Transtasman Virtual Conference will enliven Catholic communities

Catholic networks in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are hosting a virtual conference Alive in the Spirit to enliven Catholic communities as the two countries slowly emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The innovative online conference – from 8 to 10 July – offers a next-level experience to participants through a variety of keynote speakers, home-grown workshops and enriching prayer and worship experiences.

Alive in the Spirit’s New Zealand organiser, Amy Armstrong, pastoral ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Dunedin, says the mixture of live and on-demand opportunities are fully adaptable to strengthen the mission and aims of local Catholic communities.

“Our faith communities are hungering for inspiration and support as we emerge from the pandemic and the Royal Commission,” she says  

Three long-standing and wide-reaching Catholic networks have combined forces to host the event – the Pastoral Ministry Network, Christian Initiation Australia Network, and the Mission Planners Network Oceania.

A key attraction will be the more than 30 on-demand workshops exploring areas such as best practice for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA); how we engage beyond the margins of our faith communities; planning for mission and renewal; supporting pastoral care; social justice initiatives, and many more. Presenters will be drawn from experienced pastoral ministers in Australia and New Zealand who will offer practical, down-to-earth wisdom, resources and avenues of new life.

“We are also trying to encourage presenters from around New Zealand to participate so if you or someone you know might be a good presenter for a workshop or prayer experience please have them get in touch with me,” Amy adds. Her email is amya@cdd.org.nz

People who register for the “virtual” event will be sent a link to join it live online. The cost is AU$40 for an individual registration or AU$200 for a parish or organisation.  

The conference will also feature a variety of prayer spaces to provide their own sources of inspiration. There will be opportunities to connect with exhibitors, and one-to- one sessions with presenters.

A number of scheduled networking sessions will enable all Alive in the Spirit participants a chance to share their wisdom and learn from others in the mission field.

“The conference offers inspiration and support to lay people and clergy, staff, leadership teams, finance teams, pastoral councils, pastoral ministers and volunteers, those in education, counselling, pastoral care, youth ministry, family ministry, aged care and chaplaincies and anyone who wants to be Alive in the Spirit,” says Amy.

Download the Alive in the Spirit poster here in PDF.

Go here for the official Alive in the Spirit website and registration: https://aliveinthespirit.com.au/

Go here for a the Alive in the Spirit launch video that tells how the conference will work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TElC1cEZzRo