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Parishes gain greater support with updated guidelines

ParishGuidelinesAug16
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, front centre, with Vicar General Fr Peter Whitely, left, and Executive Officer Jennifer Lazberger, right, at the 2015 Parish Secretaries Day. Administrative support has increased for parishes across Perth with the release of updated Parish Guidelines. The new guidelines have been implemented at several information nights across the Archdiocese over the past two weeks. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.

By Jamie O’Brien

Administrative support has increased for parishes across Perth with the release of updated Parish Guidelines.

Details of the new guidelines have been explained at several information nights across the Archdiocese over the past two weeks.

Archdiocese of Perth CEO- Administration, Greg Russo, explained that the new guidelines are about strengthening and revitalising parishes, with information to assist priests and parish administrators in the areas of employment, privacy, clergy support, parish finance, property maintenance and archives.

“With these updated guidelines, those who look after our parishes in a variety of ways can feel that we are working together, with Christ, as people who belong to a Church and an Archdiocese,” Mr Russo said.

“Parish administration does not have to be an overburdened cumbersome task and the updated guidelines will be reviewed regularly, should new information become available,” he said.

Mr Russo explained that the updated guidelines, which were first developed some years ago, have been reviewed with the changes in laws and various enquiries received by the Archdiocese, as well as the need to address new issues such as privacy and safeguarding.

The new parish guidelines are just one of many actions being rolled out as part of the implementation of the new Archdiocesan Plan, which commenced at the end of June 2016.

In announcing commencement of the implementation phase of the plan, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe said the plan is more than just a document.

“It will enable us to walk together on the pathway which we hope will deliver a Christ-centred, faithful, vibrant, welcoming, inclusive and mission-oriented Church, one which will enrich our own lives and the lives of all whom we encounter and seek to serve,” he added.

It is expected that the implementation phase will be carried out over the next five years.

Mr Russo also explained that another information session will be taking place for country parishes before the end of the year.

For more information on the new Parish Guidelines, contact the Archdiocese of Perth on 08 6104 3600 or email admin@perthcatholic.org.au

Details of the Archdiocesan Plan are available by Clicking Here.