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Council for Australian Catholic Women

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Nurturing Unity in Diversity

Last week the fourth colloquium exploring the identity and mission of Catholic Church-based organisations and agencies was held in Melbourne.  Its specific focus was Nurturing Unity in Diversity.

Through keynote addresses and guided conversations participants discussed common experiences and shared personal insights.  Keynote address 1 was offered by Archbishop Philip Wilson, Archbishop of Adelaide and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.  Archbishop Wilson challenged us to look at the values and virtues of diversity in unity.  In particular he named the virtues of FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY.  He asked, what do these virtues say to us even when we celebrate the diversity in our church?  Archbishop Wilson spoke of his wish to convene a plenary council in the hope of formulating a vision for the Church in Australia.

Chantelle Ogilvie, Justice and Peace Office, Archdiocese of Sydney, spoke on Younger Voices on Unity in Diversity.  In her superb address she reminded us to look to the Trinity.  To live meaningfully in the tension; to focus on relationship, stories, mission and witness.  

Kathy McEvoy, Director, Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Port Pirie also gave a marvelous and creative address.  During her presentation she shared a leadership mantra she had used when she was a principal in a school.  Each leadership team meeting would begin by identifying: Moments of Grace, Moments of Infinite Promise and Moments of Farce.

I had the pleasure of working with Fr Maurizio Pettenà, Director of the Australian Catholic Migrants and Refugee Office, in facilitating a conversation on Diversity in Church Agencies: Perspectives of women and migrants.  Many wonderful moments of grace and moments of infinite promise were identified by participants in these conversations.  There were also moments of farce and frustration discussed.  An outcome of these conversations is that we need to continue to share good news stories.  Stories of women that inspire; stories of migrant women who have expertise, experience and knowledge to offer our parishes if only given the chance.  Fr Maurizio asked the challenging question in relation to migrants in our parishes: "So often we say to migrants and refugees, what can I do to help you?...perhaps we should be asking….do you have expertise, experience or something you could offer our community?"

Congratulations to the colloquium organising team who once again provided an opportunity to explore a challenging topic.  The format of this experience enables people to be engaged at all times.  It was an energizing experience!  It was delightful to connect with such committed women and men who take seriously their role in contributing to the life and mission of the Church in various agencies and organizations.  Women and men who are committed to living and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ!

Do you have a moment of grace or moment of infinite promise regarding women in the church that we could include in the newsletter?  Please send your good news stories to Beth Doherty – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Best wishes for a wonderful week,
Kim Davis