Come and See What the Holy Spirit is Doing

There is something powerful about hearing a story of hope. This weekend, as the Church celebrates Trinity Sunday, we contemplate the mystery of God as a communion of love: Father, Son and Holy Spirit living in perfect relationship. The Trinity reminds us that we are created for relationship too – first with God and then with one another. In many ways, the renewal of our parish has been fuelled by precisely this reality: people growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ and becoming more intentionally connected to one another as a community of disciples. As those relationships deepen, faith becomes contagious, mission becomes possible, and parish life becomes more vibrant.

In a world where many speak about the challenges facing the Church, our Open House event is an opportunity to encounter something different: ordinary Catholics responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and discovering that parish life can be vibrant, welcoming, missionary and full of joy. On Saturday 6 June, we’ll open the doors to not just members of parish communities from across the region, but to you too, for a special one-day gathering called Open House.

The purpose of Open House is simple. It is not about saying, “Look at us.” Rather, it is about saying, “Look at what God is doing.” Over recent years, our parish has been on a journey of renewal, seeking to become more intentional in helping people encounter Jesus Christ, grow as disciples and share their faith with others. Open House provides an opportunity to share some of those experiences honestly and openly.

Whether you have been part of our parish for decades or only recently arrived, this day is for you. Open House is not just designed only for clergy, parish staff or ministry leaders but for every parishioner who wants to understand more deeply where our parish is heading and why.

The day features three keynote presentations exploring some of the most important themes shaping parish renewal today. Debbie Riddell, a parishioner from Springfield and a Divine Renovation Leadership Coach, will speak about evangelisation and why making new followers of Jesus is not merely one activity among many, but the very reason the Church, and our parish, exists. I, Fr Josh, will then explore how contemporary leadership principles can help parishes move from maintenance to mission. Drawing on practical experience and proven leadership insights, I’ll share how healthy leadership cultures empower people, strengthen teams and create the conditions for mission to flourish.

The final keynote will be delivered by Beth Davies, who will reflect on the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in parish renewal and how reliance on the Spirit gives ordinary parishioners confidence to share their faith.

Alongside the keynote presentations, participants will choose one of four breakout sessions, each led by parishioners and focused on practical, transferable ideas that can strengthen parish life. Topics include lay leadership, hospitality and welcome, parish-school partnerships and mission-focused stewardship.

Perhaps the greatest value of Open House, however, lies not only in the presentations but in the conversations. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to meet fellow parishioners, ask questions, share experiences and learn from one another. Renewal is never the work of one person alone. It is something God accomplishes through a community willing to listen, learn and respond. As we celebrate Trinity Sunday, we are reminded that communion and mission always belong together. The more deeply we grow in relationship with God and with one another, the more effectively we can share Christ with the world.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Holy Cross Funerals, participation in Open House is completely free, including catering throughout the day. The event runs from 9:15am to 4:15pm on Saturday 6 June, with an optional 5:00pm Vigil Mass. For catering purposes, registrations are essential. Whether you are a long-time parishioner, a ministry volunteer, a leader in another parish, or simply curious about what parish renewal looks like in practice, we encourage you to secure your place today.

Please register HERE. We would love you to join us as we celebrate what God is doing and continue discerning where He is leading us next.

With every blessing – Fr Josh