13 August 2021 · 2021-08 newsletter
20 July 2021
It was important for Schoenstatt to participate in a Zoom meeting organised by the ACBC’s Bishop’s Commission for Evangelisation, Laity, and Ministry on 20th July. 87 computers were involved in this first meeting of its kind. Archbishop Christopher Prowse (Canberra-Goulburn), chair of BCELM, and Archbishop Julian Porteous (Hobart) and about three from the office of the Commission participated with representatives from ecclesial communities around Australia.
The aim of the meeting was to enable representatives from the various ecclesial communities active in Australia to engage in conversation with the Bishops. With this in mind the question which was the focus for the first hour of the conversation was: “How can the Bishops’ Commission nurture and support your life and mission?”
It was not possible to determine all the communities which were represented nor from which States. In one report it was said that there were 50 communities present. The communities which I noted included: Emmanuel Community; Servants of Jesus, Focolare, Marriage Encounter, Knights of the Southern Cross, Catalyst for Renewal; Latin Mass (a strong representation from Perth), Charismatic Renewal, Verbum Dei, Fraternas, Schoenstatt…
The meeting was opened with a reflection on the parable of the Sower and the seed and some words of introduction by Archbishop Prowse. He said that he was hoping to build “relationships between the bishops and the various ecclesial movements, and through this we’ll be able to work closer together, more in harmony with one another and together advance the life and mission of the Church in Australia”.
A representative from the Verbum Dei community was invited to give an answer to this question from their perspective. They introduced their community which consists of priests, consecrated laity and families. They offer retreats, seminars etc, to help the faithful understand and live the Gospel. The main point in direct answer to the question was that the Bishops need to know us and our charisms; how we work and what we have to offer the Church.
We then moved into breakout groups – I was in a group of 5 computers (7 people): The leader of the Emmanuel Community in Brisbane, and then the rest of us were from Sydney: Two consecrated women from Verbum Dei (one of whom had given the input), a woman from Catalyst for Renewal (Bondi), a couple from the Servants of Jesus (Seven Hills) and myself.
In addition to sharing a little about our communities our main point was a confirmation of what had been presented concerning the need for the Bishops to get to know the communities and our charisms. An additional point was that the Bishops should see to it that the priests are also informed about the value of and contribution that ecclesial communities can make within a parish or diocese. It was felt that this was important in an effort to try to eliminate the hesitation of many priests to embrace the good works of the various communities. It was acknowledged that many communities are directed towards their own formation and that there is sometimes tension between the parishes and the communities. However, it was pointed out that the communities are also offering formation and events to help support the wider Church.
Four of the about 17 groups reported after the small breakout group discussions with basically the same result: the Bishops need to know, acknowledge and accept the ecclesial communities, their charismas and the valuable contributions they are making to the life of the Church.
The second hour focussed on the question: How can we support each other so as to enhance the life and impact of the ecclesial communities?
Shayne Bennett from the Emmanuel Community was invited to respond to this question. Apart from the importance of acknowledging the good in the other communities and accepting and appreciating each other’s charisms Shayne pointed to the possibility of doing mission work with each other. He stressed three points which the Charismatic Renewal are working towards:
- Spiritual renewal
- Mission to the poor
- Ecumenism – unity
The same format was used in this second hour as in the first – breakout groups and reporting from four groups.
After the reporting from the second round of discussions, Keith Linard, who has been actively involved in Focolare for years, was invited to respond. The following proposals were among what Keith offered:
- It is important to have a national and diocesan directory of ecclesial communities.
- It would be helpful if the local ordinary would affirm the ecclesial communities in his diocese. However, he also pointed out that this affirmation should be mutual – the ecclesial communities should also affirm their bishop.
- An annual movement expo, sponsored by the Bishops, could aid understanding and information to our local churches regarding ecclesial communities. Having such an Expo sponsored by the Bishops would encourage all movements to participate.
This two hour encounter with the bishops was concluded with some words of encouragement by Archbishop Porteous followed by a prayer and his blessing. It was obvious that the Archbishop was a supporter of the ecclesial movements and it will be good for Schoenstatt to keep in touch with further discussions at this level of exchange with the Bishop’s Commission for Evangelisation, Laity, and Ministry.
– Sr. M. Elizabeth
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