Welcom Archive 2007-2026

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).

Building safer communities together

Building safer communities together

WelCom April 2021 Matthew Balm In his 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti – on fraternity and social friendship, Pope Francis wrote,  ‘God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity, and has called them to live together as brothers and sisters.’  This context of ‘fraternity’ means we are all united by human dignity […]

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‘Loud Fence’ trellises

‘Loud Fence’ trellises

WelCom April 2021 Rupi Mapusua and Brigid Sharp Parishioners at Our Lady of Hope Parish of Tawa and Titahi Bay stood in solidarity at Our Lady of Fatima Church, on Sunday 21 February and St Pius X Church on Saturday 27 February, to publicly acknowledge sexual abuse by clergy.  They stood with other churches that […]

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He Hīkoi Whakapono: A Journey of Faith

He Hīkoi Whakapono: A Journey of Faith

WelCom April 2021 Ko Tahi Ano – Together as One, is made up of five communities in and around Palmerston North: the Cathedral; Our Lady of Lourdes, Palmerston North and Sacred Heart Church, Rongotea; St Mary’s, Foxton, and St Joseph’s Church, Shannon. There are four Catholic schools: St Peter’s College, St James and Our Lady […]

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Old boy at the helm

Old boy at the helm

WelCom April 2021 Michael Fitzsimons Tim Stuck, the new principal of Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth, has a lot invested in the college. His father went there, he and his brothers went there and now son Harry is walking through the school gates. ‘I’m very much a local,’ says Tim. ‘After college I […]

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Cathedral column: Farewell to our Music Director

Cathedral column: Farewell to our Music Director

WelCom April 2021 Tears flowed freely at the parish farewell for Michael Fletcher, Director of Music at Sacred Heart Cathedral for the past ten years. The occasion followed his final choral Mass on Sunday 14 March with tributes from choristers and parishioners emphasising Michael’s outstanding contribution to the cathedral, particularly in music ministry. His resignation […]

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Generation 20/20: agent for change

Generation 20/20: agent for change

WelCom April 2021 A new book, GENERATION 20/20: Agents for Change was launched at the Central Library in Palmerston North on 21 March – the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  The book, written by Mary Eastham, is a record of two, young adult interfaith forums held at Square Edge, Palmerston North in […]

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St Mary’s national U15 Sevens champions

St Mary’s national U15 Sevens champions

WelCom April 2021 Mark Hurley St Mary’s College Wellington fielded a senior team and an Under-15 team at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sevens Nationals (Condors) held in Auckland last December.  The U15 team was undefeated in pool play, then went on to win their quarter final against St Peter’s Cambridge 15–7, their semi-final against […]

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Birthday celebrations at Heretaunga

Birthday celebrations at Heretaunga

WelCom April 2021 Veronica Sawers This year, 2021, marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of St Brendan’s School and the 70th anniversary of the appointment of the first parish priest, Fr Heavey, in Heretaunga, Upper Hutt. We marked these events in our parish and school in late February. We also celebrated Our Lady of […]

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‘Shoot me instead’

‘Shoot me instead’

WelCom April 2021 Kneeling before them in the dust of a northern Myanmar city, Sr Ann Rose Nu Tawng begs a group of heavily armed police officers to spare ‘the children’ and take her life instead.  The image of the Catholic nun in a simple white habit, her hands spread, pleading with the forces of […]

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