After the recent earthquakes Fr Pat McIndoe managed to catch a ride on an Aero Club plane so he could celebrate Mass in Kaikoura on Sunday. He was also able to take part in the ecumenical service.
Kaikoura is part of Father Pat’s Te Whetu o Te Moana – Star of the Sea Marlborough Parish which covers all of the Marlborough region and part of North Canterbury.
He lives in Blenheim. Even before the earthquake, it was a 2 hour drive form Blenheim to Kaikoura. Now the earthquakes have cut off all road and rail access.
McIndoe is planning to stay in Kaikoura until next Monday.
To the south, Fr John O’Connor, who is the parish priest pf Good Shepherd Hurunui says “An overwhelmingly positive response to the clean-up of the church at Waiau before the 7.00pm Mass (on Saturday).
“I arrived at 6.30 after the Hanmer Springs Mass to find the church and grounds abuzz with activity and by 6.45 the church was spotless with lawns mowed and the whole place looking even better than it did before the earthquakes.”
He said the only sombre moment was when the statues of Our Lady and St Anthony, each in 1000 pieces, were carried from the church.
“Then we celebrated Mass with a great crowd of workers from all over the parish. Immediately after Mass one of the team appeared with cold beer and good wine and we stood around outside enjoying the great company.”
He then went on Cheviot where “we will do the same at Cheviot with clean-up at 9 and Mass at 10,” he said
The diocese of Christchurch is instigating an initiative to support those in the Hurunui area who have be affeted by the eathquakes.
People have been are invited to provide food parcels/care packages with home baking, chocolate, treats for families.
These packages will be distributed by the various churches.to those affaected by the earthquakes in the Hurunui area.
The food parcels/care packages can be dropped off at St Joseph’s Parish, corner Main North Road and Vagues Road, Papanui or Cathedral House, Unit 2, 9 Washington Way from Tuesday 22nd to Thursday 24th November.
People have been asked to put items in supermarket bags for ease of distribution.
Any queries phone Cathedral House 366 9869.
Source
- Supplied
- catholicphilly.com
- facebook.com
- catholic.org.nz
- Image:indaily.com.au
Related Posts:
- Tears flow as open-air Kaikoura church service brings community together
- Kaikoura outdoor church service welcomes all faiths
- Kaikoura comes together for open service
- Bishops grateful for prayer and concern following earthquakes
- Partner overwhelmed by offers to fly quake victim home
News category: New Zealand.
