Report captures history of diocesan pastoral councils in Australia

Dr Damian Gleeson has written a report on the history of diocesan pastoral councils in Australia. Such councils were formed in various places following the Second Vatican Council as one way in which laity could share with priests and religious in promoting the life and services of the Church. In our diocese of Ballarat, the first diocesan pastoral council began in 1994. Dr Gleeson’s report refers to our experience and that of other dioceses.

I encourage you to read the report to see what factors have helped councils work effectively. We can learn from this history as we look to develop our diocesan pastoral council in a way that will serve our diocese well in the years ahead.

Bishop Paul Bird

The new report is the first on the history of diocesan pastoral councils in Australia. The report is part of a suite of resources prepared or being prepared to help consider the place and role of diocesan and parish pastoral councils in the life of the Church in Australia now and in the future.

Media Release:

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We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -