In the life of the Church, there are moments when we sense a gentle but clear invitation from the Lord. Not an invitation to create something new for the sake of it, but to respond more faithfully to what He has already given us.
The Hope and Renewal Summit was one such moment. It offered space to pause, to pray, and to be reminded that renewal begins not with programmes or plans, but with hearts attentive to God. More importantly, it pointed us back to a deeper truth: that each of us, through Baptism, has been called to belong to Christ and to share in His mission.
That call does not end with an event. It is lived out in parish life, in prayer, in service, in relationships, and in the ordinary faithfulness of daily discipleship. Diocesan Hubs arise from this wider invitation.
Why Diocesan Hubs?
Diocesan Hubs are local gatherings for prayer, formation, and mission across our Diocese. They are not programmes to manage or meetings for a few. They are simple, relational spaces where people can come together to pray, listen, reflect, and encourage one another as we seek to live the Gospel.
The word diocesan matters. These gatherings are rooted in the shared life of the Diocese and shaped by our common mission and vision. At the same time, they are local, recognising the different realities and communities within our Diocese.
A shared focus for 2026
During 2026, Diocesan Hubs will centre on a Diocesan Formation Series engaging the key Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council.
This reflects an invitation from the Holy Father, given in his General Audience on 7 January, to re-read and prayerfully reflect on the Second Vatican Council as a living gift of the Spirit for the Church today.
The focus will be prayerful and pastoral, not academic. Each gathering will follow a simple rhythm:
- Encounter through prayer and Scripture
- Deepen through shared reflection and formation
- Mission through discernment about how we are called to live the Gospel
Where and when?
In 2026, Diocesan Hubs will gather on the following dates (all sessions are 12:30 – 4:40pm):
- Sat 7 March – Palmerston North; Sun 8 March – Hawkes Bay
- Sat 30 May – Manawatū–Whanganui; Sun 31 May – New Plymouth
- Sat 15 August – Palmerston North; Sun 16 August – Hawkes Bay
These gatherings will be hosted within existing parish or diocesan spaces. Further details will be shared closer to each date.
The same gathering will be offered in two locations, and parishioners are warmly invited to attend either location, travelling where helpful to gather as one diocesan community.
The March Hub will reflect on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.
Register: https://forms.office.com/r/si6GpNKWz9
Who are Diocesan Hubs for?
Diocesan Hubs are for anyone who wants to grow in faith and respond more fully to God’s call in their life.
They are for people who want to learn more about the Catholic faith and the life of the Church, deepen their understanding of what it means to be baptised and sent on mission, and reflect prayerfully on how faith is lived in everyday life.
Whether you are actively involved in parish life, quietly discerning where God is leading you, returning to the faith, or simply wanting space to learn, pray, and grow alongside others, you are welcome. No prior knowledge is assumed.
Want to get involved?
As part of the Diocesan Hubs, we will be forming small groups for prayerful reflection and conversation. We are seeking people who may be open to serving as small group facilitators.
This role is not about teaching or having all the answers. It is about hospitality, listening, and helping others engage well with the conversation. Formation and support will be provided.
If you would like to explore whether this might be a way you could serve, you are warmly invited to complete an Expression of Interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/JWCwaE8Jur
Completing the form does not commit you to anything. It is simply a way for both you and the Diocese to discern whether this is a good fit at this time.
Walking together
Diocesan Hubs are one way we seek to live our diocesan vision of being a welcoming, vibrant Catholic faith community, living the Gospel and joyfully proclaiming God’s love.
Called by Christ on mission, and led by the Holy Spirit, we take this next step together, trusting that the Lord will guide and renew us as we walk together as a Diocese.
