Bathurst Bishop Michael McKenna has issued a new pastoral letter, inviting people of his diocese to a deeper engagement in the life and mission of the Church. Source: Bathurst Diocese.
The title of the letter – We are the times: Participating in Communion for Mission – is inspired by a quote from St Augustine.
In the letter, Bishop McKenna reflects on today’s challenges and opportunities. It traces the journey of renewal within the Bathurst Diocese, beginning with Christ’s words to St Francis of Assisi – “rebuild my house” – which inspired the first Diocesan Assembly more than a decade ago.
From there, parish voices began shaping direction through a Pastoral Council and six working groups, which facilitated assemblies from 2015 to 2019. These gatherings focused on participation, communion and mission, particularly among young people, families, Indigenous Catholics, and parish communities.
Despite the pandemic and the demands of the national Plenary Council, signs of growth have continued, Bishop McKenna writes.
“We rejoice at the signs of growth we have seen so far, for example, in evangelisation and formation, especially among our young people,” he writes.
“As we take our next steps together, we know that true success is measured by our fidelity to God’s will and that how we carry out our mission together is more important than quick results.”
The pastoral letter outlines the next step: every parish will hold its own assembly in 2026.
As part of this pathway, formation will be offered during Lent 2026 for parish assembly teams, equipping them to lead the process effectively and foster deeper participation within their parish communities.
To begin this journey, each Bathurst parish is asked to host a penitential service during Advent, opening hearts to grace and setting a tone of humility and openness to the Holy Spirit.
The outcomes of the parish assemblies will help shape the diocesan direction moving toward 2027 and beyond.
Read Bishop McKenna’s pastoral letter on the Bathurst Diocese website.
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Bishop McKenna’s 2025 Pastoral Letter ‘We are the times‘ (Bathurst Diocese)
