I was one of the 278 members participating in the first general assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia last week, which was called to “develop concrete proposals to create a more missionary, Christ-centred Church in Australia” across the six themes of conversion, prayer, formation, structures, governance and institutions.

It was a unique experience, made perhaps a little more challenging by the need to move online due to COVID-19 restrictions. However there was a sense, as the delegates became more familiar with the technology and the process of spiritual discernment, of an opening up and listening to the many voices and perspectives expressed throughout the assembly. 

I was encouraged by the strong interest from delegates to participate in the discernment around education. It highlights the importance of our Catholic schools, preschools and universities in the Church's mission, while at the same time recognising the critical role of families, the parish and other key groups in the formation of our children and young people. 

There were many considerations raised through the discernment over the week which will be developed into concrete propositions to be put forward to the second general assembly to be held in Sydney in July next year. 

As the chair of the final plenary session, I had the task of seeking agreement from delegates on a concluding statement from the first assembly. In that statement there were a number of references to the need for 'listening' from both the assembly members as part of the discernment process, and the ongoing need for 'ecclesial listening' to form and inform how the Church lives its mission today. 

Leadership, particularly servant leadership is characterised by 'listening and connecting', as reflected in A Prayer for Leaders (below) which was shared in our staff prayer this week. I, like many of the delegates I had the opportunity to connect with, are hope-filled that our leaders across the Church will continue to listen and connect to each other and the many voices engaged in this mission as we head towards the second assembly. 

A Prayer for Leaders

Leadership is hard to define. 
Lord, let us be the ones to define it with justice. 
Leadership is like a handful of water. 
Lord, let us be the people to share it with those who thirst.
Leadership is not about watching and correcting. 
Lord, let us remember it is about listening and connecting. 
Leadership is not about telling people what to do. 
Lord, let us find out what people want.
Leadership is less about the love of power,
and more about the power of love.

Lord, as we continue to undertake the role of leader let us be 
affirmed by the servant leadership we witness in your son Jesus.
Let us walk in the path He has set and let those who will, follow.

Let our greatest passion be compassion. 
Our greatest strength love. 
Our greatest victory the reward of peace.

In leading let us never fail to follow. 
In loving let us never fail.

Anonymous

Jacinta Collins
National Catholic education executive director