Plans to hold the first assembly of the Plenary Council in Adelaide were scuttled by the Covid 19 restrictions, and secondary plans to gather the participants in capital city hubs were also scuttled. Instead the 280 participants (Members) together with advisors, technical staff and other helpers took their place on screen.
This made the process complicated, yet it went remarkably well. Some of the sessions included all the members and some of that was made available for people to follow via streaming. At other times we moved into smaller groups to discuss particular questions on the agenda, all done in a setting of prayer.
Among the features of the experience were the daily “acknowledgments of country”. I think this plenary council will trigger significant steps forward in work with our first nations people.
At the end of the week the groups presented papers on the agenda questions; including suggestions for proposals which will be followed up by a drafting committee and presented to the second assembly which is in July of next year. It has been a fascinating exercise and I have been moved by much of what I heard and read.
Fr Peter Slater VG. Plenary Member.
I echo Archbishop’s Mark Coleridge’s words as he opened the Closing Mass last Sunday in Brisbane – How do we feel now that the first Assembly has concluded?
Well, at the end of the last day, I was exhausted. Six days of intensive and focused conversation and unpacking of the question ‘What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?’ For me, there were a lot of up and down moments.
Throughout the days, members shared their faith stories, knowledge and life experiences.
During the First General Assembly, members were given the chance to nominate their preferred questions from the Agenda in order to participate in intensive small group discernment. I was very fortunate to have received my first choice.
The Agenda question for discernment for my group was Q15. How might we better see the future of Catholic education (primary, secondary and tertiary) through a missionary lens? As part of a group of 30 members each of us coming from different backgrounds, experiences, and vocations the sessions became a space of rich dialogue. A challenge at times to hear the Spirit, to listen and remain attentive to the Spirit.
However, thoughts and insights from the group were respectful and greatly appreciated. Many I would agree with, while others I would offer a deeper perspective through my vocation - the eyes of a practising teacher, one who is on ground level. T
he week remained true to the discernment process through the practice of spiritual conversations based on the Gospel set for the day. The scripture passage provided support and strength and brought the listener to the heart of the agenda question.
Throughout the week, members heard such a diverse range of contributions, reflections and summaries on topics related to the 16 agenda items. Members will continue to hold what was heard within their own hearts and minds. We look forward coming face to face in July 2022 for the Second Assembly ready to discern with the work summarised by the Plenary Steering committee to create a more missionary, Christ centred Church in Australia. The journey continues…
Lize Privitera, Plenary Member and Deputy Principal at Mary MacKillop Primary School, Narre Warren North.
