“The Church is not a community of perfect people, but of disciples on a journey, who follow the Lord because they know they are sinners and in need of his pardon.”
– Pope Francis
Reflection
We acknowledge the ongoing damage done to the People of God, particularly by clerical sexual abuse and by the abuse of power in our Church, in our communities, and in our families. As a Diocesan community, we commit to work for justice and healing and to recognising and responding to violence in all its forms.
We humbly acknowledge the truth of our nation’s founding story and the associated violence and dispossession suffered by First Nations peoples. As St. John Paul II recognised when he addressed the First Nations peoples in Alice Springs: “For thousands of years you have lived in this land and fashioned a culture that endures to this day. And during all this time, the Spirit of God has been with you. Your “Dreaming”… your culture, is your only way of touching the mystery of God’s Spirit in you and in creation… Your culture, which shows the lasting genius and dignity of your race, must not be allowed to disappear… for us, you and the values you represent are precious.”
How our communities are becoming humble and healing
Resources
This guide provides a framework for Spiritual Conversations, which are at the heart of our synodal process.
Would you like to know how you can get your community involved?
Get in touch with us!
Download a digital copy of
“Behold, I am with you always” Diocese of Parramatta’s
Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024 – 2028