A powerful step toward building a more inclusive Church community was taken on July 1, as the Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North hosted a training day to promote the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme (HDSS). The event, held at the Diocesan Centre, was part of a...
A Journey of Hope and Holiness: Walking with the Saints in Assisi
Emily Sit, the Director of Mission and Evangelisation for the Diocese of Palmerston North, recently went on pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. Below she shares some reflections of the trip.This past month, I had the profound gift of travelling to Assisi — a place where...
Palmerston North to Host Jubilee Youth Festival in August
The Diocese of Palmerston North is excited to announce the Jubilee Youth Festival 2025, a day-long celebration for young people across the diocese as part of the global Church’s Year of Jubilee. The festival will take place on Saturday, 2 August 2025, at the Cathedral...
Catholic Parish Demographics: Syro-Malabar Catholics from India
Dr 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...
Updates from Around the Diocese | July 2025
There have been lots of exciting things happening around our Diocese over the past month - have a read of some of them below!Bishop Leads Personal Blessings on Pentecost Sunday at Our Lady of Lourdes A moving moment of spiritual connection marked Pentecost Sunday at...
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,...
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...