FIFTH PLENARY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
7. Responding to the call for a renewal of formation, the Plenary Council endorses principles and strategies that develop models of formation to encourage and strengthen the apostolate of the laity in the world. This apostolate offers a particular prophetic sign by seeking the common good and by concrete actions that protect and promote human dignity, peace and justice. Attentive to the ‘signs of the times’, movements of the lay apostolate, in their various forms, offer the baptised a way to reflect on the concrete experiences of their lives in the light of the Gospel and engage as missionary disciples in the world. As a means for formation, the apostolate of the laity is grounded in scriptural reflection, reception of the ecclesial wisdom of our tradition, and prayerful communal discernment. This formation shapes Christian engagement with the broader Australian community through listening and dialogue, and supports actions for the transformation of society through daily commitment and public witness.
8. In addressing these concerns for formation, it is important to consider and provide for both the needs of communities in this present time and the needs of the next generation. Particular attention is required to attend to the formation needs of regional and rural communities. Formation in faith and new forms of missionary discipleship lie at the heart of this Council’s work of planning for the future.
9. THEREFORE, to meet the formation needs of the present and future, the Plenary Council commits the Church in Australia to developing and committing to a culture of life-long faith formation that will ensure:
a. the diversity of the Catholic community is explicitly recognised;
b. intercultural competency is encouraged, especially in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and spiritualities;
c. the equal dignity of women and men is affirmed and demonstrated;
d. the renewal of faith formation within and for families in the context of the critical role that marriage, parenting, and care-giving plays as a school of formation, is prioritised and strengthened;
e. the apostolate of the laity, along with new ecclesial realities, acting as “leaven in the world,” (Lumen Gentium n. 31) is promoted, encouraged and supported;
f. the hopes, spirituality, giftedness, energy, and modes of communication and connection of young people are identified, incorporated, encouraged and celebrated;
g. ongoing support and strategies for those who minister to young people;
h. the rich variety of spiritual and devotional traditions of the Church are appreciated and celebrated; and
i. synodal practices such as encounter, accompaniment, listening, dialogue, discernment, and collaboration are fostered and deepened.
FIFTH PLENARY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
FORMATION AND LEADERSHIP FOR MISSION AND MINISTRY
DECREE
The Fifth Plenary Council decrees:
Article 1
That each diocese and eparchy develop or strengthen strategic policies grounded in fidelity to the Gospel and closeness to Jesus Christ, to identify and support ministry and leadership formation. These will:
a. acknowledge the generational, cultural and ethnic diversity of the contemporary Church in Australia;
b. recognise the changing community profile of many parish and faith communities, incorporating an awareness of and outreach to those beyond these communities;
c. enhance knowledge and skills for participating in local churches’ structures and processes for consultation, dialogue and decision-making;
d. address the particular needs of clergy, with focuses on initial formation and selection processes, and ongoing support and formation;
e. include strategies for initiation, ongoing formation and appropriate forms of mentoring and accompaniment (human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral) that foster collaboration and are grounded in adult education principles;
f. provide ongoing support and strategies for those who minister to young people;
g. support opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics to undertake formation and training, ensuring that local circumstances and social data are taken into account; and
h. consider avenues for financial support through scholarships, sponsorships and grants.
Article 2
That the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference commission the Australian Catholic Biblical Association and the Australian Catholic Theological Association to liaise with appropriate Catholic and diocesan agencies, institutions and educational providers in order to enhance cross-institutional engagement and development of resources and formation programs. The design of these resources and programs will carefully consider the needs of rural, remote, and regional areas and creatively assess the use of available technology in order to improve delivery and accessibility.
Article 3
That the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference establish a working group with expertise in formation to develop national Formation for Leadership strategies and guidelines designed for clergy, religious and lay leaders to address the possibilities and challenges of synodal
leadership in parishes and diocesan and eparchial agencies and support the Church’s work of evangelisation. These strategies and guidelines will:
a. have a national scope and be adaptable to local circumstances;
b. aim to enhance competencies in leadership and commitment to synodal practices, with a focus on building communities that are welcoming to all, with particular attention to those on the margins of society and the Church;
c. identify and promote models of effective engagement with government and civil society;
d. ensure leaders are formed in scripture, tradition and ecclesiology; and
e. foster a spirituality of leadership through personal and communal prayer, connection to the sacramental life of the church, and commitment to service
Article 4
That the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference establish a working group with expertise in Catholic Social Teaching to develop a national framework for formation in Catholic Social Teaching that will encourage, support and expand the offering of programs in Catholic Social Teaching. Situated within the broader teaching and mission of the Church, this framework will emphasise the social dimension of the Church’s mission, incorporating contemporary analysis of the Australian context, with a particular focus on the formation requirements of leaders in Catholic social service, health and aged care organisations, Catholic education and dioceses.
SOURCE
Australian Plenary Council, Formation and Leadership for Mission and Ministry