September 10, 2016

"THE JOY OF MARRIED LOVE" - A Weekend Retreat for the Married and To-be-married

The ICPE Mission New Zealand announces a special retreat for those married and to-be-married entitled "THE JOY OF MARRIED LOVE". The retreat will include time of worship, testimonies, animated talks on married life and times of fellowship.

Date & Time: Saturday,1st October 2016: 10 am - 5pm

                      Sunday, 2nd October 2016: 2.30 pm - 6 pm

A Koha will be taken at the end of the day to support the needs of the mission. Child minding will be provided during the sessions.

To register email us at new-zealand@icpe.org OR call us at 04-8017797.



Jesus Youth Outreach in Hamilton - 4-7 Aug 2016


“Those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.” - Isaiah 40:31

When I recall the outreach with Jesus Youth where I was part of the ICPE music ministry, the above scripture came to mind.


They came together for the retreat even if they had to drive from far off towns just a few hours!



I witnessed their passion, thirst and hunger for God as well as their openness and Joy. It was a long journey to Hamilton but each one of us experienced great joy including our littlest missionary Xavier ! 

We experienced God’s anointing over our lives despite a few challenges that we faced.We thank the Lord for all He has done for us during this retreat and for their warm hearts that welcomed us. May the Lord bless them and keep them always alive in the Spirit!

August 13, 2016

The School of New Evangelization in Suwon, South Korea - 2-7 Aug 2016

The School of New Evangelization held from Aug 02-07, 2016 at the Gotdeungyi center in Suwon. South Korea had about 30 participants. Fr Alliston from ICPE NZ was the guest speaker.

The short but intense program had morning mass, followed by day-long teachings ranging from the father heart of God, nature of sin and salvation in Jesus, healing of life’s hurts, and empowerment through the Holy Spirit.


The evenings comprised of times of Eucharistic adoration & prayer sessions where remarkable breakthroughs took place.
 

The final day involved an outreach at the Suwon railway station with pickets (having scripture verses) and concluded with a thanksgiving mass. 


Though being just about a week-long program, we marveled at what God has done in the lives of each our brothers and sisters and give all glory and thanks to Him. May this year of mercy be a time that you too encounter a God of mercies in a new way.




July 30, 2016

Fr. Alliston's Mission at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia - 23 July 2016

On the 23rd July 2016, the Sacred Heart Chinese Youth (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah) invited Fr. Alliston Fernandes to conduct a one-day retreat by the theme “The Fountain of Happiness”.  The retreat aimed to lead the participants back to the Source of Happiness, Jesus Christ, saw a group of 26 young people and Sunday school teachers responding to this thirst of their hearts.


We began as we proclaimed the Greatness of God through the song “How Great is Our God” in English and Mandarin. This was then followed by Fr. Alliston’s sessions on the Heart of the Father, the Person of Jesus and the Works of Mercy. The time of adoration and Sacrament of Reconciliation were also made available during the course of the day as the tangible experience of God’s Mercy in the lives of the participants. Some shared that the time of reconciliation was a surprise to them and has led them to the return of the fountain of happiness, i.e. the Mercy of God. Many hearts are now refreshed as they seek to realign their lives to the Will of the Father.


We thank the Lord for His faithfulness to His people living in the 'Land below the winds'. 




July 16, 2016

Outreach at St. Brendan's School, Heretaunga - 14-15 June 2016


On the 14-15 June 2016, fourteen ICPE missionaries including little Xavier, were privileged to spend time with the students and teachers of St. Brendan’s School in Heretaunga.
 

In the first session, Susan shared with students of Years 1 and 2 that Jesus gave everyone courage to do the right thing and that He is always ready to give us courage whenever we ask for it. The session ended with the students receiving a priestly blessing. 
 

Next, Stefanus shared with the year 3 and 4 students that courage is not the absence of fear but rather a decision to rise above it; following the example of Jesus and at the same time drawing strength from Him. The students were encouraged to own this gift of courage and identify ways to bless others.



On the second day, while speaking to the Years 5 and 6, Susilo defined courage as standing up for what is right, thus going against human fears.  Melinda picked up from there by sharing the need to possess courage to live out of their 'true self ' while practicing their unique gifting in daily life situations. In conclusion, both students and teachers alike were touched while they received prayer from our priests and approached the Cross to say a little prayer.
 

We are truly grateful for this opportunity and continue to pray that the students may grow to become courageous witnesses for Jesus.
 

May 31, 2016

Feast of Sacred Heart 3 June 2016

"Love overcomes, love delights, those who love the Sacred Heart rejoice." - St. Bernadette Soubirous

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is celebrated here at St. Gerard’s on Friday, 3rd June at 7.30 pm starting with Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction. Do join us as we celebrate this feast day in which we are called to the fullness of life through the love of Jesus. We look forward to seeing you this Friday.