New journey for experienced educator
THE Catholic Diocese of Townsville has appointed Mark Fleming as a Parish Mission Renewal Advisor to assist parishes with implementing the Common Directions as part of the Becoming New in Christ parish mission renewal over the next 18 months.
Becoming New in Christ, the centrepiece of the Diocese’s parish renewal focus, is now in an implementation stage in parishes following the Diocesan Assembly in September 2021.
This has necessitated advisory roles to work alongside parishes in re-engaging parish communities on a renewed approach to the Church’s evangelising mission.
Mark comes to this role after many years of experience as a senior leader with Townsville Catholic Education schools and as an active parishioner of St Anthony’s Parish, Deeragun.
Bishop Tim Harris said Mark’s appointment to the role was an exciting time for the parish mission renewal journey.
“Mark brings a wealth of experience leading change in our Catholic schools and is keen to accompany parishes on a journey of renewal. He brings plenty of enthusiasm, optimism and credibility, which is important for assisting parishes to develop a laser-like focus on their mission and committing to it with fresh enthusiasm,” he said.
“We wanted someone who could successfully manage the complexities of parish renewal, understand the diversity in the Diocese and still bring a downto-earth approach to accompanying parishioners on this journey,” Bishop Harris said.
Geoff Gowdie, Director of Diocesan Mission Services, said, “the advisor role is a significant step forward in the Diocese supporting its parishes.”
“Having advisors in place to regularly work in parishes will fast track our commitments to revitalise the local church’s mission, affirming Jesus’ Great Commission at the heart of our Catholic faith - to go out and make disciples,” Mr Gowdie said.
Mark has spent the last month immersing himself in preparation for the task ahead, including meeting many parishioners and priests.
After the Parish Leadership Summit in mid-july, Mark and Geoff Gowdie will be actively working across the length and breadth of the Diocese.
“A major focus is building relationships and rapport with the priests and parishioners across our diocese. From there, we will be accompanying our parish councils and leadership teams on the journey of renewal,” Mr Fleming said.
Late last year, Bishop Tim released the Six Common Directions for parishes as a series of steps in resetting parish focus for mission in some critical areas.
“Through the Common Directions, we can support parishes across various ministries to make the whole experience much more enlivening, enabling us to draw closer to the mission activity Jesus had in mind for his people to live the Good News.”
“I think people will be both surprised and challenged with the ways that open up to bring vitality, joy and creative endeavours to the experience of Church.”
“I know how important this
work is and how vital Bishop Tim sees the taking of these directions for the mission-effectiveness of our parishes for the people of the north and northwest Queensland,” Mr Fleming said.