Diocese Focus: Development of a model for a Diocesan pastoral council for the Diocese
Team Members
Margaret Gill, Chairperson, Pastoral Council, Catholic Parish of Alstonville and Wardell – Coordinator
Fr Paul McDonald, Parish Priest, St Anthony’s Parish, Kingscliff
Margaret Condon, St Carthage’s Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council, Lismore
Jim O’Brien, Parish Finance Council, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, Port Macquarie
Brendan Kiely, Principal, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Wauchope
One of the areas of focus identified in the Parish Vitality Survey was a need for a model of a pastoral council for the Diocese that would fit its future needs. In response to this, and as a part of the Lismore Diocesan Renewal journey, a Diocesan Pastoral Council Project Team, was established. The Team is coordinated by Margaret Gill, Chairperson, Pastoral Council, Catholic Parish of Alstonville and Wardell.
Our role will be to develop options for a DPC for the Diocese of Lismore regarding its purpose and role, its members, selection of members and how it should function while taking into account the past Diocesan Pastoral Council, the context of the diocese and the current and future needs of the Diocese.
The Project Team has examined the Diocese of Lismore Handbook on the past Lismore Diocesan Pastoral Council. The handbook has provided information to the team on the early establishment of the DPC in 1987 when Bishop John Satterthwaite, decided to establish a Diocesan Pastoral Council to follow the recommendations of the Second Vatican Council, including information on the operating functions of the DPC as outlined in the statutes. Interviews of past DPC members have been conducted to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses of the past Diocesan Pastoral Council along with suggestions for a future Diocesan Pastoral Council model. This information is presently being collated.
The history of DPCs in Australia has been examined by the team. Historian Damian Gleeson’s report, titled “ Diocesan Pastoral Councils: An Australian Historical Study,” has offered valuable insight into the history and functioning of diocesan pastoral councils. Examination of the seven models outlined in the “ACBC Response to Governance: Diocesan Pastoral Council Review,” along with the identification of their respective pros and cons, has been finalised. Criteria for assessing these models have also been established. The assessment process will aid the Project Team in determining which model of a Diocesan Pastoral Council aligns most closely with the needs, values and aspirations of the Diocese.
The next stage of our work will be to consider the purpose and role of a Lismore Diocesan Pastoral Council. Research information and the context and challenges of the diocese will be used to formulate the role and purpose.
The Team requests prayers for guidance as we engage in discussion and work to develop options for a Lismore Diocesan Pastoral Council.
July update – Diocesan Pastoral Council Project Team
The team looking at the formation of a Lismore Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) continues to make progress on the Project Plan tasks. Members have completed the history of previous pastoral councils and conducted a survey of past members, collated the findings. The survey received responses from ten laity, two clergy, and one religious. Respondents were asked open-ended questions about their membership experience, the role of the past DPC, strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for a future DPC. The feedback provided valuable insights and suggestions for the future direction of the Lismore DPC.
The team has also engaged in discussions regarding workable options for the future Lismore DPC. Considerations include potential locations and venues for meetings, meeting frequency, virtual meeting capabilities, governance structure, relationships with other consultative bodies within the diocese, integration of spiritual aspects such as prayer and relationship with God, and effective communication with all stakeholders. Next, the Team will focus on developing options for a new Pastoral Council that best meet the needs of the Lismore Diocese.
