Archbishop's Office for Evangelisation

Plenary Council 2020

The last time the Catholic Church in Australia held a Plenary Council was in 1937. It has been more than 80 years since we gathered all of the Church together and much has changed. In 2020, we will have a Plenary Council about the future of the Catholic Church in Australia. What are we called to do? Who are we called to be? How do we need to change?

Christian Leadership in the 21st Century

Wednesdays 9, 16, 23, 30 May --- The Archbishop’s Office for Evangelisation Melbourne is hosting a four-week lecture series on Christian leadership for the 21st-century context. Explore scripture, church history, pastoral research and the joys and challenges of leading in a changing environment. Speakers include Dr Trudy Dantis, Ms Cathy Jenkins, Rev. Dr Kevin Lenehan, Rev. Dr Francis Moloney SDB and Rev. Dr Max Vodola.

‘Your God is too small’: The Pope’s astronomer putting faith in science

Thursday 26 April --- "Your God is too small," Br Guy Consolmagno posited to his audience. Br Guy is the President of the Vatican Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical research institutions in the world. "Now we have a universe that is 13.8 billion light years in every direction and bigger than that is the God that made it. But it’s still a God that acts out of love, beauty and joy. ... It’s not because of my science I believe in God but it is because of my God I believe in science."

Sparks of Beauty Program 2018

In his message at the annual meeting of Pontifical Academies, Pope Francis spoke of ‘sparks of beauty and love’ as necessary to heal and mend humanity. In dialogue with speakers from a variety of fields – art, science, music, literature, sport – the Sparks of Beauty series seeks to encourage a new imagining to Catholic spirituality in 21st century Australia. In 2018, the Sparks of Beauty program has taken place in some of Melbourne's most notable locations – the purpose of which is to encourage conversations about spirituality and faith outside of the usual spaces and 'in the marketplace'.

Sparks of Beauty kicks off at the NGV

Saturday 10 February --- The Sparks of Beauty series kicked off at the National Gallery of Victoria, with David Menzies noting that for some, art galleries are 'the cathedrals of the modern world'... These spaces provide a portal into the spiritual world too, as they offer an entry point to pondering the great mysteries of life.

Professional Development opportunities for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

Lay Ecclesial Ministers, just like the ordained, need and deserve formation of high standards that will provide them with the necessary skills and resources to adequately minister to the community they serve within. These professional development days and retreats cover a range of topics including responding to family violence, praying with the psalms, developing a spirituality of encounter and accompanying those on a journey of grief and loss.

Pastoral Notes and Prayers for Parish Communities

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has proclaimed the days from Ash Wednesday until the Saturday after Ash Wednesday 2018 as days of fasting and reparation in sorrow for child sexual abuse and for the healing of victims. To support parishes, the following resources have been prepared and may be adapted according to the needs of the local community. They include sample penitential liturgies, prayers, litanies and prayer sheets.

2018 Commissioning Mass for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

Wednesday 7 February @ ACU Chapel --- All pastoral associates, pastoral workers and lay chaplains are invited to join us at the annual commissioning mass for Lay Ecclesial Ministers, to be celebrated by Archbishop Denis Hart. Following the mass, we invite you to stay for an afternoon tea.

Pastoral Notes for Parishes

The release of the final report from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will stir a range of emotions amongst parishioners. To support parishes who may wish to prepare a message regarding the report, we have prepared a sample bulletin notice and intercessory prayers which may be of assistance.

2017 LEM Thanksgiving Mass & Christmas Luncheon

Over 50 Lay Ecclesial Ministers gathered for the annual LEM Christmas gathering. Archbishop Hart celebrated mass and thanked all the LEMs for their continued service and faith witness to those in parishes, prisons and hospitals. Following lunch, the Archbishop presented certificates to all who have received accreditation in 2017, as well as those who will be retiring from ministry.

2018 Planning and Events

Many parishes have already begun planning and thinking about their formation and offerings in 2018. To assist, we have prepared a '2018 calendar planning tool' for parishes to download and adapt (MS Word). These templates have been prepared as a free, editable resource and are pre-designed and populated with the liturgical seasons, memorials and major feast days.

Plenary Council 2020

Christian Leadership in the 21st Century

‘Your God is too small’: The Pope’s astronomer putting faith in science

Sparks of Beauty Program 2018

Sparks of Beauty kicks off at the NGV

Professional Development opportunities for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

Pastoral Notes and Prayers for Parish Communities

2018 Commissioning Mass for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

Pastoral Notes for Parishes

2017 LEM Thanksgiving Mass & Christmas Luncheon

2018 Planning and Events

Watching & Waiting: Advent Daily Reflections

Video: How to use The Summit Online

Preparing for the Year of Youth

The Reader of God’s Word: 10 tips to improve your proclamation

Catechist Support and Resources

Resource: Exploring the Creed

Opening to the sacred in presence and absence

Opening to the sacred in presence and absence

Preparing for the Season of Advent

Celebrating the Extraordinary Month of Mission

Sparks of Beauty: Sacred Spaces