Vatican II emphasised the image of the Church as ‘The People of God’ who walk together, laity and hierarchy, in fulfilling their common Baptismal right and obligation to “Go out to all the world and tell the Good News”.
Pope Francis has given new impetus for us to become this sort of Church, which has been described as “synodal”. He convoked a “Synod on Synodality”, consisting of two Assemblies – one last year and the other later this year, building on widespread consultation among the People of God. Whereas, hitherto, such Synods consisted only of Bishops with the Pope, the current Synod also includes Priests, Religious and Laity, men and women. Pope Francis, in the spirit of Vatican II and the early Church, is calling for the whole Church to operate in a synodal manner. This presents serious implications and challenges for parishes.
In our June Carmelite Conversations we will try to reflect on, explore and discuss these implications and challenges. We will stimulate our reflection and conversation by drawing on an interview by esteemed ABC journalist, Geraldine Doogue with renowned Czech Priest and Theologian, Tomáš Halik, with well known Australian Jesuit Priest, Frank Brennan.
(This article from THE TABLET may be of interest as background reading for our conversation).
About the facilitator: Paul Cahill joined the Carmelites in 1968 and was ordained a priest in 1974. He has ministered in parishes, in secondary school (Whitefriars College) and in province leadership. As Prior Provincial of the Carmelites, he was a member of the Plenary Council of the Australian Catholic Church in 2021-2022. He is currently Prior of the Port Melbourne Carmelite Community and Parish Priest of Port Melbourne-Middle Park.
All are welcome to join. Please book below and make your contribution to the cost of providing these events through the link provided.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87113263503?pwd=SXNWeUFuclRYalM5RkN3b2kvcW5EUT09
Meeting ID: 871 1326 3503
Passcode: 940336
Dates and presenters for first Wednesdays in 2024
3 July – Dr Michelle Jones – St Therese of Lisieux: Radiant Light for Theology
7 August – Matthew Tonini OCarm – Discernment on the Carmelite Way
4 September – Paul Sireh OCarm – Melanesian Indigenous Spirituality
2 October – Daryl Moresco – St Titus Brandsma on the Mystery of God’s Nearness
6 November – Emily Rudov – Exploring the Carmelite spirituality of and entering the silence with Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
4 December – Patricia Greene – John of the Cross
