Eleven young people from the Palmerston North Diocese experienced the trip of a lifetime when they attended World Youth Day in August this year. Their pilgrimage took them to sacred sites around France and Portugal before attending the week-long Days in the Diocese...
A Conversation with Bishop Owen Dolan
Sunday 23 July is the Third World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The theme this year is "His mercy is from age to age," from the Gospel of Luke (1:50). The Diocesan Comms Team sat down with Bishop Owen Dolan, the oldest priest in the country, to talk about his...
Building a Future for All | Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants
“The city yet to come is a 'city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God' (Heb. 11:10). His plan calls for an intense work of construction, in which all of us must be personally involved.” Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 108th...
Ordinary Time is Extraordinary Time
As we celebrate Pentecost, it may seem like the grand feasts and celebrations of the Church are now behind us. We've journeyed through Lent, Easter, and various special days in quick succession. Now, with only a few solemnities ahead, we find ourselves in Ordinary...
Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity | Laudato si’ week
Laudato Si' Week 2023, commemorating Pope Francis' groundbreaking encyclical on caring for creation, begins on 21 May and lasts until 28 May. The theme for this year is "Hope for the Earth, Hope for Humanity." To celebrate, communities worldwide are encouraged to...
Vocations: Grace and Mission | Good Shepherd Sunday
The 60th World Day of Paryer for Vocations, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, falls this year on Sunday, 30 April. It is a day dedicated to recognising the role of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and to praying for more people to answer the call to religious and...
Celebrating Mothers | Reflections for Mother’s Day
In the Catholic Church, being a mother is not just about having children: it's a calling from God to raise and nurture them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As Pope Francis said, "Mothers are the strongest antidote to the spread of self-centered...
Palm Sunday 2023 | Prayer Resource
UNITED IN PRAYER A PRAYER RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS.Palm SundayLearn more about Easter > Pause Take a moment to still yourself. Take a deep breath and ask God for a renewed sense of presence with you in this moment. Opening Prayer Holding...
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord | Prayer for 25 March 2023
UNITED IN PRAYER A PRAYER RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS.Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord Pause Take a moment to still yourself. Take a deep breath and ask God for a renewed sense of presence with you in this moment. Opening Prayer Pour...
St Patrick’s Day | Celebrating the Catholic way
Ask anyone on the street how they celebrate St Patrick's Day, and they'll probably mention dressing in green, going to the pub and drinking a pint of Guiness. But there's more to celebrating the feast day of this most influential saint than dressing up and drinking...
Reflecting on Mary this Christmas
I tend to think about Mary a lot during this time of year, especially since becoming a mother myself. I was pregnant once during the Advent season, and preparing for the arrival of my own baby at the same time made it feel more real. Decorating the Christmas tree,...
The Season of Advent | Traditions for your whānau
Out of all the liturgical seasons in the Church's calendar, I enjoy Advent the most. Not only does it herald the approach of my favourite time of year (hello summer!), I also love the build-up to Christmas and the time spent preparing, planning and reflecting. In the...











