SUNDAY 2nd AUGUST 2026 - 18th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

PARISH AMALGAMATION PROCESS

We extend our sincere thanks to all parishioners who contributed to the Round 2 consultations in recent weeks and who took the time to submit suggestions for a name for the new parish following amalgamation.

The Transition Team met last week to undertake a prayerful process of reflection and discernment. The Team carefully considered what parishioners had shared through the consultations, particularly the hopes and aspirations expressed about who we are and who we hope to become as a parish in the future.

From the names proposed during the consultations and through written submissions, a list was prepared for discernment. The names were considered according to the agreed criteria: that they be biblical or scripturally based, grounded in Catholic tradition and theology, and expressive of the mission and spirituality of the parish and of who we hope to become.

During the two-week period for submissions, there was strong support for names associated with the Holy Spirit. Parishioners reflected that a parish dedicated to the Holy Spirit is called to be prayerful and discerning, missionary in outlook, united in diversity, and open to the gifts of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s living, active and dynamic presence among us, forming and transforming us, drawing us more deeply into the Body of Christ, and enabling us to live and proclaim the Gospel. These reflections, together with the other names and insights offered by parishioners, formed part of the background considered by the Transition Team in its discernment of the suggested names.

Supported by relevant Scripture and reflections on the spirituality associated with each proposed name, the Transition Team prayerfully considered the names and endorsed Holy Spirit Parish as the proposed name of the new parish. The name will now be submitted to the Archbishop, together with the Petition for Amalgamation documents, for approval.

The name Holy Spirit also reminds us of the Spirit we receive in Baptism and Confirmation and of our continuing call to discipleship. It expresses our hope for a parish that is renewed by the Holy Spirit, formed in the way of Christ, and sent out to share the Gospel.

SUNDAY 19th JULY 2026 - 16th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Parish Amalgamation Process

Thank you to the Parishioners who joined the consultation groups after Masses the past 2 weekends.

We gathered a good amount of feedback and suggestions on Who we can become as our parishes join together as one.

As well as assisting the discernment of the name for the new Parish, the information is vital for future pastoral planning.

LAST OPPORTUNITY TO SUGGEST A POSSIBLE NAME If you did not attend a consultation session, or needed more time to reflect on the name, it is possible to send us your preference this weekend.

Please send your suggestion, including the reason for your choice, via the feedback box at the Churches or email to the Parish at yarraville@cam.org.au by noon on Sunday 19 July. 

SUNDAY 5th JULY 2026 - 14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

What's in a Name?

A name is much more than a label—it expresses who we are and what we stand for. Just as parents carefully choose a name for their child, we too have the important task of choosing a name for our new parish. While our churches and school will continue to be known as St Augustine's, Corpus Christi, and Annunciation, our newly amalgamated parish will need a new name and identity. That name should honour our history while expressing the mission and future we are building together. Some of the newly formed parishes have chosen names such as Holy Family, Trinity, Christ the Light, Our Lady of Pentecost, and Our Lady of All Nations. As we continue our journey of prayer and discernment, we invite everyone to reflect on what God is calling us to be. During our first round of consultation, one message came through clearly: people value the strong sense of welcome and belonging in our parish communities. Now we ask: Who do we want to be in the future? Over the weekends of 4–5 July and 11–12 July, we invite parishioners to suggest possible names. When considering a name, please keep these principles in mind: It should have a biblical or scriptural foundation. It should reflect who we are and who we hope to become. It should be simple, memorable, and easy to use. It should be distinctive and not duplicate the names of recently established parishes. Following our consultation, up to three proposed names will be submitted to the Archbishop by the Transition Team, who will make the final decision. We hope to present the full amalgamation proposal, including the results of our consultation, for his consideration in mid-August. Please keep this process in your prayers as together we shape the future of our new parish community.

Fr Werner Utri

Growing a Vibrant, Vital and Viable Parish

Over the next two weekends, parishioners are warmly invited to gather with Fr Werner and members of the Transition Team for our second round of conversations. As we gather, our focus will be on Who we can become as our parishes join together as one. Using a five-year timeframe, we will reflect on what we would like to do to support and strengthen our communities into the future. Together, we will consider the five characteristics of vibrant and vital parishes:

WORSHIP – liturgy

FELLOWSHIP – community and hospitality

SERVICE – outreach

FORMATION – proclamation and learning

EVANGELISATION – inviting new members

Following these conversations about Who we can become, we will also take some time to reflect on and discuss appropriate names for our new parish. Our churches will retain their current names.

You are welcome to attend whichever session best suits you. Each session will be held after Mass and will run for approximately 1 hour.

Session dates and times:

Sunday 5th July – Annunciation Church, 8:45 – 9:45am (following 8:00am Mass)

Sunday 5th July – Corpus Christi Church, 11:45 – 12:45pm (following 11:00am Mass)

Saturday 11th July – St Augustine’s Church, 5:45- 6:45pm (following 5:00pm Mass)

Sunday 12th July – St Augustine’s Church, 10:15 – 11:15am (following 9:30am Mass)

Feedback boxes are available at each church for your questions or contributions.

Alternatively, you can email the parish directly at yarraville@cam.org.au.

SUNDAY 28th JUNE 2026 - 13th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Every parishioner has a role in building a missionary parish. In the coming weeks, we will undertake a second round of Parish Consultations to help shape a vibrant, vital and viable parish community for the future. We encourage all parishioners to participate.

The Take the Way of the Gospel initiative calls us to become more effective in sharing the Gospel so that our parish communities are filled with missionary disciples of Jesus Christ who fully embrace their baptismal calling and go forth with joy and hope to share Christ’s love.

Vibrant

A vibrant parish is a community of committed followers of Jesus Christ united by a shared vision for the growth of God’s Kingdom. It is characterised by a growing participation in evangelisation, worship, fellowship, faith formation, service and outreach.

Vital

A vital parish understands the needs, culture and aspirations of its local community. It recognises that people are seeking deeper spiritual meaning and that approaches which served the parish well in the past may not always meet present and future needs. Vital communities welcome new people, new ideas and new opportunities for ministry while honouring their heritage and looking to the future with hope.

Viable

A viable parish has the people, leadership, facilities and financial resources necessary to sustain and advance its mission. It manages these resources responsibly, maintains buildings that support ministry, and generates sufficient income to serve the community effectively and sustainably. Parishioners' contributions are valued and used with transparency and prudence.

As we gather, our focus will be on Who we can become as our Parishes join together as one.

The sessions will be held after Mass and will be 45mins – 1 hour.

Session dates and times:

Over the next two weekends, parishioners are warmly invited to gather with Fr Werner and members of the Transition Team for our second round of conversations. As we gather, our focus will be on Who we can become as our parishes join together as one. Using a five-year timeframe, we will reflect on what we would like to do to support and strengthen our communities into the future. Together, we will consider the five characteristics of vibrant and vital parishes: WORSHIP – liturgy FELLOWSHIP – community and hospitality SERVICE – outreach FORMATION – proclamation and learning EVANGELISATION – inviting new members Following these conversations about Who we can become, we will also take some time to reflect on and discuss appropriate names for our new parish. Our churches will retain their current names. You are welcome to attend whichever session best suits you. Each session will be held after Mass and will run for approximately 1 hour. Session dates and times: • Sunday 5 July – Annunciation Church, 8:45–9:45 am (following the 8:00 am Mass) • Sunday 5 July – Corpus Christi Church, 11:45 am–12:45 pm (following the 11:00 am Mass) • Saturday 11 July – St Augustine's Church, 5:45–6:45 pm (following the 5:00 pm Mass) • Sunday 12 July – St Augustine's Church, 10:15–11:15 am (following the 9:30 am Mass) Please visit the parish website for further information. Feedback boxes are available at each church for your questions or contributions. Alternatively, you can email the parish directly at yarraville@cam.org.au.

There are feedback boxes at each Church for your questions or contributions at this stage or you can email the Parish directly at: yarraville@cam.org.au

SUNDAY 21st JUNE 2026 - 12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SAVE THE DATE

All Parishioners are invited to join us for the second round of consultations for the Take the Way of the Gospel Renewal Process.

Our focus will be on Who we can become as our Parishes join together as one. The sessions will be held after Mass and will be 45mins – 1 hour.

You are most welcome to join any one that suits you.

Session dates and times:

Sunday 5th July – Annunciation Church, 8:45 – 9:45am (following 8:00am Mass)

Sunday 5th July – Corpus Christi Church, 11:45 – 12:45pm (following 11:00am Mass)

Saturday 11th July – St Augustine’s Church, 5:45- 6:45pm (following 5:00pm Mass)

Sunday 12th July – St Augustine’s Church, 10:15 – 11:15am (following 9:30am Mass)

There are feedback boxes at each Church for your questions or contributions at this stage or you can email the Parish directly at: yarraville@cam.org.au

SUNDAY 14th JUNE 2026 - 11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

SAVE THE DATE

All Parishioners are invited to join us for the second round of consultations for the Take the Way of the Gospel Renewal Process.

Our focus will be on Who we can become as our Parishes join together as one. The sessions will be held after Mass and will be 45mins – 1 hour.

You are most welcome to join any one that suits you.

Session dates and times:

Sunday 5th July – Annunciation Church, 8:45 – 9:45am (following 8:00am Mass)

Sunday 5th July – Corpus Christi Church, 11:45 – 12:45pm (following 11:00am Mass)

Saturday 11th July – St Augustine’s Church, 5:45- 6:45pm (following 5:00pm Mass)

Sunday 12th July – St Augustine’s Church, 10:15 – 11:15am (following 9:30am Mass)

There are feedback boxes at each Church for your questions or contributions at this stage or you can email the Parish directly at: yarraville@cam.org.au

SUNDAY 7th JUNE 2026 - THE MOST HOLY BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST

Parish Renewal Process

Some FAQs that may be of interest to you.

Why are we amalgamating?

- We are not amalgamating out of helplessness but out of positivity to build a more VIBRANT, VITAL and VIABLE parish for now and the future.

Will our Churches remain open after amalgamation?

- Once amalgamated our Parish will have 3 Mass centres (Churches). We have not explored the future needs for Church buildings, other property and financial resources. Over time we will need to review how our resources are serving our mission in this local area.

Will the Churches keep their names?

- The churches will retain their holy names.

- As an amalgamated Parish, we will follow a consultation process to identify a Parish name reflective of our community and mission.

FAQ's about Parish Amalgamation

There are feedback boxes at each Church for your questions or contributions at this stage or you can email the Parish directly at: yarraville@cam.org.au 

SUNDAY 31st MAY 2026 - THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

Parish Renewal Process

Some FAQs that may be of interest to you.

What does Parish Amalgamation mean for us?

- For us, “Parish Amalgamation” means merging all aspects of Parish Communities and Churches together, to become a new single parish with three Churches and three schools. - The new Parish entity will be responsible for all the property, records, assets and liabilities that were the responsibility separately before amalgamation.

How was the decision reached for our Parishes to amalgamate?

- Our parishes have been working together in partnership for 18 years. There has been increased collaboration during this time including sharing a Priest. During the partnership over recent years we have experienced a strengthening of our community and forming one parish will help us create a vital, vibrant and viable community for now and the future.

Will Mass times be impacted?

- We will not be reviewing Mass times as part of this process. However Mass times may need to be reviewed in the future. Please visit the Parish website for further information.

FAQ's about Parish Amalgamation

There are feedback boxes at each Church for your questions or contributions at this stage or you can email the Parish directly at: yarraville@cam.org.au

SUNDAY 24th MAY 2026 - PENTECOST SUNDAY

Parish Renewal Process

Our second round of consultations for the Take the Way of the Gospel Parish Renewal Process will be held in early July. Our focus will be on Who we can become as our Parishes join together as one.

In the coming weeks we will provide you with further information about our Parishes that will assist our planning for a Vibrant, Vital and Viable Parish for the future. Please visit the Parish website for more information.

There are feedback boxes at each church for your questions or contributions at this stage or you can email the Parish directly at yarraville@cam.org.au

SUNDAY 3rd MAY 2026 - 5th SUNDAY OF EASTER

PARISH VISITATION BY THE MOST REV. MARTIN ASHE, AUXILIARY BISHOP, WESTERN REGION OF MELBOURNE

Over the three days of 13 to 15 February the Parishes of Yarraville and Kingsville were privileged to host a visit by Bishop Martin Ashe who met with the schools and Parishioners and led the Sacrament of the Eucharist at the three churches.

Bishop Martin has prepared a report on his visit to St Augustine’s, Corpus Christi and Annunciation schools and churches. The Report speaks very positively about our communities. Bishop Martin noted that the two parishes have been working together for quite a number of years with the one Priest as your Parish priest and that we are working together to form a unified Parish.

In his report, Bishop Martin Ashe wrote:

“The Transition team ……was put together recently in response to the ongoing Archdiocesan process of Take the Way of The Gospel Parish Renewal. Both St Augustine’s Parish and Corpus Christi Parish have been requested to work more closely with each other by the Archdiocese.

“Currently, in order to ensure that your communities are Vibrant, Vital and Viable communities of faith into the future, you are engaging in a process to amalgamate your two Parishes with its three distinct communities into one consolidated Parish. Your Transition team with Parishioners from both Parishes are assisting you with this process at the present time. Support is also been given by the Archdiocese.

“Having listened to a number of you and your ideas, you are very positive hoping that you can move forward together into the future. I do hope that through your prayer, listening to each other and sharing with each other, you will embrace a more unified future for the benefit of all. By being united together you will be able to embrace more fully the missionary renewal of your Parishes and be able to proclaim the gospel more effectively within the broader community of Kingsville, Brooklyn and Yarraville. Financially, you will also be able to respond more effectively to the evolving needs of the Parish and its mission.”

“You are going through the various steps that are needed to be addressed in the amalgamation process. I commend you for making time for parishioners to be able to meet and to be able to discuss your future plans together.

“The process of “Take the Way of the Gospel” is the call to become a more missionary and outward looking community in the proclamation of the Gospel. It is to be disciples of Jesus at the service of those in need around us. When we merge and unite together, we do so to be even more vibrant in our response to what is happening around us. We are strengthened by being together and placing our gifts at the service of the community of faith and for the world around us.”

 “It is also to be able to accompany and invite others who are thirsting for something deeper for their lives and as disciples of Jesus our faith-filled Christian example can become a way to provide new hope for their lives.

I commend all who are generously sharing their time and gifts for the sake of others and especially for those in need.

It would be good to encourage others to come forward to share their gifts to be willing to assist in missionary outreach on behalf of the Parish. This is especially so if the two Parishes are seeking to become one in the near future.”

The positive and supportive comments from Bishop Martin Ashe are an encouragement to all Parishioners to participate in the second round of consultations in Take the Way of the Gospel process which will occur in the next couple of months.

Bishop Martin Ashe's Full Report

Thank you all for making Bishop Martin Ashe so welcome in our Parishes.

Fr Werner Utri and the Parish Transition Team 

SUNDAY 26th APRIL 2026 - 4th SUNDAY OF EASTER

During Lent we held three Parishioner Consultations. The gatherings were held at Annunciation, St. Augustine’s and Corpus Christi Churches.

We gathered in a prayerful way, mindful of God’s presence with us. People engaged enthusiastically sharing their experiences and stories in small groups.

We shared stories about ‘Who We Have Been’ and ‘Who We Are Now’ as parish faith communities.

Familiar faces and meaningful connections

We discovered the strong sense of connection and belonging that is present in each of the communities.

This place has drawn us in

Parishioners shared their stories of the hospitality, friendliness and welcome they experience in the communities, especially in times of difficulty. We also heard stories of Parish as ‘home’ for sacramental celebrations and marking life’s key moments.

Sense of peace, harmony and spiritual nourishment

Many participants stressed how important the celebration of Mass is for them as a way to centre their lives in God, offering a time of shared faith, prayer and peacefulness in the busyness of life. They value the number of opportunities for Mass during the week, good music, well-cared-for sacred spaces, and good homilies that connect to everyday life. We also heard a strong connection to a particular Church and Mass time for some.

Round 1 Consultations Report to Parish

Next steps:

The next round of consultations is a great opportunity for you to voice your thoughts on what our future combined parish community will focus its time, effort and resources on, as well as hear the ideas of other parishioners. In early July, there will be a number of opportunities for Parishioners to gather to share on ‘Who We Can Be’ as we combine the Parishes into one new reality made up of Mass communities at Annunciation, Corpus Christi and St Augustine’s.

Any questions or if interested to hear more detail about how the first round of consultations went or what might be involved in the next round of consultations, please speak to Fr Werner and/or one of the transition team members: Kath Baker, Julianna Barr, Greg Buhagiar, Mary Huynh, Aileen Martin, Jess Pang, John Ryan.

SUNDAY 22nd MARCH 2026 - 5th SUNDAY OF LENT

A framework and process for renewal

This coming week, you are invited to join us for one of the group sessions, as we gather to listen to each other and share the stories of our Parish communities:

• Who we have been – sharing the rich history of our faith communities and our connection to them.
• Who we are – sharing about what’s working to support us in faith and community life. What do we want to hold on to or continue? What could we let go of?

The gatherings are not specific to that Church. Members of the Transition Team will assist us in leading these sessions and look forward to meeting up with you.

• (After Mass) Sunday 22 March, Annunciation Church, 8.30-9.15am
• (After Mass) Tuesday 24 March, St. Augustine’s Church, 6.30 – 7.45pm Wednesday 25th March,
• Corpus Christi Church, 6.30-7.45pm

SUNDAY 15th MARCH 2026 - 4th SUNDAY OF LENT

A framework and process for renewal

CULTIVATING THE HABIT OF SYNODALITY

The whole Catholic Church has been called to become a synodal Church. Pope Francis, and now Pope Leo, calls on us to cultivate synodality as the way for us to be authentically Church for the future.

Synodality is a way of being Church rather than a program or an event. It creates community and allows time for listening. It recognises that all the baptised share in the mission of Christ and that the wisdom needed for discernment is shared among the faithful. In a synodal Church, the Spirit speaks through all the baptised, and discernment happens through encounter, dialogue, and prayerful listening. Our parish mission flows from this communion of people.

As we meet in the coming weeks to listen to the Spirit and to one another about how we can become a more vibrant, vital, and viable parish, we will engage in a process of synodality.

During Lent we invite you to gather in groups to listen to each other as we share the stories of our Parish communities:

• Who we have been – sharing the rich history of our faith communities and our connection to them.
• Who we are – sharing about what’s working to support us in faith and community life. What do we want to hold on to or continue? What could we let go of?

You are invited to attend any one of the gatherings below that suits you. The gatherings are not specific for that Church.

• (After Mass) Sunday 22 March, Annunciation Church, 8.30-9.15am
• (After Mass) Tuesday 24 March, St. Augustine’s Church, 6.30 – 7.45pm Wednesday 25th March,
• Corpus Christi Church, 6.30-7.45pm 

SUNDAY 8th MARCH 2026 - 3rd SUNDAY OF LENT

A framework and process for renewal

The Viable Parish dimension of renewal framework focuses on the faithful and effective stewardship of resources in service of proclaiming the Gospel.

Viable parishes have the financial, human, and property assets needed to support their shared vision and mission. They are able to mobilise these resources wisely and strategically. They develop sustainable income streams that allow them to grow their mission and to maintain buildings that support parish life and ministry. Through diverse and reliable sources of income, they are able to serve their local communities in a sustainable way.

They also recognise that stewardship extends beyond their own boundaries. Viable parishes generously share their spiritual, ministerial, and material resources for the good of the wider Archdiocese. As Jesus reminds his followers:

“Which one of you, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough to complete it?” (Lk 14:28).

The three focus areas of viability are:

• Financial sustainability
• Capable and effective teams
• Optimal use of land and property

The Archdiocesan Stewardship Team is available to support parishes in developing efficient and effective management practices.

During Lent we invite you to gather in groups to listen to each other as we share the stories of our Parish communities:

• Who we have been – sharing the rich history of our faith communities and our connection to them.
• Who we are – sharing about what’s working to support us in faith and community life. What do we want to hold on to or continue? What could we let go of?

You are invited to attend any one of the gatherings below that suits you. The gatherings are not specific for that church

• (After Mass) Sunday 22 March, Annunciation Church, 8.30-9.15am
• (After Mass) Tuesday 24 March, St. Augustine’s Church, 6.30 – 7.45pm Wednesday 25th March,
• Corpus Christi Church, 6.30-7.45pm

Parish Resource Guide

Framework for Parish Renewal

SUNDAY 1st MARCH 2026 - 2nd SUNDAY OF LENT

A framework and process for renewal

This week we look at the dimension from the Renewal Framework of being a Vital Parish.

Vital parishes read the signs of the times with faith, hope, and a missionary vision. They know their neighbourhoods, cherish their history and culture, and honour the journey that has shaped them. At the same time, they trust that God continues to lead them forward. With openness and courage, they recognise that some past approaches may no longer serve the needs of today, and they remain attentive to where the Spirit is calling them now.

Parish vitality is about a community discerning together how God is inviting them to grow. It is about asking, “What is the Lord asking of us at this time?” and responding with generosity and trust. Vital parishes nurture three deeply connected areas of life:

• A shared missionary vision that inspires and unites the community in purpose.
• A collaborative spirit of leadership, where clergy and lay faithful recognise one another’s gifts and work together in service of the Gospel, with creativity and courage.
• An outward-looking heart, attentive to those beyond parish boundaries and willing to walk alongside other parishes and ministries within the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

This journey is not always easy. It calls for humility, listening, learning, and prayerful discernment. Yet it is also a journey filled with hope, because the same God who has guided the parish in the past continues to lead it into the future.

Parish Resource Guide

Framework for Parish Renewal

SUNDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2026 - 1st SUNDAY OF LENT

A framework and process for renewal

In the coming weeks we’ll provide you with some further information about the 3 foundations for Parish renewal: Vibrant, Vital, Viable.

Vibrant Parishes are life-giving communities that foster holiness and discipleship among their members, joyfully desiring to share the gift of faith in Jesus Christ with those they encounter. Understanding each person is uniquely called and gifted, vibrant parishes help form and equip them to live that call. They know people are searching for a deeper spiritual connection in their lives, where their hopes, joys and anxieties can be expressed, and they embrace new opportunities for service. In the Acts of the Apostles we hear that life in the earliest Christian communities was characterised by worship, evangelisation, fellowship, formation and service. These are the foundational characteristics for Vibrant Parishes today. With worship at the heart of the community there is a continual flow from and back to this centre in prayer and nourishing worship. Evangelisation calls us to share the Good News of Jesus with others and to serve the wider community through outreach and social justice programs. Fellowship builds our Parish community and welcomes new people. Formation supports our community to continually grow in faith and discipleship.

Parish Resource Guide

Framework for Parish Renewal

SUNDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2026 - 6th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Last week we launched Take the Way of the Gospel: a framework and process for renewal. Take the Way of the Gospel is the Archdiocese of Melbourne’s response to Pope Francis’ dream of a ‘missionary option’. For parishes, it is an invitation to come together in prayer to discern how they might grow as vibrant, vital, and viable communities of faith, so that fresh energy and vigour can animate us well into the future.

Our parishes are centered in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in prayer and discernment. The framework of becoming a Vibrant, Vital and Viable Parish will help us explore the characteristics and qualities that we want for our faith community.

• Vibrant parishes are flourishing faith communities actively nurturing a culture of worship, Evangelisation, formation, fellowship and service.
• Vital parishes have clear direction and purpose. They have a shared missionary vision, display leadership excellence, and work collaboratively to purpose their vision.
• Viable parishes demonstrate responsible stewardship. They make land, property, financial and personnel decisions that reflect a clear missionary vision.

We’ll provide some further information in the coming weeks. 

Parish Resource Guide

SUNDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2026 - 5th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

In last week’s bulletin, we provided you with some information about the Take the Way of the Gospel Parish Renewal initiative that is part of the Melbourne Archdiocesan plan for Parishes. This week, we want to give you some further information about what it means for our Parish communities. We have been asked to work more closely together across our Parishes to ensure our communities are Vibrant, Vital and Viable communities of faith. To do this, over the coming months, we will engage in a process to amalgamate our two Parishes, with its three distinct communities, into one Parish. By becoming one Parish, we will formalise the cooperation and collaboration that already exists. Through prayerful listening to the Holy Spirit and each other, we will discover new ways to ensure our future as communities of faith together.

THE RENEWAL PROCESS

During Lent, there will be opportunities for us to gather in groups to listen to each other as we share the stories of our Parish communities:

• Who we have been – sharing the rich history of our faith communities and our connection to them.
• Who we are – sharing about what’s working currently to support us in faith and community life. What do we want to hold on to or continue? What could we let go of?

Then after Easter, we will take time to discover Who we can become.

In this phase we’ll share our hopes and dreams for our faith community for the future, discern how we will nourish and express our faith, how we will form leadership to support us as a Vibrant, Vital Parish and what structures we need to be a Viable Parish. We will share more about this in following weeks.

TRANSITION TEAM

Fr Werner has invited a number of people to assist our communities in planning this process of renewal and amalgamation.

The Transition Team, made up of parishioners from each of the existing communities is:

Fr Werner

Kath Baker

Julianna Barr

Greg Buhagiar

Mary Huynh

Aileen Martin

Jess Pang

John Ryan

Carmel Crawford (facilitator)

PARISHIONER INVOLVEMENT

In the coming weeks we will send out the dates for the gatherings. You are welcome to attend any one of the gatherings that suits you. In the meantime please

Pray that we will be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit

Get to know and listen to others in your community.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you have questions or concerns, please contact one of the Transition Team members. 

SUNDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2026 - 4th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

The Archbishop has initiated and encouraged a process of Parish renewal that seeks to ensure that all Parishes in the Archdiocese of Melbourne be Vibrant, Vital and Viable communities of Faith. As a part of the process of ensuring that this is happening, we have been asked to look more closely and intentionally at these three areas and see how best we can flourish as a community of Faith. The 2 Parishes of Kingsville and Yarraville with the 3 communities and schools of Annunciation Brooklyn, Corpus Christi Kingsville and St Augustine’s Yarraville have already been working together very closely for over 18 years, with one Priest working over the 3 communities. The Archdiocese has set out a goal of reducing the number of Parishes from over 200 about 5 years ago to 129 by 2030. For us this means we need to formalise what we have already been doing well over the last 18 years. Our three Parish Primary Schools are leading the way, already collaborating with Sacramental programs and preparation as well as combined Staff formation days and school events. Taking the Way of the Gospel also will afford us an exciting opportunity for real parish renewal, ensuring that we are Vibrant, Vital and Viable faith communities into the future. We have a rare and exciting opportunity to reshape who we are as Church here in the Inner Western Suburbs of Melbourne. We are working with Suzette Diaz from the Archdiocese of Melbourne and Carmel Crawford who will lead and guide us in a synodal process that will shape the future of who we are. More information to follow in the coming weeks.

Fr Werner