What is the Orange Parish Pastoral Council?

Within the vision of the parish, the purpose of the Orange Parish Pastoral Council is to discern the will of the Holy Spirit for the Parish of St Mary and St Joseph, Orange; to promote and support the evangelising mission of the Parish; and to foster the spiritual and pastoral life of all the Christian faithful. Through prayer, reflection and careful consideration, the Team recommends a Pastoral Plan to the Pastor, outlining strategic priorities for the parish. The Pastoral Plan is developed by studying the pastoral realities of the Parish and wider community, in particular by analysing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and attending to the mandate of the Gospel. The Team also assesses performance against the pastoral priorities and revises recommendations as required.

 

Key responsibilities over the next five years are:

1. The Parish Assembly: preparation, gathering, follow-up;
2. Development of the next 5-year Pastoral Plan;
3. Prepare the Parish to participate in the International Eucharistic Congress to be celebrated with Pope Leo in Sydney in 2028; and
4. Provide a forum where suggestions and feedback from parishioners regarding mission and pastoral life can be discussed.

 

Members of the Parish Pastoral Council

Greg Dresser (chair)

Tereza Cooney

Gabriel Gomes

Sharon Gomes

Natalia Knesevic

Robyn Taylor

Laura Tilston

John Wai

Bev Wardle

Fr Dong Nguyen

Fr Duong Van Ha

Minutes Secretary: Amy Sullivan

What is the Molong Parish Pastoral Council?

The Molong Parish Pastoral Council advises the Pastor in the area of pastoral care and planning and helps further communication between parishioners and the pastor in the communities of Molong Parish. 

What is a Parish Finance Council?

The Parish Finance Council (PFC) is an advisory body that helps the Pastor in the administration of the temporal goods of the parish. The PFC is the principal means by which parishioners provide prudent advice to the Pastor regarding good stewardship of parish assets and finances. The PFC supports the vision and mission of the parish and helps build up the Catholic community. 

Members of the Orange Parish Finance Council Bill Kelly (chair) Summer Commins Deirdre May Patrick McDonald Jeremy Roxburgh Frances Young Fr Duong Van Ha Minutes secretary: David Cuming

Members of the Molong Parish Finance Council Alex Christie Phil Cavanagh Patrick Clowry Ann Wood Fr Augustine Mathew Minutes Secretary: David Cuming

What is the Parish Schools Team?

The Parish Schools Team (PST) is comprised of the Pastor, School Principals, Religious Education Coordinators, and the Sacramental Coordinator. Five parochial schools operate in Orange, Molong, and Manildra. The PST meets every school term (four times annually) with the aim of strengthening the relationship between the parishes and schools, and to help realise the parish vision across all these communities.

Members of the Parish Schools Team

Matt Ryan (Principal, James Sheahan Catholic High School) 

Rachel Cranney (Principal, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School) 

Jo Flynn (Principal, Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School)

Matthew French (Principal, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Molong)

Glenn Corben (Principal, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Manildra)

Claire Carras (Religious Education Coordinator, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School)

Monique Dunn (Religious Education Coordinator, Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School)

Taylah Woodhouse (Religious Education Coordinator, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Molong)

Melissa Ryan (Sacramental Coordinator)