Blog

4th Sunday in Advent. Luke 1:39-55 If you were to choose women who would give birth to babies, whose life and ministry would change the lives of individuals, of the world forever, what would you be looking for? An older woman, well past the age of being able to have children? A very young girl, still a child by our standards and unmarried ? We probably wouldn’t. Yet God did. Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah was the mother of John the Baptist.... read more

We're moving - at least, for a temporary period. The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary will be worshipping in an interim worship space in the New Year. That's because our beloved historic building needs to be earthquake strengthened. Detailed assessments have determined that the stone church requires key structural work. The last service will be held there on 31 January 2016. While we establish what that work will involve and the likely cost, we will be relocating to another building.... read more

Taranaki Cathedral, its people and events are now on show 12 months of the year. A 2016 calendar has been produced with the photographs taken by renowned local photographer Rob Tucker. Money raised from the calendar’s sales will be directed back to church ministry. The calendars are on sale for $12 each or two for $20. A range of milestone events and scenes feature among the photos: Dawn baptisms at Ngamotu beach, the annual pet service, a baptism, the service of... read more

Nau mai; haere mai - welcome to our fresh new website, re-launched to celebrate Christmas. Our Christmas services this year include : 23rd December 7.30pm - Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 11.30pm - Midnight Mass Christmas Morning - 8am Christmas Communion 10am Family Communion - bring a pressie you've just opened Our fantastic Youth Drama Production, "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" takes place on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th December at 5pm. Tickets are free! Pick yours... read more

Whether up to her elbows in soap suds in the cathedral kitchen, grubbing in the gardens or delivering this magazine, Patricia Gall is happily continuing the voluntary church work that has been a big part of her life. Patricia was born in Stratford, but her parents were farmers at nearby Cardiff. She helped on the farm from an early age, and started milking when she was 13. She had to bike five miles to the high school, “and when I left,... read more

The Cathedral Embroidery Group has spent many hours over recent weeks stitching away on a special project. Betty, Eunice, Kathi, Margaret, Mary and Pam who each have a passion for and expertise in embroidery, have applied fabric and thread to create a beautiful red stole Stoles are worn by clergy and reflect the colour for the liturgical season. A red stole is the liturgical colour used at ordination. I was one of six people ordained by our Bishops from within the... read more

Empowering girls and women in an African region is proving life changing, says an Anglican bishop with strong links to Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary. The Right Rev Given Gaula is the Bishop of Kondoa, situated in the north of Tanzania, a role he’s held for three years since completing theological study at St John’s College in Auckland. St Mary’s supported him and his family while they lived in New Zealand and during October he visited friends and supporters around... read more

For many years the Taranaki Cathedral's gardens – and the beds behind the Peace Hall as well – have been carefully tended by the volunteer Taranaki Cathedral Gardening Group. The leader, Sally Masson, said the long-established group meets from 9am on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. It is made up of people who love gardening and enjoy the cathedral grounds, in company with staff and visitors. “Do we need more members? Yes please!” said Sally. “Anybody is welcome... read more

In nearly every churchyard throughout the shires of England sits an old and venerable yew tree. More like Tolkien Ents than everyday conifers, these ancient trees have seen countless celebrations of births and marriage and witnessed many a sad and sombre funeral procession. Being linked with everlasting life the yew tree is heartening for the living in a place of mourning. Yew trees are typically dense low growing trees with an almost horizontal appearance. But way back in the 1780's someone... read more

The St Mary's group of the Association of Anglican Women is on the lookout for new members. Leader Lillie Sattler says there are at present about 25 members of varying ages, and the group would like to boost its ranks: “Many of us are getting elderly, and we would welcome some younger ones.” Membership of the family fellowship group is open to all. Its meetings are held from noon to 3pm on the fourth Thursday of the month, with members bringing... read more