OUR LADY OF THE NATIVITY CHURCH LAWSON

April Communique from Mountains Deanery Pastoral Council

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On the 13 April 2024, representatives from Parishes across the Mountains Deanery came together for the second meeting of the year of the Mountains Deanery Pastoral Council. We started the meeting with a prayer inspired by Matthew 11:28-30 supported with Fijian songs “Come to me, all you who are weary and I will give you rest”, I will always have a plan for you.

Future of the Diocese

This was a perfect introduction to a screening of a video by our diocesan liaison officer, Alison Ryan, giving an update on the development of the Diocesan Plan for a Synodal Church - a flow-on from the Diocesan Synod held in October last year. Alison advised that a draft of the plan is being finalised so that all Parishioners in the diocese can participate in what is to be Think Tank Sessions within any group setting, whether parish-based or otherwise, to test out the practical applications of how the plan could work for our Church life. Parish leaders, Deanery Council members, and Parish Priests can advise on local developments.

 

The following dates for interested parishioners to participate in
regional Think Tank sessions are: 

Theme 1: An Inclusive and Welcoming Church  Wednesday 1st May, 6:30 – 9pm -Greystanes Parish

Theme 2: A Humble and Healing Church    Wednesday 8th May, 6:30 – 9pm – Mt Druitt Parish

Theme 3: A Listening Church     Wednesday 15th May, 6:30 – 9pm – Baulkham Hills Parish

Theme 4: A Church Renewed in Spirit and Prayer  Wed. 22nd May, 6:30 – 9pm – Plumpton Parish

Theme 5: A Church that reaches to the Margins   Wed. 29th May, 6:30 – 9pm – Penrith Parish

Theme 6: A Church Walking Together   Wednesday 5th June, 6:30 – 9pm – Harris Park Parish

The outcomes of the Think Tanks will be incorporated into the final plan to be launched on August 10th by Bishop Vincent.

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Those on the Margins

The Mountains Deanery Pastoral Council recognises the work across our Deanery to support those who live on the margins. Each Council member informed the meeting of how their particular parish has either adopted the practice of food-drives of non-perishable goods towards Catholic Care (ensuring dates do not clash to avoid flooding of goods), and/or executing other supportive practices towards their local area, or having to consider an initiative. For this, the Council expresses its gratitude to the parish communities.

Refugee Support Team

Another initiative discussed to support Catholic Care was to promote the possible formation of a team of five persons across the Deanery to sponsor a Refugee Family. Council members may raise this issue within their parish councils or approach parishioners who may be interested in being part of such a team. We are hoping that across the Deanery we may have enough support for this challenging program. In the meantime, our Chairperson will reach out to those who have made some headway in this direction.

Deanery Events

Following are programs that may of be of interest across the Mountains Deanery.

• Emu Plains, Our Lady of the Way’s Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary) Mass to be officiated by Bishop Vincent on May 25 at 10am. All are welcome.  

• Glenbrook, St Finbars, is fundraising $50,000 to fix urgent roof repairs. Tickets are $10 each and they are aiming to sell 5000 tickets. 
  There are 12 prizes including signed Panthers jersey, Pat Cummins No.30 top & cap signed, Sydney FC Jersey, 1992 World cup limited edition cricket bat signed by all players, 2 hour sight seeing flight over Sydney Harbour, restaurant vouchers,  weekend stay in Kiama/Kangaroo Valley. For information, call the Office: 02 4739 8928

 

(sgd) Leonard Blahut (Chair, 0405 916 326)   leonard.usa@me.com

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