New Blacktown centre brings ministries together

Updated on 9 October 2016.

By Jordan Grantham

The Diocese of Parramatta Ministry Centre was officially opened and blessed on 6 October 2016 by Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta.

Bishop Vincent Long blesses the Diocesan Ministry Centre. Photos: Adrian Middeldorp.

For images of the event, click here.

The new centre brings together five diocesan ministries: Office for Worship, Catholic Youth Parramatta, Life, Marriage & Family Office, Social Justice Office, and Pastoral Planning Office.

Bringing the ministries together helps the ministries achieve their complementary missions, which facilitate the “spiritual, pastoral and social services of our young and growing Diocese,” Bishop Vincent said.

The ministries have overlapping relevance to different stages of the Catholic life. From protecting unborn life and Baptism, becoming a Catholic youth and getting involved in social justice activities, to the Sacrament of Marriage, starting a family and contributing to the pastoral life of parishes and preparation and participation in the sacraments.

About 50 people gathered to join in a Liturgy of the Word and Blessing at the centre, which is located in Mary, Queen of the Family Parish.

In his address, Bishop Vincent acknowledged the work of his predecessors and promised to build on their legacy and to make the Diocese of Parramatta into an “oasis of mercy”.

Diocesan Chief of Operations & Finance, Geoff Officer, acknowledged the work of many people in establishing the ministry centre, including Very Rev Peter Williams VG EV, Joe Cashman, Director of CatholicCare Social Services, Parramatta, and Amy Donohue, Special Projects Officer.

Bishop Vincent’s address pointed to Christ’s love and service as the source of the Church’s strength.

“The Scriptures tell us that the strength of Church is ultimately measured by its commitment to Christlike love and service.”

Referring to the first letter of Peter, Bishop Vincent said: “Peter likens the believers to living stones making a spiritual house. They are to learn from the example of Christ – the stone rejected by the builders that has proved to be the keystone.”

Bishop Vincent broke down the mission of salvation through the Church to the most essential qualities of Christian life. “In other words, it is through their enduring love and discipleship that the vitality of the Church is manifested,” he said.

To read the address delivered by Bishop Vincent, click here.