WelCom is the monthly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Wellington. Print copies of the eight-page newsletter are free and available in parishes, and sent to parishes and schools in PDF form. The archive contains WelCom stories published from 2007 to 2026 (May).
WelCom December 2021 The many and generous accomplishments of Richard Puanaki for education, Māori culture, music and Katorika Māori were further recognised last month with a posthumous papal award. A Benemerenti Papal Medal was presented at Mass at St Theresa’s Church on Richard’s Tawhiti a Maru Marae, Wairoa. Rīhari Tiki te Aroha Puanaki died in […]
WelCom December 2021 Annette Scullion After leading Sacred Heart Girl’s College, New Plymouth as Tumuaki (principal) for seven years, Paula Wells has been appointed principal at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School in Karori, Wellington. She takes up her new role in 2022. Paula is a highly respected principal, noted for her leadership talents. She began her […]
WelCom December 2021 It was with sadness that people of the Diocese of Palmerston North and beyond learned of Tony Murphy’s death, on 20 November, after a battle with cancer. Tony retired last year after 18 years as general manager of the Diocese of Palmerston North. Strongly community minded, he was also chairman of the […]
WelCom December 2021 Long-time Wellington Vincentian Terry Jordan has been elected as the Society’s new National President. Terry has been a member of the Conference in Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt, since 2008 and has held leadership roles at Conference, Area Council and National Board levels. ‘I see my membership of the Society as a practical expression […]
WelCom December 2021 Cardinal John Dew has announced the following clergy appointments for 2022 for the Archdiocese of Wellington, effective from 1 February 2022. Parish Appointment Te Whetu o Te Moana – Our Lady Star of the Sea, Marlborough Fr Michael McCabe – parish priest Te Whaea Tapu o Kāpiti – Our Lady of Kāpiti […]
WelCom December 2021 Throughout 2021, the Royal Commission continued its investigation into State- and faith-based care in New Zealand between 1950–1999. Following evidence given at the Redress Hearing from survivors in late 2020 and witness statements from Cardinal John Dew and others earlier this year, a final report summarising the Royal Commission’s findings is expected […]
WelCom December 2021 The Vatican is calling on bishops across the world to involve Christian leaders from other churches in the synod process in a move that could turn it into the most significant ecumenical event of recent times. A joint letter from two Rome-based cardinals recommends leaders of Christian communities take part in the […]
WelCom December 2021 Pope Francis has urged political and economic leaders to show courage and long-range vision. His message came shortly after UN-led climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland, last month, ended in compromise on how to combat global warming. Francis in remarks to the public in St Peter’s Square said the ‘cry of the poor, […]
WelCom December 2021 The Pope’s apostolic nuncio to the United States has told the US bishops ‘a divided church will never lead people to where it should be’. In a 30-minute address during the two-day US bishops’ general assembly, Archbishop Christophe Pierre spoke about synodality, abortion, racism and the Eucharist. For the bishops, he said, […]
WelCom December 2021 According to recent statistics, Africa added more than 8 million Catholics in 2019, the largest area of growth in the world. In comparison, America added 5.3 million, Asia added 1.9 million and Oceania 118,000. Europe, on the other hand, saw a decrease of almost 300,000 Catholics. Kinga von Poschinger, who works at […]