Lead Stories
WelCom Office
A joyful and blessed homecoming to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
The doors of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Mary His Mother were opened once again this month for all the people of the Archdiocese of Wellington and beyond to return to their place of worship.
WelCom June/July 2024
The latest version of WelCom is available to read here.
Br Peter Bray walking Camino trail to raise money for Bethlehem University
Br Peter Bray fsc – the New Zealander who was vice-chancellor of Bethlehem University for 15 years until his retirement last December – has set out on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain.
A preferential option for the rich not the answer to hard times
Caritas recognises Aotearoa New Zealand is in a difficult financial situation and appreciates the Government’s stated aim to improve conditions for Kiwi families and reduce the economic strain on future generations. In the 2024 Budget it is heartening to see investments in essential areas such as Pharmac, and efforts to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis for New Zealanders.
O’Shea Shield 2024: ‘Sparks of Hope – Te Ahi Kā’
Sacred Heart College (SHC) Napier were proud hosts of the 2024 O’Shea Shield Speech and Drama Competition on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May.
News
Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that appears in the morning sky in Aotearoa New Zealand during midwinter, between late June and early July. In 2024, Matariki is celebrated from 29 June to 6 July, with a national public holiday on Friday 28 June.
Bishop John’s first visit to St Joseph’s Māori Girls College
By invitation of Principal Dame Georgina Kingi, Bishop John Adams recently made his first visit to St Joseph’s Māori Girls College in Taradale, Napier, to celebrate the Feast of St Matthias the Apostle, and to renew relationships between the college and the Diocese of Palmerston North.
Vatican advises Cardinal John can resume pastoral activities
A Vatican-led review of an abuse complaint against Cardinal John Dew dating to the 1970s has concluded that no further Church inquiry is required, says the Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop, Paul Martin SM, Archbishop of Wellington.
International News
Australian bishops call for peace in the Middle East
Australia’s Catholic bishops have issued a statement on the conflict in the Middle East, calling for a just ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unhindered access to aid.
Pope Francis slams ‘rampant materialism’
Blind, unbridled consumerism and selfishness – not the number of people on the planet having children – are the root causes of the world’s problems, says Pope Francis.
Cardinal warns against escalation
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said allowing Ukraine to use NATO weapons to attack military targets in Russia would lead to ‘an escalation that no one will be able to control anymore’.
Diocesan News
Hui: Treaty of Waitangi and Catholic Social Teaching
The Christian Life Community and the Bicultural Relationships Committee of the archdiocesan Ecology, Justice and Peace Commission are hosting a hui about the Treaty of Waitangi and Catholic Social Teaching, the Treaty as a covenant, te reo in Liturgy and daily life and blessings of a bicultural future. The hui will be at the Home of Compassion, Island Bay, over the weekend of 6 and 7 July.
QSM recipient for services to interfaith communities Government House Investiture
Dr Mary Eastham of Feilding was bestowed a Queen’s Service Medal for services to interfaith communities on the King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours List in June 2023. She received her QSM at the Investiture Ceremony at Government House on 22 May.
Te Hao Nui-Launch Out’s newest graduate
Telesia Alaimoana celebrated her recent completion of Te Hao Nui-Launch Out lay leadership programme, at a Mass and reception at her St Pius X Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish, Titahi Bay, on Saturday 11 May.
Features
As the mother church of the diocese the Cathedral belongs to us all
Tēnā koutou katoa
The re-opening of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and St Mary His Mother is a wonderful opportunity for us as an archdiocese to reflect on the nature of our Church.
First national hui for Catholic hospital chaplains
Some 30 Catholic hospital chaplains from throughout the motu, some full-time but most part-time, gathered at the St Francis Retreat Centre in Hillsborough, Auckland for their first-ever national hui earlier this year.
Dignitas Infinita and the Treaty of Waitangi
The Vatican recently published a new document that outlines and affirms Catholic doctrine on the importance of human dignity and its connection to God. The document, entitled Dignitas Infinata (infinite dignity), addresses a range contemporary moral, bio-ethical and social issues, including human rights violations, discrimination against women, abortion and gender theory.
Reflections
Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention
During the month of June 2024 Pope Francis’ intention is:for migrants fleeing their homes. We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger…
Te Kahu O Te Ora
At St Mary’s parish in Ōtaki recently, Fr Phil Cody sm preached a striking sermon on the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ revised document, Te Kahu O Te Ora, published last September.
Gospel Reading: Sunday 9 June 2024
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Mark 4:26-34 26Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like; it is as if a man were to…
Young Church
St Peter’s College has plenty to celebrate
Susan Zentveld St Peter’s College in Palmerston North will be celebrating its 50th jubilee over Labour Day weekend this year. We invite past students, staff, their families and the local…
Chanel charity fashion show
The community spirit shone brightly at Chanel College’s annual Charity Fashion Show in Masterton on 15 May, aligning perfectly with the school’s Feast Day celebrations.
Napier students awarded NZ scholarships
Four Sacred Heart College Napier students recently gained five New Zealand Scholarship 2024 awards. The scholarships cover part or entire tertiary tuition fees.
What's on
Church Calendar Dates
June: 2. Corpus Christi – Holy Body and Blood of Christ 7. Sacred Heart of Jesus 8. Immaculate Heart of Blessed Virgin Mary 13. St Anthony of Padua 29. Ss…
‘The Treaty and Me’
Treaty of Waitangi – free lecture series in Napier and Hastings over four Thursdays. An opportunity to enhance understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi and to hear some interesting and well-informed speakers. Each meeting is 7pm–9pm, with tea and cake from 6.30pm.
Dates and events – what’s on
To list events free, email welcom@wn.catholic.org.nz with event name, date, time, location and contact details. Thursday 13 June Anniversary of Fatima apparitions – Rosary recitations, 3pm, 13th each month, May…