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[Click here to download Recommendations from Diocesan Assembly - Fanning The Flame - September 2009]
BACKGROUND
The Year of Evangelisation was launched on the first Sunday of Advent, at the
end of 2006. Over the following liturgical year, various activities throughout the
diocese were concentrated on the theme. Prayer was the initial focus with Bishop
Brian Heenan inviting everyone in the diocese to pray the Diocesan Prayer for
Evangelisation (or a prayer of one’s own choice) at midday.
In 2008, Stewardship was brought to the fore in the diocese. Prayer at midday
continued with the Diocesan Stewardship Prayer. Stewardship is not something
new, but a way of life described in Scripture. It is to truly recognise that each
and every single one of God’s people has been entrusted with different gifts,
and that we are called to use these gifts to bring forth the kingdom of God.
With this appreciation of Stewardship in mind, Bishop Brian wishes to hold a
Diocesan Assembly in 2009, for the Diocese of Rockhampton. The purpose of the
assembly is to give the people of God from around the diocese the opportunity
to get together, attend lectures and workshops and discuss issues that concern the
diocese, all in an atmosphere of faith, fun and friendship.
THE 2009 ASSEMBLY
The assembly will unfold in three stages.
- Parish Consultation
- Personal/Parish Formation
- General Assembly
THE PROCESS
-
Parish Consultation
In 2007 Bishop Brian attended regional gatherings around the diocese, speaking
to the people, hearing your stories, reaffirming your strengths and what you are
already doing, and hearing from you, what you think he/the diocese could do, to
assist you.
The Parish Consultation stage involved further discussion of the points raised
in the 2007 gatherings and forms the starting point for the 2009 Diocesan Assembly
preparations. Whilst the aim of the Parish Consultation Phase is to gain further information on issues previously raised, there is no prescribed method in which parishes should
conduct this phase. Parishes may choose to ask for individual reflections,
organise small group discussions/brain storming sessions within the parish or a
gathering after Mass, etc.
-
Personal/Parish Formation
Parishes are asked to continue preparing for the Assembly after the Parish
Consultation phase. Called to Gather resource sheets which further expand on
the points raised in the Parish Consultation phase will be made available for
formation, reflection and further group discussion.
-
General Assembly
Everyone is invited to the assembly which will be held from Monday 21 through
Thursday 24 September 2009. Among the items on the agenda for the
assembly are lectures, workshops, discussion groups, all in an atmosphere of
faith, friendship and fun.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY 2009 UPDATES
Contact Margaret Hallinan for more information |
