We believe and proclaim the importance of recognising the diversity and complementarity of one another's cultural riches and moral qualities as well as the need for building community and solidarity.
Pontifical Council forJustice & Peace, 2001
This poupou (Maori historical carving) represents New Zealand's first Catholic bishop, Jean-Baptiste Pompallier by courtesy of the Whai Ora Catholic Marae, Otara. It is carved by master carver, Paki Harrison, and photographed by Vince Harperi, as one of a series commissioned by the Pompallier Hokianga Trust.
The Catholic Church in New Zealand is divided into regions (dioceses) which in turn are made up of parishes. Throughout the Church in New Zealand there are congregations of religious women and men, and community groups that focus on particular tasks or ways of living, such as prayer and spirituality, schools, marriage and relationship support.
In addition to the listings on this page, the Church expresses itself in a wide range of community, pastoral and caring activities.
by Rev Henare Tate, Vicar for Maori, Diocese of Auckland
In 1989, for the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference issued a statement entitled, "A Commemoration Year for Aotearoa-New Zealand". They acknowledged that through the Treaty "this country was established as a bicultural state". They further acknowledged that the Treaty was "a covenant, and a taonga (sacred treasure)", thereby affirming the commitment of the Catholic Church to bicultural relationships in society and in the Church itself.
In a further statement in 1995, they strongly acknowledged Maori as the "indigenous people of our country", and the "first occupants" of the land. Through the Treaty, Maori "have the right to land, and political organisation which would allow them to preserve their cultural identity".
Our bicultural commitment requires that all Church agencies engage in partnership with Maori and fully support them in their right to cultural identity in the Church. Pope Johnl Paul II emphasised this place of the Maori in the Church during his visit to Auckland in 1986: "It is as Maori that the Lord calls you, it is as Maori that you belong to the Church, the one Body of Christ".
Each diocese determines the myriad of ways in which it meets and expresses its bicultural commitment.
At all levels in the life of the Church, not just those that have 'official' sanction, the Church encourages New Zealand Catholics to make their response to its bicultural commitment.
The Church's chaplains are responsible for the spiritual and personal welfare of a wide variety of groups in New Zealand. These groups range from the police officers to prisoners, from school communities to those constrained by illness in hospital.
The chaplains provide a point of reference and sometimes a link to the wider community or other groups and where appropriate will be involved in assisting at special times such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Chaplaincies: Please see your local Diocese
Young people are the living force of New Zealand's future, the ones who will decide what New Zealand will be. Young Catholics of the new generation are in a unique position to understand, help and challenge other young people in New Zealand to think about the kind of society they want to build for the future.
Some ideas to get involved :
Within your own town, parish, or work community there will be many situations calling for positive Christian leadership.
"We live in a world of extraordinary beauty, blessed with wonderful gifts by our Creator, and containing life, love and diversity in abundance. We acknowledge that in every culture and community wonderfully mature and committed people serve the needs of their neighbour with selflessness and generosity, and we thank them for that. All these we celebrate for the great hope they offer."
- from 'A Consistent Ethic of Life', NZ Catholic bishops 1997
Find your diocesan and parish community activities.
Enrol your child in a Catholic school and enjoy the benefits of a faith environment in a community striving for academic excellence.
Develop the quality of your personal relationships at various stages of your life.
Passionist Family Movement
Marian Mothers
Marriage Preparation
Marriage Encounter
Develop a sense of community and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities.
Broaden your experiences of the Christian community working together. Contact the National Commission for Ecumenism
Enjoy a range of benefits by investing with diocesan based investment funds and help support the Church's development and pastoral works.
See your local diocese for details.
Other communities in the Pacific region can benefit from assistance given by volunteers for short-term special projects: Mahitahi
Copyright 2008 Catholic Communications for the NZ Catholic Bishops' Conference
