Weekly Notices

CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK

Register today for the first Catholic Business Lunch for 2026, featuring guest speaker Rt Hon Sir Bill English. The lunch will be held on Thurs, May 7 from 12.00pm to 2.00pm. This is a opportunity to hear from one of New Zealand’s most respected leaders as he offers his plain English perspective on leadership, service, and life beyond politics. Register at cbn.nz

Three Hail Mary’s for Vocations
During the upcoming Vocations Awareness week (April 26-May 2), Bishop Michael invites every parish, family, school, class, prayer group, and community to pray three Hail Mary’s a day for vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life, along with a prayer to Our Lady.We ask Our Lady’s intercession because she was a young person whom God called to be the mother of Jesus through the visit of the Angel Gabriel. Mary, known as the Queen of Vocations, responded with all her heart, saying that she was God’s servant and would do what was being asked of her. We ask for her intercession for all young people of the Diocese of Christchurch; that they may respond generously and courageously to God’s call on their lives.

Prayer

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Church,

We turn to you as Queen of Vocations,

Intercede for all young people as they discern their path in life.

You believed and responded generously to God’s call.

Help the Young People of this Diocese to hear the voice of your Son, to follow Him with courage, and to say Yes to his call.

Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Patroness of New Zealand, Pray for us.

SISTER EVELEEN RETREAT HOUSE

You are warmly invited to join us for a Retreat.

Participating in the Trinity. A 5 or 7 day (your choice) silent retreat - Jun, 7-11/13
An invitation to draw aside in contemplative silence, reflecting on the Trinity through Scripture, Andrei Rublev’s icon, and more — opening into a deeper encounter with God.

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

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.

NEW VOCATIONS DIRECTOR FOR THE DIOCESE
Bishop Michael has appointed Fr Monty Bamford, assistant priest at the Pro-Cathedral, as the new Vocations Director. Fr Tien steps down after 6 years in the role. You can contact Fr Monty on frmonty@cathedralparish.nz if you wish to speak to him about a possible vocation. Matt O’Connell remains the Vocations Coordinator and can be contacted on 366-9869 or moconnell@cdoc.nz 

Made for Love: Marriage Preparation Course

Getting married soon? What are you really saying I do to? This one-day course is for engaged couples preparing to get married in the Catholic Church.

It’s a chance to pause, reconnect, and invest in your future together. You’ll explore what helps marriages thrive, how to navigate differences well, and what those vows actually mean. Plus, enjoy morning tea and lunch together, and take home plenty of practical resources.

Next course: Sat, May 9. $140 per couple.

Hosted by the John Paul II Centre for Life.

Sign up at: https://jp2.org.nz/marriage-pr...

Made for More

What does it mean to be human, to love, and to be loved? Join the John Paul II Centre for Life for an introduction to St John Paul II’s Theology of the Body: how God’s design for humanity is revealed in each human person. Adults of all ages and faith backgrounds are welcome.

Begins: Fri, Apr 17, 6pm Ends: Sat, Apr 18, 6pm

Early-bird price: $37 - includes Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and all course materials.

Visit jp2.org.nz/theology-of-the-body to learn more and sign up.

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.

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.

EMPOWERING EVERYDAY DISCIPLES: A CATHOLIC DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY

Christ the Redeemer Parish are offering Part 2 of our Discipleship course “Empowering Everyday Disciples”. What is discipleship? We will be covering on the course aspects of spiritual growth, focus on sacramental and community living, witness to face a universal call to holiness and making a radical choice to be a follower of Jesus in today’s world. We will give you valuable tools to help you find meaning and purpose in your faith journey. It is not essential to have completed Part 1 of the course to register for this one.

Presenters: Brendan & Judith Woodnutt.

The course starts on 7.00pm Thur, Apr 16 and runs every Thursday until May 21. Held at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Vagues Road. Please register via email to Judith pastoral@christchurchnorth.org.nz

CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE

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

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.

Day for Reflective Music and Prayer

Songs from the Heart to Inspire and Renew: Fr Chris Skinner sm will lead a reflection day with music on Sat May 9, 10am – 4pm at Te Manawa Atawhai Catherine McAuley Centre (in Villa Maria College grounds). He will encourage all to take time to listen, learn, sing and move to times of quiet reflection. Bring own lunch, tea and coffee provided. Koha/Donation appreciated. Registratioms helpful to roho@xtra.co.nz or 03 379 1298.
A Rosary House Spiritual Life Centre Programme.

St Michael’s Troops

Do you long for authentic brotherhood and a space to grow deeper in faith alongside other men? St Michael’s Troops is an event for men aged 16-35 seeking strength, discipline, and purpose rooted in Christ. This morning event in Riccarton includes Mass and formation, physical activity, and shared BBQ.

Date: Sat, May 9.

Join us, and bring a mate. Register at fitforthekingdom.com.au

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.

Parish Feast Day Of The Good Shepherd

The Catholic Parish of the Good Shepherd warmly invites you and your family to join us in celebrating our Parish Feast Day on Apr 26.

The celebration will begin with Mass at 10:30am, to be presided over by Bishop Michael Gielen.

The celebration of the Parish Feast has deep theological meaning because it reminds us that the parish belongs to Christ, lives in the communion of saints, and is united as one family in worship through the Eucharist. It also renews the parish’s identity and mission to proclaim the Gospel, serve others, and grow in holiness under the example and intercession of its patron.

After the Mass, everyone is invited to stay and enjoy a Parish Picnic. Lunch will be provided. Enquiries to catholichurunui@gmail.com