If you have any items to be included in the Diocesan Bulletin, please email them to newsletter@cdh.org.nz
You’re warmly invited to a special Easter Praise & Worship Night led by the Set Free Band, in preparation for Set Free — our diocesan youth festival.
An evening to reflect on the hope and joy of Easter, open to all ages. Supper will be provided, and all are very welcome.
Easter Monday, 6 - 8pm. St Matthew’s, Hillcrest
Great story here about two teachers from John Paul College
https://wbn.co.nz/2026/03/31/growing-future-principals/
We are excited to welcome Bishop John Adams from the Diocese of Palmerston North as our first guest speaker at Mission Hub this April.
In this special session, Bishop John will reflect on “The Holy Spirit at the Heart of Mission,” inviting us to rediscover how the Holy Spirit continues to guide, inspire, and empower the Church in her mission today. Together, we will explore how we can grow in openness to the Spirit’s movement in our own lives and be renewed in our call to share the Gospel.
Mission Hub is a monthly online gathering that brings people together from across the country to learn, pray, reflect, and be encouraged in mission. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen your faith and be inspired by others seeking to follow Christ.
Monday 13 April
7.00–8.30pm (NZ time)
Online
Everyone is welcome and invited to register here:https://bit.ly/apr13zoom
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
VACANCY - CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER
The Diocese of Christchurch is seeking an experienced and forward thinking Chief Finance Officer (CFO) to lead a passionate and committed team and contribute meaningfully to the strategic direction of the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch. We invite applications from leaders who share the Diocese’s sense of purpose, who value meaningful work, and who are energised by contributing to a mission driven organisation.
For more information, or to apply, email applications@cdoc.nz
Applications close at 9.00pm on Apr 12.
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
Every year in this holy season, the New Zealand Bishops asks Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to run a fundraising campaign on their behalf – the Bishops’ Lent Appeal.
The theme for the Lent appeal in 2026 is Hear the Voice, Answer the Call – Whakarongo ki te reo, Whakahokia te karanga. During this time, and especially as we near Easter, the Bishop’s invite you to consider how you can hear the voice of those in need and answer the call to Christian charity. Please read their letter 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.
"Strengthening our Culture of Safeguarding"
This 90-minute workshop is suitable for any person with a role (paid or volunteer) in any Catholic organisation or group. Registration is required, and anyone 18 years and
younger must attend with a parent/guardian. Attendance is recorded, and a certificate of attendance will be issued.
Reach out to safeguarding@nops.org.nz if you have any questions.
Wed 8 Apr 7:00 pm
Wed 15 Apr 12 noon
Reflect on the gospel foundation of safeguarding
Learn what it means to use a safeguarding lens in our roles
Engage through reflective questions and scenarios
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.
One space left at Cluny Weekday retreat. Join us for a peaceful (silent) Ignatian retreat that includes Mass and personalised spiritual guidance from Fr. Richard Shortall SJ. Sunday, Apr 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM to Friday, Apr 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM, Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga.
Online Newsletters : Book here
Printed Newsletters : www.cdh.org.nz/retreats
Further retreats are linked in Clearly articles top of this page
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 from May
Contact: Bruce 021 556 227
Diamond Jubilee - The Catholic Parish of Wellington South
All former and current parishioners are invited to a celebration of several historical milestones on Sunday, 19 April 2026. The first Catholic church, St Francis de Sales Church, Island Bay, was built in 1906, 120 years ago, and the current church was blessed and opened on 17 April 1966, 60 years ago.
The weekend of celebration will also acknowledge 100 years since the opening of the St Madeleine Sophie primary school, the forerunner of the current primary school of St Francis de Sales. A special Mass of remembrance and thanks featuring past and present priests will be followed by a lunch at the Pines Cabaret, Houghton Bay.
Registrations of interest are welcomed by providing contact details at:
office@wellingtonsouthcatholic.org
Experience ‘Medjugorje In-Depth’ with a 10-night stay in the Holy Valley in the company of Our Lady, Queen of Peace.
Expressions of interest are welcome. Booking now.
www.mirpilgrimages.co.nz |Email: info@mirpilgrimages.co.nz | Phone Patricia on 027 35 25 217 for further information.
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
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 -31st May 2026
St Francis Retreat Centre, Auckland.
https://book.venue.life/stfrancis/register/pilgrimage-of-mercy-womens-retreat
In preparation for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul Korea, this series of online webinars explores the context of the theme, “Take courage! I have overcome the world” in John 16, what it means for our youth of today, and how we can prepare for this event.
More information at www.tekupenga.ac.nz/webinars-2026.
No two sessions are the same so you can come for one that may interest you or come to all the live sessions. Fee is $20 per webinar.
Click here to register. Next up:
Webinar 2: Courage: A Call for Young People to be Bold and Confident in their Faith
Tuesday, 05 May 2026, 5:00-6:00PM, Speaker: Bishop Michael Gielen
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/
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.
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.
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/
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
Please support our Kete Kōrero Sponsors - click on image to be taken to their website