There have been lots of exciting things happening around our Diocese over the past month – have a read of some of them below!
Palmy Young Catholics hosts Theology on Tap
Palmy Young Catholics (PYC) hosted a memorable Theology on Tap event on October 4, 2024, bringing parishioners young and old together for an evening of fellowship, food, and discussion. Held in the upstairs lounge and bar area of the Palmerston North Squash Gym on Linton Street, the event provided a relaxed setting for meaningful conversation. Bishop John Adams led engaging discussions on “the problem of evil: why do bad things happen to good people?”—a topic that inspired reflection and insight among all who attended.
With plenty of delicious food and refreshments, participants enjoyed connecting with others in the parish community. PYC extends its gratitude to Bishop John for sharing his wisdom and to the Cathedral Parish staff for their support in making this event a success.
We hope you enjoy these snapshots from the evening! Stay tuned, as we look forward to hosting more Theology on Tap sessions to foster faith-filled discussions, friendship, and formation across our community.
Photos: Palmy Young Catholics
St Mary’s Church features in local exhibition
Whanganui’s Camera Club’s annual members’ exhibition, titled “Our Places of Worship,” brought together clergy, invited guests, and photographers for the official opening on Sunday, 6 October 2024.
Held at the Community Arts Centre, the exhibition included three photos of St Mary’s Church among 40 selected framed prints from over 2,000 images taken.
Around 70 churches in the Whanganui region were approached for inclusion in the project. The club was impressed with the positive response and welcomed opportunities to capture both the interiors and exteriors of these buildings.
“Photographers are naturally attracted to photographing churches due to their aesthetic appeal,” said club president John Smart.
The event carried an ecumenical spirit as representatives of each exhibiting church admired the expertise and respect shown by the 24 club members in capturing the sacred beauty of their churches.
At the conclusion of the exhibition, all prints, whether displayed or not, will be gathered to form a single historical record, to be archived in the Alexander Heritage and Research Library – Te Rerenga mai o te Kāuru.
Pictured (left to right) are Bishop John Adams, in Whanganui for a pastoral day, parish priest Fr Craig Butler, and parishioner Patrick Seconi.
Written by Sue Seconi
Catholic Parish of Whanganui – Te Parihi Katorika Ki Whanganui
Farewell to Sacred Heart: Honouring a Legacy of Faith in Manaia
The first Catholic Church in Manaia was built in 1886 and served the local Catholic community until 1968, when it was demolished. A new church was built and opened that same year, continuing to serve the Catholic community. In 2007, the Manaia Parish amalgamated with St Joseph’s Parish in Hawera. Saturday evening Mass was held on the first and third weekends of each month until 2019, after which all Sunday Masses were held at St Joseph’s Church in Hawera. Following discussions with the Bishop and the Palmerston North Diocese, the decision was made to close and deconsecrate Sacred Heart Church, with a final Mass on 20 October.
The Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. and was concelebrated by Bishop John Adams and Fr Vince Onesi. Over 100 people attended, including past and present parishioners. It was a beautiful celebration, with readings by those who had a connection to the church. The chairperson of St Joseph’s Parish Council welcomed everyone, and at the conclusion of the Mass, a parishioner from the original Manaia parish shared a brief history of the church and the priests who had served over the years. A group photo was then taken, followed by tea and a chance to chat.
Many thanks to all who attended the final Mass at Sacred Heart Church, and to all past priests, religious, and parishioners who worshipped at this church over the years.
Photos: outside and interior of Sacred Heart Church. A few snaps from the Mass, including a group photo with Bishop John Adams. The baptismal font which will be returned to the family who donated it, and representatives from Sacred Heart Girls College New Plymouth with the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which has been donated to the school. Photos and article courtesy of St Joseph’s Parish Hawera.
Red November celebrated at the Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit shone brightly in red over the weekend of 1-3 November in recognition of Red November, an initiative that calls for prayer and solidarity with persecuted Christians worldwide.
Traditionally observed on the Wednesday of 20 November, Red November is an initiative of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the only international Catholic charity dedicated to supporting suffering and persecuted Christians. The event serves as a poignant reminder to gather and pray for those who face persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. During this time, cathedrals, churches, and public buildings across the globe light up in red to signify support for their brothers and sisters in Christ.
At the Cathedral, attendees heard from Bernard Toutounji, the director of ACN Australia & New Zealand, who travelled from Australia to share his insights. Bernard highlighted the organisation’s vital mission to “keep the faith alive” in communities facing violence, persecution, or poverty. He emphasised that while ACN provides spiritual and pastoral support rather than material aid, it plays a crucial role in strengthening the Church in places where the faith is at risk of being extinguished.
Bernard remarked on the freedom many enjoy in New Zealand to attend church and participate in Mass, a privilege not shared by millions of Christians worldwide. He noted that more than 300 million Christians experience some form of faith-based persecution, with Christians being the victims of 75% of all religiously motivated violence and oppression. “These are our family in Christ – who are striving to keep the faith alive in the midst of great adversity,” he stated.
Following his address, the congregation joined in a collective prayer for those suffering for their faith. A short video presentation after Mass further informed parishioners about the plight of Christians, particularly highlighting the suffering in the Holy Land due to ongoing conflict, where the faith is at real risk of being extinguished forever.
Bernard invited attendees to take meaningful action during Red November. He encouraged everyone to choose one of three powerful actions: Learn, by signing up for ACN’s international newsletter; Pray, using a prayer for persecuted Christians provided on the back of the brochures available in the pews; or Support, by making an offering to the Holy Land Appeal to help Catholic families maintain their faith in their homeland.
PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS
Lord Jesus Christ, as the Good Shepherd, You call all people to Yourself,
but You also warned us that following You would not be easy.
Today, many Christians suffer and are persecuted for love of You.
In them, You continue Your passion for the redemption of the world.
It is a grace to carry the cross with them.
Grant us love, courage and a readiness to sacrifice
so that we can aid and console our brothers and sisters in faith.
Fill us with Your merciful love for one another,
that we may also bless our enemies and forgive them.
Thus, we want to joyfully testify to Your presence in the world
and find fullness of life in You.
Amen.
