Affectionately known as “St Ben’s”, St Benedict’s Parish Burwood is situated 14km east of Melbourne’s CBD. Despite the challenges, the parish has thrived during the COVID-19 lockdown. And all agree that there is no turning back to the way things were done before.
A visit to the parish website gives an immediate impression of the value that is placed on the people within the community and their relationship with each other and God. This became even more evident in my interview with Fr Dan Serratore MGL, Br Michael Last MGL, Karen Luzan and Cassius Soares.
Fr Dan has been the parish priest for the last three years. Before joining the Missionaries of God’s Love (MGL) he had worked in hospitality managing pubs and had also tried his hand as a mortgage broker.
Br Michael is about half-way through his formation to become a priest and is currently at Burwood undertaking his mission placement. Prior to entering the novitiate, he completed a music degree, specialising in flute. One of his current projects is facilitating a Bible study group, which has already attracted 57 parishioners.
Karen juggles her work as an occupational therapist with part-time work as the parish’s digital ministry coordinator. She has considerable experience in ministry work having spent time with NET Ministries.
Cassius came to Australia from India with his wife about six years ago. He is the father of three adult children and three (soon to be four) grandchildren. He has broad ministry experience having worked for many years with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and Kerygma Australia.
The MGL order is reasonably new, having started in 1986 in Australia and was formally inaugurated as a religious institute of diocesan right in 2014. The priests, brothers and sisters partner closely with the affiliated lay organisation, the Disciples of Jesus Covenant Community.
I asked the group whether they sensed that the MGLs brought a particular flavour or charism to parish life. Karen and Cassius had both experienced life in other parishes, and they identified firstly that each MGL priest brings with them their own personality but also the values of their order. These values drive a strong emphasis on evangelisation and the Eucharist. Music is critical, as is connecting God’s Word with the “stuff of life” and encouraging the parishioners to be open to the Holy Spirit’s action in their lives. Hospitality and relationship building are paramount.
I asked how these values play out when it comes to working in a co-responsible manner? I sensed that “co-responsibility” is a churchy buzzword that doesn’t get bandied around a lot in this parish. But if you ask them who is responsible for the mission, then without hesitation they agree that their Baptism calls all of them to be missionary disciples.
St Benedict’s looks to continually provide formation opportunities and encouragement to nurture people in their ability to be missionary. Through this formation, each of them understands what their vocational call is and the responsibilities that this entails. Cassius noted that there is “not as much distance” between the clergy and the laity in this parish. The clergy “draw alongside” the laity and we work well together, recognising each other’s gifts.
Alpha has been a catalyst for growth in this parish. For practising Catholics and newcomers alike, Alpha’s key elements of welcome, hospitality, a focus on the kerygma, emphasis on the Holy Spirit, prayer and non-judgemental small group sharing has been a source of joy for the parish. Br Michael says: “It has been beautiful to hear the testimonies of people involved in Alpha.” Karen notes that Alpha also raises up leaders, which is essential for parish growth.
Alpha also provides a segue into a developing initiative known as “small groups”. Indeed, it is hoped that small groups will form the heart of their parish, bringing together about 12 people each fortnight to share Scripture, pray, enjoy each other’s company and support one another. In the long term, these groups could gather around a shared interest, such as faith formation, service to the community or recreational activities such as walking. Their long-term aim is to have as many parishioners as possible connected to a small group. This way no one gets left out; everyone feels like they belong.
The interview participants were asked to put forward what they see as critical elements when renewing a parish. Fr Dan suggested: “Build the best staff and leadership team that you can.” The others echoed this sentiment and placed high value on investing in potential leaders. If you understand the “why”, then everything else falls into place, recommends Br Michael. Cassius suggested that it is “critical that the parish priest embraces personal renewal and has a vision for parish renewal”.
Fr Dan also explained how he invests time in learning about leadership. He reads widely and is open to offerings from Catholic renewal ministries, such as Divine Renovation, as well as gleaning the best advice from secular writers on leadership and business. Cassius notes that he has found that St Ben’s has a real ecumenical openness and is willing to learn from other churches.
COVID-19 has provided many challenges for parishes, especially those in Victoria who have been affected by the strict lockdown. However, COVID-19 has also provided plenty of opportunities for outreach and increasing their digital technology skills. While gatherings in person are imperative, especially for the sacramental life of the Church, St Ben’s will be continuing with online offerings. They have worked very hard to hone their livestreaming skills and believe that evangelisation opportunities have increased due to this hard work. Fr Dan does note that having enough resources to support all their current initiatives, and those they are dreaming about, is challenging.
Personally, I don’t think these parishioners mind a challenge. They certainly don’t mind hard work. And it does take hard work to lead and to harness the gifts of all parishioners. Fr Dan acknowledges the potential in the parishioners and strives to create spaces of hospitality so that these gifts can be shared.
It was clear that each of the four people I interviewed leaned heavily, but comfortably, on each other for support and they certainly lean on the Holy Spirit — for wisdom, guidance and motivation.
Links:
- St Benedicts Parish website https://stbenedicts.com.au/
- Alpha https://www.alpha.org.au/catholic-context
- Divine Renovation (Australia) https://divinerenovation.org/australasia
- Kerygma International http://kerygma.network
- Rebuilt https://www.rebuiltparish.com/
- Missionaries of God’s Love Priests and Brothers http://mglpriestsandbrothers.org/
- Missionaries of God’s Love Sisters https://www.mglsisters.org/
Words: Sharon Brewer
Images: Zoom image: (Top row) Karen Luzan, Fr Dan Serratore, Br Michael Last
(Bottom row) Sharon Brewer, Cassius Soares
Other images supplied by parish