“Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” – Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi

Clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese gathered at St Mary’s in Rotorua for a day of formation. The day focused on the call to not just be teachers of the faith, but living witnesses to it. The event, titled Teacher to Witness, welcomed 57 participants involved in RCIA, RCIC, Children’s Liturgy, Baptism, and Sacramental preparation.

Alison Carroll (Faith Formation Manager) reflected on the role of catechists in echoing Christ, beginning first with deep listening, through prayer and relationship with Jesus. From this place of encounter, she said, we can share our love of God and His Church with authenticity, grace, and respect. “Courses don’t make disciples. Disciples make disciples,” she reminded the group, quoting Fr James Mallon.

Jil Yong (Youth Office Manager) presented the Connect – Grow – Serve model of discipleship based on Sherry Weddell’s 'Thresholds of Conversion,' encouraging a relational approach to ministry and highlighting the power of personal witness.

Bishop Richard celebrated Mass, grounding the day in prayer and unity. Participants also shared the fruits and challenges of ministry during small group discussion and a panel session.

Constant hot drinks and food kept us full, all provided by the St Mary’s Funeral Catering Group as a fundraiser for the church roof.

The day concluded with a renewed sense of purpose. We are called to trust, witness, and echo the faith from one heart to another.

Participant Mike Baird shares:

I left the formation day feeling encouraged and inspired. Why? Because it wasn’t just a day of talks—it was a day packed with real gems to take home.

Big reminders like: “Evangelisation is the Church’s very reason for existing.” And practical wisdom such as: “The agenda of evangelisation is simply to love people with the love of Jesus.” Even the lighthearted-but-true advice stood out: “Want to reach young people? Offer free food.”

But what struck me most wasn’t just the content—it was the people. To sit in a room full of men and women who have given their blood, sweat, tears, and time, simply because they are white-hot for Jesus and excited about being Catholic... that was nothing short of inspirational.

“God has created me to do some definite service…. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.”  (St John Henry Newman)