Catholic Kiwi Podcast

As a teenager, Samantha Winders recalls finding comfort and hope in the life of her parish youth group. Some 15 years later, having scaled netball's greatest heights, she now finds herself leading a youth group, hoping to offer that same opportunity to the young people in her hometown of Rotorua.In conversation with Joanna Kearney, Sam talks through a childhood of role models in the faith, a fierce determination to become a Silver Fern and a deep desire to become a mum. Now in her early 30s, she reflects on the place of faith in her life today, the highs and lows of top-level sport and the fertility journey she and her husband are walking.With thanks to Sam, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for supporting this ministry project.

During his recent visit to New Zealand, priest, liturgical scholar, musician and international advisor on liturgy Fr Paul Turner sat down with James Bergin on the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.Drawing on nearly five decades of priestly ministry, Fr Paul shares the story of his early vocation and his varied experiences, including prison ministry, serving multicultural communities and outreach to the homeless.Together, Fr Paul and James explore the beauty of the Mass, the meaning of “full, conscious and active participation”, the art of celebrating liturgy, Church music and the importance of intentionality in worship.Fr Paul also reflects on finding God through the rhythms of Catholic life, as well as having time to “escape” through one of his passions: symphony or baseball.With thanks to Fr Paul, James and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for their support of this digital ministry.

What did his time in the Air Force teach Colin Macleod? What about his time at Holy Cross Seminary? What have great challenges taught him? What lessons have his students taught him?Colin, the director of the National Centre for Religious Studies, answers those questions and more in conversation with Joanna Kearney in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast.Joanna also speaks to Colin about his recent PhD research on the connection between Catholic schools and parishes. You can find the research here: https://doi.org/10.26199/acu.92102With thanks to Colin, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for supporting this digital ministry project.

From growing up in Porirua, leaving school at 15, leaving home at 16, serving in the Army, earning a law degree to now having a key role at one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisations, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Chief Executive Mena Antonio sees the hand of the Holy Spirit through it all.Mena retraces those stages of her journey – and many more – in conversation with Joanna Kearney on this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast. How did faith shape her life and her work? How has motherhood changed her perspective? How did family life and work align or collide?Find out more about Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand’s work at: https://www.caritas.org.nz/ With thanks to Mena, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland for supporting our podcast project.

Growing up in a Catholic family, a young Peter Woods recognised that going to church was a good thing to do, but he wasn't getting much out of it. A pivotal moment in his life, though, led to a profound encounter with God, whom Peter sensed was drawing close to him.Years later, as a Catholic educator, Peter recognised that while religious education was having a positive impact on students, it wasn't creating an encounter with Christ. Through the ministry he founded, Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International, that is what is being offered to young people in Australia, New Zealand and beyond.Peter shares his own journey and the journey of the ministry with Joanna Kearney in this episode of the Catholic Kiwi Podcast. With thanks to Peter, Joanna and the Catholic Diocese of Auckland in supporting our podcast project.