THIS is the second Easter I have celebrated in the parish. I am looking forward to it. The ceremonies and rituals follow a pattern that, in many ways, corresponds to every human life. Suffering, sadness and death followed by the joy and hope of resurrection.
New life is inevitably preceded by pain and sadness and so it was for Jesus. I do hope that the community of Greythorn unites for this Easter and that the ceremonies are well attended but I know, from some comments, that some find them too long. For those who are unwell, and there are many, or aged, the rituals are too demanding and, prudently, they limit their attendance to Easter Day.
A parish is a community or ‘community of communities’ within the local or regional church of Melbourne. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, parishes are being ‘twinned’ or ‘amalgamated’ either because there is no suitable priest for a parish or because numbers have fallen below a viable number. I have previously expressed reservations about this re-structuring because it inflates resources and may discourage parish communities focusing on the challenge to be a vital Catholic Christian community in their own right.
However, fewer people do attend parishes; those that do are ageing; many young people are alienated from religion and increasing numbers of people find ‘spirituality’ and ‘personal enriching’ satisfy their sense of transcendence. In these changing circumstances, whatever their cause, I do not underestimate the difficult challenges posed for a parish such as Greythorn.
We have a solid history of an enterprising and creative laity led by some exceptional priests. But many of that generation are moving into retirement and aged care. Others are old and, although willing, they now have a niche role within the parish.
One does not see clearly the next generation of younger people; new families and youth to maintain the Christian life and celebration of the parish. While this is largely to do with the cost of buying into Greythorn and the adjacent area, it is also facing the reality of a secularisation which dulls faith and heightens the values of consumerism and the good lifestyle.
Faith is relegated to a private part of life or it is not referenced at all.
We cannot be passive towards these developments. We must respond evangelically and with a lively Easter faith. This time is, as I pointed out to the School Board, a time of grace and conversion. The blessing is that we are given fresh opportunities to be a church that reaches out to both the aged and sick while explicitly inviting younger people to join us.
The conversion is to become a more committed community – committed to social justice, lively, prayerful liturgical celebrations and with opportunities for young people to participate. But this means leadership and not just priestly leadership. This must be the work of the Parish Pastoral Council. Personally, I believe that we need to think, if we remain a free-standing parish, of a married Deacon. You will have other ideas so please bring them to the PPC.
Easter is the time for the parish to look forward to something new! New life will come to those who hold their faith, deep in their hearts, and live that faith in a commitment to the needy and an engagement with others. Invite people to ask why we ‘walk the extra mile’?
This is a time to renew our commitment to getting involved in the Greythorn community so that we can enrich ourselves and others through faith in Jesus. I wish you all a happy and holy Easter.