Inform 93.pdf - Catholic Diocese of Christchurch

E hoa ma, Dearfriends in Christ,When I wasan altar boy, theparish priest of thetime would tendthe red sanctuarylamp with greatcare. He did notuse the electricversion but preferred the age old customof lighting a wick which floated onolive oil in a transparent red vase. Thesanctuary lamp, burning day and nightin our churches, reminds us and teachesus that here, in this place, the BlessedSacrament is reserved in the tabernacle– so that it can be taken to the sick andthe dying, and so that we can adoreJesus.This presence of the risen Christ iscalled the Real Presence. It begins at theconsecration of the Mass, through theaction of the Holy Spirit and the efficacyof the words of Jesus. It remains foras long as the forms or species of theconsecrated bread and wine remain. TheChurch teaches us to acknowledge thepresence of Jesus in the Eucharist bygenuflecting - which means bending ourknee in adoration.FROM THE BISHOPPerpetual Adoration of Christ in theHoly Eucharist is soon to begin at St.Gregory’s chapel, Bishopdale. The venuehas been carefully assessed and hasmany advantages. Careful arrangementsfor security and safety have been made.To succeed, this holy project willrequire two persons to committhemselves to being present for onehour each week. This works out at 336adorers per week, two for each hour, dayand night, seven days a week.What is the purpose of this majorundertaking? Closeness to Jesus.Website messagesThe diocesan website: www.chch.catholic.org.nz advertises eventshappening within the diocese.As a parish, school, or church groupyou are welcome to advertise events.You can list your event from the linkon the home page under ‘events’.LOLThe PPRE teacher was telling her classthe story of the Good Samaritan. Sheasked, “If you saw a person lying onthe roadside, all wounded and bleeding,what would you do?” Little Jenny said,“I think I’d throw up”.Issue 93. 7 JULY 2013FROM THE EDITORWhen I read the story of Jesus’s first public miracle at the wedding feast inCana, where his Mother points out that they’ve run out of wine, he appears to bereluctant to step into the limelight. I felt even more hesitant when Bishop Barryinvited me to be editor of his newsletter starting in January 2009.Since then Inform has grown from 8 pages to 20, reflecting the abundant life inthe diocese.As I return to Wellington, leaving the editor’s chair to Brendan McMahon, Iam so grateful for the chance to have served in this role. It has given me a deeperunderstanding of the Church, and my faith has grown through sharing thestories of so many faithful people. This is what our Year of Faith is about - faithin action.And isn’t it wonderful that Jesus changed the water into wine, and not theother way around?Thanks to all contributors to Inform … and to you for reading it. Please pass iton!Gerard DuignanDeadline for next issue: Friday 9 August, 2013 INFORM JULY 2013