Church in New Zealand, Australia to host post-pandemic conference

By Vatican News staff reporter

Alive in the Spirit: That’s the title of a virtual conference taking place from the 8-10 July, which hopes to enliven Catholic Communities in New Zealand and Australia as both countries slowly emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The online event aims to offer “a next-level experience to participants” through a variety of keynote speakers, home-grown workshops and enriching prayer and worship experiences.

Enriching communities

Alive in the Spirit’s New Zealand organiser, Amy Armstrong, pastoral ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Dunedin, says the mixture of live and on-demand opportunities are fully adaptable to strengthen the mission and aims of local Catholic communities.

“Our faith communities are hungering for inspiration and support as we emerge from the pandemic,” she says. 

Three Catholic networks have combined forces to host the event – the Pastoral Ministry Network, Christian Initiation Australia Network, and the Mission Planners Network Oceania.

Key events

One the main highlights of the initiative will be the more than 30 on-demand workshops exploring areas such as best practice for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA); planning for mission and renewal; supporting pastoral care and social justice initiatives.

Presenters at the July event will be drawn from experienced pastoral ministers in Australia and New Zealand who will offer practical, down-to-earth wisdom, resources and avenues of new life.

The virtual conference will also feature a variety of prayer spaces to provide their own sources of inspiration.

A number of scheduled networking sessions will enable all Alive in the Spirit participants a chance to share their knowledge and learn from others in the mission field.

According to Amy Armstrong, “The conference offers inspiration and support to lay people and clergy, staff, leadership teams, finance teams, pastoral councils, pastoral ministers and volunteers, those in education, counselling, pastoral care, youth ministry, family ministry, aged care and chaplaincies and anyone who wants to be Alive in the Spirit.”