Kimi Ora Faith and Light

Ireen Crossan

Kimi Ora Team in their new blue shirts, from left: Cheryl Briesman, Val Walsh, Sam Butler, Noeline McSweeney, Maree Avey, Helen McDonald, Anne Copplestone, Moira Butler, Mary Bernet, Beverley Coffee, Joanna Franklin and Mavis Bridgeman. Photo: Supplied

Faith and Light is an international network of recognised Christian communities for people with intellectual disabilities, as well as their families, carers and friends.

There are six communities in New Zealand, each with their own community name: Arawhata Auckland; Kimi Ora New Plymouth; Shalom Wellington; Cornerstone Christchurch; Living Waters Nelson; and Nuku Mai Christchurch.

At Kimi Ora New Plymouth we have 13 people with disabilities, eight core team members and nine friends. We meet on the last Sunday every month for sharing and social activities.

This year our Provincial Co-ordinator, Mary de Leijer and her team, invited us to a first-time retreat in Christchurch over the weekend of 9‒11 June.

Fundraising enabled us to take 12 Kimi Ora ‘Heart’ members to meet with around 60 members from the other communities, to talk and listen, and to share and support one another through words or other communication.

On Saturday each group studied parables, which they acted out in the evening through drawing, modelling, mimes or gestures.

After an ecumenical service on Sunday, our group visited Christchurch’s Antarctic Experience. 

The wonderful spiritual, loving, sharing time will remain with the participants for life. Our grateful thanks to all who helped in many ways to make this a worthwhile possibility for our ‘Heart People’.

To learn more about Kimi Ora Faith and Light Community, please contact Noeline McSweeney on (06) 751-0598.

Ireen Crossan is Secretary of the Catholic Parish of New Plymouth.