Plenary Council
PLENARY COUNCIL 2020
What is a Plenary Council?
In a Plenary Council representatives of the clergy and laity participate by sharing openly, their thoughts, hopes and dreams about the future of the Church in Australia.
The Australian Bishops have indicated, there is to be process of preparation for the 2020 Plenary Council in which all Catholics and non-Catholics in the Country are invited and encouraged to express their views on how they see the Church at the present time and what suggestions for change they would like to see implemented.
The Plenary Council process explained.
Why do we need a Plenary Council now?
The circumstances of the Church in Australia in our time following the Royal Commission, the patterns of change that are evident in modern multicultural and secular Australia, and the ever increasing responsibility for leadership of the Church’s mission, prompt the Church to review, analyse, and discern the signs of the times, to listen anew to the Spirit, and to chart its course into the future.
Together, we are on a journey of listening to God by listening to one another…
As part of this process we are invited to engage in listening and dialogue encounters which are designed to be an open and inclusive experience of listening, dialogue and discernment about the future of the Catholic Church in Australia.
This creates an opportunities for your family to come together, and to spend some time thinking and talking about your experiences of faith, life and the Church. We encourage Parents, as the first educators to make their submission with their Children in this process.
Everyone is invited to respond to the question: ‘What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?’
Everyone’s experience of faith and the Church is unique and it is important that the Plenary Council hear responses from as many people as possible. Your voice is important. Speak boldly and with passion, listen with an open and humble heart.
Australians speak about what the Plenary Council means for us.
How do I make a submission?
We encourage you to make a family submission following your discussions. You may access further information and lodge an on-line submission on the Plenary Council Website.
The Plenary Council Prayer
In faith, may we be guided by God’s Holy Spirit, as we journey together, towards the future.
Come, Holy Spirit of Pentecost.
Come, Holy Spirit of the great South Land.
O God, bless and unite all your people in Australia and guide us on the pilgrim way of the Plenary Council.
Give us the grace to see your face in one another and to recognise Jesus, our companion on the road.
Give us the courage to tell our stories and to speak boldly of your truth.
Give us ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart to hear what you are saying.
Lead your Church into a hope-filled future, that we may live the joy of the Gospel.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, bread for the journey from age to age. Amen.
Our Lady Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.
Mrs Amelia Bright | Acting Leader of Mission