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).
Special Commissioning Masses for Catholic school teachers and staff are held annually to celebrate and begin the new teaching year together. Eucharist and whanaungātanga (connections, relationships) are celebrated and all who serve within each Catholic school and college community are commissioned and blessed in their ministries.
A Kiwi contingent is invited to take part in this year’s international Genfest in Brazil and neighbouring countries from 12–24 July. Organised by the Focolare Movement’s youth arm, Y4UW International, it offers an experience of universal fraternity for thousands of young people from around the world.
Every year is unique and has its issues and challenges and 2023 was no exception. Adverse weather, which repeatedly impacted on Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and the East Coast of the North Island, including Gisborne and the Hawke’s Bay, was particularly challenging.
Three students have been awarded the Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert Tertiary Scholarship to assist them in completing their studies in 2024.
The Sisters thank the Home of Compassion Trust Board who make this possible, and congratulate the following students on their successful applications.
As part of the Catholic Parish of the Wairarapa, St Patrick’s School Masterton and St Mary’s School Carterton combined to celebrate First Communion for 30 children on the Feast of Christ the King, Sunday, 26 November last year. The children are pictured with parish priest Fr Bruce England on the altar at St Patrick’s Church, Masterton. (Fr Bruce been appointed parish priest for Levin in 2024.)
In January, 24 young people from the Catholic Parish of New Plymouth were among 305 other young people at the 2024 Life Teen Camp. The New Plymouth group was the largest parish contingent from around the country. Held St Peter’s College in Cambridge, it was the 8th Life Teen Summer Camp. The annual camp offers opportunities to connect with Jesus through keynote sessions, group discussions and fun.
Three youth ministers have been appointed to Catholic colleges in Wellington as Tuākana (youth ministers) for the archdiocese’s 2024 Youth Minister programme.
In December the Archdiocese of Wellington brought together 71 students from its nine Catholic colleges to attend the 19th annual Young Catholic Leaders (YCL) camp. The camp prepares students going into Year 13 for leadership roles for the year ahead.
On their way to Christmas carols in the Challenge 2000 van are former interns Rose at the back and RenC with guitar.
February 2024