They say that the one constant in life is change, and that is certainly true of the religious life. One of the great things about being in a missionary religious society is that ministries and personnel are always changing according to the needs of the time. It’s a dynamic way to live, although it does have the effect of regularly taking us out of our comfort zone, which can provide challenges and some short term pain.
The Queensland District of the SVD AUS Province is about to go through such a period of change. In early July, the SVD will relinquish responsibility for St Cecilia’s Parish, Hamilton, where we have ministered since 1994. We continue our relatively new ministry in the thriving parish of Inala in south-west Brisbane. And in August, we will take up responsibility for St Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Kingston-Marsden in Brisbane’s thriving Logan City area. These changes have been made at the request of Archbishop Mark Coleridge, following a period of consultation. You can read more about our farewell to St Cecilia’s further on in this In the Word bulletin.
As we face this period of change there is certainly sadness at leaving behind the community at Hamilton, where our confreres have come to know and to love the people so well. We are comforted by the fact though, that there is nothing quite like parish life to forge long and lasting friendships and we know these friendships will endure.
At the same time, we look forward with great anticipation to getting to know the people at St Maximilian Kolbe Parish. The parish mission statement gives us great hope for the future, fitting in perfectly with the mission of the Society of the Divine Word: “As a Catholic Christian Community living in an area of cultural diversity, we embrace and communicate the Word of God and celebrate the centrality of the Eucharist through utilising the gifts, talents and strengths of our community in caring for all people, particularly the poor and the marginalized.”
In the end, change is the agent which helps us to grow. And when we trust in Divine Providence, we know that such growth leads us deeper into the life of Christ.
I hope you enjoy this edition of “In the Word”.
Yours in the Word,
Fr Tim Norton SVD
Provincial Superior
