Element of surprise to feature throughout Australia’s premier mission conference
Around 500 participants from across Australia can expect a few surprises when the ‘Mission: one heart many voices’ conference begins in Sydney next Monday.
That’s the message from Peter Gates, Deputy National Director of Catholic Mission, which is organising the conference on living and leading mission, in partnership with Catholic Religious Australia.
‘Those attending can look forward to three engaging days full of joy and surprise,’ said Mr Gates. ‘From the keynotes to the workshops and conversations, the conference aims to challenge and inspire. It will be a very special experience for all.’
From Monday 13 May, hundreds of participants—from every state and territory in Australia—will descend upon Sydney’s SMC Conference and Function Centre in Goulburn St for the fourth instalment of the bi-annual event.
They will represent a range of ministries and industries, including education, health, aged care, professional services, youth, religious and more.
Mr Gates says the diverse program will offer something for everyone. ‘With over 50 concurrent sessions including workshops, masterclasses, conversations and keynote addresses happening over the three days, every participant can take away practical ways to live the joy of the Gospel in their own context, with a few surprises thrown in as well.’
Lana Turvey-Collins (above), along with Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, will engage with participants on the Plenary Council 2020 (Photo: The Record, Perth)
Exactly where those surprises will come from is itself a surprise. Dr Carol Zinn ssj, Bishop Paul Tighe, Mrs Ravina Waldren, and Mr Robert Fitzgerald AM are among the slate of high-profile presenters, while a Plenary Council 2020 masterclass led by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and Facilitator Ms Lana Turvey-Collins is sure to be among the most powerful moments of the conference, which will also incorporate music and theatrical elements.
Mr Gates says the conference comes at a crucial time for the Church. ‘As Christians, we have been challenged greatly in different ways of late, and this year’s conference is an opportunity to explore how each of us is called to live a personal sense of mission in our work and personal lives,’ he said.
‘Through our leadership and advocacy, we all are the present and future of the Church in Australia. Participants should feel inspired by that throughout the three days and beyond.’
