WelCom October 2019:
Participants from around New Zealand come together every year to the Focolare Movement’s retreat to celebrate living the Gospel and experience the presence of Jesus amongst us. Every four years the movement’s Mariapolis (‘City of Mary’) Retreat is held for the Oceania Region. Next year, for the first time the Mariapolis event will be held in New Zealand, 8–12 January 2020, at El Rancho, 58 Weggery Dr, Waikanae Beach, Waikanae 5036. More than 400 are expected to take part.
The family programme will have morning meditation on spirituality and group meetings for adults, and other activities for children. All come together in the afternoons and evenings for recreational and creative activities that put the Gospel into action.
For more information contact Ian Hamilton on 022 544 3872 or Anne 021 167 4653, email mariapolis.nz@gmail.com and go to qrgo.page.link/HkSQ4 to book online.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 8 December
‘As has been the custom for many years an archdiocesan Mass will be celebrated on our diocesan feast day, 7pm, Thursday 8 December, at St Teresa’s Pro-Cathedral, Karori. The archdiocese will again be entrusted to the care of Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception at this Mass. Parishes are asked to renew that Consecration on the following Sunday, 11 December, at All parish Masses.’ – Cardinal John Dew
Dates and events – what’s on
December 2022
If you would like your event listed on this page, please send an outline to welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz including name of event, date, time, location and contact.
Pope Francis registers for the next World Youth Day in Lisbon
At the conclusion of the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis registered for the next World Youth Day to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, in August 2023. Assisted and accompanied by Portuguese university students studying in Rome, the Pope tapped his way to becoming the first officially registered pilgrim for World Youth Day.