Tag: Hawkes Bay

Kopua Retreat

Eight young people from Masterton, Porirua and Wellington joined Challenge staff and volunteers at the beautiful Monastery in Kopua, just outside the Hawkes Bay, for a three day retreat.

We had a fantastic few days talking and reflecting on the Year of Mercy.  Topics discussed included: “Who Am I”, “Who is God”, “Servant Leadership”.

It was great for the young people and Challenge 2000 to leave reality behind and reconnect back to both themselves and to God.  New and old friendships were formed and strengthened and a new connection has developed between the Companions and the Monks in the Monastery. We thank the Monks at Kopua for allowing us to stay at the beautiful, restful and tranquil Monastery.

Reflecting IMG_7491 Group

 

Hawkes Bay Challenge 2000

 Challenge 2000 in the Hawkes Bay has been very busy… some of the things that they have been up to this month include:
  • Youth Mass  – was held on 15 July at 5pm. It was followed by a supper at 6pm at St Thomas More’s Parish. The theme was SAY YES! Thanks to those that did SAY YES and came along.
  • Confirmation Leaders Retreat in Kuratau happened during the school holidays on 12 – 14 July. This was to help prepare our young leaders to lead and journey with the confirmation group towards making the commitment of Confirmation. 
  • School holiday programme in Napier and Hastings (one day each) happened on Monday and Tuesday 9 & 10 July. Lots of fun was had by the young people and leaders!
Coming up in the Hawkes Bay:

  • Confirmation programme is about to get under way – people need to contact their Parish Office for a registration form.
  • Confirmation 2012 promises to be a journey of faith, new challenges and some fun thrown in! 
If you would like any further information about any of these events please contact Luke or Manisha on 021 657 115.

ANZAC Mass in Hawkes Bay

Challenge 2000 ANZAC Mass in Hawkes Bay a hit!

On Tuesday afternoon, April 24th, a team of 13 Challenge 2000 people – young and slightly older, jumped into two vehicles and set off for Hawkes Bay.
On ANZAC day, over 150 people, including the Challenge 2000 team and 50 local young people, came along for our first Challenge 2000 event in the Hawkes Bay. Special thanks must go out to Hastings priest, Fr Vince Onesi, who celebrated Mass along with Fr Chris Skinner sm, who directed music and sang his song ‘Sons of Gallipoli’.
The Mass included a great drama by the Challenge 2000 young people, songs in Maori, Tongan and English, and readings from local young people. Some people brought along family treasures including a naval hat from the Achilles, a saddle from WWI, photos, prayer books and flags. After Mass most people gathered to talk over a cup of tea and ANZAC biscuits. This is the start of a new venture for Challenge 2000 so watch this space!

Connie and Mitch’s Road Trip

On the 17th June Sister Connie and Mitch went on a ‘road trip’ to Napier to speak to the Mission Sisters and their associates about Challenge 2000.

The trip started well, with blue skies in the Hawkes Bay saying goodbye to the Wellington rain.  Both stayed at the convent where there was plenty of reminiscing about the sisters’ history in New Zealand, and the extremely harsh conditions the sisters had to face when they first arrived.

Nap Trip_Connie

On Friday 18th Connie spoke to a group of about 30 about Challenge 2000 and what we do.  Connie’s talk was imbued with her passion for the work Challenge does, and her absolute conviction about the paramount importance of social justice, and the group was very receptive.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable two days, and Connie did a tremendous job in describing the true spirit of Challenge 2000 and the wonderful work we do.

 Nap Trip_Connie and the Sisters