St Bernard’s Leadership Team works collaboratively with the Parish Priest.
Its structure supports the many ministries, activities, work and faith of its parishioners, that are grouped into pillars.
The St Bernard’s Parish Pastoral council was succeeded by the Parish Leadership Team in 2019. Following the appointment of a new Parish Administrator, it was proposed to the Parish Council that they explore a fresh parish governance framework. Consulting with a knowledgeable Melbourne parish priest specializing in this domain, the Parish Council deliberated and eventually embraced a governance model tailored to the needs of St. Bernard’s Parish. This new structure includes a central leadership entity along with three distinct pillars.
St Bernard’s Parish Structure
PARISH VISION
St Bernard’s Parish is a strong, welcoming and hospitable community of faith, reaching out to build and strengthen relationships with God and each other.
PARISH MISSION
St Bernard’s Parish promotes the Church’s mission of living and communicating the love and values of Christ in the world around us. It works to build up a more dynamic and vibrant Christian community which is characterised by faith, evangelisation, worship and service.
PARISH LEADERSHIP TEAM (PLT)
Parish Priest
Executive members, Pillar Leaders and Pillar Representatives,
Parish Staff, School Principal
PILLARS
The mission of the parish is implemented through the function of Pillars
These are independent areas of focus which support each other as a whole.
LITURGY - OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT IN FAITH - FINANCE, INFRASTRUCTURE & MANAGEMENT
LITURGY PILLAR
The Liturgy Pillar co-ordinates liturgical celebrations throughout the year & assists all involved in liturgy preparation and those who provide support behind the scenes. It includes the following groups: Liturgy Team, Musicians, Communion to the sick at home and Aged Care facilities, Baptism preparation, Children’s liturgy, Prayer Groups, Sacristans, Liturgical ministries and church environment volunteers.
OUTREACH and ENGAGEMENT in FAITH PILLAR
This Pillar reaches out to all parishioners to promote an inclusive and welcoming community embracing the many Parish social groups, such as the Passionist Family Groups, Play Group, Ladies coffee and Social Group and Men’s Group. The Pillar maintains a friendly connection and two-way flow of information between the various groups and the Parish Leadership Team.
It engages with other organisations such as Laudato Si’ movement and our overseas mission in Mannya as well as facilitating faith formation through programs such as Alpha, Grow Faith, Parish Renewal and Lenten prayer reflections.
FINANCE, INFRASTRUCTURE and MANAGEMENT
This pillar is responsible for financial planning and budgeting for the Parish, including auditing and raising the necessary funds in support of the Parish, its pastoral activities, and its strategic goals. It also provides for the ‘Safeguarding’ of all parishioners through the compliance of government and archdiocesan regulations.
The Infrastructure aspect of the pillar oversees the maintenance and development of the Parish buildings and grounds, maintaining parish properties and planning for future capital works. It is responsible for establishing a Master Plan, as required by the Archdiocese, to encompass both the Parish and school facilities meeting any legal compliance and risk management.