At Hornsby Cathedral Parish (HCP), the spirit of community thrives, and our journey of faith is enriched by many ministries, just like the Parish Ministry Council (PMC). In this blog post, we'll look at the role of the PMC, shedding light on their purpose and the impact they make on parish life.
The Parish Ministry Council is a dynamic group who, motivated by their faith and commitment to the community, come together to address the challenges and opportunities facing our Parish. Their approach involves discerning and guiding the Parish's path through prayer and spiritual direction, recognising that solutions extend beyond the purely intellectual.
The PMC’s mission and purpose are deeply rooted in engaging with and serving the parish. They ask questions about the current and future needs of our community, employing discernment, prayer, and support. When necessary, the PMC provides leadership around key initiatives and activities.
What Does the PMC Do?
1. Coordination and Collaboration:
The PMC acts as a central hub for communication and collaboration among different ministries and groups, working on our parish culture and addressing challenges and opportunities. By fostering unity and cooperation, they ensure that many initiatives work harmoniously towards shared goals.
2. Strategic Planning:
Engaging in thoughtful and prayerful discernment, the PMC plays a crucial role in the strategic planning for the parish. They help chart the course for the future, aligning the ministries with the evolving needs of our community. An example of this is the introduction of an Alpha program, championed and established by the PMC.
3. Spiritual Formation:
Nurturing the spiritual development of our parish is a key aspect of the Group. The PMC provides guidance and support to ensure that our broader community moves in the same direction—from groups and ministries to parish initiatives, communications, our schools, and beyond.
4. Resource Allocation:
In our resource-poor Parish, the PMC helps acid-test new initiatives to support the allocation of resources, including time, talent, and funding (working with the finance committee). This ensures that the right initiatives receive the resources to thrive and fulfil both their unique purpose and contribution to broader goals and strategies.
PMC Monthly Meetings:
One of the hallmarks of the PMC is its commitment to regular communication and collaboration. The council meets on the first Tuesday of every month (excluding school holidays) at the cathedral to discuss, plan, and pray together. These meetings serve as a forum for open dialogue, allowing members to share insights, address challenges, and celebrate the achievements of our ministries.
Who Makes up the PMC?
In addition to the clergy and school representatives, the PMC is made up of everyday Parishioners, just like you! They come from backgrounds such as education, business, charity work, engineering, and more.
Getting Involved:
The Parish Ministry Council stands as a beacon of collaboration and guidance, helping our parish towards a shared vision. If you have a passion for contributing to our parish and want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you have specific ideas, talents, or simply a desire to serve, your input is valuable. Attend a PMC meeting to learn more about the incredible work happening within our parish and discover where your unique gifts can make a difference.
To talk to someone from the PMC, connect with Fr Brendan or contact the parish office at (02) 8379 1700 or email cathedral@bbcatholic.org.au