Plenary Council 2021

Australia’s 2nd Plenary Council gathered last week to discuss the issues of the  Australian Catholic Church today and into the  future. Two years ago, Catholic Regional College St Albans students met and responded to four questions from the Listening and Dialogue sessions and submitted their responses to the Plenary Council along with 2700 submissions from other Catholic organisations. Here are the responses from the students' Listening and Dialogue session.

What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time? 

God is asking us to be communal and supportive. God is asking us to not hate people on line and to love as Jesus loved. 

What questions do you have about the future of the Church in Australia that you would like the Plenary Council to consider?

Why are there not more opportunities for young people in the Church?

Why is there less emphasis on religious studies?

Why do we not have equality for women in the church?

Why do we not have married priests? 

Would you like to share a story about your experience of faith or of the Church in Australia that has shaped you?    

Our families have provided a strong foundation of faith. Our community represents cultural diversity  and we feel this enriches our faith.

The Plenary Council made some progress over the week. A report will be developed over the next nine months which will provide a roadmap for the Australian Catholic Church in the future.

Plenary Council Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit of Pentecost.

Come, Holy Spirit of the great South Land.

O God, bless and unite all your people in Australia

and guide us on the pilgrim way of the Plenary Council.

Give us the grace to see your face in one another

and to recognise Jesus, our companion on the road.

Give us the courage to tell our stories

and to speak boldly of your truth.

Give us ears to listen humbly to each other

and a discerning heart to hear what you are saying.

Lead your Church into a hope-filled future,

that we may live the joy of the Gospel.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

bread for the journey from age to age.

Amen