Public Holiday Office Closure May

Syndod24

The Church is a living, breathing body. It is not confined to the four walls of a building. In fact, the Church is you and me: the people of God. Over time, the Church has evolved alongside the changing world. While it never alters its core teachings on faith and morals, it continually adapts the way it lives out these truths in response to new times, cultures, and challenges. One way the Church evolves with the changing times is through gatherings and councils. You might recall the Australia-wide Plenary Council held in 2022. Flowing on from that, the Archdiocese of Brisbane sought to proactively create action plans to implement the outcomes, this initiative became known as Synod24.

The SYNOD24 Action Plans are organised around eight key decrees from the Plenary Council, within in each decree there are various actions of varying priority.

1. Healing Wounds, Receiving Gifts: Fostering reconciliation and acknowledging past harms.
2. Choosing Repentance, Seeking Healing: Addressing the Church’s response to abuse and promoting healing.
3. Called by Christ, Sent Forth as Missionary Disciples: Encouraging evangelisation and missionary work.
4. Witnessing to the Equal Dignity of Women and Men: Promoting gender equality within Church structures.
5. Communion in Grace, Sacrament to the World: Enhancing liturgical life and sacramental participation.
6. Formation and Leadership for Mission and Ministry: Developing leadership and formation programs.
7. At the Service of Communion, Participation and Mission: Governance: Reforming governance structures for greater inclusivity.
8. Integral Ecology and Conversion for the Sake of Our Common Home: Emphasising ecological responsibility and care for creation.

Beginning in May, the Archdiocese will launch a new phase focused on parish-level decision-making. This initiative empowers local parishes to discern and determine which elements of the Synod Action Plans they are best positioned to implement, based on their unique context, resources, and needs. I warmly encourage you to visit https://aobsynod2024.com/synod24-resources/ as we prayerfully reflect and discern, together as a parish community, how we are being called to respond to the Synod24 Action Plans.

Easter 2025

The Easter Triduum was celebrated throughout the Parish in huge numbers, with a total of 3595 joining in worship. It was wonderful to see so many gather and particular mention for first ever mass at Norte Dame. A typical weekend averages around 1050 worshipers across all Mass Centres.

Sacramental Program Enrolment (Term 2)

If you have booked your child for the sacrament of Confirmation please be at the OLR Church this Tuesday 6th May 5-6pm for the Parent information night. The program packs will be handed out that night.

Step 1: if you haven’t already done so please join Flocknote and complete the details for your family HERE

Step 2: Please complete the Sacramental Enrolment Form HERE 

Alpha Update

On Tuesday this last week we kicked off our first Alpha for the year. The team were blessed to welcome guests of varying ages and backgrounds for our opening session. There was some top-notch food, conversations and lots of laughs and fun. The whole Alpha team and I are excited and expectant for the conversations and connections to be made in the coming weeks. We thank you for your prayers in the lead up and ask that you keep the participants and team in your prayers in the coming weeks. Your prayers mean the world to us as it opens the door for transformations and new discoveries. If you feel you would like to join us for Alpha there will be courses offered at differing times in the months ahead. Keep your eye on our social media and the newsletter for details.

Beth Davies – Mission Coordinator