Our History

Pukekohe was constituted a separate parish in 1866, and at that time extended from Drury to Mercer and out to the west coast.The first church was situated where the cemetery is now, a very small church built of timber slabs with a nikau roof. By 1879 the Catholic community required a larger church. The present site across the road was purchased at a nominal price and the church excluding fittings was built for the cost of £225. The building was of kauri timber and shingle roof.

Just after Easter of 1953 an extensive alteration commenced. It was opened by Bishop Liston on 1st November 1953. In 1972 the structure that exists now was built costing $21,218. In 1980 the sanctuary floor was extended bringing the altar, lectern and priest chair closer to the congregation. Carpet was laid in 1974.

Some of the original families still have descendants in our parish today. Just to mention a few there are Grahams, Hogan, Markham, Rogers, Fahey and Brady. Parishioners travelled great distances in early days as the parish at one time in 1912 extended from Pollok to Ararimu and from Papakura to Mercer.

The church served for many people as a place of worship where parishioners were baptized, confirmed, received First Holy Communion, married and buried. School boys were taught Latin and served on the altar for Mass, weddings and funerals.There were years when we would have six rows of seats occupied by the Sisters of the Missions daily at Mass and Benediction on Sunday nights.