Well... we have almost reached the end of the first month of 2008. For me it went uncomfortably fast!!
Group meetings are becoming more frequent, and pastoral preparation sessions are starting to take off, which is great.
This month I have been reflecting upon how sometimes in our lives we encounter setbacks and obstacles. These can be as simple as havng work when our WYD group is having a meeting, or as complicated as crashing our car and not having a method of transport. There are SO many things that can make life hard and difficult, but that is exactly what makes life LIFE!!
It is a real challenge to our human nature, especially in this day and age, to accept things that go wrong. It is a real challenge to find solutions for all the worries and problems that we experience. But the real challenge is to be joyful in our sufferings and continue praising the Lord for the life we have.
With the preparation for WYD you are going to be busy. With school starting, and jobs coming back from holiday, you are going to be tired. But I urge you to accept the challenge Christ places before us and run the race to the end.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12.1-2
Good luck
In Christchurch we are looking forward to many things in the coming months. Firstly, on the 17th of February there is a Youth Mass in the Cathedral, to which all are welcome. Hope to see you there!!!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Bring a rug!
Hey y'all... this is just a quick blog to invite you all to a FREE concert to raise awareness of the real struggles that people, especially young people can go through. The concert will be held at Tahaki Reserve in Mt Eden, from 4pm to 8.30pm this Saturday (2nd Feb 08). This is also one of several diocesan events leading up to World Youth Day.
How much can you pack into four hours? You name it, we'll see it! Music! Dance! Drama! Its all there!
Speaking of being all there... I'll be there! So come down and say hi. You can even get your very own photo with the Ambassador - cool aye? I've got a bit of stage time and if you're lucky you might just get a shout out from the stage!
There aren't too many things that are free anymore. So why not grab a few friends, grab a rug, bring some kai (food) or some money to buy f0od from the stalls and I'll see you there!
How much can you pack into four hours? You name it, we'll see it! Music! Dance! Drama! Its all there!
Speaking of being all there... I'll be there! So come down and say hi. You can even get your very own photo with the Ambassador - cool aye? I've got a bit of stage time and if you're lucky you might just get a shout out from the stage!
There aren't too many things that are free anymore. So why not grab a few friends, grab a rug, bring some kai (food) or some money to buy f0od from the stalls and I'll see you there!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sir Ed Hillary, a mountain of a man.
Yesterday, NZ and the world farewelled Sir Edmund Hillary. I was privileged to have known Sir Ed personally. I grew up in Otara, South Auckland and eventually I attended Hillary College. As part of Sir Ed's commitment to the school that bore his name, he often visited the school. It was on one such occasion that I was fortunate to meet this mountain of a man. Since then I have kept in regular contact with Sir Ed, the last time being about six months ago.
What I find so enchanting about the Ed Hillary story is that for someone who had a passion for adventure and for pushing himself to the limits, is that he eventually died of old age. That's an achievement!
I have been reflecting on what Sir Ed's passing means for me. Sir Ed scaled the heights of Mt Everest and in his own words, had "the world beneath his clumsy boots". He "knocked the bastard off!" But he did not stay at the top of the mountain. He came down and that's when his real achievements began.
In scriptural tradition, mountains were symbolic of the place where we meet God and where God speaks. He called Moses up a mountain, as he did Elijah and also as Jesus rendered his great "Sermon on the Mount". But all those people whom God called up the mountains, he also sent them back down. It's down the mountain where the people are and where life continues in its joys and struggles. Sir Ed knew what it meant to climb the mountain, but he knew even more what it meant to go back down!
The Sacraments and prayer are where we meet God; our mountains so to speak. But then God challenges us to go back down the mountains and into the real world and be agents of God's love and truth.
Thank you Ed for being an agent of that love and truth. Your example of simple kindness will remain with us forever.
What I find so enchanting about the Ed Hillary story is that for someone who had a passion for adventure and for pushing himself to the limits, is that he eventually died of old age. That's an achievement!
I have been reflecting on what Sir Ed's passing means for me. Sir Ed scaled the heights of Mt Everest and in his own words, had "the world beneath his clumsy boots". He "knocked the bastard off!" But he did not stay at the top of the mountain. He came down and that's when his real achievements began.
In scriptural tradition, mountains were symbolic of the place where we meet God and where God speaks. He called Moses up a mountain, as he did Elijah and also as Jesus rendered his great "Sermon on the Mount". But all those people whom God called up the mountains, he also sent them back down. It's down the mountain where the people are and where life continues in its joys and struggles. Sir Ed knew what it meant to climb the mountain, but he knew even more what it meant to go back down!
The Sacraments and prayer are where we meet God; our mountains so to speak. But then God challenges us to go back down the mountains and into the real world and be agents of God's love and truth.
Thank you Ed for being an agent of that love and truth. Your example of simple kindness will remain with us forever.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Christmas thoughts...
Hey all. Hope your Christmas and New Years went well.
wanted to share this little letter with you all. Father Fernando read it to us during midnight mass here in Piopio. Definitely gives you something to think about..
Hello dear friend!
Well, as you know, it's time for my birthday again.
Last year, they had a really big party for me and it seems like they will again this year. After all they have been shopping and preparing for it for months now, and there have been announcements and advertisements almost every day about how soon it's coming! They really do go overboard about it, but it's nice to know that at least one day of the year some people are thinking about me a little. You know, it's been many years now since they first started celebrating my birthday. Back then they seemed to realize and appreciate how much fun it is for the little children. Just the same, it seems that most folks are missing the point of it all.
Like last year, for example, when my birthday came around, they threw a big party, but can you believe it? I wasn't even invited! Imagine! The guest of honor, and they forgot all about me. Here they had begun preparing for the festivities months in advance, but when the big day came, I was left out in the cold! Well, it happened so many times in recent years, I wasn't even surprised. Even though I wasn't even invited, I thought I'd just quietly slip in anyway. So I came in and stood off to the side. Everyone was drinking, laughing, and having a great time when all of a sudden came this fat fellow in a bright red suit, wearing a phoney white beard shouting, "Ho ho ho!". He looked like he had more than enough to drink. When he collapsed into a big armchair, all of the children went running over to him excitedly yelling, "Santa! Santa!" I mean, you'd have thought he was the guest of honor and the whole holiday was just for him. Then he began telling them the most ridiculous story you ever heard! That he lives at the North pole with a crew of dwarfs and that every year on my birthday he rides in his sleigh pulled by a bunch of flying reindeer, delivering presents to children all over the world! I mean there wasn't a word of truth in anything that he said imagine telling such poor, little, impressionable kids such far fetched fables!
Finally I just had to leave. I walked out the door. It was no surprise that no one even noticed that I had gone. As I walked down the street afterward, I felt about as lonely and forlorn as a stray dog. I could not remember the last time I felt that low. Maybe you don't think I cry?
The little manger scene you put in the corner of your living room is really touching! It's good that people commemorate my birthday like that. Did you know that nowadays, in some countries, the authorities won't even allow manger scenes placed in parks, streets, or public places anymore? Not to mention their schools! I'm not talking about Communist countries! I'm talking about the good, old USA. Imagine! What could be more innocent than a manger scene to remind people of my birthday? Yet it's banned! They've passed laws against it to make it illegal. What is this world coming to? Another thing that amazes me is how, on my birthday, instead of giving me presents, most people give gifts to each other! And to top it off, it's usually the kind of stuff you don't even need! Let me ask you, wouldn't you find it odd if when your birthday came along, all your friends decided to celebrate by giving gifts to each and not giving you a thing?
Someone once told me, "Well, it's because your not around like most people are, so how can we give you a present?" You know my answer to that one?: "Then give gifts of food and clothing to the poor, give help to those who need it. Go visit the lonely! Any gift you give a needy fellow man, I'll count it as if you gave it to me personally." (See Matthew 25:34-40)
Well, there is an end to even my patience. So I'm going to let you in on a secret. Now this is something I have been planning on doing for quite sometime. I'll have my own party! How about that? It's going to be the most fantastic feast you could possibly imagine! It might not happen this year, but I'm sending out the invitations now. I know you'll want to come. There is going to be room for billions, for everyone who wants to come! Some really famous old timers and celebrities are gonna be there and I'll reserve you a seat of honor right with them (see Matthew 8:11). So hold on to your hat because when everything is ready, I'm going to spring it as a big surprise! Many people are going to be left out in the cold because they didn't answer my invitation. Let me know right away if you'd like to come. I'll reserve a place for you and write your name in large golden letters in my great big Guest Book!
Much love,
Jesus
bye for now,
Sarah
wanted to share this little letter with you all. Father Fernando read it to us during midnight mass here in Piopio. Definitely gives you something to think about..
Hello dear friend!
Well, as you know, it's time for my birthday again.
Last year, they had a really big party for me and it seems like they will again this year. After all they have been shopping and preparing for it for months now, and there have been announcements and advertisements almost every day about how soon it's coming! They really do go overboard about it, but it's nice to know that at least one day of the year some people are thinking about me a little. You know, it's been many years now since they first started celebrating my birthday. Back then they seemed to realize and appreciate how much fun it is for the little children. Just the same, it seems that most folks are missing the point of it all.
Like last year, for example, when my birthday came around, they threw a big party, but can you believe it? I wasn't even invited! Imagine! The guest of honor, and they forgot all about me. Here they had begun preparing for the festivities months in advance, but when the big day came, I was left out in the cold! Well, it happened so many times in recent years, I wasn't even surprised. Even though I wasn't even invited, I thought I'd just quietly slip in anyway. So I came in and stood off to the side. Everyone was drinking, laughing, and having a great time when all of a sudden came this fat fellow in a bright red suit, wearing a phoney white beard shouting, "Ho ho ho!". He looked like he had more than enough to drink. When he collapsed into a big armchair, all of the children went running over to him excitedly yelling, "Santa! Santa!" I mean, you'd have thought he was the guest of honor and the whole holiday was just for him. Then he began telling them the most ridiculous story you ever heard! That he lives at the North pole with a crew of dwarfs and that every year on my birthday he rides in his sleigh pulled by a bunch of flying reindeer, delivering presents to children all over the world! I mean there wasn't a word of truth in anything that he said imagine telling such poor, little, impressionable kids such far fetched fables!
Finally I just had to leave. I walked out the door. It was no surprise that no one even noticed that I had gone. As I walked down the street afterward, I felt about as lonely and forlorn as a stray dog. I could not remember the last time I felt that low. Maybe you don't think I cry?
The little manger scene you put in the corner of your living room is really touching! It's good that people commemorate my birthday like that. Did you know that nowadays, in some countries, the authorities won't even allow manger scenes placed in parks, streets, or public places anymore? Not to mention their schools! I'm not talking about Communist countries! I'm talking about the good, old USA. Imagine! What could be more innocent than a manger scene to remind people of my birthday? Yet it's banned! They've passed laws against it to make it illegal. What is this world coming to? Another thing that amazes me is how, on my birthday, instead of giving me presents, most people give gifts to each other! And to top it off, it's usually the kind of stuff you don't even need! Let me ask you, wouldn't you find it odd if when your birthday came along, all your friends decided to celebrate by giving gifts to each and not giving you a thing?
Someone once told me, "Well, it's because your not around like most people are, so how can we give you a present?" You know my answer to that one?: "Then give gifts of food and clothing to the poor, give help to those who need it. Go visit the lonely! Any gift you give a needy fellow man, I'll count it as if you gave it to me personally." (See Matthew 25:34-40)
Well, there is an end to even my patience. So I'm going to let you in on a secret. Now this is something I have been planning on doing for quite sometime. I'll have my own party! How about that? It's going to be the most fantastic feast you could possibly imagine! It might not happen this year, but I'm sending out the invitations now. I know you'll want to come. There is going to be room for billions, for everyone who wants to come! Some really famous old timers and celebrities are gonna be there and I'll reserve you a seat of honor right with them (see Matthew 8:11). So hold on to your hat because when everything is ready, I'm going to spring it as a big surprise! Many people are going to be left out in the cold because they didn't answer my invitation. Let me know right away if you'd like to come. I'll reserve a place for you and write your name in large golden letters in my great big Guest Book!
Much love,
Jesus
bye for now,
Sarah
Holidays are over, back to work!
Well, if those were the holidays, then I've had 'em! Yes its back to work! Do you know this is my first Summer holiday in over seven years... Why? you ask...
As the Diocesan Coordinator for Youth Ministry we ran a Summer Camp for young people in our Diocese during January. Now that I am no longer with the Diocesan Youth Ministry I get to have January off! At first it felt a little weird and I was eager to get back to work. But now that I am actually sitting at my desk, I wish I were still on holiday.
There were a couple events that happened during that time which I'd like to briefly blog about. The first being the Feast of the Epiphany; the finding of the infant Jesus by the Magi and their presentation of some very strange gifts. I mention this because, their story was the inspiration for the theme of WYD 2005 in Cologne. "We have come to worship him" was their request to Jesus' parents. A focal point for the WYD 05 celebrations was the venerated Cathedral in Cologne; the Dom as the locals call it.
Tradition holds that the relics of the Magi are enshrined in that very Cathedral.
I remember not being very impressed by the Dom, having seen it in many photos, postcards and the like. That was until I exited the train station adjacent to the Cathedral and looking up to those famous spires and being absolutely awestruck not only by the sheer size of the Cathedral but by the detail its architects and builders had rendered to the building.
Entering the Dom with four other companions from our little parish Church in Otara we gazed upon the gold gilded reliquary encasing the Magi. At that moment, World Youth Day gave to us its truest expression. "We have come to worship him!" Whether or not the Magi relics were actually enshrined really didn't matter to us. What did matter was that five young people from Otara followed their faith and sacrificed, and fundraised, and did all that was necessary to travel to the other side of the world to 'worship him'
The second event also celebrates someone travelling to the other side of the world. Arriving on the 10th January 1838, Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier sailed into "God's Furthest Outpost" bringing with him the treasures of our Catholic tradition- the Sacraments. This year marks the 175th anniversary of that event and on the 13th January we celebrate the anniversary of his first Mass; the first on NZ soil.
For me, these two events capture the essence of these World Youth Days; that people are prepared to go to the ends of the earth, to follow their faith and worship the Lord.
As the Diocesan Coordinator for Youth Ministry we ran a Summer Camp for young people in our Diocese during January. Now that I am no longer with the Diocesan Youth Ministry I get to have January off! At first it felt a little weird and I was eager to get back to work. But now that I am actually sitting at my desk, I wish I were still on holiday.
There were a couple events that happened during that time which I'd like to briefly blog about. The first being the Feast of the Epiphany; the finding of the infant Jesus by the Magi and their presentation of some very strange gifts. I mention this because, their story was the inspiration for the theme of WYD 2005 in Cologne. "We have come to worship him" was their request to Jesus' parents. A focal point for the WYD 05 celebrations was the venerated Cathedral in Cologne; the Dom as the locals call it.
Tradition holds that the relics of the Magi are enshrined in that very Cathedral.
I remember not being very impressed by the Dom, having seen it in many photos, postcards and the like. That was until I exited the train station adjacent to the Cathedral and looking up to those famous spires and being absolutely awestruck not only by the sheer size of the Cathedral but by the detail its architects and builders had rendered to the building.
Entering the Dom with four other companions from our little parish Church in Otara we gazed upon the gold gilded reliquary encasing the Magi. At that moment, World Youth Day gave to us its truest expression. "We have come to worship him!" Whether or not the Magi relics were actually enshrined really didn't matter to us. What did matter was that five young people from Otara followed their faith and sacrificed, and fundraised, and did all that was necessary to travel to the other side of the world to 'worship him'
The second event also celebrates someone travelling to the other side of the world. Arriving on the 10th January 1838, Bishop Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier sailed into "God's Furthest Outpost" bringing with him the treasures of our Catholic tradition- the Sacraments. This year marks the 175th anniversary of that event and on the 13th January we celebrate the anniversary of his first Mass; the first on NZ soil.
For me, these two events capture the essence of these World Youth Days; that people are prepared to go to the ends of the earth, to follow their faith and worship the Lord.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Ia manuia lava le tausaga fou! Happy New Year to you all!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
The word new – fresh, original, novel, beginning, start, a chance to start again – has always capitulated me to the fear of the unknown. There will be challenges of preparation and the huge task of fundraising, conflicts of interest and overcoming differences, as well as many doubts and defying many odds. However, with God as the foundation source of all and his amazing gift of faith, there is no doubt that the New Year ahead will not be shrouded in fear. We have nothing to fear – and it is in the learning of this message that I am excited – for faith is certain and true.
The events this year in Sydney are going to be great! This year!! Wow, no longer can we say, “This time next year”. How time flies, but I'm so looking forward to being able to pilgrim together and come closer to God and His people. As we journey through this exciting year, I will like to reflect briefly on 2007 and what a joy the year has brought upon us - and say thanks to God for all the blessings. In particular, I would like to share a special thanks to all those who have supported and showered their love upon myself in this humbling role as Ambassador. Malo lava le onosa'i, fa'afetai mo lo outou lagolago malosi, ma ia manuia lava lenei tausaga mo outou uma.
2008…. here we come!
I’ll keep you all posted on the great things we are doing here in Wellington – we are all very active in getting ourselves to Sydney – so watch this space!
May God’s love and guidance bring you all joy and prosperity as we continue to journey towards Sydney. Never forget to enjoy the ride, and have fun!
Happy New Year everybody!
Manuia lava le tausaga fou!
The word new – fresh, original, novel, beginning, start, a chance to start again – has always capitulated me to the fear of the unknown. There will be challenges of preparation and the huge task of fundraising, conflicts of interest and overcoming differences, as well as many doubts and defying many odds. However, with God as the foundation source of all and his amazing gift of faith, there is no doubt that the New Year ahead will not be shrouded in fear. We have nothing to fear – and it is in the learning of this message that I am excited – for faith is certain and true.
The events this year in Sydney are going to be great! This year!! Wow, no longer can we say, “This time next year”. How time flies, but I'm so looking forward to being able to pilgrim together and come closer to God and His people. As we journey through this exciting year, I will like to reflect briefly on 2007 and what a joy the year has brought upon us - and say thanks to God for all the blessings. In particular, I would like to share a special thanks to all those who have supported and showered their love upon myself in this humbling role as Ambassador. Malo lava le onosa'i, fa'afetai mo lo outou lagolago malosi, ma ia manuia lava lenei tausaga mo outou uma.
2008…. here we come!
I’ll keep you all posted on the great things we are doing here in Wellington – we are all very active in getting ourselves to Sydney – so watch this space!
May God’s love and guidance bring you all joy and prosperity as we continue to journey towards Sydney. Never forget to enjoy the ride, and have fun!
Happy New Year everybody!
Manuia lava le tausaga fou!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy New Year
As the Church’s New Year begins I have been reflecting on the Sunday readings, particularly the readings from the First Sunday in Advent. The readings focused on what was going to happen at the end of time. I thought to myself, “Why focus on the end at the beginning?”
The more I thought about the end, the more I thought about the path towards it. Then the penny dropped! I guess we are given the images of the end of time at the beginning of the Church’s new year to inspire us to think about the road(s) we will travel to get there. The end has pretty much been planned but the journey there will unfold day by day, month by month.
Get ready, be awake, stay alert! All cautionary statements that get us thinking about what it is we’re waiting for; why we should be alert. Its just like being on a bus. If you aren’t paying attention to your journey and just daydream through it; you could miss your stop!
This Advent I encourage us all to focus on the journey as well as the destination. Happy New Year everybody!
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