Kia ora, <<First Name>>

It has been a busy month across the diocese, as we all try to keep warm as the temperatures drop. The Maunga in our diocese, Taranaki and Ruapehu, are starting to look impressive with their white coats.

This month we’re looking towards Te Iwa o Matariki - the Māori New Year celebration, which occurs this year at the beginning of July.

Scroll down for some ideas to celebrate Matariki, some information from our recent Pastoral Day, and links to find out about the latest changes Pope Francis has made to the upcoming Synod of Bishops *spoiler alert* … we get to be involved!

Tools for Mission | Pastoral Day

Last weekend, on the 18th & 19th June 2021, a group of leaders from across the Diocese of Palmerston North gathered together to explore our response to the call to be Missionary Disciples.

This was the first time that a diocesan Pastoral Day was held over a weekend, enabling volunteer lay leaders to join with clergy and diocesan staff. Around 60 people came and explored a key tool for evangelisation and discovered more about their role in leading their local communities, as we all respond to the Great Commission to go and make disciples.

We have collected together some of the key content and questions, making them available for us all to continue exploring.

Matariki | How to Celebrate

Matariki is a celebration for all New Zealanders that takes place in June and July. It’s a time to come together with your friends, whānau, and communities.

This resource provides some suggestions of ways you can mark Matariki this year, along with a resource by the Sisters of Mercy about how it links to our faith.

View the resource online >

More news and events can be found at pndiocese.org.nz

For a Synodal Church

Pope Francis has approved a dramatic shakeup to the next Synod of Bishops, pushing the physical gathering of Bishops from around world out to 2023, and asking every diocese in the world to begin a local process of listening and walking together in October 2021.

In this video, a few of those helping plan the upcoming Synod in Rome talk about some of the changes to the process.

View the video online >

Ministry Job Opportunity

Pastoral Life Coordinator: Kotahi Ano

This role is an exciting opportunity in Palmerston North for Our Lady of Lourdes and the Cathedral parishes. They are looking for someone with a love for people and experience in pastoral ministry for this full-time paid position.

View further information here>

“It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.”

Pope Francis, Address on the 50th anniversary of the Institution of the Synod of Bishops, 2015