Resources
What’s the difference?
Is there a difference between your Church and the Roman Catholics?
The best way to look at it is from a family perspective. There are nieces and nephews, sons and daughters, cousins, parents, aunts and uncles, grandparents etc… Same family; different branch.
That’s how we view ourselves from the Roman Catholics. We have similar connections. Once-upon-a-time, we were the same Church and then there was a split.
We probably have more in common than not but if differences were to be listed here are some:
We don’t have a pope
Our clergy and bishops can marry
Ordination is not restricted to men
Marriage is between two consenting adults (18 years and older)
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
“For a few weeks I volunteered in Kolkata with the Missionaries of Charity. Not being accustomed to so many people, it was a little overwhelming. The traditional Mass has always been a great source of peace but this particular day I couldn’t tune in - the outside noise, the tooting of cars and bike horns got on my nerves. Frustrated… I walked out of the chapel. The Superior General (Sr Mary Prema Pierick) followed me out. She listened to me harp on about not finding peace and the constant noise. “Have you finished? Are you over yourself? Go back into the chapel, offer up your struggles and just be present with Jesus - nothing more, nothing less. Go and sit by Mother’s figure.”
Without missing a beat I went back in and sat next to Mother Teresa’s figure. The noise did not dissipate, the horns were still tooting but this time, a powerful sense of “stay with Me” blocked everything out and the peace of being at the foot of the Cross returned to me. It was like my soul was shouting “I found You, Lord! I found You!”
It was then I realised how important the Mass is. There we find the risen Lord. Hidden and yet so exposed. — Christopher J
Lessons in the Faith
Whether you are seasoned or new to the faith, there is always something of interest to learn.
Being received into the Faith is a life changing decision, even for those born into it. Like a new game, some can learn the rules before playing and retain it all. Then there are some who need to learn along the way. Whatever the circumstance we all need a refresher.
Here we offer weekly lessons in the faith and this resource is a great start for those coming in new or needing a refresher.
“Changed from glory into glory
Till in Heav'n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise!.”
Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
community of martha and mary
Rev. David Haxell
Principal Chaplain
"2016 after the consecration of one of our bishop's, we felt that there was an immediate need for prayer warriors. We knew that our bishop would be called on more frequently and he needed prayers for the spiritual warfare that he would be against not only outside the Church but also within. We have developed since then and hope to be of better service." — Claire
The purpose of the Community is to pray for and assist the work of the Church in New Zealand. Made up of people from all over the world, of different faiths and none.