AMPJP Executive Officer’s report on April 2022

Alleluia – Christ lives and so do we

Obviously, Easter dominated the past month. The series of public holidays distorted the pattern of work. More importantly, the Easter story of fidelity, struggle, death and resurrection refocused my view of the world.

As the new Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, was in Newcastle for Easter, I took the opportunity to meet with him. He generously gave me an hour of his time. I explained Ministerial PJPs, their role in the Australian Church and their significance for the universal Church. He said that this was new information for him and I hope it helps his work in Australia.

My spiritually rich month was boosted by my participation in the International Ignatian Eco-spiritual Conference (25-30 May 2022). This online conference was pretty much a retreat with daily spiritual exercises to be completed in nature and a small group twice a day that supported participants appreciate the movements of the Spirit.

The AMPJP Formation Committee met on 12 April 2022 via videoconference. This was a very productive meeting. The Committee updated the AMPJP Formation Framework resource list. There was also progress made on planning State-based face-to-face wisdom circle gatherings (Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane). At the Committee’s May 2022 meeting they will confirm the dates and program for these gatherings. We chose these locations as they seemed convenient to most Canonical Stewards:

From Pope Francis’ Easter Message 2022 

Jesus, the Crucified One, is risen!

He stands in the midst of those who mourned him,

locked behind closed doors

and full of fear and anguish.

He comes to them and says:

“Peace be with you!” (Jn 20:19).

He shows the wounds in his hands and feet,

and the wound in his side.

He is no ghost; it is truly Jesus,

the same Jesus who died on the cross

and was laid in the tomb.

Before the incredulous eyes of the disciples,

he repeats: “Peace be with you!” (v. 21).

As we contemplate those glorious wounds,

our incredulous eyes open wide;

our hardened hearts break open

and we welcome the Easter message:

“Peace be with you!”

Brothers and sisters,

let us allow the peace of Christ

to enter our lives, our homes, our countries!

 

New website content:

New content on Events page:

• Laudato si’ Week 22-29 May 2022
• Environment and Economics: Everything is Connected Webinar 24 May 2022
• Conference: Being the Community Christ Calls Us To Be 26-28 May 2022
• Company Director Course 2022 (from 12 Oct 2022)

New content on News page:

• Easter and AMPJP (posted 14 April 2022)
• Engaging your faith online series (posted 18 April 2022)
• Waking in the Spirit towards the Plenary Council (posted 29 April 2022)

Featured art: Resurrection by Jyoti Sahi