If you have any items to be included in the Diocesan Bulletin, please email them to newsletter@cdh.org.nz

Seminary Appeal – Good Shepherd Sunday (26 April 2026)

This weekend we take up the Seminary Appeal, supporting the discernment and formation of our future priests. You will find brochures in the parish foyer, please take one home, spend some time with it, and keep those discerning a vocation in your prayers.

If you are able, you are also invited to support the Appeal.

Together, we help ensure the Church continues to grow through vocations in our own communities. www.seminaryappeal.cdh.nz www.cdh.org.nz/vocations

63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations

“Listen to the voice of the Lord who invites you to a full and fruitful life, calling you to put your talents to use (cf. Mt 25:14-30) and to unite your limitations and weaknesses with the glorious cross of Christ.” - Pope Leo XIV

To print extra posters: A4 and A3

We are so excited to be welcoming Mike and Alicia Hernon from the Messy Family Project to our diocese this May. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a strong family life in the middle of the everyday mess… this is for you. Their talk on Growing a Family Culture is all about the reality of family life — how the small, often unseen things in our homes shape our children, our relationships, and the kind of family we become. Not through perfection, but through intention. They’ll be sharing five key elements that help create a family culture that is strong, faith-filled, and lived out day by day.

St Thomas More Catholic School Gathering Space, Mount Maunganui – Thursday 14 May, 7.00pm

Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hall, Hamilton – Friday 15 May, 7.00pm

All are welcome - no registration required.

Current of Grace Hamilton Events

(Contact Helen 027 294 1270)

Pentecost Mass - Sunday 24th May 5pm, St Columba Church, Rifle Range Rd, Hamilton. Soup and buns afterwards - You are welcome to bring a small plate to share

Come and be Encouraged with Sr Katherine Stone (MGL) Sharing  her Experience of God’s Mercy- Sunday 31st May 7pm, St Peter Chanel School Hall, 5 Vardon Road, Hamilton. Starting with tea/coffee - a small plate appreciated but not essential.

"ACTIV8 Prolife Youth Camp is back! Join us in Ngāruawāhia from 14–17 July for four action-packed days of engaging teaching, thoughtful discussions, and vibrant community! Learn how to speak up for the voiceless with clarity and confidence, dive deep into pro-life apologetics, build friendships, and discover your unique role in building a culture of life in NZ. Spaces are limited - Register before the end of April at www.activ8nz.org to secure our early bird ticket rate of $150!"

Catechists Day 2026
Supporting Disciples Who Form Disciples
Saturday 16 May 2026 | 9:30am – 3:00pm
St Mary’s School Hall, 61 Kensington St, Putāruru

Catechists from across the diocese are warmly invited to a day of formation, encouragement, and renewal in their ministry.

This year’s focus is the thresholds of conversion — understanding how people grow in faith and how catechists can better accompany children, parents, and adults as they move from curiosity about God to intentional discipleship. At the heart of the day is a simple vision: supporting disciples who form disciples.

The day will be led by Peter Gilmore, Coordinator of Evangelisation and Parish Renewal for the Diocese of Wollongong. Peter brings extensive experience in catechesis and diocesan formation, having previously served as a Faith Education Officer and Coordinator for the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), where he supported faith formation across 29 parishes. His teaching combines theological depth with practical, pastoral insight that is both encouraging and accessible.

What the Day Will Cover

Together we will explore:

• What conversion really means in the life of faith

• The “thresholds of conversion” — trust, curiosity, openness, seeking, and intentional discipleship

• How catechists can recognise where someone is and respond with confidence

• The role of RCIA as the model for Christian initiation

• How sacramental preparation can become an opportunity to evangelise families

• Practical ways to create real encounters with Christ in parish life

The day will include teaching, breakout discussions, Mass together, and practical workshops. In the afternoon, participants can choose between two focused sessions:

• Foundations of RCIA

• Family Formation and Sacramental Preparation

Whether you are new to catechetical ministry or have served for many years, this day will offer encouragement, fresh insight, and practical tools to help you continue forming disciples in your parish.

Come and be renewed in your calling as a catechist — and be strengthened in the mission of supporting disciples who form disciples.

More information & Register

Mons Frank 80th Birthday Celebration

Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saturday 9 May, 11.00 am

All welcome, please bring a plate of food to share in the Cathedral Hall following Mass
If you are able to please email jo.eggleton@gmail.com to RSVP

The Holy Spirit has gifted each of us with charisms — spiritual gifts given for the service of others and the mission of the Church.

Called and Gifted is a prayerful and practical process that helps participants discern how God is inviting them to serve through the unique gifts He has given them. Rooted in Scripture and the Church’s tradition of discernment, this workshop offers time for prayer, teaching, reflection and discussion.  

We are excited to gather at St Mary Immaculate Church, Tauranga for the first of several Called and Gifted Workshops planned for the Diocese of Hamilton. 

Since 1993, over 200,000 laypeople, clergy, and religious across the globe have embarked on the Called & Gifted™ Discernment Process developed by the Catherine of Sienna Institute to uncover how the Holy Spirit is uniquely at work in their lives. This powerful discernment process helps Christians recognise the charisms—spiritual gifts—they’ve been given not just for their own sake, but to represent Christ and be channels of God's goodness for others.  Charisms are not reserved for a few; they are for every baptised Christian. As the Catechism reminds us, “All charisms ought to be exercised in the service of God”
(CCC 2003).

www.cdh.org.nz/events

ALL MEN are invited to the Joshua 40-Year Celebration Weekend!

When : Fri pm 14 August to Sun midday 16 August  

Venue: Keswick Christian Camp, 5 Cooper Ave, Holden's Bay, Rotorua

Keynote Speaker: Robert Falzon, Leader of Australia's menALIVE and Author of "Importance of a Present Dad" 

Cost: $247pp including accommodation and meals

To Register: Follow the link below OR Scan the QR Code OR contact Mike Lobo (021) 2809285 or Greg Sullivan (021) 437747 

Link: https://menforchrist.wufoo.com/forms/joshua-40th-anniversary-celebration-rotorua

Download flyer here

Rebuild My Church: Dr Mary Healy

In June, internationally renowned Catholic theologian Dr Mary Healy will be in Hamilton for a three-day formation series, Rebuild My Church, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Known around the world for her engaging teaching on Scripture and the Holy Spirit, Dr Healy helps people hear God’s voice more clearly and grow in confidence in the gifts He gives for the building up of the Church.

Everyone is warmly invited to the three-night series (June 9–11) exploring the power of God’s Word, the life of the Holy Spirit, and our call to live our faith today.

Newsletter options below - digital, printed and option for both

Direct link to register: Click here to register

Register through here: cdh.org.nz/speakers

Or text HEALY to 027 662 5078 for direct link to your phone

Alongside the evening mission there will also be:
• A clergy workshop – Awakening the Gifts of the Faithful (Wednesday 10 June)
• A leadership formation day for clergy, diocesan staff, and parish leaders (Thursday 11 June)

This is a wonderful opportunity for clergy, parish leaders, and anyone seeking to deepen their faith and grow in service to the Church.

Prophetic Intercession Training We are delighted to welcome Chevalier Cyril John from the CHARIS International Intercession Commission for a twoday formation on Prophetic Intercession. Cyril John has spent many years teaching and forming intercessors around the world, and we are blessed to host him here in Auckland.

Intercession is urgently needed in our Church and communities, and all who feel called to this ministry are encouraged to attend. The training will be held 11–12 May 2026 at Christ the King Church, Mt Roskill. Registrations are now open—simply scan the QR code on the poster or email maranatha.jvz@gmail.com for more information.

Download flyer here

Men's Rosary
Calling all men to gather and pray for the conversion of New Zealand!

Where: Steps of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
When: Saturday, 2 May 2026, 12:00 pm
Recurring: Every first Saturday of the month

Contact: Bruce 021 556 227

CATHNEWS NEW ZEALAND: CathNews New Zealand shares the big news from the Catholic Church and stories of relevance to Catholics every Tuesday and Friday. Sign up for the free digital newsletter and read the latest stories at cathnewsnz.com 

Three posters to download and share here

Option One

Option Two

Option Three

Carmelite Chapel Rebuild

The Carmelite Sisters in Christchurch are fundraising to rebuild their public chapel. Visit their webpage to view videos and find out more: https://christchurchcarmel.org.nz/chapel-rebuild.html.  If you would like to contribute to this appeal, they would be very grateful.

Account Name: The Discalced Carmelite Nuns (Christchurch) Charitable Trust. Account Number: 03-1592-0216044-001

Pilgrimage of Mercy women's retreat with Sr Kat Stone MGL (Melbourne Australia)

29th -3st May 2026

St Francis Retreat Centre, Auckland. 

https://book.venue.life/stfrancis/register/pilgrimage-of-mercy-womens-retreat

Church Code of Conduct Survey

The Church Code of Conduct is an essential document used throughout the motu to support employees and volunteers in understanding expectations for their behaviour. It guides how we work, serve, and care for one another. We are extending the timeframe on this survey to ask everyone in the Church - what in our Code of Conduct works well, and what could be strengthened? Please share your perspectives via our brief online survey whether you are familiar with the Code or not. We also encourage you to share this invitation with others.

 You can read the existing document and complete the simple survey on the NOPS Reviews page: safeguarding.catholic.org.nz/reviews

SAVE THE DATE - Joshua Catholic Men's Fellowship (JCMF) 40 year celebration in August 2026

JCMF celebrate our 40 year anniversary this year and will do so on 14-16 August in Rotorua, with 15 August 1986 being the date of our original gathering. The venue in Rotorua and the keynote speaker are booked and we are busy with planning and preparing the event.  More to come in 2026.

Parish to Parish Bed and Breakfast (Catholic Hospitality) was started about 26 yrs ago by a wonderful lady, Marie Anderson, who lives in Christchurch. Marie’s hope was that it would give many Catholic families the opportunity to meet, dine with, and chat with their hosts. (Like-minded people)  In Marie’s last communication with us existing hosts, she expressed that more hosts were needed in several areas, i.e. Cambridge, Coromandel, Dannevirke, Gisborne, Levin, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa,, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Taupo, Thames, Wanganui, Alexandra, Christchurch, Cromwell and Timaru. However, hosts from all towns are welcome. This is not a business, but guests give a set contribution directly to the host towards costs.

For most travellers, bed and breakfast is all they require (and all you are obliged to provide). If it suits you to offer, guests may like to have dinner with you at further cost. My husband and I have been hosts from the launch of this service and have met many interesting people. We have also stayed with other hosts. If you have a spare bedroom/s and would be interested – Contact Marie (who would love to hear from you) Marie Anderson, 2 Brent Place, Christchurch 8053, Email – marie.ian@xtra.co.nz

From host: Margaret Hall - Te Awamutu, 021 1108700, marghallta@gmail.com

Expressions of Interest for World Youth Day 2027 are being taken. Please complete the form here. No further details available at this time.

CATHOLIC KIWI PODCAST: Six episodes of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference’s new podcast series have now been released, sharing stories of faith, ministry and mission of Kiwis and visitors to our shores. Guests in the opening episodes include Carmelite Sister Lauren of the Cross, broadcaster and policy expert Tim Wilson and Wellington Archbishop Paul Martin SM. More episodes will be released before Christmas to complete season 1, with season 2 set for 2026. Search “Catholic Kiwi Podcast” on YouTube or Spotify now.

Brand new flyer to attach to newsletters or for your foyer here

Stay Informed on National Safeguarding efforts
The National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) is now publishing a quarterly newsletter with updates, resources, and information about the Church’s safeguarding efforts. 

Read the latest issue here: Newsletter web version

Please find attached the final version of the National Calendar for the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand for 2026.

The calendar has also been posted to the NZCBC website, which includes a link to the PDF: https://catholic.org.nz/resources/national-calendar-2026/

Download here