Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church in Emu Plains has developed a new Parish Guide – a booklet designed to welcome new parishioners and involve new community members in the vibrant life of the parish.
Launched during the parish’s 50th anniversary year in 2024, the guide aims to reflect both heritage and hope, during this Jubilee Year of Hope.
But it took some time.
A copy of the parish guide from Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains. Image: Supplied
Parish pastoral council members Marianne Castor and Kay Walker shared how the initiative began with a “couple of discussions” during a period of parish-wide consultation before and after the Australian Plenary Council in 2020-2021.
“We had over 80 people in the plenary meeting,” Kay said.
Although initially delayed by COVID and changes in leadership, the vision gained new momentum under new Parish Priest Fr Michael Gathuku and a renewed pastoral council.
Parish Priest Fr Michael Gathuku (left) leads Irene and Tony Donley to a special blessing during the during 50th anniversary celebrations of Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, in May 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
“Our Jubilee year, last year, became a good chance for us to gather information on what we’re already doing. So that was what led to the book,” said Marianne.
“We’ve been [the new] parish pastoral council for two years now… there was a real push behind us of, ‘Well, what are we going to achieve?’ said Marianne.
Members of the parish pastoral council of Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains. Image: Supplied
Marianne said there were in fact two things Emu Plains Parish achieved, one was some big events in the parish, and the other was the new parish guide.
“We had a garage sale in the driveway, a cake stall, and that was super successful… and a musical evening… and then there was a jubilee garden as well,” she said.
“It brought people in the community that you don’t normally see, necessarily.”
Welcoming new people in was a key driver for this new book, which reflects the parish’s mission statement. It aims to make the church “a community of friends, who know love and serve the Lord, and to welcome others to do the same”.
Ministries such as hospital visitation, hospitality, playgroup, the pastoral council, and the church maintenance and grounds team are all featured in the new parish guide, which also recognises those who serve.
“Their dedication fuels the spirit of our community and creates an embroidery of love and support,” it states.
The faith community of Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, during their 50th anniversary celebrations in May 2024. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
The guide also includes a welcome from Parish Priest Fr Michael Gathuku, details about the parish team, Mass times, sacraments, schools, safeguarding, and pastoral outreach.
More to be done
During a conversation with Mike Schembri, Lead Facilitator – Diocesan Pastoral Plan, and reflections on the parishes’ many initiatives to be a Church that is inclusive and welcoming, among other things, Marianne raised an interesting concern: “Do we not risk inertia? So in other words, just telling ourselves we’re doing enough?”
Mike agreed, and replied, “So the question is, how do I keep supporting you in whatever way you need?”
In other words, things like sharing examples of parish-based initiatives and ongoing encouragement are one part of the Diocese’s work towards a synodal Church, that is – a Church that walks together – but there is always the risk that parishes may rest on their laurels. Mike said practical support goes a long way.
“We need to be doing more that goes even beyond the plan – more formation, that sort of stuff. Without being overly prescriptive, of course.”
If you’d like your parish to arrange an informal chat with Mike about how the Pastoral Plan Facilitation Team can help you, please fill out the online form on the Diocese’s Synodality page.
The guide reflects the plan’s vision of an inclusive and welcoming Church in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, with strong priorities of Mission and Community.
