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Dear Friends,
Parishioners often ask me whether I have settled in. Usually, I reply with a smile: “Not yet.
But I will one day. I still have six years ahead of me.” For sure, I have arrived at Baulkham
Hills, but I still need time to feel relaxed and enjoy. Currently, it is difficult to find a day off.
While our parish finance is still problematic, it is also important not to neglect the spiritual
dimension of our parish life. If the parish is an existential-relational space, then the parish
community exists in the human context. It is here that the evangelising work of the Church is
carried out. It is in environment where Sacraments are celebrated and where charity is
exercised, all with missionary zeal and authenticity. Essentially, the parish community is called to be a living sign of the proximity of Christ.
To become a living sign of Christ’ closeness, conversion is essential. It requires a significant
change in mentality and an interior renewal, especially among those entrusted with the
responsibility of stewardship and pastoral leadership. It is also clear that it does not pertain to the parish priest alone to carry out the transformation inspired by the Holy Spirit, since this involves the entire People of God.
Besides the occasional collaboration that every parishioner of good will may offer in the daily activities of the parish, there exist also stable appointments for service within the parish community.
According to Canon Law, all parish committees cease with the departing parish priest. It is the task of the incoming parish priest to establish new committees.
The Parish Financial Committee (PFC) and Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) are two distinguished stable bodies of collaborative parish leadership. The administration of goods, which every parish has to some extent, is an important area of evangelisation and evangelical witness.
According to the guideline, “the members of this Council must be of proven good reputation, and expert in financial and legal questions, so as to render an effective and
competent service.”
After many and long consultations, I am pleased to appoint following parishioners to the PFC:
• Paul Waite (chair, cpa and retired managing director of large retail organisations),
• Wendy Small (cpa),
• Gregory Almeida (marketing specialist),
• Greg Baker (actuary),
• Glen Machado (financial advisor) and
• Peter Bolton (long-term parishioner and cpa).
I wish to thank the appointees for their readiness to assist our parish. The first PFC meeting will take place on 4th November at 8pm. As part of the new transparency, a summary of the monthly PFC meeting will be published afterwards.
Together with Maria Harrison and Nick Redden, I am still working on the formation of the
new PPC. I hope that the appointments will be finalised in the second week of November when the new Parish Pastoral Council will also gather for its first meeting. A summary of the meeting will be published afterwards. The theological significance of PPC is inscribed in the
constitutive reality of the Church, that is, in her being “the Body of Christ”, that generates a
“spirituality of communion”. To render its structure synodal and collaborative, each PPC
member will coordinate a “portfolio”.
There are eight portfolios in total:
1) Parish renewal;
2)Maintenance and property;
3) Liturgy;
4) Parish social well-being;
5) Mission;
6) Youth/young adults;
7) Creation and stewardship;
8) Ecumenism.
These portfolios honour and reflect the diversity of charisms and ministries needed for our parish. Every PPC member participates in the mission of the parish and acts in reciprocal co-responsibility for the building up of the whole parish community and, at the same time, the whole People of God.
I will keep you informed on the progress.
May I also ask that you book these parish upcoming events in your diary:
1) Advent Biblical studies on the Nativity and Infancy of Jesus in the New Testament on 3 / 10/ 17 December at 7.30pm (Downey room). Please RSVP your attendance as there are limited places.
2) Parish Christmas Carols on 7th December from 6.30-9pm on the “green pasture” behind the church.
I would appeal to all parish choirs to contribute to this parish community building event. All
parishioners are also invited to form spontaneous “choirs” for this evening. We also need
volunteers and helpers. Please contact the parish office at admin@parishofbaulkhamhills.org,au for further details.
Fr Joe
Joseph Lam PhD STD
Parish Priest
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