DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY LAUNCH

“We are called to remember that God who is Trinity is a God of Love, a God who sends His son Jesus Christ out of complete love for you and me,” said the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation, at the launch of the 2023-2024 Diocesan Assembly held on the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.

“This is made very abundant to us when through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives are transformed when we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in communion,” Fr Vincent said.

Formally launching the Assembly on behalf of Archbishop Costelloe SDB, Fr Vincent explained that convocation of the Assembly comes out of the recent Plenary Council held by the Church of Australia in 2021 and 2022.

“The call of the Plenary Council was for all the Church to open our hearts to listening and discerning where the voice of the Holy Spirit was leading the Church. The Plenary Council affirmed that the way the Church should be governed is in a synodal manner, with the appropriate participation of those who are baptised.

Episcopal Vicar, Education and Faith Formation, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn raises the Missal during the Mass for the official launch of the 2023-24 Diocesan Assembly.

This is certainly also in the heart and mind of Pope Francis, who is also calling for all the Church to be open and to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit with open hearts,” said Fr Vincent.

Approximately 1300 people were present for the Trinity Sunday Mass, following the announcement by Archbishop Costelloe in April this year that he would hold a Diocesan Assembly in September 2023. The Assembly will now be held in July 2024, with letters for the calling of delegates to be distributed in the coming weeks.

Speaking in his homily for the Mass, the Episcopal Vicar for Education and Faith Formation highlighted that our journey towards a Diocesan Assembly has already begun.

“After today - parishes, clergy, agencies, religious orders, education providers, youth - will be among groups of the Archdiocese who will be asked to select members who will commit to the journey of this Assembly. Those participating will be called to discern and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit,” said Fr Vincent.

In particular, the Archbishop, flowing from the Plenary Council, is eager to discern the role of a Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC). A DPC is a council made up of members from across the Archdiocese to advise the Archbishop most especially on the pastoral life and activity of the Archdiocese.

“Those attending the Assembly will be asked to discern how this DPC can reflect the synodality asked for by Pope Francis. I ask today as we begin this journey towards an assembly that you pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for all who will be involved. I also encourage you to not be afraid to participate where appropriate,” Fr Vincent concluded.