People of all ages from 13 to 60+ across the diocese came together for a night unpacking scripture during the upcoming Pentecost season.
The Diocesan Pentecost Scripture Night, hosted by the Mission Enhancement Team’s Pastoral Formation team at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown on 1 June, was a chilly night that began in true Pastoral Formation style – platters of food, warm drinks, creative sacred spaces and live music.
The whole Pastoral Formation team was present and contributed in different ways: Sr Grace Roclawska as Head of Formation For Mission welcomed everyone, Donnie Velasco provided the soulful music, and facilitating the evening was Raimie Caramancion and Alison Ryan.
Dr Michele Connolly rsj, an esteemed professor at the Catholic Institute of Sydney, took us on a journey from Babel, the experience of the disciples who lost their leader, all the way to Pentecost Sunday’s readings. Her examples of everyday experiences, racing cars, spirit-levels (yes, the tool) and her dynamic vocal skits made the presentation engaging, understandable and deeply nourishing.
Dr Michele described Pentecost’s liturgical readings as a journey of hope and prospects where Jesus’ Spirit is given to his disciples to serve God’s mission for all.
One participant from Quakers Hill said that he had never been to a formation event before and found it profound and very interesting. Another participant said that she found Dr Michele’s unpacking of scripture as helpful for her understanding and being able to enter into the season of Pentecost in a deeper way.
Pastoral Formation runs seasonal Scripture Nights throughout the year. You can watch Dr Laurie Woods Lenten Scripture Night here, view photos here or watch a recap video here of the Pentecost Scripture Night.
Save the date for our next Scripture Night on the theme of ‘Advent’ coming up on 15 November 2022.
For more information, visit Pastoral Formation’s website for workshops, long-form programs, and pastoral resources: www.pfparra.org.au
