Catholic groups oppose Rwanda plan
Catholic groups in Britain have joined over 250 organisations in condemning a bill submitted by the government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to send some asylum seekers from the UK to the African nation of Rwanda.
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).
Dangers of food waste
In a message to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Pope has warned of the dangers of food waste, highlighting that it damages the climate whilst it could feed the world’s hungry.
New resource for Year of Prayer
The Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation has issued a new resource on prayer aimed at inviting the faithful to ‘intensify prayer as a personal dialogue with God’ and to reflect on their faith and commitment in today’s world.
Plundered treasures returned to Ghana
An historic agreement was signed on 25 January, 2024, between Ghana and two major British museums. It has been agreed to return to Ghana a portion of its treasures looted in 1874 by British colonial troops, and kept at the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Compassion Soup Kitchen launches appeal to fund increase in demand
On the frontline of supporting people facing hardship, Compassion Soup Kitchen launched an appeal last month, called Support People in Your Community. The appeal is to raise funds to help those in need in Wellington.
New Rector for Holy Cross Seminary
Fr David Dowling has been appointed the new rector of Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland.
Waitangi at Pukekaraka 2024
Throughout New Zealand on Waitangi Day, 6 February, Masses were celebrated to mark this special day to reflect on the meaning of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its significance for our country. Pā Phil Cody describes the Waitangi Day Mass celebrated at Pukekaraka, Ōtaki.
Wellington Catholic Women’s League to celebrate 80 years
Members of the Archdiocese of Wellington Catholic Women’s League branches are preparing to celebrate a major milestone of 80 years of ‘Faith and Service in Action’ along with the recently incorporated branches from the Taranaki region.
Benemerenti Medal for Sr Trish Hanaray
Sr Patricia Hanaray was presented with the Benemerenti Medal by the Archbishop of Wellington Paul Martin sm at a ceremony held last month at Whitby Lakes Retirement Village.
Dedicated vocations weekend in Porirua
Eleven young men from around the archdiocese and from as far as Hawke’s Bay attended a dedicated vocations weekend last month at Camp Elsdon in Porirua. Hosted by the archdiocese Church Mission vocations team as part of its ‘Come & See’ programme, it was their first whole weekend devoted to young men discerning a call to the priesthood.