A Simple Invitation
Renewal takes root when we gather, pray, and grow together.
Diocesan Hubs are regional gatherings that bring together neighbouring parish communities across the Diocese of Palmerston North. We come together to pray, receive formation, and encourage one another in mission.
All are welcome.
Who Can Attend?
Diocesan Hubs are open to:
- Parish priests
- Parish leadership teams
- Ministry leaders
- Any parishioner who desires to grow in faith and mission
What to Expect
Each Diocesan Hub includes:
- Prayer
- Formation input
- Small group conversation
- Practical encouragement for parish life
Formation We Receive
Formation at a Diocesan Hub is:
Rooted in Scripture
Faithful to the teaching of the Church
Attentive to the realities of parish life today
Formation at the Hubs
Our 2026 formation series focuses on the key Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council and their significance for the life of our parish communities today.
At the General Audience on 7 January 2026, Pope Leo reminded us that the Council’s vision must not be allowed to fade and that we must continue seeking ways to live out its insights.
In March and April, we will be reflecting specifically on Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.
In order not to let its prophecy fade… it will be important to get to know it again closely,
not through hearsay, but by rereading its documents and reflecting on their content.
Vatican II Deep Dive Online
After we gathered locally in Palmerston North and Hastings at our first Diocesan Hubs, the conversation continues online through Vatican II Deep Dive Online. These sessions create space to go further with the Council’s texts, allowing us to reflect more deeply, while also making the formation accessible anywhere across our Diocese.
Each session will reflect on different paragraphs of Sacrosanctum Concilium:
Deep Dive sessions:
Wednesday 15 April · 7:00 – 8:45pm
Wednesday 29 April · 7:00 – 8:45pm
Join us online and register:
https://bit.ly/SCDeepDive
Resources for Further Reading and Reflection
- Sacrosanctum Concilium
- Desiderio Desideravi
- Mane Nobiscum Domine
- Sacramentum Caritatis
- Ecclesia de Eucharistia
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM)
- Sacrosanctum Concillium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy – Whole Document
- US Conference of Catholic Bishops on Sacrosanctum Concillium – Comprehensive Summary
Desiderio Desideravi, Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis, Published in 2022 On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God
Mane Nobiscum Domine, Apostolic Letter of Pope John Paul II, published in 2004 For the Year of the Eucharist
Sacramentum Caritatis, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI, published in 2007 On the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Church’s Life and Mission:
Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Encyclical Letter of Pope John Paul II, published in 2003 – On the Eucharist and its relationship to the Church
General Instruction of the Roman Missal GIRM for New Zealand
Upcoming May Hubs
Diocesan Hubs are free to attend and open to all.
Saturday 30 May | Whanganui – Register
Location: 1 Campbell Street, Whanganui 4500
Time: 12:30pm – 4:30pm (lunch provided)
Sunday 31 May | Stratford – Register
Location: 90 Miranda Street, West, Stratford 4332
Time: 12:30pm – 4:30pm (lunch provided)
Help us Prepare Well
Please register in advance so that we can welcome you well and make appropriate arrangements for catering and dietary requirements.
Past Diocesan Hubs
Saturday 7 March | Palmerston North
Location: Diocesan Centre
Thank you to the Cathedral for hosting!
Sunday 8 March | Hastings
Location: St Peter Chanel Hall
Thank you to the Catholic Parish of Hastings for hosting!
Moving Forward in Hope
As we gather across our regions, we do so with hope. The Lord is at work in our parish communities. May these gatherings help us recognise His presence, deepen our faith, and move forward together in mission.