AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON – 15/11/2026

SAFEGUARDING – UPCOMING ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Safeguarding is the responsibility of us all. Whether you are involved directly in Parish Ministry or not, enrol in an online Safeguarding Workshop to learn about the actions we, as a Church, are taking to keep each other safe. Monday, 23rd November, 12 noon- 1.15 pm and Tuesday, 24th November, 7 pm- 8.15 pm. Register with Kevin Plant by emailing: k.plant@cadw.nz The Microsoft Teams link to join the workshop will be sent out two days prior to the Workshop.

 

RETREAT DAYS & THEMES AT PA MARIA 2026  – TAKE TIME AND SPACE FOR A GUIDED DAY OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION. 5th December, 9am – 3.15pm. Theme:  Advent, Pā Maria. 78 Hobson St, Thorndon, Wellington.
Presenters: Neil Vaney SM, Chris Skinner SM and Judith Moroney RSM.
Please bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. Entry by koha. Maximum of 20 people so please RSVP by the Tuesday before the prayer day to pamariabookings@gmail.com and indicate which prayer day you wish to attend.

 

AN INVITATION TO SHARE STORIES OF SYNODALITY
We invite parishioners, parish groups, leadership teams, religious congregations and faith communities throughout the Archdiocese to reflect on the fruits of a synodal Church emerging in their local communities, and to share their stories with the wider Church. Your contributions will help give shape to a diocesan report, which in turn will provide reflection material for diocesan and national Evaluation Assemblies in 2027. Submit your story by Monday, 7th December 2026.  Visit www.cadw.nz / Email Lucienne at l.hensel@cadw.nz, for more details.

YOUNG CHURCH THANKSGIVING MASS: 
As we approach the close of 2026, the Archdiocesan Young Church team warmly invites young people, youth, and young adult ministry leaders to gather in gratitude for the blessings of the past year. Join us for a Thanksgiving Mass with Archbishop Paul on Saturday, 21 November 2026 (Christ the King Vigil Mass) at 5.30 pm at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hill Street, Wellington. Parents and caregivers, we encourage you to bring your teenagers to this meaningful celebration. We look forward to seeing many teenagers, young adults, and leaders there.

FINAL HOLY HOUR
JOIN US for an hour of adoration, reflection and prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life for this year. 7.30pm – 8.30pm, in Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hill Street, Thorndon on Tuesday, 24th November.

ARE YOU THNKING ABOUT THE PRIESTHOOD?
Come & See Vocations Morning – Saturday, 21 November 2026
Visit wellingtonpriests.org to explore the call to diocesan priesthood in the Archdiocese of Wellington. The website features vocation stories of local priests and seminarians, as well as helpful materials for anyone discerning a vocation. For more information, follow our Facebook page or
contact: Fr Andrew Kim at wellingtonpriests@gmail.com/Lucienne Hensel at l.hensel@wn.catholic.org.nz
CATHNEWS NEW ZEALAND
This ministry supports Catholics and people interested in the Church in accessing news and other content of interest. It draws from material that has already been published and includes original content. The best way to receive CathNews New Zealand is by signing up to the newsletter, which is sent on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Visit the CathNews New Zealand website and sign up at https://cathnewsnz.com

PARISH TO PARISH B&B BOOK

Catholics throughout New Zealand, and a few in Australia, host Catholics in their homes. It’s a wonderful way for Catholics to meet and enjoy the company of other Catholics.
There is a contribution made of $50 for one person, and $30 for each additional guest, per night, that is, two people would pay $80 per night. If you wish to purchase a book with the details of the hosts, the cost is $15.  This includes postage. To order please  contact or order from Marie Anderson, 2  Brent Place, Christchurch 8053, phone 027 2800 611, email  marie.ian@xtra.co.nz.

 

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES ANNUAL APPEAL
Throughout November, we invite you to support our Annual Appeal and help bring a greater sense of belonging to people in our community. Your generosity helps people feel welcomed, connected, supported and cared for. Scan our QR code: or go to our website for more details on how
to donate: cadw.nz/our-work/catholic-social-services/donate
Every gift makes a difference – thank you for your kindness and support.
GRECCIO: THE SONG – A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OUTING
Greccio: The Song celebrates St Francis of Assisi and the first living Nativity at Greccio. In this Franciscan Jubilee year, as we commemorate the 800th anniversary of St Francis’ death, we hope the musical will inspire renewed faith, love for Jesus, and a deeper commitment to peace and service.
The beautiful Franciscan connection to Wellington’s Catholic beginnings is worth reflecting on. Fr Jeremiah O’Reilly, a Capuchin Franciscan, arrived in 1843 and established Wellington’s first Catholic chapel on the site of today’s St Mary of the Angels Church, the National Shrine dedicated to Mary Assumed into Heaven. That chapel was dedicated to the Nativity. The name St Mary of the Angels also recalls the Portiuncula in Assisi, the little church beloved by St Francis—connecting our local Catholic heritage with the saint and Christmas story at the heart of Greccio.
The production also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and New Zealand. This Filipino-led faith and arts initiative features music by New Zealand composers Dr Robert Loretz and Douglas Mews, alongside works by Franciscan friars from the Philippines. Filipino artists and volunteers contribute through production, artistic direction, performance, and set design, while parishioners from our Catholic communities generously share their talents as cast members, singers, and volunteers.
As a Fundraising Partner, our parish Te Awakiarangi will receive 25% of net ticket sales from bookings made through its assigned fundraising link or matching QR code.
Using your assigned link or QR code ensures that bookings are credited to our Te Awakairangi parish. May this Jubilee help all of us hear the call of St Francis: to follow Christ, to rebuild His Church, and to become instruments of His peace.

Bring your family and friends to Greccio: The Song, a new musical inspired by St Francis of Assisi and the first Nativity at Greccio, celebrating the Franciscan Jubile and 60 years of friendship between New Zealand and the Philippines.

Scan the QR code for tickets and support your parish. 25% of net ticket sales made through your parish link will be returned to the parish.  (Full details on poster attached).  For enquiries: vineyardhouse.nz@gmail.com

RETREAT DAYS & THEMES AT PA MARIA 2026  – TAKE TIME AND SPACE FOR A GUIDED DAY OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION.
5th December, 9am – 3.15pm. Theme:  Advent, Pā Maria. 78 Hobson St, Thorndon, Wellington.
Presenters: Neil Vaney SM, Chris Skinner SM and Judith Moroney RSM.
Please bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided. Entry by koha. Maximum of 20 people so please RSVP by the Tuesday before the prayer day to pamariabookings@gmail.com and indicate which prayer day you wish to attend.
AN INVITATION TO SHARE STORIES OF SYNODALITY
We invite parishioners, parish groups, leadership teams, religious congregations and faith communities throughout the Archdiocese to reflect on the fruits of a synodal Church emerging in their local communities, and to share their stories with the wider Church. Your contributions will help give shape to a diocesan report, which in turn will provide reflection material for diocesan and national Evaluation Assemblies in 2027. Submit your story by Monday, 7th December 2026.  Visit www.cadw.nz / Email Lucienne at l.hensel@cadw.nz, for more details.MISSIONARY SISTERS OF ST. PETER CLAVER PLANT SALE
Saturday, 21 November 2026

 

OTAKI SUMMER CAMP 22-25 January 2027 
Ōtaki Summer Camp is an annual gathering for young people (aged around 17 to 35) keen on social justice; from the newly curious to experienced organisers and changemakers.  Open to people of all religious faiths and none, and now in its tenth year, Camp is held on a well-known Catholic Worker family farm on the Kāpiti Coast. Expect 4 days of excellent speakers, good talks, skills sessions, a great hike and bands nightly.  Camp is alcohol and drug-free. First-timers and our younger campers are well looked after. Pack your tent or share a marquee; our volunteers prepare kai for all, and accessibility is a priority. Rally your friends! This is community-building for people who show up for each other, social justice, te taiao, Te Tiriti and more. The Archdiocesan Ecology Justice and Peace Commission has endorsed Ōtaki Summer Camp. Ticket sales and all details: www.otakisummercamp.com  Email us: hello@otakisummercamp.com
Your ticket covers camping, meals, live music and the guided walk. We can also help you get to Camp from transport hubs in Wellington and Kāpiti.

  • $110 Earlybird ticket (by 5 Dec)
  • $100pp Group tickets (5-10 people, by 6th Jan)
  • $30 Supported tickets
  • $140 Standard tickets

 

TE KUPENGA – CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL OFFICE
Now accepting enrolments for Semester One 2027. If you are a Catholic school teacher,  preparing for ministry, seeking academic formation, or wanting to grow in understanding of the Catholic faith, CTC offers opportunities to learn and engage with Theology in a supportive environment. Go to www.ctc.ac.nz for more information.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS
Please keep Gerson and Fr David Dowling, the Seminary Formator in your prayers. Thinking about priesthood? Visit www.wellingtonpriests.org.
Please also keep in your prayers Frs. David Orange and Peter O’Connell who are experiencing ill health at present and all our clergy.