Does your parish ...
maximise its effectiveness through collaboration?
Alongside missionary vision and leadership excellence, the art of collaboration is something that can contribute effectively towards the vitality of our parishes.
As part of the Take the Way of the Gospel invitation, parishes are being invited on a journey of collaboration, to enliven their sense of having a shared mission that doesn’t stop at the parish boundary. Looking at how different parishes can work together is about more than simply the equitable distribution of spiritual, ministerial, and material resources—as crucial as that is. It is also about ensuring a greater effectiveness in sharing the Gospel in our time and place.
It is about looking outwards and finding partners that can maximise our missionary efforts.
Some parishes have already started working with their neighbours, sharing services, co-funding a position, or collaborating in a joint pastoral program or service.
Other parishes are collaborating with a Catholic health, aged care or social services partner, offering land or property to begin or expand community services.
Many parishes are looking at the vibrant parish schools in their midst and wondering how to better connect with them and how to connect the school families to the Mass community. Some parishes and schools have started piloting strategies.
Looking to increase collaboration is going to be critical as the shape of our parishes continues to change.
For those who have discerned the need to amalgamate or be partnered under the leadership of one Parish Priest, collaboration is key to navigating the new and shared identity they must discover together.