Last week, I met with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) to continue our discussions regarding the recent changes to the Mass schedule and to reflect on the feedback shared at the Parish Forum held at Our Holy Redeemer Church.
I am very grateful to the parishioners who attended the forum and spoke openly about their concerns. It is clear that we did not engage our community in the review process or handle the outcomes in a thoughtful and pastoral way. I would like to apologise for the lack of communication, consultation and transparency throughout the process. I recognise that this has caused hurt, anger and grief within the communities of Our Holy Redeemer and All Hallows, and I am very sorry for the distress experienced.
I want to acknowledge the strong sense of connection and belonging that exists within these communities. The friendships formed over many years, the pastoral care and support offered to one another, the opportunities to gather in prayer, celebrate the Eucharist, and share in social activities are all important aspects of parish life. Please be assured that your community has been heard.
While we did not fully appreciate the pastoral impact of these changes, the decision was carefully considered, having taken into account a range of factors and supporting data, and we believe that the changes are still necessary. Therefore, I plan to explore a transition pathway with the impacted communities to help address the concerns they have raised.
Looking ahead, we will adopt a more consultative and inclusive approach to decision-making. I look forward to being in contact with the impacted communities shortly and sharing more with the whole parish in a future newsletter.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
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Margaret Touhy says:
I have already written to Father Sang expressing my disappointment of the removal of the evening Mass at OHR. After 58 years in the parish there is no way I can get to Deepdene on a Saturday night. I think you will lose at least 40 parishioners which is very sad.
3 evening Masses in the Western area of the parish and none in the Eastern area.
I understand change but it has to be fair and that is not fair.
I did not get a reply from my last email.
Carol-Ann J Wong says:
Margaret, as part of the broader Our Lady of Pentecost parish, if not OHR itself, I would be happy to assist you in making it to Deepdene or Camberwell on a Saturday evening or any of the Sunday masses – even if it is only once a month. Please reach out to me via the Parish office. Kindest regards Carol-Ann Wong.
Rob Monaco says:
My association with All Hallows commenced approximately 50 years ago when I attended All Hallows primary school, whilst in more recent years I have engaged with Our Holy Redeemer where my daughters attended primary school. I feel very blessed to have had an enduring relationship with both churches (and primary schools). These are challenging times and I am grateful for this update and the tireless efforts of Fr Sang and the team at Our Lady of Pentecost as we transition into a new chapter. Whilst change is inevitable and ours is not the only parish experiencing change, I also understand that change can be upsetting for some. Please reach out if I can assist in any way.
Mary McInerney says:
As I began to read this letter I felt a sense of hope that the Parish Council had truly listened to the concerns expressed during the Parish Meeting but I was soon disillusioned as I read the Council had already taken everything into consideration and I understand that the decision to terminate the Saturday evening Mass at Holy Redeemer remains with some hope that we will all accept this decision through whatever is envisaged in the time of transition. It is clear that the pastoral needs of a community were not included in the considerations which were based more on statistics. The possibility of a rotation of Saturday night was not seriously considered. From conversations I hear many parishioners will opt to go to Churches which are physically closer so this decision breaks Parish community rather than builds it.
Chris & Catherine McCulloch says:
Your comments are appreciated. Do you still intend to release information presented at the forum? Will a more open approach mean that the PPC meeting agendas & supporting paper/documents will be published at least 2 weekends before those meeting to enable all OLP parishioners to comment?