Maurice and Mieke Davies, who have been the Palmerston North tertiary and young adults chaplains for the past two years, are heading back to their hometown of Blenheim at the end of November.

Maurice and Mieke have been living at Te Ahi Kaa, the Catholic young adult community house in Palmerston North, as well as being a strong presence at Massey University and facilitating the young adults group.

In January they welcomed baby Malachi into their family.

Kathleen Field, Diocesan coordinator for the youth team, says they will be greatly missed.

She says that Maurice and Mieke have been very strong on hospitality over the past 2 years, and the arrival of Malachi added a lovely family element to Te Ahi Kaa.

“There have been record numbers at the monthly pub nights and at the weekly masses at Massey University, which have had a beautiful aspect of calm reflection, particularly thanks to Mieke’s singing,” Kathleen says. “Maurice has been greatly appreciated at the Massey Chaplaincy Centre – everyone is going to miss his curries and his willingness to have theological discussions with all and sundry!”

Te Ahi Kaa will be continuing in 2017, with 2 confirmed members already.

The youth team is currently in the process of interviewing people to fill Maurice and Mieke’s position next year.