New Zealand’s only liturgically trained theologian, Dr Joe Grayland, has accepted the offer of a long-term position teaching at the University of Würzburg, Germany. Currently on sabbatical and lecturing at the University of Tübingen, he is recognised for his expertise in liturgy and sacramental theology. Grayland’s new role at Würzburg includes teaching, research and pastoral Read more
A Bill to restore citizenship to people whose New Zealand citizenship was removed by law in 1982 has received numerous public submissions. It was a time that “targeted and terrorised” many immigrant people, including a disproportionate number of Pacific Islands’ people, says Peter Garrick, a New Zealander living in Samoa. There, the citizenship issue is Read more
Auckland’s Catholic diocese has bought a landmark Auckland winery famous for its summer music concerts. At a time when many parish churches are closing, the diocese is bucking the trend: it bought the 6.23ha Ascension Wine Estate for a new church and community centre. The parish and diocese have been looking for the better part Read more
Young Kiwis are in distress as inequities amplify mental health challenges. Recent data showed one in five young people aged 15 to 25 were experiencing higher rates of psychological distress than other aged groups. Collated by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission Te Hiringa Mahara, the assessment also showed Māori, disabled and LGBTQIA+ youth had Read more
The NZ Catholic newspaper has sent out its final print publication. While the print newspaper is the last of 100 years of Catholic publications owned and operated by Bishops of Auckland, it will return. At least that’s the current plan says Auckland’s Catholic bishop, Steve Lowe. It’ll be a 21st century digital paper, with Lowe Read more
When NZ Catholic sends out its final print publication at the end of June, it will mark the end of an era. A print era, that is. Print edition will be missed “I liked the NZ Catholic because I could catch up with current news about Catholic NZ … seminarians, Vinnies, ordinations, school successes, photos Read more
A name for Christchurch’s Catholic cathedral is likely to be decided and announced next month. Further input from the diocese’s Catholic community is being sought to help choose between those still on offer after numerous suggestions were pared back. The name search began last month when Christchurch’s Bishop Michael Gielen initiated a survey. He invited Read more
The headmaster of a Christchurch boys’ school has spoken to students about rape language, telling them “rape is not a joke”. The discussion was prompted after he was told of students joking about rape, including a footballer saying “I raped you”, after a slide tackle. Christchurch Boys’ High School headmaster Nic Hill spoke to students Read more
The 2024 Catholic Education Convention has had just finished a successful three days at the TSB Arena in Wellington, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference says. The convention brought together Catholic educators, bishops, priests, school trustees and a range of others associated with our national Catholic education system. Catholic schools educate 8.1pc of the country’s Read more
A Ministry Formation Day last Saturday helped parishioners in their liturgical and pastoral ministries. A bonus was that parishioners from all five towns in the Wairarapa parish worked together for the first time since the parish was formed in 2015. Ministry formation is necessary because most of us think of our involvement in the Church Read more