As we closed the Jubilee Year this past weekend, the Cathedral was absolutely jam-packed, a wonderful sign of faith and commitment. The gathering afterwards was equally uplifting. Has this Jubilee Year inculcated us with a greater sense of hope? I think arguably yes. While I cannot speak for everyone, I believe we have seen signs of renewal at parish level and remain committed to that process. I was also encouraged by the vitality of our young people — at Hearts Aflame, which sold out in less than a week, and at LifeTeen Summer Camp, full of energy and enthusiasm.

We have heard the desire across the diocese for ongoing formation, particularly around the Second Vatican Council. This year we will begin a two-year programme introducing six key documents of the Council. Study days will take place in our diocesan hubs: Palmerston North, Hawke’s Bay, New Plymouth and Whanganui. Dr Cameron Surrey will guide participants through the documents themselves, helping us engage directly with their content. You can find out more about these Diocesan Hubs on the Tūmanako website.

Many have participated in the discussion on liturgical posture, particularly kneeling. The response has been strong, with thoughtful perspectives both for and against. We will keep the discussion open through Lent and close it off at Easter, with decisions to be made during the Easter season. If you’d like to share your thoughts on the matter, you may email [email protected]. Thank you to all those who have made a submission: I am grateful for the reading, reflection, and prayer many have undertaken.

As the school year begins, I will soon embark on opening school Masses and commissioning Masses for teachers. In the coming months, I will travel to Korea as part of preparations for World Youth Day next year. We hope to take 500 young New Zealanders, with over 50 from our diocese already expressing interest. My role includes preparing for Days in the Diocese before gathering in Seoul for World Youth Day with Pope Leo.

At a recent volunteer gathering at Lourdes and the Cathedral, around 120 people attended — far more than expected — and nearly 200 have offered to be more involved in parish life. This is real fruit of last year’s Hope and Renewal Summit. Beyond our diocese, the Church in France is experiencing unexpected renewal, with many young people entering the Church through RCIA. Locally, our Mass count statistics are promising, suggesting a return to pre-COVID levels, with Cathedral numbers higher than any year since at least 2015.

As we look ahead, I do so with a real sense of hope — one that has been steadily growing among us over the past year. We have seen signs of renewal in our parishes, in the faith of our young people, and in the generous response of so many who are stepping forward to serve. These moments encourage me deeply. My prayer is that we continue to walk together in this spirit of openness and faith, trusting that the Lord is already at work among us.

May God bless each of you and your whānau as we begin this new year, and may we keep responding to the signs of hope that are emerging in our diocese.

+ John