As we all know, the worldwide society in which we live is forever changing. Today with new, invasive and more powerful communication systems, changes are happening at an ever-increasing rate.

 

As economies grow and wealth increases in so many countries and personal and family security is more assured, a kind of indifferent agnosticism grows. People focus on the present; the ‘good life’ – how to enjoy it and improve it.

 

Covid – a disease that affected all layers of society and moved across continents – brought another change in society ’s psyche; an awareness that we are not in control. Something is shifting. A curious scepticism is slowly breaking through. There is mystery – is there a God present? One who is permanent through it all? Who is this God? This Jesus Christ?There are cracks appearing in the agnostic canopy.

 

These changing world events have a significant impact on Christianity and Religion in general. Our Church exists, not in a static void, but in this fluid environment.

 

9/11 brought a new set of fears. Many across the world struggled with the violent images that were everywhere. Their conclusions saw the growth of a sort of militant atheism; people began to assume that the more religious you were, the closer to terrorism you were.

 

The clerical abuse scandal showed that the Church was clearly flawed; not only were paedophiles found within the ‘holiest’ of church congregations, but Bishops and Church leaders dealt with the perpetrators wrongly and many covered over the sin, the crime, ostensibly to safeguard the Church’s good name. This brought about a widespread distrust of clergy and institutional religion in general, with many leaving the churches to which they had happily belonged.

 

In this present world, with its current questions that we are called to address with the mission of Christ:

 

• How do we reach people with a message they will be inspired by?
• What form of Community do we plan to build that will convey Christ’s truth, His mission & love?
• Is our parish moving in new ways to address today ’s thinking & lifestyle? How do our Parish Pastoral Council’s express our priorities?
• What are the important considerations as we plan our future as a vibrant Catholic Community?

 

i will consider some of these in the next reflection.

 

Speaking to the new Perth Diocesan Pastoral Council in July 2026, Archbishop Costelloe reminded the members of the key themes that emerged from the Plenary Council that call the Church to be:

 

“missionary and evangelising; inclusive, participatory and synodal; prayerful and Eucharistic; humble, healing and merciful; joyful and hope-filled; servant-hearted; open to conversion, renewal and reform.”

 

He suggested these themes should continue to shape the Council’s discernment in the years ahead. He said members faced the important question, “What face of God do we allow to shine through in the Church?”

 

In this ever changing world, a centuries old Church needs to find new and effective methods of presenting the dynamic mission of Jesus. Many of the old methods no longer find traction witht today ’s searching adults. May the principals on the following page be a solid starting point.

 

Jesus is a model for living more than an object of worship

While our prayer and sacraments are vital, we know they are a conduit to living every day the love Jesus exhibited. “Learn from me for I am humble of heart and you will find rest for your soul. “ Matt 11:29

 

Affirming people’s potential is more important than reminding them of their brokenness

While sin is a reality, rebuilding a strong spirit is the aim of all penance.

 

Enabling reconciliation and uniting people should be valued

Far above judging, admonishing, excluding and separating.

 

Encouraging belonging even before belief is firmly established

Faith is built within a loving, welcoming community.

 

Gracious behaviour is vitally important
Service and love for all is the heart of belief. “My commandment is love of God and neighbour.” Matt 22: 37-39

Inviting questions is valuable
Listening to people’s journey and their struggles is the beginning of a loving community. Jesus, on the road to Emmaus, listened to the words of the despondent disciples, before inspiring them.

 

Encouraging the personal search is important
The personal relationship with Jesus is the centre of prayer, the sacraments, and our creed. The disciples, the woman at the well etc. discovered themselves, their meaning and their mission in meeting Jesus.

 

Forming community and meeting actual needs
Institutions collapse when needs are overlooked and community ruptures. “Where do you live?” asked the disciples. “Come and see,” Jesus responded.

 

Peacemaking is more important than power
Loving service is at the heart of Christian leadership. Resolving conflict effectively is at the heart of every thriving marriage.

 

Life in this world and the afterlife
Eternity is not ours but God’s work anyway, Growing as a person of love here on earth is the best preparation for heaven.

 

Hopefully, our parishes, reflecting these dynamics, will enable our people to hear more clearly the transforming truth of Jesus.

 

We recall the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: they were downcast, in a place of doom & disillusionment. Jesus joined them on their journey, he ‘fitted in’ with them where they were. And their faith was rekindled.

 

How well are we listening to the story of our people: to their questions, concerns, worries and their faith journey?