The Catholic Church has unreservedly apologised for the actions of a former priest who raped and indecently assaulted four young girls.

Peter Hercock, a former Chaplin at Sacred Heart College in Lower Hutt, was jailed by Judge Bill Hastings yesterday for six years and seven months after earlier admitting two charges of rape, one of attempted rape and four of indecently assaulting a girl aged between 12 and 16.

The offending happened in the 1970s and 1980s in the Hutt Valley, Wellington, against four Sacred Heart pupils.

Archbishop of Wellington Cardinal John Dew stated that these crimes should never happen.

"It brings shame on the church," he said. "We would certainly want to apologise to them, and say how deeply sorry we are that they've suffered this terrible trauma."

"It's a complete breach of trust by someone who was in a position of power and influence."

"People should be able to trust their priest."

During sentencing, Judge Hastings said Hercock had caused lasting emotional and psychological harm, but have him credit for remorse, participation in the church investigation, letters of apology, offer of reparation and guilty pleas.

“You knew what you were doing and knew it was wrong," Hastings said. "You stole from these women something that makes us all of us more human – the ability to have lasting, satisfying, mutually supportive relationships. You also stole their faith. There can be no greater hypocrisy for a priest.”