DIOCESE OF MAITLAND-NEWCASTLE DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL Brief Report on the 117th Meeting held on Saturday 17th August 2013 Present: Bishop Bill Wright, Fr Brian Mascord, Mrs Teresa Brierley, Mrs Trish Hales, Mr Lawrie Hallinan, Mrs Pat Campbell, Mrs Ruth Trappel, Mrs Joan Wilson, Mr Kevin Thornton, Mr Bal Gato, Mrs Irene Gover, Mr John Presland, Mr Ray Keast-Jones, Mr John Donnelly, Mrs Bev Hincks, Mrs Maryanne Hacker, Sr Louise Gannon, Mrs Shirley McHugh, Mr Ray Collins, Mrs Alyson Segrott. One Foundation discussion paper Teresa Brierley explained the history of how the “Stewardship Plan of 2010 – 2014” came about. During the development of the Stewardship Plan there was an attempt by the Stewardship Committee (2007 – 2011) to ground the Diocesan Pastoral Plan in a theological context of Communio and hence Missio. However, it was difficult to gain agreement on the purpose and wording of the document. The Stewardship Planning Committee agreed to remove this from the final version of the “Stewardship Plan of 2010 – 2014”. One Foundation (Cornerstone) has the essence of how the church perceives itself as a church. Teresa would not be in favour of losing the 5 Foundations as a planning framework. Teresa Brierley will be invited to explain the history to the CoP’s at their next meeting. Discussion on future planning Over the years the members of the DPC have expressed their concerns about establishing a two way communication process of information back and forth, to parishes in their regions as desired. Teresa Brierley tabled a paper that proposed a new way for regions to meet. The proposed model would be for Regional Representatives on the DPC to call together a gathering of people from the parishes of the regions. The gathering of people could be held a few times per year, and provide an opportunity to enhance the two way discussion or information sharing. The Regional Representatives could report back information at the DPC meetings and hence to the Bishop. The DPC members were asked to consider the implementation of such a model and how this would improve communications, planning and support. After some discussion it was agreed some changes needed to be made to the proposed model, once finalised the discussion paper would be presented at the CoP’s meeting. It was recommended that a gathering should be held in 2014. The gathering would be an opportunity to address child sexual abuse and how it has changed the church and what changes have been made. The gathering should take place early next year, following Margaret Cunneen SC, NSW Special Commissions Report becoming available. The gathering would be an attempt to address the recommendations and live the apology. Bishop’s Update The NSW Special Commissions Inquiry is still ongoing. The latest information available is as follows: There will be a further 3 days of public hearings held in Newcastle from 23 to 25 September to hear submissions from interested parties Private and continuing The Inquiry was due to be completed by 30 September 2013; however that has now been extended till 28 February 2013 in-camera hearings are Fr Brian Mascord will lead a working party to establish how to manage the relationship with the commissions. The working party will look at communications and getting better access to information so as not to have to go all over the diocese to access information. Minutes of the Previous Meeting nd The minutes from the meeting held on 22 June 2013, was accepted as accurate. Lenten Liturgy Healing and Hope The DPC members were asked to consider if the Lenten Liturgy of Healing and Hope (LLHH) should be held next year or if there should be a gap year. The DPC members recommended that the LLHH continue if the organising team feels they would be able to continue to offer support to the parishes. Next year’s LLHH could focus on the new Pope and penance. Regional/Council/Agencies Updates Regional Reports Teresa Brierley was invited to attend an interim group meeting at Blackbutt South as they prepare for a possible future with no priest, as Fr Greg Arnold retires next year. The Blackbutt South parishes have set up a transition team and are preparing for their Parish Assembly in November. There needs to be a review of pastoral care for the major hospitals. As Blackbutt North has advised their concerns, such as the pastoral care is not shared with other regions, increased demands due to the addition of psychiatric service into the area and that there is little respite for the priests at Blackbutt North. Fr Brian suggested that Blackbutt North should share the pastoral care load with other regions such as City and Eastlakes. Raymond Terrace Parish this year held their Sacraments of Confirmation and First Communion on the weekend during Bishop Bill’s visit. They were held in the new BER hall; feedback suggests that parishioners enjoyed the experience and that it provided a great sense of community. Council Reports Diocesan Council for Ministry with Young People The Australian Catholic Youth Festival will be held from 5 – 7 December. The early bird registration closes at the end of September. Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith The Ecumenical and Interfaith council will be holding a Two Bishops Dialogue, which will be held at the Anglican Bishop Tyrell School, Fletcher. All Christian schools will be invited to participate. It will be an opportunity for year 11 Students to present questions to Bishop Bill and Bishop Peter Stuart. Agencies Report Catholic Schools Office Report Ray Collins, CSO Director provided an update of his report. The Catholic Schools Office is currently holding a review of the Schools Office; a survey will be sent out to over 800 people for them to complete. A study of secondary school structures has been commissioned; this is in response to increasing demand especially in the Maitland area. The WYD13 returning teachers and students have indicated it was a positive experience. A lot of tremendous things were achieved prior to WYD13, with the pilgrims helping in underdeveloped areas. St Patrick’s Primary School, Lochinvar have been nominated for a National Disability Award and is one of three finalists for the Excellence in Improving Education Outcomes Award in the National Disability Awards. San Clemente School, Year 10 students are finalists in the Mock Trial Competition which usually involves senior students. Date of Next DPC Meeting 2013 th The next meeting of the DPC is Saturday 19 October 2013, in the Toohey Room, Cathedral House, 841 Hunter St, Newcastle, commencing at 9.00am. To contact the DPC phone 4979 1117 or e-mail Alyson.Segrott@mn.catholic.org.au