New Zealand Directors Meeting, Waihi Beach 15-16 November 2008

The New Zealand Directors held their annual meeting at Waihi Beach on the weekend of 15-16 November 2008. The Directors gathered on Thursday evening November 13th.and continued in recreational mode throughout Friday November 14th.

Present were Rob & Lynn Hill (National Directors), Murray & Aileen Straight (Sth Island Directors), Clive & Frances Bleaken(Upper Nth Island Directors) , Paul & Linda Darbyshire (Lower Nth Island Directors), Brian Traynor CP (Passionist Director)

Each Director couple gave a summary of how the Movement is progressing in the areas they are responsible for and how they themselves are feeling about their role. The reports from the Directors were positive, and each couple has settled into their role very well. Murray and Aileen have now completed four years as Directors and this year PFG’s began in their own parish of Templeton. Fairfield parish in Hamilton diocese also established PFG’s this year.

Valuable ideas and insights were shared. It was recognised that active Regional Co-ordinators are vital and some regions are deficient. It is especially difficult for the Directors to cover this deficiency in regions where they are not resident and this has been noted. Some regions have very strong regional co-ordinating teams and the positive benefits are much appreciated. In two dioceses, couples who decided to step aside from the role a year ago, are continuing until a replacement is found. This dedication is a wonderful gift to the Movement.

One aspect Directors really appreciate about the role is their being able to share the special moments in people’s lives. They appreciate that all the people exercising roles within the PFGM are volunteers, as indeed they are, and they are all busy with other aspects of their lives.

Four Parishes (Paeroa, Wanganui, East Coast Bays and Melville) celebrate their 20th year in PFG’s this year: The painting ‘Voyage of Discovery, Aotearoa’ is taken to each parish for this celebration and the Bishops of each Diocese have blessed the painting the first time it arrives in their diocese. A number of parishes had a renewal (relaunch) of the PFG’s and in each case this was a valuable and positive experience.

A number of parishes celebrated their 10th birthday, and special celebrations were held. Pastoral Areas are a challenge. We must work with the diocesan structures and recognise the valuable contribution that can be made by PFG’s – an experience of belonging and Christian living despite there being an increasing number of strangers. If each PFG stays true to its aims and goals, we can respond to the present and point to the future.

Youth

The five New Zealand youth who attended the Pasionist Youth Encounter in Melbourne prior to WYD found this a very positive experience. Tim Darbyshire has been invited to attend a Passionist Youth leadership weekend in early December.

Kevin Hennessy CP will lead the annual Youth Retreat (October 5th-8th) which Paul and Linda are coordinating. There is interest among over 18 year old youth, in having their own retreat weekend.

Finances

There have been some very helpful grant applications this year which has helped us meet our financial needs. We have identified other areas where funding is still required. Some parishes who should be paying some stipend, are not contributing anything which is most disappointing. Some parishes combining into Pastoral Areas are seeking to reduce their annual contribution which is making it increasingly difficult for us to meet our costs.

Formation 2009

There was a request for some specific formation in group dynamics including various interactive exercises that those new to leadership have not experienced. Some other suggestions are exploring the stages of Group development. And the Passionist charsim and its relationship to PFG’s.

Brian indicated he would like people to reflect on and share positive experiences they have had in groups, families and leadership with a view to learning from these and focusing on what’s right, rather than on problems and negativity. He has a process prepared for doing this.

Those regions that have a brief formation time miss out on the integrated process of the formation days. Some regions did not benefit from the considering of environmental issues that those who had weekends did benefit from.

We recommend that we not abandon the idea of weekends. PFG’s are about promoting being, not just doing, and it is the time spent overnight and on Sunday morning when we are away, that changes the dynamics so much and adds to the experience. If the venue is not too distant from the city, some older people can return home to sleep and come back the following day.

Summary

PFG’s in New Zealand are in very good shape. There are always issues to address but the restructuring of Directors has been a significant development and each couple are continuing in the generous and competent tradition of the ongoing National Directors.