Year in Review 2020 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst 19 “Listen to What the Spirit is Saying” LEADERSHIP & STRUCTURE While the process of preparation for the Plenary Council begins by inviting us to offer what we see, it asks us to do that in a spirit of service and generosity, where we then step back from it, step away and reflect on it alongside what others have seen, listening again and again for where God’s spirit might be calling us. Discussing the Plenary process, Bishop Shane spoke of Pope Francis’ leadership style. “Pope Francis is an extraordinary example in terms of process ... he is in no rush to close off a conversation or resolve an issue. His preference seems to be to give hints as guidance to the conversation ...” Pope Francis shows remarkable trust – both in the people of God who will be discussing these sorts of questions ... and more importantly in the Holy Spirit, whose voice we seek to hear and respond to as we continue to ‘Listen to what the Spirit is saying’. In February Bishop Shane gave the Monsignor Peter Jeffrey Oration to Catholic Education leaders. In early March, he was the guest speaker at a ‘Spirtuality In the Pub’ event, where he was asked, “Where are we headed as a diocese? As a church?” At both events Bishop Shane spoke about the future of the Church in Australia, the passing of faith from one generation to the next, building trust through good governance and the Fifth Plenary Council. “It seems to me that we are in something of a critical moment in Australia,” he said. “The parents of children in our schools come from a generation in whom their experience of faith is deeply ingrained through the regular practice of their childhood. Even though they might not engage with it regularly in the present, they have something like a muscle memory, so that they feel at home in Catholic Liturgy and describe themselves as Catholic without hesitation. Moreover, they want that sort of experience and connection for their children. In a context where so many people feel anger, hostility or indifference to the church, it’s both remarkable and inspiring how movingly parents talk about the experience of faith they want for their children when they present them for baptism,” he said. Of the Fifth Plenary Council he said People want this to work; people want to participate, and they still care deeply. In some ways, of course, that sort of investment makes the stakes even higher. It’s very clear to me that there is widespread weariness and frustration with the Church, and especially with its leadership. Many have already walked away because they have given up waiting for us to ‘get it’. For others, the Plenary Council is the last chance. There is no question that the stakes are high. 2 March, 150 people attended the ‘Spirituality In the Pub’ event to listen to guest speaker Bishop Shane Mackinlay. “It was obvious from the numbers attending, and their applause, how appreciative people were to have their Bishop sharing his thoughts and listening to theirs,” said Ms Kerry Stone, one of the event organisers. 18 February, Bishop Shane Mackinlay spoke to Catholic Education leaders.
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