austraLasia

Takatū Ki Te Mau I Te Rongo Pai (Maori version)

By Fr. Mathew V, SDB

Are we ready to be Christians full time, showing our commitment by word and deed?

Pope Francis

Auckland, New Zealand, September 6, 2015 - Four month after the first historical visit of the Rector Major to New Zealand, our two Parish Primary Schools (St Mary in Avondale and St Paul in Massey) can offer a wonderful life witness to the mission commitment of Auckland Catholic community.

In the large variety of multicultural community (30+ different cultures among the students of each school) the commitment of our Lay Mission Partners – leadership of each school: principal, board, teachers and parents – accompanied by the close presence of Fr. Aleki (St.Paul) and Fr. Mathew (St.Marys) bring multiple fruits. In a short period of 4-6 years the Salesian spirit became an inspiration in the evangelizing drive.

In the foyer of St Marys Primary in Avondale you can feel (Facebook: St. Mary's Catholic Primary School Avondale) you can feel immediately the fruits of feedbacks to the school Vision – Mission (photo!). Our students are becoming evangelizers of their parents through the rotating ‘Prayer box’ (Small kit of Bible, candles, Crucifix, Statue of Mary…) in their own families. After learning in the school, they are able to guide their family prayer at home. Every year there are in each school some non-Catholic students asking to be accepted to the Church.

Constant presence of the Parish priests in the School Board and Friday sharing of the Sunday Gospel with each year level by Fr. Aleki does express our ‘spirit of assistance’ among the teachers and students as well.

Of course, there are also many challenges – like a constant difficulty to find enough Catholic teachers for both schools. Parents of our kids are looking for a community, sense of hope, joy and support and vibrant liturgies on Sunday. The Salesians consider long term strategy leading to the senior Don Bosco Groups (Secondary school students) already active in both parishes.

There are also numerous dreams in our two schools – like a possible start of a Secondary Catholic School, to have some Filipino Salesian in Auckland (after the four largest groups of Samoan, Tongan, Kiwis and Indians the Filipino students are a good number). A possible future connection to other EAO Salesian sister schools is considered.

The multi-language versions (English – Chinese – Korean – Indonesian – Maori – Vietnamese – Samoan – Tongan) of the Auckland pastoral plan 2014-2019 ‘Fit for Mission’ are available on bosco.link.

Main strategies of the Auckland ‘FIT FOR MISSION’ pastoral plan:

In order to engage every Catholic in the diocese to reach out to bring the Good News and love of Jesus to ALL, the Catholic diocese of Auckland urges diocesan agencies, parishes, schools and individuals to grow and become more in the following ways;

Reach out to those outside or distant from our communities

Go out and share the Word
Welcome new and returning members

Pastoral collaboration

Work collaboratively across community boundaries
Build stronger links among schools, parishes, and families

Leadership for Mission

Promote shared and co-responsible leadership among clergy and laity
Acknowledge and celebrate lay leadership
Support our bishop and clergy

Communication for Mission

Share the Good News by all means and in all modes
Create a sense of belonging
Encourage life-long faith learning

Challenge each other to proclaim the Good News! (Bishop Patrick Dunn, Auckland)