Bishop Denis, when there is a matter of importance or significance that he wishes to share with the Diocese, will often write a Pastoral Letter.

RECENT PASTORAL LETTERS

Below are Bishop Denis' latest Pastoral Letters. Click on the links below for reading the Pastoral Letters online or for downloading.

YEAR FOR PRIESTS

3 November 2009

Pastoral_Letter_2009.11.03.pdf

8 June 2009

Pastoral_Letter_2009.06.08.pdf

APPOINTMENTS

for 2010

17 November 2009

Pastoral_Letter_2009.11.17.pdf

Bishop Denis has invited people of the Diocese to participate in a conversation with him about the impact of the present financial recession and our response to it.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

Bishop Denis has convened four regional meetings in Hamilton, Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga and Whakatane. These have all been well attended.

OUR RESPONSE TO THE RECESSION

The responses from throughout the Diocese will be collated and posted to this page. If you would like to have your say as well or offer suggestions, we would love to hear from you.

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE DIOCESE

Below are the responses from regions, parishes, groups and individuals on how we can help those in need.

Saint Joseph's Parish, Te Puna

has produced a list of social service agencies in the Tauranga area, and is attaching this to our next parish newsletter, and also considering a community 'letterbox drop' to inform all local households of where they can go for assistance when in difficulties resulting from the present economic conditions.

Saint Columba's Parish, Frankton

We have talked about this [our response to the recession] at the Parish Council meeting and have come up with several activities we wish to implement. Currently we are in the process of setting up a job register, listing any work parishioners may require to be done with the idea that this work may be able to be completed by someone in our community with the skill set required.

Also we are to implement the food basket donation with a reminder by way of text, for those who wish to bring an item to Sunday Mass. Brown paper bags, decorated by the school children will be handed out after Mass for those who wish to take one.

We have purchased the community directory of agencies who can offer a wide range of help and advice, with essential numbers listed on a notice board in the foyer of the church

We intend to invite St Vincent De Paul to speak after Mass about their activities and have a promotion through July. Hopefully this will led to more volunteers to help with meal preparation and any other assistance they may require.

The Parish office will be the point of contact for anyone wishing to seek assistance.

Saint Thomas More Parish, Mount Maunganui

On 21 June St Thomas More Parish, Mount Maunganui, launched “Giving Back” as their response to assist those affected by the recession. An attractive brochure was distributed in which  the Parish asked for help in the following areas:

1. •Visiting, Meals,
   

2. •Prayer Chain,
   

3. •Household Chores.
   

Each area has a contact person and contact details.

Saint Patrick's Parish, Taupo

We are planning to offer training to parishioners interested in assisting people who may be approaching WINZ for help. This training will be carried out by Catholic Family Support Services.

Confirmations

The Ordinary Minister of Sacrament of Confirmation is the Bishop.

Bishop Denis, whenever possible, travels to the different parish communities to confer the sacrament and to celebrate with them this important moment in the life of the Church and the parish.

On those occasions when the Bishop cannot be there personally, he will depute his Vicar General to represent him.

For pastoral reasons, the Bishop may also depute the Parish Priest to confer the sacrament.

To organise a date for the celebration of Confirmation in your community, please apply in writing to the Bishop’s secretary.