Strategic Working Group for Parishes

Introduction

Given the priority of Evangelisation in the Archdiocese, there is need to make arrangements for the future in parishes (e.g. by clergy placements and further co-operative parish arrangements) to ensure an even better announcement of the Good News of the Lord in our time.

Establishment

The Strategic Working Group is established, accountable to the Archbishop:

1. After appropriate consultation with priests and people to recommend arrangements for parishes, given the number and age of our priests, and available collaboration from lay volunteers or employees within the Church’s understanding. Partnerships, amalgamations and redefining boundaries are not excluded. Work already done in deaneries and parishes is welcomed.
   
2. The Archdiocese is committed to the indispensability of sacramental and pastoral priestly leadership in parishes and to the discipline of celibacy in the Western Church.
   
3. A priest will normally be available to celebrate the Eucharist three times (on Saturday evening and Sunday) to enable the people to fulfil the Sunday obligation.
   
4. Priests born overseas, and perhaps educated elsewhere, will continue to be welcomed and valued in the Archdiocese, without a set limit.
   
5. Experienced priests joining the Archdiocese will need to work here for a time before appointment as a parish priest.
   
6. Newly ordained priests will spend at least one three-year term as assistants.
   
7. Encouragement of priestly vocations is a top priority for all.
   
8. The Committee will meet on 8 th December, 2004 and in the succeeding months will continue to meet and schedule appropriate outcomes.
   
9. The Personnel Advisory Board will follow this framework when recommending priestly appointments.
   
10. In the light of the framework, the Strategic Working Group will present any suggestions for education of lay leaders to the Office for Evangelisation and Catholic Adult Education Melbourne.

+ Denis J. Hart,
Archbishop of Melbourne

16th November 2004