PLENARY COUNCIL 2020 - IT"S YOUR VOICE! JUST PARTICIPATE!

Through its listening and dialogue sessions, the Plenary Council will give all people the opportunity to say what is on their mind and in their heart. It is a chance to speak boldly but also listen with an open and humble heart.

There is much pain, distress and anger to name a few of the emotions of the people of God. Socially and demographically, Church composition has changed significantly over the last 40 years. Our institutions have grown and we find people where they gather now, not where the primary points of congregation used to be in our parish churches. We are charged to hear the many voices.

So it is timely for us all to participate in this plenary process. But to do it requires imagination not only of the organisers but of the participants. Under canon law, 50% of the members of the Plenary will be ordained clergy. It is critical that the voices of many are heard gently through this initial stage so that the conversations transmitted to them reflect impetus, not just noise.

To support the sharing of faith and hopes by and for our Catholic community, Bishops are inviting parishes, schools and agencies of the Diocese to discern and appoint ‘Local Animators’. These Local ‘Animators’ – in close liaison with their Parish Priest, principal or community leader – will be responsible for coordinating and encouraging listening sessions in their local community on the future of our Church, and on what God is asking of us in Australia. For further information contact http://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/ or call the Lakes Parish Office on 02.9982.1058.