A Short Yet Fulfilling Experience

Greetings to you all. As I’m nearing the endpoint of my six-week Advent placement here in the Caloundra parish, Fr Josh asked me to write something for the newsletter and I was more than happy to say yes. This has been a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and share a little about what my placement in the community has meant for me.

Before a seminarian is sent on placement, we are asked to set a number of goals for our time in the parish and some of mine were practical: maintaining a healthy balance of prayer, study, rest, and ministry; and learning the administrative skills essential for parish life. But my final goal was the one I was most excited about: to experience a parish undergoing the journey of Divine Renovation, or in other words, a community intentionally transitioning from maintenance to mission. This kind of renewal is, I believe, an essential movement for the Church going forward.

One of the first things that struck me on arrival was the warmth and hospitality of the parishioners across the many diverse faith communities that make up the Caloundra parish. Each Mass Centre has its own character and rhythm, yet everywhere I have encountered genuine welcome, kindness, and a shared love for the Lord. I am deeply grateful for the way parishioners and staff have embraced me from the moment I arrived.

Although my main focus for this placement was meant to be administration and personal formation, God seemed to have a richer pastoral experience in mind. I have found myself involved in far more pastoral encounters than I expected and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. Over these first three to four weeks, I had the privilege of leading a lay-led Liturgy of the Word where I was able to share my testimony, I joined an Encounter Night here in the parish and took part in the retreat that followed the next day. These moments were not only spiritually uplifting but also powerful reminders of the hunger people have for authentic encounter with Christ.

My time in the parish schools has also been a highlight. Attending end-of-year liturgies and visiting classrooms to answer students’ questions about the faith and about my own journey toward the priesthood has been both humbling and energising. There is something profoundly beautiful about the honesty and curiosity of young people when they engage with matters of faith.

I have also had the opportunity to learn from the parish’s sacramental life in a hands-on way. Being present at funerals, observing wedding preparation, and assisting with RCIT practices and Masses have given me invaluable insight into the many moments: joyful, challenging, and everything in between, that a priest is invited to walk with the People of God.

All these experiences have taught me so much about the priesthood and the wide range of skills, sensitivities, and strengths needed to serve God’s people well. While administration may seem like a dull topic to some, I have come to appreciate how essential it is for healthy parish life. Learning about effective structures and the importance of empowering lay leadership has been one of the great learnings of my placement. These structures allow the priest to focus more intentionally on pastoral and sacramental ministry, while giving parishioners the opportunity to offer their gifts and talents for the building up of God’s kingdom. One profound learning I will take with me is that every parish is built on countless hidden acts of service; simple, faithful offerings that often go unseen but are precious in the eyes of God.

As I reflect on my time here so far, I believe God is showing me a blueprint for parish renewal: one rooted in collaboration, trust, hospitality, prayer, and mission. This is a model I hope to carry with me into the future as I continue my journey toward the priesthood.

Thank you all once again for your welcome and for the life you share as a parish. It is a blessing to be among you, and I look forward to the remaining weeks ahead.

Oskar Borough