Weekly Notices

DIOCESAN JUBLIEE PRAYER CONFERENCE -2nd AUGUST, TEMUKA

As we journey through this Jubilee Year, the Bishop’s Pastoral Office is organising a one-day conference to be held in Temuka on Saturday August 2nd with the Jubilee theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”. The Saint Mary Mackillop Chapel in Temuka is a Sacred Jubilee site for the Christchurch Diocese so we hope many people will take the opportunity to make a pilgrimage and come to this conference. The Conference will involve Mass, Prayer, workshops, keynote talks and more. Bishop Michael will be attending and will give a keynote talk. We also have a guest keynote speaker coming from Australia, Fr Chris Eaton from the Missionaries of God’s Love Community. The cost is $49 which includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. For more information and to register go here or contact Matt O’Connell on 366-9869 or moconnell@cdoc.nz

DIOCESAN MEN’S RETREAT

Bishop Michael warmly invites all men to join him at our Diocesan Men’s Retreat. Join us as we venture out into the deep - a powerful opportunity to strengthen faith, deepen connections, and journey together in brotherhood. This is open to men of all ages.
Date: Fri Jul 25 (6pm-9pm) and Sat Jul 26 (8am to 12noon)
Cost: $30 per person (covers venue hire, drinks Friday night and Saturday big morning tea!) 
Venue: Marian College

Click here to register. For more info contact Mike Stopforth on 027 539 8542 or mstopforth@cdoc.nz

NIGHT AT THE CONCLAVE

Join us for this rare opportunity to hear Cardinal John share his personal reflections and insights into one of the most sacred and secretive gatherings in the world — the Papal Conclave. Whether you are curious about Church tradition, intrigued by the theology and history, or simply seeking inspiration, this evening promises to touch the heart and mind.

Fri, Aug 1 at 7.30pm - James Hay Theatre -Town Hall - Christchurch. BOOKINGS OPEN - Get your ticket here. Any questions? email
events@cdoc.nz

“BLESSED IS SHE WHO BELIEVED” (LK1:4)

A weekend retreat for young women open to discerning a call to consecrated life.

Join other young women aged 18-30 for a weekend of prayer, friendship and formation on discerning a vocation to different forms of consecrated life within the Church.

Aug 9-10, Sr Eveleen Retreat House, Sumner. Contact Matt moconnell@cdoc.nz or Jess 02102444876 for more information and to register.

BEATITUDES UPCOMING RETREATS 

MARIAN DAY RETREAT – Aug 16

Consecrate yourself to Mary as did the first missionaries. Mary cares for each of her children and is waiting to intercede for us for every grace we need!

COUPLE’S RETREAT – Sep 5-7

“Call to Holiness” is the theme for the retreat. Come away with your spouse to enrich your marriage under the guidance of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin - the parents of St Thérèse of Lisieux and her sisters. To book, email retreats@beatitudes.nz or phone 022 103 6994

HOPE AND RENEWAL SUMMIT

Parish renewal isn’t just for one person — it’s a shared mission. Come as a parish. Be renewed. Go back ready.

3 & 4 Oct, Palmerston North. Register now at:

www.hoperenewalsummit.com

MASS OF OUR LADY OF MT CARMEL

The Carmelite Sisters warmly invite you to the annual celebration of the Mass of Our Lady of Mt Carmel on Sun, Jul 13 at 2.30pm, at the Carmelite Monastery, 52 Halswell Road. Bishop Michael Gielen will be the principal celebrant at a concelebrated Mass, followed by afternoon tea. You are most welcome to join us on this special occasion to ask Our Lady’s intercession for all your intentions. In preparation, a novena of Masses will be offered for all our relatives and friends.

TE KUPENGA CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE 

Study anywhere, at your own pace, with the support from qualified lecturers, with Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College online courses. Semester 2 starts July 21. To see courses offered in Semester 2, go to www.tekupenga.ac.nz/distance

MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE

Whether you’re considering engagement or already planning your wedding day, we’d love to walk alongside you as you prepare to enter into marriage. The John Paul II Centre for Life invites you to discover the gift of marriage through the lens of St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, combined with practical wisdom for building a joy-filled life together. Course date: Sat, Jul 19

To learn more and sign up, visit: www.jp2.org.nz/marriage-prep/

PRISONER REINTEGRATION FORUM

Jesus had a heart for those on the edge of our society, in particular for prisoners:, “when I was in prison, did you visit me?” Our prisoners also need support when reintegrating into society, most importantly, obtaining employment. This is a crucial step towards positive reintegration into society and in breaking the cycle of re-offending. Obtaining employment upon release is one of the key markers of positive reintegration and is very strongly connected with an individual’s physical, mental, and social health. In partnership with the Christchurch City Mission, the Salvation Army, and the Department of Corrections, an innovative program has been initiated to enable businesses to play a key role in supporting the successful reintegration of individuals who have come into contact with the justice system. A forum to explain this initiative has been organised for Wed, Jul 30, at noon – 1.30pm to be held at Rāwhiti Community Corrections, 296 Breezes Road, Aranui. If you are interested in knowing more or know an employer who would be interested, please contact Luis Arevalo, Catholic Social Services Manager on 022 308 9804 or email larevalo@cdoc.nz

SISTER EVELEEN RETREAT HOUSE

Join us at Sister Eveleen Retreat House for a Retreat Day. 

HEARTS ABLAZE: PRAYING THE PSALMS. Weekend Retreat with Colin Renouf, on Nov 7-9 Moving beyond mediocrity to passion. Write your own psalm of praise.

Sister Eveleen Retreat House, Sumner, 6 Whitewash Head
More information and to register follow the link

ST NICHOLAS CHILDRENS TRUST MARCH

A March will be held to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation. The march will be held on Sat, Jul 26, meet at the Bridge of Remembrance at 10am. For further details contact events@snctrust.org

INFORM 

The latest Inform is available for collection at the back of the church. Read about all the current news and activities in the diocese.

It can also be read online at https://cdoc.nz/inform

SINGLES FOR CHRIST – CHRISTIAN LIFE PROGRAM 
Singles for Christ invites all single young adults (ages 18–40) to join our 8-week Christian Life Program — a space to grow in faith, discover God’s love, and build lasting friendships. Held St. Peter’s Parish Hall. Starting Aug 6 at 6:30PM. For more info, contact KC at 027 456 9535 or sfcnzchch@gmail.com. You can also follow us on our instagram and facebook @sfcchristchurch.

CATHOLICISM4CATHOLICS

You are warmly invited to a talk on the meaning and importance of the Third Commandment: “Keep the Sabbath Day Holy.” In a world that never stops, how do we reclaim the sacred rhythm of rest, worship, and renewal? Join us for this session on: Jul 17, 2025 at 1.45 pm

Venue: Parish Centre, Basilica of Sacred Heart Speaker: Vincent Barboza
Missed the last talk? Click here to watch.
Let us rediscover the Lord’s Commandment not as a burden, but a blessing - gift of rest and grace in the midst of our busy lives.

ECUACTION FORUM

You are invited to a Forum on: Our Environment. The keynote speaker will be Dr Paul Broady. To be held on Thurs, Jul 17 at 6.00pm at Knox Centre, cnr Bealey Ave & Victoria St. For more information contact Marilyn, ph 021 0613940

DIO DATE NIGHT

Married couples, this is your chance to enjoy a relaxing night out. Leave the kids at home and join us for an evening of great food, conversation, and an opportunity to connect with other couples. Jul 26 at 5:30pm. You can register and find out more here.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL VACANCY

The Society of St Vincent de Paul is seeking an experienced and values-driven Retail Stores Manager to oversee the daily operations, staff,

and volunteer teams across their network of Christchurch retail stores. This vacancy is a full-time role, based primarily at the Papanui branch. More info here or email polly@svdpcanterbury.nz

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 Jul 19, 12:30 -3:00pm.

Come meet and work alongside crafters from other Christchurch parishes. Bring your handcraft 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

YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS FESTIVAL

Bishop Michael warmly invites all young people of the Diocese to celebrate the Jubilee in Christchurch on Sun, Jul 27. The event begins at 1:30 PM and will include opportunities to encounter Christ through Adoration, Worship, and Reconciliation, The event will feature a talk by Fr Chris Eaton MGL and will conclude with a Diocesan Youth Mass at the Pro-Cathedral, followed by a dinner. Registration is open to young people aged 13 to 35 within the Diocese of Christchurch. Registration is essential to secure your spot—tickets are just $5. You can register here. Contact Mark for more information at mcurrie@cdoc.nz or 03 353 0705.