Archdiocesan Pastoral Council delves into land

Members of the three canonical bodies, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, the Board of Administration and the Council of Priests met for their annual gathering during the first weekend of March. The Annual Report of the archdiocesan agencies, departments, and chaplaincies was tabled by Archbishop John Dew who spoke of his deep appreciation to all involved in this inspiring picture of the Church in Wellington in 2006.

‘This records the wise use of resources we possess, the charitable work of the church and its pastoral ministry among the people of our own land and other lands who have made their homes in the Wellington diocese.’

High on the agenda were the Land Project, which aims to help Catholics know the history of the land on which their churches, schools and other buildings are sited, Synod 2006, pastoral areas, and the presentation of the 2007/08 Budget.

The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council continued to meet through the weekend, addressing Worshipping Under Southern Skies, a Pastoral Area Liturgy Support initiative, still in its fledgling stages.

The council also looked at the practicalities of pastoral area planning, World Youth Day – Days in the Diocese, synod implementation, parish awards, the archdiocesan website, and significant issues across the archdiocese – this is where council members report from the parishes in the pastoral area they represent items of ‘best practice – the exciting parish initiatives happening out there’, as well as pastoral issues of concern for the council’s future deliberation.

The APC meets again on 8-9 June, 7-8 September, and16-17 November.