Mount Maunganui Parish, St Thomas More Catholic ...

Catholic 

coast&countryside Bay of Plenty 

From the parishes of 

St Thomas More, St Patrick & St Peter. 

Issue No. 20 - December 2011 

The Holy Night by Carlo Maratta 

Image courtesy of freechristimages.org

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Catholic 

coast&countryside Bay of Plenty 

In this issue 

The Parish Magazine Team 

Fr. Michael Gielen, Linda Castle, Lee Higgins, 

Frans Taris (Graphic Designer), Peter Archer (Editor) 

Editorial ............................................................................................................................................ 4 

Father’s Corner .................................................................................................................................. 5 

Passionist Family Groups .................................................................................................................. 7 

Christmas Story Poem ...................................................................................................................... 8 

St. Patrick’s Parish Te Puke ............................................................................................................. 10 

Helping Paremoremo Prisoners ....................................................................................................... 11 

Kabwe prisoners (Zambia) and computer studies.) .......................................................................... 11 

Catholic Women’s League, Te Puke. ............................................................................................... 12 

The Power of Prayer can Open Doors ............................................................................................. 13 

A Christmas Message from Deacon Henk ....................................................................................... 13 

A Letter from James Millar of the National Evangelisation Team (Australia). .................................. 14 

News from St Vincent de Paul Society ............................................................................................. 16 

Book Reviews ................................................................................................................................. 18 

ALPHA .......................................................................................................................................... 20 

From St. Thomas More School ....................................................................................................... 23 

From the Youth Missionaries .......................................................................................................... 24 

Catholic Discipleship College ......................................................................................................... 27 

Baptisms, Deaths, Marriages & New Parishioners .......................................................................... 30 

Thankyou Moira ............................................................................................................................. 31 

Christmas Boxes (Operation Christmas Child) ............................................................................... 31 

Editorial Policy 

While we do not publish letters to the editor, items from Parish groups and committees and those relating to 

Parish activities can be sent in. Items received will not normally be acknowledged and may be edited, abridged 

or discarded, or may be held over for future publication. Any article submitted is published at the discretion 

of the editorial team. 

It is preferable that items be sent by email to the editor at p.archer@xtra.co.nz. Handwritten or typed items may 

be placed in the receptacle provided in the parish foyers.

Editorial 

A few weeks ago we were surprised to hear that Fr. Michael is to leave us next year. 

We understand that he will be leaving us mid-year to travel to Rome to undertake 

two years of study. On his return he will take up a position involving the formation 

of seminarians at the Holy Cross Seminary in Ponsonby, Auckland. While he will be 

missed at St. Thomas More, our loss will be the seminary’s gain, in view of Father’s 

expertise and enthusiasm in spreading the Gospel message. In this issue, Father 

expresses his sadness at having to leave us. 

On 6th November it was good to witness 42 children being initiated into the Church 

through the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, with one adult being 

confirmed. We were especially pleased to welcome Bishop Browne to our Parish to 

conduct the Confirmations. 

Later in the same day, Bishop Browne was able to attend the very successful Electoral 

Forum held in the church complex organised by the Diocesan Social Justice 

Commission. Many pertinent questions were put to the candidates by a good-sized 

audience. Those attending who had been undecided as to whom to vote for may 

have still found it difficult to decide, as a number of candidates supported similar 

policies. I have noted that when a party has some good policies in a certain area 

in accordance with Church Social teaching, in another area some of its policies are 

contrary to established church teaching on morals, including pro-life issues - although 

the forum candidates’ stated personal views may have differed here. To conclude the 

afternoon, Lisa Beech from Caritas Aotearoa NZ gave a summary of the afternoon’s 

findings and outlined the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The outcome 

of the 2011 Election is now a fait accompli of course, so it will be interesting to see 

how the smaller parties are able to influence government in terms of their hopes at 

our forum. 

It was wonderful to hear that St. Thomas More pupil Zahnee Campbell’s eye surgery 

operation for which funds were raised by the school and community was a success. 

Also pleasing to hear was that at Zahnee’s request, guests to her recent birthday party 

were asked to bring items for the foodbank instead of presents, resulting in two 

washing baskets and a large box of food. Jade Riley, Zahnee’s mum also organised a 

“can drive” for the foodbank. A good news story all round for Christmas. 

Peter Archer 

Editor 

Page 4 December 2011

Father’s Corner 

Today I celebrated a funeral for a member of our parish family. A women, who in 

the last couple of years, had come back to Mass and active involvement in our parish. 

Sadly, she died suddenly last week. When her daughter entered her house, the first 

thing she saw was this prayer from St Theresa of Avila lying on her kitchen table, 

Let nothing disturb you, 

Let nothing frighten you, 

All things pass away. 

God does not change. 

Patience obtains all things. 

Whoever has God lacks nothing 

God alone is enough. 

How appropriate this prayer is for Advent, actually for life. As I sit here late at night, 

getting my article completed before the deadline, I am acutely aware this is my last 

Christmas with you, the good people of St Patrick’s and St Thomas More. While I am 

being called to the important mission field of our national seminary and the two years 

training in Rome that precedes it, I am sad to be leaving a life and people I have grown 

to love. This week has exemplified what is so good about our parishes, especially your 

faithfulness and generosity. 

On Sunday I returned home from a vocations retreat where young men from around 

the diocese gathered. Of the thirteen men who attended, 6 were from our parish and 

two will be in the seminary next year - Danny Fraser-Jones and Glen Brennan. On 

Wednesday I attended the Aquinas prize-giving in which two young men, who are 

active attendees of our parish, were chosen as head-boy and deputy head-boy. It was 

Continued over 

December 2011 Page 5

also a joy to see so many past pupils our St Thomas More School receiving awards. On 

Thursday, I received a letter from a member of our parish - Janine Robinson, who last 

year joined the Sisters of St John. The tone of her letter was so positive and hope-filled. 

On Thursday, a busload of the “more mature” members of our parish travelled to 

Katikati for a day out, which somehow took in the local tavern, of which I was happy 

to bless with my presence. It was heart-warming to see so many people enjoying each 

other’s company. Last night the staff of our two parishes gathered together to celebrate 

a year of service. I am so grateful for the way they have and do serve our parishes. 

Lastly, today we celebrated the sad, yet ironically, joy-filled abovementioned funeral. 

A fellow parishioner made the comment, “her lamp was full, wasn’t it!” As I leave on 

an unknown path, my lamp is full as well. Full of the faith and generosity of so many 

good people from our faith community. Thank you to allowing me to enjoy this part 

of the journey with you. 

May our Lord bless each one of you, and may the abovementioned prayer be a comfort 

and support this Christmas and New Year. 

Fr. Michael. 

Father Michael, Deacon Henk, the magazine 

team and regular contributors all join in wishing 

parishioners of St. Thomas More, St. Patrick’s and 

St. Peter’s the peace and joy of Christmas and many 

blessings in the New Year to come. 


Passionist Family Groups 

We note with great sadness the passing of Maggie McGuire on 

the 6th November 2011. Maggie, together with Garry were coordinators 

of the St.Patrick’s Family Group until her illness forced 

them to step down. It was comforting to see how Maggie’s strong 

faith enabled her to bear her illness, in displaying great courage 

and dignity and still smiling even to the end. It was our privilege 

to journey with Maggie through her illness and to witness her devotion and belief in 

our loving God and Saviour. It was a very powerful testimony to witness. Maggie will 

be dearly missed and we continue to support Garry in the days ahead. 

RIP, Maggie. 

One of the aims & goals of Passionist Family Groups is to support each other in times 

of need and celebration. One of the strengths of Family Groups that comes to the fore 

is when situations such as an illness alert us to reach out to others. There have been 

many instances where people have reached out and “lived their faith in action” and we 

thank them for their generosity 

The prayer chain continues to be kept busy - always a reminder that there are always 

others in need of prayerful support. 

As the festive season fast approaches, we take this opportunity to wish the Community 

of St. Thomas More a very Joyful Christmas and a Peaceful and Happy New Year. 

May the Passion of Jesus be always in our hearts 

For further information regarding Family Groups, contact: 

Merrilyn & Ray Barran 

Parish Co-Ordinators 

Phone 5754148 or raymal@kinect.co.nz 


Christmas Story Poem 

T’was the morning of Christmas, when all through the house 

All the family was frantic, including my spouse; 

For each one of them had one thing only in mind, 

To examine the presents St. Nick left behind. 

The boxes and wrapping and ribbons and toys 

Were strewn on the floor, and the volume of noise 

Increased as our children began a big fight 

Over who got the video games, who got the bike. 

I looked at my watch and I said, slightly nervous, 

Let’s get ready for church, so we won’t miss the service.” 

The children protested, “We don’t want to pray: 

We’ve just got our presents, and we want to play!” 

It dawned on me then that we had gone astray, 

In confusing the purpose of this special day; 

Our presents were many and very high-priced 

But something was missing -- that something was Christ! 

I said, “Put the gifts down and let’s gather together, 

And I’ll tell you a tale of the greatest gift ever. 

A saviour was promised when Adam first sinned, 

And the hopes of the world upon Jesus were pinned. 

Abraham begat Isaac, who Jacob begat, 

And through David the line went to Joseph, whereat 

This carpenter married a maiden with child, 

Who yet was a virgin, in no way defiled. 

Saying ‘Hail, full of Grace,’ an archangel appeared 

To Mary the Blessed, among women revered: 

The Lord willed she would bear -- through the Spirit -- a son. 

Said Mary to Gabriel, ‘God’s will be done.’ 


Now Caesar commanded a tax would be paid, 

And all would go home while the census was made; 

Thus Joseph and Mary did leave Galilee 

For the city of David to pay this new fee. 

Mary’s time had arrived, but the inn had no room, 

So she laid in a manger the fruit of her womb; 

And both Joseph and Mary admired as He napped 

The Light of the World in his swaddling clothes wrapped. 

Three wise men from the East had come looking for news 

Of the birth of the Savior, the King of the Jews; 

They carried great gifts as they followed a star -- 

Gold, frankincense, myrrh, which they’d brought from afar. 

As the shepherds watched over their flocks on that night, 

The glory of God shone upon them quite bright, 

And an angel explained the intent of the birth, 

Saying, ‘Glory to God and His peace to the earth.’ 

For this was the Messiah whom prophets foretold, 

A good shepherd to bring his sheep back to the fold; 

He was God become man, He would die on the cross, 

He would rise from the dead to restore Adam’s loss. 

Santa Claus, Christmas presents, a brightly lit pine, 

Candy canes and pudding are all very fine; 

Let’s have fun celebrating, but leave not a doubt 

That Christ is what Christmas is really about!” 

Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. 

Wishing you many blessings, 

Linda Castle and the Parish Council 


St. Patrick’s Parish Te Puke 

It has been a busy time for St Patrick’s Parish, having just completed running 

the Alpha programme. This was the first year we had a co-ordinator taking 

on the role of organising the whole programme- our sincere thanks go out to 

Maureen Gielen for putting her hand up, stepping out of her comfort zone and 

taking the role on. It was through Maureen’s leadership and enthusiasm that we 

had a great team of helpers – cooks, kitchen hands, cleaners, leaders and most 

important of all, people praying for all those involved. Thank you to you all. 

We had 29 people registered (over and above the leaders) made up of Catholics, 

non Catholics, people of no particular denomination but searching, people 

who had drifted from their faith, people from all walks of life. We’ve had great 

feedback – “Didn’t know I could feel so comfortable in church”, “Made friends”, 

“Felt the parish was very welcoming”… 

Our parish community has benefited hugely from this Alpha course. It has 

brought all of us together (parishioners and non-parishioners), providing a real 

sense of community, faith development, love and support and an awareness of 

others and their situations. 

If you have the opportunity to participate in an Alpha programme either as a 

participant or helper, I urge you to sign up – you won’t be disappointed! 

With the year drawing to a close I would like to thank everyone who throughout 

the year have helped to make our parish the loving, supporting, faith filled 

community it is. For those who have lost loved ones this year, our thoughts and 

prayers go out to you at what will be a difficult time for you. 

May you all have a wonderful, faith-filled Christmas, 

Miriam Smith (on behalf of Lee Higgins, Parish Pastoral Chairperson) 


Helping Paremoremo Prisoners 

The response to this request for books and jigsaws, was brilliant. 

We have supplied so many jigsaws that I am no longer doing this (but there was a final 

pickup on 4th December!) 

I am still looking for personal growth books, such as “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, or 

“Awaken the Giant Within” - both of which they absolutely love. I am still collecting 

dictionaries and especially scrabble dictionaries. 

The guys we think of as so tough love jigsaws, scrabble and self help books! 

Elizabeth Isichei, elizabeth.isichei@xtra.co.nz 

ph: 8788582 (a clear message and contact number). 

Kabwe prisoners (Zambia) and computer studies.) 

The men at the Maximum Security Prison, Kabwe, Zambia, have an introductory 

computer course (PCs), like all the prison courses (including the entire school 

curriculum), this is taught by prisoners. 

They long to learn more, but do not have access to the net, and have asked me 

for help. I have a Mac., and am far from being a computer whizz. Can anyone 

recommend websites where I could print off material for them. (I do this is response 

to eg. questions about baptism in the Holy Spirit, but this is outside my area of 

expertise!). Can anyone give or recommend UP TO DATE books for them to share? 

(Two main prisons are involved). 


ph: 8788582 (leave a clear message and contact number). 


Catholic Women’s League, Te Puke. 

In August we held our main fundraiser for year, a street stall for our Mission Station. 

With support from Parishioners, we raised $1500. 

In September we hosted the Eastern Area Regional Day. 

Long term member Marion Williams has passed away. 

In October our A.G.M. was held. Members elected to the committee were: 

President: Rose Henderson. 

Secretary: Iona Donovan. 

Treasurer: Noeline Eglinton (for over 30 years). 

In November we recited the Rosary at the cemetery, followed by a cuppa at the 

President’s home. On the 30th we attended an interchurch coffee morning where 

Jessie Smith of the National Evangelisation Team in Australia gave an excellent talk 

on her two years with the team. 

In December our Christmas meeting is to be held on the 12th with an exchange of a 

$5-00 gift. On the 13th, members will serve on the Waipuna Christmas Tree appeal 

for four hours. 

A blessed Christmas to all, 

Rose Henderson. 

(President, St. Patrick’s te Puke Catholic Women’s League). 

4 December, 2011 


The Power of Prayer can Open Doors 

Noah, our great grandson is just five years old and started school at St Mary’s in 

Rotorua in October. He stays at his grandparents’ place often and one evening a 

bird flew down the chimney of their woodburner. It stayed there all night and the 

next morning they could hear it fluttering in the chimney. Noah said to Nonnie (the 

name he calls his grandmother) “we must pray and ask God to get the bird out.” She 

said, “Go ahead and pray, Noah”. “Dear Lord”, he said “please get the bird out of the 

chimney and into the firebox, thank you Lord, Amen”. 

While they were having breakfast about twenty minutes later, they heard a tapping 

sound and finding it was coming from the woodburner, upon opening the door there 

was the bird looking at them. It flew around, settled, then flew out of the window 

upstairs. 

I pondered on this story and was reminded that without prayer, the little bird had 

remained in the chimney all night but only a short time after Noah prayed, the bird 

found its way to the light. When we pray God opens doors that we think can never 

be opened! 

Carol Crawford 

A Christmas Message from Deacon Henk 

Merry Christmas to you wonderful parishioners of Te Puke and the Mount. 

What a great honour it is to be part of your communities . I always consider 

working alongside you such a great privilege. Thank you so much for making 

these parishes so welcoming. 

May God richly bless you for all you do to bring about his kingdom. 

Your Brother in Christ, 

Deacon Henk. 


A Letter from James Millar of the National 

Evangelisation Team (Australia). 

Kia Ora from across the ditch. 

Now is not the best time to be in Australia after the All Blacks losing to the Wallabies 

20-25 but I am surviving! I have been based in Port Macquarie, NSW, three hours 

north of Sydney. The four others on my team, all Australian and myself, live in a huge 

old convent with our own chapel and Blessed Sacrament! What a blessing this has 

been to spend some time each day before Jesus in adoration. I am where Jessie from 

Te Puke was based last year. Only a couple of minutes from the beach, I have loved 

living here and ministering here and also being able to sneak in a few surfs during the 

week and weekends. 

Port Macquarie is a small beach town, and around the greater area there is a population 

of 75,000. We work with the schools here, four Catholic high schools and three 

Catholic primary schools. All these students keep us very busy, and as well as running 

R.E classes we run the youth group on Friday night and young adults discussion 

group on a Sunday night. This second year serving with NET in Australia has been 

very different from my year last year, my being able to water and watch the seeds we 

plant grow and see the youth in their journey here has been such a blessing and a joy. 

While I think my first year on NET was great formation and a lot of learning different 

ways to minister this year, God has really been moving in me and has taken me a 

lot deeper into myself. I have worked through a lot of things from my life, different 

struggles and joys, to really spend a lot of time in prayer and thought about who I am 

called to be as a man of God, and how much love he has for each one of us, and to 

continually open myself up to experiencing His love. 

This year has cemented everything I began to journey with last year and given me 

a good chance to continue to build myself on the solid rock on which we stand, 

Jesus. An incredibly different experience from last year, as I am based in one area and 

building up relationships with the community here, which has been such a joy. I have 

had the best of the NET journey, last year being able to travel Australia and this year 

to build up the faith within a community. As with many parishes and schools around, 

our mission has its challenges, trying to bring the faith alive and to stir them up in the 

Holy Spirit has been both a blessing and a struggle at times, but Jesus is on our side 

and we are able to see the fruit of the work we do! 


I am ready to come home but am not yet finished here; we have much work still to 

be done. It is amazing to see that we are making a difference here with this parish 

and have had a lot of good feedback from those in the parish. It is a true joy to see 

the youth taking even just a small step in some cases in their own faith journey. My 

journey with NET will end in November and I will be returning to the land of the 

long white cloud. To stay! Something has been stirring within me and after much 

prayer, discernment and discussion with Fr. Michael and other spiritual mentors, I 

have decided to further my discernment to the priesthood. I will be spending a year in 

Te Puke with Fr Michael in 2012 immersing myself into our community; parishes and 

school at home in Mt Maunganui / Te Puke. Please pray for all those discerning their 

vocation in life, whether it is to religious life, priesthood or marriage. Please be aware 

of my prayers for the work that you all do in prayer and action for the Church. I pray 

for you each day especially for the work Fr. Michael does and for the work that Rich 

and Kelly do for our youth. May Jesus work through you and bless you abundantly in 

all you do. Stay strong in the faith and pray for our Lady’s intercession. 

Ave Maria. 

AMDG. 

The letters AMDG stand for Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, the literal translation of 

which is :”For The Greater Glory Of God”. 

May the Peace of our Lord be with you all. 

James Millar 22 Oct. 2011 

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News from St Vincent de Paul Society 

I am writing this from Moscow while visiting my son Paul, daughter-in-law Ira and 

two grandchildren. Nicolas is five and Katya 18 months. It is 14 months since I have 

seen them and they are growing far too quickly, like all children do. It is great to spend 

valuable time with them. 

As I look out the window there is snow on the ground; it snowed a couple of days 

before I arrived and there have been heavy frosts on a couple of days, which has meant 

nice days. Russia did not change their clocks for daylight saving, meaning it is still 

dark at 9a.m. The outside temperature has been down to minus 6 since I have been 

here, it can get to minus 20-25 mid-winter. Getting the children ready to go outside is 

a mission on its own, layer upon layer of warm clothing topped off with a well padded 

coat, hats and gloves - they do this a couple of times a day. It makes putting on a fleece 

easy when we want to go outside at home in our winter. 

Last year when I was here with my husband, I went to a Church service with Ira 

(Russian Orthodox). The Churches here are so different from ours; very old with 

paintings around the walls - no pews or kneelers!! One stands for the whole service 

which can last for up to two hours; there are a few wooden benches around the sides 

of the Church for the “older” people to sit, but not many of them do. Ira takes the 

children for the latter part of the service which includes Communion; it is far too long 

for children to stand without getting distracted. It makes our pews and kneelers with 

their cushions very attractive. 

I have another week here then fly back to London to stay with my younger son Bruce, 

daughter-in-law Michelle and granddaughter, Neela, whom I met for the first time 

when I arrived in London on 10th November, her first birthday. I managed a few trips 

around London on the big red buses; very easy travelling once you know where you 

are going. They are coming back to their homeland (NZ) for Christmas, which we 

are all looking forward to. 

I return to NZ on 13 December, just in time for Christmas. Michelle and Neela 

are flying out with me. We are not looking forward to the long trip home, but will 

certainly appreciate some warmer weather when we arrive - please let the sun shine, 

especially over Christmas/New Year. 

Consequently, I have been a bit out of touch with the comings and goings of the St 

Vincent de Paul shop, but before I left New Zealand it was very busy with people 


changing their wardrobe and/or buying new clothes for summer. 

It has been a busy year for the shop. The Committee would like to thank all the 

volunteers for their undying help and everyone who has donated goods - without 

them the shop would not exist. The shop will be closed for a well-earned Christmas 

break from 23rd December until 9th January 2012 Please do not leave clothes, goods 

etc outside the shop during the Christmas/New Year period, if anyone has goods to 

donate please ring one of the following: 572 0470 or 574 0303 

God bless and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. 

Mary Goldfinch 

While Mary is having a well-earned break with her family in Russia we at the shop 

are flat out.We have got our Christmas stock out now with good bargains Christmas 

trees, lights, decorations and lots of presents to be purchased, so do pop in and have a 

look.We also have had our end of year get together which was a great success - thank 

you all for attending. 

The shop committee would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all 

the shop workers -without you it would not work. 

So let’s pray that next year we will have the health, strength and help we need to run 

this great organisation. Have a great Christmas and enjoy your break. 

From the shop committee. 

The shop is situated in Dee Street, (opposite the RSA). Phone number 575-9124 or 

any of the committee listed below. 

Mary Goldfinch - 574-4000 Eileen Horton - 572-0470 

Monika Barker - 575-5844 Robyn Crow - 572-0414 

June Beadle - 574-8535 Huia Rose - 574-8252 


Book Reviews 

Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI 

This book is a vital one. It helps us understand the figure and meaning behind Jesus. 

‘In every age, man’s questioning has focused not only on his ultimate origin; almost 

more than the obscurity of his beginnings, what preoccupies him in the hiddenness 

of the future that awaits him’. We want to look behind him and set ourselves toward 

salvation through him. In Deuteronomy the author offers a promise : “The Lord your 

God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you …him you shall heed.” 

(Deut 18:15). Benedict informs us that it is through the scriptures that we come to 

know the path to God as the true direction that we must seek and find. So we need 

to not only look beyond Jesus to the future but also to Jesus’ actual life. Jesus is seen 

as the new Moses. He is hinted as being greater - the last prophet who is granted, ‘a 

real, immediate vision of the face of God’. Something Moses was not able to see. It 

is in Jesus that the new covenant is achieved. To understand Jesus we must look at 

his words, deeds, sufferings and glory. This book covers that through looking at the 

scriptures and early fathers’ writings. ‘The question that every reader of the New 

Testament must ask – where Jesus’ teaching came from, how his appearance in history 

is to be explained – can really be answered only from this perspective.’ This book 

is a crucial starting point to readings on Jesus. It ultimately comes from the Jesus 

origination – from the face-to-face dialogue with God – ‘from the vision of the one 

who rests close to the Father’s heart.’ Read this book and find within it why we believe 

in Jesus, find out who Jesus is and the role he plays in our hearts. This book is suitable 

for those wanting a deeper understanding of Christ - teens through to the elderly. 

The Apostles by Pope Benedict XVI 

This book is a fulfilling read. It expounds on the 12 Apostles and those like Paul who 

played an important role in the early church. The book simply helps us to understand 

the message of those early church missionaries. Benedict uses the bible as a crucial 

instrument to highlight the various roles and thinking of those early apostles. He sees 

it as necessary that we go back to the foundation of Catholicism to find our way to 

Christ. Benedict highlights St. Paul as a giant of theological thinking and action and 

gives us Paul’s message. That is to keep Christ central in our lives, to exist with the 

Holy Spirit within and to take in Paul’s dedication to the development of the church 

through those early church communities. I found that after reading this book I wanted 

to go back to the bible and read more about these men and women. Benedict writes so 


clearly and concisely which enables you to digest the book in reasonable time as well 

as giving you a crucial understanding of these early figures. 

This book would suit both those new to their faith. 

The Biblical Basis for the Eucharist by John Salza 

This book is one of those that does not start well but by the end is definitely 

worthwhile. The early chapters focus on God’s anger, particularly regarding events in 

the Old Testament. The anger is hard to reconcile with the God of love in the New 

Testament. What is excellent about this book is the comparison between Protestant 

thought and Catholicism regarding the Eucharist. It clearly shows what is right about 

the Catholic doctrine. We believe in the re-enactment of the Eucharist every Mass. 

The crucifixion of Christ is visually re-presented within the transformation of the 

bread and wine into body and blood. In contrast the Protestants believe that the 

crucifixion happened once and through this they believe their sins are saved once and 

for all. In truth John Salza states that Catholics believe you need to continue working 

on your faith through words and deeds throughout your life. We are not guaranteed 

heaven. We believe in transubstantiation. The Protestants in turn believe that the 

bread and wine in the Eucharist is only symbolic of Christ. John Salza uses scripture 

to prove Catholic belief; that every time we take communion we are accepting, in 

reality, Christ in us. Perhaps most important is the reason why we are Catholics. WE 

believe in the true meaning of the Eucharist. Jesus’ body and blood consecrated for 

us to live in Christ. 

This book would suit a mature reader. 

(Books reviewed by Kirsten Allan). 


ALPHA 

It was on Wednesday the 14th September following the opening of 

The Rugby World Cup that our ninth Alpha Course was launched at 

St. Thomas More’s with what was definitely an ALL BLACK theme 

(much to Father Michael’s delight when he saw the table settings!) 

- NZ silver fern balloons, NZ flags flying and the World Cup Flags 

adorning the foyer. 

Page 20 December 2011 

A team of twenty leaders & helpers came 

and helped at Alpha hosting their guests 

in the small groups’ discussions and 

sharing a meal with them every week. 

A further team of 18-20 people on a 

rostered basis (I like to call them the “A” 

TEAM) came and helped serve our guests 

their dinner and clean up each week for 

10 weeks. They were an AMAZING 

team and I thank them immensely for 

their time given to Alpha. 

Our guests ate ‘dinners fit for a king’, lovingly made by our culinary expertise from 

many, many, many wonderful parishioners who supported Alpha by preparing these 

meals. Over one hundred cooks helped prepare the meals during Alpha. 

The Alpha course presents an opportunity for many parents journeying with their 

children who are preparing for their 

Sacraments of Initiation to learn more 

about their own faith or in a lot of cases 

the ‘basics’ of Christianity. While forty 

children attended their classes after 

‘they too’ were served dinner separately 

in the parish rooms, many parents were 

then invited to come and do Alpha. 

Wednesday evenings became a hive 

of activity as every possible room was 

occupied.

At the end of October 

130 children and 

parents and guests 

on Alpha went to 

‘Keswick Convention 

Centre’ in Rotorua 

for an overnight 

r e t r e a t / A l p h a 

weekend. The people 

on Alpha learned and 

experienced more of 

the Holy Spirit and the children 

continued their lessons in 

preparation for Confirmation. 

The ‘Celebration Supper’ was 

held on the 30th November with 

many attending, invitation was 

made for them to bring along 

a friend, a work colleague, or a 

family member who may like to 

come to the next Alpha course. 

The evening enabled everyone 

to come and give thanks to 

those who helped on Alpha. It 

was also a time of sharing from a few people who gave heartfelt testimony to what the 

Alpha course has given them and their experience on the course. 

What an amazing journey it always is to meet so many wonderful people and see a 

remarkable change in many as they embrace a God who truly loves them. This joy is 

indescribable. 

If you’ve never come to an Alpha Course, make certain that 2012 is the year that you 

do! 

We will be starting a course on TUESDAYS on February 14th 2012. 

It may be the one of the best decisions you have made. 



Below are some testimonies from the 

Alpha Course: 

“The talks were light-hearted with humour, 

however they cemented the truths about 

Christianity in an easy way to relate to.” 

“I now have a stronger faith and feel 

empowered to learn more and live a better life 

and to share with loved ones and others.” 

“Enjoyed meeting new people, enjoyed the 

food. I loved the weekend.” 

“Found fellow Christian youth and gained friends! I also gained confidence in telling 

others. 

Blessings, Heidi Nield. 

, , , 


Dear Parish Community, 

From St. Thomas More School 

It has been a very busy but rewarding year here at St. Thomas More School. The 

children have participated in a variety of learning experiences. It has been a pleasure 

being able to be part of and joining with you in some great experiences. 

One of the experiences that the teachers and children have felt has been invaluable 

in regard to their faith development has been our inclusion in Friday morning Mass. 

We really enjoy joining in as part of the Parish Community. We would like to say a 

big thank you to Chris Jaeger for providing the readings and prayers for us for these 

Masses. Chris is a big part of our liaison with the Parish and makes everything so easy 

for us. 

We have also been very lucky to have been able to join in with the Parishioners of 

St. Patrick’s Parish twice this year. The first was when we went across for St. Patrick’s 

Day Mass. Then just recently for a Christmas Mass and Concert. The people at St. 

Patrick’s Parish always make us feel very welcome and we love the morning tea. Thank 

you for being very welcoming to us. 

Another show of support from the Parish to our school was when we had our Market 

Day. It was great seeing so many people come and join in the fun of Market Day. The 

children felt that their efforts were worthwhile. The money has gone to some very 

worthy causes, because the reason for the day was not to raise money for themselves, 

but to do something for someone else. 

The school would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and Holy 

Christmas and we look forward to learning and working alongside you next year. 

Kerry Duncan 

(Assistant Principal, St. Thomas More School.) 


From the Youth Missionaries 

What a busy final term the youth have had! Both youth groups collaborated to put 

on a parish “FOP” - a Festival of Praise - a beautiful night of stirring worship music, 

testimonies, scripture and the screen debut of a fantastic movie starring members of 

‘Tahu’ and ‘Lighthouse’. 

The two groups also 

enjoyed a joint venture to 

Chipmunks! We hired out 

the facility one evening 

and our youth slid and 

bounced and played 

without having to worry 

about trampling any little 

ones (except the Sealy 

tots). The theme for both 

youth groups this term 

was “Five Phrases That 

Will Change Your Life”. 

We had talks on the power 

of committing inspiring 

scripture to heart - of living by the mottoes of the great saints. Some of the phrases we 

covered included “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!” “Be not 

afraid!” and “Jesus, I trust in You!” 


The girls’ group, ‘Girls and 

God’, enjoyed an overnight 

venture to Auckland. We visited 

the Cathedral, went ice-skating 

and stayed overnight at the 

Bombay Tyburn monastery. It 

was a fantastic trip. The boys’ 

group, ‘A Few Good Men’, took 

an afternoon trip to Oropi where 

they swam under the Gideon’s 

Valley waterfall, went strawberry 

picking and took lessons from

Master Chef Glen on the creation of chocolate covered strawberries. 

‘Tahu’ went on retreat in 

Rotorua in July, which 

included a cross-walk through 

town in hand-made tee 

shirts. ‘Lighthouse’ partied in 

costume during an All Saints’ 

Day Progressive Dinner Party, 

which was intended to serve 

as a transitional event for the 

‘Tahu’ graduates moving up 

to ‘Lighthouse’. The event 

was a wonderful success and 

the youth wish to warmly 

thank Margaret Millar and 



Tracey Mourits, who hosted courses in their homes. Many of the senior class of St. 

Thomas More have begin attending ‘Tahu’ this term and we are all VERY excited to 

see their enthusiasm as they enjoy the youth nights. 

Lastly, the youth have been impressively faithful to participating in the monthly 

pro-life prayer vigil on Girven Road. This month it was rainy and cold on the first 

Saturday, but they braved the weather. The manager 

of ‘Imbibe’ came out with hot tea for all and gave 

us all encouragement to keep standing up for the 

unborn. ‘Imbibe’ has also been very accommodating 

to our young adult group, ‘Frassati’. We’re showing 

our thanks by recommending their restaurant as a 

great choice for Christmas lunches! 

Merry Christmas to all from Rich, Kelly, Christine, Glen and all the youth! 


Catholic Discipleship College 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Seal Seal here here 

eal here 

nity 

z 

‘Memories 

don’t leave 

like people do’ 

Tom Jones 1975 

rt our Sponsors 

Seal here 

Please support our Sponsors 

Please help us care for your community 

Ph: 07 839 9045 

Email: cathcare@xtra.co.nz 

One on London 

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PO Box 9348 

Hamilton 3240 

New Zealand 

“If we live, we live to the Lord; 

and if we die, we die to the Lord; 

so then, whether we live or whether we die, 

we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8) 

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64-7-838-2079 

64-7-839-4652 

www.mcawlewis.co.nz 

This brochure printed August 2011 

Ph: 0800 843 233 

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Email: cdf@cdh.org.nz

LEAVE YOUR LOVED ONES FOND 

MEMORIES .... NOT YOUR FUNERAL COSTS 

Introducing the Catholic Development 

Fund (CDF) Funeral Savings Account 

The CDF Funeral Savings Account is designed to give peace-ofmind 

to the family concerned - providing funds to the estate to 

pay funeral costs (with any surplus funds returned to the estate). 

Deposits can be made by single or casual lump sums, by automatic 

payment from a bank account or by internet banking. Interest is 

paid on the account balance at the prevailing CDF on-call rate. 

The CDF Funeral Savings Account doesn‛t charge 

any account fees, have any minimum deposit, or 

deposit - frequency requirement. All deposits in 

the CDF assist the Roman Catholic Bishop of the 

Catholic Diocese of Hamilton in his charitable and 

religious purposes. 

“He 

will wipe 

every tear 

from their 

eyes, and there 

will be no more 

death or sorrow or 

crying or pain. 

In considering opening a CDF Funeral Savings 

All these things 

Account, please read the Terms and Conditions and are gone 

Securities Act disclosure in the Deposit Disclosure forever.“ 

(Rev 21:4) 

brochure enclosed. You are also encouraged to seek 

independent and professional fi nancial advice. Neither 

the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton or it employees give fi nancial 

advice (as defi ned in the Financial Advisors‛ Act 2008). 

Under current legislation a CDF Funeral Savings Account held for funeral 

expenses of up to $10,000 per person should be exempt from means 

assessment where the Account Holder is applying for a Residential Care 

Subsidy. (We note government policy is subject to change.) 

December 2011 Page 29 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

___ fo 

he

Baptisms 

Mt Maunganui from 10 October 2011 to 30 November 2011 

We welcome into our community: 

Carter Toeke, Mackenzie Robert, Anna McClunie, Blake Waller, 

Max Brookbanks, Benji Ruck 

Te Puke 

We welcome into our community 

Oliver James. 

Deaths 

Mt Maunganui from 11 October 2011 to 30 November 2011 

In loving memory of: 

Marie Makepeace, Margaret (Maggie) McGuire, Tui Blumhardt, 

Alica Kelly, Margaret Armstrong. 

Te Puke from 11 October 2011 to 30 November 2011 

In loving memory of: 

Mary Hyland 

New Parishioners 

Mt Maunganui 

We welcome into our parish family 

Brian Crawley, Tony and Carol Crawford, Alice & Kate Gilday & family, 

Rewa Martin & family, Anne Bernard & family, Michael and Sandra Hale, 

Cath Waller & family 


Thankyou Moira 

‘Housekeeper extraordinaire Moira Wise is 

retiring after 17 years of giving service to 

the church and taking care of our priests. 

This is how we would like to remember 

her! (We do love her really). May God bless 

you Moira and thank you for all you have 

done’ 

Christmas Boxes (Operation Christmas Child) 

Our church produced about forty boxes this year, and some parish families will have 

contributed to the Aquinas total of 50 boxes. Even if we produced only one box- 

such as the beautifully decorated and generously filled box done by 80 year old Judy, 

it would be worth it. CAN YOU SEW. PLEASE CAN YOU MAKE 20 (or more) 

cloth bags with drawstring top, big enough to hold 12-18 marbles!!!!! Can you make 

gathered skirts???? 

My own contribution has relied very heavily on the work of a 74 year old non-Catholic 

friend, who every year produces many beautiful skirts, bags and lightweight scarves. 

Another still older non-Catholic friend has for years made skirts and marble bags; this 

year, despite health issues, she still made two skirts. These formed the heart of ten new 

boxes, and enriched the contents of boxes from other people. The members of the 

Catholic women’s league, as always, responded generously. 

Experience has taught me to make some changes. I have come to realise that some 

people are submitting “fillers” instead of boxes. Next year I will only accept “fillers” 

from the Catholic women’s league and items which have been made by the contributor 



(skirts, dolls, toys and so on). Everyone else, boxes please! It is easiest if one slowly 

collects these non-perishable items all year; I have just bought 12 notebooks from 

Stationery Warehouse, when they had a sale, for 25 cents each. 

Not everyone reads the instructions - packaging should be removed! 

According to the guidelines, we need at least one item from each of a list of 

categories. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Some people forgot the “personal hygiene” bit- (which I define as one or 

more supermarket toothbrushes and cakes of soap). Some generous souls 

contributed handmade boutique soap; these are kids and Knights Castile 

is fine. 

Clothing items (either made or bought in sales) and items for school are the 

heart of any box. I buy a big pack of felts at the Dollar Value shop and split 

it into three. 

Toys - I go for bouncy balls, and skipping ropes for girls and marbles for 

boys (but I need marble bags!). Toys need to be simple and durable and 

without the packaging. 

Something extra; bling is nice for girls, but probably nothing is more useful 

than a windup torch which does not need batteries. 

Something to love- ie a cuddly toy or doll; some generous souls handed in a 

teddy bear as big as a baby! These have to go into shoe boxes- big enough to 

cuddle but small enough to fit into the box and leave room for other things. 

The length of your own foot is a good guide. 

I shall reissue this guide nearer to the time; this is just to keep our brains ticking on 

the subject. 

Our church is involved in a multitude of good works, and none of us can do all of 

them. I do hardly any of them. But this one has Our Lord’s special promise (Matt 

25:40) “In as much as you did it for the smallest of my brothers and sisters, you did 

it unto me.” 


ph: 8788582 (leave a clear message and contact number). 


BAPTISM PREPARATION PROGRAM 

BAPTISM PREPARATION PROGRAM 

If you are wanting your child baptised, please 

If you are wanting your child baptised, please 

contact the Parish Priest through the parish 

contact the Parish Priest through the parish 

office to book in for a Baptism Course. 

office to book in for a Baptism Course. 

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE 

Meetings are held in the Church complex on 

the 3rd Thursday each month after 9.00 Mass. 

We need new members to help us continue the 

good works we do for our missions and parish. 

Our motto: “Faith and Service” 

Contact : Ann Margaret Thomson, Sherry, ph. ph. 575 575 3644 7868 

DOVE CATHOLIC FELLOWSHIP FOR 

WOMEN 

We encourage all women to come and 

meet Jesus in a personal way. Meetings 

are held on the second Monday of each 

month at 7.30 pm at Aquinas College 

Chapel, 183 Pye’s Pa Rd., Tauranga. 

Contact : Shona, Kay, Ph. ph. 544 543 8589 0101 

MAORI MIHA (MASS IN IN MAORI) is is 

celebrated every 1st 1st Sunday of of the month 

at at 10.30 am., followed by by a cup of of tea. 

Nau mai! All All are most welcome! 

MARIAN MOTHERS’ GROUP 

MOTHERS’ PRAYER GROUP 

The group is in recess at present and requires 

someone 

Meets in 

who 

the 

is 

Parish 

prepared 

Lounge 

to run 

each 

next 

Friday 

year’s 

meetings. at 1.15 pm. If you are interested, please phone 

the Parish secretary. 

PAX CHRISTI/SOCIAL JUSTICE GROUP. 

LAZARUS 

We respond 

EXPERIENCE 

to social justice issues in the 

Is light a ministry of Church of the teaching, Church both offering at home support and 

& around pastoral the care world. to those For who more have information suffered the 

pain please of phone a broken Dolores marriage. on For 575-3686 information or 

on Peter the on next 574-0976 Lazarus Weekend, please Contact 

Peter, ph. 575 2973 or Michael, ph. 543 1506 

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interested “see how they persons love are one welcome another” to join us. 

Contact: • To build Margaret and promote Sherry community 5757868 spirit 

or within Cathy the 575 Parish 7538 

Please call Merrilyn Barran on 575 4148 

COFFEE GROUP 

if you wish to share in our vision. 

Meets Tuesdays during the school term, 

anytime ST. VINCENT from 9.45am de PAUL to 12.00pm. SOCIETY 

Everyone We meet (ages in the 0 Parish to 100) Lounge is welcome every for 2nd & 

a 4th cuppa Thursday and a chat. of each Children’s month at activities 9.45 am. All 

provided. interested persons are welcome to join us. 

Contact Christine nos: Madeleine ph: 5748722 575 9124 or or Cathy 

Jeannie 575 7538 txt/ph: 022010VITA 

YOUTH ST. THOMAS GROUPS MORE PLAYGROUP 

The Meets Tahu every Group Tuesday (Ages in 7-9) the Parish Complex 

meets from 10‑30am 7 – 8.30pm ‑ 12 on noon. Fridays Small friendly group 

The of mothers Lighthouse with Group pre‑schoolers (Ages 10-13) from babies to 

meets 5 yr. olds. 6.30 A - half 8.30 hour pm on of movement Sundays to music, 

Meetings 

crafts and 

are 

playdoh. 

held in 

Come 

the Frassati 

& join us 

Room 

in a cup of 

coffee or tea. Friends and family members are 

For further information, contact 

welcome! Contact Christine on 574 8722 to 

Kelly know more. & Richard, 

Youth Missionaries. 

Page 44 December 2011 October 2008 Page 33

Welcome Home 

“I just drifted away.....” 

“Life got too busy...” 

“I didn t get on with the priest...” 

“Someone insulted me...” 

“The kids had sport on Sunday....” 

“I found Mass boring...” 

Whatever your reasons are for leaving, 

we would like to welcome you home. 

If you have been considering coming back to the 

Church but not sure of the first step, call Maureen 

Gielen for a Free CD explaining the faith: 

07 5742586

SUPPORT YOUR PARISH 

SUPPORT For every list and YOUR sell that PARISH I do that 

comes from the congregation I will 

For every list and sell that I do that 

donate 

comes 

$1,000 

from the 

to 

congregation 

the church along 

I will 

donate 

with 

$1,000 

a 10% discount 

to the church 

off the 

along 

commission with a 10% for discount every listing off the sold. 

Please 

commission 

contact me 

for every listing sold. 

for details on: 

Please contact me 

07 for details 575 6565 on: 

or 07 575 6565 

0274 or 578 899 

a/h 0274 07 578 575 899 5007 

email: a/h 07 lazbo@ihug.co.nz 

575 5007 

email: lazbo@ihug.co.nz 

St Thomas More, 

Mount Maungnaui 

Mass Times: 

Saturday Vigil, 7.00pm 

Sunday 9.00am 

Parish Priest: Fr Michael Gielen 

Permanent Deacon: Hank Gielen 

Secretary: Jan Baker 

Parish council chairperson: Linda Castle 

Parish Office and Presbytery Ph. (07) 575 4807 

Office hours: Mon - Fri 9:00am - 12:00pm 

17 Gloucester Road, Mount Maunganui 3116 

Parish Directory 

www.athomecare.co.nz 

www.athomecare.co.nz 

Community Resource Directory 

Community Database Resource Directory Directory 

Database Find Directory all 

Information, Find Businesses all 

Information, Services, Products Businesses 

For retired Services, & elderly Products Tauranga Mount 

For retired Maunganui & elderly Papamoa Tauranga Mount 

Maunganui Papamoa 

contact 

Margaret contact Millar 

NZRN. Margaret Grad Dip Millar Buss. 

NZRN. Grad Dip Buss. 

p. 07 574 9365 

m. p. 027 07 574 693 9365 2773 

marg@athomecare.co.nz 

m. 027 693 2773 

marg@athomecare.co.nz 

Check out the website now!! This service is FREE 

Check out the website now!! This service is FREE 

St Patricks, 

Te Puke 

Mass Times 

Saturday Vigil, 5.00pm 

Parish Priest: Fr Michael Gielen 

Permanent Deacon: Henk Gielen 

Parish Pastoral Council 

and Administration: Lee Higgins 

Parish Manager: Barry Jones 

Ph. 573 7060 

Parish Office (07) 573 9975 - fax: (07) 573 9975 

59 Queen Street, Te Puke

Making a 

Lasting Gift 

Telephone 07 576 7941 

or visit

Mount Maunganui Parish, St Thomas More Catholic ...

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