Weekly Notices

CHRISTCHURCH DIOCESAN JUBILEE PILGRIMAGE TO NORTHLAND

In this year of Jubilee, one of the exciting opportunities the Christchurch Diocese is offering is a Diocesan 6-day pilgrimage to the sacred places at the very foundation of the Catholic Faith in New Zealand. As ‘pilgrims of hope’, the pilgrimage will begin in Auckland and will explore the sites of the first missionaries that brought the faith to this country.

The pilgrimage is being held Oct 26 – 31, 2025. Places are limited. Matt O’Connell is leading the tour and there will be a priest chaplain. Bishop Michael will also join the pilgrimage for two days. For more information and a full itinerary, please contact Matt at the Diocesan Office on 366-9869 or moconnell@cdoc.nz

HOLY WEEK LITURGY TIMES

Are you travelling during Easter? Are you looking for Holy Week times including Reconciliation? Parish Holy Week and Liturgy times can be found on the diocesan website https://cdoc.nz/easter

CHRISM MASS

You are warmly invited to the annual Chrism Mass on Monday 14th April, 5.30pm at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.

During this Mass, the bishop will bless the sacred oils used throughout the year in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick and the clergy of our diocese will renew their commitment to priestly service. All are welcome to join in this celebration.

HOATU FUND

Applications for Hoatu Fund are now open. The Hoatu Fund provides funding to assist vulnerable women, children and families with material and spiritual needs. Parishes, Schools and Organizations are invited apply. The Hoatu funding allocation process is also used to distribute the funds the Bishop receives annually from The Tindall Foundation. Details about the fund can be found online here. The funding round closes on May 16th. Please contact Matt on 366-9869 or hoatu@cdoc.nz for more info.

CBS MUSIC

J.S. Bach’s St John Passion will be performed at 8.00pm on Good Friday, April 18, at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral. Written for Good Friday, 1724, the Passion is a compact and intensely dramatic setting of St John’s description of Christ’s last hours. Details of this event and upcoming concerts can be found here.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY DIOCESAN CELEBRATION

The annual celebration Mass of Divine Mercy Sunday will be offered by Bishop Michael at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral at 2.45pm on Sunday April 27 with confessions from 1.30pm, all welcome. Mass will be followed by refreshments and a book sale. Please note there will be no parking on Cathedral grounds until after 2pm. Contact: Pat on 359 2087 for more information.

EVENING WITH FR CHRIS ALAR

Fr Chris Alar will visit Christchurch on May 27 at 7pm for a one-off talk at St Bedes’ College Chapel. He will be accompanied by international singer Anna Nuzzo. Donations accepted. Contact Pat for more information on 03 359 2087

FOOD FOR FAITH for Lent

Fr. John O’Connor offers brief daily encouragements for those seeking greater maturity in relationship with Jesus Christ. Sign up to receive daily emails at www.foodforfaith.org.nz

SISTER EVELEEN RETREAT HOUSE

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

Reflect & Create: A Seasonal Creative Retreat Join us from 9–11 May for a weekend retreat to pause, reflect, and refresh.
Through gentle, user-friendly creative exercises—using pastels, paint, collage, clay, poetry, and music— you will explore personal themes in a nurturing space (no artistic experience needed). Time for rest, walking, and reflection is woven throughout, offering a contemplative retreat rooted in Christian tradition.

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

SAFEGUARDING

The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in its activities, ministries, and services. The safety and wellbeing of children and adults-at-risk is our highest priority. Next Safeguarding Workshop – Ministries with Children.

Monday April 7th – 7pm-8.30pm – St Teresa’s School, Riccarton.

Details link here: Safeguarding Workshop

SEVEN SORROWS ROSARY GROUP

John Paul II Centre for Life hosts a Rosary and Adoration group to support Catholics suffering through grief. Held on the 4th Monday of the month 7.30 - 8.30am after the 7.00am Mass at St Teresa’s Church, 8 Puriri St, Riccarton.

HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY CONTACTS

Most hospitals no longer provide names of Catholic patients to our chaplains.

If there is someone from your family going to hospital please either advise the chaplain or your parish office or let the nurses know that you would like to see the Catholic Chaplain/Priest on call 

Christchurch Hospital:  Angela McCormick – 021 702 378

Burwood Hospital: Jane Dick - 021 572 480 

Hillmorton Hospital: Joan Hough - 021 501 683 

Nurse Maude Hospice: Christchurch North Parish - 03 359 1438

St George’s Hospital: Christchurch North Parish - 03 359 1438

Southern Cross: Cathedral Parish - 379 1068