Clergy Ongoing Formation, Reflection, Support: Pre-Easter Gathering

March 2021

Each year there is a program of professional development, formation, reflection time and communal prayer for all clergy. Depending on topics and availability, they can also include other leaders and parish personal, Bishop’s House staff and/or school principals. At times, professionals are invited into share their knowledge about particular topic, eg health professionals or Diocesan or Education staff. 

There are four times in a year which are set aside to gather. January, a time of theological formation; Pre-Easter, prayer and spiritual formation; Mid-Year (August), directed retreat; and in October, further professional development. 

Topics in the last twelve months have included safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, ministry practices, health and wellbeing issues, supervision processes, appraisals, amongst many others. They are about simply improving the ministry and life of the person and how they integrate them into life in general. 

In January we gather at the Duhig Centre at Bishop’s House and at the other times, The Haven Retreat Centre at Emu Park. Each day there is time for gathering in prayer and for Eucharist, reflection times, discussions and sharing conversations over meals are always important

Each gathering has someone different to lead us depending on the topic of reflection. The most recent gathering in March was to reflect and prepare for Easter. In the Day one reflection: “Being led by the Holy Spirit”, Mr Shayne Bennett, a formator at Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane and the Director of NET Ministries, helped us reflect upon the journey. Due to the pandemic last year, these events were held over ‘zoom’ meetings, how blessed we are that we could gather in person this year.

In the afternoons time was set aside for reflection upon the Year of St Joseph which Pope Francis has called us to celebrate. Each day, a total of six parishioners from locally and around the diocese were invited to share what and how St Joseph has inspired them in their journey of faith. It was a very sacred time of sharing and listening to their stories. We gathered with them for a meal afterwards and some refreshments on the veranda overlooking the bay. All clergy are invited to all the gatherings, to share in these days of prayer, reflection, formation, and to catch up. They are such an important part of the presbyterate and journeying together. 

Thank you to all our parish communities who are so supportive of our priests and who take on a little extra to allow our priests to gather over these days and to those who help in preparing and making these days possible.

Fr Matthew Moloney

Director, Clergy Life & Ministry