Kiaora Koutou,
To finish celebrating 40 years of ministry to the women of New Zealand, each Fellowship had a day of celebration including:
- Thanksgiving for the ways the Holy Spirit has touched each of us and the wonders He has worked among us
- Sharing stories of physical, emotional and spiritual healings
- Recalling how lives have been transformed and how our relationship with God have grown through our Dove experiences
- Celebrating the development of life-long friendships
- Much laughter and so much joy.
At each of these gatherings, the new vision for Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women was shared, defined and refined. It has become clear to us during this year that our place in the Lord’s plan remains as an adult formation experience of women ministering to women. The “new generation” for us is women who are now 20-60 years old.
It is the structure we are being asked to change, moving away from large regional Fellowships towards many small parish-based groups called Dovecotes. A dovecote is a nesting box for doves, and symbolizes a place for growth, learning and bonding.
Last weekend, when the National team met with our advisors, in Hamilton, the Lord told us “The time is now”.
We were given a vision of Jesus flinging open the windows and great flocks of doves flew out, all over the land.
The Dovecotes have been launched in the heavenlies. Look out for our invitation in your parish newsletter, to form a Dovecote in your parish.
2025 will be the first year of the next generation of Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women.
On behalf of the National Team I wish you all a joyous Christmas and a New Year filled with Blessings,
Nga Manaakitanga,
Gloria
