News
There is always plenty happening in the Auckland Diocese! Formation for ministers, finance seminars, education, and, of course, celebration... current information can be found on this page.
Important diocesan announcements can be found below, and national news from our NZ Catholic Newspaper can be found to the left.
Christmas Message
Click here to view a Christmas video message from Bishop Patrick Dunn.
St Matthew-in-the-city Billboard
It is true, as St Matthews-in-the-City news release points out, that Christmas is real and celebrates a real pregnancy. It is also true that the anxiety and needs of young solo mothers today need to be addressed with compassion and care.
In trying to make this point however, St Matthews ignores the gospel account of matters surrounding Mary's pregnancy and the birth of Jesus, in which Mary is not a shocked solo mother, but a young woman who, despite any anxiety she may have had, has given her firm assent and trust to God, saying "Be it done to me according to your will".
Unfortunately, St Matthews' provocative billboards do not promote constructive debate. As their own Facebook pages and comments on talkback radio testify, they provide a platform for the ridiculing of Christian beliefs on the one hand by people who are hostile to the Christian faith. And on the other hand they provoke extreme actions and abuse by certain Christian fundamentalist groups. Neither of these serve any useful purpose.
The Bishop Reflects - a new podcast
The diocese has launched
The Bishop Reflects - a series of podcasts featuring Bishop Pat Dunn. In each episode, Lyndsay Freer will conduct a conversation with the bishop about topics relevant to his ministry and to the Church in Auckland.
The first episode discusses the bishop's ad-limina visit as he prepares to leave for Rome along with the other New Zealand bishops, as they make their first visit to Pope Benedict and the Curial offices as a Bishops' Conference.
Click here to visit the Bishop's page, where you will find the podcast in the left-hand column.
On his return, Bishop Pat will record a Christmas video message.
These initiatives are part of a diocesan project to make better use of social media services, and will be accompanied by revisions to the diocesan website in coming weeks.
Catholic Social Services, Auckland returns to its roots
Catholic Social Services had its roots in the 1920's and 30's in a wide range of welfare work. In the 1950's it became formally established as an agency mainly focused on people appearing in Court. Its focus broadened over the next 30 years with strong emphasis on family support.
Known in recent years as Catholic Family & Community Services, it has returned to its former name of Catholic Social Services.
Based in at 31 Lincoln Road in Ponsonby, the agency continues to offer a broad range of core social services including social work support and advocacy, respite care, counselling, prison chaplaincy and community programmes.
The launch of the new name takes place on Friday 25 November, beginning with Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Vermont St, Ponsonby, followed by lunch at its premises in Lincoln St, Ponsonby.
For further information about Catholic Social Services
Phone (09) 378 9650, Fax (09) 378 8671
Auckland Diocese launches new opportunity for professional networking
The Catholic Community Network (CCN) is a new initiative by the Catholic Diocese of Auckland to gather, connect and inspire Catholics from all walks of life at networking events around Auckland.
Our very first Catholic Community Network event will be held in the Great Northern Room at the Ellerslie Convention Centre on Wednesday, 23rd November 2011. Cocktails start at 5.30pm with guests seated by 6.30pm to hear from three inspirational guest speakers: Archbishop John Dew (Catholic Archbishop of Wellington), Lorraine Smith (Barrister and Solicitor) and Chris Morrison (Business Entrepreneur).
Archbishop Dew will speak on Leadership in his role as Archbishop in today’s secular New Zealand society. Lorraine Smith will speak on the topic "Success, Leadership and the influence of Christian values in your career." Chris Morrison will speak on the topic "Success, Leadership and the influence of Ethical values in your career."
There will be an opportunity for questions after hearing from our last guest speaker at around 7.30pm.
Tickets cost $20 per person and there is ample free parking at the Ellerslie Convention Centre in Auckland. For more information and booking details see
www.catholicnetwork.org.nz Gather, Connect and be Inspired
Clergy Appointment Changes 2011
Changes to the location and status of Clergy in the Auckland Diocese are normally in place for the first Mass in February.
For information regarding the 2011 changes, please
click here
Puhoi Church Fundraiser
Calling all who are connected to the Puhoi Church of SS Peter and Paul!
Been to a wedding there?
Family tree has roots there?
Seen it in a movie or ad?
Recognise its unique history and the need to
preserve an irreplaceable building?
The congregation has begun the task of fundraising to restore the 128 year old building, as near as possible to its original condition. Please help!!
Donations, large or small, to
RC BISHOP AUCKLAND WARKWORTH PARISH RCB SS PETER AND PAUL FUNDRAISING would be very much appreciated.
Please post to:
J M Schollum
17 Chesterfield Way
Orewa 0931
Watch out for items for sale on our Parish User name "holyname" Booklet
"The Building of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul" for $20.00. For more information please contact J M Schollum.
New Words. Deeper Meaning. Same Mass
New Words, Deeper Meaning, Same Mass
As from the First Sunday in Advent 2010, t
he words we say and hear at Mass have changed. After thorough consultation, a revised English translation of the Mass was introduced in New Zealand Catholic Churches in November 2010.
The words and approved music for Mass is available on line at : www.nlo.org.nz/