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― 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, formation and celebration. The connection with the Mana Whenua...
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...
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...
Margaret Broderick began as Bishop Peter’s typist in 1986 and took over as secretary from Carol Myres several years later. She has many memories of the formation of the Diocese, and of working for Bishop Peter until his retirement in 2012. I remember I sang in the...
Advent - Te Wā o Aweneti The significance of Advent The New Zealand National Liturgy Office says that Advent has a twofold character: "as a time to prepare for the solemnity of Christmas when the Son of God's first coming to us is remembered, and as a season...
In November 2020, a small team delivered the 'Diocese of Palmerston North 2020 Update' in various locations around the Diocese. As part of this 'Update', I delivered a short presentation called 'Roadmaps for Transformation'. This article is a summary of that...
APOSTOLIC LETTER ADMIRABILE SIGNUM OF THE HOLY FATHERFRANCISON THE MEANING AND IMPORTANCEOF THE NATIVITY SCENE Abridged Version 1. The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction...
What is a Diocese? The meaning of "diocese" is to be found in the meaning of "Church." The meaning of Church is to be found in the mission of the Son and the mission of the Holy Spirit, who were sent to make known the Father's love for his creation. That's where it...
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCISFOR WORLD MISSION DAY 2020 Here am I, send me (Is 6:8) Dear Brothers and Sisters, I wish to express my gratitude to God for the commitment with which the Church throughout the world carried out the Extraordinary Missionary...