We know that everything changes and ends; we know that things don’t always go to plan; we know that pain is part of life – nō reira nei te āwhina mōku – from where will my help come?
We know that everything changes and ends; we know that things don’t always go to plan; we know that pain is part of life – nō reira nei te āwhina mōku – from where will my help come?
Eternal One,
Wellspring of life.
We seek you in this place, who fills all places.
We call you by many names, whose name is above every name.
We pray to you with these words, who pray in us with sighs too deep for words.
Come to us in our limitation, suffering and longings.
Limitless good,
Love incarnate,
Fountain of justice.
Our community has been changed by the unexpected death of a member of our staff, David Lang. We joined in sorrow with Mr Lang’s whaanau, earlier this week, for his funeral Mass. With twenty years of service to our kura, as a teacher of Religious Education, Mr Lang was well known, well esteemed and well versed in education, mission and faith. He has impacted the learning and formation of thousands of students during this time and many more at the gates, in the corridors and at the bus stop. Renowned for coffee in hand, asparagus rolls and the odd savoury pie, David was also a man of conviction and dedication to a cause – advocating for peace and justice through promoting peace in Palestine alongside like-minded justice warriors! Well-known, also, across the Catholic community, David will be missed by many who valued his contribution to the wider community of catholic education. Indeed, his involvement with various professional organisations allowed him to uphold the principles of social justice as the norm. It’s because of this that many students were introduced to Rerum Novarum – Rights and Duties – Pacem in Terris – Peace on Earth. David was often observed, with his coffee, reading such material, and other classics of the Church, that became central to his classroom practice. He challenged thinking, he challenged the status quo, and he challenged himself! And now, our community will never be the same again:
E te Ariki, hoatu ki ā ia te okiokinga tonutanga.
Ā, kia whiti ki ā ia te māramatanga mutunga kore.
Kia okioki i runga i te rangimārie. Āmene.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.