Celebrate, Educate and Live out our Faith in Jesus
AMALGAMATION PROPOSAL – FAQs
Why is an amalgamation proposed?
The two parishes of Balwyn North Kew East and Greythorn have been working together for more than four years. During this time there has been increased collaboration, including a joint Parishes Leadership Group, a single Parish Office, joint meetings of the Finance Committees and the School Advisory Councils, and many shared ministries and activities.
The partnership we have experienced has strengthened each individual church community and leadership believes that forming one parish will help us to create a vital, vibrant and viable community into the future. As the demographics and the social conditions of our suburbs change, we need to be proactive to plan for the next decades, not simply year to year.
This is reflected in what is happening across the Archdiocese as we plan to ensure that the Church continues to be true to its mission in the 21st Century. The archdiocesan vision in the document Take the Way of the Gospel is the foundation for this.
Will the parish boundaries change?
The new parish will encompass the existing geographic areas of the amalgamated parishes.
What will happen to the individual churches and their names?
Each of the individual churches will retain its current name and will continue to be open for worship.
What is the proposed name of the new parish?
We will undertake a process of consultation to find a new name that reflects the life and identity of the new parish, and present that to the Archbishop for his approval.
How will the amalgamation affect current activities?
The amalgamation will strengthen community life by bringing together the resources and talents of all parishioners. The individual churches will continue their particular activities with the possibility to enhance these through wider participation.
What changes can parishioners expect in worship and sacraments?
Worship and sacraments will continue as before across the four churches. For the last four years we have combined for some liturgical celebrations and this will continue. Attending Mass or sacraments in different churches within our current affiliated parishes has already offered parishioners a wider variety of styles and experience of the liturgy.
What impact will the amalgamation have on current parish staff and leadership?
The existing parish office and staff will continue to operate from the current office.
There will be three principal advisory bodies to the parish priest: a Leadership Group, a Parish Pastoral Council, and a Parish Finance Committee.
There will be a single parish website, directory, e-mail contact and postal address.
What is the role of the Parish Leadership Group?
Under Take the Way of the Gospel the PLG is a small group of parishioners selected to be an advisory group to the Parish Priest on the operation of the parish and decision-making.
What is the role of the Parish Pastoral Council?
The PPC is an advisory body to the Parish Priest on pastoral initiatives in the parish. Some members will be ex officio, some appointed by the Parish Priest, and some elected.
What is the role of the Parish Finance Committee?
The activities of the PFC are governed by the Statutes issued by the Archbishop in 2023. It is an advisory body to the Parish Priest, who is the sole administrator of the temporal goods of the parish. The PFC assists the Parish Priest in his task of administering the parish finances, maintaining the parish properties, planning for future capital works and raising the necessary funds.
How will the financial aspects of the new parish be managed?
The amalgamation aims to streamline operations and optimise our financial resources. There are significant possibilities for cost-savings and better utilisation of resources for the benefit of all parishioners.
What are the next steps in the process?
Parishioners will have opportunities to provide feedback and input through several processes:
- Ask questions now by e-mailing them to: balwynnorthkeweast@cam.org.au or greythorn@cam.org.au. All questions will receive a reply, and if it is believed to be of general assistance to parishioners, will be added the FAQs.
- There will be information sessions held in each parish.
- All voices and feedback are important and will be considered in the decision-making process.
- After the process of consultation has completed in the parishes, a recommendation will be made to the Archbishop. He must consult the Council of Priests and the College of Consultors before he makes his decision. The final decision to amalgamate parishes is with the Archbishop.
What is the timeline for the amalgamation process?
The two parishes have had four years experience working together, and so we expect to make the decision as to whether the amalgamation goes ahead by the middle of 2025. Updates will be provided regularly.
