A powerful and inspiring series of sessions themed “Waiting in Joyful Hope: A Catholic Approach to Wellness and the Fullness of Life” was offered to all staff across our Catholic schools, featuring international speaker and author David Wells.
He led two full-day workshops — on 25 August in New Plymouth and 26 August in Palmerston North — drawing staff from across the region, including those who travelled from Hawke’s Bay to attend the Palmerston North event. David also presented an evening parish session on 26 August.
With a blend of wisdom, humour, and deep faith, David’s message resonated powerfully in today’s climate of challenge and change. His presentations offered a timely invitation to reflect, renew, and re-engage with hope and resilience in both life and education.
The day unfolded through three engaging sessions:
1. “The Doctor does not come for the healthy” (Mark 2:17)
This session explored the paradox of pursuing wellness while living at an unsustainable pace. David unpacked the roots of collective anxiety and invited us, as Catholic educators, to rediscover flourishing through authentic hope.
2. “The darkness shall not overcome it” (John 1:5)
Acknowledging the reality of suffering and stress, David drew on Hope Does Not Disappoint by Pope Francis to guide us in cultivating virtue, calm, and clarity amid life’s trials.
3. “That my joy may be in you” (John 15:11)
In this final session, David encouraged us to embrace joyful hope, offering practical insights from our Catholic tradition to support personal and professional flourishing.
The Palmerston North Catholic Education Office team extend our thanks to the New Zealand Catholic Education Office, Bishop John, and St Peter’s College for generously hosting the Palmerston North event.
