Launch of Concerned Catholics Tasmania

Concerned Catholics Tasmania was officially launched on Saturday October 10th in Launceston (Covid restrictions ruled out earlier dates). One hundred and twenty three people gathered from around the State, several travelling over 3 hours to be present. Among those present were seventeen religious. Thirty seven other people formally registered apologies, and many more informally passed on their regret at being unable to attend.

What a stunning occasion it was! Old friends greeting each other, often after quite some time and several having stopped attending Mass over recent years. New faces too - having heard about us from others or from the extensive coverage in the local press the preceding week - wanting to find out more. And a level of anticipation, hope and support which was almost tangible.

The program exceeded all expectations. Francis Sullivan was so powerful in his address and his honesty, courage and yet very evident faith shone through his words. You can see his address at the link below recorded from zoom. You may also like to read the opening Acknowledgement of Country and reflections used on the day.

In the final session, we were all asked to reflect (individually and then in pairs) on our hopes for the future. All these ideas were collected and are now being collated to inform future planning.

The responses afterwards, as we left to the echoes of the “Ode to Joy” was over whelming. Such an outpouring of renewed hope and purpose. As one participant noted:

“I left with a song in my heart and a spring in my step” Isn’t this the church Pope Francis calls us to be?

Our very special thanks to Francis Sullivan for his generosity of time and effort in delivering such a pivotal address in launching Concerned Catholics Tasmania. His encouragement and advice, together with others from ACCCR, is greatly appreciated for the ongoing support to us and so many other like-minded groups around Australia,

Francis Sullivan presentation video.

Francis Sullivan Q&A at Launch. Participants were given the opportunity to put forward questions to Francis. Questions presented by Susan Chen.