The Alpha programme is running in several parishes of the diocese. It is wonderful to see the sharing of faith at so many different levels as people connect with one another and grow in trust with each sharing their journey. A question many have on completing Alpha...
Year of Jubilee | Upcoming Events in June
See what Jubilees we'll be celebrating in June!Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements, Associations and New Communities 7 - 8 June 2025This weekend, we give thanks for the faithful men and women who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, dedicate themselves to these movements.Prayers...
Planting Seeds of Hope and Peace | Laudato Si’ Week 2025
From 24 to 31 May, the Diocese of Palmerston North marked the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’. The theme, Planting the Seeds of Hope, was paired with the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Canticle of St. Francis. With this in mind, we grounded our study of...
Catholic Parish Demographics: Catholics from the Philippines
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...
Catholic Schools Day 2025 | Shine Like Stars in the World
On Wednesday, 28 May 2025, the Diocese of Palmerston North joined Catholic communities across Aotearoa New Zealand in celebrating Catholic Schools Day. The theme for this year – Shine like stars in the world – E tīaho ana koe hei rama i te ao – invited reflection on...
Updates from Around the Diocese | June 2025
There have been lots of exciting things happening around our Diocese over the past month - have a read of some of them below!Young Parishioner’s Immediate Thinking Is Recognised St Mary’s Parish in Whanganui proudly celebrates with 19-year-old Heike Reitsma, who was...
O’Shea Shield 2025 | A Celebration of Faith, Talent, and Community
Since 1946, the O’Shea Shield has been a proud tradition among Catholic secondary schools in the Wellington Archdiocese and Palmerston North Diocese. This year, students from all seventeen schools—including the eight colleges within the Palmerston North Diocese—came...
‘Coming Home’ Art Exhibition held in Whanganui
It was Bishop John’s privilege to attend the ‘Coming Home’ Art exhibition by Angela Dickson at the Whanganui Community Art Centre, which ran from 3rd to 11th May 2025. The timing of the exhibition held deep personal significance to Angela, who is an abuse survivor,...
Year of Jubilee 2025 | Upcoming Events in May
See what Jubilees we'll be celebrating in May!Jubilee of Seminarians 17 - 18 May 2025This weekend, we give thanks for the young men who are answering the call to a life of service, prayer, and dedication within the Church.Prayer of John Paul II for VocationsLord...
Hope and Renewal Summit 2025
The Diocesan Pastoral Team is excited to present the Hope and Renewal Summit 2025. What if this is the moment we’ve been praying for? Our Church is being called into something new. Not to abandon who we are, but to be renewed—to return to the heart of the Gospel with...
A New Shepherd for the Church: Honouring Francis, Welcoming Leo
The Catholic world entered a time of mourning and transition following the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor, Pope Leo XIV. Pope Francis, remembered for his humility, global outreach, and emphasis on synodality, died on 21 April 2025 after more...
Remembering Bishop Owen Dolan | A Life of Service and Faith
Owen John Dolan, Emeritus Coadjutor Bishop of Palmerston North, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 following a short illness. Born in Palmerston North on September 30, 1928, he was raised in Hāwera after the early death of his mother. He was ordained a priest on...










