St John Paul II Centre

10/10/2026

🙏🏻 Join us in praying the support life Sunday novena - today we pray for peace in a wounded world.

40 years ago in 1986, Pope St John Paul II came to New Zealand and his message was one of peace between all peoples 🕊️

🙏 Respect Life Sunday Novena
DAY ONE: Peace in a Wounded World

Scripture
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9

Reflection
Our world is wounded by war and violence.
We pray today for families who have lost loved ones, families forced to flee, communities destroyed and people living in fear.
But peace is more than the absence of war.
Peace requires justice.
Peace requires forgiveness.
Peace requires respect for human dignity.
Peace requires the courage to encounter those who are different from us.

Prayer
Prince of Peace,
look with mercy upon our troubled world.
Bring an end to war.
Protect innocent people caught in conflict.
Protect children.
Comfort those who mourn.
Heal those wounded by violence.
Give wisdom to world leaders
and courage to those who work for peace.
Break the cycle of hatred and revenge.
May nations choose dialogue rather than violence,
justice rather than oppression,
and reconciliation rather than retaliation.

Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.

In what small way can I become a peacemaker today, bringing hope to a wounded world?

10/10/2026

We couldn’t agree more with Hannah’s words - please join us in prayer over the next nine days as we reflect on the precious gift of life and the dignity of each and every human being ❤️🙏🏻

We’re also looking forward to being in the Narthex at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral after the 9.30am and 4.30pm Masses 😊

22/09/2026

🎨 A Huge Thank You to Our Race Night Artists! 🏇

What a night! Our Race Night silent auction last month was made truly special thanks to the incredible generosity of the local artists who donated their beautiful work — and we're thrilled to say every single piece sold! 🙌

A massive thank you to:

🖌️ Daniel Ho — graphic designer and illustrator, who donated two stunning acrylic prints: The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament and Agony in the Garden. Check out more of his work at www.danielhoart.com

✒️ Shaun Hickland — local self-taught artist specialising in medieval-inspired art, who gifted his exquisite illuminated piece Psalm 127, handcrafted with card, acrylic paint and gold leaf in the tradition of medieval Books of Hours. DM us if you'd like to get in touch with Shaun.

🎨 Carmela Makalio — Christchurch-based, Elam-trained artist, who shared her tender pen & ink prints Mother and Child and Annunciation. DM us if you'd like to get in touch with Carmela.

✝️ Refined.Broken.Beautiful — local sculptor and restorer, who donated a breathtaking handcrafted 65cm plaster Our Lady statue finished with ch*****ne gold leaf. Find more at refinedbrokenbeautiful.carrd.co

🙏 Bernard Smith — a long-time friend of our Race Nights, who has generously gifted his handmade Our Lady statues year after year as a labour of love. His work can also be found at the Catholic Shop in Christchurch.

👼 Sr Lauren Butler — Carmelite Extern Sister, who donated her hand-painted icon of St Gabriel the Archangel, written using traditional gesso, egg tempera and 24ct gold leaf gilding.

To every one of our artists — thank you for so generously sharing your talent and your time. Your donations didn't just raise vital funds for the St John Paul II Centre, they brought real beauty and meaning to the evening. We are so grateful for your support! ❤️

Thank you to everyone who bid on the night and helped make it such a success!

07/09/2026

Thank you to everyone who backed our little centre at our annual Race Night fundraiser! An action-packed night, with top quality entertainment, food and company!

Thanks to our sponsors and to for being the best hosts.

Congratulations to Fr Peter Farrant, who took out the Priest Punter of the Year and to our raffle and silent auction winners.

Here are the photos - check out the fun, and we hope to see you next year!

📷 Jessie Mischewski

01/09/2026

A Billings Ovulation Method Natural Fertility Seminar will be held in Christchurch on 9th and 10th October. This seminar will offer a comprehensive introduction to a natural and scientifically based fertility awareness method that assists couples in planning their families and supports women in understanding their reproductive health.

The seminar is suitable for couples, health professionals, educators, and anyone interested in learning more about fertility awareness. It is also an excellent opportunity for those interested in becoming accredited Billings Teachers, as demand for teaching services continues to grow across New Zealand.

For further information and registration, visit:
www.billingslife.org.nz/training-seminar

07/08/2026

⏳ 3 weeks till Race Night!

Join us for a fun night out on Friday 28 August at Addington Raceway — harness racing, a 2-course dinner, great raffle prizes and a silent auction featuring pieces generously donated by local artists.

Grab your tickets, book a table, and bring your friends, parish or community group along.

🎟️ jp2.org.nz/racenight

All proceeds support the St John Paul II Centre as we help marriages and families flourish across the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch .

📷 Sarah Blair Photography

02/08/2026

Thank you Fr Alister for this wonderful reflection on this Sunday’s Gospel.

Particularly focused for children, however also a lovely reminder for us all to share the little we have with others - we hope you’ll share this message and that it blesses the children in your lives 🐟🥖

30/07/2026

🐎 Race Night is back!

Join us Friday 28 August at Addington Raceway for a lively night at the trots - enjoy lots of live harness racing, a delicious 2-course dinner, and our famous Priest Punter of the Year competition (the trophy is always fiercely contested 👀).

Every ticket helps marriages and families flourish across the Christchurch Diocese.

🎟️ Book your tickets or a table of 10 at jp2.org.nz/racenight

02/06/2026

Families flourish when God — the source of all life and love — is at the centre of the home. But how do we keep him there, in the middle of busy, noisy, ordinary family life? 🤔

One of the simplest and most beautiful ways is Eucharistic adoration.

Catholics believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist (the bread and w**e consecrated at Mass). In adoration, the Host is placed in a golden vessel called a monstrance (from the Latin "to show") so that we can see and be with him, sit, pray, or rest in his presence.

Pope St John Paul II called the Eucharist the centre of the Church's life, so a holy hour helps us to do this quite literally!

As part of this event, there will also be a Eucharistic procession — where the Blessed Sacrament is carried in the monstrance, with people walking together behind him in prayer and song.

It's an old and joyful practice that takes Love into our streets and neighbourhoods. All are welcome, come along for the whole hour or just a few minutes 💞

Bishop Michael invites all to the annual Diocesan Eucharistic Procession and Holy Hour on the feast of Corpus Christi – Sunday, 7 June. This year it is being held at the Holy Family Parish at Our Lady of Victories Church, Sockburn, and Msgr Rick Loughnan will be the celebrant. This solemnity marks the ‘solemn commemoration of the institution of the Eucharist’ – the source and summit of the Catholic Faith. Beginning at 2.30pm, the celebration will include adoration, a procession around the streets, prayers and music. All groups welcome to attend with banners.

For more information, please contact Matt at the Diocesan Office on 366-9869 or [email protected]

19/05/2026

Thank you to Mike and Alicia Hernon for giving your talk on Growing a Family Culture! 🫶

What a joy it was to have you both sharing wisdom on family life for us here in Christchurch.

have some incredible content and helpful resources so feel free to check out their website and socials 💕