Hundreds set to attend Hope and Renewal Summit

More than 500 people will gather in Palmerston North this week with the goal of making Catholic parishes across New Zealand more dynamic places to live out God’s mission.

The Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North and the international ministry, Divine Renovation, are jointly hosting the event from Thursday to Saturday.

Fr James Mallon, founder of the Divine Renovation Ministry, is one of the keynote speakers at the conference.

“I’ve been told this is one of the largest gatherings of this type ever hosted in New Zealand, which in itself is a sign of great hope for the Church here,” Fr Mallon said.

“Some of the participants are well on a journey of renewing their parishes, moving from a mindset of maintenance to one focused on mission – the parish’s mission, but also God’s mission. Others are still seeking a way forward, and this event will help them learn more about different approaches.

“Wherever a parish community is on that path, they will be encouraged to dream, to hope and to renew.”

Palmerston North Bishop John Adams said he was grateful to receive strong support from other bishops for the event. He said he will bring his own experience and enthusiasm for parish renewal to his participation.

“I’ve been blessed to see first-hand how parishes can be energised, how they can find a shared goal as a group of committed Catholics and how they can be places where regular attendees and enquirers alike can find a spiritual home,” he said.

“This Hope and Renewal Summit began as something of an optimist’s dream, not least in aiming to bring together over 500 people. What a joy it is that the event has sold out, and we can welcome so many people to this hope-filled gathering.”

People from dozens of parishes across every region of New Zealand will be at the Summit, along with delegates from Australia, Canada and Fiji. In addition to a series of keynote sessions, there will be more than 15 workshops with a particular focus.

Priests, who have a unique role to play in efforts to renew parish life, will have sessions specifically aimed at their ministry and leadership.

Bishop Adams said the Summit, for all its benefits, will be a springboard for parishes and communities.

“The hard work of responding to the needs of individual parishes and groups of people will begin next week. The Summit will give us the spiritual food for the journey that lies ahead,” he said.