SVD - Celebrating 100 Years

18 Top l-r: Installation of Fr Bosco Sangbok Son as Parish Priest of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Macquarie Fields, NSW, 2017. Fr Manh Le, Parish Priest, St Anne's Parish, Palm Island QLD. Bottom l-r: Santa Teresa Parish, Santa Teresa NT, SVDs have been ministering since 2000. Fr Truc Phan, Parish Priest, St Patrick's Parish, Emerald QLD. Parish Ministry I n recent decades, the Divine Word Missionaries has recognised that growing migrant populations, a decline in the numbers of diocesan priests and growing numbers of poor and marginalised people in urban areas has created a need for missionaries in parish life in the AUS Province. We have responded to this need by accepting invitations from bishops around Australia, New Zealand and Thailand to take on parishes in their dioceses which face these challenges. Typically, SVD parishes are large and multicultural. In keeping with our Characteristic Dimensions, in addition to celebrating the Eucharist and other sacraments, we focus on preaching and promoting the Bible at Mass and through Bible study groups. SVD parishes, led by parish pastoral councils, also have vibrant youth groups, social justice initiatives, interreligious dialogue with other faith groups in our communities, and great music. We are committed to bringing the love of Jesus to our parishioners, both spiritually and practically.