Earlier this month, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, called for nominations to two key consultative bodies: the Diocesan Interfaith Commission and the Diocesan Pastoral Council.
The Diocesan Interfaith Commission was established in 2021 and has worked with Diocesan agencies and organisations both within and outside the Diocese in building bridges of understanding, inclusion, and solidarity.
A key event of the Commission, the annual Diocesan Iftar Dinner, is one of the most well-attended and respected multifaith events in the country, drawing in people from all faiths as well as politicians and community leaders.
At a time when many are calling for peace, unity and social cohesion, Bishop Vincent calls for anyone interested in this area to apply.
“The only qualification is the Gospel commitment to love your neighbour, who in this instance, belongs to another religion,” he said.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council was established in 2016 by Bishop Vincent, who has worked towards synodal leadership and governance as one of his pastoral priorities.
The aim of this group is to “assist me in my pastoral ministry by providing advice, promoting communication among different groups in the Diocese, and collaborating with other bodies on matters that concern the pastoral life of the diocese,” said Bishop Vincent.
“In our Diocese, I have been fortunate to consult with this group on many matters and hear the realities faced by different people,” he said.
With the recent launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church, the council is seeking a cross-section of people with different backgrounds and various experiences of the Church in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
“The Diocesan Pastoral Council is a vital aspect of communion, participation, and mission within our local Church, considering the pastoral questions of our day and making appropriate recommendations to me. The members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council are people imbued with a pastoral spirit to advise me concerning pastoral realities and directions to support the ongoing formation of the Diocese’s people and our collective character,” he said.
If you would like to apply for the Diocesan Interfaith Commission, please visit: https://parracatholic.org/contribute/governance/
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know to the Diocesan Pastoral Council, please visit: https://parracatholic.org/the-diocesan-pastoral-council/
