Parish Assembly 2011
Held on Sunday May 1, 2011
The conversation continues...
More than 60 enthusiastic parishioners gathered in St Patrick's Hall on the afternoon of Sunday 1 May 2011 for our third Parish Assembly. The afternoon began with prayer and reflection on the first Christian church as recorded in the Acts of Apostles (Acts 2:42-47).
- View the Photo Gallery of the day's events
- Read a summary of Survey Questions and Results
- View the 'Reflection' Slide Show shown at the Assembly
"They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles
and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers."
Evan Ellis, Social Justice Coordinator in our diocese facilitated the afternoon and encouraged conversation that would take the issues/passions identified in the previous weeks into specific and concrete actions.
From the many conversations that had occurred throughout the parish in the preceding weeks a vast range of issues and passions had been identified and from these approximately twenty possible key issues for further conversation had been selected. Parishioners who gathered nominated those which we considered priorities by placing coloured dots on two issues which we viewed as important. Issues ranged from 'name tags' for parishioners, ministry to the elderly, to a parish retreat.
Soon people were busy working in small groups or pairs and grappling with the issue and trying to come up with some concrete action. It was a productive and fruitful afternoon as we talked, listened, shared ideas and plans began to take shape.
The afternoon passed all too quickly and before long it was time halt to our conversations and report back to the other parishioners... and as the afternoon drew to a close Fr Peter shared with the gathering a letter from Bishop Anthony reporting on his visit to our Parish last year. But that is not the end... the conversations continue... and plans and actions are evolving.
Sr Judith Lythall
Pastoral Associate