The Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington is a community of communities – parishes, schools, organizations, informal groups all play a part in the life of the people of the Archdiocese.
There are communities big and small across the entire geographical area of the Archdiocese, which extends from just north of Levin and Masterton in the North Island to just south of Kaikoura and Westport in the North Island. There are 22 parishes (5 in the South Island and 17 in the North Island), most with several communities within them. Their websites (accessed through the parishes section of this website) usually have the latest parish newsletter, Mass times, contact information, and some indication of the key things happening in the parish.
There is a personal parish for Māori (Te Pāriha o te Ngākau Tapu in Porirua), and 12 other Catholic Māori communities. They are supported by the Māori Pastoral Care Team located in the Catholic Centre in Hill Street (but most often out in different parts of the Archdiocese). Te Kahu o te Rangi is the Māori Pastoral Council in the Archdiocese of Wellington.
There are a number of migrant chaplaincies, and chaplaincies for seafarers and the deaf. Volunteers are always welcome to assist prison and hospital chaplains in their work.
There are 46 Catholic schools (including 9 colleges) in the Archdiocese, found in most suburbs and towns of the Archdiocese. As well as welcoming new students and their families they welcome volunteer assistance in the school’s activities. The schools all have their own websites.
The Archdiocesan Commission for Ecology Justice and Peace supports Catholic communities and the wider community in hearing and actively responding “to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor”.
Catholic Social Services Wellington supports refugee resettlement and welcomes the assistance of volunteers in this work. It provides other services for those in distress or difficulties, and its services are open to everyone.
There are many Catholic organizations, some branches of international or national organizations (such as the St Vincent de Paul Society and Young Vinnies which help people in need), others local initiatives (such as Challenge 2000 which supports at risk young people and their families). Parishes have their own groups for liturgy and worship and managing their finances, together with a Pastoral Council.
There are communities of religious in the Archdiocese, involved in different types of work. These include spiritual direction and retreats, assisting the elderly, supporting the missions, working in parishes, providing chaplaincy and support for schools, and working among the poor.
The Archdiocese is blessed with three places where people can go for a retreat, spiritual direction, to pray with others or for some quiet time. They are Pā Maria in Thorndon run by the Society of Mary, the Home of Compassion in Island Bay run by the Sisters of Compassion and the Magnificat Community in Featherston which is a Catholic lay community.