Executive Director’s Report: March 2025

This month’s newsletter is dedicated to Pope Francis, who of course is seriously ill in hospital in Rome.  Having had the privilege of meeting him a few times, I can say that his personal warmth is the greatest and most appealing of any public figure with whom I have been in contact. And he has been an amazing reformer in the Church, especially regarding the role of lay people.  Let’s pray that he makes a steady recovery and is with us for some years yet.

The Committee of RI and MPJP school authorities is very busy at present.  A new conversation paper has been developed by CORMSAA with Phil Billington as consultant, and this will be the basis for discussions in each of the states.  South Australia and Queensland Catholic Education are each developing proposals which give equal representation in governance to dioceses and RI MPJP representative groups.  These are wonderful and very Synodal initiatives, and follow on from arrangements in place already in South Australia, and more recently Victoria.

As I have worked in every sector of the Catholic Church, I am very interested in how formation works in each of the sectors.  It is quite different in parishes, schools, aged care and acute health.  Even the language used varies.  At the same time, some elements are shared by each sector and cross-sector understandings are very helpful. So I have submitted a possible Ted Talk for the Australian Catholic Education Conference named  Why does the Catholic Church exist?  Spoiler alert, it exists to form disciples, so formation is central to its core.  If the talk doesn’t get a run at the conference, and I understand competition is tight, you might see it here in a future edition!

The upcoming AMPJP Strategy and Planning meeting next week will be focussed on MPJPs moving  outward in their leadership in the Catholic Church.  Guest speaker John Warhurst will address the topic How can Canonical Stewards be leaders in the wider Catholic Church in Australia and New Zealand?

Researcher Ruth Powell will provide key updates on the state of the Catholic Church, religion and spirituality in Australia, along with current concerns of the wider Australian community.

Susan Pascoe will inform us of the latest news regarding the Inclusive Governance in a Synodal Church project.  This is bringing together MPJPs and similar organisations in the English-speaking world for the first time. It will provide insights into the number and type of MPJPs in each country, and why this model of governance has been chosen by many religious orders to continue their ministry.  Year 2 of the project will focus on formation.

As Ash Wednesday is today, we are now in Lent, a very special part of the year, which is meaningful for all of us.  It is a challenge for us to live differently, and to be extremely generous to people in need.   It is also a good time to reflect on the year-round generosity of so many in the MPJP governance community, who give so much of their time and energy to their MPJP and AMPJP.  That generosity helps us as a Church to share our faith with young people around Australia, and to care for people in need through our health, aged care, education and community services.  And the best part is that this Christian sacrifice and sharing is the key to true human happiness!

Photo credit for Pope Francis to hopehq.com.au