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Pastoral Planning
About Us
The Diocesan Pastoral Planning Team
acts as the secretariat for the Diocesan Pastoral Council
and any sub-committees formed by the Council. It provides resources
and support for diocesan, regional and parish pastoral planning
and for major diocesan consultations, carries responsibility for
the organisation of diocesan assemblies, and provides formation
sessions for parish pastoral councils and teams.
What
is Pastoral Planning?
Pastoral Planning is a process by which a faith community,
with a deep appreciation of its past and an understanding of its present strengths and
weaknesses, seeks to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of people within and
beyond the community.
In order to resolve particular pastoral
issues effective structures and processes are needed to facilitate
communication and coordination, create opportunities for people
to use their gifts and encourage all the baptised to participate
in the life and mission of the local Church.
What
We Do
New Wine into Fresh Wineskins, a report published in 2000 on pastoral planning in the diocese, sets out the results of a
co-operative diocesan effort "to create a new way of being Church together".
This plan responds to Bishop Michael Malone’s call for
"a thoroughgoing evaluation of the way we are Church for each other (communion) and
for the wider community (mission)."
In working towards this renewed vision of Church, ten
foundational principles were developed to guide the people of the diocese in their
planning and decision-making. These principles enshrine the essential nature of the People
of God in the Hunter, their needs and their mission.
Encouraging all Catholics to follow their baptismal call to
continue Jesus’ mission, was seen as vitally important. The responsibility for
reaching out in justice and love belongs to all Christians.
The Eucharist is central to Catholic life as the
celebration of our deepest identity as the Church. All priests in a region will co-operate
in ensuring that parishioners have access to the sacraments and to Mass where possible, to
fulfil their Sunday obligation. When this is not possible, communities are encouraged to
come together on Sunday for a Liturgy of the Word.
A priority therefore was given to strengthening these local
communities and to supporting them in their faith. The diocesan Church will thrive through
vibrant gospel centred communities.
Each parish community will be cared for by an ordained
pastor, even if its day-to-day local leader is a lay or religious pastoral coordinator. A
parish priest who is responsible for the pastoral care of two or more parishes will need a
supportive community and "a place to call home" from which his ministry may bear
fruit in the parishes he serves. Any parish priest must respect the structures and plans a
parish has developed to serve the needs of its own community.
Another principle is that the welfare and status of
families must be promoted. Christian families are where vocations to the ordained ministry
and religious are nurtured.
In building strong parish groups, however, it is necessary
not to forget a focus on mission. Neighbourhood Church Communities and Small Church Groups
will be a primary means of reaching out to all.
The regional plans are built on the principle of
collaboration and shared responsibility amongst priests, religious and lay people at all
levels of our Church community. Coordination rather than duplication of services is
important. All the parishes in a region will be represented on the Regional Pastoral
Council leading to inter-parish cooperation and giving people a sense of belonging to a
wider Church.
Another necessity is that each community must seek out,
recognise and use the gifts, knowledge and competence of its members. People’s
talents must be matched with ministries, and suitable training provided.
Clear structures which help communication and coordination
are seen as essential to enable all those contributing to work fruitfully, and with a
sense of satisfaction. Parish Pastoral Teams will be vital in organising and facilitating
parish pastoral activities. The very real challenges presented by the implementation of
the regional plans need be addressed as appropriate and with understanding. There is a
need for on-going education in these principles, but the realities of people’s lives
and the limitations of their time must be respected in planning this education.
The report goes on to detail the organisational changes
that are now to be developed. A full list of the regions and parishes is attached. Copies
of the Report and details of individual regional plans are available to interested
parishioners in their parish.
DOWNLOAD a copy of New Wine into Fresh Wineskins:
A Report on Pastoral Planning (PDF file)
Contact
Us
Mrs Teresa Brierley, Vice Chancellor Pastoral Ministries
Street: Diocesan Centre 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle West
Postal: PO Box 756 Newcastle 2300
Ph: (02) 4979 1150 or Fax: (02) 4979 1159 or Email
Us.
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