Church Talk
Confirmation on Mauke draws everyone together
Friday 13 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
It was my privilege to travel to the island of Mauke on the first Sunday of December for confirmation. Confirmation in the Catholic Church is normally administered by the Bishop and from the two churches on Mauke, St Michael’s and St Mary’s, 15 candidates were presented for confirmation. This sacrament is prepared over a number […]
Christmas is about a present from God – Jesus!
Friday 13 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
A statement by a Jewish rabbi goes like this: “When one truth tries to imitate another, it is not a truth anymore”. This statement seems to have relevance in regards to the taking over of Christmas by the business world. The Christian feast of Christmas, commemorating the birth of the Messiah, has been imitated by […]
412 – serving the community
Friday 6 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Serving the community was the drive behind the Celebration on the Rock church in Nikao jumping on the Vaka Eiva canoe to host the junior programme of the weeklong paddling event. The Mapu Oe Vaka was a huge success on the water and off the water – the youngsters enjoyed a prize giving that included […]
When it comes to truth, tolerance is a travesty
Friday 6 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Q: Why are Christians so judgmental and unloving? A: Because we live in an age of tolerance where almost anything goes, openly questioning or criticising other people’s belief systems can quickly get you labelled as judgmental, narrow-minded, bigoted, hateful, and even ignorant. With regard to Christianity, Matthew 7:1 is often quoted (or should I say […]
Bishop reflects on UNESCO address
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Education and tourism minister Teina Bishop recently returned from France, where he made a historic address at the 37th UNESCO General Conference held earlier this month. The Paris conference – which dealt with education, health, and gender issues – saw Bishop become the first Cook Islander to make a national address at the forum. Speaking […]
'The love of God is revealed on the cross'
Friday 29 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in […]
Disappointment in Diwali celebration
Saturday 23 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Dear Editor, I’m writing this letter to express my thoughts on the Diwali celebration that took place on November 9 at Avatea School Hall.
Does faith in Jesus Christ matter?
Friday 22 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Does faith in the Lord Jesus Christ really matter anyway? Let me pose another question that may bring a better focal point: “What makes Jesus Christ the most unique figure in history?” Was it because of his teachings, his miracles, the devotion of his followers, his sacrifice and the outrageous claims that baffled his listeners? Certainly, he was not the first to have disciples of His own, nor was He the first teacher to use parables or to die an ignominious death such as death on the cross, or to make many startling claims either! Emperors were worshipped as gods, heroes were called sons of god, Alexander the great claimed to be the son of Zeus, and Julius Caesar had similar sentiments of being divine.
Religious festivities restricted in the Cooks
Wednesday 20 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Permission and approval of the religious advisory council and the Minister of Justice are required in the Cooks for religious gatherings, according to legislation. The Religious Organisations Restrictions Amendment Act 1994 states that the minister cannot withhold approval for the establishment of any religious organisation unless satisfied that such establishment would be contrary to local […]
Kiwi reporter hits ground running
Saturday 16 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
From concrete to coconuts, the latest addition to the Cook Islands News team is coming back to his roots – sort of. Reporter Ben Chapman-Smith joined the paper on May 4, and brings strong reporting experience and fascinating life experience to the newsroom. Born on a dairy farm in Morrinsville – a small town in […]
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Friday 15 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
The Matavera Sacred Heart Catholic Church community celebrated the first Holy Communion for 18 of its young congregation members. Here Koekoe Mokotupu shares the joys of the event. “Many thanks to Ana Makara and her team of volunteers coming forward offering free service teaching basic catechism and rules as stipulated by the Catholic Church. They […]
Volunteer missionary prepares towards service at Independence mission, USA
Friday 15 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Kayla Kaimarama received her letter of acceptance to serve as a volunteer missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at Missouri, Independence mission in USA last week. “I have always dreamed of going on a mission ever since I was about 10 years old.” The letter arrived from the office of the […]
United we stick, divided we're stuck
Friday 15 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Many argue this world is one big global village. If that is the case, there is so much that has been robbed from those who decided they will follow and protect a certain path within their little corner of this global village. With this global mind-set it has opened the doors to some who want […]
Diwali festival celebrates diversity
Monday 11 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Diwali festival-goers were treated to an inspiring message of religious and social tolerance on Saturday night in a celebration of diversity. Guest of honour New Zealand High Commissioner Joanna Kempkers gave a brief but powerful message about the "fundamental values" of respect and tolerance to those gathered for one of the biggest annual celebrations on […]
'God loves each of us'
Friday 8 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
On behalf of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days, I am honoured to have this opportunity to share this wonderful message with you all: God is Love. No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than another. He loves each of us, and we must love him […]
Girl Guides celebrate 85 years of service
Saturday 2 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
The Cook Islands Girl Guides celebrated 85 years of service on October 15 at a ceremony held at the Nikao Sunday School Hall. The association celebrated the occasion by holding a week-long national camp for all members on the Islands of Rarotonga and those from the outer islands. The theme of the camp was, ‘believe, […]
Bishop thanks fire service
Friday 1 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Bishop Paul Donoghue paid a visit to the Rescue Fire Service on Friday to thank them for the service they provided to Nukutere College recently. He was accompanied by Father Damien Marinus and Father Freddie Kaena, as well as two students to represent the school. The group also wished to visit the Puaikura Volunteer Fire […]
The role of private schools
Friday 1 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Catholic Schools have been a part of Cook Islands education since 1895 when St Joseph School opened its doors with the St Joseph of Cluny Sisters. Over the past 118 years the church has adapted to changing circumstances and changing times. During those 118 years the only islands not to have a Catholic school are […]
Turama – the belief in eternal life
Friday 1 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Today, Friday November 1, is the Turama celebration for the Catholic Church. Given this is not a new celebration I think most now realise this is a day set aside to recall in a special way those members of our family and friends who have died. None of us wishes to be forgotten. Those who […]
Nuku displays influence of Gospel
Friday 1 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Last month I travelled to Tahiti for a meeting of the Pacific Conference of Churches where I represent the Catholic Bishops of the Pacific. As the meeting was hosted by the Maohi Protestant Church I stayed in their headquarters and participated in all their church events during the meeting. This does cause some amusement to […]