All posts from

Emma Dodsworth

Not what you’re looking for? Search for something else.

Christmas – Jesus has your back

Christmas – Jesus has your back

Please note: The reflections and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the author and are shared in the spirit of personal faith and contemplation. They do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Diocese of Palmerston North.December 25 is creeping...

Youth Ministers: Living the Now of the Church

Youth Ministers: Living the Now of the Church

On 4–5 November, the Diocesan Youth Ministers gathered to discuss matters relating to youth in the Palmerston North Diocese.We have a dynamic and enterprising group of ministers who reflected on the importance of staying current with Church teachings and being...

Milestones Celebrated with Grateful Joy

Milestones Celebrated with Grateful Joy

Ringing the church bell signaled the start of the Eucharist on Sunday, 16 November 2025, as the Catholic Parish of Whanganui gathered to celebrate Fr John Roberts’ 80th birthday, thank him for 47 years of ministry, and mark his semi-retirement. Over 250 people filled...

Wings/Ngā Parirau: A Catholic Faith Formation Programme

Wings/Ngā Parirau: A Catholic Faith Formation Programme

Wings / Ngā Parirau is a programme designed to help people reflect on and grow in their faith. Along the way, participants learn—or have the opportunity to revisit—information about our Catholic faith. The goal of the programme is to help participants develop a deeper...

Kindling the Fire: What the Hope and Renewal Summit Was About

Kindling the Fire: What the Hope and Renewal Summit Was About

Emily Sit, Director for Misson and Evangelisation, explores how the Hope and Renewal Summit ignited a movement of faith, leadership, and mission across Aotearoa.Luke 12:49In early October, more than five hundred people from across Aotearoa gathered in Palmerston North...

From Dry Bones to Living Fire | Testimony from Fr Simon Story

From Dry Bones to Living Fire | Testimony from Fr Simon Story

At the Hope and Renewal Summit held on 3-4 October 2025, in front of over 500 participants, Fr Simon Story from the Catholic Parish of New Plymouth shared a personal account of his journey through challenges in parish ministry and the impact of adopting a...

Voices of Hope and Renewal: Post-Summit Reflections

Voices of Hope and Renewal: Post-Summit Reflections

The Hope and Renewal Summit brought together over 500 Catholics from across Aotearoa, igniting hearts with the Holy Spirit’s call to love, connection, and transformation. In this collection of post-Summit reflections, Victoria Arrowsmith shares a personal journey from...

“You Are My Hope”: World Day of the Poor 2025

“You Are My Hope”: World Day of the Poor 2025

On Sunday 16 November 2025, the Church will mark the ninth World Day of the Poor, with the theme “You are my hope” (Psalm 71:5). This theme reminds us that in the midst of hardship, our hope is rooted in God’s steadfast love. In his official message for the day, Pope...

Year of Jubilee | Upcoming Events in November

Year of Jubilee | Upcoming Events in November

See what Jubilees we'll be celebrating in November!Jubilee of the Poor 15 - 16 November 2025This weekend, we celebrate the Jubilee of Migrants, recognising the dignity, strength, and resilience of those who live with material poverty.Prayer to St Vincent de PaulNoble...

Catholic Parish Demographics: A Summary of the Reports

Catholic Parish Demographics: A Summary of the Reports

Since May 2025, we have been featuring a series of reports from Dr Robyn Andrews, a Research Fellow at Massey University and parishioner at St Mary’s in Palmerston North. Below we have collated all five of her reports for easy access. Many thanks to Dr Andrews for...

Pin It on Pinterest