This was launched officially in our diocese on Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church. We would all hope that it reigns in new hope for the Church in Australia.
There are some positive signs.
I like the Plenary Prayer; we are asked to reflect on the question: “What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?” I think with Archbishop Mark Coleridge as the chair of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will be a positive move to oversee these next couple of years.
He says it is about three things – preparation, celebration and implementation.
His emphasis is certainly on the guidance and working of the Holy Spirit.
The Plenary Council president is Archbishop Tim Costelloe from Perth. He says we need to reflect on the words for the Book of Revelation, “Listen to the what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”
We need to listen to each other but this also requires people to be speaking.
Lana Turvey-Collins is the facilitator for the Plenary Council this will also be an encouraging move for the inclusion of the voice of women.
Fr Michael Morley
Parish Priest
Sacred Heart Tatura
