Robyn Andrews, a Research Fellow at Massey University and a parishioner at St Mary’s in Palmerston North, brings a unique perspective to her research on contemporary parish life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
She will also be publishing a series of more detailed pieces in Tui Motu.
This is an introduction to a series of short reports based on research conducted over the last few years. The background to the research is that, as an anthropologist at Massey University and a Catholic, I had begun to notice changes in parish demographics: new Catholic migrants were joining local churches in significant numbers. I wanted to understand how these changes were affecting other similarly impacted parishes. While my own point of observation was as a Pākehā parishioner, I also aimed to understand the experiences of other long-standing parishioners, as well as recent migrants—particularly from South India and the Philippines—and priests, both migrant and long-established.
To begin the research, I applied for permission from the Diocese, which was granted with enthusiasm. I was also given helpful suggestions on which locations and parishes to focus on. I settled on three key parishes and began reaching out to potential interviewees through short introductions at Mass, notices in newsletters, posters, and email invitations. In all my communications, I explained that participants’ identities would be protected and real names would not be used. I was very fortunate—people across the parishes were generous with both their time and the insights they shared.
Over the coming months, in a series of short reports in Tūmanako, I will outline key findings from the various groups interviewed. The first report will focus on new migrants from South India, mostly from Kerala. I wanted to understand their perspectives—could they practise their faith in the same way they were used to? Could they do so in a way that nurtured and deepened their faith? What challenges were they facing? The next report will explore the experiences of Filipino parishioners, using the same questions. Following that, I’ll share reflections from long-standing parishioners, and then from the two groups of priests.
At this stage, based on the research, my view is that although there are challenges for all groups, most of the people I spoke with feel hopeful. With new parishioners filling the pews, there is a real sense that our parishes are being renewed and invigorated. The recent emphasis on synodality and deeper communication is likely to serve our parish communities well.