Preference Cards for Enrolment in Catholic Schools and Colleges

To assist families seeking a Preference Card for enrolment in Catholic schools and colleges, please read the information below carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child is baptised in the Catholic Church. What do I need to do?

Please come to the parish office on Thursday between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm and bring: Your child’s Baptism Certificate

What if my child is not baptised, but a parent or family member is Catholic?

Please come to the parish office on Thursday between 8:30 am and 2:00 pm and bring: Baptism Certificate of a parent, grandparent, or other relevant family member, where applicable

To assist with understanding eligibility for a Preference Card, please refer to the following criteria.

Criteria for Preference of Enrolment in Integrated Catholic Schools

Preference may be granted when one or more of the following apply:

5.1 The child has been baptised or is being prepared for Baptism in the Catholic Church.

5.2 The child’s parents or guardians have already had one or more of the child’s siblings baptised in the Catholic faith.

5.3 At least one parent or guardian is Catholic, and although their child has not yet been baptised, the child's participation in the life of the school could lead to the parents having the child baptised.

5.4 With the agreement of the child’s parents or guardians, a significant familial adult undertakes to support the child's formation in the faith and practices of the Catholic Church.  the significant familial adult is expected to be practicing their faith in their own local Parish (Rotorua). They may be a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, who is actively involved in the Child's upbringing. 

5.5 One or both of a child's non-Catholic parents or guardians are preparing to become Catholic.

Interested in Baptism or Becoming Catholic?

We warmly welcome anyone who wishes to learn more about the Catholic faith and Baptism.

Please follow these steps:

1. Learn About Baptism

Visit the website of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton to learn more about Baptism and the Catholic faith:

Catholic Diocese of Hamiltonhttps://www.cdh.org.nz/baptism-program 

2. Attend Sunday Mass at Rotorua Parish Community

We invite you to join our parish community regularly:

St Michael’s Church

Saturday: 5:00 pm or Sunday: 8:00 am

5 Lakes Road, Rotorua

St Mary’s Church

Sunday: 10:00 am or 5:00 pm

40 Seddon St, Rotorua

The Mass is the heart of our Catholic faith, where we gather to pray, worship, and grow together as a community in Christ.

3. Meet with the Priest

After attending Mass regularly for around two months and becoming more familiar with the faith, if you wish to continue your journey, please contact the parish office to arrange a meeting with the priest.

4. Grow in Faith at a Gentle Pace

Faith is a journey and should not be rushed. We encourage families to seek Baptism because of a genuine desire to grow in faith and relationship with God, rather than solely for school enrolment purposes.

5. Baptism Preparation

The parish usually runs Baptism preparation programmes during August and September. Dates and further information will be announced through parish notices.

6. Further Information

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact the parish office: by Email: office@rotorua.cdh.nz 

We are happy to support and guide you on your faith journey.