DPC setting goals
News
The new Diocesan Pastoral Council has begun the process of establishing its goals that it will work towards in 2023.
Meeting at The Monastery in February, Council members discerned together to establish the priorities for the coming year, based on the recommendations from the Diocesan Assemblies, Plenary Council decrees and 2022 discernment.
DPC chair Monica Conway (pictured) said the two-day gathering was “fruitful, engaging and productive” and she looked forward to sharing the group’s learning and progress throughout the year.
“During our gathering we reviewed the Archdiocesan journey over the past few years, including two Diocesan Assemblies and the Plenary Council and the consultation and feedback that has been gathered over this time,” she said.
“This review confirmed for the Council that we have rich ideas, recommendations and material to work with, as we seek to progress this work together.
“The meeting also gave the Council the opportunity to focus on how we will demonstrate our commitment to synodality both in the way we work together and how we engage and communicate with the Archdiocese.”
Members of the Council agreed to:
- Follow the synodal style of Jesus, pray together and recognise the shared mission;
- Learn by doing, valuing the process as well as the product;
- Acknowledge that genuine discernment takes time;
- Discern by listening with hearts, being aware of bias and with an openness to difference;
- Communicate regularly and effectively both within the group and to the people of the Archdiocese;
- Act with inclusivity and seek to understand the other;
- Identify and nurture everyone’s gifts and talents and share vulnerability and wisdom;
- Be courageous leaders.
Ms Conway said the Council was also developing a Listening, Learning and Communication Plan that will ensure it is engaging in authentic communication with others.
“The Council is committed to ensuring there is open, transparent and two-way communication between us and groups and individuals throughout the Archdiocese,” she said.
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