At the end of May our parishes ran a series of information and feedback sessions in relation to the proposed amalgamation of our parishes. Over 200 people participated in one or other of the three sessions held across our parishes. The information shared at these sessions can be accessed on our parish website on the Building Stronger Parish Partnerships for Mission. During the second part of each session, people reflected individually and then in small groups. Just over 100 people submitted their personal feedback in response to four questions:
This week I would like to share with you the results from the individual data and next week I will share the small group data.
First, in relation to what excites you about the proposed amalgamation there were 166 individual comments from 103 respondents. So many people listed multiple things about which they were excited. These comments have been grouped together into themes. The first theme is Better Coordination and Efficiency which was named by 26% of respondents. One respondent wrote: “I am excited about the amalgamation proposal. It is such a good idea to work together and strengthen one another. It is important to put our resources together.”
The second theme is United Parish (20%). This theme was represented with comments such as the following: “It strengthens community – the parish community. It will also allow us more freedom as we work together. We are moving with the times”. Other comments included: “What excites me is that this is a way we can all go forward and encourage community and participate as one” or simply, “That we shall be one”.
This was followed by the comments that amalgamation provided the opportunity to give us New Life and a Future (19%). People in this theme said: “We have a future and a chance to survive” and “New life”.
Other themes followed including excitement about the possibilities for Mission and Outreach (9%), which included comments such as, “possibilities for mission and potential for extended outreach’. And then the New Parish Name (7%), “very happy about the proposed name for the new parish Our Lady of Pentecost” and “the name of the new parish structure suggests new life, in-breaking of the spirit and hope in a future that is based on gospel values”. Better Connections (7%) “Getting to know more parishioners in this community” and Building Community (3%). “Opportunities to share our faith with others”.
People also responded to what they found worrisome about the proposed amalgamation. There were four themes that were outstanding in this section. The number one theme was that people were worried about the engagement of the whole community (22% of respondents). People provided comments such as: “parishioners may not be engaged and may not get the message” and “to ensure that individual parishioners are not getting lost”. Three other themes followed in this section with almost equal concern. The first is that people are worried in general about the future of the Church (14%). These concerns included: “What are the projections for 10 years down the track? Lack of clergy, lack of congregation. What will our parishes look like in 10 years?” and “The majority of members are very old and probably will not be here in 10 years. Where are the young people?” Two other themes followed. Loss of Identity was mentioned by a few, “the fear of losing our own parish community” and “losing sense of identity. How are we different – how do we retain what is good about us?”. And 14% of respondents said they were not worried about anything in relation to amalgamation, “I think I have no real worries about the process because it has been carefully planned and the consultation process is an authentic one including all who wish to have a voice” and “nothing really, it is a necessary process in light of the eroding context our parishes are experiencing”.
The third question for response was what more do you need to know in relation to the proposed amalgamation. Once again there were four outstanding themes that summarised responses to this question. The highest response was Nothing (29%) then followed Communication and Consultation (10%), Asset Utilisation (10%) and Mission and Outreach (10%). The Nothing more needed is summed up in the following statements: “I feel as a parishioner well informed and included” and “I think the information we have been given is very informative and helpful”. The Communication and Consultation theme is summed up well by one parishioner who said, “Keep us updated. So far so good.” The Asset Utilisation theme was really concerned with the future of our presbyteries, churches and other parish buildings. “How will redundant presbyteries (buildings) be used/managed? Will properties be sold? What percentage will remain with the amalgamated parishes?” and “Future of assets (churches) do we need 5 across the geographic area?” and “Potential effect on existing parish infrastructure/opportunity for utilisation of new programs or initiatives”. This is connected to the fourth theme of Mission and Outreach with comments and suggestions such as, “one outreach program across the different churches” and “how does the parish become missionary in nature?”
Finally, parishioners were asked about their stance towards amalgamation. Having reflected on what excited them, their worries and the things they needed to know more about, 95% percent said that they believed amalgamation was the way forward and that they were in favour of it. A further 5% did not say that they were against amalgamation but that they had mixed feelings about it. Many of those in favour simply said “this is a good idea” or “it is inevitable” or “it must happen and I am glad that we are doing it.” Someone reflected, “There is an imperative created by the numbers which means it has to happen. I am in favour of the proposed amalgamation. Having said that I think it is painful to confront the reality of loss of faith in the community”. Another parishioner wrote, “The amalgamation has a sense of the Holy Spirit at work in our midst. That we have journeyed so far at this stage indicates strong leadership by all – our priests, our lay leaders and the religious faithful within.”
Our Parish Pastoral Council meets on Thursday, 25 July. At that meeting the amalgamation will be high on the agenda. Already the Council has indicated to me that they believe we should move forward with an application for amalgamation to Archbishop Comensoli. The Parish Council and I will continue to keep all parishioners informed as the process moves ahead.
Thanks to the hundreds of people who have enthusiastically and positively supported the amalgamation process to this point.
Published: 12 July 2024
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Mary Barbuto says:
Thanks Brendan and all those who worked on the data from the parish meetings. Let’s continue on the journey!