Plenary Council 2020 - 2021

2018 Preparing for Plenary Council 2020 in the Sandhurst Diocese Plenary Council 2020 processes were launched by Bishop Les Tomlinson in the Sacred Heart Cathedral Bendigo and in parishes of the Sandhurst Diocese on Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018. The Plenary Council is important for everyone. A Sandhurst Coordination Team A Coordination Team will develop a plan for the Diocese. They will communicate with parishes, schools, key agencies, groups and networks and those in a variety of ministries, those able to connect with others in need or feeling isolated, and families – all people across the Diocese. There will be resources for all to be involved. We will pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we go forward on this journey. Two websites are important ‘places to go’ for updates: Plenary Council www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst www.sandhurst.catholic.org.au Local Animators and Teams Parishes, agencies and groups will be invited to choose local animators whose job will be to work with parish priests and other leaders to encourage and assist with listening sessions. Local teams and animators will receive training, resources and support from the Sandhurst Coordination Team. Listening and Dialogue There will be many kinds of Prayer, Listening and Dialogue gatherings. Parish Priests, Parish Pastoral Councils and animators will work out best ways for their parishes. Groups that meet regularly might allow for ‘listening and dialogue’ sessions. Families can share their thoughts. Everyone is important. Everyone can have their say. This Council is for everyone. Gathering Our Findings Local teams and the Sandhurst Coordination Team will collate and summarise submissions received. The national website ‘Submissions Portal’ allows for direct contributions from any individual or group. Local groups will be invited to share their findingswith parish and diocesan leaders to help give a ‘snapshot’ of what has been said and enable feedback. By Ash Wednesday 2019 , stage 1 listening and dialogue sessions across Australia will be concluded. 2019 Preparing for the Plenary Council across Australia What people have talked about will develop the Plenary Council agenda. In the Sandhurst Diocese , as Lent 2019 gets underway, the Coordination Team and diocesan agencies will begin to reflect on insights gained from listening and dialogue sessions in our Diocese. At the national level, the Facilitation Team will look for the main themes emerging from what people have been saying.