Local Community Discernment | Diocese of Parramatta

Reflection

“It is only by paying attention to whom we listen, to what we listen, and to how we listen that we can grow in the art of communicating, the heart of which is not a theory or a technique, but the ‘openness of heart that makes closeness possible.’”¹

Building on the magisterial teachings of previous pontiffs, in 2013 Pope Francis released his encyclical letter on ecology and climate, Laudato Si’ On Care For Our Common Home. The Diocese of Parramatta is blessed with great natural beauty, defined by her two great rivers, and the beautiful World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The Diocese has also heard some of the loudest cries of the earth through fires, floods, and extreme heat.

We are challenged to ‘create a new culture’² characterised by greater awareness of and action towards the care for our common home. We are called to aspire to be by reducing waste, consuming energy responsibly, and considering the ongoing consequences of our actions on the environment. Together, we commit to responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

Another group that can often be ignored or sidelined are our youth. We are challenged to acknowledge that the young people of the Diocese represent not only her future but also her present. They bring with them a passion for community, mission, justice and a desire to expand their participation within the Church and beyond. We are committed to the metanoia, which comes from listening to the stories and experiences of young people each uniquely bearing the image of God.

1. Pope Francis, “Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for the 56th World Day of Social Communications,” January 24, 2022.
2. Pope Francis, Laudato Deum, no. 71.

Local community discernment questions

How can our faith community listen to the voices of young people as we define meaningful ways for them to contribute to our liturgical and pastoral life?
How can we work collaboratively with local First Nations elders and civic organisations such as local councils to discern place-based responses to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor?
How can we work to create culturally
safe spaces for all, and what education
and formation do we need?

Local community action

Offer the Prayers of the Faithful in the diverse languages spoken by community members to celebrate cultural richness.
Establish a Youth Group or find ways to expand current youth initiatives in the local community.
Host a youth listening forum or Table Talk on key issues facing them in their lives.
Develop ministry opportunities for young people, including social justice initiatives, liturgy, and music groups.
Employ paid youth ministers to support and nurture the spiritual growth of young people in the community.
Ensure youth have a voice by including them in Parish Pastoral Councils and School Leadership Teams.
Host local interfaith and/or ecumenical events such as dinner dances and trivia nights to foster community bonds.
Implement local Laudato Si’ Action Plans or engage with Caritas’ Catholic
Earthcare initiatives to promote ecological stewardship.
Utilise parish and school halls as ‘cooling centres’ during extreme heat to support community members suffering from heat stress.
Establish community garden programs to encourage sustainable living and strengthen community ties.
Engage the community in a waste education program focussing on the 7 R’s of waste management (reduce, return, re-use, repair, refill, refuse & rot).
Work with local organisations, such as Vinnies, to organise second-hand clothing sales for the community.
Organise community events like sausage sizzles as opportunities to gather with people from different backgrounds.