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Key initiatives to follow assembly

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An interim Diocesan Pastoral Council, a youth assembly in November and another major Diocesan gathering late next year were announced at the closing session of the 2021 Diocesan Assembly.

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The interim Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) would develop terms of reference prior to the establishment of a permanent body. Expressions of interest for membership will close on
October 15 with the interim council’s first meeting scheduled for November.

Speaking at the closing session of the Diocesan Assembly, acting chancellor Sarah Moffatt said the DPC would be a major diocesan body exercising leadership under the authority of the Archbishop by “investigating, considering and proposing practical priorities and strategies about the pastoral life and activity in the Archdiocese”.

Sarah Moffatt

Mrs Moffatt also announced that Archbishop O’Regan had expressed his desire for another Diocesan Assembly in October next year, following on from the second general assembly of the Plenary Council in July.

She said the next assembly would be an opportunity to look back and say “this is what we did together”.

“We are going to move to action, that’s the desire. There are some things we can do now, and there are some things that can be done into the future, and so we need to be asking our communities, parishes, schools and agencies to contribute to this plan” she said.

“There’s also the question of what can be led by the Archdiocese, and then the important piece of the Diocesan Pastoral Council in further formulating a pastoral plan around some of these things that people have recommended.

“There’s an engagement that comes from all of us.”

Participants of the Diocesan Assembly were given lapel pins featuring the Diocesan Assembly symbol to wear when they go back to their parishes, communities, schools and agencies to assist with further discernment of the themes and to action proposals at the local level.

Peter Bierer, coordinator of the Catholic Office for Youth and Young Adults, said the Diocesan Youth Assembly would be held on the feast of Christ the King, November 21, at Nazareth College, Findon campus.

He said the feast day had been nominated by Pope Francis as the new date for the annual celebration of World Youth Day.

“It’s an appropriate day to gather with young people and consult with them further about recommendations from the Diocesan Assembly and earlier discussions and consultations around the Plenary Council,” he said.

“It will be a great day of celebration and consultation for young people aged over 16.”

For more details on the Diocesan Pastoral Council and resources from the assembly, visit www.adelaidediocesanassembly.org. For information on the youth assembly, visit www.cathyouthadelaide.org.au.

 

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