WelCom October 2024
This month, our Hīkoi Whakapono | Journey of Faith, visits the parish of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart | Te Ahurewa o te Ngākau Tapu. Geographically the parish encompasses Thorndon, Wadestown and north Wellington Central, although being the site of the Cathedral it is home to all in the Archdiocese of Wellington. The parish church is Sacred Heart Cathedral, a part of the Catholic precinct that also includes St Mary’s College, Sacred Heart Cathedral Primary School, the Sisters of Mercy office in Wellington, the Catholic Centre for the archdiocese administration, and Viard House, which is both the Cathedral Parish presbytery and the Archbishop’s residence. The Cathedral’s full title, the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and of Saint Mary His Mother, is a reminder that two cathedrals have shared the same site – St Mary’s Cathedral and Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Our parish
Fr Patrick Bridgman, Cathedral Administrator, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Te Ahurewa o te Ngākau Tapu
Joy is the word to describe the feeling that has been widely felt by Cathedral parishioners, people coming from other parishes in the Archdiocese of Wellington, as well as visitors from near and far, as we have returned to Sacred Heart Cathedral.
In Salvation History the Jewish people experienced exile, as did various biblical characters through time. Always looking to the time of return as captured in the expression, ‘Next year in Jerusalem!’.
The six years of strengthening and refurbishment of the Cathedral was certainly a time of loss, though not exile. We were warmly welcomed to St Thomas More, Wilton, and we were able to celebrate in our Connolly Hall ‘Chapel’.
Yes, it was with great anticipation and joy we re-entered the Cathedral on 7 June this year. While the original Cathedral of St Mary was destroyed by fire in 1898, the new Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built in three years, opening in 1901. And now with people describing the lightness of the nave with the Oamaru stone, the beautiful ceiling, and the mosaics in the sanctuary being visible for all to see, we can gaze upon our Cathedral as they did 123 years ago!
Recently parishioners gathered to look towards the future. These past years have been focused not only the project of strengthening and refurbishment, but also on building a team of parishioners. Calling forward people into various ministries and ensuring that in the midst of an unsettled time, we were still a living and loving parish family. Now is the time to consider how we will be into the future.
It was a delight to gather to consider three topics of evangelisation, leadership, and the Holy Spirit. And through the gift of Spiritual Conversations all who were present were heard, and the inspiration of the Spirit was known. In the coming weeks the parish will continue to discern a way forward to bring further life to the parish, and also to the city in which we live.
Naturally a Cathedral Parish has a unique place in the life of a diocese. Its very name comes from the seat of the bishop, the Cathedra, which stands behind the Altar. Showing to all that this is the home of the Archbishop, as well as being the Mother church for the Archdiocese. It is also the parish church for Thorndon, Wadestown, and surrounding areas, as well as being the spiritual home for whoever finds a welcome here.
It has been a delight to see people finding their way home since the re-opening. The energy that flows from the Sunday Masses into the gathering in the refurbished foyer is a wonderful fruit of all the planning which has been done.
We are blessed to be a parish of diverse talents and backgrounds. There are active prayer, family, ministry, and parish groups. As the Cathedral, our parish priest is Archbishop Paul Martin sm, with the assistance of Debbie Matheson, Lay Pastoral Leader, and [Patrick Bridgman], Cathedral Administrator. We have an office team, which includes Frank Doherty, Sadie Laurenson and a large number of parishioners who volunteer with any number of regular and one-off projects.
How fortunate the parish is in the presence of the Sacred Heart Cathedral School and St Mary’s College on the same site. The relationships have always been strong and now can grow even further with Masses and celebrations again being in the Cathedral. Fortunate also are we for the enduring presence of the Sisters of Mercy. Their faith presence has always been a source of inspiration and comfort.
Just down from us on Hill St is St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral who have been so welcoming to the parish and diocese in times of need, as well as being our sister congregation with whom we celebrate our united faith in Jesus.
Originally known as Golder’s Hill, the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish rests on Eccleston Hill, Thorndon, across from Parliament, beside St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral and in the midst of the capital city of Wellington; a place for the Divine Heart!
Parish groups and ministries
The Cathedral parish’s many groups, ministries and communities bring people together through Christ in prayer, devotion and fellowship.
Alpha – a first of many, a beginning. Along the way we made new friends; and deepened bonds with whom we’re already journeying together. We now have more companions – young and old, familiar and new. There was laughter, there were tears; but most importantly our Lord was with us as we journeyed through.
Scripture Study | Lectio Divina – the Scripture Study group meets weekly in the Cathedral Foyer and through Zoom for 45 minutes and concludes with prayers and a communal blessing. By studying the Gospel for the coming Sunday, it leads us into a deeper relationship with Christ as each member of the group relates their understanding of the Gospel being discussed, which leads to a general discussion on what it is telling us.
Divine Mercy devotion – we are a small group of Divine Mercy devotees who gather every Sunday evening at 6pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. With hearts full of devotion, we honour the infinite mercy of our Lord Jesus. During this time, the Most Blessed Sacrament is exposed for Adoration. Through His revelations to St Faustina, Jesus reminds us His mercy is a powerful force for the world and is open to every soul. This is a sacred time to offer prayers for us, others, and the world. We also take turns sharing reflections from St Faustina’s diary, which offer spiritual nourishment for our souls. Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this time of prayer and reflection.
Adoration at the Cathedral – adoration on Thursdays is now in its fourth year. About 30 people regularly commit for an hour each week and many others visit when they can during the day. There is a real hunger just to be in the Presence of the Lord and to be refuelled for mission.
Vigil Mass Music Group – this Music Group has been serving the parish for nearly 28 years. Love of music and the liturgy, plus a prayerful attitude contribute to the joy and sense of community engendered. There is deep appreciation of the privilege of being able to aid community worship.
Sunday 10am Mass Choir – this choir is made up of trained and untrained singers, families and single people. Practice of the hymns and psalms takes place 30 minutes before Mass. Members are sent a run sheet each week outlining hymns that will be sung. The choir is very enthusiastic in leading the congregation in prayer through singing. If you would like to join the choir or music group, please contact the parish office or approach either choir on the Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
Guardians welcoming ministry – the Guardians welcome weekday visitors to the Cathedral and those who arrive for the 12.10pm Mass. They also direct people to the parish office, if necessary, for example if somebody wishes to see a priest. Guardians are also happy to answer any questions from visitors about the history of the Cathedral. Guardians prepare the credence table for the 12.10pm Mass. They read the first lesson and psalm. When a major festival occurs on a weekday, such as Ash Wednesday, Guardians who are also Eucharistic Ministers will help with the distribution of Holy Communion or Ashes.
Sacred Heart Cathedral fundraising group – the group, established six years ago, supports the Cathedral’s earthquake strengthening and restoration fundraising. Through activities like dinners, auctions, e-waste collections, raffles, speakers, an online-art auction during Covid, and bake sales, they raise funds and strengthen community bonds. With a further $633,000 still needing to be raised, the group has more activities lined up.
Hospitality – every Sunday, following the 10am Mass, and at times after the 5.30pm Vigil Mass, hospitality is offered to all who come. Parishioners share a roster and are generous in sharing their culinary gifts and delights. With the refurbished foyer there is a wonderful buzz as people enjoy a cuppa and delicious treats!
Altar servers – the Cathedral Parish is blessed with 20 plus servers, aged 9 to 16. Not being ‘home’ for over six years, our Altar servers have embraced changes gracefully. There is wonderful energy amongst the servers, and all enjoy this ministry. Pope Francis said, ‘Our Lady whispers to them, like the servants at the wedding at Cana: “Do whatever He tells you”.’ And they always follow through.
Sacramental programme – the programme completes the Sacraments of Initiations, beginning with Confirmation during school Terms 3 and 4, followed by First Reconciliation during Term 1 of the following year; and culminates with the Eucharist in Term 2. It is designed for children at least 8 years old. The programme also aims to equip the parents with the tools they need to bring up their children in the practice of the faith.
Concerts – musicians have always spoken of the incredible acoustics that are enjoyed in the Cathedral. There has been a tradition this jewel is not only experienced by the worshiping Cathedral community, but when there are suitable concerts and recitals. Recently, on their 30th anniversary, Wellington choir the Baroque Voices celebrated at the Cathedral, with the added poignancy it was in the Cathedral they held their first concert 30 years ago.
Holy Hour for Vocations – every fourth Tuesday of the month, starting at 7.30pm, a Holy Hour for Vocations is prayed at the Cathedral. It includes Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, hymns, prayers of praise, Scripture, and a reflection on the Vocational call. People from all vocations and walks of life gather to offer prayer and support for people discerning their vocational call, as well as for those on their journey. Please come along and join us.
Sisters of Mercy, Thorndon
St Stephanie Kitching rsm
June 1861 saw the coming of three Sisters of Mercy from Auckland to Wellington. Their arrival at St Mary’s Convent in Thorndon, a small establishment run by four devout women brought here by Bishop Viard, began the long connection with Wellington Archdiocese.
Immediately these Sisters, led by Julia Dickson (S M Bernard) who had nursed in the Crimea beside Florence Nightingale, began their educational and social work ministry in the school and the Providence – a home for Māori children. By 1873 there were 35 boarders and 89 day pupils, with the Providence having 27 girls. Other schools in the Wellington area were also begun whilst catechism classes were run on Sundays. Visiting of the sick was also part of weekly routines.
In Thorndon the focus was naturally on St Mary’s College and Sacred Heart Primary School where for many years the Sisters were the sole staff. Currently, these facilities are staffed by women and men committed to Mercy values. The College is now governed under the auspices of Whānau Mercy Ministries Trust. Our local Sisters maintain a connection to these schools.
Over the years, as well as staffing the schools and teaching music Sisters living in Thorndon have ministered in various offices in the Archdiocesan Centre and been of service in the Cathedral in differing roles.
Now as Ngā Whaea Atawhai o Aotearoa we, Sisters of Mercy New Zealand, continue to be centred in God’s Mercy, walking in hope with Earth and her peoples. While daring Mercy in collaboration with others, we focus on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the cry of Earth and the cry of the poor.
“He atawhai…tā mātou kaupapa matua.” | “Mercy…the business of our lives.” – Catherine McAuley, Foundress
St Mary’s College, Wellington
Sarah Parkinson, Principal
St Mary’s College is a Catholic girls’ secondary school in Thorndon, for years 9–13. Our 531 students come from all over the Wellington region, drawn to our multi-cultural school where the Catholic ethos permeates every aspect of our college culture.
St Mary’s is a place where students can develop a love of learning and strive to achieve their personal best. With Christ as our guiding light and in the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, we seek to recognise, appreciate and develop the gifts and talents of every individual and create a caring environment where students confidently grow and achieve their full potential.
St Mary’s is one of the oldest existing schools in New Zealand. It is on the site of the original St Mary’s School for Girls, opened by Bishop Viard in 1850. The early school was attended by girls of all denominations. In 1861 the first Sisters of Mercy came to Wellington to take over running the college.
At the heart of our Mercy charism is the work of the founder of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley. Her outreach in mercy to the vulnerable in Ireland in the 1800s laid the foundation for the values and work of St Mary’s College today.
We aim to raise awareness in our students of the need in the world around us. Our motto Misericordia et Sapientia – Mercy and Wisdom, promotes care and service to others. Our students are encouraged to be compassionate, to identify people’s needs and to respond with action. Students initiate projects to support those in need in many ways, from collecting Easter eggs for the children’s ward at the hospital to donating goods to Vinnies or local food banks.
The essence of St Mary’s is captured in the words of one of our students:
‘St Mary’s to me is a beautifully loving environment. Here I have grown immensely in my passion and faith. I have never felt as accepted as I do when I’m learning alongside my sisters and I’m endlessly grateful for the connections I have made with fellow sisters, kind teachers and importantly with God.’
Sacred Heart Cathedral School | Te Kura Ahurewa o te Ngakau Tapu
Bernadette Murfitt, Principal
‘A Catholic school where students achieve their spiritual, cultural, academic and personal potential.’
Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Thorndon is an integrated Catholic School. Our school adjoins St Mary’s College and Sacred Heart Cathedral and is opposite the Sisters of Mercy House in Guildford Terrace.
The school was established in 1865 to provide a quality education for Catholic primary students. We have a proud history of excellence in all aspects of a student’s school life as we build on the high standards of our past. Our curriculum reflects modern educational practice that encourages high expectations of children in their learning.
I am very fortunate to lead the learning at Sacred Heart Cathedral School. We are a diverse school and exciting learning happens every day. Because of our inner-city location, we take advantage of the wonderful opportunities Wellington offers.
Staff who work here are part of an exciting collaborative culture. We are also very fortunate to have a cohesive Board who make decisions through an equity lens. Our parent community works hard to support staff and students to be wonderful young people.
I feel blessed to interact with our students. They are open to new ways of learning and thinking. They know how important positive relationships are. They are the taonga of our school.
We have close links with the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and share a warm and positive relationship with Cathedral Administrator, Fr Parick Bridgman, who is also our school chaplain. Fr Patrick supports us all with our faith journey. His interactions help us all to reflect and be better versions of ourselves.
Sacred Heart Cathedral School is made up of many different cultures. We have a long tradition of close links with our community and celebrate the richness and diversity these bring to our school. We celebrate many aspects of culture throughout each year. Students are given the opportunity to belong to our Kapa Haka and Pasifika groups who represent us at many school functions and events.
An important part of our school is developing an ‘ako’ approach where the older children look after the younger children. All children are matched up with an older student upon starting school. This creates a positive playground environment where older children look after younger ones.
Ours is a school that thrives on being a community and giving to others.
Mā te huruhuru, Ka rere te manu. Adorn the bird with feathers so it may fly.
E-waste recycling fundraiser
The Sacred Heart Cathedral fundraising group have organised another e-waste recycling day at Sacred Heart Cathedral School, 12 Guildford Terrace, Thorndon, from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, 12 October. Have a big ‘spring’ clean and drop off your e-waste for a minimal cost. Please also tell your friends. This is a great opportunity to responsibly dispose of your e-waste while supporting a very worthwhile cause – to help raise funds towards the $633,000 still needed to complete the work required on the restoration of the Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Cathedral project – The Cathedral still has some work to be completed as part of the restoration project. There is ongoing work in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel including the restoration of the confessionals and the stained-glass windows. The Cathedral cloister and surrounds are being refurbished, and soon a new wind lobby will be built at the foyer entrance. A further $633,000 is required to fundraise for the Cathedral project.
Reserve a plaque – As part of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart restoration fundraising, we are offering individuals and families an opportunity to reserve a personalised plaque, which will be displayed on a pew within the Cathedral.
This fundraiser is priced at a donation $1,500 per plaque to permanently acknowledge your contribution. You may wish to use this opportunity to include your name or to honour someone close to you, provided the text will fit on the plaque. There is a limited to the availability of pews – currently there are less than 20 pews left.
To reserve your plaque for a pew, please email us at office@cathedralcampaign.org.nz and we will confirm availability. Your donation of $1,500 can then be made online:
Internet banking:
Cathedral Project
02 0506 0138488 25
Include ‘Pews’ and your ‘Name’ in the Code and Reference fields.
We will then be in touch to confirm your details required on your plaque.
For further enquiries about this opportunity please contact John Owen at 021 742737.
Brief history
1850: Thorndon Catholic parish founded and administered by Society of Mary (Marists) until 1935. Bishop Philippe Viard, first bishop of Wellington, blessed and laid foundation stone of St Mary’s Cathedral, approx 2000 attended.
1950: Bishop Viard blessed and opened convent and co-educational school. Staffed by four Sisters of Mary who arrived with bishop from Auckland on establishment of Diocese. Temporary school by day and Sisters’ residence at night. Beginnings of today’s St Mary’s College and Sacred Heart Cathedral School.
1851: St Mary’s Cathedral, wooden, neogothic structure, blessed, opened.
1861: Sisters of Mercy took over ownership of school, retain today.
1867: Cathedral building completed; cast iron statue of Blessed Virgin Mary, from France, positioned in church tower.
1892: Main school building completed, accommodate 300 children.
1898: St Mary’s Cathedral interior gutted by fire. Statue of Mary fell 80 feet, crashing to ground, landing upright with minor damage. Stands today in Cathedral cloister courtyard. School building, St Mary’s Chapel, served as Thorndon parish church.
1901: New parish church, Basilica of Sacred Heart, designed by architect Francis Petre, Romanesque style, Oamaru limestone, brick facings, blessed and opened.
1908: Memorial pulpit installed – in use today.
1930: Sir Joseph Ward, 17th PM of New Zealand, died. Prayed daily in Basilica or previous St Mary’s Cathedral for 37 years as MP. Bishop O’Shea celebrated Requiem Mass.
1940: Michael Joseph Savage, 23rd, and 1st Labour, PM of New Zealand, died 27 March. Requiem celebrated by Archbishop O’Shea, large crowd.
1893: Sacred Heart School, integrated.
1984: Earthquake strengthening work, concrete piers, steel beams incorporated into fabric of building; addition of Blessed Sacrament chapel, foyer entrance, sacristy, large piazza, adjoining Connolly Hall, completed.
1984: Cardinal Tom Williams, fifth Archbishop of Wellington, elevated and consecrated Basilica to status of Cathedral of Wellington and of Archbishop of Wellington.
1985: Building listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.
1986: Contract let for works for completion in 1987 to demolish old wooden presbytery, 10 Guildford Tce, old brick Redwood Houses, Hill St.
1989: Two-metre-high kohatu whakairo (thinking stone carving) installed inside Cathedral entrance and a pou (carved wooden pole) in piazza, gifted as taonga from Catholic Māori of archdiocese.
2000: Cathedral closed for major conservation project to restore inside and outside. Recommended sealing Oamaru stone to stop ingress of water – reversed 20 years later.
2007: Icon of Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Mary his mother by Michael Galovic installed.
2018: Main Cathedral building closed for seismic strengthening, renovation; building then assessed earthquake risk, closed immediately; alternative location for parishioners established.
2020: Cardinal John Dew, Archbishop of Wellington, blessed site and project team on 7 August, for strengthening, refurbishment work to begin.
2024: Feast of Sacred Heart, 7 June, Archdiocese of Wellington and Cathedral Parish rejoiced in reopening of Cathedral after six years of closure.