Liturgy & Prayer
The heart of Catholic life, the “Source and Summit” of all we do is our life of prayer and worship. In our daily gathering as a community to pray and worship, but especially on Sunday, we are formed by the Word of God and become one in Christ’s offering to the Father in the Eucharist.
Thanksgiving and Worship
The diocese offers formation in ministry and the liturgy, and recommends many links to support our liturgical life:
Preparation of Sunday readings and Scripture
Weekly Scripture Reflections from Fr Marcus Francis
National site of liturgical resources
Diocese of Auckland Liturgy Centre
Archdiocese of Brisbane Liturgy Centre
Links to online lectionary texts:
New Revised Standard Version (recommended study bible and the translation used in the Canadian Lectionary)
The Jerusalem Bible (Original post Vatican 2 Lectionary)
United States Lectionary (CCD edition)
Retreats and Spiritual Direction
Click here to find information about and contacts for:
Prayer days, retreats in daily life, guided or directed retreats
Christian Life Community (CLC)
We are also gifted with spiritual directors in the Marist community in the Hawkes Bay, and the Josephite community in Whanganui (contacts are available through the diocesan office).
The other great centre of retreat, formation and deep prayer is the Cistercian community, based at Kopua (near Norsewood), who for 50 years have lived a monastic life at the heart of the Diocese. You can spend time in their guest house or visit for prayer during the day, visit their website at www.kopuamonastery.org.nz.
Within the Diocese there are also:
Latest News and Resources
Pope's life, legacy recalled at packed Holy Spirit Cathedral
Pastoral
Published on 5th May, 2025
Over 600 people attended the National Requiem Mass for Pope Francis [..]
Funeral Details for Bishop Owen Dolan
Pastoral
Published on 2nd May, 2025
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, 6 May at 1pm [..]
National Mass for Pope in Palmerston North this weekend
Pastoral
Published on 2nd May, 2025
The Mass will be celebrated at 6pm on Sunday, May 4 at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit [..]
Hope and Renewal Summit
Pastoral
Published on 30th Apr, 2025
The Hope and Renewal Summit is a national gathering for Catholics across Aotearoa [..]