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Diocesan Bulletin
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Bishops Appeal 2026 - Our part in His mission
This Sunday, we are invited to support the Bishop’s Appeal, helping to provide resources for faith formation, families and pastoral work across our Diocese.
“Thank you for all the ways you already contribute to the life of our Church, and for playing your part in His Mission.” - Bishop Richard
Praying the Way to Bethlehem – An Advent Retreat
Join Fr Richard Shortall SJ for an Advent retreat at St Columba’s Church, Frankton, as we prepare for Christmas. Morning and evening sessions are available, with evening sessions repeating the morning programme.
Monday 8 – Friday 11 December
Morning sessions following 9.00 am Mass
Evening sessions at 7.00 pm (Monday–Thursday only)
A Vocations Retreat for Men
Are you a single man who yearns to follow Christ as one of His priests?
Join Bishop Richard, Fr Adam and Fr Isaac for a retreat to help you discern your vocation.
Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December
Cluny Retreat Centre, Tauranga
For expressions of interest, questions or registration, contact the Vocations team at vocations@cdh.org.nz
“Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and of Christ the Lord!”
— Pope Leo XIV
Charismatic Mass - Current of Grace Hamilton
Charismatic Mass, followed by supper on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. St Joseph’s Church, 83 Clarkin Rd, Fairfield. Small plate appreciated but not essential.
Tuesday 8 December
7.00pm
Contact: Helen Smithson 0272941270
Grow in Worship – OHP Worship Academy 2027
Applications are open for the One Hope Project Worship Academy, a six-month online programme for musicians, worship leaders and songwriters wanting to grow in faith, confidence and ministry. Read about Ann-Maree Fernandes’ experience from Tongariro Catholic. Her takeaway? “It’s all worship” – and prayer comes before performance.
February – August 2027
Online, with sessions in NZ time.
More information and applications: www.onehopeproject.co.uk/ohpacademy-nz
Alpha Ignite 2026
Registrations are now open for Alpha Ignite. Come and hear Clare Bell, Alpha NZ’s Catholic Engagement Manager, speak about how to use Alpha to ignite your parish. This event is for parish clergy, lay leadership, those responsible for evangelisation, and anyone interested in hearing how Alpha can help build their parish.
Saturday 28 November 2026
11.00am – 3.00pm
Pompallier Diocesan Centre, 30 New Street, Ponsonby, Auckland.
Lunch and refreshments provided.
Register: www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/alpha-ignite-2026
Advent reflection booklets – Presence 2026
Following the Lenten booklet COMPASSIO, Presence: Advent & Christmas Daily Reflections 2026 is now available to order through the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, (published by the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong). The 84-page, full-colour booklet includes daily Scripture reflections, prayers and religious artwork to help you spend time with God throughout Advent and Christmas. It covers the First Sunday of Advent (29 November) through to the Baptism of the Lord (10 January).
Copies cost $7 each, with just 225 available across the Diocese. Simply chose your parish as a pick up location, these will be sent in bulk around the third week in November.
Please note: A separate free 16-page Advent resource for families will also be available for distribution at the beginning of November.
Safeguarding
NOPS is offering an online Strengthening our Culture of Safeguarding Workshop over the next few weeks. These are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Wednesday 25 November
7.00pm - 8.30pm
To register: safeguarding@nops.org.nz
Youth Ministry Coordinator Vacancy
Do you have a heart for young people and a passion for sharing Jesus Christ? The Catholic Diocese of Hamilton is looking for a full-time Youth Ministry Coordinator to support and grow youth ministry across our parishes and Catholic schools.
Based in Hamilton, this role will involve supporting existing youth groups, developing new initiatives, connecting schools and parishes, and helping organise diocesan youth events and Masses. The position starts in January 2027, or earlier by negotiation, and involves regular travel throughout the diocese.
For further information, contact Joanna Kearney at joannak@cdh.org.nz.
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, 5 December 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.
Pro-Life Vigil Outside Waikato Hospital
Is anyone interested in attending a fruitful, legal and regular pro-life vigil?
Where: Outside Waikato Hospital
When: Wednesday’s and Alternate Friday’s
Contact: Rose sixroses@xtra.co.nz
Vocations Team
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.
Contact the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton
Address: 47 Clyde Street, Hamilton East 3216
Phone: 07 856 6989
Postal: PO Box 4353, Hamilton East 3247
Email: office@cdh.org.nz
Established in 1980, the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, New Zealand spans from Te Kauwhata to Waihī, and Taumarunui to Gisborne.
"Living the Truth in Love"
