Open Meeting of St Joseph’s Parish to address the future of the Parish

Meeting with Parish Council and Chancellor of the Archdiocese

Following the departure of Fr Nulley for further study and given other changes in the inner North parishes the Parish Council have been in contact with Fr Richard Thompson, Vicar-General, and Dr Patrick McArdle, Chancellor of the Archdiocese. The primary focus of this discussion has been the ongoing wellbeing of St Joseph’s Parish; however, this cannot be meaningfully discussed without considering broader issues and context.

The Archdiocese’s planning regarding the placement of clergy and configuration of parishes in the inner North is a work in progress, but it has been emphasised that there was no intention that St Joseph’s Church be closed or left without the services of a priest.

The Archdiocese is in discussion with a congregation of priests about new arrangements for St Joseph’s and as part of a broader consideration of the nature of ministry in, and the shape of, a number of parishes in Canberra’s inner north. This will be done in consultation with all of these parishes (Watson, Dickson, Braddon, Campbell, O’Connor).

At this point it is important to hear from the parishioners of St Joseph’s. This Open Meeting is the next step in the consultation with the people of O’Connor Parish. This open meeting will be an opportunity to hear about, and ask questions and provide your views on, parish renewal and the future of the parish.  Please consider attending.

The Parish Council and the Chancellor hope to have further information for the parish meeting on 2 May.

When:                                    Tuesday 2 May
Time:                                     6.30pm – 7.30pm
Where:                                  St Joseph’s Primary School Hall – Boronia Drive, O’Connor – to facilitate online participation
Online Link (Teams):        https://bit.ly/3mIFIzB
* If you have not used Teams link before, please download the app prior to the event.

Patrick McArdle
Chancellor of Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn

Knox Peden
Chair of St Joseph’s Parish Pastoral Council