Resignation of Bishop Charles Drennan

“I know that some of you will be very affected by this news. It brings forth many emotions. I ask you to help each other as we all move into a new stage in the life of the Diocese.”

Monsignor Brian Walsh

In this challenging time for the Diocese we remember that God journeys with us. Let us continue to gather, to reflect, to pray, and to seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit as the early Church was at Pentecost.

The prayer available to download below was composed in 1993 alongside a renewed pastoral plan for the diocese. It was prayed in all parishes on Pentecost Sunday of that year.

A gathered faith community of all ages

Media Contact:

Cardinal John Dew
c/o David McLoughlin, Communications Advisor New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 611 052

If you, or someone you know, has a concern about abuse or harm in a Church setting:

Make a report to the National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) or the Police.

  • NOPS is a specialist Church team to support those making complaints about abuse and harm in the Church and to investigate instances of abuse or safeguarding concerns. Phone: 0800 114 622; Website: www.safeguarding.catholic.org.nz
  • The New Zealand Police publishes advice for victims of crime on their website: www.police.govt.nz/advice/victims

Survivors of abuse can engage with the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions via their website: www.abuseincare.org.nz/.

There are also several survivor support groups around the country that can be located online.

You can contact any bishop or religious congregation directly to discuss issues, make complaints, and share experiences.