Our Special Catholic Character

Catholic Cathedral College is proud to be a school of “Special Catholic Character”. All students take part in Religious Education and are involved in the religious life of the College through morning prayers and mass services. Students also attend a Retreat in which they are encouraged to develop their relationship with God, themselves and their fellow students.

The Ministry of Education defines Special Character and integrated schools as:

A State integrated school is a school with a Special Character, which has been integrated into the State system. Every integrated school has a maximum roll which it is not allowed to exceed. First of all an integrated school has to cater for students who meet the school’s special character requirements. If there is room left, the school is able to enrol a set small number of students who do not meet the Special Character requirements.

As a community our faith is central to all that we do. We are grounded in the charisms and mission of our founders, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions and the Marist Brothers.

We carry on their intentions of ensuring high-quality Catholic education is made available for all, regardless of race, gender, identity, economic or cultural background.

Catholic Cathedral College is an inclusive and welcoming community that strives to live by Faith.

Bishop Michael Gielen was born in Cambridge and raised in Tokoroa, the son of Henk and Maureen Gielen and the oldest of six siblings.

After studying at Holy Cross College in Mosgiel he was ordained as a priest in 1997 in Tokoroa by Bishop Max Mariu, SM, (the first Māori Catholic bishop of New Zealand). He has been a priest for 24 years serving in Gisborne, Hamilton, Steubenville – USA, Mt Maunganui, Rome – Italy, Director of Formation at Holy Cross Seminary and most recently as Auxiliary Bishop of Auckland.

Bishop Michael was ordained Auxiliary Bishop for Auckland Diocese on 7 March 2020.The deacon at the ordination Mass was his father, Deacon Henk Gielen.

Bishop Michael counts his Catholic faith and his family as the greatest blessings of his life; through them he has come to know Jesus in the most profound way. Sharing this Good News is his life’s-work.

He is also a keen cyclist. In 2015 he and eight seminarians of Holy Cross Seminary cycled for 33 days from Cape Reinga to Bluff to promote vocations for the priesthood. His other passions included rugby and cricket, which he played, and just about all sports going.He always has a book “on the go”, covering most genres, latterly he has enjoyed NZ historical novels. He loves journeying with people from every walk and background of life; they have made him who he is.

Bishop Michael’s Latin motto is Totus Tuus “All for Jesus through Mary.”

Religious Education Department

Our Special Catholic Character

MANAAKITANGA – extending care and compassion to others.

WHANAUNGATANGA – a sense of family, and working together providing a sense of connection and belonging.

WHAKAPONO – having faith and trust in God and in each other.

PANEKIRETANGA – striving for excellence.