Groups in Our Parish

​​We welcome everyone to make the most of what we have on offer and always consider new ideas to help spread the Catholic faith as well as fostering the faith of our parishioners through the Sacraments, prayer and active works of mercy and justice.

​Prayer and Reflection Groups:

Christian Life Community
Christian Life Community is a small group who meet regularly to help each other to know Christ more deeply and to find what He is asking of us in our daily lives. The group follows a particular way of life and prayer inspired by St Ignatius of Loyola. We meet weekly on Wednesday at 1:30pm in one of our members’ homes. Contact: Karyn Coleman (027 834 8352)
Couples for Christ: Couples for Christ is a community of couples who are mostly from the Filipino community who are committed to strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ through regular household prayer meetings, shared activities, and support for one another. This community includes the ministries of Handmaids of the Lord, Servants of the Lord, Singles for Christ, Youth for Christ and the Kids for Christ. Our vision: Families in the Holy Spirit renewing the face of the earth. Our mission: Building the Church of the home; building the Church of the Poor.
Contact: Mon and Bing Hernandez (021 024 27760)

Exploring Faith Group:
The Exploring Faith Group has met regularly since 2009 to reflect on topics raised by members. These topics have ranged over questions about God, reality, scripture, sacraments, life after death, Mary, original sin, spirituality, the rights of Lay people in church, the new theology of creation and a host of other subjects.
Over the years members have spoken of the growth they have seen in themselves, their growing awareness of God within them and the freedom they have experienced as a result of coming to the group.
The purpose of the groups is not to provide answers but to explore and stimulate wider and deeper reflection, that leads to a fuller understanding of all that is related to the topic under discussion.
The morning group meet at 10am on Monday mornings in St Mary’s Church meeting room (Contact Jo Smilie 345 0609).
The evening group now meet via Zoom at 7.30pm on Monday nights.
All are welcome. Contact: Nancie & Brian Quigley (347 8177 or [email protected])

Legion of Mary
This group offers prayer, spiritual growth and apostolic outreach. They meet weekly at Holy Family church on Tuesdays at 10:30am. Their apostolic work includes visitation to the sick, housebound or individuals in other types of need. Statue of Mary: A rosary statue available to have in your own home for one week on roster. To join roster, call 0210488635 Contact: Ian (Bones) Smith (021 293 9688)

Marian Movement of Priests (MMP)
Cenacle Rosary Group: Meets every Monday at 7pm. Contact: Peter and Colleen Allison (343 6946)

Men’s Faith Sharing Group:
Who are we? Currently eight ordinary men. When do we meet? Every Friday, 3-4pm. Where do we meet? We rotate at the houses of the men. Tea/coffee and toast. What do we do? We read the two Readings and Gospel of the next Sunday’s Mass and share what we think it means to us. Other random topics also arise. There is humour. The hour flies. New members always welcome. Contact: Tony (027 342 5516 or [email protected])

Our Lady of Fatima Statue
Have this beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima in your home. There is no fixed timeframe to borrow this beautiful statue. Contact: Kathleen (06 344 2245 or 021 079 0374)

Prayer Tree
Anybody can text the Christian name of a person who needs prayers. This name is immediately sent by text to 24 people who will then pray for this person. If you would like to join this ministry, please contact Anne. You receive a text and just pray. No texting on. Contact: Anne Smith (021 048 8635)

Prayer Vine
Need extra prayer? The Prayer Vine is a group of 14 parishioners who pray for you, your family and friends who need extra prayer. Any request is prayed for and is entirely confidential. Christian names only please. Contact: Maureen (345 5480) or Barbara (342 5812)

Rosary Groups
-Springvale: Meets to pray the rosary on the second Wednesday of every month. Contact: Maureen Gleeson (345 5480)
Rosary statue roster – St Mary’s: This roster enables you to have a beautiful statue of Mary in your home for one week twice a year. This covers the whole of Whanganui City suburbs. Contact: Kathleen (06 344 2245 or 021 079 0374)

Scripture Reflection Group
Who are we? A small group of parishioners who reflect on the upcoming Sunday gospel using Lectio Divina. Conversation is thought provoking, insightful and often funny! When & Where? Every Thursday morning 7-8am at St Mary's church. Wake up coffee included ☺ We warmly welcome new members.
Contact: Kate Lynch (027 2430 430) or Helen Dougherty (027 413 6273)

Community Groups

Care and Concern Ministry
Care and Concern ministry offers individual support for parishoners when needed.
Contact: Jane O’Connell (027 380 3110)

Filipino Community
The Filipino Community in Whanganui is a solid and tight community that actively participates in various cultural, spiritual and social events. Most Filipinos are known to be religious. They celebrate Christian festivities and set aside a day for worship. This is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Sundays have become a hallmark for a family to celebrate their faith and love to the Almighty God. Contact: Joani Letigio Balao-aś (027 575 7216)

Homeless Hub Outreach
We are a group of about 50 parishioners who have committed to helping out the Koha Shed by supplying winter soup and summer salads to people who need a helping hand. St Andrew’s Church in Glasgow Street have generously made their hall available every Friday with their volunteers serving the food. Each team is rostered on about 3 or 4 times over the year. Our efforts are filling a need and are very much appreciated. New helpers always welcome. Contact: Maureen (027 491 2168), Pat (027 491 9637), Jo (027 278 7943), Angela (027 777 1417) or Mary (027 601 5236)

Josephite Companions
We recognise and repsond to the call to live the Josephite charism in our daily lives following the footsteps of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. We gather in person about six times a year, supporting one another through friendship, prayer and service. Contact: Helen Dougherty (027 413 6273)

Kerala Christian Community
We are a vibrant group of Christian migrants from Kerala, a beautiful state in southwestern India. Our community's rich heritage dates back to apostolic times, when St. Thomas introduced Christianity to India, converting many natives to the faith. Today, Kerala is home to a diverse range of Christian denominations, with around 11 different denominations represented among our community. Notably, we come together under the umbrella of the Catholic Church, celebrating and sharing our cultural and communal heritage. This unity in diversity is a testament to our strong faith and shared roots.
We celebrate a Malayalam Mass on the first Sunday of each month at Holy Family church 5:30pm.
Contact: Joggy Varghese (021 135 6649)

St Vincent de Paul
Holy Family Conference of Whanganui. The group meets monthly on the 1st Wednesday at 4pm at the shop on Victoria Avenue. Their meetings involve prayer and spiritual reflection as well as a business agenda. They do visitation, provide support/ aid locally and internationally where they can.
Contact: Margaret Gudsell (027 277 0336) or Kevin Foley (027 326 4275)

Youth Ministry

Senior Youth Group
For youth aged 13-18 years, on Sunday night 6.30-8.30pm at Saint Mary’s Church Hall. Youth group is on every week in term time. Come along for games, pizza, faith, fun and friends. Find us on Instagram: @lifeteen_whanganui
And on Facebook: Life Teen Whanganui Contact: Rain Forest (021 256 0608 or [email protected])

Worship Weekend
Worship, prayer, scripture, testimonies, fire, marshmallows and good vibes. The seniors at Cullinane College run Worship Weekend once or twice a term and open it to different year levels.
Contact: Rain Forest (021 256 0608 or [email protected])

Ministries
New members very welcome

Family Music Group
Contact: Joan O’Neill-Fong (021 146 6022)

Filipino Music Group
Contact: Lawrence Peralta (021 148 4041)

Maori Music Group
Contact: Sr Makareta (06 348 9960)

Mission Group
Contact: Joan Sullivan (021 0206 8805)

Lectors
Contact: Maree Adams (027 406 5788)

Eucharist Ministry
Contact: Suhair Pedley (021 119 7617)

Altar Serving
Contact: Parish Office (345 3872 or [email protected])

Social Groups

Men’s Coffee Group
The men’s coffee group meet every Thursday at 10am at various cafes around town. This group of around 20 have been meeting for over a decade. The group is quite diverse with most being retired and find this get together as a great social occasion. There is no structure, and members are under no pressure, just the opportunity to meet, drink coffee and socialise. We welcome new members! Contact: Patrick O’Leary (021 576 703)

Ladies Coffee Group
Come along and join us on a Wednesday 10am at Mitre 10. We would love you to join us.
Contact: Maureen Gleeson (345 5480)

Young Adults Group
Meet 1st, 3rd & 5th Sunday at St Mary’s after the 5.30pm Mass (6.30pm). Bring something to share (biscuits, baking etc.). This is a chance to get to know other young adults in the parish and have a chat. An opportunity to grow deeper in faith and community. Contact: Rain Forest (021 256 0608 or [email protected])

Sacraments

Pre-Marriage Course
The Pre-Marriage Course is a series of five sessions to help engaged couples or those exploring the possibility of marriage, build strong foundations for their future together; to help couples invest in their relationship for a lasting marriage. Over five sessions, the course will help you to learn to communicate well, understand and appreciate your differences, and prepare for potential challenges. Contact: Gerard & Kate Lynch (027 243 0430)

Seekers (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
The Catholic Parish of Whanganui offers this program to all who wish to participate. The vast majority of those who participate are non-Catholics who want to learn more about our faith. There are also Catholics who wish to refresh their faith. All are welcome. For some, the program could be subtitled "A Spiritual Journey to Easter.” We meet once a fortnight with a short break over Christmas. The course covers images of God and experiencing God, Jesus, His suffering death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church and spiritual life, the Sacraments and the Mass. The program usually starts during September and culminates with the reception of the catechumens into the Church on Easter Sunday. For some it will be Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. For the minority of the group Confirmation and Holy Communion. Contact: Tony Hore (027 342 5516) or the Parish Office ([email protected])

Other sacraments
Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation and Matrimony. Contact: Parish Office (345 3872 or [email protected])

Religious Orders
Sisters of St Joseph
Four Sisters of St Joseph from Australia (near Bathurst) began ministry here in Whanganui in 1880. Since then, over 250 women have committed themselves to the congregation and, primarily, to the role of educating children. These women are now in their senior years but remain active in a wide variety of community agencies which aim to promote fullness of life for all (John 10:10). Quinlan Court, an independent living facility for seniors in Harrison St, was established by the Sisters over 25 years ago as a service to the citizens of Whanganui. Contact: Marie Skidmore rsj (027 356 2733)

Evangelisation

Alpha
Alpha is simply a safe space to meet new people, find out the basics of Christian faith, and share thoughts. The short course is run over 11 sessions; each week a different big question around the Christian faith is unpacked and explored together. No pressure. No judgement. Just open conversation over some good food! Come along and see what you think. Contact: Thomas Thomas (027 296 1244)

Chaplaincy Groups

Hospital Chaplain
Whanganui hospital has one Ecumenical Chaplain (full time,) one Catholic Chaplain (part time) and volunteers from local churches. The Chaplains are also supported by volunteers form the local Church communities. The chaplaincy team is here to help everyone in the hospital. Patients do not have to have any religious affiliation. The beliefs of all patients, relatives and staff are respected at all times. People coming to hospital can sometimes feel anxious. We all need assurance at times in our lives. The Chaplains offer pastoral and spiritual care to patients, their families/whanau and those working in the hospital community. They aim to do so with cultural sensitivity. Chaplains will listen, mediate and counsel on spiritual and personal concerns. They will offer prayer, spiritual guidance and Sacraments. Contact: Norma O’Connor (027 233 4557)

Prison Chaplain
Chaplaincy can be a struggle but brings great rewards. It is not for everyone, but for those God calls, it is profoundly rewarding. It can be as simple as finding underwear for a prisoner; sitting with someone who cannot attend a tangi/funeral, often holding a memorial service to honour their loved one; or listening to a paihere who celebrated coming to prison because he found a relationship with Jesus and felt his life beginning to make sense. Mostly, my days involve working with volunteers, having one-on-one conversations, and leading services. These services don’t resemble our own liturgies but are still full of meaning and questions. Presence, faithfulness, and maybe joy—the outward sign of inner hope—are what I strive to bring, rather than dogma, theology, or liturgical style. Part of my role is to draw attention to God’s plan in all relationships and activities within the Chaplaincy team: within every area of the prison (including paihere, staff and their whanau) and the Body of Christ, His Church. Contact: Sean Ryan (349 6887 or [email protected])

Supporting Hospital Chapel Sunday Service
St Mary’s is one of a dozen Whanganui churches which actively supports the Sunday chapel service at Whanganui Hospital. Each month of the year a church is rostered to send up to 6 parishioners to help take patients to the 10am ecumenical service and later escort them back to the wards, also providing morning tea for the congregation. St Mary’s has supported this ministry for many years. In 2024 it was allocated the month of July and it is expected we will continue to go to the hospital each July in future years. If we can arrange a team of about 12 volunteers, parishioners won’t be expected to turn up every Sunday but be able to choose which ones suit them in this rewarding ministry. Contact: Juliet Kojis (022 0955 051) or David Scoullar (022 1358 374)

Other

Hidden Disability Sunflower Scheme - HDSS
Living with a hidden disability can make daily life more demanding for many people, but it can be difficult for others to recognize, acknowledge or understand the challenges you face.
1 in 5 people in Aotearoa New Zealand experience some form of disability. Roughly 80 – 85% of these people have a disability that is not visible. The HDSS enables those who experience hidden disabilities to become visible and to indicate they may need additional support, help, or a little more time. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower makes you visible! It is a discreet sign to people around you, who are trained to recognize the Sunflower symbol, that you have a hidden disability and may require assistance. By wearing the Sunflower, it makes the invisible visible! Contact Sr Makareta Tawaroa (06) 348 9960 or Heather Kubiak (027 231 4363)

Lending Library
St Mary’s Foyer: For Spiritual growth and tending the Soul you can find a collection of books, in the eastern corner of the upper church foyer, including other categories as labelled. They are there for anyone to borrow, take home and savour, but please return. All have been bequeathed and are up-to-date. Contact: Juliet Kojis (022 0955 051)

Social Justice Group
Raising awareness and action for Peace and Justice. Contact: Sr Makareta Tawaroa (06) 348 9960 or [email protected])