A rich heritage of faith serving the Opotiki community since 1841
St Mary's Parish, also known as Our Lady Help of Christians, Ōpōtiki, traces its origins back to 1841 when the Catholic faith first arrived on these shores. This makes our parish one of the earliest Roman Catholic missions in New Zealand.
The Catholic presence in Opotiki began with the historic visits of Bishop Pompallier, who sailed from the Bay of Islands accompanied by priests and catechists. Father Rozet, S.M., was among the first missionaries to serve in our area, establishing a foundation of faith that continues to flourish today.
The site of our earliest church now stands at 25 Kelly Street, where St. Joseph's Church was built. Our parish's old schoolrooms on Grey Street stand as testament to the long history of Catholic education and community life in Opotiki.
St Mary's Parish is proudly part of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, which was established on March 6, 1980. The Diocese was formed as a suffragan diocese of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Wellington, created from a portion of the territory previously belonging to the Diocese of Auckland.
The Diocese of Hamilton encompasses an area of 49,700 square kilometres in the central and eastern North Island, including the beautiful Bay of Plenty region where Opotiki is located. Our parish works closely with the Diocese to serve the spiritual needs of our community.
Under the pastoral leadership of Rev Thomas Thanniyanickal CMF, our parish continues to grow and serve the faithful in Opotiki and surrounding areas.
Visit Diocese WebsiteSt Mary's Parish is more than a church – it's a family of believers united in Christ.
Our parish embraces the diverse cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand. We celebrate Miha Māori (Māori Mass) on the first and third Sundays of each month, honoring the unique expression of faith in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.
We celebrate the seven sacraments that mark the important moments of our faith journey. From Baptism welcoming new members, to First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, and beyond – each sacrament strengthens our bond with Christ and His Church.
Glimpses of our vibrant community life at St Mary's Parish.
Regular gatherings for prayer, study, and fellowship.
Young voices leading and participating in our liturgy.
Building lasting friendships united in Christ.
St Mary's Parish is a registered charitable organization in New Zealand (CC32693), dedicated to serving our community through faith, education, and outreach.
Charitable Purpose: The Parish is a community of the Christian faithful, committed to worship, education, and service to others. We are called to unite, to reach out in love, to act and transform in Christ.
Whether you're new to the Opotiki area or seeking a spiritual home, we invite you to join our parish community.
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