There are many ways for your voice to be heard
We are asked to come together… to listen humbly and with an open heart
Information and Training Sessions
We have now entered the second phase of Plenary 2020, known as the Listening & Discernment phase. Working with the newly released National Themes for Discernment, there is now an opportunity for focused feedback to assist the development of the agenda for the Plenary Council in 2020.
As such, the Pastoral Planning Office is delighted to be offering Plenary 2020 Information and Training Sessions to assist groups with participating in this second phase of the Plenary process. These sessions will also explain how our Diocese is seeking to “Go out into the Deep”, with Bishop Vincent Long inviting us to develop local and diocesan initiatives through engaging with the plenary process. Sessions will be held on the following dates:
| Saturday, 17 August | 9.00am – 12.00pm | Institute for Mission (1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown) |
| Monday, 19 August | 6.00pm – 9.00pm | Parramatta Cathedral Hall (1 Marist Place, Parramatta) |
| Thursday, 22 August | 6.00pm – 9.00pm | Institute for Mission (1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown) |
| Wednesday, 28 August | 10.30am – 1.30pm | Institute for Mission (1-5 Marion Street, Blacktown) |
| Saturday, 31 August | 2.30pm – 5.30pm | Emu Plains Parish Hall (15 Troy Street, Emu Plains) |
| Saturday, 7 September | 9.00am – 12.00pm |
St Thomas Aquinas School Hall Springwood |
Light refreshments will be offered at each of these sessions.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Deanery and Diocesan Pastoral Councils are our main way to engage with the Plenary process. We have two representatives already in most parishes. Our schools also have representatives. If your own community is not represented, please Contact Us.
USE THE LISTENING AND DIALOGUE GUIDE
The plenary website encourages people to use the following process:
JOIN A SMALL GROUP
Our diocese offers a small group booklet to guide your listening and dialogue. The booklet features:
- A leader’s guide to help facilitate the process
- Sample scriptures and short reflections
- Short inputs to help understand the plenary process
The booklet offers three to five sessions of about 60 to 90 minutes duration. The final session is optional, and offers an opportunity to give feedback to your local faith community and to the Diocese of Parramatta.
Finally, there are suggested ways your small group can explore other spiritual and community offerings after they have completed their sessions.
Contact a parish or school near you or Contact Us for help finding or hosting your own group.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
Share the message with family, friends and colleagues. Our cards and flyers may help.
HOLD A COMMUNITY GATHERING
Your local parish, school or community group might also hold a gathering to explore the plenary question and give feedback via this large group.
Contact Us for support in holding a community gathering.
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE
The benefit of participating in small group or parish gathering is your voice can be heard straight away, and you will have a chance to hear from others. Sometimes, through chatting with each other, new ideas may emerge, and we may discover important themes we wish to share.
However, you may to wish to submit your feedback directly online (submissions can be anonymous). You will find the information you need to make your submission here.
REGIONAL RESPONSE
Keep an eye out for the regional gatherings which will be happening across Western Sydney towards the end of 2018. The Deanery Pastoral Councils are particularly keen to work with our regions and listen to the stories and hopes of people in each region. Then in 2019, in light of your feedback they will consider priorities, and propose possible projects that can be undertaken as a region.
DIOCESAN RESPONSE
The Diocese is also seeking the voices of those in aged care, in prisons and among our more vulnerable people. If you know of a group that wants to share their voice, please Contact Us.
In early 2019, our Diocesan Pastoral Council, made up of ordinary women and men from our parishes, along with our bishop, and representatives from the regional gatherings will meet to discuss the feedback from individuals, groups and regional gatherings. They will ensure that we are capturing the most significant themes to share with the plenary. This will also be an opportunity for our diocese to consider how we will start responding in 2019 to matters raised.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
After 6 March 2019, responses from around Australia are considered and themes will emerge. There In 2020 and 2021 these are taken to the plenary where decisions are made affecting the future of our Church in Australia.
Contact your parish or school to find out when the Listening and Dialogue sessions or parish gathering are taking place. Alternatively, Contact Us.
CONTACT US
To find out more please contact Richard or Tanya
E: pastoralplanning@parracatholic.org
P: 02 8838 3460
