The Annual Commissioning Mass for agencies and organisations from across the Archdiocese took place this week on Wednesday October 16, on the feast of St Theresa of Avila.
Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton was principal celebrant for the occasion, which was held at St Mary’s Cathedral, accompanied by Deacon Parick Moore from Stella Maris, with more than 150 staff from across the Archdiocese in attendance.
Bishop Don Sproxton thanked all staff, on behalf of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe for all the great work they do for the Archdiocese.
In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Don began by recalling how in 1968, at the instalment Mass of Archbishop Goody, a fire destroyed the Church Offices on St George’s Terrace – a time during which most of the work of the Church was undertaken by priests and religious.
“Lay members of the Church are now mostly in positions of leadership – this a very good thing,” he said.
“Lay involvement [in the work of the Church] provides a lay voice for the Church.”
Also drawing on the current Synod of the Family, Bishop Don said that the work of the laity means the Church has the opportunity to listen to the various Christian communities , their insights into family and family life, so that appropriate responses can be formed.
Bishop Don encouraged those in attendance to pray for the work of the Synod.
The day was also the Feast of St Theresa of Avila, who is founder of the Discalced Carmelites, as well as the Carmelite Fathers.
“It’s an opportunity for us to learn more about St Theresa and what she has to teach about our union with the Lord and the work that we do for him,” Bishop Don said.
“She was inspired by the spirit of God, yet she experienced a great deal of suffering.
“She was encouraged by the words of St Paul, who notes that “following Christ is not easy.”
Bishop Don encouraged all those in attendance to reflect on the gifts “given to us by the Lord. “Enormous things can be accomplished, more than we can imagine for ourselves,” he said.