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

DECEMBER 2 WEBINAR – 50 Years of Proclaiming the Gospel: In December 1975, St Paul VI published his landmark apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Nuntiandi. It identified evangelisation as the task of all Christian people, not just clergy and religious, and noted that it required both word and authentic witness. Join Bishop John Adams of Palmerston North, Catholic Enquiry Centre director Carly Mulqueen and Te Kupenga – Catholic Theological College director Dr John Evangelista as they share their insights on the wisdom of the document and how it can be lived out in today’s context. The event is live at 7pm on Tuesday, December 2. Register at: https://bit.ly/december2webinar

Download flyer here

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

From the Mission Sisters: Six Months in occupied Palestine – Aotearoa Speaking Tour – Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine https://share.google/4ivwsB8UntrnVGrVX 

November 29th marks UN day of Solidarity with the Palestinians people, and young Christian man Cole Martin is speaking at Ethos Cafe 7p.m. on Wed 26th November . 

Christmas Party at the new Cathedral Hall. December 7, 2pm to 5pm. Snacks, activities, Nativity Play, raffles, carols and prizes for best dressed character from the Holy Night.

See flyer here

Advent:a hīkoi for Pilgrims of Hope

Bringing the Word to Life

Please find here the order form if you would like to supply these books in your parish. If you decide to order you can display the following poster advertising these books. Below is a suggested newsletter insert (followed by how your parishioners can buy from you).

In Bringing the Word to Life, Fr James Lyons and other Catholic leaders and writers, including Cardinal John Dew, offer timely reflections for each day of Advent and Christmas. In connecting Biblical truth with modern-day examples, they provide valuable spiritual nourishment for Catholics as this Year of Jubilee races to a conclusion.

“As we draw near the end of the Jubilee Year in January 2026, Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College is offering its last webinar for the year “Reflections on Jubilee 2025-Pilgrims of Hope” with Fadi Yalda, Lecturer in Biblical Studies.

This webinar is on Wednesday, 26 November 5:00-6:00pm via Zoom. Fee is $20.

To register, go to www.tekupenga.ac.nz/webinar2025 “

We have about 90% of our Christmas Mass times, it is not too late to submit them here - google form. We will paste a sharable link next week for all Mass times across the diocese.

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.

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.

Download full flyer here

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.

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

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.