Greymouth

Greymouth Retreats at JPII

We were on Mission to Greymouth (and Liam was home) from the 5th May to the 14th May. We traveled over Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth on the Friday. We stopped at the ‘Famous Sheffield Pie Shop’ on the way, and each got an amazing pie. We stopped at the Viaduct Outlook for a break, and were astonished by the scenery. We arrived in Greymouth, and went to the Douglas Household, where we stayed for the time we were over there. We attended The Shed Youth Group that evening, where we met some of the students we would later have on retreats. We had the weekend for exploring around Greymouth, and spent time at the Brunner Mine site, as well as Hokitika Gorge. From Monday to Thursday, we held retreats for the John Paul II Year 9, 11, 12 and 13’s. Paddy was there to help with the Year 11 retreat, and some of the Year 12 and Year 13 retreats. On Friday, we were in John Paul II High School participating in classes. We spent a few periods in PE, one in RE, and attended their Assembly that afternoon. Aiber and Delbert arrived in time to have dinner at Paddy’s house, which was delicious as Paddy’s mother is a chef. That night, we attended The Shed again, and spent some time with those who we had got to know through retreats. On Saturday, we went out to Punakaiki, and walked around the Pancake Rocks. That evening, we played music for the Vigil Mass. Sunday morning was time to pack up and begin the journey back to Christchurch. Throughout this time, Peter had a catchphrase : ‘City boy exploring.’ On the first Saturday we were there, he somehow managed to get his hands, or should I say feet, on a pair of boots, which he promptly wore for the rest of the time we were there. One of Sammy’s highlights was being able to have adoration, confession, and praise and worship with some of the youth. It was a beautiful night that was followed by supper with the youth and Father Tien. He showed us some of his break dancing! 

- Samantha & Samuel 

JPII School Visit

The visit to the classrooms in JPII was awesome. What a way to finish off an epic week in Greymouth then just hanging with the students of JPII. We started off hanging out with year 9 students and classic Mrs Singer playing basketball and 9 square in P.E. Then moved into a year 11 science classroom to make oxygen. Last class of the day we went to the year 13 R.E. Class and helped the year 13 students out with an ethics essay. Man that takes me back to my high school days. The day wrapped up nicely with a whole school assembly and a waiata from the school. Thank you so much John Paul II College for having us Mission Team in your lovely school to hang with your students. - Jacko

The Shed

While down in Greymouth we visited the local Youth group called Greymouth Churches Combined Community Youth Project witch is just such a mouthful they just call it the Shed. It was so amazing to be back home once again after not being there for 5 months - walked in the door and had people screaming my name - just knew I was home. It was amazing to just be back playing touch on the field and just chilling with my old friends. Was awesome to see how they have grown, and was an amazing fresh breath reminiscing on the old times - Liam

Hightlights: 

Peter: Going to the Hokitika Gorge and seeing the beautiful blue fresh water and having an adventure with the whole team and bonding together.

Teresa: Being out among God’s beautiful creation! I saw a meteor shower (at 4am in the morning!), watched the sun rise and set, saw glow worms, a seal, and beautiful blue water. And sand flies and a three legged cat…..