Blog

Acting Dean of Taranaki Cathedral Archdeacon Trevor Harrison's message to those affected by the horrific events in Christchurch today: “Our prayers and love go out to the Muslim communities in Christchurch, innocent people of faith, who were attacked whilst at worship. We pray especially for those who mourn those killed, for those who are injured and for the Police and Ambulance staff as they come to terms with the trauma and horror they have had to deal with.” read more

Rob Baigent-Ritchie talks to Sarah Foy One cathedral inspired Rob Baigent-Ritchie’s spiritual convictions, now he’s ministering at another cathedral in a different island. Rob, an associate priest at Taranaki Cathedral who is married to Annie Baigent-Ritchie, became a Christian in 1971 at Christchurch Cathedral. He grew up in the city, and as a youngster attending St Barnabas’ church with his parents, remembers loving parables and the stories of the New Testament. “Not just the gospel stories about Jesus but about all... read more

New Plymouth lawyer Ian Mitchell, a St Mary’s parishioner whose distinguished service to the community included 34 years on the Taranaki Anglican Trust Board, died in July 2018, a month short of his 90th birthday. Ian was born in Blenheim in 1928. He boarded at Nelson College before studying law at Victoria University, and then practised law at Govett Quilliam for 41 years, 25 of them as the senior partner. Ian supported many organisations professionally, including the New Plymouth District and... read more

The Very Reverend Michael Bent provided this reflection on the life of Rev. Geoff Ginever, who passed away in March 2018 read more

Today is quite a watershed moment in my life. Today after this service I will be gainfully unemployed. In the next few days, Gay and I will be on our way back to Christchurch where I am going to retire, or as the Listener put it about us baby boomers, rewire. I think this is the fourth and final time that I am re tiring, and no doubt the re wiring will lead to all sorts of interesting ventures in the... read more

As the year turns we look forward to what we hope will become some of the highlights of 2018: Dean Peter is offering a six week series during Lent for any adults who would like to consider being confirmed in their faith. Confirmation is performed by the Bishop, as he lays his hands on your head and confirm in you the faith that is deepening and growing in you. Bishop Philip will be with us on Easter Sunday and this is... read more

Thousands of crepes, truckloads of bread, marmalade by the mountain and innumerable volunteer hours have created a flourishing breakfast community. The Community Café at Taranaki Cathedral notched up its third year in November 2017, having raised $61,377 for charity. It’s a Tuesday morning event, opening at 7.30am and closing 10am. Dozens of volunteers wait on and clear tables, others set up, pack down, cook and wash dishes. The money is distributed to a variety of causes; the current one being the... read more

Revd. Tricia Carter reflects on the 40th anniversary of the Ordination of Women On the first Sunday in Advent we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and the Pacific. On 3 December 1977 the Bishop of Auckland ordained Jean Brooks, Wendy Cranston and Heather Brunton to the priesthood and in doing so we joined only three other provinces within the Anglican communion to ordain women. As we... read more

The Revd. Canon David Pearce : 10 July 1931 – 23 September 2017 read more

St Mary's parishioner Rosemary Bent has inspired members of the Association of Anglican Women and Mothers' Union in Aotearoa and Pasifika with her work in Overseas and Outreach. This year she received a certificate of recognition from the AAW executive. Born in England, Rosemary came to New Zealand in 1962, and met her husband Michael when she was working for the Christian Mission Service. The couple lived in New Plymouth during Michael's term as Vicar of St Mary's (1976-85), and later... read more