Warragul, 22/05/2024
On Pentecost Sunday, May 19th, the Diocese of Sale launched, in each of the Parish communities, the Diocesan Consultation Process that will take place from June to October 2024. In a video produced for the launch, Bishop Greg Bennet referred to the journey the people of the Diocese have been engaged in over many years. He specifically mentioned the engagement of people in the 2019 Diocesan Assembly, the Australian Plenary Council preparations, and contributions to the present Synod on Synodality in Rome.
Aware of all the changes that have occurred in recent time, and acknowledging we are a people who are always on the move, dealing with the challenges and opportunities of this present moment, Bishop Greg invited every person in the Diocese to participate in a two-phase process of prayerful spiritual conversations. The first will look back with gratitude on what has been happening in their personal and faith community lives over the previous five years. The second phase will ask people of all ages to look forward in hope to the next five years to identify the steps or initiatives that the Holy Spirit is calling the Diocese to take to become more Christ centred, synodal and missionary. The feedback from these consultation sessions will be collated into a working document that will be discussed and discerned at a Diocesan Assembly that will be held in February 2025.
The 2024 Diocesan Consultation Process and 2025 Assembly is eagerly anticipated by many in the Diocesan community. Elly Fleming a secondary student from Traralgon said: “I’m really looking forward to, and excited to listen to others and have my voice heard.” Parish Priest, Fr Aju Varghese said, “I am eagerly waiting to be part of the consultation process and I believe it will definitely help in renewing the life and mission of our Diocesan community.” Judith Campbell a parishioner from Trafalgar said, “As a senior member of the church I am hoping that people of my generation will understand from this process that a church in the future is still theirs, that they will embrace change so that it becomes a joyful church still coming to fruition.” Bishop Greg concluded his video message by saying, "May this Consultation Process be a blessed and exciting time for the Diocese, guided by our Lady of Perpetual Help, as we embark on this journey of renewal and discipleship in Jesus Christ."
