Summary of Part 1

In the first part of my address, I considered the theme chosen by the Zion Community for its 14th annual Mercy March. The theme was from the prophet Micah, “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before God.”

After reviewing the social context of the Mercy March celebration and the biblical history in which the prophet preached, I offered a brief analysis of the social trends.

I asked the people whether they believed it was possible to restore the world, not perfectly but substantially, to a value system of justice, mercy and humility. I shared my opinion that there were valid reasons for hope basically because the Spirit was present and most people were good people.

I then used the Acts of the Apostles to trace the method the early Church used to form itself in light of Jesus’ message. I highlighted three issues that were important to the early Church: family, catechesis and education/formation.

I noted that these same issues were considered important for the Archdiocese in two consecutive Synod sessions. I concluded the first part of the text for the Catholic News by inviting the participants to consider some important issues with me.

Part 2

“In light of your Baptism and Confirmation, I have a right as Archbishop to ask for your commitment to and your collaboration in ministry. As Archbishop, I have an obligation before God to assure as far as possible that the people of the Archdiocese are being fed with authentic Catholic teaching and being formed with authentic Catholic spirituality. Let us consider my responsibility as Archbishop to the three questions we have been considering from the Acts of the Apostles: family, catechesis and education/formation. 

How do I know what is being taught and how people are being formed in the faith on the three issues we have been considering? The answer is through the canonical system of the Church for appointment for ministry and through the structures of the Church for pastoral planning.

Authorisation for ministry

The Church has a system to help me with my very serious responsibility. The first issue I want to deal with is whether or not the people understand the system and its theological foundation.  Allow me to explain both elements briefly:

A Parish Priest in dialogue with his parish council has the responsibility and the authority to shepherd a parish according to the teaching and pastoral practice of the Church.

He has no right to go beyond his own parish. (This same responsibility now extends to Parish Administrators).
A Regional Episcopal Vicar has similar authority for a Vicariate. He has no right to shepherd beyond his Vicariate.

A Chairperson of one of the Councils, Commissions and Secretariats of the Archdiocese has authority over a particular area of Church life e.g. Finance, Social Justice or Youth. Only those persons, in dialogue with their consultative bodies, have the right to deal with the Archdiocese in these matters.

Religious Communities, the National Service Team of the CCR, Public Associations of Christ’s Faithful, international organisations approved by the Holy See which have local representation e.g. St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Legion of Mary have independence regarding their internal life, but they must follow the policies of the Archdiocese in pastoral ministry.

Each of the above is linked to the Archbishop as they minister to the Archdiocese. No individual or group has a right to engage in ministry in the name of the Church without authorization. No individual or group has the right to act independently of the Parish Priest/Administrator, Regional Vicar or Council, Commission or Secretariat who have authority over the area of ministry that the individual or group has chosen to become involved in unless authorized by the Archbishop. Any other pattern of ministry would amount to beginning to have “a church within a Church”. It cannot be allowed to develop. It is contrary to the Catholic system of government.

When people operate in public ministry without authorization, they have no link with the Archbishop. Consequently, I have no idea what is being taught or how people are being formed. In these circumstances I cannot fulfill my responsibility as Archbishop. 

The reason for the Church system

It is important for everyone to understand the reason for the Church system. The reason for the system is not about control or to stifle pastoral initiative. The reason is to assure that the teaching and pastoral care being given to the people is authentically Catholic and balanced.

The system also contributes to a unity in every level of the Church Universal. It helps people in authorised pastoral leadership and the people they serve to be on the same pastoral page.

It also helps to avoid the unfortunate experience of some people in the contemporary Church of receiving contradictory pastoral and spiritual advice at times in contradiction of Church teaching. The contradiction is not only liberal views, but also in views that are stricter than the Church.

Process of pastoral planning

While the outline of the system may seem complicated, in actual practice the system is quite flexible. Careful listening and honest dialogue prevent difficulties and can lead to very effective pastoral collaboration.

However, when the system is not followed, it eventually leads to unnecessary confrontation. I recommend the process we have used as an Archdiocese at Synods: non-judgemental listening and respectful dialogue as we plan to serve people better and better.

Solidarity

The issue of a unified Church is very important to me. In the near future, I shall issue a pastoral letter on solidarity which the present Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, taught is the fruit of communion.

The key components to facing our current challenges and building the future of the Archdiocese are dialogue, an awareness of our interdependence and a commitment to pastoral sharing.

Family, catechesis and education/formation will remain as high priority issues for the Archdiocese in the process of building solidarity.  I invite everyone here today to participate in this process.

May the remainder of your celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday lift you up, bring you joy and motivate you to live your theme, “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.”