Dunedin parishes reflect on mission and change proposals

In a recent letter, Dunedin Bishop Michael Dooley said the synodal question he was inviting parishioners to consider was “What sort of parish are we called to be?”

“This time of reflection can help guide your parish pastoral council and parish priest and will also help inform me as your bishop as to how God is calling us to be the Church here in Dunedin Diocese,” Bishop Dooley wrote.

Reflection material sent to parishes stated, “This synodal question is centred around, how do we live the mission of Jesus here in this part of the diocese?”

Among topics suggested for parish reflection were community strengths, challenges and pastoral needs, as well as how such needs might be met. Community-building and welcoming newcomers was another reflection topic suggested, as was service, especially of those in most need.

Bishop Dooley also discussed the continuation of a 2005 diocesan-wide consultation that eventually resulted in eight pastoral areas being established: Dunedin North, Dunedin South, Hills, Mosgiel-Green Island, South Otago, Gore, Invercargill and Alexandra.

Some of the parishes within pastoral areas formed in 2005 were asked in 2026 to consider becoming single parish entities instead of pastoral areas.

It is proposed that Dunedin North Pastoral Area become one parish and the Hampden community, previously in that pastoral area, be part of Oamaru parish. The Hills Pastoral Area would join with the Cathedral to become one parish.

Other pastoral areas invited to reflect on becoming a single parish include Mosgiel and Green Island, South Otago, Alexandra and Invercargill, with the latter being a single parish with two pastoral areas.

Parishes in Gore, Mercy Parish in South Dunedin, Queenstown and Cromwell-Upper Clutha are unaffected by the 2026 consultation, but are encouraged to participate in a synodal reflection on what sort of parishes they should be.

It is not proposed in this consultation that any particular church will close.

Among the reasons for the proposed changes is ensuring parishes are financially sustainable and are big enough to sustain expected parish activities.

In his letter, Bishop Dooley wrote: “While such a change will have little impact on the day-to-day life of our communities, the change will help ensure that our diocese and our parishes are less focused on administrative matters and more focused on the pastoral mission of the Church. Your parish may develop a more localised discussion document.”

Bishop Dooley also outlined how rural parishes could be supported, particularly concerning church maintenance and the provision of Mass and the sacraments.

He asked for feedback by Easter 2026.

FULL STORY

Dunedin parish and pastoral area consultation 2026 (St Joseph’s Cathedral Dunedin)