Two years ago today my father died. Three years ago tomorrow my mother died. Both were relatively young (74 & 70), but as my father, Con, often said: we are only...
john oconnor
it is night
I was sitting outside earlier as the sun went down. It is now dark and the only noise is the occasional jet passing overhead.My day has not been as busy as many of you...
for the greater glory of God
Last weekend I celebrated Mass again at some of the most beautifully built and immaculately maintained churches in the country. Â The people of the Hurunui (North...
Catholic Hurunui
Today the website for the parishes of North Canterbury is launched. You will find this atwww.catholichurunui.co.nz
circumstances
Joy and peace in life, are not the consequence of being free of suffering, grief or pain. Painful realities are simply (for all of us at times, and for many of us much...
Consecrated Life
Today, February 2 the Church celebrates a Day for Consecrated Life.There was a time when Catholic parents prayed that at least one of their children would become a...
expectation
Today's Gospel reading got me thinking, and praying, and expecting.They said, "Where did this man get all this?What kind of wisdom has been given him?What mighty deeds...
the first Sunday
Well I have just arrived back in Cheviot after driving 400km and celebrating four Sunday Masses. This was my first weekend as Parish Priest of the three parishes of...
attractive authority
tap here for the today's readings:Â Fourth Sunday of the YearTrue authority is attractive.This is the kind of statement that will have already got you thinking. Let me...
choose life
The Liturgy of the Church is centred on the celebration of the Mass and the daily prayer of the Hours: the Prayer of the Church. The Internet enables the complete...
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chosen
I'm leading a retreat for the priests of the Catholic dioceses of Auckland and Hamilton this week. Today's Gospel reading was timely for our group; Jesus calling the twelve. I was reflecting with the group that the twelve Jesus chose to be his intimate friends and...
tasting beauty
Last weekend the Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch took the decision to restore their earthquake-damaged Cathedral. While a decision about the future of the Catholic Cathedral will be made after the appointment of a new bishop, the Anglican Community of...
Anglican Synod
I invite all Food For Faith readers to join with me in prayer for our friends the bishop and parishioners of the Anglican diocese of Christchurch who gather for Synod this weekend to discuss many matters of mission and maintenance, including the future plans for their...
if you aspire…
It's Monday morning. As you head to a new work week, yesterday's "take up your cross" gospel reading might well express your feeling. For all of us work has it's tough moments. Sometimes the burden of our jobs threatens to sap our strength and deplete our joy robbing...
the real work
Today I arrive home after spending the last three weeks at some remarkable gatherings. Vacation The first week I was a chaplain to 320 people of all ages from small town Italy who meet for vacation every year. They are attracted by the friendship that is a first fruit...