Pope Francis has said, "I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and clinging to its security."
Since the commencement of the Diocesan Becoming New in Christ journey, the aim has been to prepare and move parishes to become more mission-focused.
One of the proposals was to configure the four parishes in the Burdekin region - Ayr, Giru, Home Hill, Burdekin Valley - with the recommendation to combine all parishes into one.
After summaries of all four parishioners' views, it was evident that all parishes could see sense in the proposal.
There were concerns raised, ranging from loss of community identity: anxiety caused by uncertainty: challenges for the elderly: availability and forming/skilling of willing individuals for leadership bodies and need for effective communication.
On the support side, there was a strong message about the need for renewal and the need to work together to survive. Our aim is in creating a streamlined leadership structure in terms of demand on our priests, more efficient and effective administrative/financial management with the potential to unify church communities, while maintaining community identity and involvement.
This inspiring journey with Fathers Manoj and Vitalis (along with the Bishop and Geoff Gowdie) has highlighted that the people of the Burdekin have shown wisdom, understanding and faith in all these processes. The parish received 70 nominations, either self-nominated or other. This strong support for the renewal programme has received the approval of the people of God in the Burdekin.
After many hours of consultation with parishes and their communities, recommendations were made to Bishop Tim.
The Bishop has advised of his decision that from the 1st of October, the four parishes would become one parish. He also accepted the name, Burdekin Catholic Parish, a suggestion coming from the parishes through Father Manoj Mathew CSR, The Priest Administrator.
We are now looking forward with renewed vitality, to assist in moving towards a new future in the Burdekin Catholic Parish. There will be the celebration of the new parish on Tuesday, 31st October at the Samaritan Centre at 5.30pm. All are welcome to attend. There will be a BBQ for everyone afterwards.
Contributed by Gloria Vass
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