St Patrick’s Branch No. 400
Established in 1903, St Patrick’s Branch No. 400 includes members from across the Manawatū, Tararua, Whanganui and now Taranaki regions, following a merger with St Joseph’s Branch No. 117 (New Plymouth), and it continues to make a difference in the lives of Catholics in the Diocese of Palmerston North. Please consider joining us.
Benefits
“Patrick going to Tara”, illustration from a 1904 book
In addition to the benefits offered nationally, the Branch offers its members:
- Scheduled medical grants scheme
- $20 subsidy towards GP appointments
- $20 subsidy towards nurse appointments
- $10 subsidy for any prescription charges
- Via our association with the Palmerston North United Friendly Societies (PNUFS)
- An annual $30 pharmacy voucher (this may not be granted every year)
- A 10% discount at UFS pharmacies (listed below)
- A $10 subsidy per prescription at UFS pharmacies
- Discretionary branch benevolent fund for members in need (e.g. major medial expenses, sudden loss of income) or worthy charitable causes.
- Top-up contributons towards the Hibernians’:
- New baby benefit
- Back to school grant
- Contribution to the costs of books, stationary, uniforms, etc.
- University students are also eligible
- Bereavement
Benefits apply to members and dependent children (aged under 18).
The Hibernian Society is an expression of Catholic Christian solidarity, which necessarily includes both a human face and corporate prayer. Beyond the material benefits of membership, we support each other socially and in prayer. The relationships between members are an important resource which we can draw on to support members in distress. We occasionally hold social events. As a registered Friendly Society, we conduct quarterly administrative meetings with which you are welcome to become involved as an elected officer. We also notify members if a Hibernian dies, encourage attendance at the requiem, and an annual Mass is offered in November for the repose of the souls of all deceased members. Formely, we made donations to the Cenacle Sisters, with the Sisters praying for the repose of the souls of deceased members; presently a donation to Caritas is made on behalf of deceased members.
Branch meetings
The Branch meets quarterly, at 2 pm on the 4th Saturday of February, May, August and November, unless otherwise communicated. We meet in the gathering area of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Broadway Ave, Palmerston North. We hold our branch AGM at the May session; please come along if you would like to contribute to the society in an elected capacity.
Membership
We are very open to new members aged over 18 who live in the Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki regions, so please express your interest via the sign-up form: Membership
Membership dues are $15 per quarter ($60/year).
How to apply for a benefit
Contact the Secretary by email (preferred), phone or post for forms that you can fill out and return with any supporting documents. (These forms will soon be made available online.)
The Secretary notifies members regarding opportunities for special or periodic benefits, such as Catholic education grants administered by other branches, as they open for applications.
UFS Pharmacies
- Roses Pharmacy, cnr Albert & Broadway Ave, Palmerston North
- Cook Street Pharmacy, cnr Cook & College Sts, Palmerston North
- Central Pharmacy, cnr Featherston & Bourke Sts, Palmerston North
- Central City Pharmacy, 121 Victoria Ave, Whanganui
NB. Members outside of Palmerston North and Whanganui can spend the $30 pharmacy voucher at any pharmacy.
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (formerly St Patrick’s), Mass for the opening of the 2025 Jubilee
Office bearers for 2025 / 2026
President: Richard Law
Vice-President: Catherine McNamara
Secretary / Treasurer: Wendy & Andrew Silver
Trustees: Kevin Frost & Anne Odogwu
Other elected members: Andrea Hurley
PNUFS Delegate: Kevin Frost
Immediate past president: Peter Clark
Secretary’s contact information
Postal address
c/- Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
PO Box 5279
Terrace End
Palmerston North 4441
Physical address
Cathedral Parish office — for hand-deliveries
197 Broadway Avenue (behind the Cathedral)
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm
