Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bayside Catholic Mission?
Bayside Catholic Mission is a working title for the area incorporating St Joan of Arc Brighton, St James Gardenvale, St Mary’s Hampton, Sacred Heart Sandringham and St Joseph's Black Rock, and Stella Maris Beaumaris. It is a new way of collaboration between faith communities and clergy working together to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Catholics of the area.
What does 'in solidum' mean?
"In Solidum" is the term used for a team of priests who are resposible for looking after one or more parishes. Although the team all have the duties and functions of a Parish Priest, one of them (in this case Fr David Cartwright) is designated Moderator of the pastoral action of the parish. The Moderator is the juridical representative of the parish and is answerable to the diocesan bishop.
Why is this new model being introduced in the Bayside area?
and Fr Frank at Sandringham are retiring after many generous years of service. Fr Tobin
at Ricketts Point, who retired several years ago, has generously looked after the parish for
eight months, but will now step down once more. Fr Michael at Hampton is moving to
Pascoe Vale to look after the parish after another priest moved from there.
In addition, the demographics of the area have changed and the demands on priestly
ministry are not as they once were. These bayside parishes were all established when
Mass-going Catholics were more numerous and we had a good number of priests.
engage with all people in this area with a renewed sense of mission.
How will Mass times be affected?
At the moment with the COVID restrictions, we are not able to celebrate public liturgies with the people. When the restrictions begin to lift, we want to engage with the people in the communities to see what will be the most appropriate arrangements for you, and how we can reasonably celebrate Masses to enable the most people to attend. We are fully aware that not having as many priests in the area may necessitate some changes. We want to listen and work with you to make the best arrangements.
What affect will this new arrangement have on our schools?
When will this take effect?
Fr David and Fr Dean take up their new appointment on 5th August 2020. There will be a period of a few months listening and consultation before any new initiatives are put in place.
How will this arrangement affect the resources of each parish?
How will this impact parish staff?
Where will the priests live ?
Will Mass be streamed online?
We will stream a Sunday Mass each week from a different church in the Mission area. This will be telecast at 11am each Sunday and can be viewed HERE
What about weekday Masses?
How will we know what is going on?