Weekly Notices

LENT WOMEN’S PROGRAMME – FIAT 40

Fiat 40 invites women who are seeking to grow closer to Christ by embracing the virtues of Mary - faith, humility and devotion.

Inspired by Mary’s fiat - her whole hearted “YES” to God, this programme combines daily prayer and intentional lifestyle sacrifices to create space for God’s grace and deeper spiritual growth.

With the support of a small group, women are invited to simplify their lives, strengthen their faith, and model Mary’s trust and obedience in their walk with Christ. Like the men’s Exodus programme there are three core elements; a routine of prayer, disciplines such as no meat on Wednesday and Friday and support with others taking part in the programme.

For more information visit the diocesan website or contact Jacinta Nicholls

email jacinta@sjr.nz or phone 022 677 4249

SEVEN SORROWS ROSARY GROUP AND ADORATION

Supporting Catholics through grief. Monday 24th February. This group meets on the 4th Monday of the month, 7.30-8.30 after the 7am Mass at St Theresa’s Church, 8 Puriri Street, Riccarton.

CATHOLICISM IN KAZAKSTAN

Take the opportunity to learn something about the universality of the Church through the lens of Fr. Leopold Kropfreiter SJM, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission of Kazakhstan. Imagine being a Catholic, numbering less than 1% of a population of 19 million with the majority being Muslim. Imagine also being at Mass in winter when the temperature is minus 45C!

Date: Sunday 2nd March,

Time: 11.30 am (after 10.30am Parish Mass) Venue: Addington Church Hall, Parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Spencer Street.

A koha on the day to support the Pontifical Mission would be appreciated. For any queries, contact Fr Michael Pui, NZ National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, 021-1737 992 or michaelpui@missio.nz

GREATER COMPANY OF MARY MASS

This will be held on Saturday 8 March, 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 Monday 3 March, to the Little Company of Mary office, ph 372 9224

LENT MEN’S PROGRAMME – EXODUS 40

Join us this lent on Exodus 40 for Men. Structured challenges are a path to gaining true Christian freedom from the things shackling us based on three pillars; prayer, brotherhood and a set of physical disciplines. Designed to make your Lent journey with our Lord more fruitful and deliberate. Register your interest online on the diocesan website or contact Mike Stopforth mstopforth@ cdoc.nz 3669869.

A “tips and tricks” night for those undertaking Exodus will be held on Thursday 27th February, 7.30pm, Assisi Lounge, St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral to hear from those who have done Exodus in previous years.

HEALTH CARE WORKERS MASS

Calling all those involved in health care; nurses, doctors, rest home staff, pharmacists; to celebrate this healing ministry and to acknowledge and pray for the challenges faced. Bishop Michael warmly welcomes you to Mass on Sunday 6th April, 6pm at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, followed by hospitality in the Assisi Lounge afterwards. For more information contact: Paula Avery, averypaula@gmail.com or Mike Stopforth, mstopforth@cdoc.nz, phone 027 539 8542

LAUDATO SI RETREAT - PILGRIMS OF HOPE
29 March from 10am - 4pm, at Te Mānawa Atawhai - Catherine McAuley Centre, 21 Peer St. Pray and reflect on Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si.

To register contact roho@xtra.co.nz or call 03 3791298. Tea & Coffee provided. Bring own lunch, Cost - koha according to means

BREAKFAST FOR MEN WITH BISHOP MICHAEL

This is to be held on Saturday 1st March, at St Bede’s College, Main North Road.
Adoration in the school chapel from 6.30am with breakfast at 7.30am. Suggested koha of $5 to cover the cost of a cooked breakfast.
Registration is open now by visiting www.cathmen.nz or contact Mike Stopforth at the diocesan office, phone 366 9869 or 027 5398 542

VACANCY: DIRECTOR OF THE JOHN PAUL II CENTRE FOR LIFE

The Christchurch John Paull II Centre Life Trust Board (JPII Centre) invites applications for the

full-time position of Director. The JPII Centre

is dedicated to helping build a culture of life, marriage and family in the Christchurch Diocese through prayer, education and service. The Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the JPII Centre. For a position description, application form or more information, please contact Allan Holden on 027 574 7017 or chair@jp2.org.nz . Applications close at 5pm on Friday March 7th.

APEST: FIVEFOLD MINISTRY WORKSHOP
Discover your own ministry style and how you can live out your unique calling in service of the Church. Join us Saturday 15th March for a transformative retreat day centered on Ephesians 4, where we explore the empowering gifts of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers

(APEST). This day of reflection and renewal will deepen your understanding of how these roles strengthen the Church and inspire personal growth. Led by Cameron Surrey, PhD. Includes lunch, afternoon tea, and a 60 minute coaching session (scheduled after the retreat day).

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Cost: $95.

For more information or to register, visit replenishretreat.co.nz/events

CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESAN CONFERENCE 

When: Saturday 8th March @ 9am 

Where: Mass at Holy Name Church, Sealy St, Ashburton. Conference at M.S.A. Havelock St. Ashburton. 

Registrations close 28th February. For more info contact Joy O’Connell:

Phone: 027 622 5618 or email: joymoc14@gmail.com

TERTIARY CHAPLAINCY OPENING MASS

The Catholic Tertiary Chaplaincy invites you to our 2025 Opening Mass Thursday the 20th of Feb at 5pm at the chapel in Rochester and Rutherford Hall ( R&R) , 77 Ilam Rd. Mass will be followed by BBQ at Kolbe House – 5 Rountree St.

We are looking forward to welcome students and university staff.

HOW TO FOSTER VOCATIONS IN THE PARISH COMMUNITY – a half day Vocations Conference. A half day conference for interested parishioners is being held to learn about the role of the parish community in fostering vocations to the priesthood and Religious Life. The conference will be held on Saturday March 15th from 10am-1pm at the Lamb of God Centre. This conference would interest parishioners passionate about creating environments in parishes so that more young people will hear the call to the Priesthood and Religious Life. The conference will include practical tips on how to do this, focusing on the upcoming Vocations Week in May. For more details and to register please contact the Diocesan Vocations Coordinator, Matt O’Connell on moconnell@cdoc.nz or 366-9869.

WOMEN’S RETREAT DAY

The next diocesan women’s event is a retreat day on April 5th at Marian College. All women are invited to join us, beginning at 9.30am for mass with Bishop Michael. Pop the date in your calendar now, more info to follow.

TE KUPENGA CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College is offering online webinars in 2025. This series features our current and past students who will inspire us as they talk about growing in faith, leadership in ministry, and their role in ministry. For more information and to register, go to www. tekupenga.ac.nz/webinar2025