St Joseph’s Branch No. 962, Wellington
We are a Catholic mutual aid society based on St Joseph’s church and St Mary of the Angels and the surrounding churches in Wellington. Membership is open to men and women. We are a branch of the national Hibernian Catholic Benefit Society, which also pays benefits to our members.
St Joseph’s is a friendly society registered at the Companies Office since 1949. We have many long-term members, some of whom live outside Wellington. Current membership is about 80.
Benefits
Benefits cover the member, their spouse and dependent children living with them. Two schemes are open to members, and both funds are well endowed.
All benefits are discretionary. Neither St Joseph’s nor the UFS Medical Institute is a registered insurance company. There are rules but no contractual agreements, and benefits may change from time to time.
Benevolent and medical benefits
Available after two years’ membership.
- Assistance with surgery and treatment by medical specialists
- X-rays and scans
- Dentists, hearing aids and optical expenses
- Benevolent grants, generally on occasions of need
Visits to the doctor
St Joseph’s is affiliated to the UFS Medical Institute, so members are eligible to join that body. It pays $35 per doctor’s visit, up to ten visits a calendar year.
| Scheme | Dues | Who may join |
|---|---|---|
| Benevolent and medical benefits | $28.50 a quarter | Members who are self-supporting, which includes looking after home and children while a spouse works. If you join over 65 you may request medical assistance only, not benevolent. |
| Visits to the doctor (UFS Medical Institute) | $14 a quarter | Members who join under 45. |
Meetings
We meet quarterly at the St Mary of the Angels presbytery. Dates are not fixed, so watch The Angelus (the parish newsletter) for the next meeting date.
We deal with business for about half an hour, then adjourn to a BYO restaurant for general discussion. This is subsidised.
Joining
Catholics in Wellington who wish to consider membership are welcome to contact the secretary, or to complete the membership form.
Office bearers 2025/26
| Role | Member |
|---|---|
| President | Gordon Stewart |
| Secretary/Treasurer | Philip O’Brien |
| Trustees | Ben Brenton, Francis Fanning, Stephen Neal |
| Committee | Jules Hickey, Ryan James |
Contact
Secretary
Philip O’Brien
027 4220 242
philip.obrien@xtra.co.nz
PO Box 10 326, Wellington 6140