WelCom February 2020
Alex Bailey of Hamilton is the new chair of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Council for Young People, the bishops announced late last year.
Alex, the Pastoral Services Manager of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, has worked as the Youth Director and a youth worker for the diocese. He takes the chair from Dave Mullin of Palmerston North, in the post since 2017.
The bishops established 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.
Alex looks forward to implementing elements of Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive), Pope Francis’ 2019 apostolic exhortation to young people; as well as helping to organise the Takirua 2020 joint conference of Catholic Youth Ministry and Marriage Educators, and co-ordinating a national pilgrimage to the 2022 World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal.
Bishop of Hamilton Stephen Lowe, who liaises with the Council for the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, says Pope Francis frequently emphasises the importance of accompanying young people on their journey of faith in life.
‘Alex brings a real passion for young people and journeying with them as they grow in faith,’ says Bishop Steve. ‘He brings this alongside strong leadership and organisational skills. I am sure he will be a real asset to the work of the Council for Young People.’
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.