Council Chair, Gabrielle Downie chaired the third meeting of the SMPC which focused on strategic direction for the Diocese and formation for Council members to address the purpose of the Council.
SMPC Members considered four Strategic Directions which are based on the Final Report of the Preparation and Consultation for the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council and informed by the Concrete Proposals for the Council from the Diocesan Assembly (15 February 2023). Each member selected a Strategic Direction of interest to them and formed three 'interest groups'. All three groups will include consideration of the equal dignity of women and men in while focusing on the strategic direction of their specific interest group.
The Strategic Directions:
1. Missionary and pastoral outreach to families, young people, marginalised groups and those who are baptised but are no longer active in parish life.
2. Promote the equal dignity of women and men enhancing the role of women in the Church in Sandhurst; and to overcoming assumptions, culture, practices and language that lead to inequality.
3. Strengthening connections between parishes and schools, parishes and Chancery, between parishes, Chancery and Catholic Education Sandhurst, and other Catholic entities in the Diocese.
4. Promote initial and ongoing formation of the faithful in missionary discipleship, missionary and pastoral outreach, theology and liturgy, ministry, listening, dialogue and discernment.
All groups are incorporating Strategic Direction 2, “Promote the Equal dignity of women and men” within their focus area.
The Meeting was held at St Brendan’s Pastoral Centre, Shepparton on Friday 25 and Saturday 27 August 2023. It was the first meeting chaired by Chair, Gabrielle Downie.
