Roving ambassador seeks heartfelt responses from regions

AS the lead up to Australia’s first ever Plenary Council starts, North Queensland’s Catholic community has had a special visitor.

Plenary Council facilitator Lana Turvey- Collins toured the region from June 6- 9, meeting with representatives across Ayr, Bowen, Ingham and Townsville. In March, Pope Francis gave his approval for the Catholic Church to hold the first Plenary Council — the most significant national gathering that can be held — in Australia in more than 80 years.

The meeting held in 2020 will include the entire Church in Australia — bishops, clergy, religious and lay faithful — with the intention of shaping the future course of the Catholic Church across the country.

The council will have legislative power to mould practices within the Australian Catholic Church and everyone will be allowed a voice.

Ms Turvey- Collins said throughout the different regions of the diocese, her visit extended an open invite for people from parishes, Catholic schools, social services and health groups to come together to get an introduction to the plenary council. “It was also initiated so the community could experience the listening and dialogue concept in Townsville together. From these responses, we will build the plenary council agenda.

The gatherings were held across Ayr, Ingham and Townsville and saw 139 people attend.

The question being posed to all Catholic’s for the 2020 meeting is - What do you think god is asking of us in Australia at this time?

Ms Turvey- Collins said people are invited to speak freely from their heart and mind in response to the question. “This process is designed for everybody,” she said.