G.I.F.T (Growth in Faith Together)

G.I.F.T is a ministry to our disabled and vulnerable Catholics, where formation, fun, fellowship and community all occur together. Having been started in the early 70's by Sr Jean Sinclair, G.I.F.T has come be the home and the safe place of our brothers and sisters whose sacramental lives have been made difficlt or inconvenient due to dis ability.

G.I.F.T meets on a regular basis at Pompallier Diocesan Centre to learn, and have fun with friends and whanau, share some kai and korero together in their Catholic faith.

Brief - Sr Jean Sinclair

We want to celebrate with you the lifetime ministry of Sister Jean Sinclair to G.I.F.T.
“17 September 2023, ‘G.I.F.T.’ celebrated its 50th Jubilee. ‘G.I.F.T.’  stands for:
Growth in Faith Together. It was the vision of Cenacle Sister Jean Sinclair, who saw the need to walk with, and nourish the faith lives of those with intellectual disabilities. There was a huge void in this area and ministries like L’Arche were beginning to emerge overseas.
Sister Jean recognised that these people were missing out when it came to celebrating the sacraments and living fully their faith. Sr Jean had the enthusiasm, commitment and faith to put her vision of ‘growing in faith together’ into action.

For over 50 years this very special community has had a place in the life and mission of the Auckland Diocese and we have been blessed to have had ‘G.I.F.T.’