Earlier this year, the new Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) celebrated its formation with a Commissioning Mass at St Carthage’s Cathedral. Guided by the principles of synodality, the council works to listen to all the voices across the diocese and support the bishop in his pastoral leadership. Catholic Life spoke with the new executive, Emma McDonald (Chair), Brother Bill Sullivan (Deputy Chair), and Christine Wightley (Executive Member) about their background, faith, hopes for the council, and a diocesan assembly.
Their background
Emma: I was born and raised in an Italian Catholic family at Naughtons Gap, just outside Casino. I attended St Mary’s Primary School and St Mary’s High School in Casino and completed all of my sacraments through St Mary’s Parish. My husband and I have three school-aged children, and our family has strong ties to the local community. In my professional life, I am head of physiotherapy for Lismore, Ballina and Casino hospitals.
Br Bill: I grew up in Sydney on the Northern beaches, moving to Canberra to finish my Secondary schooling. This is where my Marist journey began. I have been a Secondary teacher and Principal of Marist schools for over 30 years before moving into the management of our Marist Hermitage Retreat Centre in the Southern Highlands of NSW, where I offered retreats and Spiritual Direction. I am now guiding our Marist House of Light retreat facility here in Lismore.
Christine: I grew up in a Catholic family, in Moss Vale on the NSW Southern Highlands. I was married to Ray for 50 years; we have five married children and 11 wonderful grandchildren. I worked in various management positions for the Department of Education for many years.
What faith means
Emma: My faith journey began through my family and Catholic schooling, and it has remained an important part of my life. While there have been times when my involvement was largely limited to major celebrations, the foundations of faith have never left me. About five years ago, I felt called to reconnect more intentionally with the Church and became actively involved in parish life in Casino. For me, faith is a mystery. It is not about having all the answers but about trusting in God and recognising that we are connected to something greater than ourselves. Faith gives meaning, purpose and hope, and reminds us that we are part of something beyond our individual lives.
Br Bill: I have been blessed with an enriching spiritual life, having family and many good people mentor and support me on this journey. I see God present in the ordinary things we encounter each and every day. Noticing these encounters has been and continues to be a gift for me.
Christine: Jesus is the anchor in my life. We are given God’s love unconditionally; we don’t have to earn it. We all have challenges in life, for many different reasons, and knowing God’s presence is living in us, where we are being nourished by prayer and the sacraments, is such a precious gift.
Hopes for the council
Emma: One of my hopes for the Pastoral Council is that we can make a real and positive difference in the life of the diocese. Bishop Greg’s encouragement to “listen humbly and speak bravely” continues to resonate with me. While we each come from different parishes and backgrounds, our responsibility is to listen to and represent the diverse voices across the diocese.
Recently, I have found myself reflecting on who I represent around the council table. As a mother, a woman, a professional, a parishioner and a person of faith, I bring a range of experiences and perspectives. It raises an important question about whose voices we are listening to and how we ensure those voices are heard. Through prayer, listening and collaboration, I hope we can help build a stronger, more connected and vibrant diocesan community.
Br Bill: I am confident that with the good will, energy and positive outlook of the selected Council members every effort will be made to reach out, connect and make a difference to the wider faith community, supporting and witnessing to the vision of Bishop Greg.
Christine: Through working collaboratively with Bishop Greg, we will reach out to all members of our diocese. Walking and working together will be a journey of service, listening, and open communication.
Preparing for a diocesan assembly
Emma: I see an assembly as an important step in our journey as a synodal Church. It provides an opportunity to bring together the voices, experiences and hopes of people from across the diocese and to listen carefully to one another. The consultation that has already taken place provides a strong foundation, and through prayer, discernment and open dialogue, I hope the assembly will help us identify the priorities that matter most to our communities and guide the future direction of our diocese.
Br Bill: I think this offers an opportunity to embrace diversity, listen and engage with people from the committed to the disconnected. In the Gospel Jesus encountered people and met them where they were at; those connected and engaged with the church, those on the fringes and those disconnected. The assembly offers a space to do likewise.
Christine: Being able to include those people who feel they’ve been left out by the Church is really important to acknowledge in our decision making as we prepare for a diocesan assembly. Bishop Greg has asked us to support him in reaching all people, so it’s going to be a journey that will take some time in planning.
