The Reverend Ivica Gregurec’s journey to his new role as the vicar at All Saints Anglican Church in Howick began almost 18,000km away in his native Croatia in southeastern Europe.
He was born and raised in its capital city Zagreb, worked in the Solomon Islands for seven years, spent time in Australia, and the first New Zealand city he arrived in was Dunedin in Otago.
“I’ve been the Cathedral Precentor at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell for almost nine years,” Reverend Gregurec told the Times.
“That was very exciting. When I saw the parish of Howick was looking for a new vicar, the parish profile I saw was challenging and exciting for me, and that was how I responded to that invitation.
“We say it is a calling, and you have a calling to apply for a job in a parish.
“I felt quite strong that for this season of my ministry, Howick seems a good place where I can offer my ministry and my pastoral work.”
Reverend Gregurec says his new role at All Saints will not be any different from that of any other parish priest or vicar.
“It means taking pastoral care and of the spiritual needs of the parishioners in a certain territory, which is called a parish.
“I believe each place comes with their differences and their challenges. In Howick, one thing I was excited about was they were looking for a vicar who will look to connect the church with the community.
“I believe working at the cathedral for so many years, it helped me to obtain certain skills in how to do that.
“I try to look outside the church walls. It’s not just in the church, but primarily my role is to take care of the parishioners and journey with them.
“We are partners and companions on the same journey. The church is one of the groups that has to look outside itself.
“It’s not there to serve only those who are members, but also those who are not.
“One of the big interests of my ministry is ecumenical relationships with Christians of different denominations, but even more so the interfaith work with people of different religious backgrounds, and none.
“I believe work for the common good, for issues that are important for society and people might feel they affect people no matter what religious background they might be, or none.
“It is work with people of faith and people of goodwill whoever they might be.”
Reverend Gregurec encourages former All Saints parishioners to return if they wish, and he welcomes newcomers.
“They just have to come and say ‘hello’. Everyone is absolutely welcome.
“We don’t do any strange things here. We are a group of people who are trying to do good and avoid what is not good.
“We are trying to discover goodness in every human being and connect with God, of whom we might have different images and ideas about.
“It is a reminder we are on a common journey of faith and transformation. It is not just about something that happens after we die.
“It is really about making more justice, more understanding, and more harmony in this world.”
Reverend Gregurec’s induction service will be presided over by the Right Reverend Ross Bay, Bishop of Auckland, at 7.30pm on Thursday, September 18 at All Saints Anglican Church, 17 Selwyn Road, Howick.
It will feature the Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir, conducted by Peter Watts, with the cathedral organist Dr Phillip Smith. All are welcome.
