Archbishop praises clergy maturity and creativity

ARCHBISHOP Christopher today sent a letter to all clergy praising them for their “priestly maturity and pastoral creativity”.

The Archbishop wrote that he wanted his priests “to feel my esteem for you all” as they continue to respond to challenges to their ministry from COVID-19 restrictions.

And he cautioned the health pandemic was far from over, while assuring clergy of his constant prayers.

Up to 60 priests and deacons who work in the Archdiocese are meeting online for their annual clergy assembly today and tomorrow.

The Archbishop’s letter was accompanied by a letter of encouragement signed off by all Australian Bishops to priests across the country.

Entitled “Remembrance and Gratitude”, the Bishops’ letter marks the bicentenary of the arrival of the first official Catholic chaplains to Australia.

In his letter, Archbishop Christopher wrote:

“For myself personally, I do want you to feel my esteem for you all.  I have been really impressed with the priestly maturity and pastoral creativity so many of you have demonstrated in these times.

“We are far from the end of this current health pandemic.  The bonds that we share in Christ, the High Priest and Victim of us all, will always draw us together, especially at the Eucharistic altar.

What an extraordinary year we have had so far!  There have been the bushfires and now this terrible pandemic.  All issues surrounding the sex abuse tragedies continue to concern us all.

Possibly unnoticed, it is also the year of the bicentenary of the arrival of the first official Catholic chaplains to Australia.

So given this historic event and our acute awareness of your wonderful gifts to the Catholic Church during these tumultuous times, the bishops have written you a letter of encouragement and praise.  

Thank you for your daily prayer for me. Be assured of my prayers for you all.”

Download the Australian Bishop’s letter “Remembrance and Gratitude” here