WelCom December 2024/January 2025
To list your parish and school events free on this page, please email welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz with event name, date, time, location and contact details.
Saturday 7 December
Come and See Vocations Morning – explore vocation to priesthood with Fr David Dowling, Rector of Holy Cross Seminary, 9am–1pm, Archdiocese office, 204/2 Thorndon Quay. Email l.hensel@wn.catholic.org.nz or text 021 164 5800 if you would like to join us.
Carmel’s ruby jubilee – celebrating 40 years of RNDM life, 11am Mass, St Joseph’s Church, Dannevirke, followed by light lunch in parish hall. Please bring a plate of food to share.
Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 December
Bake sale fundraiser – after each weekend Mass for ongoing restoration work of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart; and Car Boot Sale on Sunday 8 December. (See details here).
Tuesday 10 December
World Human Rights Day.
Saturday 14 December
Youth Christmas Concert – St Joseph’s School Field, Hastings, 6pm, food stalls, cultural entertainment, Christmas carols, raffle with prizes. Koha appreciated.
Monday 16–Sunday 23 December
Cribs on Kāpiti – nativity scenes display, 7pm–9.30pm, Our Lady of Kāpiti Church, 1 Presentation Way, Paraparaumu.
Saturday 18 December
International Migrants’ Day.
Saturday 4 January 2025
World Braille Day.
Tuesday 14–Saturday 18 January 2025
Life Teen Aotearoa Summer Camp 2025 – hosted by Hamilton Diocese. Visit lifeteen.nz/camp/summer-camp-info for information.
Friday 24 January
International Day of Education.
Friday 24–Monday 27 January 2025
Festival One – join Palmerston North diocesan group heading to Festival One, Aotearoa’s largest Christian music festival, Hartford Farm, Karapiro. Please talk to your local youth minister or contact Nick at the Youth Office: nwilson@pndiocese.org.nz for further information.
Sunday 26 January
Jubilee opening Mass for Archdiocese – all welcome, 10am, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thorndon. (See p 20.)
Friday 31 January–Sunday 2 February
Come and See Vocations Weekend Away – for those considering vocation to priesthood, Magnificat Retreat Centre, Cross Creek, Featherston. Please contact Lucienne Hensel at l.hensel@wn.catholic.org.nz or ph 021 164 5800, by 20 December 2024. Registrations essential.
Sunday 2 February
World Wetlands Day
Friday 14 February
Celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage in Year of Jubilee 2025 – 6pm, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Thorndon, followed by refreshments.
Thursday 20 February
World Day of Social Justice.
Sunday 2 and 9 March
Love is a Decision – programme for engaged couples preparing for marriage. Wellington location to be confirmed. Email marriage@wn.catholic.org.nz or register online: tinyurl.com/Love-Is-A-Decision-2025
Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 March
Seasons for Growth – Children and Young People’s Programme Companion Training, NET Pasifika Hub, 2 Dudley St, Hutt Central. Email seasons@wn.catholic.org.nz for link to register or for more information.
Friday 24–Sunday 26 October 2025
St Catherine’s College 75th Jubilee – Labour Weekend 2025. Former students and staff invited to weekend celebrations. Please send name and email address to sccjubilee2025@gmail.com to receive information about this exciting weekend of reconnecting, remembering and fun.