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Regional Assemblies
About
the Regional Assemblies
Between August 2003 and March 2004 Catholics throughout the Diocese
of Maitland-Newcastle were invited to have their say on significant
issues of Church life during ten special gatherings (Assemblies)
held in the ten pastoral regions of the diocese.
These Assemblies
were convened by the Diocesan Pastoral Council as part of the
process of the 2004 Diocesan Assembly "to hear God's people
and empower them to participate fully in Christ's mission".
Issues of
a diocesan nature arising from these regional gatherings will
form the basis of discussions at the Diocesan Assembly on Saturday
28th August 2004.
The Regional
Assemblies sought to invite the participation of a larger and
broader range of people from across the diocese than traditionally
are able to be involved in the structure of a Diocesan Assembly,
with a special focus on young adults.
The Assemblies
also aimed at engaging people with stimulus material that would
help them develop their understanding of the influences which
have shaped the Church as we experience it today - the culture
in which we live, and the type of Church we are called to be.
It was anticipated that this dynamic between input and issues
raised by participants would provide data and a concise agenda
for the Diocesan Assembly.
Bishop
Michael Malone comments on the Regional Assemblies
In his April letter to Regional Pastoral Councils, Bishop Michael
Malone said: "The ten Regional Assemblies held to mark the
tenth anniversary of the conclusion of the Diocesan Synod of 1992-93
have been completed. These Assemblies have been important forums
for the local church of Maitland-Newcastle.
"I am
happy to announce that over 2,500 people responded to the invitation
to attend. It had been my hope that significant numbers would
absorb something of the spirit of the Synod and be given an opportunity
to contribute to dialogue about our future. That has happened!
"Thank
you to all those people who participated in this valuable process.
May I also thank those priests and people who were involved in
the planning and implementation of the Regional Assemblies. Your
contribution is greatly appreciated.
"During
the Assemblies, participants were challenged by presentations
from Fathers Richard Lennan and David Ranson. Issues pertaining
to the diocese and each region were raised. It is now our task
to explore those issues further.
"This
work of responding to regional issues and taking them forward
will be long-term work for each region. To assist in this process,
a summary of the issues raised at each Assembly has been returned
to all Regional Pastoral Councils.
"The
diocesan issues emerging from what you the People of God have
said are being taken forward by the Diocesan Pastoral Council
and the Council of Priests. You will hear more about this as we
continue to move towards our Diocesan Assembly on Saturday 28th
August.
"It is
my hope that the input shared with us in the process of Regional
Assemblies will help us to respond to our issues, be they regional
or diocesan, in an authentically Catholic way that is outward
and mission focused; responds to the call to participate in the
paschal rhythm of dying and rising; holds our different opinions
in a creative and respectful 'both and' tension; and is focused
on and seeks to understand our reality now.
"There
is still significant work to be done at both regional and diocesan
levels. I call upon your goodwill and the momentum generated by
the Assemblies to engage in further conversation leading to the
Diocesan Assembly.
"It is
quite clear that our Church needs to speak to the needs of the
missing generations. Relevance and authenticity are essential
to this vital mission. I seek your creative ideas and deep reflection
to assist this mission."
Reports
from the Regional Assemblies (August
2003 - March 2004)
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