STORIES OF
Real Stories of Renewal
MADE FOR MORE
What happens when a retreat becomes a turning point?
These stories come from people of different ages, backgrounds and stages of faith. Some arrived searching for healing. Others needed rest, direction or a renewed relationship with God. Each discovered that faith is more than something we attend—it is a life we are invited to live.
Made for More creates space to encounter Christ, receive healing, rediscover who we are in God and recognize the purpose for which we have been called.
Watch their stories. Hear what they discovered. Allow their journeys to awaken the possibility that God may also be calling you towards something more.
KATRINA DE Roo
Loved and Called
Secondary teacher and Consecrated Virgin
Katrina almost said no to her first Made for More Retreat. She was tired, uncertain and did not want to go—but a deeper question kept drawing her: who was Katrina? That reluctant yes became a turning point. Through prayer and healing, she discovered that an old wound no longer had to define her. She became more deeply aware that she was loved by God, that her life had a purpose and that God was leading her towards a vocation.
DIANE MURCHISON
Learning to Forgive Myself
Diane had spent years seeking healing from a difficult upbringing. She had learned to forgive others, but the Made for More Retreat helped her recognize another necessary step: learning to forgive herself. Through the retreat, she received a renewed awareness that she is a child of God and does not need to be controlled by the opinions of others. Her story is an honest witness to the freedom that begins when God's love reaches the places we have struggled to accept.
SEAN AND MICHELLE BROWNLOW
The Truth Came to Life
Sean and Michelle attended Made for More together and left feeling blessed, lighter and more aware of God's love. For Michelle, a lifelong Catholic faith became more personal as the distinct presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit came alive in a new way. Their testimony shows how a retreat can help familiar truths move beyond knowledge and become something personally encountered, received and lived.
ANDREW SLEIGH
Slow Down and Reconnect With God
Finance professional
Andrew understands how easily responsibility and busyness can take over daily life. Made for More reminded him to slow down, step back and reconnect with God through prayer. He experienced the retreat as revival, recharge and rest—an opportunity to recover peace and return to life with renewed spiritual strength. Andrew believes people can receive something valuable from the retreat wherever they may be on their journey of faith.
PATRICK MACASKILL
It Is Not a Race
New Catholic
Patrick attended Made for More only three weeks after his baptism. Following Alpha and OCIA, the retreat gave him time to bring everything together, become quiet and listen to God. He discovered that spiritual growth is not a race to the finish line. We can pause, rest and allow our relationship with God to develop patiently. Made for More helped Patrick recharge after baptism and begin discerning the next steps of his new life in the Church.
ANGELA FORDHAM
Made for Mission
Parishioner of St Peter Chanel Parish, New Zealand
Angela had been part of parish life for many years, but Made for More challenged her with a fresh conviction: Christians are made for mission. The retreat helped her recognize that mission does not have to begin with something dramatic. It can begin with prayer, a small group, listening to another person and allowing the Lord to lead. Angela found a practical way to move beyond being Catholic only on Sunday and begin carrying Christ into ordinary life.
CHERYL REED
Room for More
Parishioner of St Peter Chanel Parish, New Zealand
Cheryl found Made for More rich in material for the Christian journey. Some parts offered renewal and refreshment; others introduced new ideas for continued growth. Her experience reminded her that faith cannot remain static. There is always room for reflection, change and a deeper response to Christ. Cheryl recommends the retreat across generations because people of every age can continue becoming more fully who Christ calls them to be.
SHONA GLENNIE
Never Too Old to Learn
Fifty years walking with Jesus
After fifty years as a Christian, Shona discovered that there was still more to learn about walking with Jesus. Made for More invited her to reflect, reassess and realign her life. Her brief and joyful testimony carries an important message: spiritual growth has no age limit. Younger and older participants can both benefit from taking time to listen, learn and renew the direction of their journey with Christ.
DIANE FINDLAY
A New Life Ahead
Widow
Recently widowed, Diane came to Made for More carrying grief and questions about what God still had planned for her life. Through prayer, reflection, forgiveness and Adoration, she experienced healing and the closeness of Jesus. She left with a new conviction: her life was not over. A new season of growth, prayer and ministry remained ahead. Diane's story offers hope to anyone entering an unexpected or uncertain chapter of life.
YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE
Healing is possible. Renewal can begin.
Faith can become personal, practical and alive.
Made for More is a Catholic awakening experience for people at every stage of faith—from those beginning again to those who have walked with God for many years.
Come as you are.
Make space for Christ.
Discover the life and purpose for which you were created.