Mass count jumps 10 per cent in Auckland Diocese

The report states that the annual Mass count in November went from 36,842 in 2023 to 39,968 in 2024.

Auckland Bishop Steve Lowe wrote that 500 people were received into the Church at Easter. Elsewhere in the report, it was noted that this was a 13 per cent increase on the previous year. Bishop Lowe added that seven men were accepted to enter the seminary for Auckland Diocese at the start of 2025.

“The Spirit of God has been active and alive in our Diocese as people seek to follow the call the Lord has been placing on their hearts. We have much to be thankful for,” Bishop Lowe wrote.

“Today we seem to be entering a period that is marked by people who are searching for the truth and love of Jesus Christ. This is an exciting time to be part of the Church. And yet, in that, we cannot remain the same, for the Spirit calls each one of us ever forth as individuals and together as communities within the Diocese,” he added.

The 2023 Census reported that there were 182,691 Catholics living within the diocesan boundaries.

Diocesan general manager James van Schie noted that academic performance across Catholic schools improved, with 79 per cent of students in bishop-owned schools achieving University Entrance, compared to the national average of 48 per cent.

“Our schools serve a cross-section of the socio-economic demographic,” he said.

Catholic Social Services, Monte Cecilia Housing Trust and De Paul House reached 5320 people with counselling, social work and housing services.

Mr van Schie noted that much of the income received by the diocese is tagged for specific purposes such as schools and social housing. While consolidated group results showed a surplus, liabilities and long-term borrowing also increased.

“We are reaching close to our prudent maximum debt ceiling at present and need to exercise continued care with our debt levels in the coming years,” he said.

Mr van Schie outlined various measures to meet fiscal challenges.

It was also noted that the diocese has “a wide range of unknown liabilities ranging from costs associated with the restoration of buildings nearing the end of their life, like the Cathedral’s Liston Hall, to potential costs associated with the national redress scheme recommended by the Royal Commission”.

FULL STORY

Annual Report (Catholic Diocese of Auckland)