Diocesan Consultation 2024

On Pentecost Sunday, May 19, a new Consultation Process was launched in all the parishes of the Diocese of Sale. Bishop Greg Bennet is inviting everyone to be part of a two-part consultation process of prayer, and attentive listening to each other, and the Holy Spirit, to determine what pastoral initiatives are needed in our Diocese for it to become more Christ-centred, synodal and missionary. 

During June and July, the people of the Diocese of Sale are invited to participate in the First Phase of the Diocesan Consultation. The aim of this first consultation is to look back over the past five years (2019 to 2024), and together, to reflect on the question: “As people of faith and mission, what has God’s Spirit been doing in and through us during these past five years?” The simple meeting process invites participants to be guided by God’s Word and prayer, to engage in attentive listening to themselves, to each other, and to the Holy Spirit, using a method called, ‘Conversations In The Spirit’. 

The second phase of the Consultation will ask everyone to look forward to what kind of initiatives we want to see implemented in our church community over the next five years. The feedback from these consultation meetings will be presented to a Diocesan Assembly in February 2025. We look forward to you sharing your ideas and stories! 

 

 

 

 

 

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