Fr Justin Driscoll hosted a gathering of people from the Ministry District of the parishes of Ballarat East, Bungaree and Gordon on Wednesday, April 16 from 2.30pm – 4.00pm at Ss Peter and Paul Church Buninyong as a follow up to the diocesan assembly. Those in attendance were either a delegate from one of the three parishes, a delegate from another part of the mission of the church in the Ballarat diocese, a table facilitator or one of those who worked in preparation for the Assembly.
In attendance were Fr Justin, Sue Daly, Mark Conlan, Damian Ryan, Diane Reynolds, Anne Eskdale, Rosemary Canavan, Cathy Prunty, Sr Veronica Lawson, Jane Collins, Julie Boyd, Fiona Tonkin, Bernadette Lynch, Bishop Paul Bird and Archbishop Charles Balvo.
This gathering was prompted by the visit to the diocese of Archbishop Charles, the Papal Nuncio in Australia.
After the introductions of all present, a “conversation in the spirit” was held. The reading of the passage describing the Holy Spirit appearing to the apostles was read. This passage recounts the events of Pentecost, where the apostles were gathered together when suddenly a sound like a violent wind filled the house, and tongues of fire appeared and rested on each of them. They were then filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages.
Groups of three/four reflected on this passage and offered some thoughts in relation to the Assembly Report. A couple of points included diversity, inclusiveness, the Word of God is communicated in all languages – not specifically language but how we say our words, express ourselves and communicate with each other; different forms of communication – for the various age groups; common formation including with clergy is needed; education in the spiritual conversations; the word “All” is important – take all people on the journey, disruption can lead to change; listen to the children – they are included in the “All”; what voices are not being heard in the “All”; courage was another word that was noted.
A wonderful gathering to continue the process of synodality.
