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Vocations
• Vocations Team
• Mission and Ministry
• The Journey to Priesthood
• Religious Life
• Permanent Diaconate
• Web Links
• Contact Us
Vocations
Team
Established in 1997, the Vocations Team
is
comprised of members of religious congregations, married people,
single people and priests. Each
member brings to the group a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Its mandate is to raise the awareness of the vocation of all the
baptised while at the same time encouraging and promoting young
people to seriously consider all vocational possibilities. It
is also the task of the Vocation Team to promote a positive understanding
of the vocations of priesthood and religious life.
Team members include:
• Bishop Michael Malone
• Reverend Brian Mascord PP
• Ms Kate Nesbitt (Pastoral Associate Chisholm Region - Ministry to Children)
• Sr Elizabeth Callen RSM
• Reverend Bill Burston PP
• Sr Christine O'Connor RSJ
• Miss Tracey Edstein
• Mrs Teresa Brierley
Mission
and Ministry
Priests of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are involved in a
range of pastoral and liturgical ministries. Some are involved
in specific ministries of hospital chaplaincy, ministry to Aborigines,
adult faith education and counselling. By our nature our prime
ministry is the building up of the Kingdom in the context of parish
life. Priests of our diocese are encourage to undertake ongoing
formation and the diocese provides the opportunity for sabbatical
leave. At all times provision is made for the support and ongoing
care of priests throughout their time of ministry and when they
reach the time of retirement.
The
Journey to Priesthood
A man who is interested in priesthood makes an initial contact
with the Diocesan Vocations Director. From here he enters a formal
process of reflection and discernment. When he decide he wishes
to continue in the direction of priesthood, he makes a formal
application to commence his seminary formation.
Seminary formation
takes place over a number of years. During this time the man undertakes
studies that will help him to develop intellectually, socially,
pastorally and spiritually. Pastoral formation is an important
aspect of seminary training, and a series of pastoral placements
is arranged, including weekend placements in parishes and a twelve-month
placement midway through seminary formation. A pre-diaconate placement
occurs at the conclusion of seminary formation.
These experiences
of study, reflection and pastoral experience are designed to help
each candidate gain skills, insights and valuable practical experience.
These will enable him and those responsible for his formation
to make an informed decision regarding his suitability for priestly
ministry and his ability to make a life-time commitment to the
diocesan priesthood.
Ordination
is the culmination of this training. Formation for the newly ordained
continues post-ordination through mentoring and support from all
levels of the presbyterate and diocesan community.
Contact
Us
Diocesan Vocations
Director
Reverend Brian Mascord
13 Dunbar St STOCKTON NSW 2295
Ph: (02) 4928 3521, Fax: (02) 4928 4670 or email
us.
Web
Links
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