By Jamie O’Brien and Amanda Murthy
Sr Kerry Willison highlighted the importance of ensuring the resources prepared invite those using them to live the mission of Christ in the context of their own lives. Photos: Michelle Tan.
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst…”
This is the message behind the prayer resources that have been developed for the First Assembly of the Plenary Council by Mercy Sister and Director of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Perth, Sr Kerry Willison RSM.
“It has been very important that the prayer resources have in mind the whole of Australia,” Sr Kerry emphasised.
“Front and centre throughout this process has been the question, how can prayer help us to grow in faith, in our understanding and knowledge of God and his love for us while ensuring we listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church in Australia.”
Joining Sr Kerry in her quest to bring prayer to life for the First Assembly are several other key liturgy and formation figures from across Australia, including Diana Alteri, Team Leader from Catholic Education Western Australia, Jenny O’Brien, Team Coordinator and Liturgy Educator from the Adelaide Office of Worship, Erica Bernard, School Community Consultant from Catholic Education Western Australia, Broome Diocese, Sophy Morley, Diocesan Coordinator for Liturgy and Pastoral Ministry, Sale, Clare Schwantes, Editor of Liturgy Brisbane, Kelly Paget, Chancellor, Diocese of Broken Bay and Geraldine Schivardi, Centre for Liturgy Perth.
The resources that have been developed are all based on Scriptures and invite the Members to dialogue with God intimately and in a way unique to their faith journey.
Sr Kerry Willison explained that the prayer resources that have been developed are all based on Scriptures and invite the Members to dialogue with God intimately and in a way unique to their faith journey. Photos: Michelle Tan.
Sr Kerry highlighted the importance of ensuring the resources prepared invite those using them to live the mission of Christ in the context of their own lives.
“Looking at what we have developed, particularly in the context of the online space, has very much required a different way of thinking.
“It has required a clear vision, a purpose, and notably thinking about how we are all impacted by the current situation brought about by the pandemic.
“Working with prayer in the digital space is not a traditional way to engage with people but what has been developed by the Liturgy team is really going to bring about a new dimension to that concept.
“What has really encouraged me is the commitment of the people I’ve been working with and their passion to really listen to what the Spirit is saying.
“There has been a sincere call for all of us to look and see how we can engage with all Australians, with respect to the Plenary Council Agenda.”
A vital point, Sr Kerry explained, is that the process for what has been developed has not been driven by a commercial or business deal.
“It’s a Spirit driven process. The process of the Plenary Council has clearly influenced what has been achieved so far.”
The hope, Sr Kerry explained, is that the whole Church of Australia will be using the prepared resources on the Plenary Council website to pray together for the outcomes of the Plenary Council.
“While we can’t be in the same room it’s doesn’t mean we cannot be not spiritually connected.
Sale Diocesan Coordinator for Liturgy and Pastoral Ministry, Sophy Morley acknowledged that the Liturgy committee was conscious of the responsibility to prepare a range of prayer and Liturgy materials to assist people with different forms of prayer.
The hope, Sr Kerry explained, is that the whole Church of Australia will be using the prepared resources on the Plenary Council website to pray together for the outcomes of the Plenary Council. Photos: Michelle Tan. 
Prayer resources for the Plenary Council First Assembly have been developed with the whole of Australia in mind, says Sr Kerry Willison RSM. Photos: Michelle Tan. 
Working with prayer in the digital space is not a traditional way to engage with people but what has been developed by the Liturgy team is really going to bring about a new dimension to that concept, says Sr Kerry Willison. Photos: Michelle Tan.
“The Plenary Council’s shift to a virtual gathering is not without its own set of challenges, one of the main ones being the question of how we can encourage full, conscious and active participation, particularly in the absence of a physical gathering,” she stated.
“I think that many people, by now, have become used to online worship, whatever form that might take, and so I don’t think that connecting online for prayer will present too many difficulties. The challenge is to create a sense of spirituality, intimacy and ‘communio’ in the virtual sphere, something that is much easier to establish in an actual physical gathering.”
Sophy, whose accolades include running liturgical formation and training for musicians and liturgy teams in parishes and schools, supporting adult faith formation, assistance for clergy and parish pastoral councils – encouraged the participants to focus on reciting the prayers aloud and singing the hymns, not to just watching the content on their devices.
The hope, Sr Kerry explained, is that the whole Church of Australia will be using the prepared resources on the Plenary Council website to pray together for the outcomes of the Plenary Council. Photos: Michelle Tan. 
Crosses with Australian Indigenous artwork have been distributed to all Plenary Council Members. Photos: Michelle Tan.
“In virtual prayer, we must rely heavily on good visual quality, attractive images and music, close-ups, and different camera angles of the Liturgical action so that people can engage as fully as possible,” she added.
“My hope is for the Plenary Members to put everything else aside during their prayer time, just as they would if they were praying with a group or participating in Mass in a parish.
She encourages people to “Focus on what you hear, see, and feel during this time and open your hearts to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.”