Plenary Council 2020

We are now in the Discernment phase of the Plenary Council and we continue to seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

People who participated in Listening and Dialogue are now invited to reconvene in communal Discernment on the six themes. 

How is God calling us to be a Christ-centred Church that is:

• Missionary and Evangelising
  Discernment Guide
  Scripture Reading
  Snapshot Report
  Respond (Discernment submission at the bottom of this page)
   
• Inclusive, Participatory and Synodal? 
  Discernment Guide
  Scripture Reading
  Snapshot Report
  Respond (Discernment submission at the bottom of this page)
   
• Prayerful and Eucharistic?
  Discernment Guide
  Scripture Reading
  Snapshot Report
  Respond (Discernment submission at the bottom of this page)
   
• Humble, Healing and Merciful? 
  Discernment Guide
  Scripture Reading
  Snapshot Report
  Respond (Discernment submission at the bottom of this page)
   
• A Joyful, Hope-Filled and Servant Community? 
  Discernment Guide
  Scripture Reading
  Snapshot Report
  Respond (Discernment submission at the bottom of this page)
   
• Open to conversion, Renewal and Reform? 
  Discernment Guide
  Scripture Reading
  Snapshot Report
  Respond (Discernment submission at the bottom of this page)

Thinking about Discernment:

What is discernment? 

Sr Jacinta Rice has compiled a handout which could be of use to the questions around discernment and feelings. See here.

The discernment process.

See here for the resources to the discernment process for each theme.

More information about the National Themes for Discernment and the plenary council is available at https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/

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PLENARY COUNCIL DELEGATES

Please find documents inviting nominations from our Diocese for the positions of delegates to the Plenary Council.

Letter from Bishop Paul

Nomination information

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DIOCESAN PRAYER CARD

Bishop Paul has also provided "A Prayer for the Plenary Council".  These prayer cards have been distributed to parishes, school and agencies of the diocese.  Futher copies are available from the Pastoral Ministry Office.  Click here to download a copy of the prayer.

RESOURCES FOR PRAYER TOWARDS 2020

In the Diocese of Ballarat, we will have opportunities to gather in our local communities for prayer and dialogue, so that we might make our contribution to the plenary council.  Gatherings to open the dialogue were held in local communities during the 2018 Easter season and Bishop Paul prepared a text for Evening Prayer and a text for a Penance Service as resources for these gatherings. This can still be useful and adapted by the community for use in their preparations. 

Click here for a copy of the Evening Prayer. 

Click here for a copy of the Penance Service.  

Click here for a copy of the flyer that was included with ODC November 2018.

Bookmarks have also been printed and copies are available from the Pastoral Ministry Office, email pastoralministry@ballarat.catholic.org.au or ph. 5337 7159.

In preparation for Plenary Council 2020, and suitable for Easter Season, Ascension, Pentecost and Confirmation the Diocese of Wollongong have shared a song, The Power of the Spirit. Lyrics, powerpoints and sheet music available.  See here.