WelCom December 2024/January 2025
The Catholic Parish of New Plymouth hosted the Divine Renovation Open House, an inspiring event, last month, that gathered over 200 people from every diocese across the country. The attendees included priests, bishops, and lay leaders, all united in their commitment to parish renewal and evangelisation.
Keynote presentations were delivered by a stellar lineup of speakers: Bishop John Adams, Bishop Michael Gielen, Msgr Trevor Murray, and Cheryl Surrey, New Zealand Regional Lead for Divine Renovation. Together, they shared insights and strategies for moving parishes from ‘maintenance to mission’.
Fr Simon Story and the parish team hosted the event, which explored essential themes such as the role of leadership in parish transformation, creating a culture of evangelisation, and fostering trust and collaboration within parish communities. Participants left with renewed energy, practical tools, and a clear message: parish renewal begins with bold leadership and a focus on mission.
This gathering not only strengthened connections across dioceses but also inspired a shared vision for the future of the Church in New Zealand. It was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when leaders work together to ignite faith and bring the Gospel to life in their communities.
