In May last year, we held Parish Amalgamation information sessions, receiving significant feedback that the proposed parish amalgamation would strengthen our community, enabling the parish to do more and provide it with new life and a future.
It validated the Parish Pastoral Councils’ decision for Father Brendan Reed to proceed with the amalgamation and form the five churches and three parishes into the single Parish of Our Lady of Pentecost. The amalgamation is now complete and with Father Sang Ho we are moving to the next stage of parish community development – Stewardship.
Stewardship is more than the concept of giving of our financial resources; it is recognising that everything we have is a gift from God and becoming involved in parish life is making best use of these God-given gifts.
Last Sunday, we commenced the formal Stewardship Renewal Program promoting Building Hope For Our Future, with underlying themes of Belong, Pray, Serve. The Stewardship Renewal Committee deliberately placed the themes in this order, for this is how we believe Stewardship develops in each of us.
The Stewardship program invites all parishioners to get to know other parishioners and newcomers while feeling comfortable and respected to be yourself (Belong). It is an invitation to participate in worship and strengthen our faith. We are extremely lucky to have five churches, deep thinking theologians and dedicated staff providing pastoral support, allowing an extraordinary number of ways and opportunities to celebrate and grow our faith (Pray). Finally, the program asks us to use our time, talents and financial resources to actively contribute to parish life, and support our mission: “Through worship, outreach and genuine connections, we aim to inspire, transform lives and spread Christ’s love, welcoming all into our inclusive community” (Serve).
Last Sunday, at each Mass, we heard from parishioners about how they feel they belong and what our parish meant to them. This week we are asking parishioners to think about volunteering for the various roles needed to keep our community going. We will also hear from Stephen Littleton of Parish First who is assisting us with the Stewardship Renewal Program. Next week we invite parishioners to attend one of three forums where we will outline our 2025 Annual Plan and explore what future initiatives you believe should be on our strategic planning horizon. The three sessions are:
We have a warm, wonderful, diverse and very talented community with fantastic facilities and the capacity to do more. Our parish community needs and wants each of you to be involved and contributing. We cannot hope to achieve our mission without this. So come along on the journey to fulfil our parish vision “United, we welcome all to join us as we journey in faith with God’s grace.”
A journey is so much more enjoyable when we are on it together – exciting times are ahead!
Download the Parish Strategic 2025 Annual Plan
To learn more about our Stewardship Renewal program visit our website.
19 Brenbeal Street, Balwyn VIC 3103
Telephone: 03 9816 9291
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Tue - Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
Chris Sartori says:
Thanks Phil, the Parish Strategic Plan looks great. Looking forward to hearing more.
Thank you to you and the Parish Council for everything you do for our Parish.