Archbishop Christopher Prowse says the Archdiocesan Assembly heralds a new chapter for the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese. Source: Catholic Voice.
More than 550 people gathered at hubs in Canberra, Narooma, Goulburn, Cooma, Young and online on Saturday to celebrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit and explore new opportunities for evangelisation and synodality in the life and mission of the Church.
Chancellor Patrick McArdle said strong themes had emerged over the course of the weekend, with thousands of responses collected from the three sessions and grouped into convergences using Menti, an interactive presentation platform.
“In fact, the two things that were most dominant in the Menti programs were things that described aspects of relationship and aspects of sacrament – they were themes throughout the whole thing,” he said.
“And I guess in that there was a sense in which we were being asked to embrace our baptismal call in those two elements.”
The assembly was livestreamed to the regional hubs, with young people facilitating at each location.
“There has been a wonderful sense of listening and hospitality amongst us,” Archbishop Prowse said.
“Given the way we have done this – in a multi-modal way – there has been a sense of the entire archdiocese in representation being involved in this. That’s much more than we have ever thought or imagined.”
The assembly officially commenced on Friday evening, with an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil at St Christopher’s Cathedral, embedding the assembly in a foundation of prayerful reflection.
The assembly concluded on Sunday with a Mission Mass.
Archbishop Prowse said the Assembly was “the first step of many steps” and the “first assembly of many assemblies”.
A synthesis report from the Archdiocesan Assembly will be available on November 4.
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Assembly marks historic moment for Canberra and Goulburn Archdiocese, emphasising Community, Discipleship, and Evangelisation (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
