New Parish Planning Resources to help parishes develop a parish Mission and Pastoral Plan to implement the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals.
On Pentecost Sunday, as the Church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Christian community, Fr Brian Boyle, Diocesan Administrator, will promulgate new Parish Planning Resources designed to help parishes to develop a parish Mission and Pastoral Plan to implement the Sandhurst Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals 2024–2028 (SMP Goals) . In other words, renew their mission, and plan intentionally for the future, in line with the goals discerned across the Diocese in 2023 and 2024. Strategic Mission and Pastoral Goals.
Pentecost is a fitting moment for launching this next step in the life of the Diocese. It is the feast of movement, courage and renewal – the moment the risen Christ breathed upon the Church and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). The fearful disciples became a people sent outward. The Church was born not to stand still, but to go forth.
In the words of St Paul:
"There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit … The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose” (1 Corinthians 12:3-7).
The new resources invite parishes to prayerfully discern the gifts already present in their communities and to shape them into a clear Parish Mission and Pastoral Plan aligned with the SMP Goals .
Developed by the Office of Mission and Pastoral Life (OMPL) at the Chancery, the resources provide a step-by-step guide through a practical and spiritual planning process grounded in synodality, Conversations in the Spirit and shared discernment.
This is an invitation into mission renewal.
The resources aim to help parishes move from good intentions to intentional action, identifying priorities, listening deeply to one another, discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit and developing practical plans for mission in their local context.
The hope is not simply that parishes produce a document, but that communities are strengthened and renewed for the mission of Jesus, reaching both parishioners and the wider community, “deeper and wider”.
This planning process was requested by the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst, Shane Mackinlay as part of the Diocesan Formation Support Plan and reflects the Diocese’s commitment to becoming more intentional, synodal and mission focused.
Fr Brian Boyle has confirmed the expectation that all parishes will have at least a draft Mission and Pastoral Plan, or progress report, within twelve months of the resources being released – by Pentecost 2027.
To support parishes on the journey, OMPL will host four live online “unpacking” sessions via Zoom on 3 and 4 June, offering participants the opportunity to unpack the resources and ask questions about the planning process. Participants are encouraged to explore the resources before the online sessions.
Parishes are also strongly encouraged to consider accompaniment throughout the planning process by Parish Companions – facilitators who can walk alongside communities as they discern their way forward.
Assistant Director of Mission and Pastoral Life, Geoff Gowdie, says accompaniment will be an important part of ensuring the process is not simply administrative, but genuinely prayerful, collaborative and life-giving.
Like the first Pentecost, renewal begins not with certainty, but with openness – listening for the Spirit amid the noise, trusting that God is already at work among His people.
The image of Pentecost is one of a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire – signs of a Church awakened and sent out with renewed purpose.
These Parish Planning Resources are offered in that same spirit: as a way forward for parishes seeking renewal, clarity and hope for the future.
Online “Unpacking the Resources” Sessions
Parish Leaders are encouraged to attend one of the four online information sessions.
Wednesday 3 June at 10:00 am or 6.00 pm
or
Thursday 4 June at 10.00 am or 6.00 pm.
To register please go to Trybooking.
Download the Flyer.
For questions, please email the Office of Mission and Pastoral Life at the Chancery.
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