Bishop of Christchurch Michael Gielen has announced Fr Rick Loughnan, Christchurch North parish priest. has been honoured by Pope Francis with the title of Monsignor, which designates him as a Chaplain of the Holy Father.
The 2023 print edition of the comprehensive Catholic Directory of the people and organisations for the Catholic Church in New Zealand has been published and is being distributed through diocesan offices, parishes and to people who pre-ordered a copy.
Dr Doug Walker, Head of Science at St Patrick’s College, Wellington, has won Te Puiaki Kaiwhakaako Pūtaiao – the 2022 Prime Minister’s Science Teacher of the Year Prize, valued at $150,000.
The Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa New Zealand strongly support the Vatican’s repudiation of the colonial-era concept of the ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ used by European powers to take over many lands from their indigenous owners.
Do good; seek justice.’ – Isaiah 1:17
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an ecumenical Christian observance celebrated internationally. This year it is celebrated from 21–28 May 2023 in New Zealand.
The Wellington Archdiocese Commission for Ecology, Justice and Peace has been taking a close interest in the government’s forthcoming Budget, to be delivered on 18 May.
The Catholic bishops of Oceania say their people’s reflections for the global Synod of Bishops for a Synodal Church have left them feeling ‘peace and joy’ but also called them to be prophetic and ready to ‘model ourselves on the love we proclaim’.
The Government announced on 12 April 2023 that the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care must deliver its final report and recommendations by 28 March 2024. The previous deadline was 30 June 2023.
Retired Catholic Bishop of Dunedin Colin Campbell has been appointed Interim Rector of Holy Cross Seminary.
Bishop Emeritus Campbell has accepted the interim role until a permanent appointment is made to replace Fr Mathew Vadakkevettuvazhiyil, who has left.
The prestigious and exciting O’Shea Shield competition has rangatahi from the 17 Catholic secondary schools in the Wellington and Palmerston North dioceses compete in eight separate events in public speaking, drama, and debating. Running since 1946, O’Shea Shield is one of New Zealand’s oldest intercollegiate competitions, and it involves almost 300 students each year.