Joshua men’s fellowship marks 40 years, looks to new era

More than 100 men gathered at the Keswick Christian Camp on the shores of Lake Rotorua in August to celebrate the 40th anniversary retreat of the fellowship.

Writing in the group’s October newsletter, Joshua national leader Owen Kowalewski said “laughter and sharing stories and photos created a wonderful celebration, which set the platform for Joshua to go forward confidently into the future”.

“Many [there] expressed a desire to get involved and do more in their parishes. Currently there are Joshua groups and individuals across many parts of New Zealand, and the numbers are growing again,” Mr Kowalewski said.

“The men were encouraged to commit to coming to meetings, getting involved and, where possible, to set up new groups and branches in their own areas,” he added.

“I believe this is the beginning of a new era for Joshua, and we can expect to see changes and growth in the future as the men become more open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives.”

At the anniversary celebrations, an opening welcome was followed by a session titled “Wounds: the start of the Wounded Warrior”, at which attendees were encouraged to recognise the wounds they have.

Robert Falzon and Peter Gabor from Australia were guest speakers at the celebration, and Dunedin Bishop Emeritus Colin Campbell, who is Joshua’s national chaplain, overcame recent health issues to attend, celebrate two Masses and hear confessions.

At a celebration dinner on August 15, founding members David Schischka and Roger Peterson spoke, with the latter mentioning the influence of Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women, which was founded in 1984, on the beginnings of Joshua.

Gloria Stafford, president of Dove, offered her congratulations, saying “keep up the good work” and that “women need good Christian men who are good husbands, good dads, good brothers”. This was reinforced by Josie Olsen, leader of Charis.

Among the outcomes of the anniversary celebration are a new group being formed in the Ponsonby/Herne Bay Parish in Auckland, as well as expressions of interest in forming new groups in several places.

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Joshua newsletter (Joshua Catholic Men’s Fellowship)