Parish Centre
Transfiguration Parish, North Woden
3 Strangways Street CURTIN

The Plenary Council concluded with the Second Assembly in Sydney from 3-9 July 2022.

Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn has engaged energetically with this process for five years. In this forum five local Plenary Council participants will reflect on what happened and where the Second Assembly leaves us as a Church.

Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn will host this public forum which will include a discussion and Q&A.

PANELISTS
Sister Clare Condon
Sally Fitzgerald (NATSICC)
Deacon Gavin Keating (Military Ordinariate)
Francis Sullivan AO
Monsignor John Woods

Refreshments will be served. All are warmly invited.

Catholic Voice

CONTACT: Mark Metherell 0417 603 697

Join us via Zoom for an evening with Joan Chittister and John Warhurst as they explore issues crucial to Church renewal ahead of the second assembly of the Plenary Council.

Joan and John will focus discussions on those individual responsibilities we each have in renewing the Church; uncovering the spirituality required to make ‘synodality’ a success; and the role of women in the Church.

This is an ideal opportunity for those who were unable to attend Joan’s in-person events around Australia in recent weeks. It’s also another opportunity for those who experienced Joan’s prophetic vision for our Church to again be inspired before she leaves Australian shores.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Thursday 23 June, 2022
Time: 7.30pm (AEST)*
Where: Zoom
Ticket Price: $22 each (incl GST)

BUY NOW!

Sr Joan Chittister osb, an American Benedictine, and a Practical Theologian that embodies the voice of wisdom and experience.

Emeritus Professor John Warhurst, Chair of Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn. John is a Plenary Council member.

For further information click here.

*Starting times around Australia and New Zealand
ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC: 7.30pm
NT, SA: 7.00pm
WA: 5.30pm
NZ: 9.30pm
To determine your local time zone for those of you registering outside of Australia, click here.

The Team at Garratt Publishing

FLYER (including bios)

7:00pm for 7:30pm (AEST)
Thursday 9 June 2022

The Chapel
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture

15 Blackall Street Barton ACT

PAPERS
Paul Collins
Clare Condon sgs

Andrea Dean
Francis Sullivan AO

The Second Assembly of the Plenary Council is imminent. Four major thought leaders about the church in Australia offer their unique perspectives on the questions: where are we now? Where are we going? What can we expect from the Plenary Council?

This is the culmination of five years of engagement by Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn.

The moment is at hand. Don’t miss it!

CCCG Chair, Emeritus John Warhurst AO will chair the forum.

We return to our spiritual home, the Chapel at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.

Speakers:

• Sr Clare Condon sgs Plenary Council peritus (expert)

• Francis Sullivan Catholic Social Services Australia Chair and PC Member

• Andrea Dean President, Women and the Australian Church

• Paul Collins author of Rediscovering the ‘True Church’

All are welcome

Supper provided

CONTACT: Mark Metherell 0417 603 697

Paul Collins Book Launch in Canberra
Recovering the 'True Church': Challenges for the Australian Church Beyond the Plenary Council

New book calls for radical change in Catholicism

7:00pm for 7:30pm
Thursday 21 April 2022

Holy Trinity Parish Centre
5 Strangways Street 
CURTIN

Paul Collins has returned to the future of Australian Catholicism in his latest book Recovering the ‘True Church’. The book’s focus is local Catholicism after the Plenary Council. Collins argues that no substantial change will occur until the church moves beyond a monarchical and hierarchical model of operation to a community-based model that builds the faith from the bottom up. It does this primarily through small groups celebrating Eucharistic liturgy together and ministering to the needs of the local community. Drawing on the New Testament and the early church and using Collins’ extensive knowledge of church history, Recovering the ‘True Church’ describes a whole new way for the church to operate.

Join Paul Collins in conversation with Beth Doherty and Joan Warhurst.

Read Paul Collins’ speech here

Joan Warhurst is a foundation member of Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn and former CEO of the National Catholic Education Commission.

Read Joan’s response here

Beth Doherty is a journalist, teacher and musician based in Canberra. She is the Archdiocesan Director of Caritas Australia in the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese. She is the author of the 2020 book “All the Beautiful Things: Finding Truth, Beauty and Goodness in a Fractured Church” about meaningful reform in the Catholic Church.

Read Beth’s Response here

BOOK Review: By Paul Bongiorno
Few have done more in the Australian Catholic Church than Paul Collins to challenge its witness in contemporary Australia to the Gospel message in light of the renewal launched by the Second Vatican Council. As he writes he has been at it for the past fifty years and now brings the experience of this prophetic mission to bear in his latest book.

Read the full review here.

Books will be available for purchase and signing from 7:00pm and at the conclusion of the launch at around 9:00pm.

Copies of the book are also available on-line at Coventry Press at www.coventrypress.com.au (RRP $24.95).

Refreshments will served from 7:00pm

This Lenten retreat is being hosted by the Benedictine Abbey at Jamberoo in NSW.

Retreat starts on 6 March 2022. Five conferences will be held, one for each week during Lent. Although the content will be published during Lent, you can do this retreat at other times and at your own pace. You are invited to take as much time as you need to reflect and pray with the material.

REGISTRATION

MORE INFORMATION

SAVE THE DATE!
Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform presents
The Future of Catholicism in Australia – Convocation Three

With the first session of the Australian Plenary Council now concluded, it is time to take stock of what has happened.

What did it achieve?

Did it meet our hopes and expectations?

What does it mean for the next assembly in July 2022?

What can we, as Australian Catholics, do to build on the process to date, in the lead-up to and in the next assembly?

The Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform’s
Third Convocation of Catholics is on Thursday 18 November (7.30pm AEDT)

Ellen Fanning (ABC, The Drum) will lead an online discussion of the Plenary Council Assembly. Experts, including Plenary Council members, will review the proceedings and outcomes. They will also offer some pointers on possible activities in the inter-assembly period. This will be crucial in setting the tone for the second, and deliberative, assembly in July 2022.

Building on our first two convocations before the first assembly, Convocation Three will prepare the way for a proposed lay-led synodal process between now and next July to build on current momentum for renewal and to support the diocesan phase of the Pope’s Synod 2023 on Synodality.

The hope is to engage Catholics, at all levels of connection (including none) with the Church, to explore and suggest concrete proposals for the future of Catholicism.

To register, please click on the button below.

REGISTER FOR CONVOCATION THREE

YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED

These convocations are presented free of charge. Any financial assistance you are able to provide ACCCR to aid with the costs of organising these significant events, and keeping them accessible to all, would be greatly appreciated.

Donations to ACCCR can be made at the following link: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/259159/convocations-of-catholics

Importantly, all funds raised will go towards the renewal of the Catholic Church through engaging the people of the Church. To find out more visit: www.acccr.com.au

ACCCR
A Church for All - A Guide to the Australian Plenary Council… and Beyond

Thursday 9 September 2021
7:00pm-8:00pm (AEST)
Click here to register

210909 - VIDEO - Book Launch - A Church for All

210909 - SPEECH - Book launch - A Church for All - Response on behalf of authors - John Warhurst

210909 - SPEECH - Book Launch - A Church for All - Claire Victory

210909 - SPEECH - Book launch - A Church for All - Francis Sullivan

As we journey together towards the Plenary Council, please join us virtually as we officially launch  A Church for All: A guide to the Australian Plenary Council ...and beyond – an important new publication from Garratt Publishing.
 
Compiled from the recent Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform’s inspirational Convocations that explored the future of Catholicism in Australia, A Church for All presents a path forward for the Church.  

This new and timely guide includes contributions from American Benedictine Sr Joan Chittister, along with Australian Catholic thinkers Debra Zanella, Robert Fitzgerald AM, and John Warhurst AO. Also included is a response to the Plenary agenda and concrete proposals for the Plenary, which was prepared by the Coalition and its 19-member groups.

Join Plenary Council members Francis Sullivan AO, Claire Victory, and Emeritus Professor John Warhurst AO as we officially launch this important book, and support its contribution to a spirit led Plenary.

PRESENTERS

Francis Sullivan is Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia, a Plenary Council member, as well Chair of the Board at Mater Misericordiae Ltd. He was also Chief Executive Officer at the Truth, Justice and Healing Council and Secretary General of the Australian Medical Association (AMA). Francis is committed to equity and justice and has been highly successful in bringing a social conscience to the political debate on health, aged care, and community service issues.

Claire Victory is National President of the St Vincent De Paul Society and a Plenary Council member. She is a solicitor who began her involvement with the Society around the age of 10 years, through her parish Young Vinnies group. During high school she became heavily involved in running Vinnies Youth programs for at-risk children and teenagers. Claire worked as the School Liaison Officer for the Society in SA from 2004 to 2007, and was on the Society’s National 2008 World Youth Day Committee. She has been a member of National Council since 2011.

John Warhurst is an Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University, Chair of Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn, and a Plenary Council member. John writes for Eureka Street and the Canberra Times and is author of the new book Wrestling with Church Hierarchy: Engaging with the Plenary Council & Beyond. He was a member of the writing team for Light from the Southern Cross, the report on Church governance commissioned by the Australian Bishops, following the Royal Commission.

BUY THE BOOK
A Church for All: A Guide to the Australian Plenary Council and Beyond,
The Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform (ACCC), 2021
Available from Garratt Publishing
www.garrattpublishing.com.au
RRP $14.95

Outcomes and actions for the Plenary Council

The Australasian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform invites Australian Catholics to the second in a series of convocations via ZOOM.

PAPERS
Dr Jessie Rogers - Synodality: An International Perspective

210829 - ACCCR MEDIA RELEASE - Catholic Reform Movement Gathers Momentum

FREE REGISTRATION

FLYER

INFORMATION SHEET

PARISH NOTICE - Canberra & Goulburn

210822 - ACCCR MEDIA RELEASE - Lay leaders provide vision for renewal in the Catholic Church

The Convocation will be opened by Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr Baumann

Guest speakers Dr Jessie Rogers Ms Debra Zanella Mr Robert Fitzgerald Prof Emer John Warhurst

The second Convocation on The Future of Catholicism in Australia will bring together diverse but complementary perspectives on the current state and future prospects for our Church in Australia.

As we look forward to the first assembly of the Plenary Council, 3-10 October 2021, we focus more closely on the outcomes to be expected.  Pope Francis has stressed the engagement of all Catholics, beginning with local communities, as integral to plenary councils and to the universal Synod on Synodality in 2023.

The aim is to emphasise the importance of a successful Plenary Council for all Catholics in Australia. We will be highlighting the matters that Catholics want addressed and resolved. The voices of the people, the sense of the faith of the faithful, must be heard in free and open discussion, particularly on matters such as the Church’s governance, and the inclusion and engagement of all Catholics.

For further information contact:
Kevin Liston E. auscathcoalition@gmail.com Ph. +61 411 197 829 www.acccr.com.au

John Warhurst AO
Wrestling with the Church hierarchy: Engaging with the Plenary Council and Beyond

Thursday 27 May 2021
6:00pm
Curtin Parish Hall
3 Strangways Street Canberra

With Genevieve Jacobs 

Emeritus Professor John Warhurst AO considers the Plenary Council 2021-2022 a crucial, once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance the reforms of the Catholic Church. 

Warhurst’s unique perspective as a Church insider-outsider means that he walks a fine line. As an insider, he works within the Church in many leadership and governance roles; as an outsider, he leads ginger groups and lobbies for change through both Church and mainstream media.

Wrestling with the Church Hierarchy includes previously published articles, unpublished correspondence and speeches written by Warhurst, as well as a new introduction and new introductory text to each chapter. 

Wrestling with the Church Hierarchy: Engaging with the Plenary Council and Beyond is an insightful must-read for anyone interested in Church reform, and the upcoming Plenary Council.

The book is available on the night for a special price of $25.
It is also available from Garratt Publishing here

Refreshments will be served.

210602 - LAUNCH SPEECH - Now or Never: Remarks by John Warhurst at Book Launch - Pearls and Irritations

210527 - LAUNCH SPEECH - Genevieve Jacobs - John Warhurst Book Launch

210527 - REMARKS - David Hughan Garratt Publishing - John Warhurst Book Launch

210527 - OPENING REMARKS - Terry Fewtrell - John Warhurst Book Launch

AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC COALITION FOR CHURCH REFORM

invites Australian Catholics to the first in a series of convocations via Zoom

SR JOAN CHITTISTER OSB

Forum 1: Renewal directions, priorities, hopes and aspirations

GUEST SPEAKER
Sr Joan Chittister OSB
www.joanchittister.org

MEDIA RELEASE
Catholicism must ‘grow up’ reform leader tells big Australian audience

ARTICLE
’Stop suppressing Catholics’ outspoken nun tells Australian church leaders - Farrah Tomazin - The Age/SMH

FLYER

INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND

FREE REGISTRATION

MEDIA RELEASE
International reform advocate Joan Chittister to address Australian Catholics

Further information
Kevin Liston
E: auscathcoalition@gmail.com
P: +61 411 197 829
www.acr.com.au

OBJECTIVE
To discuss the principles and issues behind the need for diocesan pastoral councils and to argue the case why the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn should move towards having one as soon as possible. Concerned Catholics Canberra-Goulburn has been advocating one for the past four years.

FLYER: Download the flyer here

BACKGROUND PAPER: Read the background paper here.
Diocesan Pastoral Councils - A Canberra Goulburn review and brief national overview by Terry Fewtrell

MEDIA RELEASE; A voice for lay Catholics wins strong support

VIDEO: Richard Lennan and Andrea Dean

PRESENTATION Read Richard Lennan’s presentation here
Becoming a listening and learning church: Richard Lennan

PRESENTATION Read Andrea Dean’s presentation here

ZOOM MEETING
No need to register.
To connect to the Zoom meeting click here

SPEAKERS
Richard Lennan: Professor of Systematic Theology, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry

Richard Lennan, a priest of the Diocese of Maitland-­Newcastle since 1983, is Professor of Systematic Theology in the School of Theology and Ministry at Boston College. His principal fields of research and teaching are ecclesiology and the theology of ministry; he has a particular interest in the theology and spirituality of Karl Rahner. He is the author of two books and the editor of five others.

Prior to moving to Boston, he taught theology at the Catholic Institute of Sydney from 1992-2007 and served as president of the Australian Catholic Theological Association from 2005-07. Most recently, he was a consultant member of the group that drafted The Light from the Southern Cross (2020).

Richard Lennan will provide a big picture perspective, including national, global and ecclesiastical principles and connections and what people should properly expect from a DPC. He will draw on The Light from the Southern Cross report.

Andrea Dean: President of Women and the Australian Church, Chair of the Archdiocesan Women’s Taskforce

Andrea Dean has been involved in leadership, facilitation and teaching through the Catholic Education system: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, the Australian Catholic University and the University of Canberra. In 2004, she received a Churchill Fellowship and visited the USA to investigate programs in teacher formation.

After two years as Director of the Office for the Participation of Women and Office for Lay Pastoral Ministry within the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Andrea is once again working as a consultant.

Andrea Dean will focus more specifically on the distinctive needs and approaches that may work best locally. She will be supported by a background paper written by Terry Fewtrell which will explore the history of Diocesan Pastoral Councils in Canberra-Goulburn under Archbishop Francis Carroll and others as well as the national context.

CHAIR
Susan Sullivan: Manager Ministry Leadership Program Australian Catholic University

Susan Sullivan joined ACU in 2020 after 15 years working in executive mission leadership roles with Calvary Health Care and Catholic Health Australia (CHA). Susan has a deep knowledge of the contemporary Catholic context, particularly as it applies to the Catholic health, aged care and social services sectors.

Susan provides strategic thought leadership in the mission and identity of Catholic services. She has designed and implemented a range of innovative mission-focused initiatives, striving to enhance collaborative resource development across the Catholic sector.

The Pope’s Revolution: The Implications of Laudato Si

MEDIA RELEASE:

Paper: Dr Patricia Hindmarsh
Read the paper here

Paper: Dr Paul Collins
Read the paper here

Resources
A number of resources were mentioned during the discussion. Available links have been included here.

OBJECTIVE
Laudato si’ is a revolutionary document, perhaps the most radical ever issued by any pope. It is not only Francis taking science seriously, but it is his emphasis on bio-centrism and our human connection to nature and the world that is most revolutionary. He casts anthropocentrism in a negative light and encourages us to recover the fact that we are part of the natural world, not separate from it.

Collins will tease out the implications of this for theology and spirituality and discuss his appeal to the Christian mystics and his interesting rejection of technology as a panacea for our environmental ills.

Hindmarsh will outline the Pope's call to ecological conversion and action and how this is or is not being responded to at local and national levels. She says a strength of the encyclical is its emphasis on 'Integral Ecology' as an umbrella term for all aspects of ecological responsibility, and therefore that the 'women' question  needs to be seen as an integral aspect of the 'Social ecology' the Pope is so committed to, women being the ones who  suffer the most through the poverty that results from environmental degradation.

FLYER
Download the FLYER here

Join Zoom Meeting here. No need to register
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83643053347?pwd=SlhSVktiOWc5bDBUUTBnN3lPb3hjdz09

SPEAKERS

Dr Paul Collins
Historian, broadcaster, writer
Paul Collins is an historian, broadcaster and writer. A Catholic priest for thirty-three years, he resigned from the active ministry in 2001 following a dispute with the Vatican over his book Papal Power (1997). He is the author of fifteen books. The most recent is Absolute Power.  How the pope became the most influential man in the world (Public Affairs, 2018). A former head of the religion and ethics department in the ABC, he is well known as a commentator on Catholicism and the papacy and also has a strong interest in ethics, environmental and population issues. www.paulcollinscatholicwriter.com.au  

Dr Patricia Hindmarsh
Justice, peace and ecology advocate
Trish Hindmarsh is a retired teacher and educational leader who worked in Catholic Education in Victoria, NSW, WA and Tasmania. Trish has a lively interest in justice, peace and ecology and is a member of the Catholic Earthcare Australia Advisory Committee. Her doctoral studies relate to education for sustainability within Catholic school settings. Trish continues to be active in Catholic education, in mentoring and staff formation, theology and educational leadership.

Forum Chair
Andrea Dean
Chair WATAC (Women and the Australian Church)

How can the Light from the Southern Cross shine in dioceses?

PRIOR READING
The 86 recommendations are available from page 15 in the report

MEDIA RELEASE
Catholic forum hears blueprint for do-able change

PRESENTATIONS
Presentation - Susan Pascoe AM
Presentation - Virginia Bourke

FLYER
Download the FLYER here

SPEAKERS

Susan Pascoe AM
Co-author Light from the Southern Cross
Adjunct Professor University of WA

Susan Pascoe AM is Adjunct Professor at the University of WA.  She Chairs the Australian Council for International Development, the Community Director’s Council, and the Advisory Board of Catholic Emergency Relief Australia.  She is a Trustee of St John of God Health, a Mercy Health Board Member, and a member of the AICD’s NFP Chair’s group.  She is Principal of consulting firm Kadisha Enterprises.    

Adj Prof Pascoe was the inaugural Commissioner for the ACNC. Prior to this appointment, she was Victorian State Services Authority Commissioner. She was as one of three Commissioners for the 2009 Royal Commission into Black Saturday Bushfires.   Her earlier career was in education where she served as Director of Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, and CEO and Chair of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria.

Adj Prof Pascoe is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Institute of Public Administration of Australia and the Australian College of Educators. 

Virginia Bourke
Chair Mercy Health Boards

Virginia is the Chair of Mercy Health, a national not-for-profit health and aged care provider employing more than 10,000 people. She is Chair of St John Ambulance Victoria and a director of its national body, St John Ambulance Australia.  She is also a Director of the Mater Group, Catholic Health Australia and a member of the National Council of Caritas Australia.

Virginia is a lawyer and consultant in private practice with a breadth of corporate governance and commercial experience.  She is currently a consultant to the national health industry group at MinterEllison Lawyers and was formerly General Counsel for the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

She has served as a director of several not for profit organisations and is a member of the Advisory Board of the PM Glynn Institute at Australian Catholic University.

Forum Chair
Andrea Dean
Chair WATAC (Women and the Australian Church)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85861037581?pwd=TU41VXRXR3lxN3orcmEwUUZCaSs5Zz09

CONCERNED CATHOLICS CANBERRA GOULBURN
PUBLIC FORUM via ZOOM
Thursday 27 August 2020 - 5:00pm-6:30pm

Plenary Council Update
The writing and discernment papers: Where to from here?
  

REGISTER HERE

Chair
Andrea Dean
Chair, WATAC (Women and the Australian Church) 

Speakers
Terry Fewtrell
Lead author of CCCG submission to the Plenary Council

• A Review of the Plenary Council's Discernment Papers
  The six papers are central to the success of the Plenary Council process but Fewtrell argues they fail to bring together a coherent picture of the real issues confronting the Australian church and provide little confidence that an incisive and meaningful agenda will emerge. He says the Papers acknowledge the great desire of Australian Catholics for major reform of the church, but either through timidity or intent, fail to translate or marshal those reform ideas into initiatives and frameworks that the Plenary Council could consider. The Papers reveal a failure to imagine a church that is faithful to its origins and relevant to its time and place. The People can but the bishops can’t. Reform advocates need to consider how best to respond to this situation. In overall terms we need to call out the bishops on this process, highlight the contrast with the rich lode of thinking offered by the People and alert the broader catholic community to the risks of what is obvious manipulation and a rejection, in bad faith, of the earnest expectations of the People.
  
  Read Terry Fewtrell's paper here

Andrew Phelan 
Contributing author of CCCG submission to the Plenary Council

• Whither or Wither the Plenary Council?
  Phelan argues here that the purpose and scope of the Plenary Council have not been defined adequately or at all by the bishops, that the scope of what is to be considered is far narrower than it should have been and that the bishops are using the processes to justify making minimal changes to the status quo. When overlaid by the flawed structures and processes through which discernment and drafting of milestone reports have been conducted, and the poor quality of those reports, the failure to settle a clear purpose and scope of the Plenary Council has rendered the Plenary Council largely irrelevant. Phelan concludes that the point has been reached when remaining, erstwhile participants should reconsider their participation.
  
  Read Andrew Phelan's paper here

Respondent
Beth Doherty
Author of All the Beautiful Things: Finding Truth, Beauty and Goodness in a Fractured Church. 

The two papers we have listened to this evening speak to the interesting divisions we are experiencing in our church, and it makes for a fraught, and sociologically fascinating Plenary Council process. But is it worthwhile? Or is the PC simply an expensive public relations exercise being undertaken by the Bishops conference in reparation for the sins exposed by the Royal Commission?

Read Beth Doherty’s response here
 
Further details: www.concernedcatholicscanberra.org
 
Contact Mark Metherell 0417 603 697

CANCELLED

The public forum scheduled for Thursday 2 April has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus

Media Release: Public Forum Cancelled
Download here

OBJECTIVE
The forum is to inform Concerned Catholics of Canberra Goulburn on the processes and outcomes, including the Pope’s response, of the Amazon Synod. A specific focus will be to draw out reflections and learnings relevant to the Australian Plenary Council process.

FLYER
Download the flyer here

PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS

When the forum was cancelled the presenters generously provided their presentations

200402 - PAPER - Letters from the Amazon Synod - Br Mark O’Connor

200402 - POWER POINT PRESENTATION - Post Amazon - Terry Fewtrell

200402 - PAPER - Learnings from the Amazon Synod - Terry Fewtrell

200402 - BACKGROUND - Listen to what the spirit is saying: An assessment - Terry Fewtrell

200402 - BACKGROUND - Letters from the Synod - Follow the painlines - Catholic Outlook - Br Mark O’Connor

200402 - POWER POINT - Implications for women in the church - Amazon Synod - Agnes Dodds

200402 - POWER POINT - Amazon Synod - Paul Nicoll

200402 - BACKGROUND PAPER - Amazon Synod - Paul Nicoll

BACKGROUND READING
Amazon Synod - Paul Nicoll - Read the paper here
Letters from the Synod - Br Mark O’Connor - Catholic Outlook - Read the article here
Listen to what the spirit is saying: An assessment - Terry Fewtrell - Read the paper here

SPEAKERS
Br Mark O’Connor FMS
Vicar for Communications, Parramatta diocese; official observer at the Amazon Synod
Objective and background to the Amazon Synod
Synodality: processes leading to and during the formal sessions of the Synod
Principal outcomes and recommendations and the Pope’s formal response
Conclusions from the Synod and relevance to the Australian Plenary Council.

Paul Nicoll
Canberra Catholic with experience and insight into the Brazilian/Amazon church
Unique cultural and ecclesial characteristics of the Brazilian church
Environmental challenges for the Brazilian church and their relevance to Australia

Agnes Dodds
Melbourne Catholic and member of Women's Wisdom in the Church (WWITCH)
Women and the Amazon Synod: Recommendations and conclusions
Impact of the response by Pope Francis

Terry Fewtrell
Lead author of CCCG submission to Plenary Council
Current status of Plenary Council processes and next steps
Post Amazon Synod considerations for the church reform agenda leading into the October sessions in Adelaide and following stages of the Plenary Council

SUPPER
All are welcome. Supper provided.

BILLETS
Overnight billeting available for rural and regional visitors to Canberra (Contact rod@rodpage.com)

CONTACT
Mark Metherell 0417 603 697

NEW WINE - NEW WINE SKINS

In the lead up to the 2020 Plenary Council Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn is taking a close look at local governance with a view to contributing to archdiocesan discussions and to ongoing Plenary Council processes.

This forum follows a consultation evening with a number of parish pastoral councils within the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese on issues including governance; review; transparency; collaboration between clergy and laity; accountability and authentic, trained leadership. The evening will focus on table discussions and responses to Archdiocesan & Plenary Council processes.

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
15 Blackall Street Barton ACT

FLYER

CONTEXT PAPER
Ms Phil Billington
Monsignor John Woods

BACKGROUND PAPER
A National Perspective: The Church Governance Project
Professor John Warhurst AO

Media release from workshop held 10 October 2019

SPEECH
New Wine, New Wine Skins - Francis Sullivan

Contact Mark Metherell 0417 603 697

CONCERNED CATHOLICS

Wagga Wagga Diocese

Public Forum

Accountable, Inclusive and Transparent

A Better Church for Australia

 Flyer

PROFESSOR JOHN WARHURST AO

Chair Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn

MARILYN HATTON

Catholics Speak Out, Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn, Australian Catholic Coalition for Church Reform

7:30pm Thursday 24 October 2019

RJ Hall Room, Commercial Club

77 Gurwood Street Wagga Wagga

All are welcome.

Contact         John Goonan           Mob: 0428 970 445

                        Kerry Carmichael   Mob: 0411 222 205

Email             concernedcatholics.wwd@gmail.com

John Warhurst AO is an experienced political scientist, with special interests in public policy, political lobbying, election campaigning and church-state relations. He is Emeritus Professor of Political Science at the Australian National University in Canberra. John is Chair of Concerned Catholics Canberra Goulburn and he currently serves on the boards of Caritas Australia. He has served on boards for Catholic Social Services Australia, Marist 180 and the Australian Catholic Social Justice Council. His long interest in religion and politics led to a research fellowship on "The Faith of Australian Prime Ministers" and to publications on the church and public debate, St Mary MacKillop and Australian society, and Catholic identity and mission. He is a regular contributor to Eureka Street magazine and the Canberra Times. John is also published regularly in other major metropolitan daily newspapers and media platforms including the ABC. 

Marilyn Hatton last year accepted the Edna Award for Community Activism. She has advocated for gender equity in the Church and in the wider community since the 1970s. Spurred by the exclusion of women from decision-making and priesthood in the Church, she has been an energetic leader of the Catholic feminist movement in Australia and overseas. Her concern about the Church’s failure to listen to appeals for an equitable role for women led her to join with other women and men to mount numerous challenges to the Church hierarchy and its orthodoxy. She was a co-coordinator of the Ordination of Catholic Women and has worked with Women and the Australian Church and Catholics for Renewal supported by Catholics Speak Out and Concerned Catholics.  She has represented Australia on the Women’s Ordination Worldwide Network and at the International Catholic Reform Network ICRN, Chicago meeting, working with supporters around the world. Ms Hatton has been a pioneering figure in Concerned Catholics of Canberra Goulburn which advocates for deep reforms in the Church including a greater role for the laity and particularly for women.

Our Church or Our Museum?

Contributing to a confident, humble, listening, and questioning Church

In Christus Vivit, Pope Francis says, ‘A Church always on the defensive, which loses her humility and stops listening to others, which leaves no room for questions, loses her youth and turns into a museum.’ #41

7:30pm Wednesday 26 June 2019

The Chapel, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture

15 Blackall Street Barton ACT

Frank will be leaving Canberra by the end of the year to become Rector of Newman College at the University of Melbourne in 2020.

Download the flyer

Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO is a Jesuit priest and CEO of Catholic Social Services Australia. He is superior of the Jesuit community at Xavier House in Canberra. He is professor at the P M Glynn Institute at the Australian Catholic University and research professor at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. He chaired the National Human Rights Consultation for the Rudd Government and more recently has been a member of the Turnbull Government’s expert panel conducting the Religious Freedom Review. His latest books are No Small Change: The Road to Recognition for Indigenous Australia, Amplifying That Still, Small Voice, The People’s Quest for Leadership in Church and State and The 2015 Gasson Lectures: Maintaining a Convinced and Pondered Trust. An Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to Aboriginal Australians, particularly as an advocate in the areas of law, social justice and reconciliation, he was the recipient of the Migration Institute of Australia’s 2013 Distinguished Service to Immigration Award and of the 2015 Eureka Democracy Award in recognition of his endeavours which have contributed to strengthening democratic traditions in Australia. When launching Frank’s book Acting on Conscience on the place of religion in Australian politics and law, Kevin Rudd described Frank as ‘an ethical burr in the nation’s saddle’. Earlier during the 1998 Wik debate, Paul Keating labelled him ‘the meddling priest’. The National Trust has classified him as a Living National Treasure. Frank serves on the board of the National Apology Foundation and on the Advisory Council of the Global Foundation. His research interests include conscience and faith, human rights and the rule of law, and the rights of Indigenous peoples and asylum seekers.

All are welcome. Supper provided.

Overnight billeting is available for rural and interstate visitors to Canberra (Contact rod@rodpage.com)

Contact Mark Metherell 0417 603 697

Governance for our Church - Out of hope, not fear

Exploring the lessons of the Royal Commission and beyond, for the future governance, leadership and culture of the Catholic Church and its people

Robert Fitzgerald AM is one of the six former Commissioners for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2013-2018). Prior to that, he has been a Commissioner on several inquiries, and for more than 30 years he has been involved in a voluntary capacity in numerous community services including President of the Australian Council of Social Service, and NSW State President of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

This Concerned Catholics forum will be held at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Blackall Street, Barton ACT.

All welcome. Supper will be provided.

Overnight billeting available for rural visitors to Canberra (Contact rod@rodpage.com)

Download the flyer here

190426 - Robert Fitzgerald provided a glimmer of hope for Australia’s Catholics - John Warhurst - Pearls and Irritations

190411 - Women critical to the church: Commissioner - Tessa Akerman - The Australian

190410 - MEDIA RELEASE - Public Forum - A Catholic future - out of hope not fear - Robert Fitzgerald AM

L to R Terry Fewtrell and Di Van Meegan facilitators, John Warhurst Concerned Catholics Chair

The Chapel, Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
55 Blackall Street Barton ACT

Facilitators
Terry Fewtrell
Di Van Meegan

Concerned Catholics’ next public forum will focus solely on shaping a submission to the 2020 Plenary Council.

The meeting will provide an opportunity for Catholics of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn to start to frame a submission to the Plenary Council that reflects the realities of the predicament of the Australian church in 2018 and then to discern/distil the wisdom of the People of God in this Archdiocese in responding to that situation.

FLYER

BACKGROUND PAPERS
These Background Papers are intended to provide context and background to inform the discussions at the workshop on the evening of Thursday 29 November.

People attending the workshop are strongly encouraged to read the papers prior to attending the workshop.

Background Paper No 1 - Demographics of the Australian Church - Andrew Phelan
Background Paper No 2 - Canon Law Issues - Andrew Phelan
Background Paper No 3 - Understanding Vatican Council II - Paul Collins
Background Paper No 4 - Recommendations from the Royal Commission - Kevin Vassarotti
Background Paper No 5 - Church Culture and Perspectives of Pope Francis - Terry Fewtrell
Background Paper No 6 - REVISED - Women, Leadership and Church - Marilyn Hatton

Contact: Mark Metherell 0417 603 697

Article - Seems Francis is with the people - Terry Fewtrell

Article - Seeking a plenary council fit for purpose - Frank Brennan

Concerned Catholics Initial Submission 2020 Plenary Council October 2017

Canberra Goulburn Archdiocesan Central Deanery Draft Submission from Listening and Dialogue Session July 2018

181210 - MEDIA RELEASE - Canberra Catholics work on blueprint for Church reform

REPORT - CC Lobbying and Engagement March 2017 - September 2018 pdf

SPEECH - Sr Clare Condon sgs former leader Sisters of the Good Samaritan pdf
SPEECH - Anne Kirwan, CEO Catholic Care Canberra & Goulburn pdf
SPEECH - Bishop Vincent Long, Diocese of Parramatta pdf

FLYER

7:00pm for 7:30pm start
Tuesday 11 September 2018

The Chapel
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
15 Blackall Street, BARTON ACT
 

SPEAKERS

Bishop Vincent Long
   Bishop of Parramatta
Ms Anne Kirwan
   CEO Catholic Care Canberra-Goulburn
Sr Clare Condon
   former leader Good Samaritan Sisters

Professor John Warhurst will chair the forum and provide an update on the work of Concerned Catholics Canberra-Goulburn.

All are welcome. Supper will be provided.
Admission is free but donations welcome.

PARKING
Limited parking is available at the venue
Additional parking is available in the Wilson carpark at the back of the Ottoman Restaurant

You are invited to join Fr Frank Brennan sj and Bishop Stephen Pickard in the Chapel at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture on Tuesday 11 September at 6:00pm for for the launch of Anthony M Maher's books:

The Forgotten Jesuit of Catholic Modernism, (2018) 
This book illustrates how George Tyrrell's theological challenge to those who would take the church out of history was never effectively refuted, either at the time or since, and that the issues Tyrrell raised are still relevant and alive in the church today. In highlighting Tyrrell's liberation of theology from dogmatism, the current work describes why he was vilified by the Roman hierarchy, expelled from the Jesuits, and eventually excommunicated. Tyrrell's Ignatian-inspired, hope-filled theology should not be forgotten, not least because it sheds further light on another courageous and prophetic Jesuit, Pope Francis. In revisiting Tyrrell's Ignatian theology, this book celebrates the promise that Vatican II presents to the future church, namely, a universal call to holiness as embraced by Pope Francis.

Faith & the Political in the Post-Secular Age (2018)
An ecumenical work, the authors challenge the current polarising rise of aggressive atheism and closed-truth fundamentalisms, both religious and economic. The work is mindful that a Gospel inspired prophetic voice seeks to persuade rather than coerce, to strike a balance between individual autonomy and the protection of the common good. Appealing to those of faith and none, written by leading scholars, yet in a conversational style that is accessible to the modern reader, the book opposes the growing cultural dominance of 'fake news' and advocates for rigorous 'truth-seeking'.

Contributors: Anthony Maher, Elaine Graham, Bob Dixon, Andrew Cameron, John Warhurst, Terry Veiling, Brendan Long, Frank Brennan

Anthony M Maher is a Research Fellow of the Centre for Public and Contextual Theology (PACT) at Charles Sturt University, Australia. He is the series editor of two ongoing projects, Explorations in Practical Theology, and Educating Hearts - Ignatian Characteristics of Education.

BOOK LAUNCH: IN CONVERSATION
Absolute Power: How the Pope became the most influential man in the world
By Paul Collins

"What is different about Pope Francis? How has the papacy become so influential in the modern world? Come and hear noted author and media commentator PAUL COLLINS speak about his new book with leading journalist PAUL BONGIORNO in the chair.  

Wednesday 6 June 2018
7:00pm-8:00pm

Parish Hall
Holy Trinity Church
3 Strangways Street, Curtin, ACT

All are welcome. Supper provided. 

Copies of the book will be available for sale.

Enquiries: Concerned Catholics Canberra-Goulburn: 0439 498 283

A Prayer Gathering will be held to remember and acknowledge the people who have come forward with their stories of sexual abuse in the then parish of St Matthew’s in Page

The gathering will be held on Sunday 8 April at 3pm at St Matthew’s Church in Page and will be open to all people who wish to attend.

The gathering will take the form of a prayer service, followed by the planting of a weeping cherry tree and the blessing of a plaque. The tree is deciduous and has been chosen specifically to reflect the great sadness of the abuse and the hope of healing. The tree will also bear white flowers in Spring to signify the innocence of the children and hope for the future.

The purpose of this prayer gathering is to create a space in the garden at St Matthew's Church Page where people who told their stories of sexual abuse can be assured they have been heard and acknowledged. It is also a space where families and friends of those children can feel remembered. The space will be an ongoing sign to the general parish community and others, that the betrayals and failures of the past will not be forgotten, nor repeated.

Read Francis Sullivan's Speech
Media Release

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse delivered its final report to government on 15 December 2017 after five years of investigation.

At our third public forum Francis Sullivan, CEO, Truth Justice and Healing Council, will provide an analysis of the Commission's final report.

Concerned Catholics Chair, Professor John Warhurst will also provide a report on Concerned Catholic's liaison with the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese and the 2020 Synod.

7:00pm for 7:30pm
Thursday 22 March 1018
Centre for Christianity and Culture
15 Blackall Street, Barton, ACT

PARKING
Limited parking is available at the venue
Additional parking is available in the Wilson carpark at the back of the Ottoman Restaurant

FLYER

Pearls and Irritations: The Dangers of a Feminine Touch: Kevin Peoples

Trapped in a Closed World is Kevin Peoples' first-hand account of the harmful clerical culture that dominated Catholic seminary life in Australia in the 1960s. This is more that just a memoir, It is an insightful and compelling examination of clerical culture and its link to sexual abuse in Catholic institutions.

6:00pm Wednesday 22 November

Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton ACT

Please Note: Due to current court proceedings, Trapped is not available for sale in Victoria.

PARKING
Limited parking is available at the venue
Additional parking is available in the Wilson carpark at the back of the Ottoman Restaurant

Media Release: CC Public Forum 31 August 2017 Canberra

The Chapel
Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture
55 Blackall Street BARTON ACT
(Parking: See details below)

SPEAKERS
Sr Ruth Durick OSU
President Catholic Religious Australia
Member representative Catholic Professional Standards

Fr Peter Day
Associate Priest, Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Braidwood
Founder 'Home' in Queanbeyan

Dr John Falzon
CEO St Vincent de Paul Society
National Council of Australia

PROGRAM
7:00pm                Refreshments
7:30pm                Introduction and Welcome: John Warhurst
7:40pm                Sr Ruth Durick
7:50pm                Fr Peter Day
8:00pm                Dr John Falzon
8:10pm                 Q&A
8:30pm                2020 Plenary Council
                             National and Local Update (chaired by Robyn Beetham)
                             Monica Phelan
                             John Warhurst
8:45pm                 Q&A
9:30pm                 Close

PARKING
Limited parking is available at the venue
Additional parking is available in the Wilson carpark at the back of the Ottoman Restaurant

DONATIONS
Admission is free but donations are welcome on the night