AUGUSTINIAN BULLETIN BOARD - June 2001
Statement on the Future Presence of the Augustinians in Northern Victoria
Decisions were made by the Mid-Chapter of the Augustinians held in Brisbane last year regarding their ministry future in Australia.
It has been obvious that some cutback in ministry had to be made, and these decision have not been easy. The decisions have been influenced by the following facts:
- The ageing of the province. At the moment, there are thirty six
men in the Australian Province. Of these, four are in their eighties;
nine are in their seventies; thirteen are in their sixties (about
half in late sixties); six in their fifties; four in their forties.
- Of these, six are retired, and at least seven more would be expected
to retire within a few years; two are in nursing homes.
- Five men only feel that they are able to assume leadership in parishes.
- We have no students, and our last priest was ordained over nine
years ago.
- Two men will be going to East Timor in a joint venture with the Cebu/Philippines Province to work at endeavouring to help the East Timorese Church.
For the above reasons, the Australian Province will scale back its presence in Northern Victoria. One community only will serve the two parishes of Echuca and Kyabram. In this community, one man will be the parish priest responsible for the two parishes. In community with him will be, we hope, two other Augustinians. How much these two Augustinians will be available for parish work is not yet known, but it is hoped that they would be able to offer some limited assistance with Masses and other sacramental celebrations.
Further discernment will be necessary by those currently in leadership together with their parish Pastoral Councils and the Province's Leadership team.
The time-line for these changes has not been determined in detail. But it is envisaged that they would be in place by, hopefully, the middle of next year.
Patrick Fahey osa
Prior Provincial
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