Dear Sisters

Change is upon us. Jo has moved to Rome and the new CLT will take up their roles on Easter Sunday. The autumn colours are wrapping our country and the days are shorter and cooler. The grapes, feijoas, pumpkins and many other fruits are ripening and spilling their abundance onto the earth for all to eat, enjoy and to prepare for the days of winter. The trees very soon will become bare and the days much colder and greyer. Autumn and Winter issue a time for renewal of energy and creativity.

SEASON of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;

J Keats As I was out running the other morning in the darkness, I was struck by the greyness of everything. It was hard to differentiate any colours in either flowers or trees. The land seemed drab and lifeless. But as the light started to filter through the trees and the sun began to appear, the scene changed. The different greens came into focus, the colours of flowers started to give life to the dullness and the world took on a very different feel.

As the world waits in certain hope for Spring in the darkness of Winter we too wait for the coming of Christ this Easter and for the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. May the light of Christ this Easter bring life and colour to our world. May the Risen Christ dance in each of us.

With Love and blessings to you all.

Regional Days – Feedback from the Chapter

Four of the 6 Regional Days have now been completed. It has been a fruitful experience to share with the sisters something of the Chapter, the atmosphere, the work, the sharing and the final document that we prepared.

The last two days still to be held are:

Christchurch: Thursday 1 May

Wellington: Friday 2 May

Regional Days – Common Purse and Province Finance Structure

The next set of Regional Days will be held in June and July. The first part of the day will focus on finance and related issues. With this posting there is an orange piece of paper that we invite you to fill in and return to the office by 16 May 2014 with any issues, questions or problems that you have regarding finance that can be addressed on the day. There will also be a chance for one on one discussion regarding finances with either Carmel or Maureen Johnson if you wish.

The second part of the day will be a chance to raise any concerns or suggestions for the ongoing life of our Province. This is a chance for an initial airing of these. Each region will be invited to present up to three concerns or suggestions to the PLT for further consideration by the Province. So we invite you to be thinking of concerns or suggestions for the Province that you can bring to the Regional Day.

Province Gathering 2014 – Discernment for Leadership

These days together will begin with a liturgy at 5pm on Sunday 28 September at St Joseph’s Maori Girls College, Greenmeadows. The gathering will finish with the evening meal on Wednesday 1 October. Please return to the Province Office by 16 May the yellow slip of paper confirming your attendance at the gathering.

Student Sisters

We are hoping to welcome the following students to Aotearoa New Zealand early in May for English Language Study. Thi Bich Van Dang and Thi Hong Ngoc Duong will be studying at WITT in New Plymouth and living in community with Mary Wyss at Powderham Street. Vu Kieu Van Nguyen will be studying at Weltec in Petone and living with the Petone Community. We hope their visa applications go smoothly and welcome them to our shores.

Ellen Mahoney’s 99th Birthday Celebration

On Monday 24 March Ellen Mahoney celebrated 99 years of life. Although she had had a big day on Sunday when her nieces celebrated with her, she was able to come to the Regional Day at Osier Road and enjoyed the time with the sisters as we shared the Chapter message. Ellen had many phone calls and visitors and thoroughly enjoyed her special day. Congratulations, Ellen. We are all looking forward to the big celebration next year.

PLT Meeting – June

The next PLT Meeting will be held in New Plymouth 12 and 13 June.

Mission Work

International Mission Development Office: Helen O’Sullivan is working as the International Mission Development Officer in New Zealand. Helen will attend the Workshop for RNDM Mission Promoters in Davao, Philippines from 23 April to 15 May. Enclosed with this posting is the first newsletter from the RNDM International Mission Office for 2014.

Charism Promoter: Anne Sklenars is working as a resource person in sharing our charism with our schools throughout the country.

Mission Cards: We thank Helen O’Sullivan for producing a Mission Card which we have enclosed for each of you. These cards can be used in a variety of ways, sending messages of thanks, etc. If you would like some of these cards for your personal use please let Tania know and she will forward them to you.

RNDM Returned Missionaries Weekend

There will be a weekend for returned Missionaries to be held at Mary MacKillop Centre, Mission Bay, Auckland on 28 & 29 June. There will be more details regarding this weekend available shortly.

Comings and Goings

Helen O’Sullivan leaves New Zealand on Wednesday 23 April for the Workshop for RNDM Mission Promoters in Davao, Philippines. She will return to home on the Thursday 15 May. Helen will have a couple of days with Kate in Manila before the workshop. They will be able to celebrate ANZAC day together. Safe travel, Helen.

We farewell Kathleen Prendergast who returns to the Philippines after just over two months of home leave here in New Zealand. Kathleen leaves Wellington on Monday 28 April. We hope that your time in New Zealand has been refreshing and enjoyable for you, Kathleen, and pray that you will have safe travel and a welcome return to Manila.

Margaret Scott arrives in Auckland early in the morning of Tuesday 29 April for her home leave. We wish you a very restful time, Margaret, catching up with family and friends.

Pauline Leonard arrives in Auckland on Monday 5 May. She will be in New Zealand for some months before her renewal in October. Welcome home, Pauline. It will be good to have you in the Province for this time.

Maureen McBride returns to New Zealand on Sunday 11 May. Maureen will spend time visiting family and sisters as well as resting. A very warm welcome, Maureen.

Susan Smith will travel to the Philippines on Sunday 11 May to teach her course in the Master of Science in Leadership: Concentration on Leadership in Mission 2014, provided by Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. There are 25 African and Asian Religious women involved and they are either in leadership positions already or preparing for leadership. There are three RNDMs following the programme, one from Bangladesh, working in the Philippines, one from India North-East and one from Myanmar. Susan returns on Monday 26 May. We wish you safe travel, Susan, and may the teaching be fulfilling for both you and the students.

Bernadette Fletcher will visit Perth for a short time with her brother, Fr Brian. They depart Auckland on Wednesday 14 May. Bernadette will return to New Zealand on Sunday 25 May.

Joan Parker leaves New Zealand on Sunday 18 May for her time of renewal in the Cotswolds England. She returns on Sunday 6 July. We wish you a refreshing and energizing time of renewal.

From Joan Chittister – The Gift of Years

There is a thin line between memory and nostalgia. They are not the same thing.

Memories enable us to have faith in the future because they remind us that the past has been so life-giving, so full of hope in all the tomorrows of life. Memories are treasure-houses of warnings and of trust, of productive pain and precious goadings. Memories do not so much immerse us in the past as they prod us towards the future.

Nostalgia substitutes the delight of the present for the fantasies of the past. Nostalgia is pining and yearning and longing for what was good for us in the past, but which would be totally out of kilter with the here and now.

The burden of nostalgia is that it takes us out of the present and immobilizes us in the past.

The blessing of nostalgia is that it can serve to remind us that just as we survived all of life before this, grew from it, laughed through it, learned from it as well, we can also live through this age with the same grace, the same insights and share that audacious spirit with others.

Eco Walk 2014 Kapiti Coast

What a wonderful time we had together on our Eco-Walk this year. There were a few tired bodies, sore muscles and aching limbs at the end of the week but everyone declared it a great success. There were not supposed to be any high hills or mountains ridges to climb…but it’s difficult to avoid them! The weather was fantastic apart from the mist over Kapiti the day we sailed there. The bush walks were just a picture of beauty and the companionship very special. It was a great opportunity for us to reconnect with Marie Finn and Chris Cathro and for them it was a most valuable time of re-earthing, renewing relationships and simply grounding themselves into the Kiwi culture again. We were based in Otaki at the Marist Brother’s beach house and our first evening reflection was on the beach amongst the driftwood wondering about the long journey that brought it from the hills beyond onto the beach “worn smooth and clean and paled by the sun.” We prayed that our eyes and ears would be open to the sights and sounds of the bush and that the many experiences of our senses make us more aware of all that is around us and lead us closer to the God who created all. First up Monday morning was The Women’s Guild meeting in Waikanae. I was so proud the way each of you shared your involvement in aspects of

conservation and care of our environment. They loved meeting us and were very impressed with our sharing. Thanks for doing me that favour! From there we walked the Waikanae River track down to the ocean and back. A beautiful and interesting walk along bushy pathways, through parks and paddocks admiring the native trees lovingly planted and well cared for by the local Friends of the River. We also enjoyed observing the shoreline birds on the Waimea Lagoon.

Day two we sailed over to Kapiti Island for a truly unique and amazing experience. We headed up the steep, winding track to the summit enjoying the song of the tui, stitchback, grey warblers and fantails, tomtits, saddleback, kakariki and whiteheads etc. They all live there without fear of attack in this pest and predator-free sanctuary. However, we ourselves were in slight fear of attack by the inquisitive kaka and

weka who were most interested in what we were having for lunch! We loved the bird feeding tables where there was such a flurry of frantic activity as the birds flocked into the sugar-water drinks station. On the third day we walked the Mangaone track. It was just a carpet of autumn leaves and sun-filtered patterns along another fresh-water gurgling stream…heavenly! Our final trek was into the Otaki Forks where I thought the track was flat and through a meadow…I had forgotten about the ridge, the cliff face and the narrow rough track before we came to the meadow! It was challenging but fun and we all came through without a scratch and only a few sore body parts!!! Comments from the group… Warm thanks for a really great week, Barbara. Your beautiful start with a reflection based on drift wood was so appropriate for Otaki Beach. I enjoyed all the walks you had checked out for us and I’m so grateful to have seen more of our beautiful country so freely there for experiencing. Thanks to DOC and volunteer groups. Your organization of accommodation and food was excellent as well. WELL DONE!

Loved every moment of our Eco Walk and the chance to catch up with everyone. It’s a long time since I have laughed so much. We are really looking forward to next year.

Maybe not one spectacular moment, but the whole event. The companionship, the sharing, the praying, the walking and the food. Thanks.

On Kapiti Island, as we walked along the bush tracks, I was aware of the peace and sense of overall wellbeing I experienced as we delighted in seeing and hearing the transparent, gurgling waters of the streams meandering by, the natural beauty and variety of trees and bush and the confident and melodious songs of the birds seeming to be unwary of potential danger. A vivid reminder to me of what "clean and green' really feels like.

We laughed so much when Chris locked herself in the toilet and had to climb out the window! For the first time in her life she left that day without even combing her hair!! Every day a new and different adventure with spectacular weather, scenery and nature at its most delightful. Every evening, reflective prayer, good food, great conversation and quality time together. It was a great week.

Thanks to you Mary Maitland, Susan, Mary Wyss, Chris, Marie, Cynthia and Leone McIndoe for your kind comments and enthusiastic participation. See you all next year! Barbara Henley

Renewal Time – Leone McIndoe

The Sabbatical Programme I was privileged to attend in Oakland, California, August to December last year was promoted as providing an opportunity for Rest, Renewal and Transformation. It certainly didn’t disappoint in offering every opportunity for all that and I tried to make the most of each day. The time, 15 weeks, seemed to fly by all too quickly. The School of Applied Theology, or SAT as it is known, is located in several wings of a large Dominican Priory, St. Alberts. It was so convenient to live, eat, pray and have input sessions at the one place.

There were no exams or assignments but we had excellent presentations on a range of topics relating to Spirituality. The San Francisco Bay area is richly endowed with resource people who are often lecturers at the different Schools of Theology or are Retreat directors who offered short courses on a

number of topics related to personal renewal, spirituality, journaling, creativity, dream interpretation, scripture, interfaith dialogue, ecology and cosmology and living contemplatively. We also spent a day with the homeless and an outreach group in the heart of the city who see it as their mission to support these women and men to find hope and who stand beside them in seeking justice. It was mainly the homeless themselves who shared with us that day.

None of the timetabled presentations were compulsory and if a participant had other preferences she or he followed them though it was rare for folk to miss out on sessions because this was quality material on offer.

There were 17 participants in our group, women and men from 7 different countries ranging in age from about 48 to 75 years. We got on remarkably well as a group and a sense of true community developed over the time. We had a lot of fun and quality time together whether it was sharing on a retreat day experience, celebrating someone’s birthday or showing up at a consolation party after the last Kiwi throw of the dice for the America’s Cup. The whole group seemed to be backing our effort to win that final race against Oracle! (Some of us managed to get over to San Francisco to watch 3 of the races.)

Our usual programme was to have presentations on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then have an Integration day on Thursday with a time for silent reflection then small group sharing in the afternoon. The weather was invariably sunny so it was a delight to take time to wander through the extensive monastery gardens or along the streets of the leafy suburb. About half way through our time we went as a group for a 3 day silent retreat to a beautiful Franciscan retreat centre, San Damiano, in a wooded area in the hills to the east of Oakland. Towards the end of our time we spent several days at Maria del Mar, a coastal retreat centre at Santa Cruz.

I enjoyed going with various small groups on different Sundays to experience a variety of expressions of liturgy eg. Hispanic or Afro American with gospel style singing, or liturgies planned by the University youth group. At home we would have 2 or 3 of our group volunteering most days to plan and lead the morning liturgy. Some of us would also come together for Centering Prayer and Tai Chi.

An anonymous “angel” who had links to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra would make free tickets available to our group for certain performances. I was fortunate to go with others on 4 unforgettable occasions. Both the orchestra and renowned guest solo artists treated us to a feast of wonderful music. Getting about was easy as the BART rapid rail transit station was only a few minutes away from the Priory and I had a

senior‘s clipper card which could be used for train, bus or ferry and it provided for cheap travel.

We had 3 day weekends and took advantage of the time and space to visit some of the beauty spots in the State of California. A number of the Americans in the group were competent drivers so we could arrange to go in convoy in car loads to places such as Muir Woods with its famous Redwood forest; down along the Monterey Coast to visit its famous Aquarium and the historic Spanish Mission of Carmel. Then on another occasion we went to Big Sur where we visited the well-known Camaldolese Monastery which sits about 2 miles up a winding road straight up from the

coast road to the hilltop plateau where the monastery enjoys magnificent views of the Bay and the vast expanse of blue Pacific ocean. I waved out to New Zealand over the distant blue horizon.

We celebrated a more contemplative style Eucharist with the monks in their simple yet beautifully designed chapel. The monk showing us around explained that the fountain in the well-tended garden behind the monastery was a symbol of Christ as the flowing “living” water sustaining life in every section of that garden ( and their lives also.)

Some of the Camaldolese monks took time out to share with us at Oakland at different times and their sharings were profound, each one sharing about his discovery of the depth and intimacy of God’s unconditional love for him (and for each of us in such different ways).

Another special and unforgettable trip was to Yosemite National Park not long after the destructive wild fires of late summer were extinguished. We could see where the fires had made incursions into areas very close to the iconic sequoia (redwood) trees some of which were over 2000 years old. Just to stand at the base of the trunks of some of these trees was a truly awesome experience. As it was autumn and we had experienced a long period of drought (having only 3 days with any light rain at all over the 4 months I was there) the Yosemite valley had few of its renowned waterfalls in evidence but the glacial valley was resplendent in its autumnal green, gold and rusty brown colours and the soaring granite rock faces reflected the different sun and sky colours over the days we were there.

There was a lot of interest in New Zealand from the many people I met. I didn’t meet anyone who was under any illusion that we were a part of Australia! I was also heartened that so many locals were waving Kiwi flags and supporting our efforts to win the America’s cup.

This whole experience for me was a Blessing for which I’m very grateful and I have a wealth of writings and wisdom material to keep going back to for reminders, further reflection and integration. Leone

(If anyone wants further information about this Programme please get in touch and I’ll be happy to give you further details. Leone)

October 2014 – Palestine Peace Mission

In October this year, Margaret Mullin and I will spend a month on the West Bank, Palestine, in the only Christian village on the West Bank called Taybeh, known in the Bible as Ephraim, the place of Jesus’ retreat.

Our mission is to go as pilgrims to live in solidarity with the Palestinian people who live under Israeli occupation, to be a praying presence there, praying for a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.

We’d like to invite you to join with us while we are there in this prayer mission. You could do this individually or as a community. Those of you who have the Peace lamp you bought from me last year could light that when you pray, and those who don’t have that lamp could set up a peace candle .

When you let me know if you want to be part of this, I will send you the peace prayer that was prepared in Taybeh to be said in union with others throughout the world for peace in this part of the world. Since October is the month of the Rosary you may wish to commit the Rosary to this end. Feel free to work out how you will go about your peace prayer commitment.

This little peace prayer mission may be something in which you wish to involve the Associates, or past students, or parishes or groups/individuals with whom you work, or rndm friends in other provinces.

“Throughout our lives, we participate in the Divine Missions through our personal witness and community presence, our contemplation and our suffering in communion with all creation”.

Const.#37 ratified at the Chapter 2014, approbation pending from the Holy See.

Let me know if you wish to be part of this mission and nearer the time I will be in touch to fill in the details. Thank you.

Margaret Mullin rndm & Barbara Cameron rndm

Messages of Thanks

I wish to thank all those who helped make my Platinum Jubilee celebration such a special joyful occasion, Jo and Carmel and the Pukekohe community in particular. Special thanks, too, for the Masses, beautiful cards and gifts, all very much appreciated. I enjoyed seeing many sisters after so many years since our paths crossed. To my companions, Johnny and Connie, thanks for the memories, still worth a chuckle after 70 years. May God bless us all. Mary Frawley Dear SistersOn behalf of the family I thank you for your prayers for Brian during the last fortnight. After having an MRI scan and surgery he is now much better and is looking forward to getting out of hospital and going to a friend’s place for a week where he will be well cared for before returning to Waikanae. We are hoping he has a speedy recovery. May God bless you and a big thank you from the family. Much love, Bernadette Fletcher Chris Lowther would like to thank you all for your prayers, cards and support as she takes one day at a time trying to conserve energy and stay well.

FALLS PREVENTION Why are falls a problem? Falls become increasingly common and far more likely to cause injury after the age of 55. Hip fractures in particular can be disabling and impact on mobility and independence.

What is the fall cycle? Some people, especially those who have had a fall, restrict what they do because of a fear of falling. While this sounds sensible, in fact, reduced activity actually puts you at a greater risk of falling because you will lose muscle strength and coordination. So it is important to keep up activities you enjoy, as safely as possible – ‘The more you do, the more you can do’

Factors involved in why falls occur include: - poor leg strength and impaired balance – common with aging and affect coordination - side effects from your medications - other medical conditions

- eyesight problems - nutritional deficiencies - hazards around the home environment Side effects of medications Many commonly used medications (and non-prescription products and natural remedies) can cause you to have balance problems. These include some antihistamines for allergies, sedative sleeping tablets, antidepressants, diuretics (‘water tablets’) and medications used to control blood pressure. Certain medications can cause balance problems if they are taken wrongly or with alcohol. Consult your GP about all the prescription and non-prescription products you are using. He or she will be able to advise you of any problems they might cause – sometimes it is the combination of products that is the problem. Other problems with your health Some health problems can increase your risk of falls.

• Heart problems or low blood pressure (particularly on standing) can cause dizziness.

• Previous stroke or Parkinson’s disease can impair coordination and strength.

• Diabetic neuropathy (numbness of the foot) can make foot placements unsteady.

• Meniere’s disease disrupts your sense of balance. • Infection can also affect balance and strength.

Poor eyesight The older you get the more light you need to see. Most people also become more sensitive to glare and less able to judge distances. To minimise the risk of falls caused by not seeing obstacles or uneven ground, you should get your eyes checked every year by your doctor or optometrist. Diet and nutrition A balanced, nutritious diet is important. Ensure you get enough calcium for bone strength. Getting out into the sun most days allows your skin to make vitamin D, which also strengthens your bones and muscles. However, quite often, older people who are frail and housebound or who have chronic conditions are unable to generate enough vitamin D to keep their bones and muscles strong. Vitamin D supplements may be recommended, so speak to your GP if you are concerned. It is also important to drink enough fluids – being very dehydrated can cause balance problems.

Home hazards There are many falls hazards that can be removed from the home.

Consider these safety tips: • Your home should be well lit (inside and out) and uncluttered, with

cords and cables safely positioned or power points repositioned to avoid lengthy cables.

• Rails on stairs, outside steps and alongside baths and showers should be considered.

• Remove, or secure rugs and mats with tape/velcro.

If you are at risk for falls it is important to wear well-fitting, flat shoes with thin, non-slip soles for increased stability around the house. If you have problems with shoes or painful or swollen feet, your doctor or podiatrist can help.

Personal medical alarms People at risk of falls or those who have had a fall in the past may find it useful to have a medical alarm. These can make it easier to remain independent and continue living in your own home, especially if you live alone. Medical alarms are usually worn as a pendant or wristband which can be activated to call for assistance if you have a fall and are unable to get to the phone or require medical help. This is a safeguard for people wanting to continue with everyday life around the home and garden, and can also offer peace of mind for family members, about your ongoing safety. IF YOU HAVE A FALL AT HOME…Stay calm and decide whether to try to get up. IF YOU CAN GET UP…

• Bend your knees up, roll onto your side, then push up onto all-fours.

• Crawl towards a sturdy chair.

• Use this support to help get yourself seated.

• Rest at any time, if necessary, and then try again.

Medical alarms, keeping the phone near ground level and giving friends a spare key are useful precautions you can make in case one day you cannot get up from a fall.

Exercises to prevent falls Regular exercise is important in preventing falls. Benefits include improved balance, muscle strength and flexibility; stronger bones; more energy; better sleep; and better control of blood pressure, blood sugar and weight. Consider Tai Chi.

Mary Maitland writes On 2 April, Susan and I joined a willing band of Matakohe-Limestone Island regular monthly volunteers and spent time weeding north facing areas that had been spring planted with an introduced native species of hibiscus. This was our first encounter with the indigenous, Hibiscus richardsonii (the native hibiscus or puarangi). This species is found in the North Island from Te Paki eastward to Hicks Bay, including Great Barrier Island. It’s an annual to short lived perennial herb up to 1m tall and is strictly coastal, growing in recently disturbed habitats, such as round slip scars. It is very palatable to stock, and is prone to be outcompeted by faster growing taller weeds. As a species requiring open ground it is especially vulnerable to this threat hence our weeding efforts!

The great news is most of the spring planting survived with some obviously doing better than others (from 2cm to 1.5 m) and had dropped seed. So as well as weeding we transplanted some off the off-spring. Susan and I also weeded a bare patch being prepared for planting the Island’s Ranger’s future dream of having the north face of the island a sea of white flowers.

We also weeded and transplanted seedlings from Hibiscus diversifolius, another native species, and a sprawling tangled thorn shrub with broad thin leaves, larger dark-centred flowers and hairy dry capsule fruit.

The Conservation status for both species is: threatened – Nationally critical.

So we are happy that an aspect of our autumn conservation activity is helping native hibiscus survival.

Let’s all take time to be present to Mother Earth and hear her speak in thousands of different ways – look, listen, smell, touch, feel within, share and act co-operatively so International Earth day April 22 doesn’t pass us by uncelebrated.