The Knights of the Southern Cross of New Zealand
The Knights of the Southern Cross of New Zealand work with Bishops, priests and laity in the mission of the Church. Our programme includes prayer, charity, fraternity and work for social justice with its call to protect human life.
Organisation
We are an Incorporated Society with a Constitution. We are organised in a number of Branches each of which has an elected Executive Committee and is led by an elected Worthy Knight. The Worthy Knights make up most of the National Council, which meets annually. The National Council elects a National Executive Committee and Supreme Knight who chairs the Council and National Executive.
Annual Conference – Conference Report 2018
A very successful 2018 AGM and Conference was held in Wellington 27-29 April 2018 at the Home of Compassion. We were most hospitably looked after by the Sisters and the Staff. Several points from the AGM and Conference are:
Venerable Suzanne Aubert
We were inspired by the progress made in the Cause of Venerable Suzanne Aubert who founded the Sisters of Compassion, and of course inspired by her life, her special qualities and the work she did and continues to do through the work and prayer of her Sisters. The renovated Home of Compassion Chapel has a beautiful side chapel containing her tomb.
National Executive – The 2018/19 National Executive is:
Supreme Knight (SK): Mike Williams
Deputy Supreme Knight (DSK): Steve Doohan
Immediate Past Supreme Knight (IPSK): Richard Harward
National Secretary: Richard Harward
National Treasurer: Brian McCloy
Executive Members: Norman McPhee, Richard Power, Jim Fraher
We are pleased that Bishop Denis Browne is available to continue as our National Chaplain.
Retirement of Peter McBride
After many years of service on the National Executive, Peter McBride has retired from the role. At the AGM, Supreme Knight Mike Williams thanked Peter for his service, and moved a vote of thanks which was passed with acclamation.
Essay Competition
It was agreed at the AGM to hold an Essay Competition with a first prize of $1000, based on a Proposal by the International Alliance of Catholic Knights, with the subject:
‘Walking in joy to serve the Lord – a young person’s perspective on living the Gospel in today’s world’.
International
We belong to the International Alliance of Catholic Knights (IACK), which is recognised by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The Supreme Knight of each National Order of Catholic Knights is a member of the International Council of IACK.
Supreme Knight Meeting at Hamilton
On Wednesday 28 September 2016, National Executive member and Auckland Immediate Past Worthy Knight Richard Power and Supreme Knight Richard Harward, Auckland Branch Secretary Ron Ozarka and Auckland Branch member Ron Hunter, traveled to Hamilton and met with Bishop Emeritus of Hamilton Denis Browne, Deacon Joe Rogers of Rotorua, and Joe Kilkelly from Rotorua along with Alan McAllen and John Griffin from Hamilton. We met for approximately two hours at Clara Vaile, a beautiful house set in an extensive attractive garden. Our visit included a delicious two-course plated lunch.
Joe Kilkelly and Alan McAllen had been active members of the Rotorua and Hamilton Branches which had functioned in the past. Joe Kilkelly is now a member of Auckland Branch. Both Joe and Alan expressed interest in having a Group or Branch in the Hamilton Diocese and possibly having one each in Rotorua and Hamilton.
Ron Ozarka, Joe Kilkelly and Ron Hunter
Richard Harward, John Griffin and Deacon Joe Rogers
Allan McAllen, Bishop Emeritus Denis Browne and Richard Power