Dovecotes

Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women is delighted to introduce Dovecotes, a new initiative for the women of Aotearoa New Zealand.

A Dovecote is a small, nurturing group where women can gather regularly for prayer, support, and spiritual growth. Whether you meet in person or online, your group will be guided by the Holy Spirit, creating a safe and uplifting space to journey together in faith.

What is a Dovecote?

Just as a dovecote is a nesting box for doves, our Dovecote groups are places of belonging, care, and renewal. With two or more women, you can start a group in your parish, welcoming others from all walks of life to grow in their faith and explore the ways of the Holy Spirit.

Key Features of a Dovecote:

Starting Your Dovecote

Starting a Dovecote is simple:

  1. Gather two or more women.
  2. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your group.
  3. Discern together if Dove Catholic Fellowship’s vision and values resonate with your purpose.
  4. Register your group with the Dove National Team.

Once registered, your group will receive prayerful support, mentoring, and resources from the Dove community to help you flourish.

When and Where to Meet:

Your group can decide the time, frequency, and format that suits you best. Fortnightly meetings of 1–1.5 hours are recommended. Groups may form within a parish or online to include rural women and those unable to attend in person.

Vision and Values

Dovecotes are inspired by the vision of Dove Catholic Fellowship:

  • Welcoming women from all walks of life.
  • Building faith and family life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
  • Leading women to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Supporting one another in love, prayer, and spiritual growth.

As part of Dove Catholic Fellowship for Women, your group will operate under the spiritual guidance of the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand and the Dove National Team, ensuring a foundation of sound and safe practices.

Ready to Begin?

Download and read the Dovecotes Welcome and Information Pack, to understand the vision, values, and practical guidelines for forming your group. Discuss the pack with your group to discern if this initiative aligns with your goals and faith journey.

When ready, complete the registration form included in the pack and email it to:

The Dove National Team is here to support you every step of the way with prayer, mentoring, and resources to help your Dovecote thrive.

My lover said to me, ‘Rise up, my beloved, my fair one, and come away. For the winter is past, and the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up, and the time of singing birds has come, even the cooing of turtledoves. The fig trees are budding, and the grapevines are in blossom. How delicious they smell! Yes, spring is here! Arise my beloved, my fair one, and come away.’

Song of Songs 2: 10-13