About Us
The John Paul II Centre is a Catholic charity that has been serving families in the Christchurch Diocese since 2005.
Grounded in the teachings of St. John Paul II and guided by our values of Dignity, Compassion, and Hope, we support life, marriage, and family.
The John Paul II Centre is committed to helping families walk through some of life's greatest struggles.
We do this by running different programmes and events as well as offering several services where we walk alongside individuals who are struggling with a particular burden.
“As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”
St Pope John Paul II
Our Team
Brigid Conroy
Director
Brigid holds a Master of Digital Business from the University of Waikato and has spent over 15 years across communications and the not-for-profit sector, leading the John Paul II Centre since 2025.
Growing up with two adopted siblings who live with Down syndrome, and married for over a decade, she brings both professional experience and her own lived journey to this work — knowing firsthand that love bears fruit in marriage and family life in ways we couldn’t have anticipated or planned, but are more beautiful than we dare to hope.
Lara Paterson
Programmes & Pastoral Care Coordinator
Lara provides pastoral support at the John Paul II Centre, walking alongside individuals and families through difficult seasons.
She facilitates the Springs in the Desert infertility support group and helps connect people with resources and support.
Accompanying families with compassion, faith, and prayer is at the heart of her work.
Debra McTague
Events & Operations Assistant
As the events and operations assistant, Debra develops initiatives that support the Centre’s mission.
A mother of five with a background in psychology and youth work, she brings both professional skills and lived experience to supporting families in need.
Jessie Mischewski
Marketing Coordinator
Jessie coordinates marketing and communications for the Centre. With experience in early childhood education and communications at New Zealand Police, she connects families with services and helps donors understand their impact.
Megan Emery
Lay Spiritual Formation Assistant
Megan brings pastoral experience from her role as Catholic Chaplain at Burwood Hospital, along with the wisdom of motherhood and grandmotherhood.
A former Board member of the Centre, she walks alongside those seeking comfort and guidance during difficult times, supported by her prayer life with the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites.
John Paul II Centre for Life Trust Board
L-R: Vincent Chia, Marion Smith, Matt O’Connell (Vice Chair), Allan Holden (Board Chair), Sonya Fitzgerald (Secretary).
The Board would like to extend their gratitude to the many people who support the Centre so generously with their prayers, time, money and talents.