St John Paul II Centre

07/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who backed our little centre at our annual Race Night fundraiser! An action-packed night, with top quality entertainment, food and company!

Thanks to our sponsors and to for being the best hosts.

Congratulations to Fr Peter Farrant, who took out the Priest Punter of the Year and to our raffle and silent auction winners.

Here are the photos - check out the fun, and we hope to see you next year!

📷 Jessie Mischewski

01/09/2026

A Billings Ovulation Method Natural Fertility Seminar will be held in Christchurch on 9th and 10th October. This seminar will offer a comprehensive introduction to a natural and scientifically based fertility awareness method that assists couples in planning their families and supports women in understanding their reproductive health.

The seminar is suitable for couples, health professionals, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about fertility awareness. It is also an excellent opportunity for those interested in becoming accredited Billings Teachers, as demand for teaching services continues to grow across New Zealand.

For further information and registration, visit:
www.billingslife.org.nz/training-seminar

07/08/2026

⏳ 3 weeks till Race Night!

Join us for a fun night out on Friday 28 August at Addington Raceway — harness racing, a 2-course dinner, great raffle prizes and a silent auction featuring pieces generously donated by local artists.

Grab your tickets, book a table, and bring your friends, parish or community group along.

🎟️ jp2.org.nz/racenight

All proceeds support the St John Paul II Centre as we help marriages and families flourish across the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch .

📷 Sarah Blair Photography

02/08/2026

Thank you Fr Alister for this wonderful reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel.

Particularly focused for children, however also a lovely reminder for us all to share the little we have with others - we hope you’ll share this message and that it blesses the children in your lives 🐟🥖

30/07/2026

🐎 Race Night is back!

Join us Friday 28 August at Addington Raceway for a lively night at the trots - enjoy lots of live harness racing, a delicious 2-course dinner, and our famous Priest Punter of the Year competition (the trophy is always fiercely contested 👀).

Every ticket helps marriages and families flourish across the Christchurch Diocese.

🎟️ Book your tickets or a table of 10 at jp2.org.nz/racenight

02/06/2026

Families flourish when God — the source of all life and love — is at the centre of the home. But how do we keep him there, in the middle of busy, noisy, ordinary family life? 🤔

One of the simplest and most beautiful ways is Eucharistic adoration.

Catholics believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist (the bread and w**e consecrated at Mass). In adoration, the Host is placed in a golden vessel called a monstrance (from the Latin "to show") so that we can see and be with him, sit, pray, or rest in his presence.

Pope St John Paul II called the Eucharist the centre of the Church's life, so a holy hour helps us to do this quite literally!

As part of this event, there will also be a Eucharistic procession — where the Blessed Sacrament is carried in the monstrance, with people walking together behind him in prayer and song.

It's an old and joyful practice that takes Love into our streets and neighbourhoods. All are welcome, come along for the whole hour or just a few minutes 💞

Bishop Michael invites all to the annual Diocesan Eucharistic Procession and Holy Hour on the feast of Corpus Christi – Sunday, 7 June. This year it is being held at the Holy Family Parish at Our Lady of Victories Church, Sockburn, and Msgr Rick Loughnan will be the celebrant. This solemnity marks the ‘solemn commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist’ – the source and summit of the Catholic Faith. Beginning at 2.30pm, the celebration will include adoration, a procession around the streets, prayers and music. All groups welcome to attend with banners.

For more information, please contact Matt at the Diocesan Office on 366-9869 or [email protected]

19/05/2026

Thank you to Mike and Alicia Hernon for giving your talk on Growing a Family Culture! 🫶

What a joy it was to have you both sharing wisdom on family life for us here in Christchurch.

have some incredible content and helpful resources so feel free to check out their website and socials 💕

06/05/2026

*LOCATION CHANGE*

Due to high demand for these speakers we are shifting to a bigger location - St Teresa's Hall, Puriri Street.

We look forward to seeing you there! 😄

30/04/2026

We are welcoming Mike and Alicia Hernon to speak on ‘Growing a Family Culture’.

They’ll be sharing five key elements that help create a family culture that is strong, faith-filled, and lived out day by day.

The talk will begin at 2:30 pm, held in the Bishop Joyce Centre at Our Lady of Victories. All are welcome, no registration required.

✔️ 17th May, 2026
✔️ 2.30pm
✔️ Bishop Joyce Centre, Our Lady of Victories, Christchurch.

22/04/2026

The Messy Family Project are coming to Christchurch! 🥳

If you've ever wondered how to build a strong family life in the middle of everyday mess... This is for you.

They'll be sharing five key elements that help create a family culture that is strong, faith-filled, and lived out day by day.

🗓️ Sunday, 17th May, 2026

All are welcome - no registration required. More event details coming soon, just make sure to mark it in your diaries!