Our Journey of Faith

What Is Wings Ngā Parirau?

A Faith Formation programme that aspires to build confidence in people to be active in the life and Mission Christ within the Church of the 21st century by

• fostering personal and spiritual formation,
• deepening an understanding of Church teaching and Scripture
• integrating new understandings with faith and life experience.

It is a journey of reflection on life, and understanding of the Catholic faith, through reading, group discussion, prayer and pondering the Scriptures.
As people of faith we believe that God is present with us as we seek to find deeper meaning and purpose in our lives. Christ calls us to Come, follow Him.

Watch this short video to learn more or contact the Diocesan Wings Coordinator Dianna Fouhy

The latest Wings newsletter can be downloaded here.

What is Alpha?

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions exploring the basics of the Christian faith.

Each session looks at a different question, and is assigned to create conversation. No two Alphas look the same – they run in coffee shops, churches, bars, prisons, universities, schools and homes. There’s no pressure, no follow-up and no charge; it’s just an open, informal, and honest space to explore and discuss life’s big questions together

It is a tool built for local churches based on hospitality, sharing and open conversation. The same Alpha content is run all over the world, by Christians of all traditions, and provides a common expression of proclamation, service and witness. Millions of people have experienced Alpha in over 100 countries and over 100 languages around the globe.

What's in an Alpha Course?

The Alpha course is an 11 week course that includes a weekend retreat. Its gives you an opportunity to explore your life and to get stock of what is important and to live a new life in a new way.  There are three stages of an Alpha gathering.

• Hospitality - eating together
• Exploring - watching a presentation regarding searching questions
• Integrating - getting into smaller groups and discussing those questions. Make new long term friends and become community. No question is too simple.

What happens as a result of Alpha?

Most have a new or revitalised encounter with Jesus enhancing that relationship with him.

Alpha had a significant impact on Jean of Auckland. Hear her story below and the stories of many others here.

Want to know more - Please contact our team

Would like to visit Alpha NZ - Click Here

Seasons for Growth is a program for children, young people or adults who have experienced significant change or loss.

Seasons for Growth offers a range of activities that allow individuals to:

• explore the skills needed to manage the effect of loss
• understand that it is normal to experience and express a range of emotions around grief and loss
• review present beliefs and plan for a realistic and hope-filled future
• develop an integrated sense of self and higher self-esteem
• take part in a caring network of peers and adults
• build effective relationships with families, friends and others

Who is a Companion?

The Companion facilitates the delivery of the programme in a safe environment, using methods that promote a peer support focus.

The role of a Companion is critical to the Seasons for Growth process. An effective Seasons for Growth Companion is a person who:

• Cares deeply about supporting young people in understanding and accepting their grief.
• Can listen deeply and effectively.
• Is able to facilitate discussion.
• Can ask questions sensitively and respect silence.
• Is not burdened by his/her own unresolved grief.
• Has the ability to express and deal with his/her own feelings.
• Can relate well to the age group he/she is accompanying.
• Understands the issues related to mandatory reporting.
• Is willing to take part in the Companion training.
• Does not bring a personal agenda to the group.
• Acts supportively - does not rescue, distract or make participants dependent.
• Trusts in the participants’ experiences and capacity to choose what is best for them.
• Asks “what” and “how” questions not “why” or “which”.
• Respects the uniqueness of each person’s life story.
• Is able to affirm others.

The Catholic Diocese of Auckland does not run Seasons for Growth programs.  It does support and provide training for Companions.  For more information contact Deborah Wood, [email protected] or [email protected]

The Faith Formation Team  creates and provides the resources for the preparation of children and their whanau for the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist.

You can download the information concerning these materials here.

Catechist Formation

Formation is provided for the diocese for hose in particular catechetical ministries within faith communities.

• Sacramental programs - contact [email protected]
• RCIA - contact [email protected]

The Diocese also offers a number of other faith formation opportunities including courses on

• Being Catholic - exploring what it means to be Catholic in today's world
• Celebrating Who We Are - Looking at the face of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa today.
• Act Justly Why? - Considering the call to be people of justice in the contemporary world
• Called by Christ - a four week guided small group reflection and dialogue on our role as the Baptised
• Sent by Christ - a a four week guided small group reflection and dialogue on our call to participation in Christ's mission.

Occasional

On occasion the diocese facilitates guest speakers of note regarding a particular aspect of faith.  Parishes are notified of these and they appear on our events page.