Y8 Hiruharama Retreat - Twenty-one Y8 students visited St Werenfried's church on their journey to Mother Aubert's convent at Hiruharama. They were lucky enough to have Tony Hepi share his stories of Tuwharetoa's catholic origins and how the church came to be in Waihi village. Students spent time researching the life of Mother Aubert, reflecting on their time at St Patrick's and how they plan to continue their faith journey going forward. As part of their service they dusted and cleaned the church and convent. Taize prayer was held in the church and the Special Character leaders led liturgy in the chapel on the last night. It was an amazing time away - unplugged - with an amazing group of young people.

 

Catholic Family Weekend lessons on creating a prayer focus at home.

 

Saints Strand presentation of artwork to the parents and parish.

 

Staff Call Back Day - Our Faith Stories ~ Ko o maatau korero whakapono. Our story started with Mamae Pitiroi, a woman of fatih, whose image is immortalised in the statue of the Māori Madonna and Child outside St Patrick's church, Taupo. Staff made a hikoi to the church of St Werenfried's, in Waihi Village, Tokaanu, and listened to Tony Hepi regal them with the history of the church and how Tuwharetoa became catholic and embraced the faith. Staff enjoyed a picnic by the waterfall before travelling to the Immaculate Conception church in Tokaanu where Tony offered prayers for the teachers before returning home.

Cardboard City - Our Y7/8 students slept in cardboard boxes overnight and as it was raining they slept under the eaves of the school building. The students got family and friends to sponsor them and raised $2,400 which was split between the parish to purchase Backpack Bedrolls & sleeping bags and washing facilities for the homeless in Taupo. The rest is to be given to the Taupo and Turangi Foodbank. The focus of the next day was "Solidarity" and the students enjoyed a plain bowl of rice for breakfast and lunch, then attended mid-day mass. Hopefully, this small experience will help them appreciate and be thankful for what they have and develop an understanding of what others do not have.