Weekly Notices

ST CARLO ACUTIS RELIC TOUR

A relic of one of the Church’s newest, and youngest saints is coming to Christchurch. From Jun 17 - 20 our diocese has a unique opportunity to venerate a relic of St Carlo Acutis, a young man whose life radiated the love of Christ in the modern world. “The true disciple of Jesus Christ is he who in everything seeks to imitate Him and to do the will of God.”

Carlo’s witness reminds us that sanctity is possible at every age!

Don’t miss out on this special opportunity!

Scan the QR code or click here to see the schedule. For more information contact moconnell@cdoc.nz.

Diocesan Eucharistic Procession and Holy Hour – Sunday June 7th

Bishop Michael invites all to the annual Diocesan Eucharistic Procession and Holy Hour on the feast of Corpus Christi – Sun, Jun 7. This year it is being held at the Holy Family Parish at Our Lady of Victories Church, Sockburn. This solemnity marks the ‘solemn commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist’ – the source and summit of the Catholic Faith. Beginning at 2.30pm, the celebration will include adoration, a procession around the streets, prayers and music. All groups welcome to attend with banners as well.

For more information, please contact Matt at the Diocesan Office on 366-9869 or moconnell@cdoc.nz

Thinking about a Vocation to the Priesthood or Religious Life?

The Good Shepherd knows his sheep and lays down his life for them. Are you being called to Shepherd others as a Priest or Religious? Pope Leo XIV encourages all young people to “listen to the voice of the Lord who invites you to a full and fruitful life, calling you to put your talents to use”. “In coming to know the Lord … you will ‘discover your vocation’, which is an immeasurable gift for the Church and for those who receive it with joy”. Contact the Vocations Director, Fr Monty Bamford on frmonty@cathedralparish.nz or the Vocations Coordinator, Matt O’Connell on 366-9869 or moconnell@cdoc.nz if you want more information or to talk about a possible vocation.

DIOCESE YOUTH MASS

Our Diocesan Youth Mass for term two is going on the road to the St Bede’s Chapel on Sun, May 10! We’re excited to be bringing together two great CYT institutions and running a Battle of the Youth Groups style event straight after Mass over at Marian College for young people between Year 7 and 13. More info and registrations for the post-Mass activities are at www.cyt.org.nz/mass

Any questions, contact mcurrie@cdoc.nz

CATHOLIC DIRECTORY

The latest edition of the New Zealand Catholic Directory has just been published. It is the comprehensive record of the people and organisations in the Catholic Church in New Zealand. The print edition can be purchased for $40, including GST and postage. Order your copy by emailing directory@nzcbc.org.nz.

Rebuild My Church – Formation Series with Dr Mary Healy

9–11 June 2026, Hamilton

This June, internationally recognised Catholic speaker and scholar Dr Mary Healy will visit Hamilton for three days of teaching and renewal. Through a range of sessions, she will explore the power of God’s Word, life in the Holy Spirit, and the gifts God gives His people for the mission of the Church today. All are warmly invited to the three-night series, exploring the power of God’s Word, the life of the Holy Spirit, and our call to live our faith today. This is a wonderful opportunity for clergy, parish leaders, and anyone seeking to deepen their faith and grow in service to the Church.

Full details and registration are available here.

Enrolment for Semester Two 2026

Interested in studying theology at Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College? Study full-time or part-time, on-campus or online. Enrolment for Bachelor of Divinity and Graduate Diploma in Theology opens on Apr 28. For courses offered, go to www.tekupenga.ac.nz/timetables

Hours of Mercy

“Hours of Mercy” is a time of Eucharistic adoration organised by Jesus Youth New Zealand from Easter Monday to Pentecost Day, across all 6 dioceses in New Zealand. Each diocese will be taking it up for one day of the week.

Time: 8.00am to 8.00pm Every Thursday after Easter Sunday until Pentecost.

Location: Our Lady of Victories Church, Sockburn

Eucharistic Adoration is a cherished practice in our Catholic Church. With Hours of Mercy, we aim to foster this practice within our community, providing a space for everyone to experience the transformative power of God’s mercy.

We invite all of you to join in the presence of the Holy Eucharist. If you are keen to cover one of the slots of Eucharistic adoration, please express your interest by clicking here or scanning the QR code to sign up.

World Youth Day 2027 in South Korea is fast approaching and the Diocese is excited to be organising a pilgrimage to Seoul for those aged between 18 and 35. The best way to keep in touch with info is to sign up on our expressions of interest form at www.cyt.org.nz/wyd We’re expecting proper applications to open in the next couple of months ahead of an incredible experience in July and August next year.

For enquiries, please contact mcurrie@cdoc.nz

SISTER EVELEEN RETREAT HOUSE

You are warmly invited to join us for a Retreat.

Exploring and Praying with the I Am Statements of Jesus – May 15-17. A weekend Silent Retreat with Carol & Colin Renouf.

Sister Eveleen Retreat House, Sumner, 6 Whitewash Head.

For retreat info and to register follow this link.

Replenish Country Cottage, Retreat and Venue

Looking for a peaceful space to spend time with God or a beautiful venue for your next event?

Nestled at the foot of Mt Thomas Suitable for personal retreats, private functions, and wedding receptions. Replenish is 20 mins from Rangiora.

Enquiries to Cameron Surrey 022 109 2428

replenishretreat.co.nz

Next Safeguarding Workshops - May 2026

Online on Wed, May 13 at 7.00pm - 8.00pm.

Face to Face - Special Workshop for Ministry of Holy Communion to the Sick on Thurs, May 28 at 2.00pm and 6.00pm.

Visit website for details.

All Parishes Welcome

CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE

Exploring faith or returning to Church? You’re always welcome — find out more at www.catholicdiscovery.nz

Joshua 40-Year Celebration Weekend

All Men are invited to gather for a weekend to celebrate 40 years of Joshua Men’s Fellowship.

Date : Fri evening Aug 14 to Sun midday Aug 16

Venue: Keswick Christian Camp, Rotorua

Keynote Speaker: Robert Falzon, Leader of Australia’s menALIVE and Author of

“Importance of a Present Dad”

Cost: $247pp including accommodation and meals

To Register: Follow the link or Scan the QR Code or contact Mike Lobo (021) 2809285.

Guided Three Day Silent Retreat

All welcome to an Ignatian Retreat drawing on scripture and music leading into an atmosphere for silent reflection and personal prayer; opportunity for some individual spiritual direction. Lead by Fr Chris Skinner sm. Daily Eucharist is part of the retreat.

Date: Mon, May 11 to Wed, May 13; 10am – 4pm. (Non-Residential)

Venue: Te Manawa Atawhai Catherine McAuley Centre (in Villa Maria College grounds).

Bring own lunch, snacks provided. Come for all 3 days or a single day - $70 per day suggested or confidential koha/donation according to means. Registration helpful to Rosary House roho@xtra.co.nz; or phone 03 379 1298.

Mass in Te Reo Māori

Mass will be celebrated in te reo Māori at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral at the following times:

First Sunday of the month — 12:30 pm, Blessed Sacrament Chapel, followed by a cup of tea.

Second Sunday of the month — 12:30 pm, Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Third Sunday of the month — 12:30 pm, Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Fourth Sunday of the month — 6:00 pm, Nave (Parish Mass)

Fifth Sunday (when applicable) — 12:30 pm, Blessed Sacrament Chapel

Booklets provided. All welcome.

ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL NEW PLYMOUTH

Past students, staff and families are invited to join St Joseph’s School, New Plymouth in their centenary celebration on Oct 23-25, 2026.

Register your interest here and follow the event Facebook page.

Inner City Catholic Women’s League (CWL)

Faith • Service • Fellowship

Inner City CWL has been part of our community for 8 years. We are a small group of women who are caring supportive and enjoy our faith, friendship and a little fun along the way.

We meet at 7:00pm on the second Wednesday of each month at St Mary’s Pro-cathedral.

May is the month of Mary and CWL Promotion Month - a perfect time to come and see what we are about. We warmly welcome new members to join us. If you would like to connect with like-minded women and be part of a welcoming community, please come along for a visit - you would be most welcome.

For more information, contact Bonny

bonbazstephens@gmail.com

021 178 2552

REVOLUTION CAMP

After three consecutive sellouts, the Catholic Youth Team’s Revolution Camp is back for 2026! An inspiring speaker, an incredible house band and all the usual camp favourites will be on the menu for Year 7-9 students from Jul 3-5. Woodend Christian Camp is again our host and tickets are already selling fast. Get a group together from your Parish and School and make this the best camp ever! All the details and the link to register are at www.cyt.org.nz/revolution. Enquiries and any other questions to mcurrie@cdoc.nz.

CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE (CEC) & Mission Hub: Accompanying Others in Faith - Thresholds of Conversion & Evangelising Conversations

Join the CEC and Mission Hub on zoom to explore a practical and hope-filled approach to accompanying others in faith.

On zoom, Mon, May 18 at 7:00–8:30pm

All are welcome.

Register: bit.ly/missionhubmay2026

Messy Family Project

Sun, May 17

The John Paul II Centre is welcoming Mike and Alicia Hernon to speak on ‘Growing a Family Culture’. They’ll be sharing five key elements that help create a family culture that is strong, faith-filled, and lived out day by day. The talk will begin at 2:30pm, held in the Bishop Joyce Centre at St Teresa’s hall, Puriri Street. All are welcome, no registration required. For more information email info@jp2.org.nz

BILLINGS LIFE NZ SEMINAR

Billings Life NZ will host a two-day Natural Fertility Awareness seminar in Whanganui on Jun 19 - 20. The event is designed for couples using or considering the Billings Ovulation Method, health professionals or others wanting to learn more about the method, and people interested in becoming accredited Billings teachers. Find out more and register at www.billingslife.org.nz/training-seminar

Ten Decades of St. Peter’s

Why did the Monsignor burn a parishioner’s clothes pegs? What were Ember Days? Why did St. Peter’s School principal fear turning into Fisher Ave.? How did the Community “canonise” the parish priest? All the answers are in a new, 100 page, hard cover book entitled “Ten Decades of St. Peter’s Catholic Community Beckenham 1927-2027”. Copies available for a $25 donation to St. Vincent de Paul (Beckenham). Contact svdpbeckenham@gmail.com

The Crafty Crew

Holy Family Parish hosts monthly meetings in the Bishop Joyce Centre at Our Lady of Victories, 106 Main South Rd in Sockburn. The next meeting is Sat, May 16 at 12:30 - 3:00pm. Come and work alongside crafters from other Christchurch parishes. Bring your craft project and a gold coin donation, as well as some cash for raffles. It’s a friendly social gathering with good fellowship. Any queries, call Jude Lathey 021 217-2052.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES SOUP KITCHEN

Catholic Social Services is running their first Soup Kitchen for 2026 on Thurs, May 14 from Midday - 2.00pm at Hampshire Street in Aranui.

St Vincent de Paul will be there again with a selection of blankets, jerseys, and other winter items for free. Enquiries to css@cdoc.nz

CATHOLICISM 4 CATHOLICS

Join Fr Vincent for an engaging and enlightening 4 week series of talks. Starting at 7.00pm Thurs, 7 May. In St Anne’s School Hall, Woolston. For both Catholic and non-Catholic - to discover the ‘why’ behind what we believe as Catholics. Enquiries to parish@stellamarisparish.org.nz