Catholic Identity and Mission
Ms Nicole Dudman - Director
Launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework (2026–2030)
On Friday, 10th October, Scott Blencowe and I took our new Student leaders, Gabrielle Davidson, Henri Bott, Neon Jiji Cherian, and Erin Dell to St Michael’s Church in Traralgon for the launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework.
In my work on the Diocesan Mission Council, we have been developing a Framework for Parishes. The work has come from the Diocesan Assembly held earlier in the year, where Parish, School, and Community groups were involved in an assembly to discuss the future of the church. Below is an expanded explanation of the plan:
What is the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework (2026–2030)
The Diocesan Pastoral Plan Framework for the Diocese of Sale is a Spirit-led roadmap designed to guide the Church’s mission over five years. Rooted in the Gospel and inspired by synodality, it seeks to unify parishes, schools, and diocesan ministries around a shared vision of a Christ-centered, synodal, and mission-driven Church.
Vision
“Led by the Holy Spirit, the People of the Diocese of Sale are committed to walking together to nurture a Christ-centered, synodal, and mission-driven future.”
Six Pastoral Goals
- Deepen Christ-Centered Faith and Spiritual Growth
- Foster transformative prayer, liturgy, and faith formation that draws people into a deeper relationship with Jesus.
- Advance Synodal Leadership and Engagement
- Promote shared leadership, listening, and co-responsibility among clergy and laity.
- Build an Inclusive and Welcoming Church
- Create communities of compassion, justice, and healing that welcome all, especially the marginalised.
- Inspire the Engagement of Young People and Families
- Empower youth and families to lead and participate meaningfully in the Church’s life and mission.
- Enhance Parish–School Collaboration
- Strengthen partnerships between schools and parishes to build vibrant, united faith communities.
- Ignite Missionary Outreach and Evangelisation
- Encourage joyful witness, social justice, and care for creation as expressions of missionary discipleship.
Purpose
The Framework is not just a plan—it is a living spiritual dialogue. It invites every person in the Diocese to participate in shaping a Church that listens, serves, and grows together in faith.
Prayer Inspired by the Pastoral Plan
Prayer for Mission and Unity
Loving God, You call us to walk together as your people, to be a Church that listens, welcomes, and serves. As staff in Catholic ministry, may we be faithful to your vision and courageous in our mission.
Holy Spirit of Wind and Fire, breathe new life into our hearts. Inspire us to lead with compassion, to teach with wisdom, and to serve with joy.
Help us to deepen our faith, to build bridges of understanding, and to nurture communities where all feel seen, heard, and valued.
May we be bold in hope, gentle in love, and steadfast in our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bless our work, our words, and our witness, that together we may build a Church that is Christ-centred, synodal, and mission-driven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.