School of Mission 2015: 'Duc in Altum'

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

Today, during the Holy Eucharist we, the ICPE Mission New Zealand together with our congregation at St. Gerard’s Church, witnessed 20 courageous young people who stood before the altar to surrender 5 months of their precious lives in response to the Lord's invitation to put out into the deep.' Duc in Altum' is the theme of the School of Mission 2015.

The School of Mission (SOM) 2015 has set sail and just as God made His everlasting covenant with Noah and the creatures after the flood, He continues to reveal His faithfulness to this group of young men and women. One of the participants shared that he experienced God’s immense rainbow covenant while another said he experienced God’s soaking Love during the Eucharistic Celebration and his heart melted in the warmth of God’s love.

The celebration was followed by fellowship in the dining room with a large array of delicious finger food. A private celebration with the community members and the participants was held in the evening after an anointed time of worship when we were encouraged to commit ourselves to follow Christ, keeping Him as our ultimate vision.

We pray that, like Noah too, as these participants enter the ark and set sail, they will cast their nets into the deep waters and seek the one most valuable treasure of all - Jesus Christ Himself!

Mario Cappello's Oceania Pastoral Visit

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22: 36-39)

It has been a great privilege for us at the ICPE Mission New Zealand to receive Mario Cappello, the founder of the ICPE Mission as he made a pastoral visit to different members of the GOGICC family in the region of Oceania (2-12 Feb 2015).

Throughout his time with us at St Gerard’s, he had the opportunity to meet covenanted members of the community, those participating in the year of Community Experience with the ICPE Mission, the brother priests & priestly candidates at the Manresa House and also the Companions of the ICPE Mission.

Not only has Mario's presence brought about a clearer vision but has intensified the passion of each of us in the community in building God's Kingdom. He exhorted us that we remember in all our daily undertakings the necessity to love God and to love others which would enable us to be effective missionary disciples.

Nov 2nd Sacramental Program

On the 2nd of November 55 children came from 4 different parishes namely St Francis de Sales (Island Bay), St Bernard (Brooklyn), St Joseph (Mt Victoria) and St Anne (Newton) to undergo their sacramental program which began with a couple of actions songs proclaiming that every single cell in our body is happy and well because of Jesus. It was followed by a skit bringing about the Eucharist is in essence where Jesus is truly present. The energetic Irene Chia finally taught the children that “when we receive Jesus, we become Jesus and in turn we share Jesus.” We pray that this seed of faith will be sown deep their hearts and that as they grow each day, they become more like Jesus growing up to be prophets, kings and priests in the years to come!

October Worship Night

God showed His Faithfulness upon us this very evening (31.10.2014) as we gathered at St Gerard's Church to worship God as one Body of Christ. A great sense of freedom in the Spirit was felt, reminding all of God's greatness and the gift of family each one has been bestowed with. Archbishop John Dew was the speaker of the evening and the topic was "The Power of Family prayer.

This topic drew many from various parishes around Wellington, who came with anticipation and excitement. He shared his experience at the recent Bishops Synod in Rome about matters and issues in family life that were discussed. He shared that we learn to respond to His unfailing Love and encouraged parents to be role models. A family that prays together stays together… We pray that this evening is the beginning of a courageous and heroic response from all who were present so that we play our part in the renewal and restoration of families in New Zealand.

Worship Night October 31, 2014 (7:30 pm)