In 2021 our parishes began the project of Building Stronger Parish Partnerships for Mission.  The initial strengthening of our partnerships included: creating a single representative Parish Pastoral Council, introducing the ministry of Parish Life Teams, and consolidating a single pastoral and administrative Parish Office.

At an annual meeting of parishioners in 2023 when asked what was going well at the level of our three partnered parishes, there was positive feedback in relation to: combined events; the variety of priest and homilies; communication and in particular the online newsletter; the establishment of hospitality across all our churches; the liturgical life across our parishes; faith and life discussion opportunities and the combined Parish Council.  When asked what parishioners would like to see more, there was a clear indication that further and deeper collaboration across our communities would be welcomed.

At the beginning of 2024 a joint meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council and the combined Parish Finance and Investment Committee recommended that our parishes should now move to the next stage of Building Stronger Parish Partnerships for Mission.  The next stage that is proposed is the formal amalgamation of our three parishes into a single parish entity.  For this to occur a number of steps need to be taken.

First of all, the Parish Pastoral Council would like to move through a process of communication and information sharing with all parishioners.  This will be done via online communication, Frequently Asked Questions, and parish meetings.  We encourage you to make the most of these opportunities to give your feedback and to participate in the parish meetings when the time comes.

Second, we will need to make formal application to Archbishop Peter Comensoli, who ultimately will need to give his approval for the establishment of an amalgamated parish.

Third, we will need to work together as Priest, Parish Pastoral Council and Finance and Investment Committee along with parishioners to create our new vision and mission for the future.

We invite you all to be part of this latest initiative in Building Stronger Parish Partnerships for Mission.  Our Parish Pastoral Council met during the week and next week we will launch the first set of Frequently Asked Questions, after which all parishioners will have the opportunity to respond and comment on the proposal.  We also invite you to keep one of the following dates free to attend a parish briefing.  These will take place during the last week of May at the following times and locations:

• Tuesday, 21 May – 7.30 pm at Our Holy Redeemer Church, Surrey Hills in the Gathering Space.
• Thursday, 23 May – 7.30 pm at Our Lady of Victories Basilica, Camberwell in the Church.
• Sunday, 26 May – 12 noon at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Deepdene in the Gathering Space.

Thank you for your ongoing support in Building Stronger Parish Partnerships for Mission.  We look forward to sharing more about our hopes and plans for the future of our parishes in the coming months.

Fr Brendan Reed

Parish Priest

Mr Phil Mann

Chair, Parish Pastoral Council

Published: 19 April 2024