Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North

08/09/2026

The Diocese of Palmerston North’s Justice, Peace, Development and Ecology Commission (JPDEC) has welcomed participants to the first two sessions of Thriving in this Land, a three-part series developed by Common Grace Aotearoa. The programme invites Christians to reflect on how faith calls us to respond to some of New Zealand’s most pressing challenges, including honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, addressing climate change, and responding to economic hardship.

The first session, held on 19 August, explored the Christian legacy of the Clapham Sect and the historical connections that helped shape the formation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The second session, held on 26 August, focused on climate justice.

The third and final session, Economic Justice: Poverty and the Cost of Living, will be held tonight, Wednesday, 9 September, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at Te Rau Aroha, the Catholic Diocesan Centre, 33 Amesbury Street, Palmerston North. The session will examine the realities facing many New Zealand families and consider how Christians can respond to growing economic pressures with compassion, justice and hope.

07/09/2026

There are encouraging signs of renewal across the Diocese of Palmerston North.

In his latest reflection for Tūmanako, Bishop John shares updates on the formation of a new Diocesan Synodal Team, the potential arrival of religious communities, upcoming ordinations, support for newly ordained priests, and the importance of remaining united in mission and service.

06/09/2026

This week is Hospital Chaplaincy Awareness Week.

Chaplaincy teams work in hospitals throughout New Zealand, providing pastoral care to patients, families and staff. Chaplains walk alongside people recovering from surgery and those facing long-term illness, offering a compassionate presence during challenging times. They support children and their families, as well as those experiencing mental health challenges.

Chaplains also provide comfort and guidance at the end of life, supporting patients and their loved ones through grief. In addition, they offer a listening ear and emotional support to healthcare staff facing the daily pressures of caring for others.

Catholic chaplains currently serve at Taranaki Base Hospital, Whanganui Hospital, Palmerston North Hospital and Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

Hospital Chaplaincy Awareness Week is all about making the spiritual and pastoral care provided by hospital chaplains more visible to the people who need them.

04/09/2026

Social Justice Week begins tomorrow, Sunday 6 September.

This year's theme is 'You Belong to God | Nā Te Atua anō koe.'

This year we begin a three-year journey exploring what it means to truly belong — to God, to one another, and to creation — starting with the first and most important thread: we belong to God, made on purpose, fully known and fully loved.

Find all the resources from Aotearoa New Zealand at www.caritas.org.nz/social-justice-week

03/09/2026

What began as a long-awaited answer to prayer soon became a journey through uncertainty, fear, and hope. After being born at just 24 weeks, baby Isaac faced challenge after challenge, leaving his parents with little to hold onto except their faith.

In this moving testimony, Komahan and Shanika share how prayer, community, and trust in God's promises sustained them through 108 days in NICU, and how they encountered God's presence in the darkest moments.

02/09/2026

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫

From 1 September to 4 October, Christians around the world celebrate the Season of Creation, an annual time of prayer, reflection and action for our common home.

This year's theme, Living Water, is inspired by Ezekiel 47:1-12, where God's life-giving river brings healing, renewal and abundance wherever it flows.

Resources can be found at https://tumanako.pndiocese.org.nz/2026/08/season-of-creation-2026-living-water/

01/09/2026

The latest Tūmanako Update for September 2026 is out now! - https://mailchi.mp/pndiocese/september2026-6745830

31/08/2026

The Diocesan Staff were treated to a lovely morning tea yesterday by Fr Sam, in honour of his birthday 🎂

Fr Sam shared how grateful he was to be able to celebrate with us, since his own family lives overseas.

If you see Fr Sam around, make sure you wish him happy birthday for yesterday!

31/08/2026

Yesterday at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Palmerston North's 10am Mass, seminarian Zung Manh Phan reached a significant milestone in his vocation journey, celebrating the Rite of Candidacy.

In this formal rite, the Bishop publicly recognises a candidate's intention to continue towards ordination and the Church's confidence in his call to ordained ministry.

Congratulations, Zung, on this important step. We look forward with joy to the next stage of your journey as you prepare for ordination as a transitional deacon.

27/08/2026

The Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North is now on WhatsApp Channels!

Want diocesan news and updates delivered directly to your phone?

Follow our channel to receive news, events, prayers, reflections and other diocesan updates in one convenient place.

📱 Scan the QR code or use the link below to join:

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDZ4ciEVccSHvJhaa2a

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