| Latest News & Photos |
|
Schedule of Events for 2013
| DATE |
REGION |
EVENT |
| 2nd March |
Christchurch |
PFG Formation Day Fr Brian Traynor CP |
| 3rd March |
Dunedin |
PFG Formation Day & Dinner Fr Brian Traynor CP |
| 9-10 March |
Waihi Beach |
Formation NZ PFG Directors Fr Brian Traynor CP |
| 13th April |
Hawkes Bay |
PFG Formation Day Fr Kevin Hennessy CP |
| 14th April |
Palmerston North |
PFG Formation Day Fr Kevin Hennessy CP |
| 19th April |
Our Lady of Fatima, Waikanae |
PFG Formation Fr Kevin Hennessey CP |
| 20th April |
St Theresa’s Hall, Plimmerton |
PFG Formation Day Fr Kevin Hennessy CP |
| 27 April |
Hamilton |
PFG Formation Day Fr Brian Traynor CP |
| 4th May |
Auckland |
PFG Formation Day Fr Brian Traynor CP |
| 12-14 July |
Magnificat Retreat, Featherson |
Young Adults Retreat, Passionist Team |
| 16-19 July |
Camp Rangi Woods, Pohangina Valley, Manawatu |
Youth Retreat, Passionist Team |
| 12-13 October |
Vaughan Park, Auckland |
Passionist Companions Retreat, Fr Kevin Hennessy CP |
Parishes Celebrating Anniversaries in 2013
| Anniversary |
REGION |
PARISH |
| 25 years - 27-6-1988 |
Hamilton |
St Mary’s, Paeroa |
| 25 years – 2-7-1988 |
Auckland |
East Coast Bays |
| 25 years – 9-10-1988 |
Palmerston North |
St Mary’s Wanganui |
| 20 years – 21-2-1993 |
Christchurch |
Ashburton |
| 20 years – 7-3-1993 |
Palmerston North |
Fitzroy |
| 20 years – 14-3-1993 |
Wellington |
Stokes Valley |
| 20 years – 14-3-1993 |
Wellington |
Onslow |
| 20 years - 21-3-1993 |
Christchurch |
Sockburn |
| 20 years – 2-5-1993 |
Palmerston North |
Okato |
| 20 years – 26-6-1993 |
Christchurch |
Papanui |
| 20 years – 4-7-1993 |
Christchurch |
Sumner |
| 20 years – 19-9-1993 |
Dunedin |
Forbury |
| 20 years – 17-7-1993 |
Hamilton |
Whakatane |
| 15 years – 22-3-1998 |
Hamilton |
Katiklati |
| 15 years- - 17-5-1998 |
Palmerston North |
Sacred Heart, Hastings |
| 15 years – 30-8-1998 |
Wellington |
Tawa |
| J5 years – 3-10-1998 |
Wellington |
Johnsonville Uniting |
| 15 years – 8-11-1998 |
Dunedin |
St Joseph’s Cathedral |
| 10 years – 30-3-2003 |
Wellington |
Plimmerton |
| 10 years – 2-3-2003 |
Christchurch |
St Albans |
| |
|
|
|
|
Taranaki Formation 2013
Taranaki PFGM formation was held in New Plymouth at St Josephs Parish on the evening of April 15th . A large group gathered to hear Fr Kevin Hennessy CP from Melbourne present sessions on Who am I? What do I find easy to share about myself and what is difficult? Accompanying Fr Kevin Hennessy were the PFGM Directors for the Palmerston North Diocese, Linda and Paul Darbyshire....read more» |
|
Palmerston North Diocese Formation 2013
Palmerston North annual Formation for family group leaders and members was held on Sunday April 14th at St Mary’s hall in Palmerston North. The day was facilitated by Fr Kevin Hennessy CP from Melbourne. Fr Kevin’s sessions are always delivered with humour and a sense of meeting each group where they are at. We pondered, who am I? How do I know myself? It is as others see me? And in relation to family groups how will others get to know me?....read more» |
|
Wellington Formation Day 2013
The Regional Team for the Wellington Diocese of the Passionist Family Group Movement were pleased to host the annual formation held at St Theresa’s Plimmerton on 20th April 2013. On Saturday we were blessed to spend a day of formation with Fr Kevin Hennessey CP from Melbourne Australia. Fr Kevin encouraged us to appreciate the importance of knowing ourselves so that we can share ourselves in our Passionist Family Group’s. We then focused on how PFG leadership (which everyone shares) is a ‘True Ministry’ and how we can learn about ministry from Jesus....read more» |
|
| Voyage of Discovery - 20 Years of PFGM in Christchurch |
On March 19th 2013 Palmerston North Diocese new Bishop Charles Drennan was invited to sign and write a personal message on the Voyage of Discovery Artworks. Bishop Charles wrote: 'May the work of the Passionist Family Groups continue to bear many fruits'.
As the artworks moves through each Diocese when individual Parishes celebrate 20 years of Passionist Family Groups, our Bishops are invited to sign the back of the artworks....read more» |
|
| Voyage of Discovery - 20 Years of PFGM in Christchurch |
During June & July this year three Christchurch parishes celebrated their twentieth anniversaries. Holy Trinity parish Bryndwr had a Friday night gathering with the theme of "The Roaring Twenties " An anniversary cake was cut by Ursula Corcoran and Bernie Renell both of whom were original group leaders. On Sunday the icon "The Voyage of Discovery" and candle were brought to the altar in the procession.....read more»
  
|
|
| Passionist Youth Retreat July 2nd – July 5th 2012 |
The theme of the Passionist Youth Retreat held at Camp Rangi Woods in the Manawatu for 2012 was 'In your light', a journey to the inner wild self and beyond. Meg Wilson presented the program, and in support was Fr Kevin Hennessy CP. In the past, a Passionist Priest such as Kevin from Australia, would have led this retreat however this year Meg took the reigns for her first experience facilitating NZ Passionist retreats. She was truly embraced by the retreatees and many expressed having someone 'young' was encouraging.....read more»
   
|
|
| Young Adults Retreat 6th July to 8th July 2012 |
The Magnificat Retreat Centre, Featherston, again provided a great backdrop to the Passionist Young Adults retreat. This retreat was supported by the Palmerston North Tertiary Chaplain Mary-Grace and provides a great overlap of ongoing faith support for young adults in our Diocese. The theme of the Passionist Young Adult Retreat was 'Dreams, love and life', a time for questioning. Meg Wilson presented the program, and in support Fr Kevin Hennessy CP from Australia.....read more»
   
|
|
Hawkes Bay Formation Day 2012
This years training day, held at St Peter Chanel Hastings, was a little different in that we started with a Parish Mass. Our Parish priest Fr Vince Onesi is very pro family groups and when I told him Fr Brian Traynor CP was running the training day in our Parish Centre, he immediately invited Fr Brian to celebrate the Parish Mass. Brian kindly reorganised the training agenda to fit the Mass in....read more» |
|
Palmerston North Formation Day 2012
Palmerston North region which incorporates two parishes in Palmerston North, and one each from the Feilding, Dannevirke and Wanganui Parishes was treated to another excellent annual training day in early May. We were blessed with Fr Brian Traynor’s presence and leadership.
There were 26 people attending and that included two who travelled from Wanganui and the balance were from the Palmerston North/Feilding area. The main subject matters this year covering Passionist Charism, Multiculturalism and Grief and Loss were very well received....read more» |
|
Downloadable Resources Update
New downloadable resources from the 2012 Formation Weekends is now available from the Resources section. Some readings from Fr Brian Traynor CP titled - Grief & Loss, Why the 'Passionist' in Passionist Family Groups and Multi-Cultural Parishes and PFGs....read more» |
|
Christchurch Formation Weekend 2012
 This year the day was facilitated by Fr. Brian Traynor at the St Gregory’s Parish Centre and we were thrilled to have our National Director Lynn Hill with us for the weekend. It was a fantastic day and we were given plenty of encouragement to continue with the work we do.
One of the enlightening documents that Fr. Brian took us through was “Why the Passionist in Passionist Family Groups” This gave us all a deeper understanding of who the Passionist Order are and what they are trying to achieve.....read more» |
|
First profession for Australian Passionist Novice
 Read the story of the first profession for Australian Passionist Novice Erik Niyiragira....read more» |
|
Voyage of Discovery - 20 Years of PFGM in Hastings West
 On Sunday 13th November 2011 our five Passionist Family Groups celebrated our 20 years Anniversary. We commenced with a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by our Parish Priest Fr. Vince Onesi. A member from each family group processed in with their family group banner and the lectors and ministers of the Eucharist for the day were all P.F.G. members.....read more» |
|
Voyage of Discovery - 20 Years of PFGM in Lower Hutt
 St Peter and Paul, Lower Hutt, were one of the early parishes in New Zealand to adopt the Passionist Family Group Movement. It is still going strong and in July 2010 celebrated 20 years of building community within the parish. Throughout the month of July, the PFG painting was also on display in the church, and there was a special display in the Foyer featuring the PFG Logo and “the Aims and Goals of the Movement”. Each Family Group also displayed photos in the Foyer.....read more» |
|
Voyage of Discovery - 20 Years of PFGM in New Plymouth
 On the evening of Saturday June 18th people arrived at the hall underneath St Joseph’s Church in New Plymouth to find the room alive with red, white and blue balloons and streamers. The tables were set and banners on the walls. The evening was testament to the bonds and connections that the Passionist Family Groups have forged in the parish and to the spirit and enthusiasm that is still very much alive after 20 years.....read more» |
|
Call For Donations
 2011 marks the 23rd year of the Passionist Family Group Movement in Aotearoa. During this time we have had PFGs from as far north as Whangarei to as far south as Invercargill. Whether you are new to PFGM or an ‘oldie’ we hope you have experienced the ‘family’ and ‘community’ of belonging to your group.
With any Movement such as ours there needs to be financial backing to allow us to provide ongoing support and formation and to administer the PFGM, which is a registered Charitable Trust....read more» |
|
Blankets of Hope
 The founder of the Passionist Family Group Movement Fr. Peter McGrath had asked the folk from Glenaeon to make blankets of hope for the Christchurch people. A fantastic woman, Dianne Magro, got the women orgainsed to do the knitting and then she set about the mammoth task of stitching them altogether. At a recent gathering of our Christchurch parish co-ordinators, these "Blankets of Hope" or "Wraps of Love" were distributed and will be given to those who would feel the warmth, prayers, love and support sent to us from our family in Sydney .....read more» |
|
Bay of Plenty & Hamilton Formation Days 2011
 The Formation Day for the Bay of Plenty region held on Saturday 12 March at the Mount Maunganui parish centre was followed in Hamilton on Sunday 13 March at Hamilton Cathedral parish centre. Both days were lead by Fr Kevin Hennessy CP. The theme for the day was 'Relationships and Down to Earth Spirituality'. Fr Kevin gave presentations on the creation of our planet and its place in the universe.....read more» |
|
New Area Directors For Auckland
 Rosie and John Crawford were commissioned as PFGM Diirectors at the Auckland Diocesan Formation day (28th May) by Fr Brian Traynor CP. John and Rosie have made a 4 year comnmitment to this role.
Clive and Frances Bleaken who had held this role in both Auckland and Hamilton Dioceses were there to support them. Clive and Frances continue their work in the Hamilton Diocese, Also present were Rob and Lynn Hill....read more» |
|
Auckland Formation Day 2011
 “The best day ever”, and “ I feel liberated “were two of the many supportive comments passed by the 45 members who attended the formation day on Saturday 28th May.
This was to be no ordinary formation day, instead many of us set off into new territory to explore the universe and our part within it under the watchful and spiritfilled guidance of Fr Brian Traynor from the Passionist Monastery in Melbourne.
The importance of getting up to date with science, theology and scripture was highlighted and how they relate to our faith experience explained....read more» |
|
| Passionist Family Groups Established at St Mary's Parish in Blenheim |
 |
| With the blessings of Fr Alan Roberts and the Parish Pastoral Council a nominated sub committee was set up to explore ways of supporting and encouraging a closer Parish Community.
After much discernment this committee recommended the Passionist Family Group Movement as a good platform for St Mary’s, so on March 13th 2011 the Passionist Family Groups were established in St Mary’s – Blenheim....read more» |
|
|
|
| Passionist Family Group Movement Banners For Sale |
 |
To the left is a photo of the PFG Banner that Lower Hutt has had made (click to view larger version). If any parish wishes to order one then the following is the process:
- They can place their order through us (Sue & Richard Gibbs Regional Coordinators) at rsgibbs@xtra.co.nz
- They are to advise their parish name and location exactly as they want on the banner.
- The size is 90cm high x 60cm wide and is a satin sheen material.
- The cost is $80 + GST + postage. (NB The curtain rod is not included)
- Normal delivery is 2-3 weeks.
|
|
|
|
| Christchurch Earthquake through the eyes of survivor Murray Straight |
 |
| A story from the personal experience of South Island Director Murray Straight who was in the city centre at the time the quake struck at 12.51pm on Tuesday 22nd February 2011.
Murray and his wife, and fellow director, Aileen also call for your prayers to support all those affected by the quake and suggest you donate to the Red Cross appeal.....click here to download the full story (40kb Adobe Acrobat file)» |
|
|
|
| GREG MURPHY…. Senior New Zealand Prison Chaplain and Passionist |
 |
| On 17th February 2011, Greg Murphy was commissioned to be New Zealand Senior Catholic Prison Chaplain, appointed by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, and Commissioned by Archbishop John Dew.
The Commissioning was unique in that it was held in conjunction with the commissioning of Rev. Maku Potae, an Anglican Priest, into the role of National Director of the Prison Chaplaincy Service, and was held in the Anglican Cathedral, Wellington. A truly ecumenical event......click here to download the full story (10kb Adobe Acrobat file)» |
|
|
|
Lenten Carbon Fast 2011
The tradition of "giving up" something during Lent is a powerful way to prepare ourselves for Easter. This act can also be a good way to kick bad habits or shed unwanted, spiritually destructive parts of our lives. But after Easter has come and gone, those things that we "gave up" often find a way to creep back into our lives.
If you participated in the 2010 Lenten Carbon Fast, we encourage you to take the challenge again in 2011, and examine whether or not last yearʼs eco-friendly habits have stuck. Like our relationship with God, our relationship with the earth requires work. We encourage you to see this Lent as a time for deepening both of these relationships.....click here to download (178kb Adobe Acrobat file)» |
|
| Auckland Young Passionist Family Groups - 2010/2011 |
 |
| The Passionist Family Group Movement are very keen to promote our Young Passionist Family Groups that are proving very successful in St Heliers where we are trialling them. For some Auckland Parishes it will be the way of the future. These new groups are different to our traditional Passionist Family Groups in that they are made up of parents and children, with the children falling within a certain age range eg 0-4, or 5+ .....read more» |
|
|
|
| Passionist Youth Retreat in Brisbane, July 2010 - A Reflection by Daniel Kleinsman |
 |
| In July this year 7 Passionist Youth from New Zealand joined with Australian Youth for a weekend of Retreat in Brisbane. The reflection is written by Daniel Kleinsman (aged 18) from Wellington.
I think we all have a fundamental desire to be spiritual, but it is often hard to find the time, in our busy and fast paced, demanding lives, to pursue this. The Passionist Youth Weekend however, gave us this opportunity, as well as a chance to take a step back, retreat, relax, and re-evaluate our lives.....read more» |
|
|
|
2010 Passionist Family Group Movement Formation - Feedback from the regions
Our theme this year was "Celebrating what's right with the world". On each formation day we spent just a few minutes compiling a list of the qualities we thought Jesus exercised as a leader. It was amazing what a comprehensive list this was each time. Following this, everyone was engaged in a one-to-one interview, and sought to learn from the other person, about ‘a highlight experience’ when they felt they had exercised leadership well in any environment (not necessarily in a PFG). These interviews were greatly appreciated.
Following the interviews some time was spent extracting the components of leadership that had been effective, and these were shared in small groups as people summarised the story they had shared or heard in their interviews.
    
Discussion around the message proved to be very positive and we sharing together about some basic questions such as: What’s right with your world? with your family? with your PFG? The only handout this year is the summaries each regional day made of Jesus’ qualities as a leader, and the groups own list of qualities of leadership they have exercised.....read more» |
|
| Passionist Family Group Movement Candles For Sale |
 |
| Passionist Family Group candles are available for sale. Click on photo on the left to see full size photo with prices. Contact details for sales below;
St. Thomas More
92 Wycliffe Street
Onekawa 4110
Napier
Hawkes Bay
(06) 843 4853
stmore.nap@xtra.co.nz |
|
|
|
| Kapiti Formation Day & Wellington Region Co-ordinators Weekend 23-25 April 2010 |
 |
| The Kapiti area is made up from the parishes of Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Otaki and Levin. We gathered around 11.00am and Fr Brian began with “The Ordinary Miracle” and invited us all to consider what is good and wonderful in our world, our lives and our family groups. Part way through there was a shared lunch for the 56 participants.
The Wellington Region Co-ordinators Weekend was held at the Magnificat Community which is a few kilometers south of Featherston in the Wairarapa. The venue provided an excellent atmosphere for our weekend that was attended by 28 participants.
Fr Brian led the weekend which focused upon our leadership roles and to celebrate what is good....read more» |
|
|
Family Groups from a non-Catholic Perspective
By Pat Hudson, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Howick - When Penny come home from church one Saturday night and suggested we join a family group at
Our Lady Star of the Sea it was a bit of a shock. My being part of a church group was never on my agenda. However, after quite a bit of thought, I decided it could be a way to meet some local people as we had recently moved to Auckland. Since then we have become actively involved in Passionist Family Groups and have met some wonderful people and have made special friendships through the groups....read more» |
|
| Fr Brian Traynor CP Celebrates 21 Years of PFG Ministry in Aotearoa |
 |
| On the 23rd and 24th of May the Passionist Family Group Australasian Directors meeting was held in Sydney. Clive and Frances Bleaken along with Paul and Linda Darbyshire attended as the New Zealand Representatives. They took this opportunity to acknowledge Fr Brian Traynor’s 21 years of PFG Ministry in Aotearoa. As a symbol of our Kiwi PFG Journey, and Brian’s many journeys to Aotearoa, they presented Brian with a waka. The Maori waka signifies a journey taken by the PFGM throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand. During this voyage we have been blessed with Brian’s help to read the signs, be open to change and weather storms....read more» |
|
|
|
| Pearl Hadfield goes to her first rugby match at age 92 |
 |
| This photo of Pearl Hadfield aged 92 at the Hurricanes versus the Stormers match at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Pearl (from Johnsonville Uniting Parish) said she had never been to a rugby match so our family group decided we should put that matter to right. We took her to the Hurricanes v Stormers - a 5.30pm kick-off. We met at the church for face painting etc and then to the Stadium. The Hurricanes won quite strongly over the Stormers so Pearl was regarded as a lucky charm. There were 18 of us who finished up at our place for a meal after the game (and it was a great game!)....read more» |
|
|
|
| Passionist Family Group Movement alive and well in a Protestant environment
Johnsonville Uniting Church is enjoying its 11th year in the Passionist Family Group Movement. With 74% of the congregation involved the pastoral care of the parish operates at a high level. Sts Peter and Paul – a short walk down the street, guided us into the PFG and now we enjoy a very special relationship with them. The two Parishes meet for studies such as Lenten Studies together and PFG groups join in activities from time to time....read more» |
|
My Journey As A Passionist Family Group Member
By Penny Hudson, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Howick - In 1992 (or was it late 1991) we received some information about Passionist Family Groups at church, I guess to gauge the amount of interest in our Parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea. At that time I was fairly new to the Parish and, in fact had only been attending Mass regularly again since we settled here late in 1990, after being a spasmodic attendee for about 20 years....read more» |
|
| New Zealand visit of Passionist Provincial, Father Joachim Rego |
 |
| Fr Joachim visited New Zealand in November 2008 and met up with Parish and Regional Co-ordinators in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington during his stay. He was keen to meet the people, and hear how things were going for family groups in the area. People he met were keen to share and listen, and with prompting from Fr Brian Traynor, Fr Joachim shared his personal story - his arrival in Australia as an immigrant and his journey to becoming Provincial. His visit to New Zealand was Joachim's first, and it allowed him the opportunity as Provincial, to encourage the ministry of professed and lay Passionists, through the PFGM and Passionist Companions. ....read more» |
|
|
|
| 'Voyage of Discovery' begins a voyage |
 |
| The Directors have chosen this pastel to be the emblem representing the 20 year anniversary of Passionist Family Groups in New Zealand, and for it over the next few years to make a journey or voyage all around New Zealand. It will travel to each parish with Passionist Family Groups as they celebrate their 20th anniversary of starting family groups. As the artwork goes to each of the six dioceses in New Zealand it will be blessed by the Bishop for the diocese....read more» |
|
|
|
Today and Tommorrow by David Bernie
In the August edition of the Marist Messenger Fr. Cahill wrote, “Like all families situations change and so it is with our Church family” He also made the comment, “A Parish should be our second family” I am taking these comments out of context purely because they raised the question in my mind, what is the relationship between the family at home and the Parish community?....read more» |
|
| Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Waikanae PFG undertake trip south, including TranzAlpine Tour |
 |
| Christchurch “Interparish Bed & Breakfast” hosts enabled Trish & Terry Twomey, parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima parish in Waikanae, to organise a five day tour for a PFG. Blessed with great weather they departed Wellington/Christchurch early morning, uplifting their hired mini van at Christchurch airport. The tour included a drive in perfect weather through snow capped hills over the Dyers/Gebbies Pass for a fun day in Akaroa. Some of the group elected to take a cruise down to Scenery Nook, others taking advantage of local attractions.
Check out their story and photo...read more» |
|
|
|
| Passionist Youth Experience to Melbourne & World Youth Day |
 |
| Five young people from the Wellington, Palmerston North, and Hamilton Diocese went to Melbourne with the Passionist Youth Experience. They were: Matt Sissons, Tim Darbyshire, Tori Prendergast, Nicholas Alsford and Daniel Kleinsman.
They were accompanied by chaperone Tereska Alsford.
Check out their stories and photos...read more» |
|
|
|
| A Family For All - The Story of Alice Robinson & A Challenge for other Family Groups |
 |
| Alice Robinson who is 93 years old holds Porshia Fernando who is 4 weeks old and of Sri Lankan decent on the day of her Baptism at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Palmerston North in August 2008. Alice also hosted a baby shower in her own home for Porshias Mother a month earlier. We think the Dorn Family may well have the oldest and youngest active members and we are very proud of that.
Can your family group better this!!!...read more» |
|
|
|
Downloadable Resources Now Online
New downloadable information sheets/booklets and forms have been added to the Resources section. These include The Whys & Hows of the PFGM, Group/Parish Coordinators information documents, general information brochure, a Spirituality of the PFGs document, and some suggested outings for Family Group activities....read more» |
Help build community in your Parish - "Join a Family Group"
