New Zealanders have long grappled with an obsession with criminal justice expansions, even though crime rates are on the decline. We tell ourselves: “Just another thousand police officers. Just one more prison. It’ll be fine after that. We promise we’ll stop there. They’ll be better. We won’t need any more.” Of course, the impacts of Read more
When two or three are gathered on Facebook, is Christ there? When 10 Jews meet on a Zoom call, is it a minyan? Over the past few days, as states have asked houses of worship to suspend services, synagogues have held muted Purim celebrations and other religious meetings and services have been cancelled, people have Read more
When people today hear that John Henry Newman is being named a saint, the first question that likely comes to mind is: What can I take away from the example of a 19th-century priest and intellectual? Not only did he live in a very different time, but his day-to-day existence was quite different from what Read more
A survey of sports clubs in New Zealand has revealed nearly two-thirds of them are either losing money or breaking even. And in the New Zealand Amateur Sport Association’s inaugural national survey of clubs, 22 percent of respondents said their memberships had fallen over the past five years. The survey was undertaken by the Association Read more
After nearly three years of design, planning and consultation, an application has been lodged with the Queenstown Lakes District Council for consent to build a parish and community centre on land adjacent to the historic St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Arrowtown. Already the project has created considerable national and international interest and offers of support. Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops are inviting people to act on the challenge issued by Pope Francis this coming week – Social Justice week: “Weave bonds of belonging in our local community.” New Zealanders pride themselves on being friendly, but not everyone experiences a sense of community or connection. The 2016 Quality of Life survey reveals Read more
Dunedin South has its share of challenges. Last Saturday over 50 people gathered at the Mercy Parish community centre in Dunedin South to discuss how they could empower their communities to respond locally and ‘weave bonds of belonging’. They heard about what one participant described as an oncoming “demographic tsunami” of an aging population. Other Read more
Mark Zuckerberg says he wants Facebook users to start playing a similar role to pastors in churches; bringing communities together. “People who go to church are more likely to volunteer and give to charity — not just because they’re religious, but because they’re part of a community,” he said. “A church doesn’t just come together. It Read more
Recently I was asked to speak at a local Catholic women’s group. It had been awhile since I’d put on my speaking shoes, and I was genuinely excited. That is, until I was given my topic. Fellowship, they said. Fellowship? I couldn’t help but wince. Not suffering? Prayer? Family discord? Keeping the faith during crisis?? Nope, Read more
The diversity of Wellington city and mid-winter were celebrated by St Mary of the Angels parish in Wellington on Saturday. Well over a thousand people attended the event called “Festival of the Stars – Ave Maris Stella,” held at St Patrick’s College, Wellington. Sponsored by St Mary of the Angels, the singing, music, dance and food Read more