By Dr Chris Cotter, Direction of Mission and Pastoral Life
In his address opening our gathering in Shepparton last Saturday, Fr Jake Mudge noted that having regular diocesan formation events and gatherings was a high priority for the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council. Fr Jake also observed that the theme of the gathering, Building Communities of Belonging was all about love. I was struck by the profound simplicity of Fr Jake’s observation. Building Communities of Belonging speaks to both our human need to be loved and the heart of the Christian understanding of God.
In a word, “God is love”. God’s love is prior, it has been “poured into our hearts”, as St Paul reminds us (Romans 5:5), and it is also our goal, our destiny. And, as Catholic Christians, we are invited to work with the Holy Spirit and our fellow pilgrims on the way to build communities where everyone belongs and experiences the “loving kindness of the heart of our God” (Luke 1:78).
In our fractured age, which can be indifferent and even hostile to religious practice, communities of belonging are the entrée that people need first to be open to encountering Jesus, God’s love made flesh. It’s our deep need and the greatest gift we have been given.
I am deeply grateful for all who made our day in Shepparton possible, especially the building and grounds staff at Notre Dame College, our many diocesan volunteers and the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Life Team. Let us pray for all our parishes and faith communities as they strive to build communities of belonging.
Image above: Fr Jake Mudge (left) and Dr Chris Cotter (right) at the Diocesan Formation Gathering in Shepparton.
Dr Chris Cotter
Director, Mission and Pastoral Life
