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