Question 1

What is Bayside Catholic Mission?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Why is this new model being introduced in the Bayside area?

Accepted Answer

Many changes have occurred in our parishes recently. Fr Martin at Brighton/Gardenvale
and Fr Frank at Sandringham have retired 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. Fr Michael at Hampton has moved 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.   These circumstances present us with an opportunity to evangelise in a different way and to
engage with all people in this area with a renewed sense of mission.

Question 3

What does 'in solidum' mean?

Accepted Answer

"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.

Question 4

When will this take effect?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How will Mass times be affected?

Accepted Answer

Mass times can be viewed HERE

Question 6

What affect will this new arrangement have on our schools?

Accepted Answer

Our parish schools will continue to educate our young people in faith with the support of the priests. When it is possible, the priests will visit the schools and provide pastoral care and support and the sacraments.

Question 7

How will this arrangement affect the resources of each parish?

Accepted Answer

Each community in the mission area has a proud history and very committed people. Each community's resources and people will be respected and used for the building up of that community in faith. Furthermore, a Finance Committee will oversee the good stewardship of resources.

Question 8

How will we know what is going on?

Accepted Answer

We appreciate that these are unsettling times for our communities and our people. We will be doing our best to keep you informed about what is happening in the Mission communities with regular updates here on the website, facebook page, and regular emails.