Kia Ora Marists, Marian Mothers and friends, As I write, the whole country is back in Alert Levels 2/3 so we pray for a speedy resolution to the current community COVID transmissions. It seems clear 2021 will still be unstable, but continuing with plans with a predetermined resilience to make changes as and when needed, looks like our best option. Even so, we are blessed in New Zealand and reminded to pray for everyone impacted by Covid around the world. Many lost Ash Wednesday services and are now missing the Eucharist but the hunger and desire for the presence of God is a prayer very dear to the heart of God.  We hope and pray we can gather and worship for Easter.

An easy to print PDF version of this news is available HERE

 

 

Reflection Day

The reflection day on 27th February on Being Set Free was well received and completed just in time.  We are able to roll this out around the country in either 10:30 -3 pm days, or shorter versions over an evening, morning or afternoon are possible. Please contact Bev to make arrangements.

Beatification of Fr Jean Claude Colin

On 12 February this year the final diocesan inquiry on the beatification of Fr Jean-Claude Colin was held in Lyon.

Further developments are now in the hands of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Fr Colin, Pray for us.

Laudato Si 7 Year Roll Our Plan:

An inspirational presentation on Laudato Si,
Care of Our Common Home, was shared by
Fr Joshtrom Kureethdam SDB of the Vatican,
to all branches of the Marist Family (Frs, Srs,
Brs, Lay) by Zoom in February.

Thanks to Australian Marist Laity you can view and
listen to the presentation here: Laudatio Si
Action Plan – 13 February 2021
(maristlaityaustralia.com)

Begin by sharing it in your family / community this Lent then start walking the journey together.

You, your ideas and both personal and community actions are needed.

Please share proposals or actions with us at the office so you can encourage others. I will add more material as it becomes available.

NZ’s Climate Commission Work.

The NZ Arch Diocese of Wellington is encouraging NZ Catholic’s to get involved. Check it out here- New Zealand’s Climate Commission work ‘absolutely vital’.

 

Pope’s March prayer Intention. Sacrament of Reconciliation.

We pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God. Archdiocese of Wellington (catholic.org.nz)

Lent Reflection Fast From-Feast On

Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; Feast on the unity of life.
Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light.
Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of
God.
Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; Feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; Feast on divine order.
Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; Feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; Feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance.
Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; Feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragements; Feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; Feast on verities that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; Feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; Feast on promises that in-
spire.
Fast from shadows of sorrow; Feast on the sunlight of serenity.
Fast from idle gossip; Feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer that
[strengthens]
—William Arthur Ward (American author, teacher and pastor,
1921-1994.)