Australian News
Our National Deacons Conference will be held from 6 – 9 August, 2009 at the Caroline Chisholm Centre at Pennant Hills in the Diocese of Broken Bay. We thank Bishop David Walker and the Diocese for their generous sponsorship and encouragement. Also, we acknowledge and value sponsorship from the Manly Union and the Australian Catholic University. The conference, usually held every two years, was put off from last year because of World Youth Day. The National Committee of Deacons has spent many hours putting together a variety of well-known presenters and general organisation. At this time, our only concern has been the numbers that have registered, whether because of the present economic situation or the “swine flu” scare.
A positive for the diaconate in Australia was the recommendation of the Australian Catholic Council of Clergy Life and Ministry to the Bishops Commission for Church Ministry that a national conference be held on the formation of Permanent Deacons. This conference was held at MacKillop Place at North Sydney from 17-19 March to look at the development of the permanent diaconate, to identify basic standards, to review models of formation, to enhance communication strategies at national, diocesan and parish levels. Eighteen dioceses, including some who do not have permanent deacons, were represented by 29 participants. Several of the diocesan representatives were deacons along with Tony Aspinall, a member of the Australian Catholic Council for Clergy Life and Ministry, and Paul Simmons as the National Coordinator of the Permanent Diaconate. A number of recommendations were made and these will be presented at July’s Meeting of the ACCCLM.
This conference and its recommendations come at an appropriate time as the ACBC Guidelines for the Permanent Diaconate are to be reviewed for implementation in 2010.
Since April 2008, Anthony Gooley has done a great job of editing our newsletter – “AusDeacon News.” It is available on our website for your perusal. Past, as well as the current, editions are presented on our website at www.deacons.asn.au
Queensland News
A congregation of about 500 people were present at St Thomas’ Church in Mareeba – Cairns Diocese – on June 7, for the Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate of Ralph Madigan, a member of the local Muluridgi people. Bishop James Foley and 13 priests concelebrated the Mass, with Deacon Matt Ransom also present. Singing was provided by St Thomas’ Choir, at the first ordination to be held in the church. Parish priest, Father Robert Greenup assisted with the vesting of stole and dalmatic. Augustinian Provincial Fr Tony Banks as well as Frs Pat Fahey and Peter Hayes also travelled to Mareeba for this important milestone, not only for Ralph, but for the Diocese of Cairns and the permanent diaconate in Australia. Deacon Madigan assisted his parish priest in Mareeba as well as Dimbulah. After the ceremony, Ralph said that, “I will try to work closely with the Aboriginal people and have more Aboriginal Catholics becoming involved in the parish.” Congratulations, Ralph! Welcome!
Brisbane News
In late 2007, Archbishop John Bathersby called together a number of people and formed the “Diaconate Reference Group,” to discuss the ramifications of the direction of the Permanent Diaconate Program for the Brisbane Archdiocese. At the present time, the first draft of the Permanent Diaconate Directory has been reviewed and suggested changes being made.
Brisbane Anglican and Catholic deacons met together at St. Francis’ Anglican College recently, which has become a regular event. Russ Nelson initiated the event last year to be included at one of our regular diaconate meetings. This time the Anglican deacons were the hosts and a meaningful sharing of our particular ministries followed a wonderfully prepared meal. While we Catholic deacons order pizza, the Anglican women deacons supply “home-cooked.”
Thanks for the invitation to share our news with the Australian priests and bishops.
Take care!
Peter Olsen
