What is the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly?
The Diocesan Pastoral Assembly is a gathering of the Bishop with the priests and members of parishes, diocesan councils, agencies, apostolic groups and religious orders within the Diocese. The Assembly’s purpose is to work together to discern future directions for the good of the Diocesan community.
The Assembly is a pastoral conversation, a consultation rather than a legislative or parliamentary session. It is an attempt to discern the mind of the Assembly, to reach consensus rather than a legislative voting session.
The 2007 Diocesan Pastoral Assembly
The Pastoral Assembly will be held on Saturday 15th September 2007 at the University of Newcastle. We will gather there at 9.00am to begin a day of conversation, discernment and affirmation of direction.
Each parish will be represented by four (4) delegates. To allow us to hear the thoughts and feelings of the parish community, there will be opportunities to come together in small conversation groups to discuss material for the Assembly. The major concerns are:
- Faith development
- Evangelisation
- Number of representatives at future Pastoral Assemblies
- The Sacrament of Penance
- Challenges facing the Diocese - now and into the future.
How you can help
- Pray for our local church communities and those we send as delegates to the Assembly.
- We would love to hear from you, so why not share your thoughts with us - pick up your pen, give us a call or send us an email.
