Youth Initiatives
"Dear young people, aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.”
- Pope Leo, 2025 Jubilee of Youth
Our youth and young adults, spread throughout our geographically widespread diocese, are a vital part of our ministry and we welcome and learn from their curiosity and energy. As our secular world continues to send mixed messages around meaning and purpose, we find our young people increasingly searching for the Truth that provides an anchor, while filling them with peace, hope and wonder.
The CDH Youth Ministry team is dedicated to sharing the kerygma, the joy of the Gospel, in ways that truly reach and form today's young people. They don’t shy away from the tough questions - leaning on Scripture, the Tradition of the Church, credible speakers and robust faith formation to encourage conversation and offer thought-provoking, concise responses.
From parish based youth groups, to the school based formation programme, Spiritus, and from festivals to retreats, our Youth Ministry Team plays a big part in encouraging and guiding our youth and young adults to “not settle for less”.
WYD27 Pilgrimage
Applications for our WYD27 Pilgrimage are OPEN NOW!
Our 19-day pilgrimage will include: visiting key pilgrimage sites across South Korea, Days in the Diocese in the vibrant coastal city of Busan, WYD Week in Seoul with Pope Leo XIV, and a post-WYD retreat in the mountains near the city of Jeonju.
The pilgrimage is open to young adults aged 18–35 (as of 1 April 2027), with both a full 19-day option and a shortened 13-day option.
Spiritus
Spiritus is a preeminent professional learning and faith formation programme developed by ACU (Australian Catholic University) La Salle Academy in collaboration with CSYMI (Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International).
The programme trains Catholic school educators, leaders, and RE teachers to reimagine Catholic schools as intentional, missionary "centres of evangelisation" and aims to affirm and support students in their Catholic faith and journey.
Our CDH Youth Team supports the programme in each of our four Secondary Schools - Aquinas College, Campion College, John Paul College and St John’s College - by providing mentoring in peer-to-peer ministry, supporting retreats and encouraging participation in local parish youth groups.
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"
