PARISH MINISTRIES AND
GROUPS
Citation reference:
Rev. Paul W.
Kelly. 2011. PARISH MINISTRIES AND GROUPS. Page
version: 28/01/2011 12:15:00 PM. Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish Website. Maryborough.
PARISH MINISTRIES AND GROUPS
OUR PARISH COMMUNITY ENGAGES IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES IN ORDER
TO PUT INTO ACTION THE THINGS WE BELIEVE IN.
SOME OF THESE ACTIVITIES ARE ‘IN-CHURCH’ ACTIONS THAT HELP
WITH THE UPKEEP OF THE BUILDINGS AND ASSETS OF THE CHURCH, OTHER ACTIVITIES
HELP MAKE THE RITUALS AND SACRAMENTS THAT WE DO TO BE ABLE TO OCCUR.
THEN THERE ARE THE ‘MISSION ACTIVITIES’ WHICH ARE THINGS WE
DO TO PUT INTO PRACTICE JESUS’ GOOD NEWS MESSAGE IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY AND IN
OUR LIVES. HERE IS A LIST OF THESE ACTIVITIES:
Many of these activities are Parish based in a sense that
parishioners are engaged in them, though this does not necessarily mean they
are organised or originated from the parish team. Many lay people have,
throughout the generations, seen a need and initiated action, which the whole
parish supports because of its connection to the mission of the gospel.
PARISH PASTORAL
TEAM
(THE PASTORAL TEAM
IS HERE TO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO THE PARISH COMMUNITY AND
TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY BY MEANS OF PROVIDING FOR PRAYER AND WORSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES BY MEANS OF SACRAMENTS AND OTHER IMPORTANT RITUALS. WE ARE ALSO
HERE TO SUPPORT THE WIDER COMMUNITY, OFFERING SPIRITUAL, RELIGIOUS AND
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND HELP TO PEOPLE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES AND VOCATIONS).
· FATHER PAUL
KELLY. PARISH PRIEST
· MRS KATHY
BANNEY. PASTORAL
MINISTRY COORDINATOR
· MARY
KIRKPATRICK. PARISH
SECRETARY
· JUDY ZAIA.
EVERYDAY MISSION:
(EVERY CHRISTIAN
PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN JESUS’ MISSION IN THE WORLD. A SIGNIFICANT
PRACTICAL ASPECT OF THIS CHURCH COMMUNITY IS THAT, NOURISHED BY THE WORD OF GOD
AND THE SACRAMENT OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE IN THE EUCHARIST, EVERYONE GOES OUT FROM
THE CHURCH BACK TO THEIR DAILY LIVES WHERE THEY LIVE OUT THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS
CHRIST BY THE WAY WE SHOW LOVE, KINDNESS AND RESEPCT FOR EVERYONE WE MEET).
· ALL PEOPLE WHO
ARE PART OF THE CHURCH COMMUNITY GIVE WITNESS TO THE TRUTH OF JESUS’ GOSPEL IN
THEIR LIVES AND ACTIONS. THAT IS, EACH OF US, IN BIG AND SUBTLE WAYS
TRY TO LIVE OUT THE GOSPEL IN OUR DAILY LIVES; IN THE AREAS WE LIVE, WORK,
STUDY AND SOCIALISE.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS:
(A KEY MISSION
ACTIVITY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THIS AREA IS THE CATHOLIC
EDUCATION SYSTEM – REPRESENTED HERE BY THE TWO PARISH SCHOOLS. THIS ACTIVITY IS
A PRACTICAL EXPRESSION OF COMMITMENT TO CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. THE TEACHERS,
STAFF, STUDENTS AND FAMILIES OF THESE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF
THE CHURCH’S MISSIONOF LIFE-LONG LEARNING AND EDUCATION WITHIN A CARING
CHRISTIAN CONTEXT).
· ST MARY’S
COLLEGE, 51 LENNOX STREET, MARYBOROUGH
· PH 4121 2650, WWW.SMCM.QLD.EDU.AU
· ST MARY’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY
SCHOOL, JOHN STREET, MARYBOROUGH
· PH. 4121 5705, WWW.SMPMARYBOROUGH.QLD.EDU.AU
CATHECHISTS
(TEACHERS) IN STATE SCHOOL.
(NOT ALL CHRISTIANS
GO TO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS, SO WHERE RESOURCES PERMIT, THE CHURCH HAS CATECHISTS,
TEACHERS, WHO TEACH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES IN THE STATE SCHOOLS FOR THE
CHRISTIANS WHO ATTEND THERE).
ADULT EDUCATION: (CONTACT PARISH OFFICE)
(THE CHURCH NEEDS TO
NURTURE AND ENCOURAGE THE ONGOING LEARNING OF
ITS MEMBERS BEYOND SCHOOL. OUR FAITH IS A LIFE LONG JOURNEY SO
WE NEED TO HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO RENEW AND UPDATE AND DEEPEN OUR FAITH AND
KNOWLEDGE BY MEANS OF COURSES AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AND BIBLE GROUPS AND
DISCUSSION GROUPS AND LIBRARY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION HANDOUTS AND TRAINING
SESSIONS FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC).
· FAITH
EDUCATION
· RCIA PROGRAM
· TISSOT PARISH
MAGAZINE EDITORIAL TEAM
· LENTEN PRAYER
AND DISCUSSION GROUPS
LITURGICAL
GROUPS: (CONTACT PARISH OFFICE)
(THE CHURCH HAS A MAJOR
ROLE IN PROVIDING OPPORTUNITY FOR PRAYER AND WORSHIP. IN ORDER TO
MAKE A LITURGY HAPPEN IT TAKES A LOT OF PEOPLE DOING ALL SORTS OF IMPORTANT
JOBS. HERE ARE AS MANY AS WE COULD THINK OF)
§ LITURGY COMMITTEE
§ LITURGICAL MUSIC. MUSICIANS AND SINGERS
§ READERS
§ EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
§ ALTAR SERVERS (including Altar Servers Social Group)
§ SACRISTANS AND ORGANISERS FOR THE MASS.
§ CHILDREN’S LITURGY GROUP
§ CHURCH CLEANERS AND THOSE WHO CARE FOR THE SACRED VESSELS, BRASS,
SO ON.
§ FLOWER-ARRANGING LADIES
§ ECUMENICAL WORSHIP LEADERS
§ LEADERS OF THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
§ COLLECTORS
§ COUNTERS-
§ TRANSPORTERS OF PEOPLE.
§ VISITORS TO THE ELDERLY, THE SICK, HOUSEBOUND. (COMMUNION AND
GENERAL VISITS)
SACRAMENTAL
PROGRAMS: (CONTACT PARISH OFFICE)
- BAPTISM
PREPARATION
- SACRAMENTAL
PROGRAMME COORDINATORS
WELFARE AGENCIES
AND GROUPS
(THE CHURCH IS NOT
JUST PRAYER; IT IS ACTION TO LIVE OUT JESUS’ VALUES. JESUS CALLED US TO HELP
THE POOR AND THOSE IN NEED. WE HAVE GROUPS AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS WHO
SPECIALISE IN PRACTICAL THINGS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES
§ CENTACARE:
(PROVIDES COUNSELLING AND SUPPORT AND EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PREPARING
FOR MARRIAGE, WHO ARE SUFFERING BEREAVEMENT OR EMOTIONAL ISSUES
IN THEIR LIVES, EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT AND MUCH
MORE).
§ ST VINCENT DE PAUL: SERVES JESUS IN THE POOR. PROVIDES
FOOD AND CLOTHING AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT TO PEOPLE IN NEED.
o ST MARY’S
CONFERENCE
o BLESSED MARY MACKILLOP CONFERENCE (VISITS PEOPLE
TO GIVE THEM EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SUPPORT)
§ SOUP KITCHEN TEAM: OFFERS A NICE HOT MEAL TO PEOPLE
WHO NEED FOOD AND FRIENDSHIP. A COOPERATIVE PROJECT OF THE
ANGLICAN AND CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
·
SEW
PNG Group. Collects and produces clothes to send to a village in PNG.
COMMUNITY
INVOLVEMENT GROUPS
§ CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE. PROVIDES SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, FUNDRAISES FOR
WORTHY CAUSES AND PROVIDES PRAYER AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FOR ITS MEMBERS.
§ PLAY GROUP
§ MEN’S SHED SOCIAL GROUP
§ PRISON MINISTRY. WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO VISIT THOSE WHO ARE IN PRISON
AND OFFER THEM SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND OFFER THEM THE SACRAMENT OF
THE EUCHARIST.
§ DEBUTANTE BALL PLANNING COMMITTEE. OFFERS SOCIAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS
THE DEBUTANTE BALL.
§ AGED CARE AND HOSPITAL MINISTRY. WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO VISIT THE
SICK AND THE ELDERLY IN HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES. THEY BRING THEM THE
SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION AND OFFER PRAYER AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.
·
AGREEMENT
OF GOODWILL AND FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF ST MARY’S CATHOLIC
PARISH AND ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN PARISH. (*)
PASTORAL COUNCIL AND MANAGEMENT GROUPS
(THESE GROUPS MEET TO ENSURE THE PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL AND
RUNNING OF THE PARISH AND ITS PRIORITIES OCCURS)
§ MANAGEMENT & FINANCE
COMMITTEE:
§ PARISH COUNCIL
ADMINISTRATION
(PRACTICAL DAY TO DAY RUNING OF THE PARISH)
§ STAFF AND MEMBERS OF THE PARISH TEAM
SPECIAL FOCUS GROUPS
§ SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARENESS
§ ROSARY GROUP (PRAYER)
§ VOCATIONS AWARENESS (PRAYERS FOR VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD AND
RELIGIOUS LIFE)
+++++++
some thoughts on our parish
and why we do the things we do:
Section 1: Doctrinal and Philosophical
Dimension:
Relates in complex ways to the practices of the
members of that religion, and usually refer to beliefs about a divine being or
beings, and beliefs about the purpose of life. (Ryan and Goldberg)
·
What is the Catholic Church’s doctrinal and mythical commission?
Our parish is based on the commission of Jesus Christ, who we believe is
God made human and who came to bring good news to the poor, freedom to those
who are captive and to declare a time of God's favour and who died for what he
believed and taught and then rose again three days later, sent his disciples
out into the world to teach others about God's love and forgiveness and how
everyone is included in God's banquet... all are invited.... and we believe
that God is one but also mysteriously three persons in one Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit.
·
How do providing benifical services to the
wider community fulfill that doctrinal and mythical
commission?
Since Jesus is God made flesh and God created the
world and all in it, we believe that what you do to the least of God’s
children, you do to God, so we treat the world and people as holy and we reach
out to help people and show them their dignity…. We live in the world as
messengers of God’s love to all we meet.
·
What are the most prominent doctrines and philosophies of the
Catholic Church that encourage parishes to provide services and resources to
the wider community instead of only members of the parish?
The Gospel
command to “go out to all the world and proclaim the good news, and the fact
that Jesus was God made human who lived and delighted amongst us, impels us to
go out and live in the world. Also, THE ARCHDIOCESE HAS A NEW FOCUS FOR ITS
ACTIVITY SINCE THE SYNOD MEETING OF THE CHURCH FROM 2003. IT NOW HAS A “CATCHPHRASE” THAT IS BEING USED
BY OUR PARISH TOO TO FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT…. THIS IS WHAT IT IS… 
We are Catholics who:
·
Embrace
the person and vision of Jesus
·
Build
Communion with God and others
·
Engage in Christ's
IN
2006 THE SPECIAL FOCUS IS ‘
“These three
dimensions are integral to our life as Church and remind us that our faith is
anchored in Jesus Christ, who draws us into communion with God and one another
and sends us forth in mission to live, share and proclaim the good news of the
Gospel in our everyday lives.” This focus helps us keep an eye outwards to the
world and not just our own needs.
· Do you have a mission statement or motto?
The closest motto or mission statement would be the “Jesus, Communion, Mission” words and Logo above and he focus on the person and teaching of Jesus, the fact that we are all one human family and must relate to and respect all other people, and that this religion is found going out into the world to live as we proclaim.
Section 2:
Mythical and Narrative Dimension:
Comprises the significant stories, either metaphorical
or literal, which describe the relationship between the divine and human realm.
(Ryan and Goldberg)
·
Who do you think God is in relation to humanity?
God is three in one, God is revealed in jesus who was both fully human and full God…. So we believe
that God became human so that humanity might be invited into the divine life of
God.
·
How does your Doctrinal commission link in with your Mythical
commission?
They are closely related, if Jesus shows us who and
what God is like then we too must show by the way we live and act and talk that
we respect nature and other humans, since jesus
becoming humans shows us the goodness and holiness of what Jesus is and what
humans are.
·
How has your Mythical commission changed with time and society?
It has basically stayed the same for over 2000 years,
but there have been different emphases. In the past, we tended as a church to
focus more on Jesus’ divinity (that he we God and different from us, and
unapproachable and awesome etc etc) but since the Vatican Council II (1962-1965)
)which was a ground-breaking meeting of the world’s Catholic bishops over a
number of years in Rome in the sixties, the church reslised
it needed to come up with new answers to age-old questions that were relevant
for the modern age. So, there has been a big emphasis on Jesus’ humanity, as
well as divnity, how much he had in common with us,
how he was as a human, the struggles he had, and what this means for us as
humans too. Also, the church (before
the Vatican Council meetings), emphasized the church as being about Jesus and
priests and nuns, whilst afterwards the church is still about God, but that God
is found in the church which is the People of God gathered together and how
they live their daily lives in the world.
·
What scriptures is the basis of your Mythical commission?
Matthew’s Gospel 27:16-20 ; also
Luke 22:14-23; John
20:19-23; 1 Corinthians 11:17-13:13; Mark 12:28-34.
·
How are your mythical and doctrinal commissions interrelated?
They are closely related, if Jesus shows us who and
what God is like then we too must show by the way we live and act and talk that
we respect nature and other humans, since jesus
becoming humans shows us the goodness and holiness of what Jesus is and what
humans are.
Section 3:
Ethical and Legal Dimension
Set of social or ethical values individual to that
religion which specifies expected behavior of
individuals and communities. (Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
What are your parish’s central ethical beliefs, and what is their
scriptural basis?
Love God and love neighbour….. the good of the
individual is also attained by conren for the common Good.
God has made the world and we have human freedom, but God has made the world
for the purpose of communion with all humanity and God.
Mark 12:28-34
is a good summary text from the bible.
1.
There are principles that
are right and wrong that are not dependent on how people individually feel
about them. It is not generally acceptable to do something bad even for the
purpose of avoiding a greater wrong.
2.
Human Life is absolutely
sacred and must be protected at all costs. The dignity of the human person is absolute
and is not merely based on what a person can do, or what they have to offer the
world or others. We are, however, not required to artificially extend life nor
are we required to undergo medical treatments that are very harsh or
de-humanising. Sexual relations are intended for two purposes, and both factors
need to be present at the same time in every instance: A) Expressing and nurturing love and
affection between a couple in a permanent, exclusive and loving union of
marriage, B) For the purposes of creating new life, within this loving bond of
marriage.
3.
The world and the
environment is under our stewardship. It is the duty of all humans to protect
and preserve the natural resources and beauty of the environment. We are not to
exploit resources, but we must give consideration to the overall effect of our
use of resources.
4.
The wealth and natural
resources of the world is for the benefit of all humans and if there are those
who are unfairly deprived of these aspects we must redistribute resources so
that they may better share in them.
5.
We are connected with all
other people in the world. We exist as a People of God and not merely
individuals. The common good must be taken into account when considering
individual good. We do have a duty to those who are hungry, lacking clothing or
shelter and the basics of life.
6.
Human beings are called to
wholeness and must never be reduced to being mere cogs in an inhuman machine. A
solely functional approach to being human that focuses only on the end result
is not adequate. Nothing is tolerable if it serves to demean or downplay the
basic human dignity and worth of any person. A consistent ethic of life is
needed.
7.
No person can be made to
act against his or her conscience. Conscience is the internal guide to what one
should do in a particular situation. One forms a healthy conscience by
consulting the moral authorities mentioned at the start of this article. It is
possible to have a belief based on conscience that is wrong, but if one is in
good faith, one must still follow one’s conscience.
Means by which one knows the way one should live:
1. Human reason (natural
law). What you find to be the right thing by common sense and talking to wise
people and by the way things seem to be and ought to be.
2. The Bible (Scripture): Ten
commandments, Parables of Jesus, Golden Rule (E.g. Treat others the way you
would like them to treat you!)
3. Tradition. The writings of
early church leaders and academics, including Aquinas and Augustine etc. The
concept of the “Virtues” or qualities (characteristics) to aim for in a
Christian’s personality: [Prudence (or
practical judgment), Justice, Fortitude (or perseverance), Temperance (or
balance), Faith, Hope, Love].
4. Official Church teachings,
by the Pope, The Bishops and different Church organisations given particular
jobs to make statements on important areas of concern, speaking on behalf of
the whole church.
·
How are the values of the parish reflected in your Doctrinal and
Mythical commission?
They are all very much interrelated. If Jesus shows us
who and what God is like then we too must show by the way we live and act and
talk that we respect nature and other humans, since Jesus becoming humans shows
us the goodness and holiness of what Jesus is and what humans are. Jesus also
said, what you do to the least of my brothers or sisters you do to ME, so we
must treat each other with the reverence due to God.
Section 4:
Ritual and Practical dimension:
Worship practices and prayer forms of a religion which can initiate a member, commemorate something of significance, or regular physical behavior with inner intention to make contact with invisible world. (Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
What are the services and resources that the Catholic Parish offers
to the community?
Saint vincent de paul shop, run by parishioners, the Catholic women’s league is a group of women parishioners who meet and offer social and fundraising help to people. Parishioners are involved in the local community in their work in hospitals, nursing homes and so many other jobs..... WE have a visitation group for people who are sick or lonely or for people who make contact and want a chat or general support. Also the catholic schooling system is open to non-catholics and is a positive presence and ethos for the community.
·
What are the main focuses of the services you provide?
Prayer, spiritual and ritual support, visitation of
sick, housebound and elderly, schooling system and education and a small degree
of social welfare
·
What is the most important ritual of your religion and why?
The Eucharist (Greek word meaning
“Thanksgiving”). It is also known as the
Mass. The word mass comes from part of the old Latin words a priest would say
at the end of he church service… he would say , “Ite Missa Est” which generally
belongs to a sentence meaning roughly, “It is ended, go (in peace)”…. So the very word meaning Mass implies that it
is for the purpose of “going back out into the world to bring God’s love to
others by how we live, how we treat others, how we speak and what we do.” In
Mass we gather to offer God the week we have ended and ask God to be with us in
the week to come. We sit and listen to God’s word in the bible to give us
strength and wisdom. We bless and break the bread and pour and bless the wine
and it becomes Jesus for us…. So we are doing what jesus
asked us to do in the last supper and we are gaining strength to serve God in
all we do.
·
What significance is placed on ritual and why?
Very important. Jesus did powerful symbolic and ritual
actions in his life to show people God’s love and healing and invitation of
inclusion. The church uses symbols and rituals to convey the actions of Jesus
in our lives.
·
Who are the main organizers of the rituals performed in the parish?
The priest, the books developed by the church for
rituals over centuries, and parishioners on the liturgy committee who use the
resources to prepare the services.
·
How do people find out about the services and resources that you
offer?
Phone numbers, newsletters,
internet www.marycatholic.com
sometimes ads in paper, word of mouth and signs on churches.
·
How does this Parish contribute to the wider community?
People who belong to our parish go back into the community as people ready to help and forgive and love and serve, so the first benefit to the community is by the members of our parish living their daily lives in service of God and neighbour. Also, more specifically……Saint vincent de paul shop, run by parishioners, the auxiliary meets and offers social and fundraising help to people, parishioners are involved in the local community in their work in hospitals, nursing homes and so many other jobs..... happy to visit people who make contact and want a chat or general support. Also the catholic schooling system is open to non-catholics and is a positive presence and ethos for the community. We also offer rituals for important moments in people’s lives and bereavement and other facilities for counseling that we can refer people to in the catholic counseling and assistance organization “Centacare” as well.
Section 5:
Experiential and Emotional Dimension:
Incorporates the entire involvement of a person in a religious
group, whether it be founders, reformers, or later participants and followers.
(Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
Who is the most benefited by the services that the Parish provides?
Firstly the parishioners who are strengthened and
formed for supporting their vocation in the world, and secondarily the whole
community by the presence and action of the church and its members and by the
specific services we offer as mentioned above.
·
How do your church services promote a sense of belonging within the
church community?
Our rituals form us as a people and one family, we
watch out for new-comers and keep reminding ourselves that service of neighbour
is as important as serving God.
·
How do you determine the needs of the community?
People from the parish live and work in the community
and so word of mouth tells us, also we get news and letters from different
community bodies and also we have a parish pastoral council which meets
regularly to talk about issues affecting the parish and the community and how we
can best respond to them.
·
Are the needs of the community changing constantly, or is there
constant emphasis on one aspect of need within the community?
Yes, there re constant changes. We tend to emphasise the idea of supporting people in their everyday mission of living the Christian message in the world, we also emphasize education through our school system, and aged and infirm care through visitation and help of other community organizations by providing people.
·
How does the parish feel about multicultural communities and the
treatment of Aboriginals?
We recognise the beauty of God’s creation in the way God has formed and created one human race and at the same time wonderful different communities and cultures to enrich and share with each other their gifts. We celebrate the unique culture and history of the diverse groups and tribes that make up the Aboriginal people in this land. we seek to support the people in their culture and history, and we are constantly seeking ways of adapting the Christian message so that it is truly expressed through the Aboriginal culture.
Section 6:
Social and Institutional Dimension:
Separate organization or organizations that in some
way create a hierarchy or order within the religion. (Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
Does the Parish tend to focus on the church, local, or
national/international community?
Local and church community issues. We try to keep in
mind the international issues and national issues and they get raised in homilies/
sermons fairly regularly.
·
How is the Parish run in terms of hierarchy?
Priest cooperates and works with the people in
administration and pastoral needs of the parish. The priest has the final
authority to decide matters but in some financial issues must consult with the
parish finance council. In practice the parish works together in cooperation
and consultation.
·
How is your Parish structured in terms of influence of laity, and
how does that effect your commission?
The people are the Body of Christ and members of it,
the priests and bishops are at the service of Jesus who is head and leader of
the church. We work together in cooperation and team spirit.
·
What towns are under the Parish, what archdiocese is the Parish
under?
The areas of
Maryborough, Tiaro, Aramara,
Poona Beach, Fraser Island, The parish is in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, and
the Bishop (head priest, main pastor and teacher) of the Archdiocese is Archbishop John Bathersby.
Section 7:
Material Dimension:
Apparent in buildings, art, creations, and
preservation of sacred artifacts and sacred places.
(Ryan and Goldberg, 2001)
·
What land/assets do the Parish own and what benefit is that to the
parish/local/national community?
The parish owns three churches (located at
Maryborough, Tiaro and Aramara)
and also owns a parish hall in Bazaar Street and also the parish office and
presbytery in Adelaide Street. The parish
also owns the land and buildings on the two schools of Saint Mary’s
Primary school and Saint Mary’s College since they are both Parish schools.
Included in our ownership is the old convent building on the corner of Lennox
and Walker Street.
The land around the Saint Mary’s Church in Adelaide
Street is designed so the townsfolk can walk through it and enjoy the scenery.
We are part of the community.
·
Do sacred objects play a big part in your rituals? Why?
Yes. sacred objects call to mind certain aspects of
our beliefs and are powerful symbols to call to mind Jesus life, actions or
teachings and they do more than remind us, they can be used to convey the
effect of those teachings and actions and words.
Section 7:
Demographics
·
Who is the most prevalent demographic that regularly attends parish
services?
40 to 69 year old people.
·
Approximately how many families are regular members of the Parish?
200 regularly attending families, much more if you
include the school mission.
·
Has interest and reliance on the services offered increased or
declined over recent years?
It has stayed the same or maybe slightly less, but
relatively stable.
·
Has there been a decline or increase in membership within the
congregation?
Probably decreasing, although in recent years I feel
there is an upsurgence and increasing interest in
younger families.
·
Can you make a prediction on the future demographics of the Parish?
hard to tell.
·
What can you see as the most prevalent issues affecting the parish
in the next few years?
Keeping viable with the ever changing population of
the area, keeping relevant to young people and familes
and the 20-39 year old people as well.
·
What restraints are placed upon the parish in terms of what types of
services and resources can be offered?
Money shortages and limited number of volunteers and
ageing population
·
Have recent Public Liability insurance rises seen a decrease or
restrictions placed upon the extent or number of services the parish is able to
finance?
No, we are funded by the Catholic Church Insurances
company which is a catholic organization set up to insure catholic projects.
Luckily so, we are one of the few organizations who don’t need to worry, we can
put on activities and fetes and etc and we are protected, which is important!
·
Do you believe changes should be made to the confessional system to make
it a more popular service again after recent bad publicity?
A lot of the problems that have been raised with the
system of confession stems from misunderstanding by people of how it works.
Confession has always been available as an assistance to people who are truly
penitent and who are resolved to make amends to get welcomed back to their
faith and reconciled with the community. So, the sacrament of reconciliation
requires of those using it a determination to make amends. If a person were to
try to use the sacrament to hide their wrong-doing or justify them being able
to re-offend, then it would do them no good at all, and confession has the for
the priest to withhold absolution until a person takes certain steps to make up for what they have done. In
a very serious situation this would mean making a confession to the police and
facing societal consequences and ensuring that a person gets physical and
psychological treatment for any problems that cannot be fixed merely by saying
“sorry”. In any situation where a third party is at risk, it is not acceptable
to leave it up to the offender to “try harder not to offend again,” so confession is designed to make people
responsible for their actions and take real steps to redress wrongs.