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Catholic student tops world in Religious Education exam

Monday, February 19th, 2024
Religious Education

Coming first in the world for his religious education examination wasn’t a result Auckland St Peter’s College student Christian Domilies expected. Domilies’s Cambridge examination results were the highest among the 1.5 million students from 150 countries and over 6000 schools. He has been given a badge and certificate to commemorate his achievement. “It feels great Read more

Parish praised for work against racism

Thursday, February 15th, 2024
Racism

The Catholic Church has a “crucial role to play” in speaking out against racism and promoting racial inclusion, a prominent British Catholic says. “Racism is a sin and has no place in our world. As followers of Christ, it is our duty to welcome all people, regardless of race or background, into our Church and Read more

Vinnies continues responding to Gabrielle hardships

Monday, February 12th, 2024

One year after the devastating Cyclone Gabrielle, St Vincent de Paul continues its recovery support in Wairoa. A pivotal visit by St Vincent de Paul Napier council member Dan Sussmilch helped the organisation develop a multifaceted strategy to offer immediate relief and assist in facilitating the community’s long-term rehabilitation. As part of its community involvement Read more

Sea sponges show climate on the brink since 1860

Thursday, February 8th, 2024
climate on the brink

A recent study alarmingly reveals that global temperatures have not only surpassed the critical 1.5°C threshold set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement but are also on a trajectory to exceed 2°C within this decade. Published in Nature Climate Change, the University of Western Australia’s Professor Malcolm McCulloch’s groundbreaking research utilised a unique method to Read more

Christchurch Cathedral location – about turn in thinking

Monday, December 11th, 2023

In a significant about turn, Christchurch bishop Michael Gielen is proposing Barbadoes Street, the location of the original cathedral, as his preferred site for a new Christchurch Cathedral. The new thinking marks a departure from the construction plan on Armagh Street. As part of the change in thinking, Bishop Gielen has initiated consultations with professional Read more

Call for national unity and to separate politics from treaty debate

Thursday, December 7th, 2023
National Unity

Calling for national unity, Māori King Tuheitia has issued a royal proclamation wanting a national hui to take place. King Tuheitia and the Waitangi National Trust say they want to hold the ‘unifying’ national discussion on the Treaty principles while the new coalition government prepares its own political debate on the issue. The royal proclamation Read more

Next gen young Catholics in sacred song

Monday, December 4th, 2023
sacred song

Filling Sydney with sacred song is a vision that’s caught hundreds of young Catholics’ imaginations. They want to make that vision real. They’ve begun well. A 1,100-strong student choir assembled at St Mary’s Cathedral for Mass on 23 November to prove a sacred music renaissance is underway. Jubilate Deo! Bishop Richard Umbers celebrated the Mass Read more

Catholic Church unity under pressure

Thursday, November 30th, 2023
Church unity

Catholic Church unity is facing challenges on multiple fronts, driven by tense dialogues between bishops, open criticism of Pope Francis, claims the Synod report will damage the Church, and the perception of internal persecution. Synodal Way dispute escalates At the Council of European Bishops’ Conference in Malta, Bishop Georg Bätzing of Limburg, Germany and Archbishop Read more

Safe places needed for homeless to sleep

Monday, November 27th, 2023
homeless

There are more homeless people than ever, and safe places to sleep are both essential and in short supply. Dunedin’s Night Shelter Trust says immediate and long-term solutions are essential. The Night Shelter currently provides beds, bathroom and laundry facilities for six homeless people. It’s fundraising to provide for six more. That’s just a temporary Read more

Positive outcomes from social investment scheme

Thursday, November 23rd, 2023
social investment

An Auckland youth offending programme is hopeful ongoing funding will be available through a social bond investment. Its success to date has generated optimism for similar future investments under a National-led government. Since its inception six years ago, the Genesis Youth Trust-run programme has reduced youth offending notably. Compared to a similar risk group, participants Read more