
Phone: 09 638 9026 the Covid-19 crisis is an oppor- should reflect that. For those future,” a Caritas statement not-
Email: office@davisfunerals.co.nz tunity to heal the afflictions of carbon-intensive industries ed. “In the Budget we find a foun-
poverty, intergenerational un- which need to make substantial dation of hope; now we must
employment, homelessness and changes, there should be a fair ensure that all New Zealanders
environmental degradation. transition involving education, are able to contribute to, and
80 Budget moves to create jobs upskilling and retraining of benefit from, the opportunities
were praised by Caritas, as were staff, as well as support for new that will arise from the more
davisfunerals.co.nz environmental initiatives. flexible ways of working which cohesive, resilient society that
Strengthening the Māori econ- may involve working more often we rebuild together.”
NZ Catholicv2.indd 1 4/09/19 12:38 PM
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