“Difficult but possible: finding hope in a hopeless world.”

“the object of hope is a future good, difficult but possible to obtain” St Thomas Aquinas ST 2:2 Q17

Schedule:

St Francis Friary and Retreat Centre 6pm Friday, 20th March to 5 pm, 21 March 2026

Friday 20th March, 6 pm. Registration and light meal

7 pm Welcome and opening address, Fr Chris Denham and Speaker

8.30- 930pm Holy Hour with Stations of the Cross and reconciliation

Saturday 21 March 2026

8 am Holy Mass

8.45 am Breakfast

9.30 am international connection Hosted by Dr. Joseph Hassan, Cushla Hassan RN

9.40 am Fr Chris Denham

10 am Brief introductions

10.30 Morning tea

11 am Speaker

11.40 Introductions

12.10 Rosary

12.30 Lunch

1.15 pm Catholics working in healthcare

2.45 pm Panel Q &A

3 pm Working cuppa - discussing the future of the NZ Catholic Medical Association. Regional Coordinators

3.30 Concurrent sessions

4.25 pm Closing Karakia

Themes woven through:

Take up your cross and follow me – 2-3 Catholic health workers share the challenges and joys of living their faith

The example of Simon of Cyrene. How do we support our fellow pilgrims to carry their cross?

Mental health, psychopathy, evil and empathy – a compassionate approach

Research proposal, seeking support (ethics, research assistants, coordination, funding)

Maternal, Infant and whānau wellbeing

The New Zealand Catholic Medical Association (NZCMA) was founded in 2019 with the support of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. It aims to support medical practitioners, drawing on the treasures of our faith, especially in regard to the ethical challenges of healthcare today

Although primarily set up to serve doctors, it is inclusive of all those who work in healthcare or in roles which support healthcare such as administration or health leadership. We wish to involve nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapist, counsellors, social workers, chaplains, dentists, health administrators, navigators, lawyers, medical students and anyone who works in allied roles.

Its purpose is to provide pastoral care to the Catholic Medical profession in New Zealand, particularly on issues of conscience. It aims to do this through supporting formation of communities, providing resources and access to chaplaincy

The inaugural meeting was held in Auckland on the 25th of May 2019 and included the celebration of Mass, the opportunity for reconciliation and an opening blessing from Bishop Patrick Dunn.

Proudly Supported by the 12 Baskets Foundation