Introduction
I had the pleasure of meeting Fr Arthur Toothill SM at our Pastoral Day in March earlier this year and again at the Clergy Day in July. Though he is now “retired” (insofar as a priest ever truly retires!), he continues to serve in supply ministry for the Diocese of Palmerston North and is based in Taradale, Napier, as part of the Marist community.
I am deeply encouraged by Fr Arthur’s gentle and consistent witness. His quiet commitment to prayer and intercession is a powerful reminder that even if we are not currently serving in active parish ministry, we are still called to respond. Each of us can participate in the Spirit-led renewal of the Church: through listening, through prayer, and through offering ourselves in faith. Fr Arthur’s reflection reminds us that the Holy Spirit is alive and moving among us, and that the way forward begins with hearts open to God.
Emily Sit
Director of Mission and Evangelisation
Twenty-five years ago Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, wrote an article which was printed in the New Zealand Catholic. With other religious leaders he had attended a gathering where presentations were made about the state of the Church in their respective European countries.
Again and again the same things were mentioned:
“Our churches are emptying; we lack real contact with youth; we are not getting many vocations to the priesthood and religious life (or to marriage, for that matter). We are a post-ecclesial generation which no longer understands the classical theological language.
We need to announce Jesus again, as if for the first time, but we lack a language to do this in. Our churches are facing marginalisation in the wake of ever-intensifying secularity.”
We need a new kind of missionary, a new kind of saint—men and women who can live and preach the Gospel effectively within a secularised context. We need graced individuals, like Augustine, Francis or Clare, who can proclaim Christ to the people of our time.
Father James Mallon writes that the deepest crisis of all is that we have forgotten who we are and what we are called to do as a Church. We are essentially a missionary Church. The mission of the Church is to go, make disciples, baptise, and teach.
There is no one solution to move forward, but we might consider:
- How can we return to the core: Jesus, community, and mission?
- What kind of Church are we building?
- Are we helping people connect their spiritual hunger with the world’s real needs?
- Are we creating space for the wounded, the doubting, and the different—not as problems to be fixed, but as companions on the journey?
- Can we let go of control, so that others are empowered to lead?
- Are we reading and reflecting on what Bishop John, our chief shepherd, is saying to us?
This is a time to listen—to sit in silence before Christ in the Eucharist and ask: What gives us energy? Who inspires us? Who do we feel called to invite into leadership?
In recent times, I have been moved to offer Mass on the first Saturday of each month for the renewal of our parishes, especially through the Divine Renovation movement. I also intentionally pray for priests, people, and parish team leaders. Perhaps you might join me by offering a decade of your daily rosary for this intention.
And let us not forget the protection of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, who was present at the birth of the Church. In these uncertain and hope-filled times, let us fly to her patronage as we seek a way forward.
The Holy Spirit is alive and moving across our land. Let us listen together—to what God is doing, to one another, and to the deep longing of the world.
Fr Arthur Toothill SM