I was surprised recently to learn that Rome’s Dicastery for the Clergy upheld two more parish merger recourses opposing St Louis Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski’s decision to merge their parishes. This makes an unprecedented three parish merger appeals won by St Louis Catholics determined to defend their parish homes. Historically Rome has upheld bishops in merging Read more
A special mass to mark the first anniversary of the merger of three Catholic parishes in New Plymouth was held on Sunday. In September 2015, the parishes of St Joseph’s, St Philomena’s and Our Lady Help of Christians became one, known as the Catholic Parish of New Plymouth. Held at the TSB Stadium, the mass Read more
Three Catholic parishes in Khandallah, Johnsonville and Newlands are the latest in Wellington to merge. The move will mean a new name and structure for St Andrew’s in Newlands, St Benedict’s in Khandallah and St Peter and Paul’s in Johnsonville. The new parish will be established at a mass at St Andrew’s on February 28, Read more
Now that Napier’s three parishes have been combined decisions have to be made about the use of the buildings. The four lay staff and three priests, who previously worked within the three parishes of St Mary’s, St Patrick’s and St Thomas More, are presently working out of the unified parish’s temporary site at St Mary’s Read more
On the 27th November the New Zealand Government, through the Governor-General, claimed the land that the Holy Cross Chapel in Chancery Lane, Christchurch, stood on. This land taken by proclamation is to be used for the Convention Centre Precinct. The Christchurch diocese says this move is not an unexpected development. It is part of the Read more
The Hutt Valley’s 11 Catholic parishes could be reduced to six as the wider Wellington archdiocese struggles with a declining number of priests. Wellington archbishop John Dew has produced a discussion document for consideration by all church members detailing proposals for wide ranging structural changes. It includes amalgamating 47 regional parishes into 23. Proposals to Read more
In the Archdiocese of Wellington, New Zealand, Archbishop John Dew has drawn up a plan – A Future Full Of Hope – to reduce the number of parishes in the Archdiocese. The plan, based on an extensive two-year review, was recently presented to parish priests, parish leaders and school principals at meetings held at Viard Read more