Palmerston North Māori Apostolate Board reconvenes

The Board represents Māori eucharistic communities across the Diocese of Palmerston North. It has 18 members, including the Bishop and principals (or their delegates) of St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College (SJMGC) and Hato Pāora College.

The Board has been reconvened to assist the Bishop with matters pertaining to Māori in the Church. Palmerston North Diocese pastoral services director Nick Wilson said: “The Church has a long and valued history with Māori in Aotearoa, and this rōpū (group) is one of the key mechanisms for engaging Māori interests and concerns.”

After pōwhiri on March 21, verbal reports were received from representatives of Te Wairoa, Manawatū, Waimarino, SJMGC and Pakipaki. The Board is considering new kura katekita (Māori catechists’ training), a Missal books review and updates to the Māori Catholic page on the diocesan website.

A pilgrimage will be held “connecting Māori eucharistic communities and their Mēri Hōhepa [Suzanne Aubert] links”.

The Bishop addressed representatives before administrative matters were discussed. There was also a shared evening meal. The gathering concluded with Miha i Te Reo Māori – Mass in the Māori language at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, led by Hato Pāora College.

Mr Wilson said it is hoped, as the Māori Apostolate gains momentum, that Miha i Te Reo Māori is celebrated more frequently. Bishop Adams is working towards having diocesan priests use more te reo Māori in the liturgy, Mr Wilson added.

The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for September.

FULL STORY

A True and Full Humanity: Māori Apostolate Board Reconvenes (Tūmanako/Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North)