STORY - "Assembly changes brewing."
By Tracey Edstein.

Three delegates stopped for an enlivening cappuccino en route to the second session of the Diocesan Assembly. The first session had been held in August 2004. The young woman serving deduced that they were bound for the same destination, and said brightly, “And where are you heading today?” Answer: “The diocesan assembly.” She returned quickly to her task.

However , cappuccinos were not the only source of froth and bubble at St John's Hall on 14 May, and the lively discussion which ensued was a satisfying and enriching experience of collaborative ministry. The focus of session two involved changes to the Diocesan Pastoral Plan (DPP) which were discussed, discerned and, for the most part, agreed upon.

Central to the deliberations were suggested amendments to facilitate a more regional perspective, as parish communities amalgamate to form new parishes and new identities.

In his opening comments Bishop Michael Malone said, “We are being asked today to consider several changes to our Diocesan Pastoral Plan. This exercise is not to be taken lightly, since any change commits us to a different way of operating. If any proposed change does not help us to build communities of Jesus' disciples, we should reject it! If the call to holiness is not enhanced by these changes, we should not make them.”

Speaking after the Assembly, Bishop Michael said, “We have found since the 1992-93 Synod that rapidly changing circumstances have outstripped our foreseen reality but we have the solid theological principles of our DPP to fall back on when engaging in processes which help map a new direction.

“The changes will allow greater flexibility in planning for both parishes and regions, and increase the opportunities for collaborative ministry, Bishop Michael said.

Providing a theological perspective, Fr Richard Lennan of the Catholic Institute of Sydney urged the gathering to consider, “What's going to enable us to be church together for the sake of the kingdom?” He reminded all that the changing circumstances of parishes provide opportunities to develop a new sense of who we are as church.

During the afternoon, members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council reported on the progress of recommendations passed by the first session in August 2004. Key recommendations focused on evangelisation, faith formation and our ongoing need for conversion to Jesus. Criteria for working parties are currently being drafted and positions will be advertised to the diocesan community. Other recommendations being addressed concern our ongoing formation for Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and concern regarding a range of pastoral issues – including the introduction of overseas priests into active ministry in this diocese.

In his closing remarks Bishop Michael told the Assembly: “By endorsing changes to our DPP you have allowed parishes and regions in the diocese to explore more flexible pastoral plans and you have committed all of us to work more collaboratively together.”

The Assembly, held on the eve of Pentecost, invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit in opening and closing prayers, with students of St Peter's Campus, All Saints College representing beautifully the Spirit who leads us back to the reality of parish and family life.

The changes to the DPP will be incorporated into a new version of the document. In the meantime, the diocesan website www.mn.catholic.org.au will be an up to date reference point for those interested in the detail of the amendments.

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