*Adrienne Dunlop

Rongopai has been my liturgical home since I moved to Auckland in 2007. When I attend most other celebrations of Eucharist I feel quite alienated by the language, the theology, and the lack of lay people’s participation. Rongopai is a welcoming, inclusive community that challenges us to widen our thinking and praying and serving. I love it!

*Bruce Drysdale

I have been part of the Rongopai community (or its precursors) for around 30 years. Over that time I have served in most of the leadership roles and at present my main role in the liturgy is that of Gatherer and Sender. I have a life-long interest in liturgy and this has been expressed, challenged and rewarded through my involvement with this congregation.

*Fran Cahill

There is so much I love about Rongopai. Full and active participation in an inclusive liturgy is our strength. Celebrating each Sunday’s liturgy with the Rongopai community is for me challenging, inspiring and always different. Rongopai Eucharistic community is made up of people from across Auckland and beyond. I’m a one of the music ministers, a reader and a member of the small Service group team.

Jenny Collins

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, historian, gardener and musician. I love singing and playing music in the shared liturgies of the Rongopai community. Originally from Dunedin, I and my husband John live at the confluence of the Matakana and Glen Eden Rivers in beautiful Sandspit - about an hour north of central Auckland.

*Jill Mooney

I enjoy the intimacy of the worship and the prayerful participation of the group. Knowing that other members are able to join us on line adds another dimension to the liturgy. Sharing the faith journey is challenging and refreshing. I am also a trustee.

*Jo Ayers

I am a member of Rongopai because it is a community where I can be an adult in my faith. We work together to prepare our liturgies and we make sure that they are theologically based and reflect the community. I trust the wisdom of this group and I feel both secure and challenged by our shared life and prayer together. I am proud to be part of a group that strives to be the church of the future.

*John Collins

I have been part of Rongopai since the early days at Saint Bens. I am one of those who gather the community at the beginning of our liturgy, introduces that Sunday and then centres the community in prayer, handing over then to the leader of the Word. At the end on those Sundays I have the role of sending the community out into the world.

Mary Betz

I have been part of what is now Rongopai for 22 years because it reflects my evolving understandings of God, church, ministry and liturgy. I served with husband Peter in music ministry at first and for the last 12 years I have been privileged to break open the Word. Peter and I divide our time between Rongopai and a multi-cultural parish where we have family connections.

Pat Snedden

Rongopai attracts me because it is a faith community that treats men and women equally. We are a worshipping community with a strong commitment to social justice. We are an older group energised by the gospel and committed to inclusive practice. I find it a delight to be in the company of our fellow worshippers.

Peter Hassan

On arriving in Auckland in 2001 I found a ready welcome in St Benedict's parish. A key part of it was the vibrant Sunday evening Mass community and joining the whole parish for liturgical feasts. I have regularly led singing on guitar. The friendships made over this time within what came to be known as the Rongopai Eucharistic Community have been enduring. Mary and I now also attend Balmoral parish to stay in touch with our extended family.