Another busy week in the middle of this term.

On Tuesday 23 August, Bishop Michael Gielen celebrated our Sacramental Mass. The chapel was full with family and friends there to celebrate. Thanks to staff members Steve Entwistle, Will Struthers and Rachel Pitcaithly who were Godparents and to Grant Ven being a Sponsor. St Bede’s students provided the music and Y13 boys were there in support.

12 boys received the Sacrament of Baptism – with 6 of those becoming Preference students.

48 boys received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

On Tuesday, I attended the funeral mass of Fr Brian Cummings, my predecessor here and Rector at St Bede’s from 1990-2001. Jared Talanoa and Gregor Creagh were pall bearers  for the coffin.

We pray eternal life for Fr Brian Cummings of the Society of Mary who died after a short illness last Friday. Fr Brian was 68 years old. We mourn the passing of one who fulfilled important roles in the Society and for the Church in New Zealand. Brian’s first mission was education at St Bede’s College and St Patrick’s College Silverstream. He was rector of St Bede’s from 1990 to 2001. He then worked in formation for a short time, before taking up roles in administration in the New Zealand Province. Brian was Provincial from 2008 to 2013. Finishing his term, he returned to spirituality ministry as director of Pa Maria Marist Spirituality centre. Here, Brian was engaged in spiritual direction and supervision, directing retreats, providing film critiques and commentaries as well as working as an advisor/facilitator with Church groups throughout New Zealand during this time. Diagnosed with cancer, Fr Brian endured his final illness calmly and peacefully. He died aged 68 and a Marist priest for 43 years, on Friday 19th of August at the Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington. Brian was a wise, thoughtful and deeply spiritual man taken too early.

May he rest in Peace.