Hope and Renewal Summit

A movement of renewal begins here.

The Church is called to so much more than survival—we are called to mission.

Too many parishes today find themselves caught in maintenance mode, struggling with declining engagement, exhausted leaders, and a sense of uncertainty about the future. But there is hope—and renewal is possible.

The Hope and Renewal Summit is more than just a conference. It’s a gathering of passionate priests and parishioners who believe the Church is meant to thrive, not just survive.

A vision for a missional Church

Hosted in partnership with the Diocese of Palmerston North and Divine Renovation, this summit builds on a proven model of parish renewal that has impacted thousands of parishes worldwide.

Our vision? A Church where:
🔹 Priests are empowered as missionary leaders.

🔹 Parishes become places of encounter and transformation.

🔹 Evangelisation is not just a programme but a way of life.

If you long to see your parish fully alive in mission, this summit is for you.

Who is this for?

If you’re involved in your parish in any way, this summit is for you.

Whether you’re a parishioner, ministry leader, priest, bishop, deacon, or simply someone who desires more for your parish — there’s a seat waiting for you at the Hope and Renewal Summit.

Who is this for?

If you’re involved in your parish in any way, this summit is for you.

Whether you’re a parishioner, ministry leader, priest, bishop, deacon, or simply someone who desires more for your parish — there’s a seat waiting for you at the Hope and Renewal Summit.

what to expect:

This isn't just another conference.

It’s a turning point for your parish.

The Hope and Renewal Summit is designed for priests and passionate parishioners who want to see their parish come alive in mission. Whether you’re just beginning or well on your way, this experience will help you move forward—together.

You’ll hear powerful, practical talks on parish renewal and evangelisation from Bishop John Adams, Fr James Mallon, and Matt Regitz.

But the real transformation happens around your table.

After every session, you’ll gather with your parish team (or join one at your table) to reflect, discuss, discern, and apply what you’ve heard. This is more than inspiration — it’s leadership development and formation in real time.

As Fr. James says, “We spend so much time working in the parish, we rarely get time to work on the parish.”

This Summit is your chance to do just that—and it might be the most important investment your parish makes this year.

what to expect:

This isn't just another conference.

It’s a turning point for your parish.

The Hope and Renewal Summit is designed for priests and passionate parishioners who want to see their parish come alive in mission. Whether you’re just beginning or well on your way, this experience will help you move forward—together.

You’ll hear powerful, practical talks on parish renewal and evangelisation from Bishop John Adams, Fr James Mallon, and Matt Regitz.

But the real transformation happens around your table.

After every session, you’ll gather with your parish team (or join one at your table) to reflect, discuss, discern, and apply what you’ve heard. This is more than inspiration — it’s leadership development and formation in real time.

As Fr. James says, “We spend so much time working in the parish, we rarely get time to work on the parish.”

This Summit is your chance to do just that—and it might be the most important investment your parish makes this year.

Why you need to be at the Summit

New Zealand is experiencing a growing wave of mission-focused parishes. Priests and parishioners are stepping out in faith, reimagining what their parishes could be, and embracing a vision where evangelisation is at the heart of everything they do.

This summit is designed to:
Inspire parishes to move beyond maintenance and embrace mission.
Equip parishioners and leaderes with real strategies for renewal and multiplication.
Unite a movement of like-minded priests and parish teams.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join a network of leaders who are walking this journey together.

Pray

Encounter Jesus in Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, and worship.

Network

Build connections and expand your network with other parishioners.

Keynotes

Be inspired by keynotes that will ignite passion for mission and evangelisation.

Breakouts

Dive into practical, value-packed workshops that will equip you for the work of mission.

Fellowship

Unleash joy through shared experiences.

Why you need to be at the Summit

New Zealand is experiencing a growing wave of mission-focused parishes. Priests and parishioners are stepping out in faith, reimagining what their parishes could be, and embracing a vision where evangelisation is at the heart of everything they do.

This summit is designed to:
Inspire parishes to move beyond maintenance and embrace mission.
Equip parishioners and leaders with real strategies for renewal and multiplication.
Unite a movement of like-minded priests and parish teams.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Join a network of leaders who are walking this journey together.

Pray

Encounter Jesus in Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, and worship.

Network

Build connections and expand your network with other leaders.

Keynotes

Be inspired by keynotes that will ignite passion for mission and evangelisation.

Breakouts

Dive into practical, value-packed workshops that will equip you for the work of mission.

Fellowship

Unleash joy through shared experiences.

Is this just for leaders?

What if I'm not a "leader"?

Here’s the truth: if you love the Church and want to see it thrive — you’re already leading.

You might not have a title. But if your heart burns for your parish to be alive in Christ—you’re a leader.

Too many Catholics sit back because they don’t think they’re “qualified.” But as the saying goes: God doesn’t call the qualified — He qualifies the called.

If you’ve ever wondered what your role in renewal could be…if you’ve ever felt too small or just unsure if this is really your place

👉 Watch this video:

VIDEO: “Leadership is for everybody” — Michelle Moran at the Catholic Parish Summit

Location, travel, and accommodations

Venue: RACE Awapuni
67 Racecourse Road (off Maxwells Line)
Palmerston North, 4412
New Zealand

Getting here
By plane: Fly into Palmerston North Airport (PMR), located just 15 minutes from RACE Awapuni. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available from the airport.

By train:  The Palmerston North Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes from the venue. It’s a scenic and relaxed travel option from Wellington and other parts of the lower North Island.

By bus: InterCity and other national bus services operate regular routes to Palmerston North. The bus terminal is located near the city centre, about a 10-minute drive to the venue.

By car: Palmerston North is easily accessible via State Highways 1 and 3 from major North Island cities. RACE Awapuni is around 10 minutes from the city centre, with convenient road access and signage.

Click here for more info.

Accommodation options

Hacienda Motor Lodge

27 Victoria Ave, Palmerston North Central

A 4-star plus motel offering a range of accommodation options from studio rooms to three-bedroom apartments. Some rooms feature full kitchens, while others have kitchenettes.

•Rates from $170-$450 per suite
•Contact [email protected] or Lydia at 06 357 3109
•Website: hacienda.co.nz

Copthorne Hotel

110 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North Central

A hotel offering various room types suitable for families, with amenities. The on-site Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen provides dining options. 

•Rates from $195-255 per room
•Contact Dale at [email protected] or call 06 356 8059
•Website: millenniumhotels.com

Bentleys Motor Inn

67 Linton Street, West End

A luxury accommodation provider offering studio suites, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, many featuring private spa pools.

•Rates from $160-$445 per suite
•Website: bentleysmotorinn.co.nz

Quality Suites

1 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North Central

An aparthotel located in the city center, Options range from studios to two-bedroom executive apartments, all equipped with home-away-from-home amenities.

•Rates from $205 per night
•Contact [email protected]

Fitzherbert Regency Motel

250 Fitzherbert Ave, West End

A luxury accommodation offering studio units, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.

•Rates from $169-$219 per suite
•Contact [email protected].
• Website: fitzherbertregency.co.nz

Quest Apartment Hotel

109 Fitzherbert Ave, West End

A serviced apartment-style hotel offering studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Each apartment features a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen, in-room laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

• Rates from $290 per night
•Website: questapartments.co.nz

Stay in the know

Get the latest updates about the Hope & Renewal Summit.