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
Death of the Most Reverend Owen Dolan
Pastoral
Published on 29th Apr, 2025
Bishop Owen Dolan passed away peacefully on Monday 28 April 2025 [..]
New Zealand Catholics mourn death of Pope Francis
Pastoral
Published on 21st Apr, 2025
Pope Francis died at age 88 on Easter Monday [..]
Chrism Mass 2025
Pastoral
Published on 7th Apr, 2025
The Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday 15 April [..]
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Centenary
Pastoral
Published on 4th Mar, 2025
The Cathedral Parish will celebrate 100 years over the weekend of 21-22 March [..]