MSC PARISHES MINISTRY ANNUAL GATHERING

With thanks for this report from Gerard McCormick MSC, Parish Committee - .and glimpses of people you may know.

A gathering of MSCs ministering in MSC in parishes took place at the Chevalier Resource Centre at Kensington from the 7th to the 8th of May. About 20 of us gathered from far afield as Darwin in the north to Hobart in the south. It was a good opportunity to come together and share our enthusiasm for parish mission.

There was sadness in knowing that in June this year the MSC will be departing from Hindmarsh parish after so many years. It was also a reminder to us of our diminishing numbers and of the reality that we cannot sustain all of our existing parishes over the near future. Nevertheless, we remained positive and focused on our mission. Despite the shortage of MSC available for parish ministry, we remained hopeful that our MSC spirituality remains relevant for our times.

Much of our conversation revolved around parish formation in MSC spirituality and there was a strong resolution that we should act upon this before the end of this year. Lay leadership in parishes also featured in our discussions. Various models of parish leadership will need to be explored, implemented and nurtured.

The gathering maintained a contemplative atmosphere. As well as the beautiful liturgies, there was plenty of opportunity for silence and reflection, which assisted our group sharing and discernment.

In his address at the beginning of the gathering, our provincial, Chris McPhee MSC, reminded us of the importance of our vision: ‘May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved’. The last session of our gathering was a forum in which Chris had the opportunity to enter into a fruitful conversation with those active in MSC parishes.

Many thanks to the MSC Parishes Committee who organised this gathering: Alo Lamere MSC (Kensington), Peter Hendricks (Nightcliff), Marian England (Kippax), Narita Perrotta (Hindmarsh-Findon), Dominic Gleeson MSC (Douglas Park), Bill Brady MSC (Hindmarsh-Findon).

Gerard McCormick MSC (Kippax)