Christmas Greetings

Christmas is that special time when the world stops to gaze at the babe of Bethlehem who ushers in hope, peace, joy and love no matter where one is on life's journey.

May this Holy Child then fill you and your loved ones with the choicest graces needed at this Christmas and the coming Year 2016!

Wishing you a truly Blessed Christmas and a grace-filled New year 2016!

Life in the Spirit Seminar – 8, 15 and 22 November 2015

"I'm calling on people to hold Seminars of New Life in the Spirit, where a person can get in touch with some part of Christian doctrine, where they can experience the Renewal and pass from being nominal Christians to real Christians." - Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., preacher to the papal household since 1980

The Life in the Spirit Seminar that was held on 8, 15 and 22 November drew an amazing response from the congregation at St. Gerard’s Church as well as from friends from around Wellington. The line up of the talks given by our resident missionaries, namely Fr. Alliston, Fritz Mascarenhas, Wimpie Santoso and Ignatius Susilo prepared the hearts of the people to see God as a loving Father once again. The Father’s love that every heart is longing for, is lavished upon us through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. The participants were encouraged to turn back to Christ. They were empowered once again by the power of the Holy Spirit. The dynamics of the sessions included times of praise and worship, teachings from the BIble,,group sharings and fellowship. The seminars closed with a session of infilling with the Holy Spirit for all the participants. Hearts were turned back to God and lives were refreshed.

Here below is a sharing from one of the participants;

"The Life in the Spirit seminar was almost my first exposure to charismatic worship. I'm still thinking about whether it is for me. It was good to set aside time to think about how to live life in the spirit and to realise how challenging it is to actually do so. Everyone involved in running the seminar was very sincere and committed and made an effort to reach out to the people who attended. Thank you all for doing it". – F.H.

Grace's 25 Years Anniversary with the ICPE Mission

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" - Matthew 28: 19-20

Grace Chin is a Malaysian-born missionary. She recently celebrated here her 25th anniversary as an ICPE missionary. She is well-travelled. In fact, she has been reaching out to God’s people across the globe for 25 years, through outreaches to the USA, former Czechoslovakia, Russia, Romania, Tunisia, Gibraltar, Ghana, Switzerland and Italy, just to name a few places. She has also lived and served in the ICPE Mission Centers in Germany, Malta and Rome and presently she is serving at St. Gerard’s monastery in ICPE New Zealand where she has been involved in parish missions - when they occur - and also heading the Kitchen ministry (keeping fellow missionaries well-fed) within the ICPE Mission Community in Wellington.

The 8th World Meeting of Family (Philadelphia) and the Gospel of the Family

“Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life, and life to become faith.”

- Pope Francis’ homily in the concluding mass of the 8th World Meeting of Families, Sept. 27, 2015

On September 22 -25, 2015, the 8th World Meeting of Families Congress was held in Philadelphia, USA which culminated in the papal mass on September 27 at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and which was attended by a million people. The World Meeting of Families was started by Pope John Paul II in 1994 “to strengthen the sacred bonds of the family across the globe.” The theme for this year was “Love is our Mission: the Family Fully Alive.”

Come and listen to the experiences of three participants from New Zealand. “The 8th World Meeting of Families Congress and the gospel of the family” will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m at the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, 29 Dr. Taylor Terrace in Johnsonville. Learn more about the World Meeting of Families, and share and live the gospel of the family!

Life In The Spirit Seminar

Do you desire a deeper relationship with Christ; recognize the gifts that have been given at your Confirmation to help you reach others for Christ. Then The Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) is for you. It offers some of these life-changing benefits:

* to renew or deepen one’s personal relationship with Jesus

* greater appreciation of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation

* deeper personal prayer life

* increased interest in the reading and studying of the Holy Scriptures

* the Fruits of the Spirit: “Love, Joy, Generosity…. (Galatians 5:22-23).

* greater love of the community of faith (the Church)

"I'm calling on people to hold Seminars of New Life in the Spirit, where a person can get in touch with some part of Christian doctrine, where they can experience the Renewal and pass from being nominal Christians to real Christians." - Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap., preacher to the papal household since 1980

Mission Sunday Celebration

“And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach and to have authority to cast out demons” - Mark 3: 14 – 15

Mission Sunday, October 18th this year witnessed the commitment of 9 participants from 4 different nations as they started their Missionary Formation with an inaugural mass followed by fellowship with our Sunday congregation. The 9 participants: Stefanus and his wife Susanna, Melinda, Dion, Irene, Gemma, Cornelia, Bibiana and Miriam will be journeying together for period of two years with the Missionary Formation Director, Fr. Francis D’Souza.

That same evening they started a day-long recollection which included quiet reflection, reconciliation, prayer and adoration which ended with mass on the following evening. To celebrate this start the covenanted members of the Mission prepared a lovely Agape Meal which was made special with the presence of the founders of the ICPE Mission, Mario and Anna Cappello via a Skype call. They too extended a warm welcome to each of the participants and blessed them with a prayer as they embark on this journey.

We ask for your valuable prayers for each one of them as they embark on the mission to know Christ and to make Him known

Feast of St. Gerard Majella

October 16th saw the feast of St. Gerard Majella being celebrated in the first church in the world dedicated to his honor. At the 7pm mass quite a few of the faithful from far and near gathered for the feast day Mass celebrated in his honor. At the end to the mass we had a special prayer for mothers seeking the gift of a child and also prayed particularly for the expectant mothers present in the congregation. There was also a testimony from Raphael whose wife was blessed with a gift of a child and shared this during our time of fellowship

This ‘patron of mothers’ was a young Redemptorist saint living in Italy between 1726-1755. In a short but remarkable life where he was involved at different times as a cook, carpenter, tailor, gardener, sacristan, porter etc. he was renowned for his holiness. A small note on his door: "Here the will of God is done, as God wills, and as long as God wills” testifies to the fact that St. Gerard was serious in his walk with God. We the ICPE missionaries are encouraged to emulate the exemplary life of St. Gerard who desired to do God’s will at all times

Closing of School of Mission 2015

Duc in Altum - “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5: 4)

After 20 weeks since having set sail, the School of Mission 2015 has anchored and come to a close last Sunday ie July 12th as we witnessed Cardinal John Dew, archbishop of Wellington affirming each one’s call to be instruments of the Lord’s healing and mercy in bringing freedom to people’s lives using the Sunday’s readings . The lively Eucharistic celebration came to a close with the Cardinal laying his hands over each of the 21 participants of the school as we prayed for a fresh infilling of God’s Spirit. This was followed by a wonderful time of fellowship and laughter, photo-taking and goodbyes to the many friends made over the last few months.

The second part of the day’s celebration involved the agape meal in the evening with sumptuous Asian food readily relished by all and a choice of delectable desserts. It was also a privileged moment for the participants not only to be able skype with our founder, Mario their experiences at the school but also to listen to Mario sharing his wisdom and encouragement on how to proceed with the next steps of their life.

At the end each of the participants were awarded a certificate acknowledging their participation at the School of Mission 2015 and the sign language "Thank You" presented by the participants in appreciation for all the efforts put in by the staff concluded the day’s celebrations.

We thank God for this faithfulness during this school and for all those who have journeyed with us with their prayers. We continue to pray for the participants that they will be made holy and empowered to be God’s chosen instruments of love and healing as they return home to their respective countries.

Testimony Benjamin Chambers (Australia)

I am very grateful for being able to attend the School of Mission 2015 in New Zealand as it has brought me so much joy, affirmation and confidence. It has given me a solid foundation for my faith and brought me into a closer relationship with God. The community at St.Gerard's also helped to create a loving and caring environment with the culture of honoring and hospitality.

Worship Night - July 2015

SOM 2015: Setting Sail - Outreach

The School of Mission now enters into the Outreach phase. This year too, we have divided ourselves into two teams: one reaching out to the North Island and the other team going to the South Island.

We are grateful to God for the open doors and opportunities to serve His people across this land: Wellington, Stratford, Palmerston North, Christchurch, Westport and Reefton.

The South Island will depart by ferry to South Island early Saturday morning (13.06.2015) heading to Christchurch while the North Island will begin at St Francis de Sales Parish, a parish in Wellington on Sunday (14.06.2015).

During these times, we will be running parish seminars, visiting schools, colleges and making house visits, meeting parishioners, engaging with youth - some of the ways we would share the Joy of the Gospel.

We thank you for your continuous prayerful support and ask you to continue be part of this journey of SOM 2015 as we begin this Mission in this land of New Zealand. May the Lord's Spirit be our Guide and Protection. May His Words be shared, Love be experienced and Glory be manifested to the greatest.

School of Mission 2015

Duc in Altum

SOM 2015 : Week 12 - Catholic Church

This week we looked at the Catholic Church,her history, the church and the Sacraments. The speakers of this week were our very own ICPE priests – Fr Tony Alex, Fr Francis D’souza and Fr Alliston Fernandes.

Fr Tony began the week by sharing with us the incredible history of the church, explaining to us how she has evolved into the Mother church we have today.

Fr Alliston explained to us the concept of Church and her mission. In particular, we looked at the characteristics of the Church through the four major Marks of the Church being One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic.

Fr Francis beautifully explained the importance and the depth of each of the seven Sacraments. We learnt that the Sacraments are an extension of Christ into our time and that God’s grace is showered immensely through the Sacraments.

The church still stands as a mystical body of Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit throughout history and has overcome many obstacles along her path. Today, we recognize the enormous treasure that she is and are proud to be part of this Universal Church.

Testimony by Jeanne (Malaysia)

This week, I realize that the Church is the Mother Jesus has given us. Human, but wise and loving. Whatever Jesus did in His time, He is still doing today through the Sacraments of the Church. How great is His love for me that because I know through experience, He provided me with these beautiful gifts that help me experience more of His love.

Testimony by Jerome (India)

I am so blessed to be part of the Catholic Church, with a rich history of 2000 years. A church truly led by the Holy Spirit. A church that really knows what she is doing.

SOM 2015: Week 11 - Discernment

The participants of School of Mission 2015 this week head into another important week of their school. This week’s topic is on Discernment. The speaker for the first five days was our very own priest in the mission-Father Francis. He started off the week by explaining the essentials of making a good discernment.

Beginning with a quick history of the Ignatian way of discernment that we as a mission follow,he spoke about the attitudes that one who discerns must possess He included some practical techniques used in the process of discernment.

Father Francis ,through some group dynamics and the use of art work, the participants were encouraged to tune into hearing the voice of God and surrendering to his holy will.Next, through the use of Scripture, he showed them how one could hear God's voice.He explained the errors that could arise in the process as well.The participants were then invited to consecrate their lives before the Blessed Sacrament.

On the last day of the week, the participants heard the teaching by Father Kevin on 'Discernment in the Church'. The paerticipants saw the important role the Holy Spirit plays in the processof discernment and the need to submit to His promptings. The highlight of the talk was the fact that all of us are greatly loved by God and from the knowledge of being loved by Him,we can discern and do God's will.

Testimony by Bibiana Francis (Community Experience 2014-2015) from Malaysia

This has been an amazing and insightful week as Fr. Francis and Fr. Kevin spoke on discernment. I found the practical experiences and examples that he gave to be very helpful in my own journey, as well as to see errors I may have committed in my process of discerning His will for my life. The other thing that touched me was that the key to knowing God's will for me is to be in a living and loving relationship with God, trusting that He has a great plan for me. I need not worry about anything because He is Father and He will take care of everything and all I need to say is my 'yes' in faith!

SOM 2015 Week 10 - Worship, Catechism of the Catholic Church & Divine Will

After a week of restful break, we resumed the School with teachings on the topics of Worship by Derek Chong, Catholicism of the Catholic Church by Fr. Carl Telford and Divine Will by Tony Hikey. When we know who we are in God and who God is to us, worship will come natural to us.

The first three days of the week, Derek taught us on the topic of Worship. That in order to fully worship God, we need to discover our identity. When we recognise who God is to us through all He has done for us we would naturally be grateful for all that He has done for us. It is in this heart of gratitude that we are free to worship God.

Next, we had Fr. Carl, a Marist priest for 37years, who enlightened us on a treasure of the church that is often overlooked which is Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Fr. Carl gave us an introduction to the CCC and insisted that to be effective evangelisers, we need to not only know about our faith, but to develop relationship with God as well. The CCC help us to encounter God through the teachings of the mother church handed down over the years through various sources.

Last but not the least, we had Tony Hikey, a lay minister from Manchester, UK, who spoke to us on Divine Will. In order to respond to God’s will, we need first to encounter God and to have a relationship with Him through sacred Scripture, teachings of the church ad to have complete trust in Him knowing that we will be in good hands.These teachings gave our participants new and profound insights on who they are, how God sees them and how to respond to His will. We will go more in depth on how we can know God’s will for us and how to respond to His will as we enter into another amazing week on the topic of Discernment by our very own Fr. Francis D’souza. We hope that you continue to keep us and especially our participants in prayer.

God bless.

Testimony:

I came to realise that worship is a process in man's self-realisation, which must be regarded as an essential act, without which a whole realm of human life would remain atrophied. ~ Patrick, Nigeria

Worship Night - May 1, 2015

SOM 2015: Week 8 - Inner Healing

The Inner Healing week (week 8) has been one of breaking down and building up. During the course of this week, God has shown His faithfulness, kindness and mercy. We witnessed breakthroughs in the lives of our school participants. Many having come to the place of being vulnerable have allowed God to work in their hearts bringing healing to their spirits.

We are grateful for the anointed healer we have had in Diana who after tirelessly giving significant input, insights and reflections throughout the week also led the participants to a readiness for being ministered to in the prayer ministries. We concluded this week on ups and downs with viewing of the movie "Courageous".

We look forward to having the topic of “Worship” led by Derek as we resume after a week-long break. Do continue to keep all of us in your prayers that we may be protected and refreshed during this week.

God's abundant blessings!

School of Mission 2015 Duc in Altum

Testimonies from participants on Week 8 - Inner Healing

The first few days I had trouble connecting with the sessions and prayer ministries. But I prayed that God would reveal Himself in His own time, and I also know that a few prayer warriors were keeping me in prayer. So, I just tried to keep the faith. On the fourth day, God revealed to me a deep hurt from my childhood that I had refused to acknowledge or bring to light throughout my entire life. With His grace, I was able to be vulnerable, let myself feel the strong negative emotions of long ago and finally renounce them in front of His Divine Mercy. I’m thrilled to begin on a path of restoration as a daughter and woman of God. ~Beverley, Singapore

This week I was reminded of my many past hurts and each day, Jesus never failed to come into those hard times to shield me from the shame and tell me that I am unconditionally accepted by Him. ~Gabriel, Indonesia

SOM 2015: Week 7 Christian Character

“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am Holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)

This week, the School of Mission returned from a triumphant experience of the Easter Triduum and entered into a week focusing on Christian Character.

The participants were introduced to the vision of the crown of glory. Each one was called to Holiness...a calling to reflect and practice the foundation and pillars of our characters, that are the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, as well as the Cardinal Virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Justice and Prudence.

In response to the growth in our journey of Holiness and Christian Virtues, we are called to be good servants and stewards and to be faithful. These are all rooted in our dignity and identity as Children of a Faithful, Abundant and Loving Father. The week ended with the topic on Community and Conflicts.

We are grateful and truly appreciate our speakers for the week: Sheila Libano, Fr. Francis D’Souza, Susilo Kentjana, Wimpie Santoso and Fr. Tony Alex.

Please pray for the School of Mission this week as we enter a week of Inner Healing. We pray for breakthroughs in the lives of the participants.

School of Mission 2015 Duc in Altum

5th Ordination Anniversary of Fr. Alliston Fernandes

“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5: 6)

Today (10.04.2015) marked the 5th anniversary of the Priestly Ordination of Fr. Alliston Fernandes. The celebration began with a Eucharist just for the Community in the morning, with Fr. Alliston, himself as the main celebrant and Fr. Francis con-celebrating with him.

The community also celebrated this special occasion over an appertising and relaxed dinner that consisted of deep-fried fish, baked potatoes, coleslaw and apricot-coconut cake with ice cream. The celebration was one that overflowed with love and joy especially evident in the words the community used to honour Fr. Alliston as our priest, brother and Director.

Many acknowledged and affirmed his smile, sense of humour, his wonderful homilies, his leadership, humility, and last but not the least his pastoral gifts of service and availability which have blessed and enriched all who approach him.

Let us all continue to keep Fr. Alliston in our prayers that God may fill him with His abundant love and wisdom in leading the flock that has been entrusted to him. May God strengthen and empower him to greater holiness to draw more people to God!

2015 Easter Triduum at St. Gerard's

Lent 2015 reached its climax with the Easter Triduum. To prepare for the celebration, we were graced with Penitential Service on Holy Wednesday with God reaching out to his people through the Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrated by fours priests.

With a heart cleansed, we went into Jesus’ passion at the Maundy Thursday mass where we enacted the washing of the disciples’ feet, the institution of the Lord’s Supper as well as watched and prayed with the Lord until midnight as the Blessed Sacrament was placed at the altar of repose. We reminded of our God who came to serve us and give us life as ransom for us.

Good Friday began with recitation of the Liturgy of The Hours; then undergoing the Way of the Cross at our local parish. At 3pm, Passion service we were filled with awe of the Lord’s love as each of us venerated the Cross. Following that we had the screening of the movie” Passion of the Christ”.

We once more joined St. Joseph’s parish to celebrate the Easter Vigil that highlighted Jesus - the light of the world; the sacraments of initiation for four members which was beautiful as they stepped into the waters of baptism and came out.

The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia! Celebration of the Lord’s victory over death continued in St. Gerard on Easter Sunday with mass and fellowship.

Worship Night - March 2015

On Worship night which was held on the 27th of March, we were privileged to have Maria Vadia from the USA as our speaker.

The theme centered on worship and healing and we had full house that night beginning with resounding praise and worship that brought the whole congregation to worship God. Maria's teaching focused on living the reality of God's kingdom on earth. This is possible only if we allow God to lead and take charge of our life. In God's kingdom there is forgiveness and illness of any kind has its root in this truth. However, restoration is possible in God's kingdom only if we are willing to let go and forgive.

The night was filled with a lot of healing taking place and those people who experienced healing testified to God's promises of restoration and kingdom reality. We ended the night with shouts of praise thanking God for all that He had done and all that He will continue to do in our lives.

Lenten Recollection 2015

On Sunday 22 March 2015, a full-day Lenten Recollection was held at St. Gerard’s Church for two Filipino communities from Upper Hutt and Paraparaumu respectively. It was a time to prepare themselves in this great season of grace.

Three separate programmes were conducted simultaneously with the Cenacle sisters animating the recollection for the adult group, while the ICPE Mission team animated the sessions for 2 groups children and youth, age ranging between 6 and 25 years old.

The theme of the recollection was “God is Good, I am good.” The groups started their session with ice breakers and games to get them more acquainted to one another. It was then followed by a session on God’s love where they were introduced to the true image of God, who is Love, Compassionate and Merciful. The second session was based on their identity as Sons and Daughters of their Heavenly Father. The truth of who they truly are and how precious each and every one of them are was really spoken into their life. They had group dynamics, creativity and discussions running the whole day to reflect and share their views and understanding of the topics of the day.

The Youth were then invited to reflect on what they received throughout the day, and to see how God was speaking to them following which they brought what they had gained into a time of Adoration. During that time of silent adoration the sacrament of reconciliation was made available to them.

The day of Recollection ended with the adults and youth coming back together as a group to celebrate the Eucharist that was animated by the Filipinos. At the end of the mass some of the youth presented a song which declared their commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

Easter Sunday at St Gerard's

The Lord is Risen! Alleluia!

Come and join in this Eucharistic celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ which brings us our salvation!

See you here tomorrow (05.04.2015) at 10:30 am !

SOM 2015 - Week 4 & 5: Holy Spirit and Spiritual Warfare

“You belong to God, children, and you have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4: 4)

It has been an amazing 2 weeks with Maria Vadia sharing with us the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how to engage in Spiritual Warfare.

The participants, including the staff, are enlightened, refreshed and empowered by the Spirit as we began each session every day with Praise and Worship, bringing the power of the Spirit within each of us to its fullness. The sessions were made interesting with Maria’s personal testimonies and experiences of the significance and power of the Holy Spirit in her life. The participants got to practice their spiritual gifts through out the sessions with each other and were encouraged to guard their tongues, so that their tongues are used to edify, encourage and empower others.

Now as we have entered the Holy Week, we ask for your fervent prayers so that with all that the participants have learnt about the Heart of the Father, Sin and Salvation, the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Warfare, the simple truth that God is Love be sealed in each one of their hearts!

Testimonies from participants on Week 4 & 5

We were told to practice Thanksgiving, especially in moments of problems and worries. As I looked at my biggest issues in life and started thanking the Lord for His faithfulness and breakthroughs, deep peace came into those areas and I was filled with lots of hope and joy. ~Sebastian Raber, Germany

He, who never sleeps nor slumbers never lets us out of His sight. How wonderful that is! Even when I stumble in disbelief, Jesus is ready to lead me back to the embrace of my Father.What love God has for me! Today, I fear no darkness because the light of Christ lives in me.Thank you for Your Spirit and for your unfailing love that is poured deep into my heart. ~Jokin Vallabaraju, India

School of Mission 2015 Duc in Altum

Good Friday at St. Gerard's

"It is finished." John 19: 30

Good Friday is the day we commemorate to passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Son though He was, He learned obedience even unto death" (Hebrews 5: 8). He endured all the sufferings - stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced and crushed - all simply for the salvation of our souls for eternity.

Please come and join is to commemorate this great saving grace we received through the Passion of Christ tomorrow (3 April 2015) at 3pm.

ICPE Mission New Zealand

St. Gerard's Monastery