22 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2024 Rev. Jake Mudge “The term ‘ongoing formation’ is a reminder that the one experience of discipleship of those called to priesthood is never interrupted.” From Each year, Clergy Life and Ministry Sandhurst coordinates a February gathering and a September gathering for clergy in the Diocese. Every second year, a retreat is conducted in June for the entire presbyterate. Along with “initial formation” (that which occurs formally in the seminary) priestly training, in keeping with other professions, is considered lifelong or “ongoing”. Documents on priestly training remind us: “The term ‘ongoing formation’ is a reminder that the one experience of discipleship of those called to priesthood is never interrupted. The priest not only ‘learns to know Christ’ but, under the action of the Holy Spirit, he finds himself within a process of gradual and continuous configuration to Him, in his being and his acting, which constantly challenges the person to inner growth. One must constantly feed the ‘fire’ that gives light and warmth to the exercise of the ministry, remembering that, “the heart and form of the priest’s ongoing formation is pastoral charity’. Ongoing formation is intended to ensure a continuing journey of conversion, in order to rekindle the gift received at ordination. This journey is the natural continuation of the process of building up priestly identity begun in Seminary and accomplished sacramentally in priestly ordination, in view of a pastoral service that causes it to mature over time.” (USCCB Ongoing Formation, 72, foll. Ratio, 82.) In 2024, those priests born overseas and ministering in the Diocese gathered in Moama from the 19-22 February to share rest, conference time and ongoing formation. We were fortunate to have Robyn Abbott (St Therese’s Parish, Kennington) and Diane Teitzel (St Brendan’s Parish, Shepparton) to assist with the program, which included updates on pa rish administration and life. Peter Trendos and Cameron Fraser shared with the clergy including an update on the life of the Diocese and the many ways that the Chancery supports parishes. In September, staff from Catholic Education Sandhurst, led by Sam Dowling and Tanya Mullane, facilitated a workshop titled “Crucial Conversations” for the entire presbyterate. The program, established in America, assists participants in reflecting on strategies for difference levels of conversation required in professional, pastoral and personal interactions. In 2025, the clergy of the Diocese will be fortunate to have three opportunities to meet: in February 2025 some of the newly ordained members of the Diocese will gather; followed be whole-presbyterate retreats and conferences in June and September. In 2025, Clergy Life and Ministry will also work to incorporate the newly promulgated Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals for the Diocese. Director Diocesan Clergy Life and Ministry Rev. Jacob Mudge Director Diocesan Clergy Life and Ministry
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ0MTI=