Our Mission: growing in faith together
At St. Anthony’s Parish, our mission is to inspire and empower our community to grow in faith, uphold Christian values and actively engage in the mission of the Catholic Church. Guided by the strategic vision of Lismore Diocese, we are committed to fostering a parish that nurtures spiritual growth, meaningful connections and service.
Our Focus: building a stronger parish together
This year, in alignment with the Lismore Diocese’s Renewal Journey, St Anthony’s Parish is focusing on three goals;
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Community: To boost Mass attendance and foster a deep sense of belonging and connection within the parish community.
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Communication: Enhance the Parish’s visibility and reputation within the broader local community.
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Worship: Provide worship experiences that are welcoming, engaging and spiritually nourishing.
Over the coming months, we will be launching initiatives aimed at supporting our mission and goals. We warmly invite everyone to take part in these initiatives, as your involvement will further foster a vibrant, robust and connected community based on Catholic teachings and values.
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
THE ST ANTHONY’S PARISH TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY
click here for Google form
We’re putting together the St Anthony’s Trades & Services Directory—a free resource to help connect parish and school families with local professionals and businesses from within our own community. While the parish is not able to formally endorse the quality of the work of services listed, we trust that those who are part of our parish and school communities who are listed in the Directory will uphold shared Catholic Values and conduct their work with integrity and respect. Whether you’re a tradesperson, run a small business, or offer professional services, this is a great opportunity to let others in the parish and school community know what you do. It also serves as a helpful resource for those looking to connect with local services they can trust. Forms are available at the back of both churches or use this link to a google form. Simply fill in your name, business or service, contact information, and a short description of what you offer. We hope this directory becomes a valuable go-to for our community and helps strengthen the sense of connection and support we share.
St Anthony’s Parish Pastoral Council meets the second Wednesday of the month at 5.00pm in the Parish Meeting Room.
Our Parish Pastoral Council members are:
- Fr. Paul McDonald (Parish Priest)
- Adam Gallagher (Chairman)
- Patrick Carroll (Secretary)
- Sue Falcke
- Trish Spillane
- Carmel Hill
- Helen Reynolds
- Cheryl French
- Kerri Olson
- Anne Corrigan
- Gavin Dykes
Ex Officio Members: - Michael Piccoli – Principal St Anthony’s Primary School
- Chelsea Carter- Principal St Ambrose Primary School
- Catherine Holliday – Pastoral Assistant
See the Parish Pastoral Council’s Strategic Plan document here
Strategic Goal 1: Community.
PARISH INTEREST GROUP: CLASSICAL MUSIC APPRECIATION see terms of reference here
We’re pleased to introduce a new Classical Music Appreciation Group for parish and school community members who share a love of music and its rich history.
The next group will be held on a date to be announced.
Register your interest by emailing admincarmelhillosvch.com with “Interest Group Information” in the subject line.
WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP TO THE PASTORAL COUNCIL INVOLVE:
Members of our Parish Pastoral Council seek to:
- Provide support for our Pastor, working collaboratively with him and with each other.
- Listen and respond to the hopes, ideas, needs, and concerns of parishioners.
- Generate responses to these identified issues.
- Encourage and support the continuing good work of existing groups within our parish.
- Provide opportunities for parishioners to grow in their relationship with God and with each other, and support and encourage them in their continuing efforts to be a Christian influence in the wider community.
- Set realistic and achievable short-term and long-term pastoral goals for our parish community within the framework of diocesan priorities.
- Oversee the implementation of these goals.
- Contribute towards making parish decisions that reflect the values of the Gospel and the teachings of the Church.
Responsibilities of members
In a spirit of prayerfulness, each member of the Parish Pastoral Council will:
- Attend the regular meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council.
- Provide input to deliberations of the Council.
- Develop a spirit of enquiry and the ability to listen and understand the issues affecting the lives of parishioners.
- Provide prayerful support and encouragement for other members of the Parish Pastoral Council.
- Actively participate in the implementation of finalised plans of action.
- Embrace opportunities for personal faith development and for gaining skills to assist with effective participation in the Council’s operations.
- Represent the Parish Pastoral Council when required: other Parish meetings, deanery or diocesan meetings.
- Keep matters discussed in the meeting confidential when applicable