WelCom April 2024
Nick Wilson of Palmerston North is the new chair of the Council for Young People of the Catholic bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Nick is the Diocesan Young Catholics Team Leader for the Diocese of Palmerston North. He has had a career in education in New Zealand and overseas. He works as the Manawatū Catholic Tertiary Chaplain and is on the Diocesan Leadership Team.
Nick looks forward to implementing elements of Christus Vivit – Christ is Alive (Pope Francis’ 2019 apostolic exhortation to young people); as well as updating Hīkoi Tahi (the safeguarding and health and safety framework for young church ministry); and overseeing the coordination of the national pilgrimage to the 2027 World Youth Day in Seoul, South Korea.
Nick, who hails from Nelson and was formed in the Archdiocese of Wellington, also has a strong interest in ngā rangatahi Māori Katorika (young Catholic Māori).
Bishop of Palmerston North John Adams, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference liaison bishop with the Council for Young People, welcomed Nick’s appointment.
‘I am very happy Nick Wilson will be able to further apply his considerable experience and leadership skills to his new role on the Council for Young People,’ said Bishop Adams. ‘I look forward to working with him as the council seeks to foster among young Catholics a greater love for the Church and her mission.’
The bishops created the seven-member council in 2017 to work with the Church, young people and those who minister with them. It works with the dioceses and faith communities on national projects and a national vision for Catholic ministry with young people.
Nick takes over the chair from Alex Bailey of Hamilton, who in 2019 became the second holder of the position, after David Mullin, who became chair when the council was established.
One of Nick’s first assignments in his capacity as the Chair of the Bishops Council for Young People is to attend the International Youth Congress in Rome, 22–26 May 2024. The Vatican Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life is hosting the congress and has asked the bishops conferences of the world to each send two delegates to this meeting.
‘The New Zealand bishops have also invited Jessica Jackman, the new Director of Hearts Aflame, to attend the meeting in Rome,’ says Nick. ‘Jessica is a teacher from Christchurch with a long involvement in ministry.’
The meeting will include planning for World Youth Day 2027, the fifth-year anniversary of Christus Vivit, Pope Francis’ document to young people, as well as other agenda items.
‘Please pray for Jessica and me as we represent the young Catholic people of Aotearoa New Zealand at this international young Church event,’ says Nick.
Source: NZCBC