If you have any items to be included in the Diocesan Bulletin, please email them to newsletter@cdh.org.nz
Our Jubilee 2025 page is live - click through!
Updated June 2025
As you plan your Christmas Mass times, please enter them into this google form so we can load onto the website - traffic to Christmas Mass times is always very high!!
What middle seat are you choosing for a long haul flight?
Feel free to share this on your facebook page for All Saints Day - there will be a couple of other posts coming up as well. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G5Nw3t6Uu/
We have had some great discussion in the office about where we would sit - and why!
The Mass of remembrance for our deceased clergy will be held on December 9, 11:00 a.m at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Te Awamutu. All are welcome to attend.
A blessing of the graves at the Ōhaupō Catholic Cemetery will follow. As always we issue caution with attending this due to the limited parking and access of the very busy SH3. Carpool where possible.
This Mass is being held in the same week as the 20 year anniversary of the passing of Pīhopa Max Takuira Matthew Mariu SM DD CNZM (12 August 1952 – 12 December 2005) who was the Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton, New Zealand. He was ordained as the first Māori Catholic Bishop in 1988.
SAFEGUARDING
If you are a volunteer and have not completed a recent safeguarding workshop, there is still time before the end of 2025. There are two opportunities to attend an online workshop presented by Christchurch Diocese and Auckland Diocese.
November-5 {Wed}, 12:30pm, Online Workshop via-Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. Read info here.
November-20 {Thu}, 6:15pm, Online Workshop via-Catholic Diocese of Auckland. Read info here.
Wednesday 12 November, 2025
This date is designated as a National Day of Reflection to remember survivors of abuse in care. This marks the one year anniversary of the formal public apology made by the Prime Minister and other public sector leaders. The day is intended to allow for a collective reflection on abuse in care, honoring the survivors and those who have passed away.
If your parish is offering a Mass on this date for survivors, please also include this with the notice.
There was a technical glitch last week with Sacred Music, please be assured this is all running again smoothly now. If you want the login details to access the diocesan account, please email kirstym@cdh.org.nz
There are two opportunities to attend the TASTE and SEE retreats in our diocese.
Three evenings each of refreshment and renewal.
Hamilton - Saint Peter Chanel Church, Te Rapa: 11th, 12th and 13th November, 7:00 to 8:30 pm - Learn more at www.encountergod.info
Taupō - St Patrick’s Church, Tongariro Catholic: 18th, 19th and 20th November, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Led by Father Alliston Fernandes, ICPE Mission.
Download poster here - Hamilton
Download poster here - Taupō
Calling all former students and staff - ST JOSEPH'S SCHOOL PAEROA CELEBRATES THE 125TH JUBILEE ON 27th-28th NOVEMBER.
There are a variety of events for all our community to enjoy. There is also a Jubilee book available for purchase “If you're a person who loves our school and you especially love reminiscing, here's a book for you.” The 125th Jubilee Book is available for $15. Visit this link to order your copy: https://forms.gle/ci1CG4GSsUsEUijB6
There is a copy available to view in the office, if you would like to have a look before ordering.
We will also celebrate with the parish on Sunday November 30th beginning with 9am Mass, celebrations to follow.
If you need some help to order the book or want more information, drop by our school office, phone us on (07)8628994 or email office@stjpaeroa.school.nz, or message our Facebook page.
60th anniversary celebration of Vatican II document Nostra Aetate on Catholic relations to other faiths.
Come and join Monsignor Trevor Murray and members of the NZ Catholic Bishop's Committee for Interfaith Relations to explore further how we as a Synodal Church can prepare to encounter and engage with other faiths.
It is on November 9th at 11.30 am to 12.30 pm at the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by refreshments. This is a diocesan event and everyone is most welcome to attend.
It is that time of the year again - time for annual highlights to be submitted so we can celebrate this Year of Hope in our Christmas Kete Kōrero.
Please submit to the jotform below - please also share this link with anyone you think should share something.
Are you a single man who yearns to follow Him as one of His priests?
Come - join Bishop Richard as he, Fr Adam and Fr Isaac lead a retreat to help you discern your vocation. Friday 5th December - Sunday 7th December, Cluny Retreat Centre.
Contact the Vocations team for expressions of interest, questions and registration: vocations@cdh.org.nz
Topics that may be discussed:
How can I be sure that God is calling me to be a priest?
Celibacy: is this something that Jesus is asking of me?
What are some of the joys and challenges of life as a priest?
What does daily life as a priest look like?
I don't want to end up lonely, can I have community; brotherhood; affection; and love as a priest?
What does the journey of discerning a vocation to the priesthood involve?
Participants may have their own questions to discuss also.
Pope Leo XIV has published the first major teaching document of his pontificate. The document was started by Pope Francis, with Pope Leo carrying forward some of Francis' work and adding his own reflections.
The New Zealand bishops have welcomed the letter as an important reminder of the importance of and need for an authentic love and care for those who are living in poverty of various kinds.
Please find attached a media release from the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. It has also been published online here.
You can access Pope Leo's letter here: Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te of the Holy Father Leo XIV on Love for the Poor (4 October 2025)
Please see this drive for helpful infographics and summary documents.
CATHOLIC KIWI PODCAST: The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference has launched a new podcast series, sharing stories of faith, ministry and mission of Kiwis and visitors to our shores. The first episodes have been released, with new episodes scheduled as part of ‘Season 1’ leading up to Christmas. Search “Catholic Kiwi Podcast” on YouTube or Spotify now.
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
Red November - During the month of November, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) invites everyone around Australia and New Zealand to remember and pray in a particular way for Christians who suffer persecution for their faith.
This invitation is founded upon Red Wednesday, an international ACN initiative to draw attention around the world to pray for persecuted Christians, this year it will be held on Wednesday 19 November 2025.
Your parish might like to arrange a special Mass or offer your Mass of the day, pray a red rosary and/or hold a prayer vigil. Resources are available here.
Please email kirstym@cdh.org.nz if you decide to partake, we would like to report back to ACN with any initiatives taken up.
“Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College enrolment for Bachelor Degree and Graduate Diploma in Theology for Semester One 2026 will run from September 22 – November 21, 2025. Go to www.tekupenga.ac.nz/apply to enrol.”
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/
The Vocations Team for the Hamilton Diocese have asked for this new poster to be displayed in parish foyers. This is to replace and previous posters you may have up already.
Full size version downloadable here
We pray for the young men in our own families. May they respond to your call to follow you more nearly as a Priest of Hamilton Diocese. Lord Hear Us.
"Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College is offering online webinars in 2025. This series features our current and past students who will inspire us as they talk about growing in faith, leadership in ministry, and their role in ministry.
Please share the attached flyer
UP NEXT:
Reflections on Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Speaker: Fadi Yalda (CTC Biblical Studies Lecturer)
Music
We have renewed our annual subscription for sacredmusic.online
If your parish/community-group/school is interested please contact kirstym@cdh.org.nz we have set up a diocesan subscription and can add you as a user.
CathNews
CATHOLIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX: What's happening in the Catholic Church in New Zealand? What is Pope Leo doing and saying? What are the big stories affecting people of faith in our country? Get Catholic headlines delivered to your inbox each Tuesday and Friday. Sign up today at: https://cathnewsnz.com/
Mihi Māori
The date for Miha Māori are as follows:
St Matthew's Catholic Church, 59 Silverdale Rd, Silverdale , 11am
Sun -26 Oct
Retreats
Retreats for Tyburn and Cluny in 2025 are all sold out. 2026 retreats are currently being loaded as they are confirmed.
Mens Rosary Group
Calling all men to gather and pray for the conversion of New Zealand.
Meet: Steps of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary
When: Saturday November 1st, 12pm
Contact: Bruce 021 556 227
(These will continue to run every 1st Saturday of the Month)
Pro-Life Vigil Outside Waikato Hospital
Is anyone interested in attending a fruitful, legal and regular pro-life vigil outside Waikato Hospital?
Times and days that we meet: Wednesday’s and Alternate Friday’s
If you are interested in coming along please contact Ria Rose via email: sixroses@xtra.co.nz
SAINT TERESA’S SCHOOL BLUFF is to celebrate 125 years Jubilee.
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October 2025.
We would love to see you and do let your friends / relations know.
Enquiries to Sonz125@hotmail.com
St Joseph’s Hāwera | 150 Years
St Joseph’s Parish & School, Hāwera, will be celebrating 150 years over Labour Weekend, 24–26 October 2025. All past and present members of the parish and school community are invited to participate in the Jubilee celebrations. Registration Forms & Event Calendar are available at www.stjoeshawera150celebration.co.nz. For further details email: stjosephshawerajubilee@gmail.com.
SAVE THE DATE
St. Patrick's Parish Putaruru is celebrating its 100 year centenary this year on 30th November 2025.
As part of the celebrations, we will be having a photographic exhibition and would kindly ask if anyone has any photos of St. Patrick's Church, in particular the construction or opening of the church if they could scan and email to the parish office: stpatricksputaruru@gmail.com along with any stories or names that may be in relation with the photos.
Please support our Kete Kōrero Sponsors - click on image to be taken to their website
