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 & those who provide support behind the scenes. It includes the following groups : Liturgy Team, liturgical ministers, musicians, Friday communion to the sick at home & Aged Care facilities, baptism preparation, children’s liturgy, sacristan & rostered church volunteers.

Education in Faith

The role of this pillar is to support groups and facilitators of faith formation within the Parish. These include the RCIA program, the Parish Sacrament program for children. It also supports events provided by the Archdiocese.

Outreach and Engagement

This pillar embraces St Vincent de Paul Society, Passionist Family Groups, Play Group, Ladies coffee and Social Group, Men’s Group. The Pillar maintains a friendly connection and two-way flow of information between the various groups and the Leadership team.

Infrastructure

The Infrastructure pillar oversees the maintenance and development of the Parish buildings and grounds. It is responsible for establishing a Master Plan, as required by the Archdiocese, to encompass both the Parish and school facilities.

Management and Finance

This pillar is responsible for financial planning and budgeting for the Parish, auditing, legal compliance, risk management and health and safety of parishioners.