The Hope and Renewal Summit brought together over 500 Catholics from across Aotearoa, igniting hearts with the Holy Spirit’s call to love, connection, and transformation. In this collection of post-Summit reflections, Victoria Arrowsmith shares a personal journey from isolation to belonging, Fr Nathaniel Brazil shares a compelling call to move our parishes from maintenance to mission, Kevin Campbell reflects on the Summit as a call to mission, and Emeritus Bishop Peter Cullinane offers a thoughtful response.
Please note: The reflections and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the authors and are shared in the spirit of personal faith and contemplation. They do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Diocese of Palmerston North.
A Place to Belong
By Victoria Arrowsmith, Catholic Parish of Whanganui
We are destined for a life of love. The Holy Spirit’s love and flame of hope were reignited for 20 parishioners from Whanganui last weekend, as well as 500 others from across New Zealand at the Hope and Renewal Summit in Palmerston North. We were inspired by keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and conversations with each other. Our discussions involved sharing a God-inspired Parish vision, starting the Alpha Programme, and uniting our Catholic schools to the Parish. We pray that the Holy Spirit will breathe life into our efforts.
Those with ‘no religion’ haven’t experienced God’s presence. In our personal relationships with God, we know He is love. We recognise ourselves as vessels of His love and allow God’s love to pour out unto others. Religion needs to be about relationships. When our authentic identity is in Christ, our relationships with others could lead them to a faith decision. Are we forming a connection, or rejection? Are we having conversations, or proclamations? Are we having a mission that extends beyond our walls? Are we looking to love and not to judge?
One session acknowledged that people need to feel they belong, to believe in the love of God. For instance, we could establish hospitality and welcoming teams. From my own experience, in 2022, I felt no belonging anywhere. I didn’t feel that I mattered in the Parish. One Sunday Mass, I looked at my reflection in the bathroom mirror and told myself, “This is the last Sunday I’m coming here.” God had other plans, as the moment I returned to the foyer, a parishioner asked me to do a Reading. All it took was for one person to extend the invitation. Reading for the first time, I recall the sunlight streaming on me and the stained glass windows reflecting an array of colour. I knew that God did see me, and love me, and he wanted me to be a part of this Parish.
Now, I’ve found my places of belonging, such as the Parish Youth Group. I can be myself, without fear of judgement, and I can accompany young people as they encounter God’s love. We are all on a life journey, and just a smile can open doors to the light of Christ. Let us serve and empower with our God-given gifts and create a culture of generosity, for when we enter our Parish, we enter Jesus’ home.
A Vision for the Church in Aotearoa
By Fr Nathaniel Brazil, Immaculate Conception Parish Stratford
Attending the Hope and Renewal Seminar in Palmerston North was a powerful and Spirit-filled experience. With five bishops, over seventy priests, and more than 500 parish leaders from across New Zealand gathered in one place, the energy was electric, and the hunger for renewal was real.
The key message that echoed through the days was this: our parish-es must move from maintenance to mission. Inspired by the vision of Divine Renovation, we are being called to reimagine parish life—not as a set of structures to preserve, but as vi-brant communities of disciples on fire for the Gospel. We cannot settle for keeping things going. We are called to be bold, Spir-it-led, and mission-focused.
The importance of being rooted in prayer and open to the power of the Holy Spirit was emphasized again and again. Renewal doesn’t begin with strategy—it begins on our knees, listening to the Lord and inviting Him to move in our hearts and communities. This spiritual foundation gives life to everything else.
One of the highlights for me was the workshop on leadership. I was reminded that every parish needs leaders who are first and foremost disciples—people of vision, humility, and courage, who can guide others into a living relationship with Jesus.
I left the seminar filled with hope. There is a stirring of revival across Aotearoa. If we work together—as clergy and laity, united as the People of God—there is no limit to what the Holy Spirit can do in our parishes.
Let us step forward with faith, trusting that God is not finished with His Church. The best is yet to come.
A Call to Mission
By Kevin Campbell, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North
I attended the Hope and Renewal Conference interested in the initiative and curious as to what form it would take. I wondered whether it would be another ‘movement’ joining hundreds of other movements throughout history (and even of comparatively recent times) that ‘come and go’ from time to time, all part of the dynamism of the People of God. Time will tell on that.
I think the Conference was a call to mission, to evangelisation. An important aspect of that mission and evangelisation is not to be inward-looking. An important message was – Ministry has an inward focus, and Mission has an outward focus.
As an aside, an interesting thing that struck me in the ‘process’ of gathering was a clear recognition of something of a revival of the Charismatic Renewal movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Younger participants would have been unaware of that, but older participants would have recognised that characteristic – especially in praying with and for others.
I also recognised a close similarity with some of the current Evangelical Christian gatherings in some of the singing and praise. I found that interesting.
My comments on the ‘process’ are in no way criticisms, just observations. The Holy Spirit, being timeless, will be found in many and varied places and will at all times be there for all Pilgrims on the Journey.
A catchphrase of the Conference was the three Bs – Belong, Believe, and Behave. In reflecting on the catchphrase, I was reminded of another phrase that has been around a very long time (even back to Matthew’s Gospel) and mentioned by John XXIII at Vatican II – See, Judge, Act. In fact, I think See–Judge–Act underpins Belong–Believe–Behave. See–Judge–Act calls us to gather (belong) with all our brothers and sisters, especially the poor – to listen/see their plight and the injustices that oppress them. We then reflect (judge) together on what we believe, from Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching, that can heal the injustices. Finally, we take transformative action (behave) for the common good.
If we want to be Missionary Disciples, then we already have a very good brief in the See–Judge–Act method with which to begin the journey of Belonging, Believing, and Behaving. It doesn’t matter so much what slogan we use, as long as it works and we can measure up to James’ reminder to us that our faith must lead to action (James 2:15–17).
Reflection on the Hope and Renewal Summit
By Emeritus Bishop Peter Cullinane
Bishop Peter Cullinane offers a thoughtful reflection on the Hope and Renewal Summit, commending its organisers and participants for the event.
While acknowledging he could not attend the entire summit, he shares his insights and concerns based on what he experienced.
Commendations
The summit was marked by spiritual depth, honest engagement, and a strong desire for renewal among attendees.
Bishop Cullinane writes: “I found the input prayerful, informative, challenging and hope-filled.”
He was particularly moved by the presence of committed Catholics: “There was something about the people present that already embodied hope rather powerfully.”
Personal testimonies were highlighted as powerful moments: “I would include the witness given by Simon Story and John Adams among the highlights.”
Concerns Raised
- Understanding of Mission
While personal conversion and relationship with Christ were rightly emphasised, Bishop Cullinane believes the full Catholic sense of mission was underrepresented.
Mission must go beyond proselytism, he says, and include inculturation, dialogue with contemporary culture, and engagement with civic life.
He warns against “falling prey to a kind of ecclesial introversion.”
- Role of Leadership Teams vs Participatory Bodies
While leadership teams were well presented, Bishop Cullinane is concerned they may be seen as substitutes for broader consultative bodies like pastoral councils.
He stresses that mission derives from baptism, not ordination, and that co-responsibility must be promoted across the Church.
He references the General Assembly on Synodality which affirms the importance of:
- Broad participation in decision-making
- Listening to all members of the Church, especially those on the margins
- Respecting discernment processes within participatory bodies
Summary and Recommendations
Bishop Cullinane suggests that a fuller understanding of mission and more expansive consultation practices are essential to avoid short-changing the faithful.
He proposes ongoing adult formation as a pastoral strategy to deepen faith and understanding.
He also notes that cost may have been a barrier for some potential attendees and suggests future events be made more accessible.
However, “whatever about any potential ‘incompleteness,’ the event was very worthwhile,” he concludes.
