“In the Church, no one is left out or left over. There is room for everyone. Just the way we are. Everyone. Jesus says this clearly. When he sends the apostles to invite people to the banquet which a man had prepared, he tells them: “Go out and bring in everyone”, young and old, healthy and infirm, righteous and sinners. Everyone, everyone, everyone! In the Church there is room for everyone… That is the Church, the Mother of all. There is room for everyone. The Lord does not point a finger, but opens his arms.”
– 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 inclusive and welcoming
Resources
Workshop Presentation – Expanding the Capacity of Community: Harnessing the Gifts of Individuals for Mission
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“Behold, I am with you always” Diocese of Parramatta’s
Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024 – 2028