The Jesuits are returning to Brisbane as part of a new “community of communities” approach to ministry. Source: The Catholic Leader.
From the start of 2024, three experienced Jesuit priests will serve within a new configuration of Toowong, St Lucia and Indooroopilly parishes.
The move, agreed to by the head of the Australia Province of the Society of Jesus and Brisbane, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, will reconnect worshippers with the society that established a presence in St Ignatius parish, Toowong, more than a century ago.
Six years ago the Jesuits withdrew from St Ignatius because the province did not have enough men to serve as parish priests in nine parishes across the country.
Since then, the Jesuits have been looking for ways to return to Brisbane, according to Socius to the Provincial, Fr Paul Mullins SJ.
“It’s an exciting initiative on behalf of the Archdiocese to try this new configuration, which is what they’re doing in many parishes in other parts of Australia and overseas,” Fr Mullins said.
Archbishop Coleridge said the return of the Jesuits was initiated by the Society’s Provincial, Fr Quyen Vu.
He said the Jesuit presence would not be the same as it was when they were in charge of the parish of Toowong.
Instead, three priests will live at St Lucia and provide ministry within a new “community of communities” (Toowong, St Lucia, Indooroopilly and the University of Queensland).
“I was even more pleased when the Provincial told me that the three coming to Brisbane would be Fr Greg Jacobs SJ, Fr Paul Fyfe SJ and Fr Frank Brennan SJ,” Archbishop Coleridge said.
“Fr Frank needs no introduction and returns to the place where he grew up – he will be superior of the community and continue his invaluable work.
“Fr Greg and Fr Paul have in recent times been pastors, respectively, in Parramatta and Sydney, and bring to us a wealth of experience – they will provide the sacramental and pastoral care of the communities.”
FULL STORY
Return of the Jesuits: a new ‘community of communities’ for Brisbane (By Mark Bowling, The Catholic Leader)
