Little Company of Mary Christchurch
Little Company of Mary Christchurch
On Monday 6 October 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm Speaker: Brenda Hayes from the Canterbury Repertory Theatre Come and hear what’s involved behind the scenes of amateur theatre. Brenda has spent a large part of her life involved in amateur theatre in Christchurch. She has worked with…
Quote from Venerable Mary Potter: “One saintly soul is worth more to God than a whole nation of ordinary Christians.” Reflection: The core of Christian belief is that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says: “What does it profit a person if they gain the whole world and suffer the loss…
On Monday 1 September 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm Speaker: Mel Frazer from Aspire Canterbury This presentation will include valuable information regarding support services and mobility equipment available for hire plus products for sale that enhance independence. Cuppa to follow. All ages…
On Monday 4 August 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm Speaker: Bianca Duncan, Air Force Museum of New Zealand This presentation explores the dramatic effect WWII had on the way Kiwis dressed, as rationing and ‘make-do and mend’ became everyday practices. Take a closer look at service caps,…
The next Greater Company of Mary Mass will be held on Saturday 22 November 2025, 10.30am at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham Street North, St Albans, Christchurch. Our gathering will include Sisters, LCM Affiliates, staff and friends of LCM. Morning tea will follow. All welcome to attend and to bring friends and…
On Monday 7 July 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm Speaker: Michelle Taylor, John Rhind Funeral Directors Come along to an open forum chat about pre-arranging funerals and the benefits of this for family along with options to help manage costs around funerals. Any questions will be welcome…
On Monday 9 June 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm Speaker: Cilla Clements Come and hear Cilla Clements talk about NZ Prisoners of War who were based at a little work camp, situated in the Italian Alps, during World War II. Find out about the most successful escape…
The Caledonian Road Mary Potter villas have recently had roofs painted and exteriors washed. We are very pleased with the result. The villas have come up looking fresh, crisp and clean.
On Monday 5 May 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm Speaker: Ben Lay Come and hear Ben Lay talk on the developments at Mona Vale Gardens over the last six years. After the devastating earthquakes in 2011, Mona Vale wasn’t immune and until this year, was still bearing the scars.
On Monday 10 March 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Come and hear Petronella Spicer, Recreation and Volunteer Coordinator, from Blind Low Vision. Blind Low Vision provides rehabilitation services for those who have significant vision loss. Petronella will be speaking on the services that Blind Low Vision provide and will…
Mary Potter Courts residents’ contributed to a food bank that was donated to St Vincent de Paul. The food donations were dropped off to St Vincent de Paul before Christmas and these were gratefully received. Huge thanks to all residents for their contributions. “Together we can do…
On Monday 3 February 2025, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Come and hear Dr Ursula Rack give a talk All about Antarctica. New Zealand, and especially Christchurch, has a long tradition with the Antarctic. Antarctica itself is a fascinating place with lots of history, science, and an incredible wildlife.
Glenn Livingstone has recently been appointed as Chair of the LCM Foundation. Glenn has served on the LCM Foundation since September 2022. We welcome and congratulate Glenn in his new role as Chair. …
On Monday 4 November 2024, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Come and hear Garry Holden who will give a talk on his past involvement with the Northern Territory Police. Cuppa to follow. All ages welcome and bring a friend. Gold coin donation. At the Mary Potter…
Tamara Moriarty joined the Little Company of Mary Foundation Board in 2024. Tamara is passionate about utilising her abilities to support people doing valuable work and growing strong community connections. To find out more about Tamara, please click on Who we are / Our Team / Our Board to read profile.
On Monday 23 September 2024, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Come and hear Helen Hills, a volunteer and committee member of the North Canterbury Branch of Forest and Bird, A voice for nature / Te Reo o te Taiao. Helen will talk about the work of the local branch and…
The pale pink peony type camellia was named “Mary Potter” to mark the sesqui-centenary (150 years) of Mary Potter’s birth on 22nd November 1847. The camellia was propagated at Camellia Glen Nursery in South Taranaki in 1997. This nursery has since closed. A Mary Potter camellia was planted in the Camellia Garden at Christchurch Botanical…
The Mary Potter Community Centre is a Ministry of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary. The Centre is ideally placed close to the “four avenues” of Christchurch, located at 442 Durham Street North, St Albans. It is tucked behind the Southern Cross Hospital, hidden away from traffic noise and the busyness of…
On Monday 1 July 2024, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Join Tayla King, Hearing Specialist, from Your Way Kia Roha, for a free hearing health presentation – Learn about the importance of hearing health, effective communication strategies, and how to identify and manage hearing loss. Discover how Your…
Irish dancing on St Patrick’s Day Picnic on the lawn Halloween Arts and crafts exhibition Circle bowls Cup Day celebration Matariki morning tea …
Bring your toe-tapping feet and be entertained by the Country Trio on Monday 6th May, from 1.30-2.30pm at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham Street North, St Albans, Christchurch, Wear a cowboy hat (optional) and come along for a musical afternoon. All ages welcome and bring…
On Monday 8 April 2024, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, come and hear Nathan Schwartfeger as he presents Hints and Tips on How to use Heatpumps. Cuppa to follow. All ages welcome and bring a friend. Gold coin donation. At the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442…
LITTLE COMPANY OF MARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE VACANCY The Little Company of Mary Foundation Trust Board (LCM Foundation) is looking for a new trustee to help with the delivery and advancement of its mission and ministry in the Christchurch area. Mission and ministry Continuing the Little Company of Mary’s (LCM’S) mission to relieve poverty through the…
On Monday 4 March 2024, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, come and hear Garry Holden as we trip down Memory Lane in Christchurch City during the Baby Boomer Times. This presentation will include a photo slideshow. Cuppa to follow. All ages welcome and bring a friend.
This presentation will provide information about keeping connected when one is no longer able to drive. Not driving doesn’t have to limit our activities or prevent us from enjoying life. Adjusting to life without a car doesn’t mean losing independence or freedom. All welcome…
On Monday 6 November 2023, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, we have guest speaker, Helen Sinclair from Fire & Emergency NZ (FENZ). Helen is a firefighter who usually works from the Christchurch City Fire Station. Helen is currently on secondment into this role as the Community Readiness and…
The Little Company of Mary staff recently used the Mary Potter Community Centre for their First Aid refresher course. The focus of the course was how to use a defibrillator and a refresher for CPR. The Community Centre proved to be a great venue for this training, with plenty of space for the “victims” to…
On Monday 9 October 2023, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, come and hear Shealagh Hallissey sharing about her Irish dancing career and travels. Cuppa to follow. All ages welcome and bring a friend. Gold coin donation. At the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham Street North,…
The Italian Garden and grotto have recently received a spruce-up. The grotto has been tidied and rocks re-set in fresh concrete (good for another 90 years?), while some fabulous Mary Potter residents and friends have refreshed and re-painted the garden seats. Looking fabulous!…
On Monday 14 August 2023, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Sarah Cornall from Civil Defence & Emergency Management will be presenting the General Emergency Preparedness talk which covers the key national warning/preparedness messages, tips and ideas on things you should consider to make yourself and your household more…
In early May 2023 we farewelled two old magnolia trees in the Italian Garden. The trees had previously stood sentinel either side of a path the Sisters used when walking from the old convent to the hospital. Sadly, the magnolias were becoming unsafe, so they had to go. However, there is a silver lining –…
On Monday 24 July 2023, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Mel Frazer from Aspire Canterbury will be presenting valuable information regarding support services and mobility equipment available for hire plus products for sale that enhance independence. Cuppa to follow. All ages welcome and bring a friend.
On Monday 8 May 2023, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Howard Jamieson from Age Concern Canterbury will be talking about how to access accommodation and other allowances, and how Age Concern can help. Cuppa to follow. All ages welcome and bring a friend. Gold coin donation.
A Pre-St Patrick’s Day Residents’ Morning Tea was held on Thursday 16 March at the Mary Potter Community Centre. The residents enjoy coming together to socialise and there were many wearing green to mark the occasion. Even little Ted made an appearance! Hot Cross Buns and other goodies were served and enjoyed by all!…
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, residents have arranged for the Shealagh Hallissey Irish Dancers to perform at the Mary Potter Community Centre on Friday 17 March, from 3.00pm – 3.30pm. All welcome to come along and enjoy some Irish entertainment. Wear something green if you wish and bring a friend. Mary Potter Community Centre 442…
Phil Clearwater and Glenn Livingstone joined the Little Company of Mary Foundation Board in 2022. Both have long-standing community and council roles. They are committed to making a positive difference to people’s lives through the provision of affordable housing and opportunities for reducing loneliness amongst older people. To find out more about Phil and…
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On Monday 3 October, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Clodagh Ward (Safeguarding Officer with the Catholic Diocese of Christchurch) will be giving a presentation on safeguarding. What is safeguarding? Safeguarding refers to measures designed to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals. Safeguarding…
On Monday 12th September at 1.30pm in the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham Street North, St Albans, Christchurch, D&B Duo will be entertaining us with a Country and Western Afternoon, so get out your cowboy hats and come along for a fun afternoon. All welcome.
On Monday 4 July, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, Garry Holden will be sharing his memories of growing up as a baby boomer in New Brighton and the huge sense of community and lifestyle of the times in the 1950s and 60s. Cuppa to follow. All ages welcome and bring…
A Musical Variety Afternoon with Malcolm Palmer and an opportunity for a good ole sing-along! Monday 13 June, 1.30-2.30pm Mary Potter Community Centre All ages welcome and bring a friend.
What a wonderful St Patrick’s Day we had at the centre, thanks to Shealagh Hallissey and her fantastic, talented group of Irish Dancers from the Scoil Rince Hallissey Irish Dance School . We were entranced by the skill and passion shown by the amazing young people, as we tapped our feet and clapped our hands…
Community Centre Talk On Monday 2 May, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, we have Pat Rotheram from Parry Field Lawyers presenting information on EPOA’s, Wills and Residential Care Subsidies. Afternoon tea to follow. All welcome and bring a friend. Vaccine pass required to enter. At Mary…
Community Centre Talk Safer driving hints and tips On Monday 28 February at 1.30pm, we have Fiona Clark from NZ Police presenting some hints and tips towards encouraging us to keep on driving as we age. Afternoon tea to follow. All welcome and…
On Monday 8 November, the Pre-NZ Trotting Cup Day Bubbles & Fun afternoon was held at the Community Centre. Activities included a quiz on anything equine, horse racing game, sweepstake, our very own “fashion in the field” which included a beautiful array of hats. Prizes were given for the best dressed and best hat. Fancy…
Rebecca joined the Little Company of Mary Foundation Board in 2021. She is a qualified lawyer with significant legal and commercial knowledge and expertise, particularly in the property and capital raising space. Rebecca has 20 years’ experience working in legal, commercial and investment compliance roles for leading New Zealand companies, which she draws on to…
We are excited to have the Christchurch City Council mobile library van visit the Mary Potter Community Centre every second Monday starting 8 November 2021. The van will be in the carpark between 10.00am and 11.00am, so come down and borrow from their selection of books, DVDs, magazines, audio books, large print books and more. …
One of our residents, Lesley, recently celebrated a significant birthday, 100 years! Congratulations and best wishes to you. Lesley celebrated her birthday with family and a few close friends. …
Adventures on a Hill. Rick Jackson is an Amateur Radio Operator who climbs mountains and talks to other Hams (trained Amateur Radio Service Operators) around the world. Monday 2 August 2021 10.00am – 11.00am Mary Potter Community Centre 442 Durham Street North, St Albans, Christchurch 8014 Morning tea will follow – All welcome…
Fr Pat Crawford was ordained a priest in Christchurch in 1960. He served in Parish Ministry for 50 years and spent a further 10 years in Youth and Prison Ministry. Fr Pat commented “It’s been an interesting journey trying to apply Scripture and Church teaching to a changing world of science and technology”. When Fr…
Get a ‘Heads Up!’ It’s time to remove the stigma. Epilepsy can come on at any age but there is a greater prevalence in the over 60’s. It can affect any gender and ethnicity; with around 45,000 diagnosed people in New Zealand. Did you know there are over 40 different seizure types and sometimes…
You never know what is going to happen on Activities days at the Mary Potter Community Centre. Last Thursday, Cathie, our dedicated Activities Co-ordinator, decided to celebrate the Queen’s birthday to coincide with the public holiday. The Community Centre was prettified with decorations. Everyone wore crowns, enjoyed birthday cake and sang happy birthday to the…
On Monday 3 May 2021, Rachael Beever from the Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service gave a presentation at the Mary Potter Community Centre for residents and visitors. The presentation included an explanation on a person’s Code of Rights when accessing a health or disability service, and gave helpful information towards people being aware of…
A Pre-Easter Residents’ Morning Tea was held on Thursday 1 April at the Mary Potter Community Centre. Hot Cross Buns and other goodies were served. This was our first residents’ morning tea for the year. It was an enjoyable morning catching up with everyone who came. A lovely surprise was that a couple of Easter…
On Monday 3 May at 1.30pm, we have Rachael Beever coming to the Mary Potter Community Centre (442 Durham St North, St Albans) to give a presentation regarding Code of Rights when accessing healthcare. Rachael Beever is an Advocate for the Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Service based in Christchurch. This will be a very…
Meet Cathie, our Activities Co-ordinator extraordinaire, celebrating St Patrick’s Day. This photo was taken the day after St Patrick’s Day, where those who attended housie could dress up in anything green, and green food was shared on the day as well. If you would like to share in the fun, please come along to…
On Thursday 26th November at the Mary Potter Community Centre we celebrated the 173rd birthday of our founder with a special morning tea and birthday cake. Venerable Mary Potter was born in a rented house in Bermondsey, South London on the 22nd November 1847.
On Monday 2 November a lot of fun was had at the Mary Potter Community Centre for the Pre-Melbourne Cup Day celebrations. Our activities co-ordinator, Cathie, organised a quiz on anything equine, a horse racing game, and a sweepstake for the residents and friends who attended . Prizes were…
Big thanks to our June of all Trades for all she does assisting in the gardens and around the Community Centre. We appreciate all you do and your time given.
Above me in the twilight sky, the Southern Cross shimmers like 5 tiny candles. That has been its mission since 1,000 B.C. Originally called by its Latin name Crux (cross), it provided guidance and direction to 15th century seafarers and explorers who named it for the Cross. Tonight, enthralled with its beauty and antiquity, I ponder its…
For your information and reading, please click on link to article recently written by Sr Helena Kearns and first published in the August/September 2020 issue of St Albans News, Christchurch, New Zealand. Nursing Sisters reflect on the old Calvary Hospital…
Due to unforeseen circumstances, it is with regret the next Greater Company of Mary Mass has been cancelled. The mass was due to be held on Saturday 15 August, 10.30am at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham St North, St Albans, Christchurch. Our next Greater Company of Mary Mass is scheduled for…
You won’t want to miss this! On Monday 3rd August from 1.30pm-2.30pm at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham St North, in St Albans. Sr Kathleen Kilpatrick will be giving a slideshow presentation on the history of the LCM Sisters. This will be professionally recorded on the day. Afternoon Tea will…
INTRODUCTION: Reflection on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, 14th June. SCRIPTURE READING: When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table and the disciples with him. And he said to them: “I have longed to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, because I tell you I shall not…
After nearly 13 years of service to the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary and the people of the Mary Potter Courts, Apartments and Community Centre, we sadly farewell Michael in his retirement. Michael will be deeply missed by all. We wish Michael every blessing and all the best for a long and…
Arts & Crafts Session – This is one of our new activities on Mondays at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham St North, St Albans. All welcome to come at 10.00am to join in for morning tea. Arts & Crafts Session is from 10.30am-12 noon. BYO arts and crafts supplies. BYO lunch if you…
Next Monday 3rd February at 1.30pm, we have guest speaker, Marie Daldry coming to talk about her experiences with horses and the horse industry, from a woman’s perspective, at the Mary Potter Community Centre, 442 Durham St North, St Albans. Afternoon tea will follow. All welcome and bring a friend.
Residents’ morning teas, Pony Party, Cantabrainers Choir Blue September Morning TeaJohn Hewitson advising residents on Community PatrolLCM Staff at Blue September Morning Tea for residentsCantabrainers Choir practising at Mary Potter Community CentreJocelyn and Bev – Mad Hatter Hat WinnersLCM staff at Mad Hatter Morning Tea for residentsPony Party – Janine and Pauline Pony Party –…
Sisters Silindiwe Shamu, Mary Mugodzeri and Ellen Masere from Little Company of Mary, Zimbabwe with Sister Raye Boyle…
The Final Profession of Sister Helena Kivalu was a beautiful and very memorable occasion in the life of the Little Company of Mary (LCM). On Saturday 12th January 2019, the morning dawned brightly in Tonga. There had been much preparation at the St John the Baptist Catholic Church at Pea, Tongatapu in readiness for this…
With kind permission from Steven Moe (www.theseeds.nz) we have attached a link to an interview he completed with Sister Mary Scanlon last year. Sister Mary was born in 1929 and knew she wanted to be a nurse early in her life. In January 1949 she joined Little Company of Mary which is coming up to 70 years of…
Once again, the LCM Sisters in Tonga have greatly appreciated your kind interest, thoughts, prayers and donations. 2018 has again been a very busy (and at times dramatic) year for our Tonga Community. Early in 2018 Cyclone Gita ploughed through the Pacific, and tried its best to flatten the Kingdom of Tonga.
We have been busy landscaping new gardens…. When the earthquake repairs were completed on the Mary Potter Courts at Caledonian Road, the previously beautiful grounds were left looking rather sad, bland and bare. November has seen several of the Villas receive freshly prepared garden beds, new plants and stone mulch. This has added a…
Today at the Mary Potter Community Centre we celebrated the 171st birthday of our founder with a special morning tea and birthday cake. Venerable Mary Potter was born in a rented house in Bermondsey, South London on the 22nd November 1847. …
In September the local LCM community gathered with the Province Team in the Mary Potter Centre to witness the Missioning of our LCM staff in Christchurch. Those Missioned were our Financial Manager and Office staff, two Gardeners, Health and Wellbeing NZ Coordinator and Mary Potter Centre Activities Coordinator. Following the Liturgy afternoon tea was enjoyed…
Article in Inform Newsletter Issue 114 – September 2018 The idea of a prayer ministry among our lay companions first formed in the mind of our Founder Mary Potter during the early days of the Little Company of Mary (LCM). Prayer for the suffering and dying was her deep concern. Mary Potter lived at the…
Welcome to the Little Company of Mary Christchurch website. Enjoy learning about the history of our organisation and its founder, the venerable Mary Potter, explore the services we offer and learn how you can be part of our community.
