Diocesan Consultation 2024

 

PHASE TWO READING AND REFLECTION DOCUMENTS 

          

 

FOCUS QUESTION 

What pastoral priorities and actions do we beleive the Holy Spirit is calling us,

as individuals and faith communities, to focus on during the next five years,

to give renewed life and purpose to our shared mission?

 

 

Welcome

Thankyou for coming and being a part of our 2024 Diocesan Consultation.

The aim of Consultation Phase Two - ' Looking To The  Next Five Years' is to listen to what pastoral priorities and actions the Holy Spirit is calling each of us, our parish communities and the Whole Diocese to undertake, to give renewed life and purpose to our shared life and mission as Catholics.

You are invited to enter freely and respectfully into these 'Conversations in the Spirit' with your sisters and brothers in faith. Be open to listening to God's Word, to sharing your experiences and stories, listening with respect to memories and stories of other people, for us o gain a collective sense of what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do as individuals, parish communities and as a whole Diocese. 

Bishop Greg and the Diocesan Animation Team.  

 

 

 

 

 

              

 

 

 

Consultation process FAQ's 

 

Why are having another consultation and Diocesan assembly?

Much has happened since the 2019 Diocesan Assembly, including our change of Bishop. COVID shut down church and social life for nearly two years while parishes and schools continued to serve the mission of the Church. The Australian Plenary Council Second Assembly produced several directions for Dioceses in Australia to implement. Pope Francis also invited Catholics throughout the world to engage in a process of listening to what steps the Holy Spirit is inviting the Church to take to grow in journeying together in communion, mission, and participation.

 

 

What is the consultation process trying to achieve?

Through prayer, respectful dialogue, and attentive listening, this process aims to arrive at an agreed set of recommended pastoral and organisational initiatives our Diocese intends to put these into practice over the next five years, to enable our faith communities to become more Christ-centred, synodal and missionary.

This is another opportunity for our Diocese, guided by the Holy Spirit, to choose the steps we now want to take, to promote community, inclusion, solidarity & co-responsibility for mission as we continue to journey together in faith, hope and love.

 

 

What difference is this process going to make to the Church and to me?

The process is not about changing Church doctrine or teaching. Instead, it is hoped that by trying to imagine concrete solutions to the opportunities and challenges our Diocese is facing, we will find creative ways of becoming the Church Jesus has called us to be – a Church that listens, is humble, is a place of encounter and dialogue, open and welcoming to all, values its traditions, liturgy, and prayer, celebrates meaningfully all the significant life moments, and reaches out to those who are poor and on the margins of society. Experiencing this vision of Church, it is hoped that all will want to play a part in making this become a reality.

 

 

Who can be involved in the consultation?

For the consultation process: every Catholic who lives in the Diocese of Sale, whether they are actively participating in church life or not, as well as some people of other faith traditions.

 

 

Who will be involved in the Diocesan Assembly?

Find out when the different consultation sessions will occur in your local community. Don’t let fear or apathy hold you back from joining a meeting. Be prepared to respectfully share your story, thoughts, experiences, and or ideas, and listen attentively to what other people share.

 

Who will be involved in the Diocesan Assembly?

Selected representatives from parishes, schools, Catholic organisations, and other invitees will comprise the membership of the assembly.

 

How can I be involved?

Find out when the different consultation sessions will occur in your local community. Don’t let fear or apathy hold you back from joining a meeting. Be prepared to respectfully share your story, thoughts, experiences, and or ideas, as well as listening attentively and respectfully to what other people share.

 

 

What is the Consultation Theme?

‘OUR STORIES – OUR CHURCH – OUR MISSION’

 

Who is organising the consultation?

A team of volunteers from across the Diocese appointed by Bishop Greg..

The Diocesan Mission Council

Chancery staff.

 

 

What is the timeline for this whole process?

19 May 2024	Launch: Pentecost Sunday
Jun to Jul	Consultation Phase One - REVIEW
August	Compilation of feedback
Sept to Oct	Consultation Phase Two - LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Nov to Dec	Compilation of feedback; Preparation of Working Document
14 & 15 Feb 2025	Conclusion: Diocesan Assembly