" Love one another, bear with one another, and let charity guide you all your life. "
- Mary MacKillop
Live with service and humility
St. Mary's Church
St Marys Catholic Church 40 Seddon Street, Glenholme, Rotorua
| Holy Mass | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 10am & 5pm |
| Monday | 9am |
| Wednesday | 12:05pm |
| Friday | 9am |
| Saturday | 9am |
| Reconciliation | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | AM: 11:15 - 11:45 |
| Friday | AM: 8.30 - 8.50 |
| Saturday | AM: 9:30 - 10:15 |
St. Michael's Church
St Michaels Catholic Church Lake Road, Ohinemutu, Rotorua
| Holy Mass | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 8am |
| Tuesday | 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am |
| Saturday Vigil | 5pm |
| Reconciliation | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | PM: 5:05 – 5:20 |
| Thursday | After 9am Mass |
| Saturday | PM: 4:20 - 4:45 |
Newsletter
Holy Cross Seminary Newsletter
Announcement
Confirmation and Holy communion 2024
Social
Live Stream Link for the Chrism Mass, 12.00pm (noon) Tuesday 26th March 2024
40-44 Seddon St, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010
Office Hours:
Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Friday: 8am - 2pm
Phone: (07) 348 0289
Email: office@rotorua.cdh.nz
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40-44 Seddon St, Glenholme, Rotorua, 3010 New ZealandIt is CatholicRotorua.org.nz’s policy to respect your privacy regarding any information we may collect while operating our website. This Privacy Policy applies to https://catholicrotorua.org.nz (hereinafter, "us", "we", or "https://catholicrotorua.org.nz"). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting personally identifiable information you may provide us through the Website. We have adopted this privacy policy ("Privacy Policy") to explain what information may be collected on our Website, how we use this information, and under what circumstances we may disclose the information to third parties. This Privacy Policy applies only to information we collect through the Website and does not apply to our collection of information from other sources.This Privacy Policy, together with the Terms and conditions posted on our Website, set forth the general rules and policies governing your use of our Website. Depending on your activities when visiting our Website, you may be required to agree to additional terms and conditions.Website VisitorsLike most website operators, CatholicRotorua.org.nz collects non-personally-identifying information of the sort that web browsers and servers typically make available, such as the browser type, language preference, referring site, and the date and time of each visitor request. CatholicRotorua.org.nz’s purpose in collecting non-personally identifying information is to better understand how CatholicRotorua.org.nz’s visitors use its website.Gathering of Personally-Identifying InformationCertain visitors to CatholicRotorua.org.nz’s websites choose to interact with CatholicRotorua.org.nz in ways that require CatholicRotorua.org.nz to gather personally-identifying information. The amount and type of information that CatholicRotorua.org.nz gathers depend on the nature of the interaction. For example, we ask visitors who sign up for a newsletter at https://catholicrotorua.org.nz to provide a username and email address.SecurityThe security of your Personal Information is important to us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.Amendments to This Privacy PolicyAlthough most changes are likely to be minor, CatholicRotorua.org.nz may change its Privacy Policy from time to time, and in CatholicRotorua.org.nz’s sole discretion. CatholicRotorua.org.nz encourages visitors to frequently check this page for any changes to its Privacy Policy. Your continued use of this site after any change in this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such change.Contact InformationIf you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us via email or phone.
40-44 Seddon St, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010
Office Hours:
Monday: Closed | Tuesday - Friday: 8am - 2pm
Phone: (07) 348 0289
Email: catholicrotorua@xtra.co.nz
St. Mary's Church
St Marys Catholic Church 40 Seddon Street, Glenholme, Rotorua
St. Mary's Catholic Church, located at 40 Seddon Street in the Glenholme area of Rotorua, is a notable place of worship and community gathering. This church stands as a symbol of faith and tradition in the region, serving the local Catholic community with regular services and religious ceremonies. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community involvement, St. Mary's offers various spiritual and social activities catering to diverse age groups and backgrounds. The architecture of the church, blending traditional design with local cultural influences, reflects the unique character of Rotorua, making it not just a place for religious observance but also a point of interest for visitors and locals alike. As a pillar of the Glenholme community, St. Mary's Catholic Church continues to play an integral role in the spiritual and social fabric of Rotorua.
| Holy Mass | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 10am & 5pm |
| Monday | 9am |
| Wednesday | 12:05pm |
| Friday | 9am |
| Saturday | 9am |
| Reconciliation | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | AM: 11:15 - 11:45 |
| Friday | AM: 8.30 - 8.50 |
| Saturday | AM: 9:30 - 10:15 |
St. Michael's Church
St Michaels Catholic Church Lake Road, Ohinemutu, Rotorua
St. Michael's Catholic Church, situated on Lake Road in the Ohinemutu area of Rotorua, is a distinctive and cherished landmark. This church is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its unique incorporation of Māori cultural elements into its architecture and design. It serves as a beautiful representation of the fusion of Māori and Christian traditions. St. Michael's offers a serene and spiritually enriching environment for worship, attracting both the local Catholic community and visitors intrigued by its cultural significance. The church's location in Ohinemutu, a place rich in Māori history, adds to its allure, making it a must-visit site for those interested in the intersection of faith and local heritage. As a hub for religious activities and community events, St. Michael's Catholic Church plays a vital role in the cultural and spiritual life of Rotorua.
| Holy Mass | Time |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 8am |
| Tuesday | 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am |
| Saturday Vigil | 5pm |
| Reconciliation | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | PM: 5:05 – 5:20 |
| Thursday | After 9am Mass |
| Saturday | PM: 4:20 - 4:45 |
Background History
Catholicism in Rotorua started in the Maori lakeside village of Ohinemutu and was, from the beginning, seen as a Maorimission. Consequently we were blessed with Marist and Mill Hill priests, followed by four orders of nuns and one of brothers. There was a time, however, when the mission nearly ground to a halt.
1830s to 1840s
The Marist priests who were living at Maketu visited Rotorua as part of their mission. After Father Michel Borjon of Maketu drowned in a shipping accident, Father EulogeReignier was sent to Rotorua to open a mission station.In 1843 this was established at Ohinemutu, where Bishop Pompallier paid for 3.5 acres on Pukeroa Hill at a cost of £10/10 shillings. Father Reignier built a wooden church, dedicated to St Joachim, on this land, and was therefore the first parish priest of Rotorua
1850s to 1890s
After Father Reignier’s departure in 1851, the church in Rotorua continued to be staffed by Marist priests. The Marists’ departure from the Auckland diocese in 1850 led indirectly to an uncertainty in the mission, and after Father Moreau left in 1867 there appears to have been no resident priest in Rotorua until the arrival of the Mill Hill Mission Fathers from Matata in 1888, led by Father John Becker.In that same year a piece of land, that had been set aside by Maori for the Church and which had subsequently been taken by the government for a recreational reserve, was returned to the Church. St Michael’s Church was opened the following year at a cost of £260 and was officially dedicated by Bishop Luck on 27 July 1890.
Father Becker was soon joined by Father Adrian Holierhook, and then Father (later Dean) Lightheart, and so Catholicism in Rotorua was established on a permanent basis.Father Becker was soon joined by Father Adrian Holierhook, and then Father (later Dean) Lightheart, and so Catholicism in Rotorua was established on a permanent basis.Father Becker lived in a raupo hut until a presbytery was built.Conversion of the Maori was difficult for two reasons. Firstly, the Protestants had been there first – a fact that seemed much resented by the Fathers and, secondly, the locals had reached a level of materialism as a consequence of the tourism industry.
1900 to 1950s
The presbytery was enlarged by Father Charles Kreijmborg, and handed to the Sisters of St Joseph so they could operate a school.A small church, called the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception and built by Father Kreijmborg, was dedicated at WhakarewarewaMarae in 1904. Another church of the same name, built by the same priest, was dedicated in Ngongotaha in 1915.
1950s-2000
As the Catholic population grew, it became apparent that a new church was required, and on 21 February 1954 St Mary’s Church in Ranolf Street was opened by Bishop Liston, the land having been gifted by Martin Hampson (a local lawyer), and the building constructed by Hugh O’Flaherty. (Prior to this, Midnight Mass was celebrated on 25 December 1953 by the new Parish Priest, Father Daniel McKenna.) However, Father McKenna was unaware until the Bishop’s announcement at the opening that he was to be the new parish priest.
The first curate, Father Samuel Carney, was appointed on 24 March of that same year, and the two priests moved into the presbytery in January 1955. Father Anselm Wardle was in charge at St Michaels, assisted by Father Anton Timmerman and Father Adrian Geboers.In 1960 a massive undertaking began on a new St Michael’s church by building around, under andover the original structure. This project took six years.Over time, the population of St Mary’s outgrew the existing church, which was a very basic structure. Following the death of Father McKenna, which also meant the departure of the Mill Hill Fathers from St Mary’s, a new church was built and was opened by Bishop Edward Gaines on Sunday, 5 April 1987.A further church, St Joseph’s, was subsequently opened at Owhata, and Father Timmerman of the Mill Hill Mission transferred there from St Mary’s.
Religious orders
PriestsMarists 1843–1867 (approx)Mill Hill 1888–presentNunsSisters of St Jospeh 1903–presentSisters of Mercy 1958–presentMarists 1995–presentTyburn Nuns 2009–presentBrothersChristian Brothers 1962; departed Rotorua 1989 – now in MuruparaBuilt and staffed Edmund Rice College
Education
The first Catholic school was St Michael’s, which was opened at Ohinemutu in 1903. The school was made possible by the Priests vacating the presbytery so the Sisters could have a convent. The school grew to such an extent that in 1924 staff and pupils moved to Seddon Street.In 1954 St Michael’s School in Seddon Street was renamed St Mary’s, and a new St Michaels’ school in May Road was opened in October 1958. This school was staffed by an order of nuns new to Rotorua, the Sisters of Mercy. As the roll of St Mary’s became too large, the secondary department of St Mary’s was closed in 1957 and most pupils transferred to Rotorua High School.
McKillop College
Opened 14 February 1966
Edmund Rice College
Opened 12 February 1963 on land that had been partly gifted by a parishioner, Patrick Keaney.Edmund Rice College was gifted to the Christian Brothers by the Diocese, who then gifted it back when John Paul College was formed.
John Paul College
John Paul College (a merger of the above) opened 1987
Pastoral
In common with the rest of New Zealand, Rotorua formed a Commission on the Laity in 1970. This led to many changes in compliance with Vatican II, including Mass facing the congregation and the formation of a Parish Council.
Parish Finances
The parish was kept going by weekly “housie” evenings held in St Mary’s Hall (for the two parish schools), and Whakarewarewa Hall (for Edmund Rice College).Although many parishioners disapproved of this method of fund-raising, enough help was available in the form of callers, counters and tea-makers to ensure a healthy income for both parish and schools. By the late 1980s, with patronage and numbers of willing assistants declining, this method of fund‑raising was abandoned.
St. Michael's Church
St. Mary's Church
Rotorua
Parish History compiled by Angela Cameron and Adrienne Forbes
[1] Notes from Waitangi Tribunal documents pp32-35[2] Notes from “Mill Hill and Maori Mission” by W Tuerlings M.H.M. 2003.[3] Don Stafford “The New Century in Rotorua”[4] Conversation between Father Timmerman and Roy Arnerich[5] Notes from “100 Years Catholic Education in Rotorua 1903-2003”.Editor and Compiler: Bridget Anderson (Harrod). Printer: Dudfield Printing Ltd Rotorua.
© 2024 St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. All rights reserved.
Schools
St. Mary's Catholic Primary School
37 Carnot Street, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010
St. Mary's, a Catholic school with a unique character, aligns its curriculum with both The New Zealand Curriculum 2007 and the official Religious Education curriculum for Catholic primary schools in Aotearoa New Zealand. Upholding the motto "With Christ As Our Centre We Strive For Excellence," the school expects staff and students to embody gospel values in their daily lives.
St. Michael's Catholic Primary School
76 Lisa Crescent, Mangakakahi, Rotorua 3015
St. Michael's Catholic Primary School, nestled at the base of Mount Ngongotaha in Rotorua's Western Heights suburb, offers a Catholic education for children aged 5-12 (years 1-6). The school boasts a rich history and is dedicated to nurturing students in this age group.
John Paul College
Whitworth Road, Utuhina, Rotorua 3015
John Paul College, established in 1987 through the merger of MacKillop and Edmund Rice Colleges, continues a proud Lasallian Catholic tradition in secondary education in our region. Recognized as one of New Zealand's premier secondary schools, it has earned a notable reputation for excellence since becoming a co-educational high school.
© 2024 St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. All rights reserved.
Programs
Becoming a Catholic
Our Parish runs a programme for adults who wish to become a Catholic or explore the possibilities of joining the Catholic Church.Our programme for adults is continuous and people are welcome to join at any time. We meet every Wednesday at 7.00 pm at St Mary’s.The programme takes at least 18 months and is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or the RCIA.Those who begin the RCIA may also do Alpha, which is a good introduction to Jesus, prayer and community.It takes time for adults to be formed in the traditions and practices of the Catholic Church.The RCIA is a gradual process of conversion.An essential part of the RCIA is to attend Sunday Mass weekly which is the source and summit of the Catholic Church, and creating a personal relationship with Jesus through daily prayer.Adults normally enter the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.For further enquires please email the Parish: catholicrotorua@xtra.co.nzYou are very welcome and we would love to see you.
Catholics Returning Home
This is a refresher course for Catholics who wish to return to the practice of their Catholic faith or for Catholics who wish to renew their Catholic faith.The programme presents the treasures of the Church over four weeks by text and video.We look at ways of praying and creating the habit of prayer.The next programme runs weekly at 7.00 pm on Thursday nights commencing 11th March 2021 for four weeks until 1st April at St. Mary's, corner of Seddon and Ranolf Street. The July programme runs weekly on Tuesday nights starting Tuesday 6th July 2021 for four weeks until 27th July.The programme gives people an opportunity to ask questions and have a discussion in an informal setting and to make new friends as everyone who returns to the practice of their faith needs support.After the Catholics Returning Home programme those who attended are welcome to start the Alpha Programme which begins on 2nd March 2021 at 10.30 am with morning tea or the 2nd September 2021 at 6.30 with dinner also at St Mary's.An important part of returning to the practice of one’s faith is getting into the habit of attending Sunday Mass weekly and having a personal relationship with Jesus by praying daily.Confession is also essential before receiving Holy Communion if you have been away from the Church. We look at how to go to Confession and how to make it more approachable.For any enquires please email the Parish: catholicrotorua@xtra.co.nzYou are very welcome to attend and we would love to see you.
Alpha at Saint Mary's
Alpha is an 11-week programme which looks at the meaning of life and faith through a Christian perspective.The next Alpha programme is a day-time Alpha which starts on 2nd March 2021, beginning at 10.30 am with morning tea. The second programme is an evening-time Alpha starting on 2nd September 2021, beginning with dinner at 6.30 pm.After morning tea/dinner, we will have a short video presentation followed by small group discussions in a friendly environment.Please fill in your registration form here. For further enquiries, please email alpha.stmarys.church@gmail.comWe look forward to seeing you.Kind regards,St Mary’s Alpha Team
Alpha at Saint Mary's Registration Form
© 2024 St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. All rights reserved.
Team
Fr. Prakash Somu
Parish Priest
Email: pp@rotorua.cdh.nz
Fr. Mohan Kumar
Assistant Priest
Email: ap@rotorua.cdh.nz
Phone: 020 493 7704
Andrea Tuki
Parish Secretary
Email: catholicrotorua@xtra.co.nz
Religious Orders
© 2024 St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop. All rights reserved.
Thank you!
We will be in touch. God Bless!