Representatives of Port Macquarie, Macleay Valley and Wauchope parishes (including members of the clergy, schools and parish pastoral councils) gathered for the ‘Reimagining Church together in Mission’ conference in Port Macquarie on 22-23 September.

Facilitated by Dr Maeve Louise Heaney VDMF, Director of the Xavier Centre for Theological Formation* and Associate Professor at the Australian Catholic University (ACU), the two-day gathering was an initiative of the Lismore Diocese which focussed on working together through formation and co-responsibility. The conference was the second of two being run in the diocese, the first was held in Lismore earlier this year on 24-25 February.

During three theologically based sessions, Dr Heaney guided the diverse group of participants through topics such as Who are we as Church?, Shared Mission – Co-responsibility of Lay People, and Priestly Formation and Curia Reform.

Discussions touched on structure, systems and diversity within the Church, history, tradition, roles and responsibilities, the language we use, the formation of those in leadership, and the relevance of Church in community.

The atmosphere throughout the event amongst attendees from the three parishes was cordial and collegial, with excellent discussion of these complex topics bringing everyone closer to a shared understanding.

Beginning and ending with prayer, the conference gave all attendees much to consider.

The initial session and conference dinner was held at Rydges on Friday night while the follow up sessions were hosted at Newman Senior Technical College on Saturday 23 September. Each participant was presented with a certificate at the conclusion of the event.

* The Xavier Centre is part of the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at ACU, which offers a broad range of theological formation opportunities for lay persons, religious and clergy across Australia (acu.edu.au/xaviercentre)