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Sr Joan Manson (Sister Mary Pius) died on 2 July 2026 in Upper Hutt, where she had retired to Villa Joseph. She was 97 years old. Sr Joan was one of the two founding teachers at St James’ School in Albert Street, Palmerston North, when it opened in 1958. She was a...
On 19 July, the refurbished boarding hostel of Hato Pāora College was opened. Whānau, staff, and both former and current students gathered at dawn for this auspicious occasion, welcoming the new day and the kaupapa. The hostel is named Kapuera, in honour of Fr Isaac...
This diocese is a leader in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. In response to the synodal discernment of the diocesan community, responsibility for this initiative was incorporated into the diocesan role of Leader and Advisor for Inclusiveness, currently held...
Syro-Malabar Bishop Visits Palmerston North Diocese It was a real joy for the Syro-Malabar communities in the Palmerston North Diocese to welcome Bishop John Panamthottathil IC from Australia and chaplain Fr Vijoy Jacob IC. Pope Francis appointed Bishop John in...
The Matariki Weekend working bees at Kopua-riki brought together a generous community of volunteers for two days of planting, maintenance and care for the habitat restoration project. Volunteers contributed 213 hours and helped plant 1,700 trees.Kopua-riki sits beside...
On Saturday 1 August, over 150 young people from across the Diocese of Palmerston North gathered at St Peter’s College for the Fully Alive Youth Festival, a day of faith, friendship, worship, and encounter with Christ. The festival brought together participants aged...
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.I recently travelled to...
In June, a relic of St Carlo Acutis visited the Diocese of Palmerston North, offering students, staff and school communities a unique opportunity for prayer, reflection and encounter. The relic travelled to several schools, including Hato Pāora College, St Peter’s...
The St Carlo Acutis Mission was far more than the visit of a relic or an opportunity to learn about the Church's newest saint. It became a moment of grace for our Diocese, inviting thousands of students, teachers, families and parishioners into a renewed encounter...
Lynette Roberts-King has been appointed as the new Catholic Chaplain at Palmerston North Hospital. She was commissioned on behalf of Bishop John by Monsignor Brian Walsh at the Cathedral on 7 June 2026. Previously, this role was held by Kathleen Field, who faithfully...
Over these past weeks, the Eucharistic Miracles Exhibition has been quietly making its way through our Diocese, inviting schools, parishes, families and communities to pause before one of the deepest mysteries of our faith: Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist....
On Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May, parishioners gathered for the second round of Diocesan Hubs, held in Whanganui and Stratford. These gatherings continued our diocesan journey through the documents of Vatican II, this time focusing on Lumen Gentium, the Dogmatic...