2010 Walk By Faith Graduation

The 2010 Walk By Faith Graduation Mass was held recently at Pompallier Diocesan Centre, at which Bishop Patrick Dunn presented Graduates Titia Schaaf (Devonport Parish), Jacquie Bevan (Massey), Dot Chipman (Ngatea), Mikki Buckland (Devonport) and John Frings (Ngatea) with their Diplomas in Religious Studies. Earlier in the day the graduates had gathered with family and supporters to share about their projects: the culmination of the three years of study, reflection and faith sharing.

Four of the five projects were catechetical in nature: a series of sessions assisting a group to help them deepen their faith knowledge on the various topics chosen by the graduate. John chose to look at “Affluence and the Christian response”: Titia focused her project on The Creed; Jacquie – deepening awareness of the Holy Spirit; and Dot entitled hers “Reflect and Revive” – a fresh look at aspects of our Catholic faith.

Mikki chose an evangelisation project: ‘walking’ with ex-Catholics who had felt let down by the Church, and were no longer active in their faith. One of the people Mikki supported has now returned to Mass, which is a wonderful outcome!

The day concluded with afternoon tea and a celebration cake. Our fondest congratulations!

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2009 seems to have attracted individuals and parish groups from north of the Harbour Bridge! Enrolments for Year One are small, and only one person lives ‘on the other side’, but works at a North Shore School. However the enthusiasm of the groups which meet on a regular basis in Northcote, Orewa, Whangarei and Kerikeri is high, as they learn, share and explore their faith journeys together. As well as the small group meetings, they have met in a larger settings for the Images of God seminar earlier this yearl, and are now preparing for their second seminar: “Jesus the Christ”. This seminar focuses on how we encounter Jesus in our personal lives; discipleship and the challenge this can mean for us; and the Paschal mystery, and how it is being experienced in our lives, and the lives of communities in 2009.

Most of last year’s intake have gone on into Year Two, and it has been exciting to receive positive feedback about last year’s study, and how it has helped them grow in their knowledge and faith walk. They also are preparing for their second seminar in June, focusing on the place of symbols and rituals in our lives, especially when we gather as a faith community to celebrate the Sacraments together.

Practical projects are now well underway by the 5 Year Three participants. 3 are catechetical projects (small group learning sessions for Parishioners) and 2 are Evangelisation, where they are sharing their faith with those who are not regular Church attenders. This takes courage, but is extremely satisfying and rewarding.