The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference and National Liturgy websites have been refreshed. Both sites had a restricted introduction last week while further revision and refinements were carried out behind the scenes. These sites provide a functional and accessible interface for members of the Catholic community and broader public. Feedback is welcomed. “These refreshed portals Read more
In July the New Zealand Catholic Bishops issued a statement about the 2017 General Election. Entitled Step Out and Vote, the statement encourages Catholics as faith-based citizens to make a difference to New Zealand’s future through informed and considered voting in the upcoming election. The Bishops put forward specific ideas that encourage questions and thinking among voters to help Read more
The NZ Catholic Bishops’ Election Statement, Step out and Vote, has received a resounding endorsement from the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Society President Terry Comber said that the social issues that the Bishops raise are at the forefront of the Society’s work. “On behalf of Vincentians in New Zealand, I would like to Read more
Even when the choices to be made seem difficult or the questions to be asked too tough, are we tackling some of the big challenges facing us as a nation and as part of a global community? With the 2017 General Election in just over two months, this is the message of the New Zealand Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops congratulate Father Bernard Espiritu SVD on his re-appointment as National Director of MissioNZ by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Rome. Father Bernard Espiritu has been the New Zealand National Director for the Pontifical Mission Societies since 2012. His ministry has been across several continents, most recently in North Read more
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference has published a new national liturgical policy on the order of Christian funerals and guidelines for tangihanga A media release announcing the publication of For Those Who Believe: Life is Changed not Ended says the policy recognises the challenges and sensitivity required of those involved in pastoral care for the one Read more
A pōwhiri at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Wellington, on Monday 27 February, welcomed Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard and his wife Maru. Danny has been appointed the new Tūranga Māori in the Archdiocese of Wellington. Hundreds of whānau, students, staff and friends travelled to Wellington to join people from the Archdiocese at the pōwhiri. The bishop of Read more
The Maori advisor to the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference says Maori have a vital role to play in the church’s future, particularly in reaching out to young people and migrants. Catholics are the largest denomination in New Zealand with nearly half a million members, almost 70,000 of whom are Maori. Deacon Danny Karatea-Goddard says Read more
Last week the Bishops of New Zealand issued a statement asking Catholics to treat the ashes of their loved ones with respect when they have chosen to have their bodies cremated. This follows on the recent statement the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith about cremation and the scattering of ashes. “The loss of Read more
“It is now for us as a community to welcome those who will settle in New Zealand, and do what we can to support them as they build a new life and find peace after the trauma they’ve experienced,” says the President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops conference. Bishop Patrick Dunn was commenting on Read more