About Our Parish - St Anthony's Parish, Huntly

Our Story

A Legacy of Faith in Huntly

St Anthony's Parish has been a cornerstone of Catholic life in Huntly for generations, serving as a spiritual home where families encounter Christ and grow in holiness.

Named after St Anthony of Padua, the beloved Franciscan friar known for his powerful preaching and devotion to the poor, our parish embodies his spirit of humility, charity, and faithful witness. From our earliest days, we have been a place where the Gospel is proclaimed, the Sacraments are celebrated, and God's people are nurtured in faith.

As part of the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Hamilton Group, we share in the rich heritage of the Catholic Church in New Zealand's North Island. The Diocese of Hamilton oversees parishes across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki regions, uniting us with a broader family of believers who share our commitment to evangelization and service.

Through times of growth and challenge, St Anthony's has remained steadfast—a beacon of hope in the Huntly community. Our parish has witnessed countless baptisms, first Communions, confirmations, weddings, and funerals, accompanying families through every season of life with the grace of the Sacraments and the support of Christian fellowship.

Who We Are

Our Catholic Identity

St Anthony's Parish is more than a building or a weekly gathering—we are a living community, united in Christ through the Sacraments and called to be His hands and feet in the world.

Sacramental Life

The seven Sacraments are the heartbeat of our parish. Through Baptism, we welcome new members into God's family. In the Eucharist, we receive Christ Himself—body, blood, soul, and divinity. Through Reconciliation, we experience God's merciful forgiveness. Confirmation strengthens us with the Holy Spirit, while Matrimony and Holy Orders consecrate vocations of service and love.

Liturgical Worship

The Holy Mass is the source and summit of our faith. Each Sunday, we gather as the Body of Christ to hear God's Word proclaimed in Scripture, offer our lives to the Father, and be nourished by the Bread of Life. Our liturgies are celebrated with reverence and joy, honoring the sacred traditions passed down through 2,000 years of Church history.

Community & Fellowship

We believe that faith is lived in community. From our welcoming Sunday gatherings to our parish social events, Bible studies, and prayer groups, St Anthony's provides countless opportunities to build authentic friendships rooted in Christ. No one walks the journey of faith alone—we support, encourage, and pray for one another.

Formation & Education

Growing in knowledge of our Catholic faith is essential to growing closer to Christ. We offer catechesis for children preparing for First Communion and Confirmation, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) for those exploring Catholicism, Bible studies, and ongoing adult faith formation. All are invited to deepen their understanding of Scripture, Tradition, and Church teaching.

Outreach & Service

Following Christ's command to love our neighbor, we actively serve those in need within Huntly and beyond. Our outreach ministries include food assistance for struggling families, visiting the sick and homebound, supporting local charities, and responding to community needs with compassion and generosity. Faith without works is incomplete.

Diocesan Connection

As a parish within the Diocese of Hamilton, we are united with Bishop Steve Lowe and our brother and sister parishes across the Waikato region. We participate in diocesan initiatives, support wider Church ministries, and share resources to strengthen the Catholic presence throughout New Zealand. Together, we are stronger.

Our Values

Living Out Our Mission

Our parish mission—to unite, reach out in love, and transform in Christ—shapes everything we do. These values guide our ministry and define who we aspire to be.

Unity in Christ

We celebrate our diversity while remaining one Body in Christ. Young and old, lifelong Catholics and new converts, families and singles—all are equally valued members of our parish family. Unity doesn't mean uniformity; it means loving one another as Christ loves us.

Reaching Out in Love

Love is not merely a feeling but an action. We reach beyond our parish doors to serve the marginalized, welcome the stranger, comfort the grieving, and stand with the vulnerable. In every act of charity, we see the face of Christ in our neighbor.

Transformation Through Grace

We believe in the power of God's grace to transform hearts, heal wounds, and make all things new. Through prayer, the Sacraments, and the support of our community, we continually grow in holiness and become more fully the people God created us to be.

Authentic Witness

Our faith is not meant to be hidden. We are called to be witnesses to the joy and truth of the Gospel in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Living with integrity, courage, and joy, we invite others to encounter the love of Christ.

Parish Life

A Family of Faith

At St Anthony's, you'll find more than a congregation—you'll discover a family that prays together, celebrates together, and supports one another through life's joys and sorrows.

Our parish life extends far beyond Sunday Mass. Throughout the week, parishioners gather for prayer groups, youth ministry, adult faith formation, social events, and service projects. Children participate in catechesis programs that prepare them for the Sacraments while learning to live as disciples of Jesus. Teens are encouraged to explore their faith through youth group activities, retreats, and service opportunities that challenge them to live boldly for Christ.

Adults find enrichment through Bible studies that delve into Scripture, RCIA classes for those discerning entrance into the Catholic Church, and opportunities to serve in liturgical ministries as lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, musicians, and more. Our parish council and various committees ensure that all voices are heard in shaping our parish's future.

Special celebrations throughout the liturgical year—from the solemn beauty of Holy Week to the joyful festivities of Christmas and Easter—unite us in worship and thanksgiving. Parish picnics, fundraising events, and cultural celebrations foster friendship and create memories that last a lifetime.

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Come Home

You're Always Welcome

Whether you're seeking a spiritual home, returning to the Church after time away, or simply curious about the Catholic faith, we invite you to take the next step. St Anthony's Parish is a place where questions are welcomed, doubts are addressed with compassion, and every person is valued as a beloved child of God.

Come as you are. We'll walk with you wherever you are on your faith journey.

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About St Anthony's Parish