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In 2020, due to the National Lockdown, we were unable to celebrate Holy Week in person as communities of faith. We wanted to celebrate the fact that across the Diocese, we were able to gather in person in 2021. The Diocese of Palmerston North Comms Team attended...
Even if you’re only remotely familiar with Catholicism, you’ll probably be aware that Good Friday is a special day in the Church’s calendar. In fact, it is one of the most holy days in the entire church year. It is the day where Catholics and Christians around the...
We asked a few people to share some personal reflections on what the season of Lent means to them, and how they plan to fast, pray and give alms this year. "I've never really been one to give up something during Lent (like chocolate, sweets, caffine) because I don’t...
At 7:06pm on March 13, 2013, white smoke poured from the Sistine Chapel and bells rang out from St Peter’s Basilica, announcing the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as 266th Pope.Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1936, Bergoglio first worked as a nightclub...
― Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel(quoting Pope John XXIII in 1958)You might not know that the word Lent comes from the Old English “lengthening of days” or springtime. Here in the Southern Hemisphere there’s a touch of autumn in the air so it...
For many people, the day before Ash Wednesday is marked by over-indulging in pancakes and frantically trying to think of something to give up for Lent. But there's more to Shrove Tuesday than pancakes ... The name 'Shrove Tuesday' comes from the word shrive, meaning...
The Diocesan Centre As the central office of the Diocese, located next to the Diocesan Cathedral, The Diocesan Centre - Te Rau Aroha serves an important function as a place of work, gathering, training, are formation and celebration. The connection with the Mana...
In December 2020, the Diocesan Young Catholics team ran a five-day leadership training programme for Year 12 students across the Diocese called 'Young Catholic Leader.' This programme, modeled off the Marist Youth Leader Programme, has been running now for a number of...
This year will mark the 183rd Anniversary of the first Mass celebrated in Aotearoa. On 13th January 1838 Bishop Pompallier led the celebration in Hokianga on the property of timber merchant Thomas and Mary Poyton. The tradition to gather, remember and worship on the...
Are you tired of the same old New Year’s goals? Studies have shown that most people choose “eat healthier”, “do more exercise/lose weight” and “save money” as their top 3 New Year resolutions. While there’s nothing wrong with these, here are some alternative goals...
You can't get away from them at this time of year - Christmas movies are everywhere! But which ones are worth watching and which are just too cheesy to bear? The Comms team decided to embark on a Movie Marathon and have come up with a list of family movies to watch...
We asked several people who had been close to Bishop Peter and/or significantly involved with Diocesan projects over the past 40 years to share some memories of their experiences. These are their stories. I was asked to be the Deacon who proclaimed the gospel at the...