In a statement, St Francis of Assisi Parish in Lamahora, Larantuka diocese of East Nusa Tenggara, said the context of the Mass was the inauguration of the caretaker of young Catholics.

It said "there was no intention whatsoever, neither by the priest who led the Mass nor the young Catholics to harm the Eucharist celebration. We apologise to those who felt disturbed, hurt or harmed by the songs sung at the Mass".

Redemptorist Father Asterius Jangu Ate, the parish priest, signed the statement published on August 6, along with the chairman of the parish council, the head of Catholic youth and the assistant priest.

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The merger is to proceed and the new school will be situated in Mairehau, on the site of Our Lady of Fatima in Innes Rd.

Following the earthquakes and the red-zoning of St Paul's School the Diocese undertook a community consultation on a proposed merger.

After considering the community consultation report, the Bishop of Christchurch requested the Minister of Education to give consideration to agreeing to the provision of:

• a new state integrated full primary school entity (to be named St Francis of Assisi Catholic School),
• with a maximum roll of 495 students,
• situated on the St Francis of Assisi Parish site at 370 Innes Road,
• commencing in term 1, 2016.

Education Minister Hekia Parata has agreed in principle to Bishop Barry Jones' request.

Catholic Education Office manager Mike Nolan said the new school would receive a $6 million investment for new buildings and would have a maximum roll of 495 - "educationally a desirable number".

St Francis of Assisi is also the name chosen for the new parish formed by the merger of the St Paul's, Holy Family (Burwood) and Our Lady of Fatima (Mairehau) parishes .

Source

• The Press
• Catholic Diocese of Christchurch
• Scoop