The Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council of St Anthony’s Parish is focused on two key areas: Discernment and Pastoral Planning. Its role is to listen, reflect, and guide our community so that together we can grow in faith and mission.

Discernment

The Council helps the parish to prayerfully identify its potential and future direction by asking questions such as:

What can our parish be today?
What should it become in the future?
What simple strategies can help us get there?
Who is best placed to assist along this journey?

This process of discernment ensures that decisions are grounded in prayer, wisdom, and collaboration.

Pastoral Planning

Beyond identifying needs, the Pastoral Council works to enrich the Christian life of the parish by:

Empowering and challenging the community to grow in faith.
Recognising that every person in the parish is gifted by God and graced by the Holy Spirit.

The Council’s work is not just about strategy; it is about encouraging a vibrant parish life where every person’s gifts are valued and shared for the common good.

Who We Are

The Pastoral Council includes both ex-officio members and parishioners:

Ex-officio members: Fr Greg Walsh CM (Parish Priest) and Debra Galofaro (Principal of St Anthony’s Primary School).
Parishioners: Nihal Dias, Rob Dosoruth, Roseanna Gallo Edwina Kobus, Joe Orland and Margaret Turner.

Together, this group represents the diversity and richness of our parish family, helping to shape a future where St Anthony’s Parish continues to be a place of welcome, faith, and hope.

Our Parish Mission

At St Anthony’s Parish, Marsfield, our mission is to bring the Kingdom of God to our community by celebrating the Eucharist, living in prayer, serving with compassion, and building a faithful and responsible Church family. Rooted in the Vincentian spirit and inspired by St Anthony of Padua, we seek to help all who are searching to “seek and find” Christ in our midst.

Mission Focus One: A Welcoming Eucharistic Community

We gather as one family around the Lord’s table, recognising His presence among us and in each other. Our multicultural parish welcomes all, especially newcomers, families, and students.

Our actions:

Greeters at Mass and welcome events for new parishioners.
Morning tea after Sunday Mass and social gatherings.
Joyful liturgies with vibrant music and multicultural participation.

Mission Focus Two: A Prayerful Community

Like Elijah, we listen for God in the gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11–13). Our parish is a place of prayer, silence, and devotion where hearts are lifted to God.

Our actions:

The church is open on Sundays, and other days upon request, for prayer and quiet reflection.
Weekly confession, monthly Anointing of the Sick, and regular devotional practices.

Mission Focus Three: An Outreach Community

Following the Vincentian charism, we reach out with compassion to the poor, the sick, the grieving, and those distant from the Church.

Our actions:

Communion visits and support for the sick and elderly.
St Vincent de Paul Society outreach and refugee sponsorship.
Engagement with families, students, and those seeking faith.

Mission Focus Four: A Responsible and Engaged Community

We are the People of God, entrusted with building up Christ’s Body. We grow through good stewardship, care for creation, and shared responsibility.

Our actions:

Active Pastoral Council and Finance Committee with open communication.
Parishioners sharing time, talent, and financial support.
Care for our parish facilities and commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

This plan is our shared journey. Each parishioner is invited to welcome, to pray, to serve, and to take responsibility for our community. Together we carry forward the mission of Christ in Marsfield, trusting always in His promise: “Seek and you shall find.”

About St Anthony’s Parish, Marsfield

St Anthony’s Parish, Marsfield, has been a spiritual home for generations of families, students, and seekers since its founding in 1942. Entrusted to the Vincentian Fathers (Congregation of the Mission), our parish is rooted in the spirit of St Vincent de Paul—a spirit of faith, service, and care for the poor and excluded.

Seek, and you shall find. Come and join our community.