Caritas and bishops’ Lent webinar series: An opportunity to pause and listen

19 February 2026 – WELLINGTON - Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is inviting Catholics and the wider public to join a six-week online Lent reflection series endorsed by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

The programme, titled From Ashes to Hope, begins on the 25th of February and will explore the Sunday Gospel readings through guided reflection, prayer and small group discussion.

Paul Martin, Archbishop of Wellington said Lent offers an opportunity to pause and listen more closely.

“We are entering Lent, that season before Easter when we pause, reflect and listen more deeply to what really matters,” he said. “These sessions help us consider how the Gospel speaks into our daily lives and how we are called to respond.”

Each weekly session includes a Gospel reflection from a bishop, followed by facilitated discussion focused on practical faith and social responsibility.

Caritas chief executive Mena Antonio said the series connects spiritual reflection with the Church’s social mission.

“We work alongside communities to uphold human dignity and respond to hardship,” she said. “This Lent invitation is about listening to voices that are often unheard and asking what our faith calls us to do.”

Antonio said the online format makes the programme accessible to people across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Participants do not need prior theological knowledge. Sessions are designed for parish groups, families or individuals seeking structured Lent reflection.

The bishops have encouraged parishes to promote the programme as a way of deepening engagement during the season.

Registration and resources are available through caritas.org.nz/lent-webinars