Te Kupenga - Catholic Theological College

09/06/2026

HOW MAGNIFICA HUMANITAS CAN GUIDE US IN SCHOOLS - FREE WEBINAR:

Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, also has great relevance for young people, and Catholic education.

Join Julianne Hickey and Michael Stewart for a FREE online webinar to find out more.

✝ Date: Thursday, 11 June
✝ Time: 5:30pm (NZ time)
✝ Length: About 45 minutes
✝ Cost: Free

✝ REGISTER HERE:
8f0e9872-dcdb-4dc2-bf83-7dfe263302b9@eb0bc547-d1e0-4cd8-b61f-191e98bdb8cc" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8f0e9872-dcdb-4dc2-bf83-7dfe263302b9@eb0bc547-d1e0-4cd8-b61f-191e98bdb8cc

Julianne, a former chief executive of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, has spoken a lot recently about AI from a Catholic perspective. Here are some links:

✝ Nine to Noon: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019037105/the-pope-calls-for-the-disarming-of-ai
✝ CathNews: https://cathnewsnz.com/2026/06/05/catholic-ai-advisor-calls-for-transparency-in-military-use/
✝ AI Ready women podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7uBQ90Vdl5GqbLOVYQSISB?si=e47afd5bb8784cce

You can read Pope Leo’s encyclical here:
https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

Hope you can make it!

08/06/2026

WYD 2027 Webinar Series

Join Prof Renee Kohler-Ryan (Deputy Executive Dean, University of Notre Dame Australia) for an inspiring session on:

Hope: Rooted in the Resurrection of Christ, the Youth Are Called to Grow in Hope

Drawing on the Christian understanding of hope grounded in Christ's Resurrection, this webinar will explore how young people are called to live as witnesses of hope in today's world.

📅 Tuesday, 7 July 2026
🕔 5:00–6:00 PM
💻 Via Zoom

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of the virtue of hope as we prepare for World Youth Day in 2027.

🔗 Register here: www.tekupenga.ac.nz/webinars-2026

Student discount applies.

To know more about the speaker, go to https://www.notredame.edu.au/about-us/faculties-and-schools/school-of-philosophy-and-theology/sydney/staff/professor-renee-kohler-ryan

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

JOB OPENING: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ADVISOR (PRIMARY)

Catholic Schools Education Services (Archdiocese of Wellington) is seeking a passionate Religious Education Advisor (Primary) to uphold and advance the mission of the Catholic Church in our schools by inspiring, strengthening, and supporting Catholic character and the Religious Education curriculum. In this role, you will walk alongside teachers, Principals, and Directors of Religious Studies, offering quality professional learning, curriculum guidance, mentoring, and formation that nurtures faith filled leadership and authentic Catholic education.

This permanent role is 30 hours per week (flexibility available), with salary negotiable for the right candidate. If you are committed to Catholic education, enjoy collaborative work, and want to shape faith leadership across diverse school communities, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close 22 June 2026.

For enquiries, job description or to apply, contact:
Kelly Ross, Vicar for Education
[email protected]

02/06/2026

"Dr Kleinsman, director of the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics, and senior researcher Dr Marcar noted the strong language used by Pope Leo regarding the need to “disarm AI”."

Read full article:

Prominent New Zealand Catholic bioethicists Greg Marcar and John Kleinsman have described Pope Leo’s encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, as speaking boldly about the need to safeguard the dignity of human beings.

01/06/2026

Fr Paul Turner Ars Celebrandi Workshop
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference warmly invites clergy, parish liturgy teams, school staff, deacons, and all involved in the preparation of the sacred liturgy to a special workshop with international liturgist Fr Paul Turner.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter Desiderio Desideravi, this workshop will explore the ars celebrandi, the art of celebrating the liturgy with reverence, understanding, and fidelity to the mind and heart of the Church. Fr Paul Turner will lead practical and enriching session aimed at deepening our understanding of the Eucharist and strengthening the celebration of Mass in our parishes and schools.Fr Paul Turner is pastor of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri and director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St Joseph. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome. He is a consultor for the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. His numerous publications include “Guide for….” The Liturgical Ministry series of books and dozens of other titles. As pastor of diverse parishes, he spent many years ministering in a state prison, serving an Hispanic and multi-ethnic community, and providing assistance to the homeless. Date: Saturday 25th July
Venue: Christ the King Church, Owairaka, 260 Richardson Rd, Mt Roskill.
Time: Parish Mass @ 9am Sessions start at 10am to 2.30pm.
Morning Tea provided. BYO Lunch please
Register at: www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/paul-turner/

26/05/2026

Pope Leo XIV published his first encyclical on May 25, 2026, Magnifica Humanitas, on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence.

"Having considered the issues of responsibility and governance of AI, we must now return to our central question: what does it mean to safeguard our humanity? The risk extends beyond the misuse of certain technologies. More gravely, the pervasive technocratic paradigm in which we are immersed, and that is amplified by the digital revolution and AI, threatens to normalize an anti-human vision. In that vision, the fullness of life is equated with having more, reducing weakness, eliminating uncertainty and exerting total control. When efficiency becomes the ultimate measure of value, human beings are tempted to see themselves as a project to be optimized rather than as persons called to relationship and communion." (MH112)

Read the full document on https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

24/05/2026

Advance your leadership and management skills for faith-based organisations with the Management of Church Organisations Micro-credential at Te Kupenga – Catholic Theological College.

Designed for current and aspiring leaders, this programme equips you with practical knowledge in leadership, governance, strategic planning, stewardship, and pastoral growth for today’s environments. Study online from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand. Class starts July 20, 2026

Read more:
www.tekupenga.ac.nz/churchmanagement

20/05/2026

Very wise words from Pope Leo XIV on the use of AI.

05/05/2026

Congratulations to Peter and Rewi for their installation as acolytes at the Founder's Day last Monday.
Please continue to pray for them and all seminarians.