The New Zeland Catholic Bishops have suggested that parish priests consult with each other and with their parish councils about how they can provide the sacraments and pastoral care when COVID-19 Alert Level Two is announced. The bishops believe that each parish will need its own approach to ensure continued the safety of both the Read more
In their Easter Pastoral Letter, the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand say that during the lockdown New Zealanders have realised that they have been seduced by busyness, the pursuit of trivial things and of taking for granted the important things of life. They hope and pray that post lockdown people will work together to build Read more
At the heart of our faith is the fact that in Jesus, God comes to us. We do not have to leave home to find God. “In these days, in Jesus, God is coming to us, seeking to encounter us in the confines of our own homes,” said the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand in Read more
The archbishop of Wellington Cardinal John Dew said consideration must be given to the Covid-19 level 4 regulations when practising pastoral care. He said there is a need to be pastorally close to the sick person and their family but not risk further virus transmission. “The regulations around movement are to absolutely minimise the possibility Read more
The National Centre for Religious Studies has produced a new framing document for Catholic Schools and the wider Aotearoa Catholic community on human sexuality education. The document is titled He Anga Whakamārama – Te Mātauranga Hōkakatanga: He puka ārahi mā ngā hapori Katorika o Aotearoa (Framing Document – Human Sexuality Education: A guide for Catholic Read more
Along with all New Zealanders, we are deeply distressed and saddened by the tragedy of the volcanic eruption at Whakaari/White Island. Our prayers are for those whose lives have been lost, and for the injured, conscious that their injuries are of a most serious and painful nature. We cannot begin to imagine the grief and Read more
Last week, the New Zealand bishops in Rome for their Ad Limina visit met the fondly remembered former papal nuncio Archbishop Angelo Acerbi. Acerbi’s diplomatic career included being held hostage by guerillas in Colombia and becoming the first nuncio to Hungary after the end of communism. Now 94, Acerbi is retired and lives in the Read more
The New Zealand Catholic bishops met Pope Francis for an 80-minute private audience in the Vatican on Monday 28 October during their Ad Limina visit to Rome. Pope Francis told the bishops to raise any topic and be free with their comments, said Bishop Stephen Lowe of Hamilton, secretary of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference. Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC) has two new staff members – Kate Aduna and David McLoughlin, looking after administration and communications. Newly appointed Administrator, Kate, comes to the organisation after several years volunteering with her local Wellington Catholic primary school, having been at home with her daughter. Previously she held a support role Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Conference is looking for an administrative assistant for its Liturgy office. The position is permanent and part-time with the number of hours to be negotiated with the successful candidate. The minimum number being 10 hours per week. The administrative assistant will report to the acting liturgy director. The assistant works Read more