Roman Catholic Diocese of Dunedin

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

In his final Angelus prayer, delivered to a large crowd gathered in St Peter's Square, Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI linked the Gospel of the Transfiguration of the Lord to the call that he was responding to at that moment in his life. "The Lord is calling me to 'climb the mount' and to devote myself to meditation, reflection and prayer". Like the Emeritus Pope, each of us, in this season of Lent, is being called to climb the mountain in search of enlightenment, and affirmation of our faith, and then to descend again to the level of daily life and service, refreshed in love and strength.

As New Zealanders, we know the challenge of mountain climbing, and the importance of good preparation, good equipment, concentration and personal effort, Climbing mountains is not a spectator sport; it is a challenging activity requiring participation. It is purposeful activity with a clear and attainable end. It is not over until we have returned to base camp.

Lent leads us, as Christians, to the mount - Mount Calvary. We keep company with Jesus as we relive that historic climb, the with Christians throughout the world, we await the dawn of another Easter to celebrate His resurrection.

Pray with me during Lent and then the glory of Easter that our lives in Christ will be renewed and that our New Pope Francis will will fulfil the new ministries entrusted to him. The humble first steps of Pope Francis as he commences his papacy are full of the Easter promise of the risen Jesus Christ.

May you and your families be strengthened in faith at this holy time.

In the Spirit

+ C.D.Campbell

Bishop of Dunedin

Courses offered in the Diocese in 2013 are:

TH206c Church History - Reformation:     11 to 13 April.

Lecturer Dr Peter Norris

The course traces the history of the Church before the protestant reformation and looks at the events that led up to the counter-reformation and the Council of Trent.

TH102 Introduction to Theology:             25 to 27 April

Lecturer Fr Gerard Aynsley

Theology is Faith seeking understanding. This course will explore questions about God, Jesus Christ, creation, tradition and experience.

TH203 Understanding Church:                30th May to 1 June

Lecturer Bishop Colin Campbell

Understanding Church looks at the Catholic Church's understanding of itself from the time of the Second Vatican Council, particularly as express in the document The Constitution of the Church.

SC206  The Synoptic Gospels:               5th to 7th September

Lecturer Sr Jan Ogilvy OP

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the "synoptic gospels". This course will present an overview of the three gospels to show how each evangelist presents the same Christ in a different manner, but not contradictory manner, from others and how the difference in presentation can deepen our own faith in Christ.

SC102  Intoduction to the New Testament: 7th to 9th November

Lecturer Sr Jan Ogilvy OP

The New Testament was written by a number of people in the light of faith in the Resurrection using a variety of literal forms. This course is designed to familiarise participants with the content of the New Testament.

To enrol please contact Susan Howard 03 474-1994 ext 701 or email susanh@cdd.org.nz

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