THE Church of Brisbane cannot expect that by doing the same things we have always done we will get improved results. It does not work.
We have a chance to think proactively in response to issues facing society today.
Take for example Vince Hodge’s letter, “Church must intervene to help ease the rental/housing crisis” (CL Easter Sunday 2008).
Vince observes that normal market forces are not providing enough affordable housing.
He suggests that the Church intervene with governments; a good idea. But hey! Why wait for governments?
Why doesn’t the Church do something about this very basic need itself?
Here is an enormous opportunity to achieve many positive outcomes, not the least of which would be a concrete expression of Jesus’ love in action.
When will the archdiocese rationalise its real estate assets and, where parishes are amalgamated, combine the two or more small schools and bring them to one campus?
We do after all live in a mobilised society where most children are driven to schools – both private and state.
Bigger may not necessarily be better but advantages will outweigh the negatives.
Bring communities together by using the one church. Close the others.
Some egos are sure to be offended but surely souls are more important.
Such a move would help create a dynamic parish.
It would mean that young people are given a greater incentive to participate and elderly parishioners made to feel more valued by being offered a lift to Mass.
Liturgy could be made more vital. This is reading the signs of the times.
The archdiocese could then “intervene with governments” and offer the redundant sites, negotiable of course, for affordable housing.
I do not suggest that this proposal is easy but it is achievable.
Catholics of Brisbane archdiocese, as well as benefiting from such a move, would feel that their Church was doing a far, far better thing than they could ever have imagined.
The wider community would see a radical change from our previous modus operandi.
It would see that we are prepared to act in a Christ-like manner and share some of our property with those most desperately in need.
BARRY CUNNINGHAM
Salisbury, Qld
