Pastoral Letter on the Launch of the Diocesan Mission Plan

We are pleased to share the latest Pastoral Letter from Bishop Patrick, in which he announces the launch of the Diocesan Mission Plan, 2026-2030. At the heart of this Plan is a call to move the diocese from managing decline to fostering missionary growth and spiritual renewal by empowering every person to use their unique gifts to fulfil Christ’s commission to "Go, make disciples."

Here are the 5 key takeaways fromBishop Patrick’s Pastoral Letter, summarising the launch of the new DiocesanMission Plan:

1. Moving from Managing Decline to Becoming Missionary The Bishop acknowledges the reality of the challenges the diocese faces: financial constraints, numerical decline, and fewer priests.However, the clear fruit of years of listening and consultation is a resolve not to simply "manage decline," but to reshape the diocese for growth. The goal is to become a community that is more prayerful, outward-looking, and confident in sharing the difference Jesus makes in our lives.

2. The Launch of the "Go, MakeDisciples" Plan (2026–2030) Launched on the Sunday of the Word of God, the new five-year Mission Plan is titled "Go, make disciples." It is both a spiritual and practical roadmap designed to help the diocese respond to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). It is built on the three spiritual themes that have shaped the diocese’s recent journey: Encounter, Discipleship, and Mission.

3. Structural Changes: Consolidating for Strength To facilitate this mission, significant structural changes are underway. The diocese is moving from 108 parishes to a target of 54 larger, amalgamated parishes (including 11 stand alone parishes) by Pentecost 2026.This reorganisation is intended to create stronger, more resource-rich communities capable of engaging with the wider local population.

4. A Call to Every Individual: "I Have My Mission" Bishop Patrick emphasises that this plan cannot succeed ifleft only to clergy or diocesan staff. Quoting St. John Henry Newman ("I have my mission"), the Bishop issues a call to every lay person, religious, and student to find their unique role. Everyone is invited to place their gifts and talents at the service of this commission, whether through active ministry or prayer.

5. Immediate Next Steps and DeadlinesThe plan is effective immediately. Bishop Patrick will present the plan personally at area Roadshows starting Monday, 26th January 2026. While some parishes are ready to run and others need a slower pace, every parish is required to submit their "first steps" for the coming year to theBishop by 15th June 2026.

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Additional Resources:

• The pastoral letter is available for download in multiple languages in PDF format for your convenience.

• A video of Bishop McKinney reading his letter is embedded in this article, allowing you to hear his message directly.

We encourage you to take the time to read the pastoral letter and reflect on its significance for our diocese. Let us come together in faith and action as we embark on this journey of renewal and growth.

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