WelCom February 2024
Archbishop Paul Martin sm, Archbishop of Wellington
Tēnā koutou katoa
Greetings to you as we begin a New Year. I hope that the holiday period has been an enjoyable one for you all and you have had some time for rest and relaxation. For those of you who have worked over the holidays so that others may rest, thank you.
A number of parishes in our two dioceses are changing their priests this year. It is never easy for us when there is change like this. I hope you will welcome your new priests and help them as they settle into the new faith communities to which they have been appointed.
In two weeks, we begin the season of Lent. It occurs relatively early this year, with Ash Wednesday on 14 February. It usually takes us a while to settle into the year and so an early Lent can catch us out. Yet this is an important time for us all in terms of preparation to celebrate the death and resurrection of Our Lord. This reality lies at the heart of our Christian lives, the mystery of God’s generosity in sending his Son and then his dying and rising so that we might have eternal life.
The Church calls us to enter into a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving during Lent. All three are key parts of the spiritual journey, for they involve communication with God, denial of ourselves in material things, and care for our brothers and sisters. We need all three of these if we are to be truly ready for Easter.
I want to encourage you to make the most of Lent this year. Set aside a time each day for some personal prayer. Read the scriptures for Mass each day or find a resource that provides some reflection for you. If your parish is having a time of Adoration then commit to attending it, make it a priority. In terms of fasting give up something that really costs you, which will be a challenge. For almsgiving be generous – the Caritas appeal is a key way that we as Catholics support financially those in need, it is our agency and they rely on our support. You might also decide to do something for others on a regular basis during this time of Lent. Don’t settle for just a little thing, do something significant.
I know from my own experience that when I have really challenged myself during Lent in these areas the fruits have been significant, both in terms of celebrating Easter but also in my life with God and with others. I hope that you too will discover this for yourself again as we embrace this upcoming Lenten season.
Blessings to you in Christ.
Caritas Lent Appeal 2024
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual Bishops’ Lent Appeal, now underway for this year, shares several stories of transformation.
Caritas’ mission across the globe builds on the strength of local partners to drive community development. For example, in Papua New Guinea, longstanding partner Lujan Home for Girls, transforms the lives of young vulnerable women.
Located in Vanimo, PNG, the home is a compassionate refuge run by the Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará (ssvm) Sisters, where three dedicated nuns support and care for 21 young women and girls aged from two to 30.
The home offers a safe haven for girls who have faced tough challenges, including forced marriages, abuse, impoverished families, limited access to education, and severe risk of harm from suffering such diseases like TB and malnutrition, to facing threats due to false accusations of sorcery.
Lujan Home for Girls warmly embraces and protects vulnerable women and girls in a loving and joyful family environment. In addition to emotional support and physical safety, essential life skills are attained for continued success when they leave the home.
Strong partnerships like this are the foundation of Caritas’ mission. This partnership, which began in 2017, gives hope and empowers the women and girls them to realise their full potential and lead lives of dignity and hope.
A special gift to the Bishops’ Lent Appeal 2024 will help ensure transformational work like this can continue. Please visit Caritas.org.nz/Lent to learn more or donate.
Special Lent reflection booklets are available on Caritas’ website – caritas.org.nz/lent-resources. These resources, for use in small groups or individually, are to help guide prayer and reflection on your Lenten journey.
Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the Season of Lent, which falls this year on 14 February; with Palm Sunday 24 March, Good Friday 29 March, and Easter Sunday 31 March.