Welcome to the Holy Cross Seminary Website

Holy Cross Seminary is the National Seminary for the training of Diocesan clergy. Established in 1900 by Bishop Verdon of the Dunedin Diocese, it has been sited at Mosgiel (just outside Dunedin) for nearly a 100 years. At the end of 1997 the Seminary moved to Auckland and a year later moved to the present site of 44 Vermont Street, Ponsonby. Holy Cross is near the Parish Church, the St. Columba’s Centre and St. John Vianney House, a rest home for retired priests. While it continues with the same tradition and serving the six Dioceses of NZ, Holy Cross is there to help form priests for the 3rd Christian millennium.

In the six and a half years of preparation for priesthood we try to ensure that this time is a really happy one. While a day in Seminary life is very focused on prayer, study, pastoral and formational work, there are sporting and social occasions that all add balance to a busy life. All this is to help and shape these men to have more and more the mind and heart of Jesus Christ.

Lectures are undertaken at Good Shepherd College which is jointly staffed by Diocesan clergy, Society of Mary and other members of religious congregations. This is also in Ponsonby and about 15 minutes walk from Holy Cross Seminary. Our year is based around the University academic year with Mid-term Semester breaks and the summer vacation. At these times most of the students return home with the opportunity for work in their own locality.

Further information on life at Holy Cross Seminary follows. I do hope it is helpful and your own Vocations Director can give further assistance in your Diocese.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Philip Handforth.
(Rector)

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