All parishioners were invited to the Assembly and forty were able to be present in the Parish Centre on 16 October. Our facilitator was Jill Gibbs who has accompanied us on our renewal as parish since 2006.
During our ongoing journey in renewal, we have based our efforts on our essential equality in dignity as children of God living our faith, hope and charity with God, with others and creation.
After praying in the words of St Paul, we read the reports on posters around the room—reports from the neighbourhoods, parish groups and parish schools. A verbal summary was given and discussed together.
We then discussed the reports speaking and listening with respect for all. There was a very pleasant atmosphere of honesty, wisdom and creative suggestions.
The Assembly decided to move on in our journey of faith from focusing on the value and dignity of each parishioner to more emphasis on sharing our gifts of the good of our community.
Among the proposals accepted were more social events as experienced in our Centenary Year, a neighbourhood garden project, a grey army handyman service, morning tea after Mass, posties to deliver cards at the time of Baptism, First Communion Confirmation and bereavement; more information of parish events on the letter to all homes, a Lenten home groups program.
From the neighbourhoods, there have been elected representatives to join the Parish Coordinating Team (P.C.T.) which will take up the proposals passed by the Assembly and help bring about their implementation over the next twelve months. Next year’s assembly is on 3 September.
We are very grateful to Jill Gibbs for her presence and assistance before and after the Assembly, especially as she has lung cancer and travelled from near Newcastle by train and plane.
Fr Kevin
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Sunbury 