On 13–14 December, we observe the Jubilee of Prisoners — the final Jubilee weekend for the 2025 Year of Jubilee. This Jubilee weekend calls us to acknowledge the humanity, dignity, and worth of all those who are incarcerated. We are reminded of the Gospel’s call to...
One Hope Project Academy | Your Next Step in Worship and Mission
Could This Be Your Next Step in Worship and Mission?Do you love music?Do you enjoy helping others pray?Have you ever wondered whether God might be inviting you to grow in worship ministry in a deeper, more intentional way? Or perhaps someone comes to mind a cantor,...
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
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
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 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
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
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
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...
Celebrating World Mission Sunday in the Catholic Parish of Hastings
The Catholic Parish of Hastings came together in faith and community to celebrate World Mission Sunday, with our goal: “Mission Possible, with God – to spread love and share hope.” Over 600 parishioners attended the outdoor Mass on the St Joseph’s Primary School field...
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...
“The Church Is Alive”: Attendees Reflect on the Hope and Renewal Summit
The Hope and Renewal Summit held in Palmerston North on October 3–4 brought together over 500 Catholics from across Aotearoa and beyond. While the event focused on equipping parishes for renewal, it also left a lasting impression on those who attended. From clergy to...











