Clergy Focus – Design of protocols and processes for clergy induction into the diocese; and process design and preparation for clergy and parish for clergy transfer to a new parish
The need for protocols and processes for clergy induction into the diocese and the design of clergy and parish profile templates for introduction of new clergy into a parish were identified as areas of need during the Renewal Journey consultation process. A team is working on designing these protocols and templates for parishes
Team Members
Matt Digges, Director of Mission, Sawtell Catholic Care, Sawtell Catholic Parish – Team Coordinator
Cathy Donnelly, General Manager, St Carthage’s Community Care, Pastoral Council, St Carthage’s Parish, Lismore
Fr Alex Munyao, Assistant Priest, St Carthage’s Parish, Lismore
Julie Nowland, Diocesan Chancery, Clergy Life and Ministry
Lew Wallace, Diocesan Chancery, St Carthage’s Parish
April 25 Update
After receiving feedback from clergy and the Council of Priests in late 2024, the team ran a ‘pilot case’ to welcome Fr Philip Borla to St Carthage’s Parish in Lismore. The feedback from the pilot case was very positive, and included some of the following:
- The guide was very detailed and useful, it’s important to ensure that there are conversations around expectations for using it (which occurred)
- It provided a strong foundation for adjusting to a new parish, helping to identify priorities and weekly activities.
- It helped incoming clergy to understand the new parish
- The transition was made easier by the welcoming staff (Renewal team, Chancery team, and Parish team) who made the new priest feel at home, welcomed resulting in a transition was very smooth.
- A strong support network was crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and preventing oversights.
- Overall positive experience using the guidelines: The process was described as accommodating and reassuring, with helpful structures in place to ease the transition.
The team hopes that these guidelines will continue to be useful for parishes as they welcome new priests transferring from other parishes, as well as new international priests.
March 24 Update
The working group has been meeting bi-monthly since November 2023 (with a break in January). The initial meetings focussed on gathering and reviewing relevant information concerning induction processes for international clergy in various western countries, including Australian archdioceses.
This 2023 investigation led the team to conclude:
- Best practice for induction of international clergy into Australia will be sensitive to both the cultural and pastoral needs of the local Church and the incoming priest.
- A clear process will include significant flexibility within a framework of clear direction.
- Successful processes for the Diocese of Lismore will be specific to the needs of the Diocese and take account of the history, culture, demographics of the Mid-North and North Coast regions of NSW.
The next stage, which commenced in February 2024, involves composing a process consistent with needs of the Diocese and the international priest. Four quadrants of care and direction will support and guide the process
The progress of individual members of the Team responsible for the four areas is being reviewed by the Team at bi-monthly meetings in March. These areas will include support processes and persons responsible. Processes will then be reviewed by selected people within the Diocese who may be responsible for the process into the future. This will include some clergy new to the Diocese.
