From left to right:
Bishop Michael's online retreat, Shine TV Easter liturgies, 3000 Easter bunnies delivered to Monte Cecilia Housing Trust by the Warehouse, St Vincent de Paul delivering foodparcels

Parishioners Helping Communities 
 

Through the generosity of some Far-North parishioners, a local church has been the grateful recipient of chickens – over 300 of them. 

Father Maliu from St Peters parish in Pungaru, received a call from some of his previous parishioners. ‘Do you want some chickens?’, they asked. ‘Yes,’ was his instant reply. And soon he realised that he had said yes to receiving 300 live chickens to share with his parish and community. 

Having a ready supply of fresh eggs for his parishioners and community has been a bonus for many local families. And Father Maliu has found the chance to look after his own brood of chickens during the lockdown period an enjoyable experience, too, even despite runaway chooks going for a wander through the presbytery.  

Soon Father will be saying goodbye to the majority of his chooks, as a family with six children have asked if they can have them.  

When Father was asked what else he would like to add to this story, he replied with a quote from one of the Star Wars movies. “Do it or don’t do it. But don’t try because you will never do it.” 

Possibly a first; on Sunday 19th April, the Feast of the Divine Mercy, a Miha (Mass) was celebrated in Te Reo Māori. Pā Peter Tipene, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, lead the celebration of Miha Māori which at least 90 participants and their whānau “zoomed” in. 
 
The various parts of the Mass were led by Katekita (Catechists and Lay Leaders of Prayer) from Te Whānau Tapu Parish in Epsom. Each led their respective roles from their own homes. The Zoom technology has allowed this to happen while we are restricted from gathering.
 
Of particular note, Pā Ryan, who because of advanced age (he is in his 90’s) hasn’t been able to phyiscally be present at Te Ūnga Waka and Te Whānau Tapu Parish, was able to be virtually present for the Miha. 
 
Whānau from as far afield as Wellington, Sydney, Brisbane, Whāngarei and the Taitokerau were able to be present and celebrate together. Such is novelty of using technology, that we truly are a Church without borders. 
 
Pā Peter has offered to lead Miha each week until such time as we can gather again, which we are really looking forward to. Here a few screen shots from our “Miha Topa” (Zoom Mass).

This is a digital edition of the latest NZ Catholic, produced by our staff from their homes during the lockdown because of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

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