What we do
A true expression of Mihingaretanga as found throughout Pāriha in Te Manawa o Te Wheke is in the worship we participate in as Te Whānau a Te Karaiti.
Rooted in liturgy, Te Hakari Tapu: The Sacred Feast which we celebrate and partake of, is expressed through two most profound Māori liturgies “Te Whakawhetai me te Whakamoemiti,” and “Nā Te Whānau a te Karaiti” found in A New Zealand Prayer Book: He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa. In these services we are assured of God’s love and redemption for all of creation.
We are welcomed as a whānau, we are assured forgiveness of the wrongs we have done, we hear God’s word, and share in the most sacred of meals, the Eucharist. In these ancient traditions of the Church we encompass ourselves in Tikanga and Reo as Ngā Iwi Māori. At the heart of these liturgies is not only Jesus Christ, but his love for our culture and our language.
As a true expression of being Mihingare, whānau is also a foundation of our togetherness. When partaking in a service, we pray that you as an individual and whanau will feel comfort, warmth and peace in whatever circumstance you might find yourselves in, especially in this time of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.
"Ko te Karaiti te Pou herenga waka,
Whakapaingia te Atua tō tātou Kai-hanga,
Whakapaingia te Atua tō tātou Kai-taurima,
Whakapaingia te Atua tō tātou Kai-unga ki te ao whānui."
Baptism is the sacrament by which we are made children of God, members of Christ's body the Church, and heirs of the Kingdom of God.
Water, by which a person is baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We welcome all comers to receive the gift of Baptism, some may have received Baptism at birth or at a young age. Some adults come before the Church, requesting baptism. Normally, a Priest or Bishop conducts the Service of Baptism, in emergencies, a deacon or lay reader may also conduct the Baptismal Rites.
Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptised. As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your whānau and friends as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.
Te Pīhopa will lay his hands on your head and ask God's Holy Spirit to give you strength and commitment to live God's way for the rest of your life.
Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship - God's blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and bad. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and life-long covenant between a man and a woman, made and celebrated in the presence of God and before a Priest and congregation.
A wedding is one of life's great memories, a time for good wishes, feasting and joy. St John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion and gave there a sign of new beginnings.
