This is the Archdiocese of Wellington and its people, working together to deepen their faith in Jesus Christ and to develop a community which supports the good of all. Everyone is welcome, and there are many ways to be involved, through parishes, schools, chaplaincies and Catholic organizations. “The future is, most of all, in the hands of those people who recognize the other as a ‘you’ and themselves as part of an ‘us.’ We all need one other.” Pope Francis
Prayers of Intercession for the Synod
On fifteen occasions since Vatican Council II the Pope of the time has called together the Synod of Bishops to consider various matters concerning Christian life in the present day….
Resources: Celebrating and remembering the Venerable Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert – 1st October
The Sisters of Compassion have prepared resources for Celebration Sunday, 1 October, celebrating and remembering the Venerable Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert.
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week is being celebrated from 11 – 17 September.
Introducing the Archdiocese’s new General Manager
Reuben Norris joins the Archdiocese of Wellington as the new General Manager.
Catholic education highlights – September 2023
Kelly Ross, Vicar for Education shares a snapshot of what’s happening in the Catholic education space in our Archdiocese.
Tuākana Youth Ministry Programme 2024 Applications are now open
Apply for the Archdiocese’s 2024 Tuākana Programme!
Launch Out Letters – September issue available to read now.
In this issue, contributors include Mely Lau, Catherine Gibbs, Margaret Bearsley and Bridget Taumoepeau.
Archbishop Paul’s newsletter – 6 September 2023
“I am writing this on the day of my 30th anniversary of being a priest. I was ordained in Hastings at St John’s College in the Barry O’Connor Auditorium on a very wet Saturday afternoon.”
Elections and the common good – Ian Munro
Ian Munro, member of the Archdiocese’s Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission shares a reflection on the upcoming election encouraging readers to reflect on what policies can deliver for the common good.
WelCom community articles
Restoring taonga
When Cyclone Gabrielle’s devastating floods tore through properties and homes across many parts of the North Island on 14 February, thousands of people were left homeless or with badly-damaged houses and properties, and ruined personal possessions. Among the most treasured but damaged personal items for some were their precious family Bibles, which had been passed down through generations. Within days a number of people were in contact with Bill Tito, master craftsman and book-repair specialist, asking for his help to mend and restore their rescued but near-ruined Bibles.
Hands up for New Zealand Sign Language
New Zealand Sign Language Week, from 8–14 May 2023, is organised by Deaf Aotearoa to raise awareness of the language and culture of New Zealand’s Deaf community. The theme for NZSL week 2023 is: ‘Together we can make NZSL thrive’ and the tagline is: ‘Hands up if you’re ready to sign with us!’
New Catholic Parish of Buller and Inangahua
Two of the oldest parishes in the archdiocese are amalgamating. Sacred Heart parish, founded 1874 and based in Reefton, and St Canice’s parish, founded 1867 and based in Westport, are to become the ‘Catholic Parish of Buller and Inangahua.’
Blessing of the Oils during Holy Week
During Holy Week at special Chrism Masses in diocesan cathedrals and churches around the globe, oils to be used in the Sacramental life of the Church, are blessed and distributed to representatives to take back to their parishes and faith communities.
Pukekaraka Ōtaki
Over the last couple of years the Archdiocese of Wellington has been talking with Ngāti Kapumanawawhiti (Ngāti Kapu), whose ancestors made land available at Pukekaraka, Ōtaki, for the Catholic Mission in 1851.
Cathedral corner: Living through change
Sacred Heart Cathedral is no stranger to change.
In her 122-year history, the mother church of the Wellington Archdiocese has been altered in shape and colour and furnishing, as well as in response to liturgical reforms.
Annual Pasifika celebration day attracts thousands in Levin
Fale Pasifika Horowhenua held its annual Pasifika Celebration Day on Saturday, 11 March, at the Levin Domain. An estimated 4000 people enjoyed cultural performances from Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa and Tonga.
Wellington’s St Gerard’s Church and Monastery sold
St Gerard’s Monastery on Mt Victoria has been sold to new owners.
The landmark heritage building went on the market on 24 February. The category one, heritage-listed church and monastery building, which had been listed with a declared RV of $16.9 million, was sold in March after three weeks on the market.
National Vocations Awareness Week
30 April–6 May 2023
National Vocation Awareness Week is an annual week of the Catholic Church dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew prayers and support for those considering these vocations.
A newspaper for the Wellington and Palmerston North Catholic Dioceses
Get Involved
The Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington is a community of communities – parishes, schools, organizations, informal groups all play a part in the life of the people of the Archdiocese. Find out about some of the ways you can be involved, our events, and how to donate.