Every one of us contributes to the life of this community. In all sorts of ways. Some ministries are obvious. Many are not. Some are named. Many, if not most, go on day to day wherever we find ourselves caring and sharing kindness.
The Parish Advisory Council is a ministry within the parish.
We are a group of ten parishioners: Fr Martinho da Costa, Fr Matthew Tonini, Christine Clarke, Jane Connolly, Steph Unger, Cara Fox, Michael Kearney, Warren Fields, Paul Jensen, Anne-Marie Maw.
We meet monthly. We have an agenda. We record minutes. We share a bite to eat. We have a section on Parish website.
We listen, share, pray and discern. We seek to know our community, its story, what’s emerging - locally and in the wider church. Above all, we seek to enable our community to flourish true to our mission and our Carmelite focus on PRAYER, COMMUNITY and SERVICE.
2024 sees a particular emphasis on COMMUNITY. We are people first. Conversation/story sharing strengthen connection and inclusion. Our ministry formation sessions and Carmel Conversations have been very well attended this year. Our first Carmel Conversation focused on two questions: Who are we? What do we value? There was no formal input. The responses came directly from the floor. You value:
Our next Carmel Conversation is in August and has a focus on SYNODALITY.
The Parish Advisory Council is a great supporter and encourager of initiatives that arise from the community for the community: The ministry formation program. Christmas in July. Our Community Celebration weekends incorporating our much-loved family masses. The Mt Carmel Community night. The East Deanery session presented here by Bishop Tim Norton. Our Feast Day Celebration.
We were very excited to feature our longstanding OLMC Family Groups in our Feast Day celebrations. To think that they formed back in the 1980s and three continue today! They are communities within our community and their story is our story. The Parish Advisory Council looks forward to fostering further such opportunities to highlight and celebrate our community. We grow our church from the ground up. Your suggestions are welcome.
The Parish Advisory Council provides important co-leadership support for Fr Martinho and Fr Matthew and assists as needed with the Finance, and Plant and Resources Committee.
We are currently in a process of prayerful review and discernment in relation to the role, purpose and membership of Parish Advisory Council. We will keep you updated over coming months.
Thanks to everyone involved in active ministry in the parish, seen or unseen.
Thanks to everyone who shows love, care and kindness to other people here or elsewhere.
And, if life is not so good for you at the moment, for whatever reason, know that you are held by our community. You are loved.
Christ has no body now but ours.
Christine Clarke (Chair) OLMC Parish Advisory Council
The Parish Advisory Council is a ministry within the parish.
We are a group of ten parishioners: Fr Martinho da Costa, Fr Matthew Tonini, Christine Clarke, Jane Connolly, Steph Unger, Cara Fox, Michael Kearney, Warren Fields, Paul Jensen, Anne-Marie Maw.
We meet monthly. We have an agenda. We record minutes. We share a bite to eat. We have a section on Parish website.
We listen, share, pray and discern. We seek to know our community, its story, what’s emerging - locally and in the wider church. Above all, we seek to enable our community to flourish true to our mission and our Carmelite focus on PRAYER, COMMUNITY and SERVICE.
2024 sees a particular emphasis on COMMUNITY. We are people first. Conversation/story sharing strengthen connection and inclusion. Our ministry formation sessions and Carmel Conversations have been very well attended this year. Our first Carmel Conversation focused on two questions: Who are we? What do we value? There was no formal input. The responses came directly from the floor. You value:
- Carmelite spirituality
- Quality/variety of liturgy/prayer experience
- Range of ministries – avenues of involvement
- Voice of women and laypeople – heard and valued
- Sense of belonging
- Silence and contemplation
- Shared personal responsibility to build community.
Our next Carmel Conversation is in August and has a focus on SYNODALITY.
The Parish Advisory Council is a great supporter and encourager of initiatives that arise from the community for the community: The ministry formation program. Christmas in July. Our Community Celebration weekends incorporating our much-loved family masses. The Mt Carmel Community night. The East Deanery session presented here by Bishop Tim Norton. Our Feast Day Celebration.
We were very excited to feature our longstanding OLMC Family Groups in our Feast Day celebrations. To think that they formed back in the 1980s and three continue today! They are communities within our community and their story is our story. The Parish Advisory Council looks forward to fostering further such opportunities to highlight and celebrate our community. We grow our church from the ground up. Your suggestions are welcome.
The Parish Advisory Council provides important co-leadership support for Fr Martinho and Fr Matthew and assists as needed with the Finance, and Plant and Resources Committee.
We are currently in a process of prayerful review and discernment in relation to the role, purpose and membership of Parish Advisory Council. We will keep you updated over coming months.
Thanks to everyone involved in active ministry in the parish, seen or unseen.
Thanks to everyone who shows love, care and kindness to other people here or elsewhere.
And, if life is not so good for you at the moment, for whatever reason, know that you are held by our community. You are loved.
Christ has no body now but ours.
Christine Clarke (Chair) OLMC Parish Advisory Council
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