Weekly Notices

CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK

Only two weeks to go until our first Catholic Business Lunch for 2026! The event will feature guest speaker Rt Hon Sir Bill English and will be held on Thurs, May 7 from 12.00pm to 2.00pm. Now working as a Director and advisor, Sir Bill will share insights from his years in government and offer thoughtful reflections on the current state of New Zealand and the wider world. Register at cbn.nz

Three Hail Mary’s for Vocations
This week (April 26-May 2) is Vocations Awareness Week. Bishop Michael invites every parish, family, school, classroom, 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 also was a young person whom God called to be the mother of Jesus. 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 the 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.

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 Day of Prayer for Vocations

Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, the Catholic Church prays for vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Please pray that the “Lord of the harvest will send labourers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2). Please pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call for their lives. You might life to join in the Diocesan nine-day novena for vocations starting today. Copies available online at the Diocesan website https://cdoc.nz/news-events/vocations-awareness-week For more information contact the Vocations Coordinator Matt O’Connell 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. On this Vocations Sunday 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.

Stouthearted

MEN OF SEXUAL INTEGRITY
Inviting all adult men to take part in a supportive 8-week programme tackling the impact and challenges of becoming the men God has called them to be.
Each session involves engaging videos, reflection, discussion and activities to build essential practical strategies. If you want more information without the commitment, come along to our info night on:
Tues May 5, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Christchurch RSVP: moconnell@cdoc.nz
https://stouthearted.com/

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.

CRANZ Restore Wholeness presents:

“A Taste of Inner Healing”

On Fri, May 1 CRANZ Restore Wholeness will offer an introduction to inner healing night at the Christ the King meeting room, Burnside at 7.00pm. This is an opportunity to learn about how God can heal the wounds in your soul and for you to experience a ‘Taste of Inner Healing’ for yourself, friends, and family. All welcome! For more information, contact crarestorenz@gmail.com or phone 0273009887.

SEVEN SORROWS ROSARY GROUP AND ADORATION SUPPORTING CATHOLICS THROUGH GRIEF

7.30-8.30am, Mon, Apr 27, Anzac Day

St Teresa’s Church 8 Puriri St, Riccarton

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

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

Mass for Vocations Celebrated by Bishop Michael

To conclude Vocations Awareness week, Bishop Michael will celebrate the 9.30am Parish Mass at St Patrick’s, Kaiapoi for vocations on Sat, May 2. All are welcome to come and pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. There will be adoration in the church from 8.30am.

SISTER EVELEEN RETREAT HOUSE

You are warmly invited to join us for a Retreat.

Sister Eveleen Retreat House, Sumner, 6 Whitewash Head.

For retreat info and to register follow this link.

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...

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.