FORMATION
Inala Parish
The Inala Parish Pastoral Council members gathered for a special meeting to assist in their ongoing development and formation. Lead by Sr Cecilia Anning rsj from the Faith & Life Vicariate, members used their time together to refocus on the role and operations of the Pastoral Council in the service of the parish. Included in this section was a re-visiting of the Archdiocesan focus on Jesus/Communion/Mission, which came from the 2003 Synod, and which all parishes use as the basis for their pastoral planning.
Another important part of the sessions was the time taken to reflect on all that the Pastoral Council has achieved over the last two years of operations. Obviously, much dedicated hard work has been involved.
As the Council now looks to the future and plans for eventual changeover of membership, their giftedness and enthusiasm give promise of a fruitful time ahead.
St Johns Wood - The Gap Parish
After a changeover of membership, the new and continuing members of the Parish Pastoral Council at St Johns Wood-The Gap gathered for a session of preparation for their term of office ahead.
The members revisited their role of sharing in the responsibility for the ongoing life and development of the parish community, working together with parishioners to provide support for their efforts to live as followers of Christ.
To place the work of the Parish Pastoral Council in context, one of the continuing members provided a brief synopsis of the issues, projects and concerns that described the wide range of activities of the previous Council. A helpful addition this was the insightful reflection shared by another member regarding what had been gained personally from being a pastoral councillor.
Overall, an important challenge that lies ahead for this Pastoral Council will be to assist the parish deal constructively with the transition of leadership from that provided by the Marist Fathers since 1937, to that of a diocesan Pastor. The giftedness and enthusiasm of members give promise of a constructive and helpful outcome.
