Father Wayne

On Friday 6th June the College celebrated “Pentecost Sunday” Mass. It was also a Mass at which the school congratulated Father Wayne Healey who was celebrating his 40 year anniversary as a Catholic Priest.

The Pentecost Mass readings reminded all present that the Holy Spirit transforms lives through God’s power and that all of us are sent out as missionaries of Christ to build up his Church and further his kingdom of love, mercy and peace. It was noted that this very same ‘calling’ was what the young then Deacon Healey committed to back on the 7th June 1974, when the then Deacon Healey, the former farm accountant from Milton, was ordained by Bishop Kavanagh in the Dunedin Cathedral as a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Dunedin.

In Father Wayne’s case his life was forever changed that day in 1974 when he took his Holy Vows and committed his life to the service of God’s forever. Over those 40 years Father Wayne has faithfully ministered to parishioners in both Otago and Southland, as well as in North America and on a stint in Antarctica.

For the past eight years here at St Kevin’s, Father Wayne has been the College’s faithful Chaplain. He is also the Parish Priest for the St Patrick’s Parish of Oamaru and routinely ministers the sacraments to people all over North Otago. Father Wayne is also a member of the SKC Board of Trustees, St Joseph’s School Board, a Bishop’s consultant, a teacher, mentor, guide and wise counsellor to many. Father Wayne is also a member of every single committee in the Parish.

Outside of the church Father Wayne can be seen religiously patrolling the sports fields and courts of St Kevin’s and Oamaru proudly attired in his SKC jacket, freely dispensing advice and guidance to players and spectators alike. A keen rugby and tennis player in his own right, Father Wayne stills maintains a frenetic pace as he goes about fulfilling his many chores and obligations to the North Otago community.

Prior to the final blessing at the conclusion of Mass, deputy Head Girl Merekite Wahitapu speaking on behalf of all the students thanked Ft. Wayne for his supportive encouragement of pupils, his thoughtful Homilies and his loyalty and enthusiastic passion at the many sporting events that he regularly attends each weekend. Ft. Wayne was given a resounding standing applause prior to the administration of his blessing to conclude the Mass. Immediately following the recessional hymn “Shine Jesus, shine’ the whole school and staff congregated on the sanctuary surrounding Ft. Wayne in a unique photo opportunity. The framed photo was later presented to Ft. Wayne as a memento acknowledging this wonderful Pentecost celebration and his 40th anniversary.