Sandpiper e-News readers would be aware that two rounds of Deanery Forums have taken place across each of the three deaneries: Western, Goulburn Valley and Northeastern (see below for the list of parishes in each Deanery).

The Reports on each of the Round 2 Forums have been sent to participants and we now share these with the broader Diocese. Invitations to participate in the forums were directed to those in leadership and ministry roles in the parish (priests, administrative staff, PPC/PFC members, ministry coordinators …) as well as to general parishioners who are interested in the fruitfulness and future of their parish.

“The Deanery Forums are interactive, dynamic engagements between parishes, and between parishes and Chancery staff, in service of our co-mission with Jesus to the people of the region covered by the Deanery,” said Geoff Gowdie, one of the Forum facilitators.

The purpose of the Deanery Forums is to connect parish-to-parish and parishes-to-Chancery about the realities of being a parish sent on mission by and with Jesus today.
This includes addressing both what gives participants hope and what causes concern.

Geoff continued:

“As trust builds and conversation deepens, we find ourselves confronting difficult issues and possible ways to address them. Deanery Forums are not for the faint-hearted. Yet, the simple step of conversation about matters that trouble us is an opening to grace. Time and time again, forum participants have said that the connection to others has given them new energy and broader perspective.”

The Reports, accessed via the links below, show the range of issues and conversations about them. “They are quite comprehensive," Geoff pointed out, “and responses range from relatively simple things that Chancery can provide, like information sheets on operational topics and a list of who to contact for particular issues, to a more strategic exploration of the bigger mission matters.”

Geoff looked ahead to the Round 3 Deanery Forums in October.

‘Bishop René will participate in the Round 3 Forums, so there will be discussion with him about several things, including what has emerged from Deanery Forums 1 and 2, as noted in the linked Reports.

• Bishop René may have a view about the direction of the Forums.
  
  
• Further, Bishop René articulated in his installation homily a vision for the Diocese, and this has implications for the approach to parish issues raised in the Forums.
  
  
• In addition to that, the Sandhurst Formation Institute on 21, 22 August explored growing as communities of mission, a topic at the heart of the Strategic Directions and Mission and Pastoral Goals.

Bishop René RCJ was impressed with the Institute and may wish to build on that momentum…

Geoff concluded:

“One of the things that Forum participants have expressed appreciation for is that issues raised in Forum 1 were heard, recorded and responded to where possible; table conversation notes were taken so that participant views could be collated as much as possible. Listening to one another is the basis of building trust, and trust in the Holy Spirit and each other is the foundation for committing ourselves to the longer renewal journey into which the Holy Spirit calls us together.”

Dates for Deanery Forums Round 3:

13 October: Northeastern Deanery in Wangaratta

20 October: Goulburn Valley Deanery in Shepparton

27 October: Western Deanery in Bendigo

Venue and Registration details to be sent before the end of September.

To Download reports and presenations from the Round 2 Deanery Forums, click on the links below: 

  pdf Western Deanery Report (Round 2)(327 KB)

  pdf Goulburn Valley Deanery Report (Round 2)(305 KB)

  pdf Northeastern Deanery Report (Round 2)(270 KB)

  pdf Synthesis Report of Deanery Forums (Round 2)(117 KB)

  pdf Placemat Snapshot of Issues and Actions(213 KB)

  pdf Sandhurst Youth Ministry:Encounter to Intetional Discipleship presentation (155 KB) (by Chris Cotter)

  pdf RCIA Presentation (132 KB) (by Mary Zobec)

  pdf C(821 KB) pdf hrist the King Parish Plan presentation(821 KB) (by Fr Nathan Verallo)