By Emma McDonald
Chairperson, Diocesan Pastoral Council
On 3 July, representatives from the parishes of Lismore, South Lismore, Kyogle, and Casino gathered with members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council at Invercauld House for an evening of dialogue, connection, and shared story.
Each parish had the opportunity to share their own story with the Council: the ministries and activities bringing life to their communities, the signs of hope and moments of grace they’ve witnessed, the challenges they continue to face, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
What emerged was a rich picture of parish life across the Diocese, each community distinct in its own way, yet bound together by common threads. Parishioners spoke of the wide range of ministries already active in their communities, and a shared desire to deepen connection and build community, both within their parishes and between parishes and their local schools. Alongside these signs of hope, parishes also named real challenges: an ageing volunteer base carrying much of the work of parish life, and the opportunities and challenges of increasingly multicultural communities.
For those present, the evening was a reminder of how much is already happening in our parishes, and how much is shared in common even where circumstances differ. It offered a genuine experience of connection and community, and a chance to listen to one another in a spirit of openness and hope.
On Saturday, the Council met, discussing matters such as the vision, mission, and purpose of the Council, and steps to be taken in the development of a diocesan pastoral plan. Bishop Greg emphasised that the mission of the Council, and indeed the Diocese, is fundamentally about meeting God, knowing and loving Jesus, and being people who live the Gospel. The work of the Council is one part of an ongoing journey of listening and dialogue across the Diocese of Lismore, a journey that has unfolded over many years through the Plenary Council, the Synod on Synodality, our Diocesan Review, and countless conversations in parishes across our region. All of this listening is now shaping the development of a diocesan pastoral plan, grounded in what our people have shared and pointing toward concrete, hope-filled action for the years ahead.
We look forward to continuing this journey of connection with more of our parishes in the months to come.
