I’m Gideon Awudi SVD, originally from Ghana but assigned to the Australia Province and I’m working in Townsville Diocese, North Queensland, Australia.
The Townsville Diocese at present is considering a new model of parish ministry in relation to ‘Becoming New in Christ.’ In this new model, parishes have been reconfigured, and the goal is to bring parish mission renewal in the diocese. Bishop Timothy Harris of Townsville has chosen this particular way of clergy ministry in the Cathedral parish. This requires the appointment of several priests ‘in solidum’ as pastors in a team ministry. Therefore, the Bishop has appointed three priests – Jan Szweda SVD, and Gideon Awudi SVD as pastors and Rod Ward as a pastor and Moderator, and also the Dean of the Cathedral Parish. Along the line, Fr Colin Reinhard has replaced Fr Rod and has assumed the role of Moderator. The Code of Canon Law 517:1 supports this model of priests ‘in solidum’.
The following Churches – Sacred Heart Cathedral, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Strand, St Mary’s, West End, St Francis Xavier, Railway Estate, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, South Townsville and St Joan of Arc, Magnetic Island have now become one parish called Cathedral Parish.
This new model of ‘Becoming New in Christ’ in the beginning caused much confusion among the priests working ‘in solidum’ and the parishioners. Thank God things are taking shape and everyone is gradually coming to the same page. Most people are happy to embrace the new reality of parish renewal but a handful of people are not excited about this news and are comfortable being in their various Church communities.
As the Society of the Divine Word celebrates 150 years under the theme “Witnessing to the Light: from Everywhere for Everyone”, the words becomes alive in my mission in Townsville Diocese where Bishop Tim goes outside the status quo –from the usual way of Parish Priests and Assistants to clergy ‘in solidum.’ At the moment two SVDS – Jan Szweda and myself, from two different nationalities – Poland and Ghana - are living in a community with a diocesan priest who is an Australian. It is amazing how the three of us get along and are able to carry out our daily tasks effectively.
Three councils – Finance, Mission and Leadership – have been formed to assist in the day-to-day administration of the newly formed parish. The Cathedral Parish is currently under a massive renovation involving two of the Church communities. St Mary’s, West End is closed down temporarily and in a few weeks St Francis Xavier’s, Railway Estate will also be closed down for work to commence. The closure of these two communities is impacting on the life of the people who worship there. A lot of adjustments are happening in the entire parish life. However, parish activities are ongoing regardless of the changes in pastoral life. Amazing things happen in chaotic situations whenever we look beyond the chaos. I’m in a new environment and the culture of every parish is different so I’m learning a lot of things since I joined the Townsville Diocese. I must attest to the fact that I’m having a great pastoral experience in Townsville Diocese.
PHOTO: Fr Gideon Awudi SVD