Partnered Parish

 
In 2016 SS Peter & Paul’s Parish in Doncaster East became a partnered parish with Our Lady of the Pines Parish in Donvale.
 

So, what is a Partnered Parish?

This is where two or more parishes share a Parish Priest and are connected in some areas of administration and in many pastoral areas, while at the same time remaining canonically and financially independent. At SS Peter & Paul’s Parish, as well as sharing a Parish Priest, we also share a Parish Secretary and a Pastoral Worker with Our Lady of the Pines Parish.
 
A parish partnership is not the same as a parish merger (uniting two or more parishes into a single parish). It is a new model which is becoming common practice to make use of the limited number of priests and to allow smaller parishes to work more efficiently.
 
In a parish partnership, the two parishes still retain their own identities and the parish finances are kept distinct. Assets and debts remain with each parish. Each has its own collection envelopes and budget. Each also keeps its own Pastoral Council and Finance Committee. However, these committees from both parishes meet regularly throughout the year to discuss issues of common interest.
 

What are the benefits of Partnered Parishes?

Some benefits include:
• The sharing of skills, talents and human resources.
• The potential for larger events and long-term collaborative activities.
• The development of viable and sustainable communities and stronger support networks.
• Efficiency savings in terms of building maintenance, purchasing, administration, etc.
 
Most importantly, the development of these partnerships is a key aspect of helping to ensure that we are all disciples of Jesus in viable and flourishing communities into the future.