Statement: 19 February 2020
‘Catholic bishops warn proposed abortion law removes tenuous unborn rights New Zealand’s Catholic bishops are concerned that unborn babies will lose their existing tenuous legal rights if Parliament passes the Abortion Legislation Bill in the form proposed by a select committee.
And unborn babies with a fetal disability will have even less protection than under the current law, the bishops note.’

The full text of the Catholic bishops statement can be read here.

‘The amendments fail to deal with substantive concerns raised by The Nathaniel Centre and the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference in their submission to the Select Committee.’

Ongoing concerns are summarised here

Information and Enrolment Form

Wednesday 26 February

Come and support the Sisters of St Peter Claver raise funds
for Catholic Missionary work around the world.
The 2020 Mission Fair has something for everyone with a variety
of stalls, raffles, food and entertainment
– and a great way for the community to come together.

10 am to 1 pm Saturday 22nd February
St Francis de Sales Church Hall and Grounds

Donations of good quality items for sale at the Fair are greatly appreciated
and can be delivered to the sisters at
1 Mersey St, Island Bay, Wellington or phone 383 8401 for collection.

• Thurs Feb 20 Advance group gather overnight in Whanganui at the Josephite Retreat Centre
• Fri Feb 21 Morning liturgy then up the Whanganui river lead by Sr Catherine Hannan DOLC. Parishioners welcome to drive direct to Sisters of Compassion old convent for dinner & prayer/sleep dorm style
• Sat Feb 22 B/fast /Morning Prayer/ Presentation Sr Catherine & Mark MacCallum /Lunch /Explore Grounds /River Swim /Dinner/ Art share/Supper
• Sun Feb 23 B/fast /Mass in the Jerusalem Church/ Lunch /Depart Wgtn @ 2.00pm

  Complete signup sheet after Mass today.
  Contact John Dalgety 027 338 3576 or johndalgety57@gmail.com

We welcome Fr Cirilo Barlis who will begin his ministry in our parish this weekend.
Fr Cirilo joins the Parish Leadership Team with Fr Doug and Joe Green.
He previously served at Te Awakairangi Parish, Lower Hutt.

The Parish offices will be closed from 23rd December until Monday 27th January 2020. There will be no newsletters after Sunday 22nd December until Sunday 2nd February.

Ellie has been elected ‘Special Character Leader’ for 2020 at St Catherine’s College. Ellie has been an active member of the St Francis de Sales community for many years. We wish Ellie a wonderful break and all the best for her final year in College