News
Diocesan Pastoral Plan to be Launched in March
After some eighteen months of discernment, consultation and refinement, the Diocese of Wollongong Pastoral Plan is nearing its official launch.
It has been a period of intense soul searching for the Diocese, as the People of God have carefully considered the issues facing the church in the coming years. In particular, there has been considerable energy focused on how to address the issue of declining numbers of clergy and ageing involvement of parishioners.
In identifying the challenges on our journey ahead, the plan offers a strong message of hope and trust in God's providence. Bishop Peter calls us to be "Bearers of Christ's Love", embracing our Baptismal mission so as to share the person of Jesus Christ in all aspects of our lives. As such, over the five years, the plan seeks to enrich our celebration of the Mass, deepen our formation in faith and better prepare us for ministry, so that we can better engage with others, particularly youth and young families. The plan also offers clear strategies about how we, as church, can become more welcoming and inclusive, particularly towards those who experience obstacles to participation.
As 2011 is the first year of the five-year plan, there will be a particular focus on enriching our knowledge and celebration of the liturgy, to coincide with the introduction of the new translation of the Missal. This year will feature a collection of liturgical resources, workshops and celebrations.
The official launch of the plan will take place on Sunday 6 March 2011, with the Bishop's pastoral letter proclaiming the plan to all faith communities within the Diocese.
In identifying the challenges on our journey ahead, the plan offers a strong message of hope and trust in God's providence. Bishop Peter calls us to be "Bearers of Christ's Love", embracing our Baptismal mission so as to share the person of Jesus Christ in all aspects of our lives. As such, over the five years, the plan seeks to enrich our celebration of the Mass, deepen our formation in faith and better prepare us for ministry, so that we can better engage with others, particularly youth and young families. The plan also offers clear strategies about how we, as church, can become more welcoming and inclusive, particularly towards those who experience obstacles to participation.
As 2011 is the first year of the five-year plan, there will be a particular focus on enriching our knowledge and celebration of the liturgy, to coincide with the introduction of the new translation of the Missal. This year will feature a collection of liturgical resources, workshops and celebrations.
The official launch of the plan will take place on Sunday 6 March 2011, with the Bishop's pastoral letter proclaiming the plan to all faith communities within the Diocese.