Weekly Notices

WORLD DAY OF THE POOR: The bishops of New Zealand have written a pastoral letter to the Catholic community that is being read at all Masses this weekend. The letter coincides with the Church's commemoration of World Day of the Poor. It invites each person to consider how they can listen and respond to those who are in need. It offers some practical ways to live out the Christian imperative of charity, and especially in helping Catholic agencies committed to supported those who are in need. The letter can be accessed at: https://catholic.org.nz/resour...

One Day Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fourvière (Leithfield)

Join us on Wed, Nov 26 for this one-day pilgrimage to one of our Jubilee Sacred Sites at the home of the Community of the Beatitudes in Leithfield. It will be an opportunity to be renewed in your faith and to learn more about the Shrine of Fourvière in Lyon, France, the spiritual founding place of the Society of Mary, from which the first Catholic Missionaries to New Zealand. The pilgrimage includes Mass, talks, quiet time and more. The cost is to be confirmed but will include lunch, morning and afternoon tea. Places are limited so please contact Matt O’Connell on moconnell@cdoc.nz or 03 366 9869 to reserve your place now.

BEATITUDES UPCOMING RETREATS & EVENTS

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Sat Dec 6 – 6pm

Join Bishop Michael Gielen at the Community of the Beatitudes to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Sanctuary of Fourviere 67 Leithfield Road, Leithfield, North Canterbury. The evening starts with Mass under the sky at 6.00pm, picnic dinner and sausage sizzle, followed by a procession at dusk, and adoration under the stars. For more information, contact Sr Giovanna-Maria 022 103 6994

SISTER EVELEEN RETREAT HOUSE

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

A 6-day retreat in 2026 exploring the Psalms - 
Lift your heart in praise and thanks.
Discover the healing power of laments with Colin & Carol Renouf.

Sister Eveleen Retreat House, Sumner, 6 Whitewash Head

For retreat info and to register follow this link

Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College

Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College enrolment for Bachelor Degree and Graduate Diploma in Theology for Semester One 2026 will run from Sep 22 – Nov 21, 2025. Go to www.tekupenga.ac.nz/apply to enrol. 

WEDNESDAYS AT ONE

All are welcome at the CBS weekly Wednesday concerts held at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral or the CBS Music Centre, 373 Manchester St, from 1.10-2.00pm. For more information visit our website.

INFERTILITY SUPPORT GROUP

John Paul II Centre for Life welcome you to a monthly Support Group if you are struggling with infertility. Join us to find encouragement, hope and a way forward through prayerful reflection, sharing and solidarity. Please contact us to register and to find out more: Ph 021 2434820 or email info@jp2.org.nz.

SEVEN SORROWS ROSARY GROUP AND ADORATION

Supporting Catholics through grief: 4th Monday of every month, 7.30-8.30am, after the 7am Mass. St Teresa’s Church - 8 Puriri Street, Riccarton. For more info contact info@jp2.org.nz

Te Rangimārie Final Mass and Whakanoa 

A final Miha Māori and whakanoa ceremony at the Te Rangimārie Centre will be celebrated by Bishop Michael on Sun, Nov 30 at 11:00 am followed by a shared lunch. All welcome.

From Sun, Dec 7, 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
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, Main Church (Parish Mass)
Fifth Sunday (when applicable) — 12:30 pm, Blessed Sacrament Chapel

JPII UPCOMING EVENTS

JPII Marriage Preparation Course

Preparing to build a joyful, lifelong marriage? Our one-day course helps engaged couples appreciate what the Catholic Church teaches about marriage and explore important topics together. Based on St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, we cover both the theology of marriage and the practical life skills to live it out.
Our final course for 2025: Sat, Nov 22
Visit: jp2.org.nz to register.

Intro to Theology of the Body
Discover the master plan for your life
Weekend study for adults through video teaching and small group discussion.
Date: Nov 28-29
Location: Lamb of God Community Centre, Thames Street, Mairehau.
Cost: Early Bird – $35 includes all meals and course materials. Visit: jp2.org.nz to register.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Holy Family Parish invites women from across the Diocese to come for an afternoon retreat focusing on the sacredness, the beauty and call we have as women.

“No longer forsaken - the Lord delights in you”

Sat, Dec 6, 11.45am - 5.00pm

St Teresa’s Church & Hall, $30 - Lunch Included

Registration Essential www.holyfamily.nz/nourish-your-faith/womens-retreat

Be encouraged and inspired by the Sisters of Life and take a moment of quiet at the beginning of Advent to hear from the Lord.

CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESE National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) REVIEW

The NOPS office recently carried out their 3 yearly eternal review of the Christchurch Diocese. You can read their Executive Summary Report here.

TE KUPENGA COLLEGE WEBINAR

As we draw near the end of the Jubilee Year in January 2026, Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College is offering its last webinar for the year “Reflections on Jubilee 2025-Pilgrims of Hope” with Fadi Yalda, Lecturer in Biblical Studies. This webinar is on Wed, Nov 26 5:00-6:00pm via Zoom. Fee is $20. To register, go to www.tekupenga.ac.nz/webinar2025

Greater Company of Mary Mass

The next Greater Company of Mary Mass will be held on Sat, Nov 22, 10.30am at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham St North, St Albans, Christchurch.

All welcome. Morning tea will follow. For catering purposes, please rsvp by Mon, Nov 17 to the Little Company of Mary office, ph 372 9224.

Theology at the University of Otago 
The Theology Programme at the University of Otago offers the opportunity to think more deeply about Christian faith. You can study toward a qualification, or you can take a single paper.
For further info email: theology@otago.ac.nz
www.otago.ac.nz/theology

The Crafty Crew

Holy Family Parish hosts monthly craft meetings in the Bishop Joyce Centre at Our Lady of Victories, 106 Main South Rd in Sockburn. The next meeting is Sat, Nov 22, 12:30 -3:00pm. Come meet and work alongside crafters from other 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

CBS MUSIC - HANDEL MESSIAH

All welcome to hear Handel Messiah by the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Choir and Orchestra. At 1.30pm on Sun, Dec 7. To be held at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. Admission is $30.