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Our first Diocesan Hub gathering will take place: Saturday 7 March, 12:30pm–4:30pm – Palmerston North (Diocesan Centre) Sunday 8 March, 12:30pm–4:30pm – Hastings (St Peter Chanel Hall) At this first Hub, we will begin by returning to one of the foundational documents...
On 22 February 2026, RCIA groups from around the Palmerston North Diocese gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North for the Rite of Election and Enrolment of Names. There were 25 Catechumens and Candidates from the parishes of Hastings,...
On Saturday 28 February, the Catholic Parish of Hastings (CPH) gathered to celebrate Fr Marcus’ 25th Jubilee of Priestly Ordination, marking twenty-five years of dedicated service to God and the Church. Around 250 people attended, including family and friends who...
Holy Days is a movie based on a story by much-loved author, Joy Cowley. Joy knows what makes a good story and this movie has these elements in spades – sharply drawn characters, a suspenseful plot, and buckets of humour. The film is set in 1970s New Zealand. Young...
On Friday 20 February 2026, the Diocese joined Catholic communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand in observing the annual Day of Prayer and Penance for the Victims of Abuse and Violence. Held each year on the Friday after Ash Wednesday, the day calls the faithful to...
If you drive past the town of Marton around New Year’s, you might be surprised by an unusual sight: 150 young people gathered in a chapel at 7:30am, singing with all their hearts! It is, of course, Hearts Aflame Catholic Summer School, which brings together young...
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Palmerston North was filled with parishioners and visitors on Sunday, 1 February, as the diocese gathered to celebrate the Closing Mass of the 2025 Year of Jubilee. The sunshine of the morning seemed to echo the joyful mood inside...
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...
E tū te mana o te ao: Building a Climate of Hope — Faith and Action Guide was launched at the Palmerston North City Library on 1 February 2026. This date was chosen because it marks the first day of World Interfaith Harmony Week, initiated by King Abdullah II of...
World Marriage Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of February each year. This year, it falls on Sunday 8 February. Initially established by the American organization Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the day was officially blessed by Pope John Paul II in 1993, and...
As St Joseph’s School Central Hawke’s Bay approaches a remarkable milestone, the community is warmly invited to join in celebrating a century of faith, learning, and service. Over the weekend of 27 February – 1 March 2026, past and present students, families, staff,...
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. Ash Wednesday, on 18...